Bottega: quality Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé 
Book 5 Index 
951. Mullineux, Syrah Swartland, 2011 
950. W & J Graham & Co, 30 Year Old Tawny Port, NV (2010) 
949. Cartuxa, Pêra-Manca Branco Évora, 2012 
948. Pella, Xi-Ro Cuvée Experimentale, NV Ribera del Duero
926. Vega Sicilia, Alión Ribera del Duero, 2011
A Spain-themed MW blind practice courtesy of Peter McCombie had this little beauty in the reds. I might have been a long way off …
La Rioja Alta: benchmark classical Riojas especially top flight Gran Reservas
La Rioja Alta, established in Haro in 1890, is certainly one of the major players in high quality, traditionally-styled Rioja. In their top pair …
Roda: original modern face of Rioja and beyond
With a first vintage in 1992, Bodegas Roda were pioneers of the ‘modern’ Rioja style that emerged in that decade. Every aspect of their …
259. Bodegas Matarromera, Ribera del Duero Reserva, 2001
Perplexing one this – and ultimately a touch frustrating. With an intense, complex nose and good concentration, my initial reaction was positive, but slightly …
235. Alejandro Fernández, Ribera del Duero Condado de Haza, 1997
A gift from Jim and Karen Jeffries to Mum and Dad, and ready to drink, so I twisted their arms to crack it – …
152. Bodegas Valduero, Ribera del Duero Primium Reserva Especial, 1995
Trying to complete the Valduero set! Not as good VFM here, but good drinking over several days. On opening, banana on nose, giving quickly …
146. Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez, Pesquera Tinto Ribera del Duero, 1996
I had drunk this a couple of times before so had to get some when in Banyoles. Served in 2004 with lots of Italian …
91. Bodegas Protos, Ribera del Duero Crianza, 1996
High clarity, mid-garnet colour, with the first hints of brick at the edge. Toasty, balanced oak over intense, “focused” dark fruit (prune?) aromas – …
80. Bodegas Rodero-Villa, Pago de los Capellanes, Ribera del Duero Tinto Crianza, 1997
A random purchase in Banyoles 2002. A “quite” bottle – quite pleasant, quite full-bodied, quite drinkable. Classic deep garnet colour. Strongly oaked aromas which …
35. Bodegas Valduero, Valduero Ribera del Duero Reserva, 1995
Very smooth (velvety?) deep red wine. Dark berry flavours (if memory serves at the time of writing). Restaurant price was 6,250 ESP, I think …