Vineyard visits have not featured over the past nine months but I should have lots of material after this summer’s travels. You can expect to hear the results of visits to Niagara (Ontario), Sonoma / Napa and Oregon in September with Spain likely to feature later in the year.

In terms of recent arrivals Spain also leads the way with a wide selection from Muga and Roda from the Rioja region, Pesquera and Condado da Haza from Ribero del Duero and Dominio de Tares from Mencia. Coming later in the year will be four vintages of Numanthia from the Toro region which have all received 90 – 95 points from both Parker and the Wine Spectator.

From California I expect a new shipment from Landmark, Deerfield Ranch, ZD Wines and Whitehall Lane to arrive in mid-July. Whitehall Lane’s offerings will include their 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot both of which have received rave reviews.

I have also just received a new shipment of Sancerre from Alphonse Mellot in France as well as the 2002 vintage Pouilly Fume from Didier Dagueneau.

Coming in October will be the remaining 2002 burgundies (Saumaize-Michelin’s Pouilly Fuisses are already here), a great vintage, and a selection of older Bordeaux reds.

The website list has now been updated to reflect these new arrivals.

In terms of wine dinners I am looking ahead to another winter series. I may mix them up a bit so that one or two are Grand Cru level tastings. These will be more expensive but a great opportunity to try some of the finest wines on earth.

Happy drinking.

John M. Sharpe
July 2004