Category: Wine
Rhône
The last bottle of this that I had seemed strangely backward. This is a lot more pleasurable. Côte-Rôtie 1997, Jasmin A lovely nose of ripe red fruit and earth. …
Alsace
We had a great time visiting some friends for dinner last night. We drank exceptionally well, too. Champagne Brut Chardonnay 1996, Pol Roger A rich, bready nose. Also nutty …
Burgundy
I am a big fan of the wines of Comte Armand, even a minor appellation like this is treated seriously there. This is one of those bargain wines that …
Madeira
I have said before that Barbeito colheitas are the cutting edge of Madeira cool and this one demonstrates that admirably. This is made by the traditional ‘canteiro’ process (it …
Germany
One of the best tastings I have ever attended was at Thanisch; great wines were shown by the charming owner. There are two Thanischs is Bernkastel, this is the …
Champagne
This was one of the bottles we picked up on a booze cruise to France. It cost there in euros what it costs here in pounds. Brut Blanc de …
Germany
The Bandol wasn’t good enough, time for something that is definitely good! Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel Oberhäuser Brücke 2004, Helmut Dönnhoff This smells really bright, fresh and fruity. Not much …
Other
I am a big fan of Bandol, they are lovely when they are old. They can also be quite a lot of fun when they are young. 2001 was …
Buying recommendations
This month’s buying recommendations include some bargains from Howard Ripley. Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2001, Rene Engel: Sadly no longer with us, Philippe Engel used to be one of …
Australia
Bannockburn are one of my favourite Australian producers. The winemaker, Gary Farr, has worked many vintages at Domaine Dujac in Burgundy and with Alain Graillot in Crozes-Hermitage. These influences …
