2007

The bloody, gamey notes on this, coupled with plenty of peppery, spicy aromatics made this a decent enough match for a game stew on …

My finisher’s prize for 2013 Marathon du Médoc. And a very pleasant mid-week glass. Tannins perhaps still in need of a bit more time …

A second vintage of this, from a similar source. And again, a good example of a £10-15, modern-style, attractive Reserva Rioja. A touch jammy, …

A birthday present from Albion, so it seemed appropriate to kick off team drinks at my house with this. The 2007 showing its quality …

Though not the deepest or most complex version, this is a good, classical example of an Alsatian Pinot Gris, with spice and concentration – …

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 …

Perhaps this is coming around, to more like what I tasted en primeur. The first couple of bottles were a bit over-rich and flabby, …

A good example of Alsatian dry Riesling, and a great demonstration of the quality of the vintage. Good, will get better, and great value. …

This one was chosen for its probable fit to 65% cocoa solids hazelnut & salt chocolate. And a pretty good match too. Though, as …

So, the real opening was with this – chosen to compliment a main course of game (rabbit, pheasant, venison and squirrel) and beef-shin stew. …