2017 is a vintage bringing back Bordeaux to its roots, offering a very classic wine style with lower alcohol levels than in the previous years but with often excellent aromatic expression. 2015 and 2016 have surely been better vintages than last year, but based on a first impression 2017 seems to be better than 2014. The evolution will show, that 2017 is far from becoming a "forgotten vintage". Some nice surprises will be waiting for us.

Jasper Hill Emily's Paddock 2016 / Medium deep Crimson. Intense lifted blackcurrant menthol aromas with chinotto inky notes. Well concentrated blackcurrant blackberry fruits, with menthol sage like notes, fine chocolaty but vigourous tannins and underlying mocha ginger oak complexity. Finishes firm with plenty of fruit persistency. Elemental with plenty of richness and density to offset the muscular structure. Should age for decades. 15.5% Alc 94 points

Romanée-Conti Richebourg 2005 / Intense, deep-fruit aromas rise from the glass, and the palate is crisply layered and mouthfilling, with slightly gritty tannins.  Ripe black and red fruits get complexity from hints of dried herbs and earth, but the texture is of crushed velvet.  The impeccable balance and racy acidity ensure a very long life. 95 points

FC Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta scores well not only in soccer but also in wines!

Domain Leroy Richebourg 1955 / 100p / Wonderful generosity and ripeness on this Richebourg that is incredibly powerful on the palate. Exuberant, intense and explosive on the palate with such youthfulness that if tasted blind, no one would guess it to be a 1955. Sweet dried fruits and flowers on the palate with a salinity on the incredibly long finish.

Our 2015 “IX Estate” is exotic and intoxicating. Dark notes of chocolate truffle are infused with bright, lively aromas of lavender, mint, and dark cherry. A gorgeously savory aroma of fresh and dried herbs fuses together with the soil driven flavors of iron and crushed rock. A sumptuous sexy texture coats the palate alongside a satisfying touch of acidity as the aromas expand in the mouth, then linger for a very long finish. This vintage of the “IX Estate” exudes liveliness with its bright, bold fragrances, reflecting a vintage with full ripeness that hits every level of satiation.

The 2015 “IX Estate” is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot.

Champagne Magazine's The 100 Best Champagnes 2018-tasting / Day 1

Main Ridge “Half Acre” Pinot Noir 2007 / Tasting this, after the glorious 2005, was interesting. At this stage, the older wine is the superior wine but one has to wonder whether or not, in three to five years, that the 2007 won't take the honours.

It is ripe, concentrated, tight and with plush fruits from the dark fruit end of the spectrum. Some spice and forest floor notes as well. Good acidity. At this stage, it looks considerably younger than the 2005 – the difference is quite noticeable.

Gorgeous now, and although currently pipped by the '05, it is likely to be the better wine. How exciting is that! 94 points

ZIND-HUMBRECHT Gewürztraminer Herrenweg Vendange Tardive Vielles Vignes 2009 / The nose shows great aromatic intensity with fresh exotic fruits (litchi), citrus zests and an overall sensation of maturity while the botrytis remains discreet. The palate is an profound continuation of the nose. The Herrenweg has a restrained influence on the wine, allowing the Gewürztraminer to speak out in an elegant fashion. The wine finishes on an attractive round sweet mouth-feel, superbly balanced with a nice citrusy acidity. Although this wine is already very approachable, it will benefit from extra aging.

Lafleur 2013 / Ripe dark nose with plum, roasted hazelnuts, milk chocolate and some menthol. Equally complex on palate with good purity of fruit and layered texture. Firm, yet ripe tannins and juicy acidity. Good length. 91p 

1795 Madeira is not your everyday wine. As a wine, it does not rank with any of the best wines I tasted this year, last year, or the year before. But as a glass of liquid contemplation, blended with a history lesson, it remains unequaled. This is 4 centuries old! In 1795, all the Founding Fathers were alive. George Washington was president, John Adams is Vice President and Thomas Jefferson resigned as Secretary of State. France adopts a new Constitution, Napoleon makes himself known, and Madeira had a great vintage. It only takes a glass with a bit of 1795 Madeira to make it all come alive again.

The dried fruits, brown sugar, piquant orange with bitter chocolate, roasted tangerine, burnt caramel and sharp acidic character neither add, or subtract from the fact that this is oldest wine I have ever tasted. It is more interesting than pleasurable. But it was truly a great experience, regardless.