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 Rhône
126. Paul Jaboulet Aine, Cornas, 1998
Dark red colour but with brick-reddish tinge (over-quick ageing?). Coal-smoke licked aromas of dark fruit – damson or black cherry. Quite tannic but generally …
105. Cave de Tain l’Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage Nobles Rives, 2000
Not as good as the 1999, due to a slightly light body (slightly too acidic) but nevertheless a very nice syrah! Initially ‘closed’ on …
52. Cave de Tain l’Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage Nobles Rives, 1999
What a bargain! The Guide Hachette gives this 2* status. Understandable. Slightly purple end of ruby colour, but the most notable thing for me …
49. Château de Beaucastel, Côtes-du-Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel, 1999
…by contrast, this was outstanding. I was worried by the price tag. Shouldn’t have been! Oddbins’ recommendation was good. The outstanding aspect was the …
17. M. Chapoutier, Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine, 1996
Drank, the ’96 in ’99 and was very smooth and very drinkable. Supposed to be good for 10 years though… Spicy on the nose …
14. Cave de Tain l’Hermitage, Cornas Les Nobles Rives, 1995
Cave de Tain l’Hermitage is the local cave co-operative and is supposed to be very reliable. [My mate Rob’s note] Initially sharp on the …
11. Chante Cigale, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 1995
Don’t remember this well enough to give much value on the analysis, but I think it was a lighter (Grenache base?), red fruit wine …
9. Château de Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 1994
This is supposed to be the best producer in Châteauneuf (although it is actually bloody miles away from the town centre and difficult to …
4. M. Chapoutier, Saint-Joseph Deschants, 1996
Another fine one from M. Chapoutier. Deep & fruity like P. Jaboulet’s Grand Pompée from same year, and with the same meal…
1. Paul Jaboulet Aîne, Saint-Joseph “Le Grand Pompée”, 1996
Deep & fruity Rhône from one of the big names – nice. Drank a second bottle a couple of months later and it was …