Fine wine

The first of my first ever en primeur Bordeaux rouge. Yet still youthful – a ‘sleeper’ as RP might say. Surprisingly still ruby – …

A revelation in Beaujolais! And a step up from the non-specified vineyard Moulin-à-Vent Jadot bottling. Medium ruby, if not darker. Black pepper, oak spice …

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 …

First of a case of anniversary Rieussec 75s, broached on my birthday at Planet of the Grapes, with Nicolas Jaboulet. A pretty good wine, …

Along with the de Poncins, this made up birthday dinner for Dad’s 69th, served with stewed duck, red wine, morilles and black pudding. And …

This is superb – showing the finer side of 2010 Northern Rhône whites – especially Condrieu. More fruit-driven than the toastier Grand Vallon. But …

First bottle deeper-golden and nuttier than it should have been – premox! Boo… But the following bottle showed just how well this wine is …

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 …