Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva 2024 Edition Part II / CASTELLO DI VOLPAIA Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Coltassala 2020 /From a mythological vineyard and valuable work on clonal selection, from Sangiovese and Mammolo. Red cherry on the nose, myrtle notes, then hints of wild mint. Salty mouthfeel, with hints of red fruit and menthol. Aftertaste of great persistence.99p

Today’s arrivage came from the southern Rhône valley. Domaine de la Vieille Julienne presents a very convincing collection, both white and red. 2022 proves to be a very successful vintage for this biodynamic estate.

Château Suduiraut 2010 /Super nose with some exotic pineapple/mango/passion fruit undertones mixed with Vouvray-like blossom-tree and quince jelly, enormous body, but incredible purity and crystal-like transparency, great length, a masterpiece! Drink 2020-2070.

The 2022 Bordeaux arrivage wines were tasted during January 2025.

Best new Australian releases: D'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz 2019 / The current release of their flagship red, small batches of grapes were crushed and placed in five tonne headed down open fermenters, which saw foot treading when fermentation was 2/3^rds complete. Basket pressing followed, to a mix of new and older French oak. Excellent pricing for a flagship red of this quality. 

An opaque purple/maroon hue, the nose exhibits notes of chocolate, licorice, bergamot, blackcurrants, coffee grinds, cold tea and beefstock. The oak integration has been handled in the most exemplary manner. This is youthful, rich, powerful and bold with big flavours. Ideal for those who love big, ripe, concentrated wines, even when they are still young. Serious length here, good balance, fresh acidity, firm tannins and intensity which runs for the full length of the wine. This will drink well for the next ten to fifteen years. 95. 

Krug Vintage 1949 / Truly rare and magnificent expression of aged Champagne, Krug 1949 opens with a deep amber-gold hue, showcasing its decades of evolution. The nose is an intricate tapestry of dried apricots, toasted hazelnuts, honeyed brioche, and hints of truffle, interwoven with oxidative notes of old sherry and antique wood. On the palate, it retains remarkable vitality, with a fine, persistent mousse and a beautifully layered complexity—dried fruits, caramelized citrus, roasted coffee, and a whisper of saffron. The finish is endlessly lingering, delivering a symphony of nutty richness, iodine minerality, and a refined acidity that defies its age. A historic Champagne with unparalleled depth and grandeur.

When you are fortunate enough to taste nineteen Rousseau Chambertins at one meal, you can be sure you will have some perspective. The range of vintages was 2018 back to 1990 with almost all the most heralded vintages (no 1991), and the one that stood out above the rest was the 2005 Rousseau Chambertin. Make no mistake about it, there were many standouts, but the 2005 hit the highest note. It was deep but more hi-toned than some of its younger brethren, in a bright red way. It has a raspberry, cranberry and citrus mélange. While rich and saucy, it wasn’t like the other saucy vintages as it had more tension and style. This was a wine to restore one’s faith in the often glacial 2005 vintage. It had enough spice to satisfy the entire House of Atreides (99, Paris).

The 2022 Bordeaux arrivage wines were tasted during January 2025.

Amazing Jacques Selosse Champagne tasting!!

Château d'Yquem 1816 / Recorked. 1816 is known as the "year without a summer." However, there is no indication of this in the wine. It is still surprisingly fresh, with a fine note of mocha, malt, and bitter orange. Incredibly youthful and elegant. The sweetness is still very pleasant and, along with the slight touch of alcohol, provides an incomparable variety of aromas. A timeless monument and a unique privilege to be able to enjoy this wine over 200 years old. 18.5p

Bordeaux 2023 Vintage Part III / Stephanie Rivoal de Bouard, CEO of Angelus since 2012, has transformed this property into a refined and intellectual wine in recent vintages by increasing the amount of Cabernet Franc and using considerably less oak. Benjamin Laforet, the young winemaker since 2017, does a great job at Angelus. The wine is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. On the nose, there are intense morello cherries and raspberries, while on the palate, it's elegant and plush, with a strong backbone, great complexity, sophisticated touch, and finesse. It has a great mid-palate and long aftertaste. This is stupendous quality. 98p.

The 100-Best Champagne 2024 Finalists reviewed!