Wine Spectator's Straight Talk

Salvestrin Family winemaker Natalie Winkler struck a chord when the 2018 Salvestrin Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon earned a spot among Wine Spectator's Top 10 Wines of 2021. But it all started with a bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir … Winkler represents a new breed of California wine pros specializing not just in winemaking or vineyard management, but in both, and she tells us why winemakers should be in the vineyard, and much more. Wine Spectator senior editor for news Mitch Frank joins us as well, with news of some recent major wine thefts from two of Europe's most esteemed restaurant wine cellars. And don't forget, there's always more free content at WineSpectator.com! • Video: Watch James' vineyard walk with Natalie • Read more about Salvestrin winery and Dr. Crane Vineyard • Wine Crime: Read more about thefts at La Tour d'Argent and El Atrio • The 15 Most Expensive Wines Ever Sold • Wine Spectator's May 31, 2024, issue • Latest News and Headlines • Ask Dr. Vinny • Sign up for Wine Spectator's free email newsletters A podcast from Wine Spectator Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher Host: James Molesworth Director: Robert Taylor Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Natalie Winkler, Mitch Frank Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winemaker Dan Petroski made news when he sold his boutique California white wine brand Massican to Gallo late last year. But that was just the latest step on a wine journey that started ignominiously as a Columbia University football player and began in earnest a decade later after an eye-opening dinner at Le Bernardin in New York. Petroski went on to become cellarmaster at Larkmead, where he worked until 2021 while also building his own brand. "I started Massican because my mother couldn't afford Larkmead," Petroski tells host James Molesworth in the newest episode of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast. "I wanted to do something that would bring more people great wine." Plus, our beloved educator and advice columnist Dr. Vinny returns! And don't forget, there's always more free content at WineSpectator.com! • Read more on winemaker Dan Petroski • Wine Spectator's April 30, 2024, issue • Latest News and Headlines • Ask Dr. Vinny • Sign up for Wine Spectator's free email newsletters A podcast from Wine Spectator Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher Host: James Molesworth Director: Robert Taylor Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Dan Petroski, MaryAnn Worobiec Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From his teetotaling childhood home to Opus One's debut vintage to putting Argentine Malbec on the map, winemaker Paul Hobbs opens up to host James Molesworth about his career-defining moments with candid humor and insightful analysis in the season 2 premiere of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast! Plus, senior editor for news Mitch Frank tells us about a government study that recently surfaced in Oregon, and the controversy over why it had been buried by state officials. Thirsty for more? There's always more free content at WineSpectator.com! • Read more on winemaker Paul Hobbs • Oregon's Controversial Hidden Alcohol Tax Study • Wine Spectator's March 31, 2024, issue • Latest News and Headlines • Ask Dr. Vinny • Sign up for Wine Spectator's free email newsletters A podcast from Wine Spectator Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher Host: James Molesworth Director: Robert Taylor Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Paul Hobbs, Mitch Frank Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's our season 1 finale and our year-end roundup of the most exciting wines of the year! In this episode, host James Molesworth is joined by senior editor Bruce Sanderson, counting down our Top 10 Wines of the Year, including an exclusive interview with the man behind our 2023 Wine of the Year! Plus, senior editor for news Mitch Frank tells us about the biggest stories of the year, we remember some of the wine industry stars we lost this year, and Dr. Vinny tackles Chianti vs. Brunello. Thirsty for more? Check out: • Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2023 • Wine Spectator's Dec. 31, 2023, issue • Latest News and Headlines • Ask Dr. Vinny • WS website members: More on James' 2023 Wine Highlight A podcast from Wine Spectator Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher Host: James Molesworth Director: Robert Taylor Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Bernardino Sani, Mitch Frank, Bruce Sanderson and MaryAnn Worobiec (as Dr. Vinny) Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's in the cellar of the world's second-richest man? Wine Spectator senior editor for news Mitch Frank tells us all about LVMH founder, chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault, the man behind not just fashion house Louis Vuitton and the Möet & Chandon Champagne house (including Dom Pérignon), but also brands like Dior, Fendi, Marc Jacobs, Hublot, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co. and many more, including Bordeaux's Cheval Blanc. It's also the holiday season, which means we've gotta have bubbly. Host James Molesworth welcomes senior editor and tasting director Alison Napjus back to talk about her annual Champagne report, and Möet & Chandon's Benoît Gouez chats with her about rosé Champagnes and much more. Later in the episode, our wine advice columnist Dr. Vinny shares more of her most popular sparkling wine tips, and stay tuned til the end for James' sneak peek wine pick! Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • Dec. 15, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • WS website members: The Story of Bernard Arnault • WS website members: Champagne Tasting Report • Latest Free News and Headlines • Ask Dr. Vinny • More on James' Sneak Peek Pick A podcast from Wine Spectator Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher Host: James Molesworth Director: Robert Taylor Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Benoît Gouez, 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.

We're live at Wine Spectator's New York Wine Experience in this special episode of Straight Talk with host James Molesworth. He's joined by senior editor for news Mitch Frank, podcast director Rob Taylor and a cast of wine and restaurant industry all-stars that includes chefs José Andrés, Emeril Lagasse and Eric Ripert, Hollywood legend Rich Frank, Tribeca Grill wine director David Gordon, California wine stars Thomas Rivers Brown, Carlo Mondavi, Greg Brewer and more, including a special musical number from our 2023 Video Contest winner. Stay tuned til the end for James' sneak peek wine pick and a special Jean-Michel Cazes tribute. And don't miss our Bonus Mini Episode, featuring Thanksgiving wine-pairing advice from our very own Dr. Vinny! Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • Wine Spectator's 2023 New York Wine Experience • Nov. 30, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • 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 Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests and appearances: José Andrés, Greg Brewer, Thomas Rivers Brown, Rich Frank, David Gordon, Chris Kajani, Emeril Lagasse, Carlo Mondavi, Eric Ripert, Mitch Frank, Bruce Sanderson and Marvin R. Shanken Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What wine pairs best with turkey and sides? Straight Talk podcast director Rob Taylor made an emergency appointment with Wine Spectator advice columnist Dr. Vinny (aka senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec) for some tips on Thanksgiving wine pairing, including pumpkin pie! And don't miss Episode 16: Wine Spectator's New York Wine Experience with Chefs José Andrés, Emeril Lagasse and Eric Ripert, featuring Hollywood legend Rich Frank, Tribeca Grill wine director David Gordon, California wine stars Thomas Rivers Brown, Carlo Mondavi, Greg Brewer and more, including a special musical number from our 2023 Video Contest winner. Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • Ask Dr. Vinny • Wine Spectator's 2023 New York Wine Experience • Nov. 30, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • Latest News and Headlines • 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 Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guest: MaryAnn Worobiec as Dr. Vinny Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't miss this Straight Talk podcast exclusive: Never-before-heard highlights from Wine Spectator editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken's one-on-one interview with Napa Cabernet legend Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards. Host James Molesworth also welcomes Napa winemaker Maya Dalla Valle to the studio. Later in the episode, our wine advice columnist Dr. Vinny addresses the old adage that wine improves with age, and stay tuned til the end for James' sneak peek wine pick! Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • FREE BONUS EPISODE ALERT! Listen to the full Maya Dalla Valle Interview • Nov. 15, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • WS website members: The Story of Caymus • Video: The Chuck Wagner Interview • Winery Intel: Dawn of a New Dalle Valle • Coming soon: 2020 California Cabernet report • Latest News and Headlines • Ask Dr. Vinny • More on James' Sneak Peek Pick A podcast from Wine Spectator Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher Host: James Molesworth Director: Robert Taylor Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Marvin R. Shanken, Chuck Wagner, Maya Dalla Valle and MaryAnn Worobiec (as Dr. Vinny) Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 15 of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast is all about California Cabernet, and host James Molesworth's interview with Napa winemaker Maya Dalla Valle was too fun not to share the whole thing. Enjoy the full, uncut Dalla Valle interview, and don't forget to listen to Episode 15 of Straight Talk for our exclusive interview between Wine Spectator editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken and Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards, plus, our wine advice expert Dr. Vinny addresses the old adage that wine improves with age. Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • FULL EPISODE ALERT! Don't miss Episode 15: The Chuck Wagner Interview • Nov. 15, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • WS website members: The Story of Caymus • Video: The Chuck Wagner Interview • Winery Intel: Dawn of a New Dalle Valle • Coming soon for WS website members: 2020 California Cabernet report • Latest News and Headlines • Ask Dr. Vinny • More on James' Sneak Peek Pick A podcast from Wine Spectator Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher Host: James Molesworth Director: Robert Taylor Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guest: Maya Dalla Valle Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're welcoming the one and only Sarah Jessica Parker in this episode of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast. If you only know her as an award-winning actress and producer, let us show you her winemaking side! Host James Molesworth welcomes back senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec for a look at the New Zealand wine scene, and senior editor Bruce Sanderson tells us what to look for from Tuscany's latest vintages. Plus. our mysterious advice columnist Dr. Vinny shares tips on what to do with leftover wine. Stay tuned til the end for James' sneak peek wine pick—this time with an assist from Bruce! Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • Oct. 31, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • Wine Spectator's New York Wine Experience • Read more on Sarah Jessica Parker's Invivo Wines • 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 Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Sarah Jessica Parker, Mitch Frank and MaryAnn Worobiec (as herself and Dr. Vinny) Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're detouring to Scotland for a look at our Oct. 15 issue cover story: Whisky for Wine Lovers. In episode 13 of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast, host James Molesworth welcomes back Wine Spectator executive editor Jeffery Lindenmuth, along with Whisky Advocate senior taster Jonny McCormick, for a lively discussion on how and why whisky holds such a strong appeal for wine lovers. Wine Spectator senior editor for news Mitch Frank returns to tell us about several major winery sales in California's Napa Valley, and our mysterious advice columnist Dr. Vinny refuses to play Old Wine Bottle Antiques Roadshow. Stay tuned til the end for James' sneak peek wine pick! Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • Oct. 15, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • Coming Soon: Whisky for Wine Lovers • Find more world-class spirits coverage at Whisky Advocate • 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 Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Jonny McCormick, Mitch Frank and MaryAnn Worobiec (as Dr. Vinny) Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

California Pinot Noir is the star of the show in episode 12 of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast. Host James Molesworth welcomes Sonoma winemaking legend Mark Aubert and Santa Barbara Pinot Noir star Greg Brewer of Brewer-Clifton. Later in the episode, our wine advice columnist Dr. Vinny explains vine clones, and stay tuned til the end for James' sneak peek wine pick! Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • FREE BONUS EPISODE ALERT! Listen to The Greg Brewer Interview • Sept. 30, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • WS website members: 2018 Mark Aubert cover story • WS website members: James Visits Greg Brewer in Santa Barbara • WS website members: James Visits Mark Aubert in Sonoma • 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 Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Mark Aubert, Greg Brewer and MaryAnn Worobiec (as Dr. Vinny) Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 12 of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast is all about California Pinot Noir, and host James Molesworth's interview with Santa Barbara Pinot Noir star Greg Brewer of Brewer-Clifton was too fun not to share the whole thing. Enjoy the full, uncut Brewer interview, and don't forget to listen to Episode 12 of Straight Talk for James' interview with Sonoma winemaking legend Mark Aubert, our wine advice expert Dr. Vinny explains clones, and much more. Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • FULL EPISODE ALERT! Don't miss Episode 12: California Pinot Noir All-Stars • Sept. 30, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • WS website members: James Visits Greg Brewer in Santa Barbara • Latest News and Headlines • Ask Dr. Vinny A podcast from Wine Spectator Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher Host: James Molesworth Director: Robert Taylor Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guest: Greg Brewer Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're celebrating our annual Restaurant Awards with an exclusive interview with chef Thomas Keller and Wine Spectator executive editor Jeffery Lindenmuth. Straight Talk host James Molesworth also welcomes senior editor for news Mitch Frank to catch us up on the latest dining trends. Later in the episode, our wine advice columnist Dr. Vinny explains the dos and don'ts of bringing wine to a restaurant, and stay tuned til the end for James' sneak peek wine pick! Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • Aug 31, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • Wine Spectator's 2023 Restaurant Awards • WS website members: Rosé Report • 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 Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Thomas Keller, Mitch Frank and MaryAnn Worobiec (as Dr. Vinny) Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're welcoming summer with wall-to-wall California Chardonnay! Straight Talk host James Molesworth welcomes senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec and an all-star cast of winemakers and grapegrowers, including Larry and Chris Hyde, Kistler's Jason Kesner and Arista and Ferren's Matt Courtney. Later in the episode, our wine advice columnist Dr. Vinny walks us through some dinner party etiquette, and stay tuned til the end for James' sneak peek wine pick! Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • July 31, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • WS website members: California's Best Chardonnay Vineyards • WS website members: More on Larry Hyde • 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 Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Matt Courtney, Larry and Chris Hyde, Jason Kesner, and MaryAnn Worobiec (as herself and Dr. Vinny) Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the 2022 Bordeaux hype for real? Straight Talk host James Molesworth just returned from the Médoc, where he tasted hundreds of these young wines; don't miss his take on this highly regarded new vintage. Plus, senior editor for news Mitch Frank introduces us to Auberge Resorts Collection CEO Craig Reid, and legendary California and Oregon Pinot Noir pioneer Tony Soter chats with senior editor Tim Fish. Later in the episode, our wine advice columnist Dr. Vinny tells us about wineglass etiquette, and stay tuned til the end for James' sneak peek wine pick! Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • June 30, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • James Molesworth's 2022 Bordeaux Barrel Tastings • More on Tony Soter • 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 Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Craig Reid, Tony Soter, Tim Fish, Mitch Frank, and MaryAnn Worobiec (as Dr. Vinny) Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burgundy's legendary Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti joins us for an exclusive rare interview covering his auction-darling Pinot Noirs, his first encounter with Robert Mondavi, and his role in the 1976 Paris Tasting. Plus, southern France wine star Gérard Bertrand and NBA Hall of Famer turned (multiple) winery owner Tony Parker. Straight Talk host James Molesworth is joined by podcast director Rob Taylor and Wine Spectator senior editors Bruce Sanderson and Kristen Bieler, and we unravel a little bit of the mystery behind the mysterious Dr. Vinny. Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • May 31, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • Bruce Sanderson Tastes the 2020 DRC Lineup • More on Tony Parker • 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 Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Aubert de Villaine, Gérard Bertrand, Tony Parker, Bruce Sanderson, Kristen Bieler, and MaryAnn Worobiec as Dr. Vinny Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do some of the world's most successful chefs, somms and winemakers balance wine and health? Red Rooster chef-owner Marcus Samuelsson and Frasca somm-owner Bobby Stuckey join the latest episode of Straight Talk to share how they keep perspective—and how they keep fit. Host James Molesworth and Wine Spectator senior editor Kristen Bieler take a closer look at our Wine & Wellness cover story, and senior editor for news Mitch Frank shares an update on how the Silicon Valley Bank collapse is impacting the California wine industry. Plus, Dr. Vinny and podcast director Rob Taylor talk wine tasting etiquette! You might also like: Straight Talk director Rob Taylor joins Brooke Gladstone on WNYC's On the Media to talk about the "French Paradox" Thirsty for more? Check out this related content • April 30, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • Full index of Health coverage • Piedmont Tasting Report • More on Marcus Samuelsson and Bobby Stuckey • 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 Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Marcus Samuelsson, Bobby Stuckey, Gaia Gaja, Kristen Bieler, Mitch Frank, and MaryAnn Worobiec as Dr. Vinny Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Napa Valley winemaking iconoclast and Massican winery founder Dan Petroski pulls no punches in this hard look at the wine industry’s newest obstacles and trends. Host James Molesworth and Wine Spectator contributing editor Suzanne Mustacich look at the 2020 Bordeaux vintage and speak with Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande director Nicolas Glumineau and CVBG president Mathieu Chadronnier. Plus, Dr. Vinny administers a Bordeaux booster, and much more. Thirsty for more? Check out: • March 31, 2023, issue of Wine Spectator • Bordeaux Tasting Report • More on Dan Petroski • 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: Mathieu Chadronnier, Nicolas Glumineau, Dan Petroski, Mitch Frank, Suzanne Mustacich, and MaryAnn Worobiec as Dr. Vinny Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Straight Talk kicks off 2023 with a star-studded trip to France's Rhône Valley, a closer look at Port with two of the region's biggest names, and we reveal Wine Spectator’s Value Wine of the Year for 2022. Host James Molesworth and senior editor Kristen Bieler share tales of their recent trip to France's Rhône Valley, and we're joined in the studio by Philippe Guigal to talk recent vintages and a new addition to Guigal's famous La-La lineup of Côte-Rôtie Syrahs. We also speak with Port stars and friendly rivals Adrian Bridge of the Fladgate Partnership and Rupert Symington of Symington Family Estates. Plus, senior editor for news Mitch Frank tells us how flooding is impacting the California wine industry, we check in with Dr. Vinny, and much more. Thirsty for more? Check out: • Wine Spectator's Top 10 Wine Values of 2022 • Wine Spectator's Jan. 31 - Feb. 28, 2023, issue • Rhône Tasting Report • Vintage Port Tasting Report • More on the Guigal Family • Ask Dr. Vinny • Latest News and Headlines • 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: Adrian Bridge, Philippe Guigal, Rupert Symington, Kristen Bieler, Mitch Frank, and MaryAnn Worobiec as Dr. Vinny Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.