Klein Constantia: stellar whites, sweet and dry 
Marqués de Riscal: Gehry hotel outshining solid Rioja and Rueda 
La Rioja Alta: benchmark classical Riojas especially top flight Gran Reservas 
Marqués de Murrieta: Rioja aristocracy built around Castillo Ygay 
CVNE: Combining volume and classical quality 
Contino: Château-style Rioja and Graciano pioneers Sauvignon Blanc
Klein Constantia: stellar whites, sweet and dry
Klein Constantia is perhaps the most recognised name in the Constantia region. That is particularly as a result of their rejuvenation of the historic …
360. Château de Rayne Vigneau, 1er Cru Classé Sauternes, 1999
Also from POTG’s cellar clearance and the final wine of my birthday, served with Bleu d’Auvergne and the sweet biscuit course (including ginger biscuits). …
353. Ronco del Gnemiz, Sauvignon Sol Colli Orientali del Fruili, 2004
So, this opened the Planet of the Grapes food & wine matching night (well, after the excellent unfortified Fino), that happened to coincide with …
337. Cairnbrae, Wild South Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, 2006
The 5th white from the Optimor first case, and I was slightly concerned about this because Sven had not enjoyed it – too overtly …
225. Matua Valley, Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand, 2004
Another from the Diageo staff shop – easy opportunity to explore some new sources of NZ Sauvignon Blanc! Overall, a decent-value quaffer – good …
221. Geyser Peak Winery, Sauvignon Blanc California, 2004
Brought as a set of gifts from someone staying with me to see U2 in Dublin, who worked for Wine Spectator and Cigar Aficionado. …
220. Château La Rame, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, 1997
Having failed to get the 1996 label off in Book #1, definitely had to get this in! Overall, a pleasant, if a little simple, …
166. Cakebread Cellars, Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley, 2003
A disappointing wine, because it lacked the freshness and zip of a good quality Sauvignon Blanc. This may be a style issue, since this …
153. San Pedro, 35 South Sauvignon Blanc Chile, 2003
Got this as a freebie after taking part in a Focus Group for the 35 South brand, at LBS. Most of the low-price (mainly …
116. Château Filhot, Sauternes, 1990
Another random discovery at my parents house (where they’d picked this up cheap at Waitrose…). Brilliant golden colour suggested a degree of maturity, and …