Wine Legend: Meerlust, Rubicon 1995
This ancient property was one of the first in South Africa to offer a high-quality Bordeaux-style blend
Stephen Brook has been a contributing editor to Decanter since 1996 and has won a clutch of awards for his writing on wine. The author of more than 30 books, his works include Complete Bordeaux, now the definitive study of the region and in its third edition, and The Wines of California, which won three awards. His most recently published book is The Wines of Austria. Brook also fully revised the last two editions of Hugh Johnson’s Wine Companion, and he writes for magazines in many countries.
This ancient property was one of the first in South Africa to offer a high-quality Bordeaux-style blend
For decades Gérard Chave has been regarded as the supreme exponent of the wines of Hermitage...
Salt in wine? What are wine experts referring to?
Stephen Brook explains why Beaune can offer such good value Burgundy, and picks nine top red Beaune wines to try...
Stephen Brook picks out some of his best value Burgundy 2014 wines...
Stephen Brook and Gerard Basset OBE MW MS offer their summary of the Burgundy 2014 vintage growing season and their first view of the wines.
This tasting naturally invited comparisons with the 2009 vintage...
Stephen Brook gives his verdict, tasting notes and drinking windows on top Barolos from Serralunga.
Decanter experts pick out the top examples of California Pinot...
Dry Alsace Riesling, Dry Alsace Riesling scores, Dry Alsace Riesling recommendations, best Dry Alsace Riesling, top Dry Alsace Riesling
The Mondavis of California are no longer involved in Luce, the SuperTuscan they created with Italy’s Frescobaldi family. But the sons of the men whose vision it was still share a warm friendship. Stephen Brook met them at the estate in Montalcino.
Drink again. As Stephen Brook found on a recent trip to Friuli, there is a nucleus of winemakers crafting Pinot Grigios on the slopes of Friuli with more poise and persistence than its bland alter-ego ever had
Held in high esteem, Serralunga Barolos have at the same time earned a reputation as fierce and tannic beasts. Yet today's wines are more approachable than ever, finds Stephen Brook
While Argentinian Malbec may be stealing the limelight, the best producers in its homeland of Cahors are welcoming in an era of finesse and elegance. Stephen Brook highlights the stars to watch...
Timing is everything – and never more so than when it comes to blending wines. So how do winemakers decide when to do it? And is it better to blend early or later in the winemaking process? Stephen Brook reports
An oasis from Napa’s glitz and glamour, this is the wine region to visit for unpretentious dining, redwood forests and excellent Pinot Noir, says Stephen Brook
The workhorse reputation of the Montepulciano grape and the confusion of Trebbiano d'Abruzzo with its boring Tuscan cousin have done this region no favours, says Stephen Brook. But seek out the best producers of these and other indigenous varieties and you’ll be pleasantly surprised...
Stephen Brook finds out how the new generation of energetic young winemakers in Bordeaux is rising to the daily challenges of managing the top estates...
Does the category really address the importance of terroir...?
One of California's brightest talents, the winemaker for Stolpman in Santa Barbara has also found time to pursue other exciting projects, and to set up his own wine label. Stephen Brook met him during a rare gap in his schedule
Producer of some of the world's best white wines, owner Dominique Lafon remains ambitious, with ventures in Mâcon and Oregon. Stephen Brook visits the famous Meursault estate...
See Stephen Brook's evaluation of the 2010 Chianti Classico Riservas plus his top 17 picks worth seeking out...
Lake Neusiedl is fringed with charming estates that offer much more than just the famous Ruster Ausbruch, says Stephen Brook.
Fine-tuning in vineyard and cellar and a move towards freshness and finesse in both the esteemed Sauternes and dry white have sparked criticism...
Burgundy can seem intimidating to the uninitiated, so Decanter contributing editor Stephen Brook has compiled a foolproof guide to understanding the region, including recommendations that will help you build the perfect cellar – whatever your budget.
Domaine de la Romanee-Conti has triumphed against the odds with its 2011 but allocations are under pressure and, like many in Burgundy, co-owner Aubert de Villaine is craving a 'normal' growing season in 2014.
The region is familiar to many holidaymakers, but its wines are often all but forgotten, thanks a host of confusing names and sub-zones, not to mention its proximity to Bordeaux. But persevere, says Stephen Brook, and you’ll find some of the best value wine in France.
Stephen Brook meets a team of perfectionists, who refuse to make wine by numbers...
Stephen Brook reports back from the first UK showing of 'icon' Swiss wine Electus, made by Provins.
The director of Château Mouton-Rothschild shuns the pomp and circumstance that goes with being at the helm of a Bordeaux first growth, preferring to remain immersed in the vineyards and the winery, finds Stephen Brook. As published in Decanter's January 2013 issue.