Bottega: quality Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé 
Book 5 Index 
951. Mullineux, Syrah Swartland, 2011 
950. W & J Graham & Co, 30 Year Old Tawny Port, NV (2010) 
949. Cartuxa, Pêra-Manca Branco Évora, 2012 
948. Pella, Xi-Ro Cuvée Experimentale, NV Reserva
Ramón Bilbao: modern Rioja with altitude
Ruth and I first visited Ramón Bilbao just as tourists in 2014, when visiting Haro the first time. In 2018, by random allocation, we …
Rioja: Spain’s classic region is changing
Rioja, the most famous wine region in Spain. Home to Tempranillo and the American oak barrel. One of only 2 regions, with Priorat, carrying …
Muga: seamlessly blending classical and modern in Rioja
The first time we visited Haro, we were not able to book into Bodegas Muga. Therefore, the first thing we did before the 2018 …
300. Marqués de la Concordia, Rioja Reserva, 2001
A decent, good value quaffer from Majestic. Mid-depth garnet with a narrow ruby-garnet rim. Moderately intense nose of sweet, toasty spices over leafy blackcurrant …
276. Bodegas Faustino, Faustino de Autor Reserva, 1995
Having thought that Faustino I Gran Reserva was their top wine, I was intrigued to discover this premium bottled Reserva limited edition. I was …
259. Bodegas Matarromera, Ribera del Duero Reserva, 2001
Perplexing one this – and ultimately a touch frustrating. With an intense, complex nose and good concentration, my initial reaction was positive, but slightly …
244. Bodegas Roda, Roda I Rioja Reserva, 2001
The last of Otters’ contribution to Christmas 2005, and a ripe Rioja from a producer I’d not come across before. Similar quality to the …
233. Marqués de Murrieta, Rioja Reserva, 2000
Helped my mate Gavan retake the Guinness Triathlon individual course record as “fetcher & carrier”, and he chipped me a bottle of this from …
231. El Coto de Rioja, Rioja Reserva Coto Real, 2000
On the recommendation of the Guía Peñin mini-guide (a great idea for anyone thinking of doing a wine score guide, by the way!). I …
Passing the Port: Douro Boys and classy table wines
The Douro Boys are a group of 5 grower-winemakers who clubbed together in 2003 to promote the wines of the Douro valley, upriver of …