Michael Franz, Author at Wine Review Online

Report from South Africa: Volume One

by Michael Franz | September 18, 2017

I returned from South Africa a week ago, where I spent more than seven days tasting very intensively across virtually...

by Michael Franz | August 23, 2017

In the wake of the recent deadly terrorist attacks in the Barcelona area, it might seem off key to mention...

by Michael Franz | August 21, 2017

Perhaps you’ve heard the old saying: “Just as great art arises from suffering artists, great wine stems from suffering vines.” ...

by Michael Franz | July 25, 2017

Pinot Noir is widely regarded as the preeminent red grape for making wines that covey a sense of place. When...

by Michael Franz | July 25, 2017

One can always stir up a vigorous debate by asking whether Pinot Noir is the world’s most noble grape for...

by Michael Franz | June 28, 2017

Three decades is not a long time when considered in relation to wine history–even modern wine history. During this relatively...

by Michael Franz | May 31, 2017

Of the many impressions and conclusions that I derived from a full week of intensive tastings in France’s Rhône Valley...

by Michael Franz | May 3, 2017

With Spring now in bloom and everything–even the air itself–suggesting fresh starts, I have a proposal: Let’s push to improve...

by Michael Franz | April 6, 2017

In one sense, it seems like “belaboring the obvious” to claim that some years are better than others when it...

by Michael Franz | March 8, 2017

Red Burgundies from 2014 are now arriving in quantity on our shores, and as usual, they are anything but inexpensive. ...

by Michael Franz | February 28, 2017

The wine world is abuzz over the 2015 vintage of red wines from many appellations in Europe, including those in...

by Michael Franz | February 14, 2017

Penfolds is certainly Australia’s most storied winery, and for many good reasons, both white and red. In all senses, the...