The Vieux Château Certan 2000 today presents all the qualities of a great, classic vintage. Much as the 1996 vintage, it offers a wide range of aromas, where toasted fragrances serve to enhance the bouquet of raspberry, blackberry and liquorice. Particularly marked by the Cabernet Franc (20% in the final blend), it is deliciously fat on the palate with a remarkable aromatic intensity.

The La Tâche was the palest of all the DRC 2017s, almost to the point of transparency. This is a floral, open knit expression of the monopoly Grand Cru, which is very far from being a blockbuster this year. Scented and appealing, with notes of avatar of roses, fresh leather and peat smoke on the nose, lots of whole bunch spice and structure, racy acidity, a hint of salinity, succulent red berry fruit and remarkable palate length. A layered, understated red.

The new range of Champagne Frerejean Frères showing the unique style of the the house.

Dom Ruinart Rosé 1988 / “Onionskin-hued cherry red colour. Really powerful toast, spice, meat, and gunflint nose that comes with a charming coffee and cream note. A wild one. Ripe and massive, yet vibrant and super silky. Impressive in 75cl bottle and out-of-this-world in magnum. ”

1970's tasting with Cristal, Krug, Jayer, Chave, Sassicaia, Guigal, Haut-Brion etc.

Domaine Jean Grivot Richebourg 2021 /This possesses the spiciest nose among the 3 grand crus in 2021 with its array of sandalwood, anise, clove, jasmine tea and cool black cherry and hoisin scents. The succulent, round and very generously proportioned big-bodied flavors display focused power and muscle on the mineral-driven, palate soaking and superbly long finish. This youthfully austere effort is markedly compact, and I would strongly suggest not even thinking of opening a bottle before its 10th anniversary. Terrific and especially so for the vintage.

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.

Levy&McClellan vertical tasting from the first vintage with Bob Levy

The 100-Best Champagne 2024 Finalists reviewed!

Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015 / 100 points: Extremely complex on the nose giving notes of wet geranium, black tea leaves, juniper berries, cardamom and fondant chocolate in the primary profile. In the background hot asphalt dominates the secondary scene merging pleasurably with notes of cumin, white pepper, cedar chippings and orange blossom. Full bodied, refined tannins which are slightly raw in nature create the skeleton of this young and dynamic Riserva. The finale is of impressive length and remains juicy and fresh in the climax which is excitingly extended. Better from 2022. A divine wine.

Prager Grüner Veltliner Wachau DAC Ried Zwerithaler Kammergut Smaragd 2022 / Light greenish yellow, silver reflections. Fine savoury, delicate nuances of anise, tobacco notes, delicate yellow fruit, a touch of mango and honey blossom. Full-bodied, juicy white apple fruit, well-integrated, silky acidity structure, finesse and long persistence, saline finish, lingers for minutes, Veltliner at its best. 99-100 points

Tastingbook had a superb Roederer Cristal 1959-2015 tasting: A masterpiece from a golden vintage, the 1959 Cristal reveals the regal aging potential of this iconic cuvée. In the glass, it shimmers with a deep amber-gold hue, hinting at its maturity yet retaining a surprising brilliance.

The nose is profoundly expressive, offering a layered bouquet of dried apricot, honeycomb, toasted brioche, marzipan, and aged white truffle. With air, subtle notes of chamomile, dried orange peel, and candied ginger emerge, all underpinned by a gentle oxidative complexity that adds depth without overpowering.

On the palate, the wine is ethereal yet persistent. The mousse has softened gracefully, giving way to a silky texture that carries flavors of preserved lemon, roasted nuts, caramelized apple, and hints of saffron. There's a remarkable tension still present—a ghost of the wine’s youthful acidity—keeping the richness in perfect balance.

The finish is hauntingly long, echoing with notes of hazelnut, dried fig, and fine chalky minerality.

Drink now – at peak maturity. A rare and unforgettable experience.