660. Château Langoa Barton, Saint-Julien, 1988 
659. Beaulieu Vineyard, Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2000 
658. Bodegas Guelbenzu, Lautus Ribera del Queiles VdlT, 2004 
657. Podere Brancaia, Il Blu IGT Toscana, 2004 
656. Marc Colin, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru “Les Vide-Bourses”, 2006 
655. Domaine du Colombier, Hermitage Blanc, 2007 Napa
Napa: exceptional Cabernets, and exaggerated too
Napa Valley, the Big Daddy of California wines, is today world-famous for Big Cabs and Bold Chardonnays, landmark wineries and the Napa Valley Wine …
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 …
443. Jayson, Chardonnay Napa Valley, 2005
Pretty expensive for what it is, but then again, I guess that Napa Chardonnay is exactly that – expensive. More or less in the …
383. Cakebread Cellars, Syrah Carneros Napa Valley, 2005
We had a very enjoyable visit to the Cakebread Cellars, after I emailed in advance, asking to meet a winemaker if possible, and sure …
372. Saintsbury, Carneros Chardonnay, 2004
If I hadn’t already put some space aside for this one, I wouldn’t have bothered once it became clear that the label was going …
342. Sterling Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley, 1999
Cracked another bottle of this to see its evolution, and to welcome Lucy, my 1-month flatmate! I’d say that this is coming pretty close …
288. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2003
On reflection, a bit of a ‘tasters’ wine rather than a ‘drinkers’, perhaps, as its weight made the second glass a bit hard work. …
267. Mount Veeder Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 1997
Was really pleased to see this on sale in Berry Bros’ Dublin shop, having enjoyed the ’96 so much, and having heard that ’97 …
251. Sterling Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley, 1999
One more bought from the vineyard. The ’97 was excellent, so I left the ’99 for a year or so first. Good, but early …
189. Beaulieu Vineyard, BV Reserve Tapestry Napa Valley, 2000
Deep garnet with narrow rim. Early maturity in colour. Fruit-led but maturing aromas: red and blackcurrants, plus dried cherries, with distinct hints of cigar …