Grenache
615. Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau, 2006
One of 3 reds I brought for Whippet’s leaving BBQ, as I figured it’d be at maturity, and good for meat – both of …
608. Cave de Rasteau, Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel Signature, 2006
Dessert was a superb, dense chocolate mousse, with caramel ice cream, and red fruit sauces. After an initial thought of tawny Port to match …
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 …
Sonoma: old-vine Zinfandel, fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Sonoma is, in fact, a large region. Most people, including myself, would probably think of Sonoma as Napa’s quieter, more rural, more familial, ‘little …
Paso Robles to Santa Cruz Mountains: Central Coast diversity
Paso Robles to the Santa Cruz Mountains – or ‘the rest of the Central Coast’, between Santa Barbara County and the city of San …
California wine: the Golden State shines brightly
California wine is synonymous with US wine. For many it is US wine. Fortunately, the fine Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs of Oregon, the Bordeaux …
546. Domaine du Pegau, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réserve, 2006
The first bottle of this left me a bit ‘meh’, but the second, served on its own, showed real interest & quality. Phew! I’ll …
520. Château Musar, Bekaa Valley Lebanon, 2002
A gift from Katy’s dad as well, this one. SJ and I cracked it. A notably youthful Musar this, given its 8 years of …
511. Domaine de Pisan, Rasteau Côtes du Rhône Villages, 2006
Dad and I dropped in here after Ventoux (it’s very close) and tasted the range at the cave co-operative, which is a class operation. …
508. Domaine du Pesquier, Gigondas, 2005
Also picked up in Gigondas itself, a day before (or maybe the afternoon after) riding up Mont Ventoux. Dad was less of a fan …