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.

7 Outstanding Bordeaux Reds Up to 93 Points
Tasting Reports

7 Outstanding Bordeaux Reds Up to 93 Points

Explore the French region's Fronsac appellation with new reviews of Merlot-based wines …

Dec 5, 2024
Two Pinot Noir Specialists Partner On a Napa Cabernet
News in Print

Two Pinot Noir Specialists Partner On a Napa Cabernet

Plus, a grape heist in Jura and a triple-crown video contest winner

Dec 31, 2024
Kistler’s Darker Side
Winery Intel

Kistler’s Darker Side

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ups the ante at the house that Chardonnay built

Dec 15, 2024
Napa's Araujo Family Sells Wheeler Farms Winery to the Owner of Bella Oaks
News

Napa's Araujo Family Sells Wheeler Farms Winery to the Owner of Bella Oaks

Winemaker Nigel Kinsman will continue to make Suzanne Deal Booth’s Bella Oaks wines along …

Nov 4, 2024
Williams Selyem Still Going Strong
Opinion

Williams Selyem Still Going Strong

Winemaker Jeff Mangahas is a steward of quality and tradition at the Sonoma legend

Nov 30, 2024
Last Woman Standing
People

Last Woman Standing

At Château Beauséjour Duffau-Lagarrosse, one woman carries the family legacy

Nov 30, 2024
The Greatness of Groth
Winery Intel

The Greatness of Groth

A vertical tasting of this Napa Cabernet powerhouse reveals 40 years of success

Nov 30, 2024
Two Pinot Noir Specialists Partner on a Napa Cabernet
Winery Intel

Two Pinot Noir Specialists Partner on a Napa Cabernet

Lawrence Wine Estates’ CEO Carlton McCoy wanted a different approach to a new Trailside …

Oct 8, 2024
Christian Moueix’s Properties in Bordeaux and Napa
People

Christian Moueix’s Properties in Bordeaux and Napa

Brand and wine details from the estates and vineyards of Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix

Nov 15, 2024