And Sonoma-based Linda Murphy wonders what the effects of this will be on AVAs in general.

How to win a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and the fallout.

Linda Murphy brings us up to date.

An impassioned attempt to explain how, in just two years, Brunello di Montalcino has gone from being Italy’s most famous wine to its most infamous.

What was once one of the world's best wine chains has a brave new owner.

Scenes from the most famous restaurant in the world.

Richard Hemming slams Sauvignon Blanc. Tell us what you think.

Brian McGuigan on which country he feels breathing most hotly down his neck.

The start of a campaign to highlight unnecessary wine packaging. Please name the worst offenders. 13 Feb - we're running out of lightweight bottles apparently. 15 Feb  - don't forget to keep track of recent posts here. 14 Mar - please keep adding your suggestions. Some South African shockers encountered yesterday. 14 May - I have brought this back up to the top of the list of articles as I have just added some more, and want to encourage you to continue to add to the list. 9 Jul - and again...

Victoria Daskal has mixed feelings about what she found on her tour of the Chinese wine scene.

A new sparkling wine label from southern France is apparently to be aimed at sleepwalkers.

Demand for the battle of the palates forces postponement. Updated with an intriguing image.

At Pied à Terre this time.

A gripping tale about which I have the odd gripe.

Including six empty places at a (free) first growth dinner.

Please let us know your visual preferences for the new forum.

Linda Murphy reports on comings and (mainly) goings in West Coast wineries.

Serge Hochar of Chateau Musar reflects on ancient grape varieties, family and filming.

Where else would Antinori, Mentzelopoulos, Johnson, Guigal, Gaja, Spurrier, Torres, Barton, Hochar, Domecq and Rouzaud dine together?

Michael Broadbent MW this time, at yesterday's La Mission Haut-Brion extravaganza.