Southwold wines

The L'Hermitage de Chasse Spleen was the last of the case I think. It may well be my first serious attempt to by good claret by the case. For the first few years it was stored in atrocious conditions (upright, in wildly fluctuating temperatures). At least one bottle had it's cork protruding which didn't bode well. I recall many of these bottles being somewhat thin but this was a cracker. Very smooth, harmonious. Lacking the power of a high end claret but still enough fruit to do it justice.

The Julienas (Adnams) was incredibly good value at £10. Really juicy, light and refreshing.

The Sesti was the reason why I first came into contact with Adnams. It was part of a mixed case put together by The Bunch and released by The Telegraph. Earthy, deep savoury edge to it. I know nothing of the grape or the region. Still can't decide how I feel about Italian reds. All too often they seem rather ragged/rustic yet the price tags don't reflect this.

I was too far gone to recall anything useful about the Rioja. Pity, I think MH paid a fair whack for it.

Baron de Ley Rioja 7 Vinas Reserva 2004

Here's what Decanter had to say about it:

Very expressive on the nose with aromas of sweet black berry fruit and spice. The palate is full-bodied and has concentration but is well integrated with the structure and acidity; well-integrated spicy oak on the finish. Modern style but very stylish wine.

Can't say I agree with this at all. I bought this out of nostalgia more than anything else. It was perfectly pleasant but again confirms my concerns for the complexity of high end Riojas. At £18 (Tesco) I feel confident that it could be slapped down fairly severely by an equivalent priced Claret. No real feeling that this wine was trying to do anything other that be smooth.