Book 4
600. Champagne Ayala, Brut Majeur, NV (2011)
Having had some indifferent experiences with Ayala in the past, it was interesting to hear of the quality improvements under Bollinger, so I got …
599. Louis Jadot, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru, 2008
The cellarmaster at Jadot apparently put this together as a response to the Credit Crunch, as a ‘value’ 1er Cru cuvée. In which case …
598. Domaine Huet, Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Sec, 2007
My first Huet wine, and my first Vouvray for 10 years and more. And a success, for sure. Pretty complex, rich, and fulfilling, without …
597. Château Soussans, Margaux, 2005
Another Friday night Booker wine, and another nice one. Just coming into its drinking window now, it’ll probably peak in 3 years as its …
596. Tommaso Bussola, Valpolicella Classico Superiore T.B, 2005
Bussola’s ripasso method Valpolicella, and clearly a ‘serious’ version. But not so serious that it can’t be drunk without meditation. A good balance. Opened …
595. Sanchez Romate, Cayetano del Pino Viejisimo 1/5 Palo Cortado Sherry VORS, NV (2011)
A pretty good Palo Cortado in the nutty, woody style. Mid-amber with a broad, golden rim. Wood-led, fairly intense nose: polished mahogany, walnut marzipan, …
594. Chalone Vineyard, Pinot Noir Monterey County, 2008
So I thought I’d challenge my belief that California can’t do Pinot Noir – it all ends-up soft and sweet strawberry. Chalone is its …
593. Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Riesling Grand Cru Brand Vieilles Vignes, 2007
Simply superb, even in its youth. Thankfully I can track its evolution over the next 10 bottles (years!). This could convert anyone to Riesling. …
592. Marchesi di Grésy, Monte Colombo Barbera d’Asti, 2005
Had this with Princess and a crowd in POTG Bow Lane, at Paul’s choice. Another example of Marchesi di Grésy’s good work. A complex, …
591. Château Montus, Madiran Cuvée Prestige, 2001
Picked up in a deli-cum-wine shop at the junction in central Luz-Saint-Sauveur where one fork heads up the Tourmalet, and the other up Luz-Ardiden. …