25/02/2017 (TNB)

• Derthona 2013 (Massa) A really characterful white made from Timorasso. There's a touch of peach-stone bitterness alongside some spicyness reminiscent of riesling. A rellay stylish, unusual Italian white with further aging potential. Possibly
• Vacqueyras Les Restanques de Cabassole 2011 (Roucas Toumba) Impressive in its way, but a bit gummy, with that overwrought quality of enthusiastic oak use. Curious because there do not seem to be indications that the estate uses a lot. On the other hand John Livingstone-Learmonth at drinkrhone.com seems to come to a similar conclusion about the 2012. I would be a happier wine drinker if the use of new or nearly new oak barrels was outlawed in most (or even all) appelations. In the end, for me.

---

A Celebratory Drink 25/02/2017 (RJB)

• Bloomsbury Brut 2013 (Ridgeview) An 'English Quality Sparkling Wine' made in Ditchling in Sussex. A Chardonnay dominant fizz with a touch of greeness about it at the moment. Elegant and with fine bubbles. Good stuff that needs more time to be at its best. I wasn't paying as much attention as I should have been, but I think three stars for now and with a few years.

---

A few days ago 19/02/2017 (TNB)

• Rioja blanco "1894" 2009 (Cosme Palacio) Ambitious, one might say, but for me overwrought. Possibly, with the right food this works but I just find it a bit heavy and joyless. Others may like it rather more, but to me
• Terlaner Classico 2015 (Cantina Terlano) A huge contrast to the previous wine, this dances rather than tramples over the palate. I used not to be keen on this sort of understated Italian white but now I love them. It's an odd blend of grapes but that frees it from the tyrrany of "varietal character" and enhances its charm. A really nice example and tremendous value. Top and almost more.
• Champagne Grand Cru Chardonnay Gaia NV (Gonet-Sulcova) Rather a good grower, I think. This is a prestige bottling with some influence from wooden barrels. Very good indeed.

---

Birthday and thereabouts 19/02/2017 (TNB)

• Riesling Cuvee Henrietta, Altenberg de Bergbieten Grand Cru 2008 (F. Mochel) Singing nicely at nine years old, fairly but not completely dry and rich on the palate. Nice balance and good length. Bare
• Rausan Segla 1988 I had a slightly austere (not in a good way) bottle of this some time ago, but this one is classic Claret in peak condition. Cedary, mature blackcurrant. About time to drink. Bare
• Bolinger 1999 "I'm not a Lager Lout I'm a Bollinger Brut." Actually I'm not, Bollinger is often a bit weightier and and less elegant than my favoutites, but this is rteally nice drinking. I guess it is partly the vintage character that makes their 99 a hit with me.

---

05/02/2017 (TNB)

• Venezio Giulia Vitovska 2015 (Kocjancic Rado) As one might expect from the variety, this is more spicy and less broad than the Malvasia from this producer and vintage tasted recently. Quite tight currently and I expect it will emerge a little more over then next year or two. good balace and nice finish. A bare again, I think.
• Savigny-Les-Beaune Aux Grands Liards 2005 (Camus-Bruchon) Very nice, mature Beaune - the fruit hovering between high-toned and deeper and with a touch of minerality. Nice balance, but does not have any particular buzz of terroir, tone or depth to lift it out of the "pretty good" category. A strong
• Fino Perdido 1/15 (Sanchez Romate) "Entry level" I guess but really drinkable Fino heading towards Amontillado. Lots of character: would make a good partner to appetisers before a meal. (A Wine Society wine.)

---

A Mini Alsace Horizontal 04/02/2017 (RJB)

• Brand Riesling 2012 (Cave de Turckheim) The most structured and also the driest of the three. Good acidity if a trifle green at the end. Obviously Riesling. Pleasant stuff. A good
• Brand Pinot Gris 2012 (Cave de Turckheim) Blousy and too sweet and ripe for my taste. Obvious and easy.
• Brand Gewurztraminer 2012 (Cave de Turckheim) Again blousy. Just a touch of lychees distinguishing it from the Pinot Gris. A crowd pleasing style I'm sure.

---