Elegant
939. Casa Ferreirinha, Barca-Velha Douro, 2004
My first, but more importantly Mario’s first Barca-Velha. Even at 11 years of age, this is still comparatively young. Burgundy like, with riper, sweeter …
933. Quinta do Poeira, Poeira Douro, 2009
A very pleasant, ready-to-drink, supple Douro, that nicely kicked-off final dinner on the last night of our short trip to Madeira. We’d already tried …
856. CVNE, Imperial Rioja, 1973
Found in 28-50, and… well… what the hell! Always a gamble, but this 41 year old bottle, though fully mature, had not hollowed out, …
817. Quintessa, Rutherford Napa Valley, 2011
As elegant as its packaging. Napa, yes, but in harmony and refined. Retasted in October, it was the same. Deep ruby, with a narrow, …
713. CVNE, Viña Real Rioja Gran Reserva, 1973
Bought for Andy’s 40th in April. Starting to fade, but once great. Still nice though. Pale garnet with a broad, brick / caramel rim. …
674. Ferrando, Carema, 2007
A Nebbiolo from a DOC on the Piemontese side of the Val d’Aoste border, that I’d not come across before the POTG guys recommended …
569. Marqués de Murrieta, Castillo Ygay Rioja Gran Reserva Especial, 1970
Got lazy when the label was being difficult – who knew that leaving it to rot for a couple of weeks would solve the …
495. Champagne Bollinger, Grande Année Brut, 1979
Having had a 1995-disgorged 1979 RD, this Grande Année sibling outdid it comfortably. Wow. Such aromatic complexity that just steadily gave up different layers: …
476. Champagne Louis Roederer, Brut Premier, NV (2008)
This was a present to Katy from her Dad at Christmas, and we drank it with Pete before farewell dinner at Forenza, the only …
469. Champagne Moët et Chandon, Dom Pérignon Vintage, 1998
Picked 3 of these up from a departing MBA2007 on a fire sale. Was slightly nervous how the ‘98s would turn out, having tasted …