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Cognac, It’s All About the Barrels

Mary Cressler
Feature Stories
7 min read
Walk through vineyards in the region of Cognac in the fall, and you will experience vast hillsides filled with nearly ripe grape clusters just a few short weeks from harvest, typical of most wine producing regions in the northern hemisphere. Walk through a cognac production facility, however, you will experience

Well Known Writer Has “Pay-for-Play” Wine Review Scheme

David Honig
Features
5 min read
by Gary Thomas and David Honig A Palate Press editorial about copyright infringement by wine critic and author Natalie MacLean has unearthed new allegations of unethical behavior by the well-known wine writer. Winery proprietors described a pay-for-play system for wine reviews. The Palate Press editorial called the publisher of Nat Decants to task for republishing

Natalie MacLean: World’s Best Wine Writer or Content Thief?

Palate Press
About
4 min read
Natalie MacLean is a well-known wine writer who self-publishes a subscription newsletter at NatalieMacLean.com, who proudly proclaims she was named the “World’s Best Wine Writer” at the World Food Media Awards. Unfortunately, Ms. MacLean appears to be building her reputation, and her business, on the work of others. Her website

Small But Beautiful: 2012 Harvest in Burgundy

Caroline Henry
Features
9 min read
General Overview As everywhere in France, 2012 was not the easiest growing season in Burgundy with the weather causing general havoc. Burgundy suffered a few spring frosts just before flower set resulting in irregular flowering, hailstorms in late spring and early summer and atrocious wet weather for the most of

Willamette Valley: A Sense of Place with Soul

L.M. Archer
Feature Stories
4 min read
If some consider Pinot Noir the thoroughbred of varietals, then the Willamette Valley may be the Kentucky Bluegrass of wine regions. There is something in the soil that sets the Willamette Valley apart from other wine regions. Many speak of the terroir in northern Oregon, comparing it to other world-renowned