Decanter Premium: what’s on this month

April 2024

The en primeur tastings kick off in Bordeaux this month, so stay tuned for a first look at the 2023 vintage coming in May. In the meantime, we have a varied menu of Premium-only content planned for April that spans Australia, South Africa, Burgundy, Champagne and the USA – here are some highlights...

Our US Editor Clive Pursehouse spent a few days visiting and tasting with the winemakers of the West Sonoma Coast Vintners association in California. His look at both the 2021 and 2022 vintages, with more than 100 wines tasted, will give readers a sense of this dynamic region, which sits on the edges of both creative and climatic conditions.

In Burgundy, Charles Curtis MW charts the winemaking history of Mercurey, the lesser-known sub-region of the Côte Chalonnaise. In this regional focus, he explains what you can expect from these good-value and agreeable wines, and highlights 10 names to know.

And in Bordeaux, we visit Pomerol’s Clos du Clocher, which celebrates 100 years of family ownership this year, looking at the estate’s evolution over time and its plans for the future.

Western Australia’s Great Southern is a vast, ancient, isolated wine region that produces some of the country’s greatest wines. Cassandra Charlick lifts the veil on the producers you should have on your radar, and recommends 30 wines to try.

Established in its restored form as of 1994, the same year as free elections and the end of apartheid, Boekenhoutskloof is an integral part of the story of modern South African wine. Jason Millar meets managing partner and technical director Marc Kent, who showcased the new 2021 vintage alongside gems from 2011 and 2001.