In the summer of 2020, I had the incredible privilege of visiting the legendary Auberge de L'Ill for the very first time. Nestled in the charming village of Illhaeusern, about 15 miles north of Colmar, this iconic restaurant sits in the heart of the beautiful Alsace region, surrounded by half-timbered houses, flowers, and the gentle
What, you ask, is the big difference between Château d’Esclans’ two crown jewels—Garrus and Les Clans? Well, let’s start by tossing the word big out of the window. These two don’t compete; they coexist like elegant siblings who both went to top universities but chose different majors. In the glass, they’re nearly identical—pale, poised, and
We won’t whisper. Not today. Today we sing—loudly, joyfully, a little off‑key perhaps—because Whispering Angel turns twenty. I still remember that night as if Provence itself pressed it into my memory. It was 2 July 2016, and I was gliding through the warm, inky darkness in a borrowed car, heading toward Château d’Esclans. The occasion:
One of my very first wine articles in the Dutch Newspaper De Telegraaf /Spits (I have to digg in my memories but it have to be 30 years ago) was about a wine from the Maremma. The wine was made from the grape sangiovese, but they call it overhere the 'little black one' (morellino). Once
The annual overview tasting hosted by wine importer POOT from De Lier is an excellent opportunity to highlight exceptional wineries. This year, the prestigious Cos d'Estournel winery presented a series of wines. The 2019, 2020, and 2021 vintages were presented, as was their 2021 Pagodes de Cos rouge. We often overlook the fact that these
The Netherlands offers no shortage of exceptional dining experiences, yet First stands apart—a hidden gem where the moment you cross the threshold, the world outside seems to pause. Here, in this intimate space shaped by care and craft, your day gently recedes, giving way to something more personal, more timeless. At the heart of First
Tucked away in one of The Hague’s quieter streets (Molenstraat), Winebar & Restaurant De Filosoof has grown into a beloved refuge for anyone who enjoys good conversation, honest mother-home cooking, and a wine list that dares to wander off the beaten path. Founded by the owner Ofran Badakhshani, who has a deep affection for both
The Secrets of the Archangel: A New Mystery in the Judean Hills By Janna Rijpma-Meppelink In the late nineties of the last century I had the pleasure of meeting Eli Ben-Zaken for the first time during a dinner in Amsterdam. In that time his chardonnay made an indelible impression. Finally in 2011 I had the
The Grand Tasting of Wines of Portugal, held at the beautiful H’Art museum in Amsterdam and organized by Alicebown.agency, was a remarkable event. Cees van Casteren MW enlightened a group of professionals about the backgrounds and latest developments in Portuguese wines. Portugal, with its rich cultural heritage, seamlessly integrates its famous cork industry and its
