56. Montirius, Gigondas, 2000
A Châteauonline recommendation. I agree. Very smooth and easy-drinking wine, but complex, balanced and with some shelf-life. Very deep red with hints of purple …
55. Silva Cosens, Dow’s Late Bottled Vintage Port, 1995
Very nice LBV. Graham’s 1994 was the ‘benchmark’ I had previously used for LBV but this was more to my taste. Robust ruby colour …
54. M. Chapoutier, Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers, 1999
I stuck this label in securely intending to write it up when I drank the 2nd bottle (having left it too long before writing …
53. Domaine Serge Laloue, Sancerre, 2000
Part of a Laithwaites’ mixed 12 at £60. A solid Sauvignon Blanc, with some classic Sancerre character. Fresh acidity, and a green-yellow colour. Aromas …
52. Cave de Tain l’Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage Nobles Rives, 1999
What a bargain! The Guide Hachette gives this 2* status. Understandable. Slightly purple end of ruby colour, but the most notable thing for me …
Producers and Places introduction and index
The places where grapes are grown are rarely less than beautiful, and in places like the Greek island of Santorini or Franschhoek in the …
50. Mont Tauch, Fitou l’Excéption, 2000
A random purchase in Paris, to try some new areas of France. Well worthwhile. Would definitely keep longer but was nevertheless decidedly drinkable at …
49. Château de Beaucastel, Côtes-du-Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel, 1999
…by contrast, this was outstanding. I was worried by the price tag. Shouldn’t have been! Oddbins’ recommendation was good. The outstanding aspect was the …
48. Gabrielle Meffre, Domaine La Florane, Côtes du Rhône Villages Visan, 2000
The bloke in Nicolas on Avenue Kléber, Paris, recommended this to me, because I had been in 3 times, buying a lot of Rhône …