620. Cave d’Irouleguy, Domaine de Mignaberry Irouleguy, 2007 
619. Sonoma-Cutrer, Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, 2007 
618. Bodega Poesia, Clos des Andes Mendoza, 2005 
617. Mitolo, G.A.M. McLaren Vale Shiraz, 2005 
616. Hatzidakis, Mavrotragano Cyclades, 2005 
615. Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau, 2006 1997
605. Vecchie Terre di Montefili, Bruno di Rocca IGT Colli Toscana Centrale, 1997
Served side-by-side with the 1998, with a tomato-based chicken main course, both showed Tuscan acidity and food affinity, but were distinctly different wines – …
Napa: exceptional Cabernets, and exaggerated too
Napa Valley, the Big Daddy of California wines, is today world-famous for Big Cabs and Bold Chardonnays, landmark wineries and the Napa Valley Wine …
521. Château Pichon-Longueville Baron, Cru Classé Pauillac, 1997
Anne-Marie, SJ and I had a roast lamb dinner together, so I served this ‘almost’ good wine from my Hors Concours case (good / …
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 …