2001

My first true Blanquette de Limoux (as opposed to Crémant de Limoux) made from the local Mauzac grape (instead of Chardonnay etc.). Limoux claim …

The last of Otters’ contribution to Christmas 2005, and a ripe Rioja from a producer I’d not come across before. Similar quality to the …

Medium-depth garnet body with narrow bricking rim. Smoked-meat nose reminiscent of the jamón Serrano I was eating with it, which developed into cigar and …

This pair – Château La Baronne and Clos du Prieur from Domaine de l’Hortus – are a page out of sequence. Both were bought …

This pair – Château La Baronne and Clos du Prieur from Domaine de l’Hortus – are a page out of sequence. Both were bought …

An opportunity to test “high-end” Corbières again, as well as to test the quality of the Tardieu-Laurent négociant set-up. On opening, the nose was …

A regular Côteaux du Layon bought on the same trip as the Dom des Petits Quarts wines. A Guide Hachette recommendation, and certainly an …

Initially another creamy vanilla opening on the nose, but this rapidly opened-up into white flower notes – acacia honey. Then a combination of lime …

Tasted and purchased from a stall in Chateauneuf, during their Fête de la Véraison in Summer 2004. Lived up to my expectations 8 months …

Possibly opened a little young, or a little cool, because though pleasant, it was not as satisfying or complex as expected. Mid-depth ruby colour. …