Neal Martin

Neal Martin is one of the most engaging and respected voices in wine journalism today, celebrated for his wit, deep knowledge, and unpretentious approach to the world of fine wine. Known for his work at The Wine Advocate and later at Vinous, Martin has built a reputation for thorough, incisive reviews paired with a refreshing sense of humour and relatability.

Born in London, Neal Martin originally pursued a career in finance, earning a degree in business from the University of Warwick. However, his passion for wine was sparked during a business trip to Japan, where he had an unforgettable experience with a bottle of Château Montrose 1982. This pivotal moment inspired him to dive headfirst into the wine world, transforming a personal interest into a professional calling.

Martin began his wine career at the Hedonist’s Gazetteer, a UK-based wine guide, before launching his own site, Wine-Journal.com, in 2003. The site quickly gained attention for its in-depth Bordeaux coverage and Martin's candid, often humorous writing style. His work caught the eye of Robert Parker, and in 2006, Martin joined The Wine Advocate. In 2017, he moved to Vinous, where he continues to cover Bordeaux, Burgundy, South Africa, and other key regions.

Martin’s philosophy as a wine critic is grounded in accessibility, rigor, and authenticity. He eschews overly flowery descriptions and inflated scores, aiming to communicate his impressions honestly and with clarity. Over the years he has tasted some of the greatest wines in the world, yet his preferences reflect Bordeaux, Burgundy, South African wines, Champagne and Sauternes. Neal Martin has shared that Chateau d’Yquem 1967 holds a special place in his heart, describing it as one of the most emotionally moving experiences in his career.

Here are some wines within our portfolio, that contain reviews and scores by Neal Martin