James Molesworth

James Molesworth

Senior Editor, New York
Tasting Beats: California Cabernet, 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, 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.

2019 Bordeaux Futures Face Difficult Present
News

2019 Bordeaux Futures Face Difficult Present

A typical Bordeaux futures campaign starts around May and drags slowly through June. But …

Sep 30, 2020
Backus on Track at Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Winery Intel

Backus on Track at Joseph Phelps Vineyards

This singular Oakville Cabernet site is primed for a return to glory

Jul 29, 2020
Thomas Rivers Brown's Hot Hand
Winery Intel

Thomas Rivers Brown's Hot Hand

The superstar winemaker shows off 15 Napa Cabernets from his own Rivers-Marie label as well …

Jul 15, 2020
Relic Runs the Gamut
Winery Intel

Relic Runs the Gamut

As Relic nears its 20th anniversary, Schatzi Throckmorton and Mike Hirby are mastering a …

Jul 10, 2020
Mount Veeder Winery's High-Wire Act
Winery Intel

Mount Veeder Winery's High-Wire Act

At this pioneering Napa property, steep vineyards and mountain fruit set the agenda

Jul 7, 2020
A 2017 Napa Cabernet Showcase with Philippe Melka
Winery Intel

A 2017 Napa Cabernet Showcase with Philippe Melka

Few winemaking consultants are as in-demand as Melka, California's most prolific Bordeaux …

Jul 1, 2020
Bordeaux's Fractured Futures Campaign
Opinion

Bordeaux's Fractured Futures Campaign

With the world economy reeling from COVID-19, the region's vintners pressed ahead with …

Aug 31, 2020
Stewarding Sonoma's Historic Monte Rosso Vineyard
Winery Intel

Stewarding Sonoma's Historic Monte Rosso Vineyard

With some vines more than 100 years old, Brenae Royal tackles the complex task of caring …

Jun 23, 2020
Evolving Inglenook: Old Bones, New Caves and a Commitment to Cabernet
Winery Intel

Evolving Inglenook: Old Bones, New Caves and a Commitment to Cabernet

Change is always afoot at this historic Napa estate, and now it's underground as well. A …

Jun 23, 2020

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