555. Ata Rangi, Pinot Noir Martinborough, 2006
Took this to Allegra’s wedding in the belief that we were bringing for our table… and then was lucky to be able to rescue …
554. Ridge Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Cruz Mountains, 2003
A wine to drink on its own, since it has that Cali sweet flavour profile, rather than savoury. But above all, the altitude shines …
553. Sodade, Vinho do Fogo Branco, NV (2010)
More a curiosity than a great wine. In fact, definitely curiosity value. Whilst on Cape Verde, we had to try the local wine – …
552. Jobard-Chabloz, Meursault Clos du Cromin, 2006
Good, but not great, by any means. It was straight from the fridge, which wouldn’t have done it any favours on length & complexity, …
551. Rolan, Alvarinho Minho, 2004
Thoroughly unexpected in several ways. Firstly, SJ and I had this on our first night in Cape Verde, where our expectations (well, mine) had …
550. Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Hermitage La Chapelle, 1998
Well, this surprised and delighted. I’d heard several poor reviews of La Chapelles between about 1995 and 2005. However, although this was missing something …
549. Château de Parenchère, Bordeaux Supérieur Cuvée Raphaël, 2007
An unexpected, completely blind tasting courtesy of SJ – and the first I’d done for about a year. I think I got lucky, but …
548. Château de Claribès, Sainte Foy Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, 2005
This was an unexpected gift from the people we stayed with in Henley 2010, where the husband Andy explained that a friend had established …
547. Marchesi di Grésy, Barbaresco Gaiun Martinenga, 2001
This is more of a comparative impression than a proper tasting note. Even though this is a highly regarded Barbaresco vintage, this 2001 Gaiun …
546. Domaine du Pegau, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réserve, 2006
The first bottle of this left me a bit ‘meh’, but the second, served on its own, showed real interest & quality. Phew! I’ll …