Klein Constantia: stellar whites, sweet and dry 
Marqués de Riscal: Gehry hotel outshining solid Rioja and Rueda 
La Rioja Alta: benchmark classical Riojas especially top flight Gran Reservas 
Marqués de Murrieta: Rioja aristocracy built around Castillo Ygay 
CVNE: Combining volume and classical quality 
Contino: Château-style Rioja and Graciano pioneers 1997
359. Château Léoville Las Cases, Grand Vin de Léoville du Marquis de Las Cases, 1997
Wine of the night at my birthday, and although drinking well now, it’s still fairly youthful (for an “early drinking” vintage like 1997!). Picked …
347. W. & J. Graham & Co, Late Bottled Vintage Port, 1997
This one gets in not so much for being a reasonably decent LBV, but because of the abuse it survived! I’d kept this 3/4 …
339. Domaine des Chezeaux, Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru, 1997
A bin-end from Planet of the Grapes, and the first Chambertin Grand Cru I’ve had. I suspect that this is from a less well …
308. Château Gruaud-Larose, Sarget de Gruaud-Larose Saint-Julien, 1997
A number of people had recommended this as ready for good Christmas drinking, and a bargain on a Majestic deal. But, having drunk the …
304. Jean-Luc Colombo, Cornas Les Méjeans, 1997
I’m glad I waited a few years before cracking this, to ensure it had evolved to the point of enjoyment – and a great …
287. Domaine de la Pousse d’Or, Volnay 1er Cru, 1997
This from Majestic, by contrast, was a delight. More rounded than some other Volnays I’ve had. Pale ruby with a broad fade-to-brick rim. Moderate …
267. Mount Veeder Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 1997
Was really pleased to see this on sale in Berry Bros’ Dublin shop, having enjoyed the ’96 so much, and having heard that ’97 …
243. Domaine Jacques Prieur, Volnay-Champans 1er Cru, 1997
A very nice accompaniment to Boxing Day roast goose, due to the structure and robustness of this Volnay. Medium garnet core with a medium …
235. Alejandro Fernández, Ribera del Duero Condado de Haza, 1997
A gift from Jim and Karen Jeffries to Mum and Dad, and ready to drink, so I twisted their arms to crack it – …
230. Santa Rita, Cabernet Sauvignon Casa Real Maipo Valley Chile, 1997
A lot of pain for the pleasure! In Ireland, Diageo / UB is the agent for Santa Rita, but I had to order this …