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 Tm
Artadi: single vineyard revolutionaries
After meeting César Román, Artadi’s commercial guy, at ProWein, I arranged to visit them with Ruth and fellow MW, Madeleine Stenwreth. We went into …
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 …
El Fabulista: a different Rioja story
Bodega El Fabulista, “The Storyteller”, is…unusual. Named after local story writer, Felíx María Samaniego, it is one of only 2 bodegas still inside the …
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 …
298. Marqués de Murrieta, Castillo Ygay Rioja Gran Reserva Especial, 1978
I’d been meaning to try Murrieta’s top wine, so when I saw this late bottled 1978 (216 months in barrel!!) on sale in Majestic …
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 …
258. Castelinho, Douro Colheita Especial, 2000
Recommended to me by the guy in The Corkscrew near Grafton Street, as something different. Opened up after a day, so I’d say needs …
255. Bodegas Faustino, Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva, 1995
Good to test the top of Faustino’s range, and from a good year too. Satisfies: a pleasant Rioja. Mid-depth, garnet core with a medium …
249. Bodegas LAN, Rioja Gran Reserva, 1996
Not bad, but not great. Definitely something about raised expectations with a few Gran Reservas from the ’94-’96 trio of good Rioja vintages. Light …