In a memorable Champagne tasting in Paris at my friends house, the lineup highlighted the brilliant diversity of Champagne’s top houses and prestigious terroirs. Krug stood out with its electric, tightly wound 2009 Clos du Mesnil and the voluptuous, approachable 2006 Clos d’Ambonnay. Philipponnat showcased exceptional depth and tension, particularly through its single-vineyard expressions like the intense 2014 Le Léon Aÿ and the powerful 2015 Clos des Goisses Juste Rosé.

Louis Roederer presented a remarkable study in elegance with the deep, multi-dimensional 2004 Cristal Vinothèque and the energetic, perfume-like 2018 Cristal. Laurent-Perrier displayed its masterful blending art with the vibrant, multi-vintage Grand Siècle releases, while Billecart-Salmon’s 2012 Nicolas François impressed with its rich texture and lively saline finish. Across all cuvées, precision, mineral drive, and impressive longevity defined the tasting.

Superb DRC La Tache 1978-2015 tasting / 37 vintages / “La Tache is an elegance and rigor. Beneath the frequent hardness of its tannins, passion is aflame, restrained by an implacable, courtly elegance.” I don’t know who said it, but it was in our booklet for an exceptional 37 vintage vertical of the one and only La Tache. Whoever said it, said it well! Shanghai was the setting, and while there would be some surprises, the best of the best flexed their muscles repeatedly throughout the weekend.

Dom Pérignon 2018 / The year unfolded under climatically ideal conditions, free from extremes, yielding a generous and balanced harvest. Chardonnay (54%) is anchored by fruit from Chouilly, while Verzenay and Aÿ provided the core of the Pinot Noir. This marks the inaugural vintage under Vincent Chaperon as Chef de Cave. The wine opens with striking aromatic purity and lush fruit tones of ripe peach, Madagascar vanilla, and lemon meringue pie. The nose remains somewhat reticent, hinting at further complexity to come. On the palate, it displays seamless harmony, textured yet precise, rich yet buoyed by a fine mineral tension. A subtle touch of phenolic grip firms the finish. Still holding much in reserve, this is a Dom Pérignon promising exceptional longevity

Gaja's Favourite vintages of Costa Russi: Today, the 1979 Costa Russi displays a fully mature and complex expression, while retaining a remarkable presence of fruit and a structure that remains beautifully defined. On the nose, notes of cherry and orange peel intertwine with evolved aromas of coffee, chocolate, spice, forest floor and porcini mushroom, complemented by hints of smoke and game. The palate is full and enveloping, supported by a balanced acidity that preserves its vitality. The tannins are now perfectly resolved, seamlessly integrated into the wine’s texture. The finish is long, precise and persistent. A mature and refined Costa Russi, where tertiary complexity has not diminished its fullness, balance or distinctive character.

Tasted some lates releases from the world: The Pieria Eratini "Naked Queen" (Gymni Vasilissa) 2022 is a striking and aristocratic white wine from the foothills of Mount Olympus in northern Greece, crafted from a low-yield blend predominantly of Assyrtiko accented with Chardonnay. Entirely fermented and aged for roughly 12 months in new acacia wood barrels on its fine lees, the 2022 vintage pours a brilliant golden color and unfolds with a rich, complex nose of acacia blossom, honeysuckle, ripe bergamot, lemon peel, and subtle hints of honey, toasted nuts, and sweet spice. On the palate, it delivers a generous, medium- to full-bodied frame with a velvety, creamy texture that is kept impeccably poised by Assyrtiko's vibrant backbone of acidity and a delicate, saline finish. It is an exceptional gastronomic white that pairs wonderfully with sautéed scallops in butter, chicken roulade, pork tenderloin, or rich mushroom pasta dishes.

Tastingbook tasted Kracher's latest vintage: This exclusive tasting highlights the remarkable breadth and mastery of Weinlaubenhof Kracher, celebrating both their world-renowned sweet wines and their exceptional dry portfolio. 

The tasting begins with Kracher’s crisp dry whites, structured single-vineyard Chardonnays (Blick and Kreuz), and elegant red blends, demonstrating their sophisticated wood management and precision. The experience then seamlessly transitions through delicate Spätlese and balanced Beerenauslese cuvées before reaching its crescendo: the legendary 2023 Trockenbeerenauslese Collection (No. 1–7).

From the vibrant, red-fruited Zweigelt No. 1 to the opulent, unctuous Chardonnay No. 7, these botrytized nectars display astonishing tension between intense sweetness and laser-sharp acidity. Together with mature gems like the 2015 Reunion Passion, this collection underscores the Kracher family’s unmatched legacy in crafting timeless wines of incredible purity, balance, and longevity.

Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey 1929 / An absolutely sensational bottle—youthful, highly elegant, and perfectly balanced between acidity and sweetness. Delicate, slightly salty caramel, malt, dried figs, and molasses weave together in a masterpiece of flavor. Simply brilliant—off the charts! 20+ points

Fèlsina is an amazing place, a wine estate with a long history, for its Sangiovese. The year 2026 marks the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the modern-day Fèlsina, when the historic estate in Castelnuovo Berardenga became part of the Poggiali family, setting in motion a journey destined to leave a profound mark on the story of Sangiovese in Chianti Classico. It also marks the fortieth anniversary of the first vintage of the Rancia and Fontalloro wines – first produced in 1983 and presented this year as the 2023 vintage – which over time have become two emblematic interpretations of the grape variety, capable of accompanying its evolution whilst always maintaining a deep connection with their territory of origin.

Historical Monfortino Vertical Tasting With Roberto Conterno 1929-2006. We had 38 vintages of Monfortino, Barolo’s greatest wine, on tap and ready to go at Legacy Records. There are few people in the wine world as intensely passionate and amicably knowledgeable as Roberto Conterno. He is precise and confident in his expertise, as he should be. He is one of the wine world’s greatest winemakers.

Mount Edelstone 70th Anniversary Tasting 1956-2022

Perfect 100 points Graham 80 year old Tawny Port – Only 600 bottles of the 80y old were bottled and the shelf price will be well above 1.000 GBP. For Charles Symington the blending process was very emotional, as his father, Peter Symington, was born in 1944. When turning 80, Peter very much enjoyed this special Port. Dark red colour with intense reflections and a green-gold rim. Gentle and perfectly balanced Douro Bake aromas on the nose with coffee, dried orange and tobacco. Complex, dense herbal notes in the bouquet, chocolate, malt, tobacco leaves and caramel, floral notes and a hint of chocolate and toffee in the background. Incredibly complex notes on the palate. Herbal mix, chocolate, tea, malt, honey, tobacco. Perfectly long, balanced and complex finish with many overlapping layers. A perfect Port! 100

Brunello di Montalcino vintage 2020 Part II / Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli 2020

CANALICCHIO DI SOPRA. Vineyard Filari Lunghi, soils predominantly of Galestro, an imposing wine,intense and juicy. Pomegranate on the nose, hints of chinotto, touches of

eucalyptus and wild iris. The drink has a citrus and balsamic appeal, with red

fruits and balsamic notes. Great length. 98+