
James Molesworth
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, 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.

Serious Grands Vins on the Horizon from Eisele Vineyard
Following a narrow escape of the 2020 Napa wildfires, this renowned Cabernet vineyard has …

Dawn of a New Dalla Valle
The all-star Napa winery has a new winemaker with a familiar name, and a new Cabernet …

16 Exciting Bordeaux Whites Up to 92 Points
New reviews of Sauvignon Blanc– and Sémillon-based whites from Pessac-Léognan and beyond

The Great Escape
Bordeaux surmounts an erratic growing season in 2018 to deliver an excellent crop of wines

8 Exciting Bordeaux Values Up to 90 Points
Get a taste of Bordeaux's 2018 vintage with these new reviews of impressive reds at $25 or …

North and South
Both regions of France’s Rhône Valley share in the success of the 2018 vintage

The Port Runneth Over
The outstanding 2018 harvest adds to the many great bottles now in the market

9 Enticing Port Values Up to 92 Points
Add a hint of sweetness to your winter with these new reviews of luscious dessert wine …

9 Exciting Côtes du Rhônes Under $20
New reviews of generous reds and whites that show off the Rhône appellation's diverse styles