Your top five 'lesser' wines

Richard Zambuni said:
Likewise - but I have kept some Vieux Télégraphe, but even then there's nothing younger than 2005 left now. It wasn't so much that my taste changed but rather that Châteauneuf-du-Pape itself changed quite dramatically from 2003 or thereabouts - more extraction, more (over) ripeness, more volatility, and more alcohol - none of which was advantageous and in combination fairly off-putting. Not only that, but disappointing experiences with Château de Beaucastel in particular only added fuel to the fire. I might drink one or two a year now.
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Cellartracker is useful here. I find that in the latter years of the 2000-2009 period I was drinking about 18 bottles of CNDP a year. Between 2010-20 it fell away to 2-3 bottles a year and since then has crept up slightly and may reach double figures this year.

Alongside it my consumption of Red Burgundy has declined, mainly as I’m buying much less and looking to preserve some of my existing stock. Other things take its place, not as a direct substitute, but as a redirection of interest.
 
Excellent thread drift team...

Top five is hard.

Baron de ley Rioja Reserva 1994 - 5 or 6 quid from unwins on high days and holidays when at university in Southampton. Lovely versatile stuff.
Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon bought in 1996/7 - when I like to think it was pretty good. Certainly with a large amount of Asda Mature cheddar - again at uni.
Chapoutier Rivesaltes 1974 (may in fact have been older) Half bottle bought in Franglais (now Oliviers Vins) in Calais in 2001 - the start of a real love of older wines
Lisini Brunello 1997 - now ludicrously expensive but bought in a sale for a snip - truly glorious and reminded me how much I like Sangiovese.
Pol roger vintage 1990 - Ok you may say this no longer an everyday or lesser wine, but back in 2002 it was about £30 on the shelf in sainsburys and an absolutely screaming bargain compared to any other vintage champagne or indeed a lot of NV which wasn't much cheaper.
 
Ian Hampsted said:
This is easier than listing top/best, most memorable/epiphanous

Ch Poujeaux 1997
Andre Perret St Joseph 2013, 14
Segni di Langa/Gianluca Colombo Langhe Nebbiolo, Pinot Nero and Pelaverga/Verduno, 2019 on - sadly no longer priced like lesser wines as they were
Riverby Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, 2023 vintage, yet to be released but based on barrel samples
Sharpham Dart Valley Reserve, 2022
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A good shout on the Riverby Chardonnay, I really do like it. I haven’t enjoyed the Pinot as much, but I will give it more age before I try another.
 
This is the lesser wines thread so it is based on memories that I have.

La Ina by the beach with almonds and olives on the Costa de la Luz.

Charles Heidsieck NV at lunch at the Ritz.

Kumeu Estate Chardonnay at my last Christmas dinner with my mother.

Various Chateau Palmers we used to have at Christmas in the 70s with my parents.

The Vega Sicilia i ordered by mistake at the Cypress Inn in Carmel. I was after something much cheaper.
 
This is a fun one… can’t give you vintages but can give you wines that have consistently blown me away for the money based on expectations:

Bodegas Villalobos, Carignan: amazing story for the vineyard and a quite beautiful wine that is so vintage specific.

La Uvas de La Ira; bodegas himanez-Landi; probably the first wine that every took my attention that wasn’t from Rioja or Ribera from Spain that made me go WOW!

Any Mollard based wine from Domaine Petit Aout; unknown, unheard of but making wine in the Alps with historic grapes. Took one to a less celebrated France wimps and it blew people away against some very prestigious wines albeit from less celebrated regions such as the Languedoc.

Roero of any vineyard from Fabrizio Battaglino, and Barbaresco from Enrique Nada; a reminder that Nebbiolo doesn’t have to be expensive, can still be enthralling and cheap so long as you do some digging and have helpful friends to show you the way to their cellar doors.

Verduno Pelaverga, Fratelli Alessandria or for that matter their very rare Friesa. Crisp, elegant and despite the rarity not expensive but so appealing. Just wish that J&B brought it in in greater quantity than they do (ie even for it not to be bought up only by the staff )
 
Ian Hampsted said:
This is easier than listing top/best, most memorable/epiphanous

Ch Poujeaux 1997
Andre Perret St Joseph 2013, 14
Segni di Langa/Gianluca Colombo Langhe Nebbiolo, Pinot Nero and Pelaverga/Verduno, 2019 on - sadly no longer priced like lesser wines as they were
Riverby Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, 2023 vintage, yet to be released but based on barrel samples
Sharpham Dart Valley Reserve, 2022
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Agree on the Poujeaux… and I’d say the 07 is in the same camp. They just seem to be sublime in poor BX vintages.
 
Stonyfell Metela Shiraz/Cabernet 1995. This is the wine that first got me hooked on wine. Suspect I wouldn’t like it anymore however, as I typically no longer enjoy Australian Shiraz.

Walnut Ridge Pinot Noir 1999. My wife and I held our wedding here (Martinborough, NZ) and this was one of the wines that was served that night. We had a bottle on a recent anniversary and was surprised at how well it was performing. I have one bottle left now. Sadly, the owner and winemaker, Bill Brink passed away a few years later and Pallister Estate now own the land.

1992 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon. Given to me by a student from Japan and had on Ko Chang Island, Thailand, New Years Eve 1999/2000.

Ch Bourgneuf 1990. I bought this at a supermarket in Normandy as I was keen to understand what all the fuss around Bordeaux was all about. Took it to a restaurant in Islington, London for my birthday and this was my Bordeaux ‘epiphany’ wine. Each sip became smaller and smaller as I didn’t want the bottle to end. I still enjoy Bourgneuf now, but that 1990 was something else.

GPL 1990. Just another stunning 1990.
 
Difficult to be sure as I don't bother keeping records but the following seem likely candidates:

McWilliams Mt Pleasant Elizabeth semillon 1983
Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra shiraz 1986
Ch. la Grave Trigant de Boisset 1985
Geyserville 1987
Henri Boillot Bourgogne blanc 2010.
 
1. A magnum of cheap, basic CUNE Rioja Crianza (2014 I think) that I'd had delivered to my inlaws farm and completely forgotten about - it was around 10 years old, had been stored upright in a warm cupboard - I had low expectations to start with (I don't even know why I bought it) and thought it would be over the hill, but it had morphed into something absolutely glorious.
2. Just about every cheap Cru Beaujolais I've ever bought from a French supermarket and drank from a plastic tumbler whilst camping in France.
3. 4 out of 5 bottles of Cuilleron Condrieu 2005 I bought in auction several years ago for well under £10 each. Drank at around 15 years old. Stunning wines at their peak (the other 1 was a bit oxidised).
4. Camille Giroud Santenay Rouge 2014 - the epitome of fragrant, textured Burgundy that I just did not expect and it had no right to be. Probably better than half the Cote D'Or Grand Crus and Premier Crus I've ever drunk.
5. A relatively recent purchase in an M&S clearance for about £10 per 75cl bottle - Chateau Filhot 2011 - easily the best vintage of this Chateau I've had, so much botrytis and good concentration. Punching.
 
Richard Ward said:
1. A magnum of cheap, basic CUNE Rioja Crianza (2014 I think) that I'd had delivered to my inlaws farm and completely forgotten about - it was around 10 years old, had been stored upright in a warm cupboard - I had low expectations to start with (I don't even know why I bought it) and thought it would be over the hill, but it had morphed into something absolutely glorious.
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It's not enormously unusual for absolutely terrible storage conditions to have extremely positive effects; something not much discussed!
 
Oh! For sure, the Domaine du Tunnel Roussanne. It has always given me so much enjoyment and I've now bought a couple of magnums to put away for a few years. About £30 I think.

I remember the old Oxford blind tasting crib sheet which basically said Roussanne was barely worth thinking about. I think that view has to be updated now and I have also had many other nice examples, particularly South African. Of course there is the Beaucastel offering, which is multiples of the price. :)

I have also drunk loads of the Waitrose own Champagnes. I think for the price, the blanc de noirs in particular is great. It's not the best champagne I've ever drunk by any means, but it is always received well when taken as a present and I'm always happy to drink it.

Plenty of other wines from Zind Humbrecht, Prum, VT, the coudoulet du Beaucastel blanc, all come to mind as well. Extremely enjoyable and no anxiety about if it's going to live up to the price tag. I find all of these are very approachable to less seasoned wine drinkers as a gateway to higher quality.
 
Ian Craig said:
Ch Bourgneuf 1990. I bought this at a supermarket in Normandy as I was keen to understand what all the fuss around Bordeaux was all about. Took it to a restaurant in Islington, London for my birthday and this was my Bordeaux ‘epiphany’ wine. Each sip became smaller and smaller as I didn’t want the bottle to end. I still enjoy Bourgneuf now, but that 1990 was something else.
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In 1997 we were dining in the Fairyhill hotel in the Gower peninsular, I had been reading wine pages fro about a year, had a Hugh Johnson guide in my pocket, and took a punt on Tinto Pesquera reserva( the 1990 IIRC) as it seemed good value. It was the first time the sommelier had a chat with me anywhere about a wine, it was a fab experience, and stuck in my mind ever since.

In 2001 we had a diner in the Cote de Beouf , Marseille, back then it had an encyclopedic list ( a whole page of english wines ) they had 1966 Pradeaux bandol for not very much. It was superb.

At an SA WIMPS I took a initial vintage bottle of Collumella 2001 a couple of years ago, again a fabulous bottle , drinking beautifully on the day. It had cost me something around £15 when I found it at the back of the bottle shop in Franschoek back in 2003.

Pierre Peters BdB NV champagne was a great fizz, back when TWS used to sell it at £34 a bottle :)

JP Gaussen 2001 Bandol rouge , drunk a few years ago with some venison at home,opened my eyes to how good these wines are. Available in back vintages from the producer, £25 buys you a silky, meaty bottle of gamey perfection.

Plus an extra -:) Ataraxia chardonnay , the inaugural vintage (2005?) drunk in the Codfather restaurant in Camps bay. It was the most expensive wine on the list (probably appx £20), and shades of Withnail, I ordered it, because the name was intriguing . It was truly eye opening wine.
 
Christopher Piper said:
Ian, this has been a firm favourite of ours down here in Devon, since we first purchased the 1970! The Vayrons are lovely people and based on the fact that they are neighbours of Trotanoy, their vineyards are in a great place! This was a half bottle of 2010 that was opened in the 'boardroom' this afternoon! Totally scrummy!
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Nice one. I haven't had the 2010 but can imagine it would be drinking beautifully.

I enjoyed that 1990 so much that I kept the bottle!

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OK, I'll play. These have been chosen because each bottle massively outperformed on the day, rather than for any non-wine associations, but they were all so good that I can remember exactly where I had them, and who with.

NV Veuve Fourny & Fils Champagne Premier Cru Extra Brut Cuvée "R": bought randomly from Vin Cognito and brought to a dinner party, this turned out to be so toasty and sophisticated that it stopped everyone in their tracks. Wonderful.

2004 Alain Hudelot-Noëllat Chambolle-Musigny: on my first visit to 67PM a somm suggested I take a glass of this rather than the Grivot I'd requested, as it was drinking well, and holy crap they were right. 'Just' a village wine from an unpopular vintage, but one of the most gloriously aromatic noses I've ever smelled.

2007 Château de Montfaucon Côtes du Rhône Baron Louis: on tasting at a TWS walkaround right before lockdown, and obviously 'in the zone' so I bought a bottle, which again had such a wonderful sense of leathery maturity. Luckily then managed to buy a six-pack for something outrageously good value like £90, although sadly they were never quite as good again - but can hardly complain.

2015 Gunderloch Riesling "Als wär's ein Stück von mir": the first dry Riesling that I really 'got' - tropical fruit, mineral smoke, a moreish whiplash of salty lime. I was hooked!

2017 Vie di Romans Pinot Grigio Dessimis: a ramato that was recommended by my former AM at L&W, and opened after a hot day's hiking. Turned out to be an addictively herbal and tangy coppery delight.

2018 Savage Wines Chenin Blanc Not Tonight Josephine Straw Wine: drunk on the terrace at La T with some other forumites, just before Christmas 2020, this was tropically ambrosial. I have no idea how something made from grapes could taste like this!

(just realised that's six rather than five, sorry)
 
Adding mine as the perspective of a relative newcomer to the wine collection game (just under 5 years). These were all "gateway" wines that spurred me to explore the region or appellation.

Domaine Leflaive Bourgogne Blanc, 2004: the first breath of the Burg dragon, at a restaurant in Bank with other city yuppies as we were (£50 off the menu). The combination of struck match, generous body and lean citrusy fruit tuned out all surrounding conversation, and has been my catnip ever since. I would probably be a few quid richer and healthier had I never tried this, but would I have been happier?

Poggio di Sotto, Brunello di Montalcino, 2009: served to us by a Legal Director in a paper cup during a late night in the office. Still my most vivid experience of red wine: wild strawberry, mocha, iron and classic Sangiovese leather armchair. Looked up the price when I got home and understood this would be a one-off experience.

Chateau Malescot Saint Exupery, Margaux, 1995: a wedding gift by a fellow forumite, opened during lockdown on its 25th birthday. My first understanding of the stories a wine could tell given bottle age.

Produttori del Barbaresco, Rabaja, 2014: a magnum of this, brought by a guest to of all things, a 5 year olds' pool party. The host unceremoniously dumped it on a table in the broiling sun, where it was turning to high-alcohol confiture with every passing minute. Eventually I could take no more and opened it myself, to the host's visible annoyance (those who commit enocide lose their rights). Drank from yet another cardboard cup (with Elsa from Disney's Frozen on it). Only had 8 years of age but very open, haunting smoked roses nose, and a finish that lasted almost a minute. I still regret not sloping off with the rest of it to my car.

Michel Sarrazin et fils, Givry Les Dracy, 2019: a humble Cote Chalonnaise producer and wine, and I've had more refined Burgundy reds since. Yet all the elements I since love (red fruit, baking spice, Turkish delight, sousbois, impeccable balance) started here. We still buy these every year.

Philipponnat, Royal Reserve NV: a miserable lockdown Christmas in Rome with two bored little children. The context may have contributed to my estimation (desperation ) but served with baked sea bass filled with olive tagasche, the Philipponnat vim and zip shone. Penny dropped that Champagne was incredibly food versatile and that I buy too much red wine.

Sorry I also cheated and did six.
 
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