695. Château Laville, Sauternes, 2001 
694. Château Sociando-Mallet, Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc, 2001 
693. Mas Amiel, Prestige 15 Ans d’Age Maury, NV (2006) 
692. Rey Fernando de Castilla, Antique Palo Cortado Sherry, NV (2012) 
691. Equipo Navazos, I Think Saca de Abril de 2012 En Rama Manzanilla Sherry, NV (2012) 
690. Château Lascombes, Chevalier de Lascombes Margaux, 2004 Oaked
689. Château de la Saule, Montagny 1er Cru, 2009
A good show for how widespread quality reached in a quality year like 2009. A nice, ripe – yet refreshing, minerally – Chardonnay. Medium …
686. Pierre Bourée, Gevrey-Chambertin, 2001
Not necessarily an auspicious vintage or producer, but a very interesting Burgundy nevertheless. Fragrant aromatics are the key to this, though sadly just missing …
683. Joseph Faiveley, Meursault, 2008
A slightly ‘hard’ streak of acidity takes this a little out-of-balance, which is a shame, for an otherwise pretty good wine. Pale gold. Medium …
679. Bodegas Domecq de Jarauta, Viña Marro Rioja Reserva, 2005
As a conference presentation thank you gift, not too bad. But ultimately a mid-range, modern-style Rioja, that was pleasant enough, but not radically inspiring. …
671. Schug, Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, 2009
Hmm. I keep trying with California Pinot, and it still doesn’t work. This wasn’t too bad – OK, but not inspiring – but still …
668. Cuvée du Vatican, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve Sixtine, 2003
Served a little cold at Boxing Day lunch with Andy, Sarah, Janet and Steve. But once it warmed up, it hit its stride pretty …
666. François Villard, Condrieu DePoncins, 2010
This is superb – showing the finer side of 2010 Northern Rhône whites – especially Condrieu. More fruit-driven than the toastier Grand Vallon. But …
663. Sao del Coster, Terram Priorat, 2006
One from the Princess Wine Club 1st delivery, and a good one too. Deep ruby-black, with a narrow, semi-purple rim. On the nose, intense, …
659. Beaulieu Vineyard, Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2000
Having bought this at BV back in 2004, post-MBA, I’ve been waiting for a suitable reason to open it. Prime beef rib for Giles’ …
658. Bodegas Guelbenzu, Lautus Ribera del Queiles VdlT, 2004
A somewhat random purchase from Wimbledon Wine Cellars, after my last guitar lesson. I thought I’d see what New Spain has to offer. Overall …