2001

In 28-50’s dinner with Christian Seely, some very good wines were served. This was the clear standout though – a very good Château, in …

Fascinating way to start MW study group studies, blind. A much more satisfying old-school Rioja than the 1991 Bosconia. Pale garnet, with a tawny …

The final bottle of this, and it showed much better. A classic, old-school Rioja at maturity. Medium garnet with a broad, brick tinged rim. …

The finishers’ gift for completing the Marathon du Médoc – and turned out to be one of the highlights of Christmas 2012 at Andy …

The first of my first ever en primeur Bordeaux rouge. Yet still youthful – a ‘sleeper’ as RP might say. Surprisingly still ruby – …

Not necessarily an auspicious vintage or producer, but a very interesting Burgundy nevertheless. Fragrant aromatics are the key to this, though sadly just missing …

Picked up in Luz-Saint-Sauveur. Château Jolys is another renowned Jurançon estate, and this 50cl showed that quality very well. Deep, burnished gold, almost copper. …

Picked up in a deli-cum-wine shop at the junction in central Luz-Saint-Sauveur where one fork heads up the Tourmalet, and the other up Luz-Ardiden. …

Over the hill, I think – sadly. I’d heard good things about Zilliken as perhaps the Saar producer, but ultimately this didn’t reflect that …

This is more of a comparative impression than a proper tasting note. Even though this is a highly regarded Barbaresco vintage, this 2001 Gaiun …