695. Château Laville, Sauternes, 2001 
694. Château Sociando-Mallet, Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc, 2001 
693. Mas Amiel, Prestige 15 Ans d’Age Maury, NV (2006) 
692. Rey Fernando de Castilla, Antique Palo Cortado Sherry, NV (2012) 
691. Equipo Navazos, I Think Saca de Abril de 2012 En Rama Manzanilla Sherry, NV (2012) 
690. Château Lascombes, Chevalier de Lascombes Margaux, 2004 Book 4
674. Ferrando, Carema, 2007
A Nebbiolo from a DOC on the Piemontese side of the Val d’Aoste border, that I’d not come across before the POTG guys recommended …
673. Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac, 2002
A very kind birthday present from Blue Rubicon, and my first experience of GPL. Not bad for the vintage. Particularly noteworthy were a distinctive, …
672. Domaine Philippe Gilbert, Menetou-Salon, 2010
A gift for conference speaking, and it turned out to be the best producer of this Sancerre-alternative appellation. A good, clean, clear Sauvignon Blanc, …
671. Schug, Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, 2009
Hmm. I keep trying with California Pinot, and it still doesn’t work. This wasn’t too bad – OK, but not inspiring – but still …
670. Château Rieussec, 1er Grand Cru Classé Sauternes, 1975
First of a case of anniversary Rieussec 75s, broached on my birthday at Planet of the Grapes, with Nicolas Jaboulet. A pretty good wine, …
669. Harvey’s, Palo Cortado Sherry, NV (2011)
A touch woody, and slightly alcoholic on the finish are the only detractions from an otherwise very good drink. Though labelled “exceptional age”, this …
668. Cuvée du Vatican, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve Sixtine, 2003
Served a little cold at Boxing Day lunch with Andy, Sarah, Janet and Steve. But once it warmed up, it hit its stride pretty …
667. Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco Riserva Vigneti in Montefico, 1999
Along with the de Poncins, this made up birthday dinner for Dad’s 69th, served with stewed duck, red wine, morilles and black pudding. And …
666. François Villard, Condrieu DePoncins, 2010
This is superb – showing the finer side of 2010 Northern Rhône whites – especially Condrieu. More fruit-driven than the toastier Grand Vallon. But …
665. Château La Pointe, Pomerol, 1998
One added to the Princess first lot by Paul buying from his Dad’s stocks. Apart from the stupidly huge label, it actually turned out …