Book 4

Coming into maturity now. Pale-medium ruby, with a narrow watery rim. Medium+ intensity gamey, chilli spice nose, over plummy, cherry fruit. Some smoky minerality …

As a conference presentation thank you gift, not too bad. But ultimately a mid-range, modern-style Rioja, that was pleasant enough, but not radically inspiring. …

Bought this after tasting Hidalgo-La Gitana’s full range with Javier Hidalgo at POTG, and this was the finest. Medium-depth amber, with tawny glints. Broad …

I tried the 3rd release in The Vineyard, Dorking, and was struck by its quite meaty finish – reminiscent of roast chicken juices. So …

Slightly less rare at 5Ha still planted, this was my first Terrantez, and a lovely example. Medium amber with a medium-width, golden rim. Walnut …

A fabulous rarity, with just 2Ha of Bastardo (aka Trousseau) now grown on Madeira, and rarely bottled varietally. So good, in this case, that …

A Nebbiolo from a DOC on the Piemontese side of the Val d’Aoste border, that I’d not come across before the POTG guys recommended …

A very kind birthday present from Blue Rubicon, and my first experience of GPL. Not bad for the vintage. Particularly noteworthy were a distinctive, …

A gift for conference speaking, and it turned out to be the best producer of this Sancerre-alternative appellation. A good, clean, clear Sauvignon Blanc, …

Hmm. I keep trying with California Pinot, and it still doesn’t work. This wasn’t too bad – OK, but not inspiring – but still …