Huge blind tasting, with impressive wines on the list!

2019 Château Cheval Blanc

Ruby. Red berries, anise, spices, dark fruits, blackberries and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, spices, blackberries, somewhat firmer, long. 97 

2019 Monteverro Toscana

Ruby. Scented, dark fruits, blackberries, vanilla and spices, dark fruits nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, blackberries, detailed, nuanced, juicy, spices, vanilla, long. 93

 

2019 Eisele Vineyard Napa Valley

Ruby. Blackberries, cassis, dark fruits, liquorice, light herbal touch far back on the nose. Fresh acidity, rioe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, spices, nuanced, juicy, firmer, long.  94

 

2021 Henschke Hill of Grace

Ruby. Blackberries, cassis, dark fruits, liquorice, layered, nuanced, intense, some minty notes and eucalyptus.Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, detailed, dark fruits, liquorice, nuanced and long, bit high alcohol. 95

 

2018 Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero

Bright ruby. Red berries, strawberries, nuanced, some liquorice and cherries nose, lifted. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, structured, red berries, detailed, nuanced, firm finish. 94

 

2020 Penfolds Grange

Deep ruby. Dark fruits, spices, liquorice, vanilla, liquorice, richer nose. Lush. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, blackberries, spices, firmer, long. 96

 

2018 Gaja Barolo Sperss

Bright ruby, garnet rim. Cherries, anise, spices, liquorice, fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cherries, liquorice, spices, nunaced, firmer, detailed, long.  96

 

2021 Dominus Napa Valley

Ruby. Coffee, vanilla, dark fruits, rich, detailed, intense, fruit forward, big nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, rich and intense, sweet, ripe, rich and intense, really long.  97

 

2020 Château Valandraud

Ruby. Dark fruits, blackberries, anise, spices, fruit forward, dark fruits, coffee and smoky notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, firmer, intense, nuanced, layered, spices, long. 96

 

2020 Château Lafite Rothschild

Ruby. Scented, detailed, nuanced, dark fruits, liquorice, layered, bright and elegant, cigars touch. Lifted.  Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, anise, spices, detailed, minerals, nuanced, firmer, stunning, long.  98

 

2021 Niepoort Charme

Bright ruby. Red berries, some blueberries, lighter nose, nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, fruit forward, elegant texture, quite bright. Long. 92

 

2016 Gaja Barbaresco Costa Russi

Bright ruby. Red berries, anise, cherries, spices, nuanced and bright nose, lifted.liquorice. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, anise, cherries, nuanced, long finish. 94

 

2020 Torbreck Runrig

Deep ruby. Eucalyptus, dark fruits, liquorice, rich and intense, fruit forward nose, vanilla, rich and dense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, rich, dense, spices, blackberries, nuanced, intense, spices, layered, long. 95

 

2018 Bond Quella

Ruby. Blackberries, anise, dark fruits, nuanced, scented, detailed and elegant. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red fruits, spices, vanilla, nuanced, long finish. 95

 

2022 Sassicaia

Ruby. Dark fruits, anise, spices, liquorice, blackberries, spices, some coffee notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, quite lively, structured, fruit driven, nuanced, leaner finish. 95

 

2021 Blankiet Napa Valley

Ruby. Dark fruits, blackberries, anise, cassis, nuanced, intense nose, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, layered, nuanced, spices, intense, firm and long. 95

 

2020 Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Ruby. Dark fruits, blackberries, spices, nuanced, liquorice, not that dense, alcohol shines through. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red and dark fruits, blackberries, anise, spices, herbs, long. 95

 

2018 Caymus Special Selection Napa Valley

Ruby. Vanilla, dark fruits, liquorice, spices, black fruits, rich and intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, anise, spices, dark fruits, rich, intense, vanilla, layered, nuanced and long. 96

 

2021 Jim Barry Clarevale

Ruby. Liquorice, vanilla, dark fruits, ripe and intense nose, layered.Intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, spices, rich, sweet liquorice, detailed, long.  94

 

2019 Torre Muga

Ruby. Dark fruits, liquorice, nuanced, detailed, blackberries, lifted, somewhat richer nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, detailed, juicy, nuanced, elegant, bright, layered and long. Beautiful energy to it. 97

 

2019 Screaming Eagle

Ruby. Scented, dark fruits, blackberries, nuanced, layered, fruit forward, intense nose, minty and some rosemary. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, layered, nuanced, detailed, vanilla, intense, gorgeous length. Long.  99

 

2020 Harlan Promontory

Ruby. Dark fruits, anise, spices, liquorice, some herbal notes, blueberries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, red berries, anise, dark fruits, some liquorice, leaner finish. 93

 

2018 Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Hunter Valley Syrah

Ruby. Dark fruits, some spices, liquorice, intense, fruit driven, eucalyptus, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, layered, juicy, intense, spicy, refined, some iron minerality, layered, long.  93

 

2020 Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Mouline

Ruby. Dark fruits, anise, spices, liquorice, fruit forward nose, detailed, vanilla, minerals nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red fruits, anise, vanilla, spices, blackberries, layered, detailed, intense, smoky and long. 96

 

2022 Dana Lotus Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Ruby. Blackberries, anise, spices, vanilla, dark fruits, rich. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, rich, anise, spices, dark fruits, layered and rich, long. 95

 

2019 Masetto

Ruby. Scented, dark fruits, blackberries, anise, nuanced, lifted and scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red and and dark fruits, nuanced, juicy, bright, elegant. 94

 

2021 Bryant Family Napa Valley

Ruby. Blackberries, nuanced, dark fruits, liquorice, spices, rich and fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, spices, blackberries, rich, fruit forward, long. 95

Some beautiful whites, and a new discovery for me, Dana

 2018 Robert Weil Kiedricher Grâfenberg Riesling GG

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some spices, pears, fruit forward nose, nuanced, floral with a touch of petroleum.Fresh acidity, apples, rounded, elegant and nuanced, juicy, lovely acidity playfulness with a creamy texture. Long. 95

 

2022 Pikes The Merle Riesling Clare Valley

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some floral notes, leaner nose, tighter. Fresh acidity, apples, lemons, some spices, detailed, bright and refreshing, long. 96

 

2022 Niepoort Redoma Branco

Pale lemon yellow. Spicy, apples, peach, fruit forward nose, nuanced. Medium acidity, rounded, fruit forward, juicy, saline, minerals, honey notes, long. 94

 

2019 Weingut Knoll Loibner Grûner Veltliner VinothekfullungSmaragd

Pale lemon yellow. Floral, yellow fruits, some spices nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, fruit forward, juicy, elegant texture, lovely length. Quite dense. 95

 

2022 Château Smith Haut Lafitte blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Grapefruits, passion fruit, detailed, nuanced, layered, intense nose. Fresh acidity, detailed, apricots, passion fruit, tropical, creamy, long. 93

 

2019 Yalumba The Virgilius Eden Valley Viognier

Pale lemon yellow. Smoky, fruit forward, yelloow fruits, pears nose. Fresh acidity, apples, rounded, spices, some faint fruit stone bitterness, rounded texture, long. 92

 

2018 Brokenwood ILR Reserve Hunter Valley Semillon

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some citrus, subdued nose, rubbery notes nose. Rounded, smoky, leaner, lacks concentration, some bitterness, bit short. 89

 

2019 Monteverro Chardonnay

Pale lemon yellow. Vanilla, spices, fruit forward, spices, quite intense nose, smoky. Fresh acidity, rounded, apples, creamy, spicy, vanilla, good length. 90

 

2019 Guigal Hermitage Ex Voto

Towards golden. Vanilla, spices, lots of vanilla and spices nose, smoky, buttery. Fresh acidity, rounded, creamy, apples, smoky, touch bitter, very creamy, long. 91

 

2020 Gaja Gaia & Rey

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some peach, fruit forward nose, if somewhat anonymous. Leaner palate, apples, elegant texture, leaner finish. 91

 

2019 Dana Hersey Vineyard Howell Mountain Sauvignon Blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Apparently only some 90 cases made. I got it blind, absolutely loved it, and have never even heard of it. Apples, lemons, nuanced, fruit forward, citrus and lemons nose. Fresh acidity, apples, lemons, saline, detailed, nuanced, bright, nuanced, long, gorgeous. 98

 

2019 Eisele Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Pale lemon yellow. Spices, apples, nuanced, citrus, detailed, intense, fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, apples, lemons, detailed, nuanced, elegant, layered, citrsu and refreshing, long. 96

Dinner with friends, including Salon, Lafite and Petrus

 

2012 Salon

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus, detailed, refined, chalky, bright and almost caressing nose. Fresh acidity, elegant, smooth, superbly rounded and refined texture, mouthwatering, gorgeous. Long. 97 

2005 Pommery Les Clos Pompadour

Straw yellow. Apples, minerals, nuanced, chalky, detailed, very light brioche note nose. Fresh acidity, refreshing, detailed, some smoky notes, some somewhat coarser bubbles, long. 93

 

2005 Pommery Les Clos Pompadour

Straw yellow. Minerals, sea front, apples, brioche, nuanced nose, more refined than the other magnum next to it. Fresh acidity, bright and detailed, elegant and nuanced, same with the palate, younger, fresher, more refined.  95

 

1978 Château Lafite Rothschild

Ruby, garnet rim. Tobacco, figs, detailed, nuanced, some minty notes nose, deeper than expected.  Fresh acidity, ripe tannins getting softer, and the nose definitely wines, leaner palate, anise, spices, liquorice, leaner bodied, spices, long. It gets an extra point or two because I really like that nose. 90

 

1962 Petrus

Ruby with brick rim. Truffles, dates, figs, chocolate, detailed and layered nose, fully mature nose. Fresh acidity, the tannins that are left is silky and elegant, gorgeous smoothness on the palate, chocolate, minty notes again, truffles, dates and figs, long finish. Touch of iron minerality.  95

 

1989 Château Cheval Blanc

Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, dark fruits, blackberries, detailed and layered nose, intense, complex, tonacco notes, wonderful nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, detailed, juicy, figs, dark fruits, sweet and nuanced, layered and long.  96

 

1998 Château d'Yquem

Golden. Apricots, peach, rich, layered, intense and dense and complex, lovely. Fresh acidity, detailed, intense, apricots, peach, gorgeous texture, bright and refreshing with a gentle creaminess.  96

Top wine moments in 2025

Below are my top wine moments of 2025, and except for the first two, in no particular order. 

-Tasting the 1961 Latour (next to the 1945). The 1961 Latour has been on my top 3 list for some 20 years! Finally and unexpectedly the stars aligned. 

-Tasting the 1947 Cheval Blanc together with the 1961, 1989 and 2019. Also on my top 3 list, and again, finally the stars aligned. Maybe 2026 will be the year when the first on the list will be ticked off? The 1945 Mouton Rothschild. 

-Tasting the 1943 and 1962 Pichon Baron together with Christian Seely, at Pichon Baron. 

-Stunning 1927 and 1947 ports from Niepoort, enjoyed with Dirk Niepoort! 

-Enjoying the 1966 and 2015 Barca Velha with Luis Sottomayor in Oslo

-Dinner in Bordeaux with 1955 Montrose, Chasse Spleen, Poujeaux, 1945 Domaine de Chevalier, 1935 Latour-Martillac, 1975 Latour, 1985 Lafite, 1995 Mouton, finishing off with 1975 Fargues and 1955 Doisy Daëne, and even more wonderful bottles! 

-Krug 1959 and 1961 side by side

-Dom Perignon 1949 and 1961

-Tasting the best red 1979 (my vintage) I have ever had, at Haut-Bailly, together with a gorgeous 1989, with the always wonderfully charming Veronique Sanders

-1955 Roederer Cristal and 1966 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, nearly side by side. 

-Sharing a wonderful 1958 Doisy Daëne with friends at Doisy Daëne after a wonderful lunch with Jean Jacques Dubourdieu.

-Tasting Château Laroze all the way back to 1953, with owner Guy Meslin and his wife, some of them they had never tasted before! 

-1978 and 1990 Penfolds Grange side by side, with a 1998 Grange just weeks before and the 2020 and 2021 within weeks as well. 

-Tasting the wonderful 1979 Château Gilette at a lunch with Dany Rolland. 

-Tasting Villa Capezzana back to 1925, with the family, in Florence.

-Boscarelli Il Noccio vertical tasting back to 1991, with the family, in Montepulciano.

-Having three bottles of Screaming Eagle in two days! 

-Two old Petrus, the 1962 and 1959.

-Lunch with Miloute, Francois and Henri Mitjaville, sharing 1985, 1982 and 1979 Tertre Roteboeuf. 

-1990 Paul Jaboulet Aine Hermitage La Chapelle.

-Driving my first ever Ferrari before a wine evening with friends! 

-A perfect 1961 Château Palmer.

-Discovering Sicily on my second only wine trip to this gorgeous island! Fantastic week of many new discoveries! 

-Big vertical tasting of Château Fontenil, confirming Fronsac’s greatness.

-1967 Château Liot, wow, unexpected and incredible wine moment! And my first visit to this estate in Sauternes!

-Every vintage of Brane-Cantenac back to 1992 at the 100 years celebration of the Lurton family as owners. Unfortunately I did not have the time for the lunch, which I heard was magical, where 1961, 1959, 1947, 1945 and 1928 were all shared. But from the list above, it is difficult to feel sorry for oneself even when missing out on such legendary vintages from this venerable estate. 

2025, you have been fantastic! And there are so many more incredible moments than these! 

Thank you all for letting me do this! 

And thank you all for taking part in this adventure! 

4 from Yquem

 

2022 Château d'Yquem

Golden. Apricots, peach, pineapples, nuanced, fruit forward, detailed, nuanced, detailed, bright nose, floral.Fresh acidity, peach, pineapples, nuanced, detailed, bright, detailed, intense, creamy, very elegant texture, refreshing and intense, yet not the deepest and most concentrated Yquem made. Gorgeous purity and lovely tension. Second highest sugar level ever on Yquem at 160 grams, 1945 has 165 and is the highest level ever. 96

 

2016 Château d´Yquem

Golden. Golden, detailed, bright, peach, apricots, detailed, fruit forward, layered, some vanilla, stunning nose. Floral. Fresh acidity, fruit forward, detailed, intense, liquorice, nuanced, intense, rich, touch of orange blossoms, superb finish. Creamy and superb balance. 96

 

2010 Château d´Yquem

Golden. Peach, apricots, nuanced, pineapples, detailed, some grilled pineapples, touch of cinnamon notes nose. Fresh acidity, rich, detailed, creamy, some caramel, layered, nuanced, intense, spices, touch of creme brulée, superb length. 98

 

2022 Y de Yquem

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some peach, fruit forward, nuanced, touch of almonds, elegant nose, bit firmer. Fresh acidity, fruit driven, nuanced, apples, peach, minerals, detailed, elegant texture, long finish. Has a new found salinity for me. 93

Further 6 from Pichon Baron

2019 Les Tourelles de Longueville

Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, anise, dark fruits, liquorice, nuanced nose, detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, anise, spices, firmer, nuanced, long. 90

 

2019 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron

Ruby. Cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, anise, liquorice, fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, nuanced, detailed and long. 92

 

2019 Château Pichon Longueville Baron

Ruby. Cassis, blackberries, blueberries, anise, detailed and scented, vanilla, layered and deep. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, detailed, layered, nuanced, intense, spices, juicy, intense and long. 98

 

2018 Château Pichon Longueville Baron

Ruby. Blackberries, plums, cassis, dark fruits, liquorice, vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, anise, liquorice, fruit forward, layered, long. 95

 

2017 Château Pichon Longueville Baron

Ruby. Vanilla, spices, blackberries, dark fruits and cassis notes nose, some herbs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, dark fruits, anise, liquorice, spices, nuanced, leaner, long. 94

 

2022 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron Blanc

Pale lemon yellow. 844 bottles made, first vintage, only available through the shop at the estate. Apples, peach, scented, some vanilla notes, nuanced and detailed nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, peach, apples, rounded, elegant texture, nuanced, touch of bitterness in the finish. Long. 91

2015 Angelus tasted, and more

2015 Carillon d'Angelus

Ruby. Scented, blackberries, dark fruits, nuanced, fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, anise, spices, minerals, fruit forward, somewhat leaner than last botle, long. 92

 

2015 Château Angelus

Ruby. Scented, blackberries, floral, nuanced, detailed, lifted and bright nose, some vanilla and spices, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, red and dark fruits, nuanced, detailed, energetic, minerals, layered, long finish, a beauty. 96

 

2018 Château Lamothe-Bergeron

Ruby. Blackberries, anise, spices, vanilla nose, lighter. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, vanilla, spices, lacks some lift, fairly juicy, good length. 88

 

2022 Albert Bichot Pouilly-Fuisse

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, pears, lighter nose, leaner. Fresh acidity, rounded, fruit forward, easy going, good length. 86

 

2018 Le C de Carmes Haut-Brion

Ruby. Blackberries, dark fruits, blueberries, nuanced, some herb notes nose. Medium acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, anise, some herbs, leaner bodied, liquorice, long. Somewhat lazy. 90

 

2017 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion

Ruby. Scented, blackberries, dark fruits, anise, liquorice, lifted, detailed nose, nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, dark fruits, anise, spices, liquorice, detailed, quite energetic, lighter bodied but long finish. 95

 

2016 Château Chasse-Spleen

 Corked.

 

2016 Château Chasse-Spleen

Ruby. Cassis, some vanilla and spices, blueberries, somewhat scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blueberries, fruit forward, quite lively and playful, long. 91

 

2016 Pavillon de Léoville Poyferré 

Ruby. Cassis, blackberries, juicy, dark fruits, nuanced, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, anise, spices, liquorice, long. 91

 

2019 Château Gruaud Larose

Ruby. Cassis, blackberrie,s vanilla, spices, fruit forward, tight but opened up nicely with air. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, layered, nuanced, quite intense, firm, long. 95

 

1980 Mas Amiel

Ruby core, broad brick rim. Dates, dried fruits, figs, nuanced, detailed, scented nose, quite intense. Fresh acidity, dried fruits, anise, nuanced, raisins, figs, dates, detailed and layered, long. 93

 

2022 Faiveley Puligny-Montrachet

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some citrus, pears and vanilla notes nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, fruit forward, full bodied for Puligny, and a bit on the lazy side. 87

 

2016 Ruinart Millesime 

Pale lemon yellow. Light nose of chalk, minerals, citrus, some brioche, tighter. Fresh acidity, lively, refreshing, leaner, fruit forward, tight, leaner, narrower, long. 89

Several tastings and dinners

2017 Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Ruby. Blackberries, blueberries, some vanilla and spices, fruit forward and nuanced nose, scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, juicy, dark fruits, juicy, spices, detailed, blackberries, touch of cherries, liquorice, long. 95 

2017 Château Haut-Brion

Ruby. Scented, blackberries, dark fruits, liquorice, deeper nose, cassis, blueberries, lifted and detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, detailed and fruit forward, minerals, layered, intense, nuanced, detailed, long. 96

 

2019 Brio de Cantenac Brown

Ruby. Blackberries, anise, dark fruits, blueberries notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, anise, liquorice, juicy, good length. 89

 

2015 Château Cantenac Brown

Ruby. Scented, dark fruits, anise, spices, liquorice, fruit forward nose, nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, cassis, blackberries, juicy, leaner bodied, elegant texture, long. 94

 

2023 Alto de Cantenac Brown

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, lemons, citrus, some minerals, some grapefruits notes nose. Fresh acidity, apples, citrus, lemons, fruit forward, elegant texture, some citrusyy notes in the finish, lovely freshness. Saline. Really charming. 90

 

2019 Les Tourelles de Longueville

Ruby. Blueberries, anise, dark fruits, fruit forward nose, nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blackberries, detailed, nuanced, juicy, elegant texture, long. 90

 

2019 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron

Ruby. Scented, blackberries, dark fruits, nuanced, fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, detailed, dark fruits, liquorice, fairly intense, long. 93

 

2019 Château Pichon Longueville Baron

Ruby. Cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, liquorice, detailed, nuanced, fruit driven nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, layered, nuanced, intense, juicy, intense, fruit forward, long. 97

 

2018 Château Pichon Longueville Baron

Ruby. Cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, nuanced, liquorice nose, vanilla. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, juicy, dark fruits, liquorice, spices, minerals, nuanced, much more open than the bottle a week ago. 96

 

2017 Château Pichon Longueville Baron

Ruby. Cassis, blackberries, nuanced, dark fruits, liquorice, fruit forward, lifted. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, liquorice, spices, juicy, blackberries, cassis, blueberries, juicy, nuanced, long. 94

 

2022 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron Blanc

Pale lemon yellow. 844 bottles made. Apples, some citrus, fruit forward, nuanced nose, grapefruits, some vanilla notes nose. Fresh acidity, apples, rounded, fruit driven, juicy, some peach, rounded, lovely, long. 90

 

2012 Sarget de Gruaud Larose 

Ruby. Scented, blackberries, cassis, starting figs, fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, anise, liquorice, long if narrower finish. 90

 

2014 Château Gruaud Larose

Ruby. Cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, anise, spices, liquorice, some herbs notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, nuanced, juicy, long finish. Vanilla and starting dates notes. 93

 

2005 Château Gruaud Larose

Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, dark fruits, anise, liquorice, fruit forward, minty notes, some iron notes nose.Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, figs, plums, dark fruits, nuanced and detailed, firm, tight and long. 95

 

2012 Château Laroze

Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, some dates, fruit forward nose, touch of chocolate and floral notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, anise, blackberries, blueberries, dark fruits, juicy, refreshing, long. 91

 

2016 Château Laroze

Ruby. Floral, blackberries, anise, minerals, nuanced, cassis, refined and detailed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, liquorice, juicy, layered, minerals, intense, lovely stuff, long. 93

 

2009 Château Laroze

Ruby. Scented, tobacco, dates, figs, blackberries, blueberries, floral, layered and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, nuanced, layered, detailed and long. 93

 

2019 Château Laroze

Ruby. Cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, anise, liquorice, fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, dark fruits, liquorice, spices, nuanced, juicy, long. Lovely energy beneath. 93

 

1996 Château Canon-La-Gaffelirere

Ruby, brick rim. Dates, figs, blackberries, cassis, scented, nuanced, floral and lifted nose, highly seductiveFresh acidity, soft tannins, detailed, nuanced, figs, dates, nuanced, so smooth and rounded, drinking absolutely superbly nowm long. 95

 

2006 Château Haut-Marbuzet

Ruby. Cassis, blackberries, nuanced, scented, blackberries, detailed, tobacco notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blueberries, anise, figs, maturing nicely, long finish. 93

 

2019 Taupenot-Merme Morey-Saint-Denis

Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, nuanced, spices, exotic, detailed, some smoky notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, dark fruits, liquorice, detailed, long. 90

 

2018 Ponsot Saint-Romain Cuvée de la Mésange

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, peach, grilled leamons, pears and spices nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, fruit forward, peach, grilles citrus, fruit driven, long. 89

 

2017 Ponsot Saint-Romain Cuvée de la Mésange

Pale lemon yellow. Detailed, apples, citrus, fruit driven, nuanced, bright and detailed nose. Fresh acidity, detailed, bright, citrus, minerals, nuanced, so different to the 2018 next to it, long. 90

 

2001 Château Guiraud

Golden. Rich, apricots, peach, creme brulée, grilled pineapples, layered and nuanced, complex, stunning.Fresh acidity, intense, layered, detailed, rich, creamy, powerful, juicy, superb length. 97

 

2008 Charles Heidsieck Rosé Millesime

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus, fruit forward, brioche, nuanced, lifted asnd detailed, bright. Fresh acidity, minerals, detailed, nuanced, layered, detailed, bright and nuanced, long 93

 

2006 Charles Heidsieck Rosé Millesime

Towards lemon yellow Apples, nuts, some forest floor, detailed, yellow fruits, maturing nose. Fresh acidity, peach, apples, some citrus, nuanced, detailed, elegant, rounded, long. 91

 

2004 Château Branaire Ducru

Ruby, thin brick rim. Dates, figs, anise, nuanced, tobacco, blackberries nose, but quite firm and tight. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dried fruits, cassis, nuanced, firm and tight, some herbs, long. 91

 

2006 Château Phélan Ségur

Ruby, thin brick rim. Scented, lifted, dates, figs, some tobacco, quite seductive maturing Left bank nose.Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, figs, dates, nuanced, layered, detailed, just lovely at this stage. 93

 

2006 Château Phélan Ségur

Ruby, thin brick rim. Scented, lifted, even somewhat more seductive than last bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, dates, figs, nuanced, layered, bright, seductive, a beauty now. 93

 

2006 Fontaine-Gagnard Chassagne-Montrachet

Bright ruby, brick rim. Dates, figs, nuanced, layered, sous bois, earthy, nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, tannins more or less gone, smooth, detailed, rounded, lovely balance, long. 90

 

2016 Georges Noellat Nuits-Saint-Georges

Bright ruby. Scented, spices, exotic spices, red berries, detailed nose, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, strawberries, exotic spices, juicy, lovely balance, long. 90

 

2017 Altanza Reserva

Ruby. Red berries, anise, some spices, fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, anise, juicy, good length. 88

 

2015 Altanza Gran Reserva

Ruby. Scented, figs, red berries, some vanilla and spices, fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, anise, spices, juicy, dates, long finish. 90

 

2021 Cartuxa Monte de Pinheiros

Ruby. Red berries, anise, spices, some scented notes, fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, red berries, some spices, liquorice, leaner finish, good length. 88

 

2018 Julio Bastos Dona Maria Touriga Nacional Petit Verdot

Ruby. Blackberries, anise, some herbs, fruit forward nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, some minty notes, garrigue, fruit forward good length. 89

 

2019 Julio Bastos Dona Maria Touroga Nacional Reserva

Ruby. Blackberries, dark fruits, anise, some spices and herbs nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, anise, spices, juicy, long. 90

 

2019 Julio Bastos Dona Maria Amantis

Ruby. Blackberries, dark fruits, some vanilla and spices nose, some minty notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, anise, dark fruits, some spices, long. 91

 

2018 Julio Bastos Dona Maria Grande Reserva

Ruby. Blackberries, anise, dark fruits, spices, vanilla nose, fruit forward. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blackberries, anise, dark fruits, intense, spices, richer, long. Firmer finish. 93

 

2020 Cartuxa Tinto Colheita

Ruby. Blueberries, anise, dark fruits, some spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, juicy, blackberries, fruit forward, nuanced, long. 92

 

2022 Cartuxa Branco Colheita

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some citrus, minerals, detailed nose, chalky notes. Fresh acidity, rounded, smoother, some saline notes, fruit forward, elegant texture, good length. 89

 

2022 Cartuxa Monte de Pinheiros

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, lemons, some citrus and light floral note nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, elegant texture, lighter bodied, fruit forward good length. 88

 

2022 Julio Bastos Dona Maria Amantis Reserva Branco

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some light citrus notes leaner nose. Fresh acidity, apples, some grapefruits, nuanced, lively, refreshing, good length. 89

 

 Jeeper Blanc de Blanc Brut Grande Reserve

Pale lemon yellow. Brioche, apples, some spices, yeasty notes nose. Fresh acidity, apples, rounded, brioche, fruit forward, long finish. 90

 

 Jeeper Blanc de Noir Brut

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some citrus, fruit forward nose, faintly floral. Fresh acidity, apples, rounded, refreshing, some yellow fruits, brioche, long. 90

 

 Jeeper Premier Cru Grand Asemblage Brut

Pale lemon yellow. Rounded, brioche, some nuts and apples nose. Fresh acidity, apples, some citrus, nuanced, juicy, refreshing, long. 91

 

2023 Birichino St.Georges Pinot Noir

Bright ruby. Scented, bright, nuanced nose, lifted and detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, anise, juicy, refreshing, long. 90

 

2014 Faustino 1 Gran Reserva

Ruby. Rimeiro T. Blackberries, anise, spices, fruit driven nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, juicy, red and darker fruits, blackberries, my first T, a gentler Rimeiro seemingly. 90

 

2022 Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto

Ruby. Blackberries, anise, spices, vanilla, dark fruits and liquorice nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, anise, spices, leaner, good length. 89

 

2018 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino

Bright ruby- Scented, red berries, nuanced, fruit forward, bright nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, anise, juicy, bright, detailed, lovely fruit, long. 92

 

2019 Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino

Bright ruby. Red berries, anise, some blackberries nose, fruit forward. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, fruit forward, long finish. 90

 

2021 Castello di Bolgheri Bolgheri Supperiore

Ruby. Cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, anise and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blackberries, fruit driven, spices, long. 91

 

2020 Veganzones 912 de Altitude Dos Meses

Ruby. Blackberries, anise, dark fruits, liquorice, bit leaner nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, dark fruits, anise, spices, good length. 89

 

2019 Carchelo Altico Syrah

Ruby. Blackberries, dark fruits, anise, liquorice nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, liquorice, long. Quite juicy. 90

 

2021 Olarra Cerro Anon Crianza

Ruby. Blackberries, anise, dark fruits, leaner nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, leaner finish, juicy. 87

 

2018 Olarra Cerro Anon Reserva

Ruby. Blackberries, anise, dark fruits, some spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, vanilla, spices, dark fruits, blackberries, good length. 89

 

2023 Château du Val de Mercy Chablis 1er cru Côte de Jouan

Pale lemon yellow. Light nose, apples, chalky, some floral notes nose. Fresh acidity, apples, lemons, minerals, good length. 88

 

2022 Veganzones 912 de Altitude Verdejo Sobre Lias

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, some citrus, light minerals notes nose. Fresh acidity, apples, saline notes, chalky, fruit forward, elegant and detailed, long. 90

 

2019 Faustino 1 Gran Reserva Blanco

Pale lemon yellow. Apples, almonds, fruit, driven, nuanced, ligher nose. Fresh acidity, rounded, vanilla, smoky, white fruits, detailed, fairly creamy, long. 90

 

2019 Poggiotondo Brunello di Montalcino

Ruby. Scented, red berries, anise, spices, lighter nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, anise, spices, lighter bodied, long. 90

 

2017 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino

Bright ruby. Scented, red berries, fruit forward niuanced nose, ripe. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blackberries, liquorice, fruit forward, nuanced, riper and richer, long. 91

 

2019 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino

Bright ruby. Scented, cherries, fruit driven, nuanced nose, detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cherries, liquorice, nice concentration, detailed, nuanced, long. 93

 

2020 Castelvecchio Chianti Classico Riserva Gran Selezione La Prima

Bright ruby. Cherries, anise, some spices, liquorice, ruit forward if leaner nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries, liquorice, textured, nuanced, long. 90

 

2020 Castellovecchio Ripa delle More

Ruby. Cassis, blackberries, morellos, liquorice and cherries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blackberries, dark fruits, vanilla, chocolate and coffee, long. 92