304. Jean-Luc Colombo, Cornas Les Méjeans, 1997
I’m glad I waited a few years before cracking this, to ensure it had evolved to the point of enjoyment – and a great …
303. Domaine Zind Humbrecht, Riesling Heimbourg Alsace, 2001
Found this in Jerusalem restaurant-bar when choosing the wine for our Optimor Christmas lunch in 2006. My first Zind Humbrecht and I finally get …
302. Two Paddocks, First Paddock Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Central Otago, 2004
Thought I’d start exploring Central Otago as its Pinot Noir reputation is riding high. Initially a little disappointing, but 1-2 days following this showed …
301. Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia Bolgheri Sassicaia, 2002
Love it when Majestic extend their seasonal promotion to fine wines (down from £60). Got 2 of these, so I can see how it …
Artadi: single vineyard revolutionaries
After meeting César Román, Artadi’s commercial guy, at ProWein, I arranged to visit them with Ruth and fellow MW, Madeleine Stenwreth. We went into …
Rioja: Spain’s classic region is changing
Rioja, the most famous wine region in Spain. Home to Tempranillo and the American oak barrel. One of only 2 regions, with Priorat, carrying …
El Fabulista: a different Rioja story
Bodega El Fabulista, “The Storyteller”, is…unusual. Named after local story writer, Felíx María Samaniego, it is one of only 2 bodegas still inside the …
Muga: seamlessly blending classical and modern in Rioja
The first time we visited Haro, we were not able to book into Bodegas Muga. Therefore, the first thing we did before the 2018 …
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 …
299. Alvaro Palacios, Les Terrasses Priorat, 2003
Out with Christian and Lauren at El Pirata tapas bar, having finally found Down Street’s dead tube station! A good Spanish wine list also …