USA
251. Sterling Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley, 1999
One more bought from the vineyard. The ’97 was excellent, so I left the ’99 for a year or so first. Good, but early …
222. Geyser Peak Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, 2002
By comparison, the Cabernet Sauvignon was notably better, and suggested that the Reserve Cabernet would be worth holding onto. Nonetheless, this was lacking in …
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. …
208. De Loach, Zinfandel California, 2000
One of a couple of Zins that Ben picked up in a Grafton Street wine shop – a good opportunity to expand my Zin …
197. Château Ste Michelle, Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Cold Creek Vineyard, 1997
My first Washington State wine, courtesy of Diageo free product! Mature deep intensity colour: garnet-to-brick. On breathing, opened into toasty oak spice with eucalyptus …
189. Beaulieu Vineyard, BV Reserve Tapestry Napa Valley, 2000
Deep garnet with narrow rim. Early maturity in colour. Fruit-led but maturing aromas: red and blackcurrants, plus dried cherries, with distinct hints of cigar …
187. Sterling Vineyards, Napa Valley Merlot Three Palms Vineyard, 2000
Mid intensity ruby / garnet core, to ruby-rim. Prompted by the back label, raspberry aromas, with crushed red fruit. Milk chocolate characteristics again, but …
179. Sterling Vineyards, Merlot Reserve Napa Valley, 1999
From the same batch as the ’97 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Had this one in a work team meeting with Peter Thorburn (“exploring our products”…!). …
178. Ravenswood, Old Vine Zinfandel Lodi, 2002
I could have sworn that I already had a Ravenswood label in here from a few years back (I think I drank some in …
177. Sterling Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley, 1997
Product of my first visit to Napa Valley, with my friend Emily. 38C on the verandah at the vineyard’s winery, on top of a …