▻ Omnibus XXVIII
Episode Summary:-
In Omnibus XXVIII, our intrepid editors John Stimpfig and Elin McCoy cover the latest from the wine world, which this month includes both good and very, very bad news. There is wine vandalism in Spain, David v. Goliath battles in Bordeaux, a sublime Domaine de la Romanée-Conti tasting in New York, and a report on George and Amal Clooney’s new Provence wine. First up is John’s “Weather Watch.” No good news here, with hail in Argentina, wildfires in Chile, and a catastrophic deep freeze in British Columbia leading to the loss of the 2024 crop.
If that weren’t bad enough, the National Academy of Science has issued a report stating that “Consistently higher temperatures currently threaten 85% of the world’s wine-growing areas.” One glimmer of hope is that the wine world is actively seeking to address climate change, and John recommends watching the Porto Protocol’s video, “Seeding the Future,” which has several interesting interviews with wine producers. It is available to watch on YouTube, well worth watching.
The BBC and other mainstream media reported on the news that a disguised intruder (it looks like a woman) broke into the Cepa 21 winery in Ribera del Duero and opened the tanks, ruining 60,000 litres of wine, worth about €2.5 million. The individual seemed to have knowledge of the winery and targeted the top two wines, worth €80 and €35 a bottle. John discloses that it is not the first recent case of sabotage and discusses how other producers have also been seriously affected by winery vandalism, including Gianfranco Soldera, who lost six vintages.
More bad news from Spain comes with the report that one of Rioja’s largest producers, Marqués de la Concordia, has gone bust, and the former director has been accused of asset-stripping. Over in Bordeaux, a potential landmark ruling at the Bordeaux Commercial Court has sent shock waves round the industry. Two well-known negoçiants, Ginestet and Cordier, were ordered to pay a Medoc winegrower €150,000 and €200,000 for offering abusively low prices. Previously, it was the negoçiants who set the prices with the growers, but the Egalim law, which was established in 2018, protects farmers and ensures they can earn a liveable income. “There is complete paralysis on the Bordeaux wine market and very little business is being done as a result,” John states.
In Italy, there’s some cheerful news, with the report that the Florence airport is going to have a 7.7-hectare vineyard planted on the top of the building. Happy travellers should be able to enjoy a glass, which will be vinified on site, in 2026.
Over in the US, Elin McCoy is one of the lucky few who was invited to the pre-release tasting of the 2021 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. A Spring frost resulted in very small yields, in Vosne-Romanée down by 50% and Corton down by 90%. The good news is that the wines are delicious, if you can get your hands on them. New York also has a brand-new wine destination, as the negociant Millesima has opened an elegant wine shop on the Upper East Side, at 2nd Avenue and 66th Street. Elin reports that not only is the building glamorous, but it may fill the large gap left by Sherry-Lehmann’s demise, doubtless becoming a destination for fine-wine lovers.
In Napa, the Premiere Napa Valley Auction has taken place. Elin explains how it is possible for collectors to buy the wines bought at this auction by the trade, as the retailers will be listed on their site, Premierenapavalley.com. Buyers came from Tokyo, clubs in the Bahamas, New York and even Edinburgh. While the auction was a success, raising over $3 million, the average price per bottle was down by 30%.
Excitement mounts with the news that George and Amal Clooney are about to launch their first wines from their Provence estate, Domaine du Canadel in Coteaux Varois de Provence. They join George Lucas, Brad Pitt and basketball star Tony Parker in becoming vintners. Elin reveals that George has been present at the blending with Laurence Berlemont, who also consults for George Lucas and Brad Pitt. There is no name at present, but as soon as there is, we will be reporting on it.
Running Order:-
-
0.00 – 15.45
“Consistently higher temperatures currently threaten 85% of the world’s wine growing areas.” – John Stimpfig
– Weather Watch – hail in Argentina, wildfires in Chile, deep freeze in British Columbia.
– Weather predictions due to the deviation of El Nino this summer.
– The Porto Protocol documentary, “Seeding the Future”.
– Sabotage at Pepa 21 winery, 60,000 litres of wine lost. -
15.45 – 34.15
“There is complete paralysis on the Bordeaux bulk market, and very little business is being done as a result.” – John Stimpfig
– Rioja producer Marqués de la Concordia bankruptcy.
– Bordeaux negociants ordered to pay Medoc grower in landmark court ruling.
– New vineyard at Florence airport. -
34.16 – 50.05
“You don’t not go to this tasting unless you are having your appendix out or stuck in Patagonia and can’t get back.” – Elin McCoy
– The 2021 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti tasting in New York.
– The new Millesima wine retail emporium in New York. -
50.06 – 01.05
“Most of the lots are very collectable.” – Elin McCoy
– Premiere Napa Valley wine auction.
– George and Amal Clooney to release their first wines.
From how vintners are coping in the Bekaa Valley to the major winery sales, one worth 1.95 billion US dollars - there is much to discuss. Find out how you can buy a little part of Burgundy history (road signs are coming up for auction), check our weather watch and harvest reports and much, much more. Brought to you by our Founder Sponsor Santa Rita Estates.