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 Tempranillo blend
348. Bodegas Montecillo, Rioja Gran Reserva, 1996
A very pleasant way to say goodbye to my 1-month flatmate, Lucy. Having said that, it definitely improved over days, suggesting that, as a …
300. Marqués de la Concordia, Rioja Reserva, 2001
A decent, good value quaffer from Majestic. Mid-depth garnet with a narrow ruby-garnet rim. Moderately intense nose of sweet, toasty spices over leafy blackcurrant …
298. Marqués de Murrieta, Castillo Ygay Rioja Gran Reserva Especial, 1978
I’d been meaning to try Murrieta’s top wine, so when I saw this late bottled 1978 (216 months in barrel!!) on sale in Majestic …
276. Bodegas Faustino, Faustino de Autor Reserva, 1995
Having thought that Faustino I Gran Reserva was their top wine, I was intrigued to discover this premium bottled Reserva limited edition. I was …
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 …
255. Bodegas Faustino, Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva, 1995
Good to test the top of Faustino’s range, and from a good year too. Satisfies: a pleasant Rioja. Mid-depth, garnet core with a medium …
249. Bodegas LAN, Rioja Gran Reserva, 1996
Not bad, but not great. Definitely something about raised expectations with a few Gran Reservas from the ’94-’96 trio of good Rioja vintages. Light …
247. Marqués del Puerto, Rioja Gran Reserva, 1995
Third of a trio of slight disappointments – not as good as the ’96 Reserva promised from Del Puerto. I was expecting more balance, …
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 – …
233. Marqués de Murrieta, Rioja Reserva, 2000
Helped my mate Gavan retake the Guinness Triathlon individual course record as “fetcher & carrier”, and he chipped me a bottle of this from …