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 White
374. Robert Weil, Kiedricher Berg Auslese, 1921
So when I was asking for a TBA spare label, the guy who helped me out came back with this piece of history, so …
373. Robert Weil, Kiedrich Gräfenberg Trockenbeerenauslese, 2006
OK, so the label’s not from the right year, but I wasn’t allowed to finish the bottle! Having said that, the 2003 scored 100 …
372. Saintsbury, Carneros Chardonnay, 2004
If I hadn’t already put some space aside for this one, I wouldn’t have bothered once it became clear that the label was going …
371. Champagne Gosset, Brut, NV (2007)
This, by comparison with the Billecart-Salmon, was leaner and drier – and a touch cruder, in my mind. Some did prefer this though, showing …
370. Champagne Billecart-Salmon, Brut Réserve, NV (2007)
We picked up a couple of bottles from POTG (continuing our Optimor work-through of their Champagne range!) to toast Sven’s imminent wedding. This was …
369. Vicchiomaggio, Il Santo di Vicchiomaggio, NV
Mum brought this back from visiting the estate in Chianti. I’m still not sure exactly what this wine is… there’s no obvious DOC-type label. …
368. Te Mata Estate, Elston Chardonnay Hawkes Bay, 2005
The New World Chardonnay counterpart to a 2005 Chablis in the Optimor 2nd case. Overall, a quality effort – refreshing, not overripe / blowy …
367. Tokaji Oremus, Chateau Kurucz Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos, 1994
Yet another example of Tokaji to match up to Christmas pudding. And this one was particularly enjoyable – not so much for its complexity …
364. Clover Hill, Pipers River Tasmania Australian Brut Sparkling Wine, 2001
Great opening to dinner with Jack, Rob and Kari. A classic Champagne blend of both Pinots and Chardonnay, that had elegance and refinement. Could …
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). …