France

A good show for how widespread quality reached in a quality year like 2009. A nice, ripe – yet refreshing, minerally – Chardonnay. Medium …

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 …

Not necessarily an auspicious vintage or producer, but a very interesting Burgundy nevertheless. Fragrant aromatics are the key to this, though sadly just missing …

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

A slightly ‘hard’ streak of acidity takes this a little out-of-balance, which is a shame, for an otherwise pretty good wine. Pale gold. Medium …

[Signed in 2016: Regards, Félix MEYER] Not a renowned Alsace vintage, I believe – and perhaps a lack of acidity reflects that – but …

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 …

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, …

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