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 2000
Marqués de Murrieta: Rioja aristocracy built around Castillo Ygay
There are many Rioja bodegas with the vaunted title Marqués in their name – Riscal, Cacéres, Concordia inter alia. In the UK, those of …
350. Domaine Laureau, Savennières Cuvée du Bel Ouvrage, 2000
So, the official ‘first wine’ from the Second Optimor Wine Club case! Savennières was chosen to represent the Loire Valley and Chenin Blanc, and …
340. Château Valandraud, Virginie de Valandraud Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 2000
My first Bordeaux from the lauded 2000 vintage. Jean-Luc Thunevin’s wines have recently been criticised for being “too short-lived” for ‘proper’ Bordeaux. Well, I’d …
320. La Poderina, Brunello di Montalcino, 2000
Well this was the highlight of an otherwise poor pre-conference dinner in (of all places!) Milan. Unfortunately it didn’t match too well to the …
289. Ridge Vineyards, Geyserville Sonoma County, 2000
When I was young (10-12) Ridge wines were the first Cali wines I knowingly saw in UK, so I assumed that this was how …
273. Maison Folly, Meursault, 2000
Oddbins had 3 Meursaults on sale so I went for the 2000. Hmmm. Once again I find myself underwhelmed by a Meursault. A glass …
261. Olivier Leflaive, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Hameau de Blagny, 2000
So, the day after Princess’ wedding, recovering with a whole roast pig (!), and as the dregs drifted away, the hard core of family …
258. Castelinho, Douro Colheita Especial, 2000
Recommended to me by the guy in The Corkscrew near Grafton Street, as something different. Opened up after a day, so I’d say needs …
242. d’Arenberg, Riesling The Noble McLaren Vale, 2000
Another wine courtesy of Steve Otterburn. I still haven’t had The Dead Arm Shiraz for which d’Arenberg is most renowned, but this is a …
240. Michele Chiarlo, Barolo Cerequio, 2000
At last, a nice Barolo. Brought over by Steve Otterburn for Christmas Eve. Barolo is supposed to smell of violets, and this certainly had …