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.
164. Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana, Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja Alta, 1990
…which had a similar colour profile, but the bouquet was a softer, better blended, more toasty, coffee-like oak and spice profile. Residual red fruit …
163. Bodegas Domecq, Marques de Arienzo Gran Reserva Rioja Alavesa, 1989
Bugger of a label. Pretty nice Gran Reserva, that was certainly ready to drink. Medium garnet core with browning rim. Slightly “varnishy” oak over …
162. Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, Cuvée Speciale Millesime Brut, 1997
Though not from a great vintage like 1990 or 1996, this was clearly a well-crafted Champagne. Possibly high Pinot content, as a distinctly fruity …
161. Lapouge, Côtes d’Auvergne Châteaugay VDQS, 1995
A surprise. Bought in Le Puy en Velay in 1996 to provide the right wine to do an Auvergne recipe for Coq au Vin. …
160. Mont Tauch, Prieuré de Château de Ségure Vieilles Vignes Fitou, 2002
After comparing the Pennautier with Château Hauterive le Haut, Roger suggested this as a better VFM wine, but with the weight of the Pennautier. …
159. Château Hauterive le Haut, Corbieres, 2001
An excellent recommendation from our hosts in Languedoc, Roger & Gill Murton. A very interesting tour of the chai followed after drinking this. Garnet …
158. Château de Pennautier, l’Esprit de Pennautier Cabardès, 2000
A first taste of the Languedoc. Probably drunk too young, so disappointing value for money, compared with the range of good value drinking in …
157. Bonny Doon Vineyard, Le Cigare Volant Santa Cruz California, 2000
Randall Grahm’s hommage to Châteauneuf, and their official banning of UFO landings in the town in 1954. A wine (and label) that had great …
156. Preiss-Zimmer, Tokay Pinot Gris Mambourg Alsace Grand Cru, 2000
Wow! What a bargain!! First wine tasted after doing the WSET Advanced course, so it gets ‘formal’ from here… Mid-amber-gold colour fading to a …
155. Château de la Maltroye, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru “Morgeot Vigne Blanche”, 1998
Clear, deep yellow-gold colour, even to the rim. Aromas of buttered toast over some rich remaining peach (yellow) fruit. Mostly bouquet rather than aroma, …