Book 1
Category for all posts of wine labels and their texts from wine book number 1, from late 1998 – Christmas 2004, all of which are indexed here.
34. Vignerons de Roueïre, Chardonnay Le Grand Chêne Oak Fermented Vin de Pays d’Oc, 1997
A simple and clean oaked chardonnay. Creamy but crisp finish. An unexpected surprise, and very nice. Part of a mixed case from Bordeaux Direct …
33. Martinborough Vineyard, Pinot Noir, 1997
Great with tuna steaks & red pepper coulis. Lightly oaked Pinot Noir.
32. Beringer Vineyards, Zinfandel California, 1997
Deep rich wine. Soft and slightly sweet end of dry. I thought damsons or damson jam. Lightly oaked to make a well-rounded wine.
31. M. Chapoutier, Crozes-Hermitage Les Meysonniers, 1995
I bought this in summer 1997 at the Chapoutier Cave, with the intentions of keeping it until the Millenium (it was a bit tough …
30. Les Caves des Hautes-Côtes, Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Tete de Cuvée, 1996
Needs to breathe a little before opening, but is an excellent, ready to drink Burgundy. Lighter, red fruit wine, with the right amount of …
29. Domaine de Durban, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, 1997
Very drinkable Muscat de Beaumes de Venise. Tea-and-orange-peel as usual but stronger on the orange sharpness. Slightly sweeter than usual, so matched up quite …
28. Les Vins Georges Duboeuf, Moulin-à-Vent, 1998
Really spicy, but smooth Beaujolais with depth. Stands up quite well to chocolate, so is quite sweet. Dark fruit is the flavour (blackberries or …
27. Osborne y Companía, Rare Sherry Pedro Ximénez Viejo, Jerez, NV
This stuff is so damn good that I had to buy another. Makes excellent ice cream, and wonderful with peanut M&Ms… The ageing makes …
26. Domaine Lucien Boillot, Volnay 1er Cru “Les Caillerets”, 1993
Served with roast lamb, and was a pretty reasonable match all round (I suspect pinot noir generally would be). This style of Burgundy I …
25. Château Vignal Labrie, Monbazillac, 1996
I think these are botrytised, but no ‘leathery’ aromas I’ve come across before. Oak ageing adds light vanilla aromas to otherwise appley caramel aromas. …