198. Château d’Armailhac, Grand Cru Classé Pauillac, 1997
Nice and dependable example of Cru Bordeaux. Well crafted, even if it wouldn’t set the world on fire. Deep garnet core, fading to a …
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 …
196. Dopff au Moulin, Riesling Grand Cru Schoenenbourg de Riquewihr Alsace, 2001
Initially another creamy vanilla opening on the nose, but this rapidly opened-up into white flower notes – acacia honey. Then a combination of lime …
195. Domaine des Petits Quarts, Bonnezeaux Le Malabé 1er Tri, 2001
Second 2001 from this producer, from a selected hillside within Bonnezeaux. Similarly a little low in acidity, but similarly a very good wine! Deep …
194. Domaine du Château de Marsannay, Vosne-Romanée en Orveaux, 1996
Bought this when visiting the Chateau, near Dijon. Since buying, the bottle has been moved, shipped, and generally used and abused, so I was …
193. Château Cos d’Estournel, Les Pagodes de Cos Saint-Estèphe, 1998
€40 in a restaurant is a good price for this. Actually drank in Ryan’s on Parkgate St, Dublin. This is a food-wine, I think, …
192. Domaine de Berthet-Rayne, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2001
Tasted and purchased from a stall in Chateauneuf, during their Fête de la Véraison in Summer 2004. Lived up to my expectations 8 months …
191. Domaine de Sénéchaux, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2001
Possibly opened a little young, or a little cool, because though pleasant, it was not as satisfying or complex as expected. Mid-depth ruby colour. …
190. Marques de Murrieta, Rioja Reserva Especial Single Vineyard Prado Lagar, 1995
Bloody label… Light-medium intensity garnet colour with mid-brick rim. I first feared corking, with slightly astringent rubbery notes. These then gave way to simple …
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 …