620. Cave d’Irouleguy, Domaine de Mignaberry Irouleguy, 2007 
619. Sonoma-Cutrer, Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, 2007 
618. Bodega Poesia, Clos des Andes Mendoza, 2005 
617. Mitolo, G.A.M. McLaren Vale Shiraz, 2005 
616. Hatzidakis, Mavrotragano Cyclades, 2005 
615. Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau, 2006 Sparkling
600. Champagne Ayala, Brut Majeur, NV (2011)
Having had some indifferent experiences with Ayala in the past, it was interesting to hear of the quality improvements under Bollinger, so I got …
568. Nyetimber, Classic Cuvée Brut England, 2003
At last! And it delivered too! After the heat of the 2003 summer, which spoiled Champagne, I’d wanted to see what the best of …
Brachetto d’Acqui: red, sweet, sparkling, different
In the beautiful spa town of Acqui Terme, at the Enoteca Regionale “Terme e Vino” in the 16th century town hall, we were introduced …
567. Antech, Crémant de Limoux Cuvée Eugénie Brut, 2005
From my Hors Concours prize case, this was an excellent example of the quality Crémant de Limoux can achieve, and a good alternative to …
560. Champagne Lanson, Black Label Brut, NV (2011)
This turned out to be an unexpected pleasure. I didn’t have a good impression of Lanson as a Champagne brand, and this was a …
558. Champagne Pol Roger, Extra Cuvée de Réserve Vintage, 1999
The first couple of bottles of this were underwhelming and somewhat so, respectively – with the acidity disjointed and lack of elegance. Given the …
528. Champagne Georges Vesselle, Juline Bouzy Grand Cru, NV (2010)
Bought from the producer with Katy, but drunk & enjoyed with SJ. A really good, quite profound Champagne, whose weight and complexity grew over …
512. Champagne Louis Roederer, Blanc de Blancs Brut, 1979
To celebrate New Year’s Eve dinner with Kev, Pete and Whippet, as the clouds over Mont Blanc cleared to reveal it in all its …
495. Champagne Bollinger, Grande Année Brut, 1979
Having had a 1995-disgorged 1979 RD, this Grande Année sibling outdid it comfortably. Wow. Such aromatic complexity that just steadily gave up different layers: …
494. Champagne H. Billiot Fils, Brut Réserve Grand Cru Ambonnay, NV (2008)
We wandered around Ambonnay, looking for open small producers, and this one had a shop frontage… which turned out to be an extension of …