James Molesworth

James Molesworth

Senior Editor and Special Projects Director, New York
Tasting Beats: California Cabernet and Pinot Noir, Bordeaux, Rhône Valley, Port

About

James Molesworth joined Wine Spectator in 1997 as tasting coordinator and was promoted to senior editor in 2004. He is lead taster for California Cabernet and Pinot Noir, France’s Bordeaux and Rhône Valley regions, and Port.

A native New Yorker, Molesworth was raised by parents who loved wine and entertained often. He studied anthropology and Afro-American studies at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and, after graduating, landed his first job with a Manhattan specialty wine retailer, Burgundy Wine Company. He later became cellarmaster, and then sommelier, at the '21' Club.

Based in Wine Spectator’s New York office, Molesworth travels regularly to Napa, Bordeaux and the Rhône to taste and visit wineries. When he’s not tasting or writing, he’s usually listening to his vinyl collection or hitting the gym.

Stéphane Derenoncourt Can’t Miss in 2022
Winery Intel

Stéphane Derenoncourt Can’t Miss in 2022

The renowned consultant’s lineup of 2022 Right (and a few Left) Bank reds overflows with …

May 30, 2023
An Elite 2022 at Clos Fourtet, 20 Years in the Making
Winery Intel

An Elite 2022 at Clos Fourtet, 20 Years in the Making

The Cuvelier family has spent two decades grooming and growing this St.-Emilion estate into …

May 26, 2023
Set Up for Success at La Mondotte and Canon-La Gaffelière
Winery Intel

Set Up for Success at La Mondotte and Canon-La Gaffelière

The 2022 vintage rewards Count Stephan von Neipperg's longtime commitment to organic …

May 24, 2023
Merlot’s Time to Shine: Christian Moueix’s 2022 Lineup of Right Bank Reds
Winery Intel

Merlot’s Time to Shine: Christian Moueix’s 2022 Lineup of Right Bank Reds

From Trotanoy, Bélair-Monange, La Fleur-Pétrus, Hosanna and many more, 18 barrel samples …

May 19, 2023
Château Cheval-Blanc's Newest Showstopper
Winery Intel

Château Cheval-Blanc's Newest Showstopper

Across-the-vineyard quality included eye-opening old-vine Merlot and Cabernet Franc samples 

May 17, 2023
It's All in the Details at Canon, Berliquet and Rauzan-Ségla
Winery Intel

It's All in the Details at Canon, Berliquet and Rauzan-Ségla

Winemaker Nicolas Audebert has a sterling lineup of 2022s from St.-Emilion and Margaux

May 15, 2023
It’s a Family Affair at Château Bourgneuf
Winery Intel

It’s a Family Affair at Château Bourgneuf

A vertical tasting back to 1995 shows why this Pomerol estate is one to watch

May 10, 2023
Château Carbonnieux Punches Above Its Price
Winery Intel

Château Carbonnieux Punches Above Its Price

The Perrins of Pessac-Léognan share 10 vintages of their excellent value red and white …

May 8, 2023
Château Palmer Has the X-Factor
Winery Intel

Château Palmer Has the X-Factor

The 2022 Bordeaux barrels march on at Palmer in Margaux, where something more than just …

May 5, 2023