Tastingbook monthly tasting: Ridge Monte Bello 2020 98 points, is a superbly structured and deeply expressive Cabernet-dominated blend that reflects the cool, mineral-inflected character of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The nose opens with layered aromas of cassis, black cherry and dark plum, interlaced with graphite, cedar, dried herbs and a fine floral lift. Nuances of tobacco leaf, sweet spice and crushed stone add complexity without overshadowing the core fruit.

On the palate the wine is medium- to full-bodied with a taut, finely grained tannic framework and vibrant acidity that gives the wine energy and precision. Concentrated dark fruit unfolds alongside savoury layers of black olive, espresso, and subtle oak spice, with a mineral thread that brings focus and tension. The texture is seamless yet powerful, carrying the wine to a long, poised finish marked by persistent fruit and refined structure.

A classic Monte Bello that combines depth, elegance and longevity—richly endowed yet impeccably balanced, with tremendous cellaring potential.

Now anyone that knows me, and knows White Burgundy, knows that Jean-Marc Roulot is one of my favorite producers, and one of Chardonnay’s masters. We started with a “degustation” of the 2018 vintage, a vintage that Jean-Marc compared to 1982 when I tasted it out of his cellar a few years ago. We had two village wines and three premier crus, even though village would be an understatement given the quality of these vineyards year after year in the hands of Jean-Marc.

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

Henschke Hill of Grace 2021 /Medium deep crimson. Expressive raspberry, blackberry, cassis, hint elderberry/violet/ sage aromas with mocha, marzipan notes. Elegant yet powerful, dense but buoyant palate with ample blackberry pastille, blackcurrant, raspberry fruits, fine supple/ grainy tannins, lovely mid palate volume/ richness and superbly balanced grilled almond, roasted chestnut notes. Finishes claret firm with a featherweight plume of bittersweet tannins. A beguiling and lasting landmark Hill of Grace vintage with wonderful definition, vinosity and torque."

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

Tb monthly 50 Wines tasting/ Burgundy: Domaine Ponsot – Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru 2019. A strikingly expressive Chapelle-Chambertin, the 2019 from Domaine Ponsot shows both depth and finesse in equal measure. Aromas of dark cherry, black raspberry, and plum are layered with rose petal, exotic spice, and subtle earthy notes. The palate is expansive and seamless, with ripe fruit concentration, silky yet persistent tannins, and vibrant acidity that brings lift and balance. The finish is long, resonant, and gently mineral.

Drinking Window: 2028–2055+

Score: 97 points

BWW2025 tasting Day III

BWW2025 - Day Two with Screaming Eagle, Masseto, Lafite, Cheval Blanc, Grange etc.

The 1999 Domaine des Comtes Lafon Montrachet Grand Cru presents a rich and ripe profile, with honeyed notes, burnt sugar, caramel, and yellow fruits on the nose. Upon aeration, the acidity becomes more pronounced, adding vibrancy to the wine. On the palate, it exhibits excellent concentration with flavors of yellow fruits, complemented by nuances of gunflint and clove spice. The finish is rich and complex, showcasing the wine's depth and structure.

Brunello di Montalcino 2020 TOP WINES.

DRC tasting with some real rarities like 1945 La Tâche: This is a legendary vintage for DRC, Burgundy and the world, and this bottle delivered more freshness than its previous two counterparts. There were lots of red cranberry fruits and citrus smack to its nose. I wondered whether it was possibly reconditioned at some point, as it had that edge to it. There was a subtle, smoky edge to it and great minerality, but it had a hint of ‘simpler’ to it despite the freshness. It got creamier and fleshier in the glass, becoming lip-smacking. It opened up quite nicely in the glass (96). 

Just what the Doctor ordered – inside the top vineyard - The Doctor vineyard only covers around 3.22 hectares and has an average slope of around 70 per cent and, in accordance with the German Wine Act of 1971, is exceptionally allowed to bear a vineyard designation, even though it does not meet the minimum size requirement of five hectares. The soil, which is heavily influenced by blue and grey slate, lies at an average of 160 meters above sea level and directly above the small town of Bernkastel-Kues. The vineyard faces south-southwest. In the past, there have been several attempts to expand it. The last attempt to integrate the ‘Graben’ and “Badstube” sites into the Doctor was made in 1973. However, the following 15-year legal battle led to the restoration of the status quo ante, as ‘the adjacent sites do not have the quality of the Doctor’.