Disappointing
948. Pella, Xi-Ro Cuvée Experimentale, NV
An experimental blend of red Xynomavro and white Roditis, so no vintage date or appellation given. But experimental in another way, which the fantasy …
936. Château Giscours, Grand Cru Classé Margaux, 1975
Was always likely to be a long shot that this would be on great form, and indeed, for dinner at POTG, it was past …
876. Dry River, Pinot Noir Martinborough, 2006
A little Pinot interlude, taken to Ruth’s dinner party. But at the end of the day, a little underwhelming for something that is pitched …
864. Cheval des Andes, Mendoza, 2010
…compared with this, which should be an epic, iconic wire, yet lacks freshness to sustain more than 1 or 2 glasses. This is undoubtedly …
854. Domaine de l’Ecu, Gneiss Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, 2013
Ultimately, this was… well… correct. But somehow I expected more from a biodynamic estate that bottles terroir-specific Muscadets. Maybe I missed something. Pale gold. …
838. Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2005
This wine is well-rated, but disappointed on opening the first of 12 of these, so opened another a few days later. Better, but still …
702. G. D. Vajra, Barolo Bricco delle Viole, 2004
Given producer and vintage, ultimately a little underwhelming. Pretty decent, but not outstanding. Pale-to-medium ruby with some garnet at the rim. Coal smoke, spice, …
671. Schug, Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, 2009
Hmm. I keep trying with California Pinot, and it still doesn’t work. This wasn’t too bad – OK, but not inspiring – but still …
657. Podere Brancaia, Il Blu IGT Toscana, 2004
Overall, fairly good but a little disappointing – either faintly corked or overrated. Deep ruby, with a medium garnet rim. Medium+ intensity, slightly grubby …
649. Lopez de Heredia-Viña Tondonia, Viña Bosconia Rioja Gran Reserva, 1991
I wonder if this bottle – stored close enough to the wine shop’s light to be warm on purchase – might have been a …