Wine Spectator’s James Molesworth is poppin' off with a Champagne spectacular in this episode of Straight Talk. He's joined by Wine Spectator's lead taster for Champagne, senior editor Alison Napjus, and a wide-ranging lineup of sparkling wine stars headlined by Roederer's Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, maker of Cristal.  We’re also joined by grower Champagne star Alexandre Chartogne, and we talk business with the importer of Bollinger Champagne. Plus, our regular appointment with Dr. Vinny.

Thirsty for more? Check out:
• Wine Spectator's Dec. 15, 2022, issue
• Champagne Tasting Report
• Latest News and Headlines
• Ask Dr. Vinny
• Website members: More on James' Sneak Peek Pick

A podcast from Wine Spectator
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher
Host: James Molesworth
Director: Robert Taylor
Guests: Alexandre Chartogne, Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Alex Michas, Mitch Frank, Alison Napjus, and MaryAnn Worobiec as Dr. Vinny
Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host James Molesworth takes us on a deep dive into the Robert Mondavi legacy, with exclusive interviews with Wine Spectator editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken, Continuum Estate co-founder and Robert's son Tim Mondavi, international winemaking star and Mondavi winery alum Paul Hobbs, Mount Veeder winery founders and former Mondavi winery tour guides Arlene and Michael Bernstein, and Robert Hanson, President of Constellation’s Wine & Spirits division, which now owns the Mondavi winery and its esteemed To Kalon Vineyard. Plus, we page Dr. Vinny, and much more!

Thirsty for more? Check out:
• Wine Spectator's Nov. 30, 2022, issue
• Latest News and Headlines
• Ask Dr. Vinny
• WS website members: More on James' Sneak Peek Pick

A podcast from Wine Spectator
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher
Host: James Molesworth
Director: Rob Taylor
Guests: Marvin R. Shanken, Tim Mondavi, Paul Hobbs, Arlene and Michael Bernstein, Robert Hanson, and MaryAnn Worobiec as Dr. Vinny
Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the debut episode of Wine Spectator’s Straight Talk podcast, James Molesworth hosts an exclusive roundtable discussion with three of Napa Valley’s most in-demand winemakers: Thomas Rivers Brown of Schrader Cellars and Rivers Marie, Andy Erickson of Favia, Mayacamas and the new To Kalon Vineyard Co., and Helen Keplinger of Grace Family, her Keplinger label and others. Plus, we check in with news editor Mitch Frank and our beloved advice columnist Dr. Vinny.

We also explain the difference between Napa Cabernets from mountain vineyards vs. valley floor vineyards, our guests cover recent vintages, the 2020 wildfires, the controversy over "selling out" to deep-pocketed investors, balancing family winery needs against those of big-name clients, and much more.

Thirsty for more? Check out:
• Wine Spectator's Nov. 15, 2022, issue
• California Cabernet Tasting Report
• More on Napa's Mountain Cabernets
• Latest News and Headlines
• Ask Dr. Vinny
• WS website members: More on James' Sneak Peek Pick

A podcast from Wine Spectator
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher
Host: James Molesworth
Director: Robert Taylor
Guests: Thomas Rivers Brown, Andy Erickson, Helen Keplinger, Mitch Frank, and MaryAnn Worobiec as Dr. Vinny
Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.