Screaming Eagle 2021 / The aromatics on this are stunning, offering black cherries, blackcurrants, lead pencil, spearmint, Spanish cedar. and wild roses. It’s medium-bodied and starts slowly on the palate and then takes off with muscular tension. Nicely chewy, toned and firm. Goes on for minutes. Flexing and showing its propensity for longevity. Rock on. Best after 2028 and beyond.

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.

QUINTA DO NOVAL VINTAGE PORT NACIONAL 1963 – This is the Vintage Port which most people would like to take to their lonely island. High-scores everywhere and so much life ahead that it almost frightens you: The colour is easily 10-20 years younger of what you would expect. Deep, dark-red colour with lots of reflections. Perfectly balanced bouquet with finesse and intensity. Long and multi-layered aftertaste. Tasted last year at the Quinta. Port-Heaven! 100

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).

ARGIANO Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Vigna del Suolo 2020 / One of the pinnacle of the zoning project of the house, now an untouchable name, cranberry nose, wild mint, shades of yellow peach and underbrush. Mouth with refined tannins, citrus appeal, mentholated lashing, extraordinary drinkability.

2024 Vintage Pessac-Léognan Whites / 2024 Domaine de Chevalier blanc / Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus, fruit forward, nuanced, lemons, detailed and elegant nose, tight. Fresh acidity, apples, rounded, detailed, nuanced, juicy, refreshing, wonderful intensity and balance, gorgeous. 98

Yalumba The Octavius Shiraz 1988-2020 tasting: 2019 vintage: Medium-deep crimson. Intense dark plum, black cherry, blackberry aromas with praline, vanilla, hint black pepper notes. Generously proportioned wine with superb pure blackberry pastille, cassis sage flavours, fine chocolaty firm tannins and beautiful integrated ginger, roasted chestnut oak. Finishes chocolaty and long. Wonderful follow-up vintage. Drink 2030–2048. 14.5% alc

The third tasting of the primeurs was held on May 8th and 9th in Essen. Over a hundred samples have been sent by the Châteaux. Now there will be some few wines announced for next week so that the final tasting notes will be online towards the end of the coming week.

So, how is the Bordeaux 2024 red vintage? It is better than I expected. Regarding weather challenges, it is similar to 2013, but 2024 was saved by modern technology, the dry and sunny month of August, and a long ripening process. Adjectives such as fresh, elegant, delicate, lively, gentle, and silky characterize most wines. Many wines, especially from properties that couldn't afford treatment costs against mildew, etc., deviate from this description by being over-extracted, green, unripe, and showing dry flavors. In my view, the Right Bank slightly outperforms the Left Bank in terms of wine quality.

The second part of the primeur tasting was held in Essen. A number of Châteaux have sent their samples and were tasted on arrival. The trend of wines with a lot of fruit in a slightly lighter style yet with very good persistence on the palate which was already observed during the primeur tasting in Bordeaux was confirmed.

A number of fine wines from Tenuta San Leonardo will be introduced to the market this spring. A preview of these wines was the topic of a very exciting tasting.

Best of the latest Burgundy vintages: The 2023 Musigny from Joseph Drouhin is a wine of rare grace and grandeur — a majestic interpretation of one of Burgundy’s most hallowed terroirs. From the first swirl, the bouquet is utterly enchanting: a symphony of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries, violets, and rose petals, layered with subtle hints of sandalwood, white pepper, and crushed stone.

On the palate, this wine is the very definition of finesse and power in harmony. Silky and seamless, it unfolds in waves of pristine fruit, vibrant acidity, and ultra-fine tannins. There is an almost weightless intensity to its structure, as flavors of red berries, orange zest, Asian spice, and a whisper of earth dance across the tongue with remarkable precision.

The finish is extraordinarily long and poised, echoing with floral and mineral notes that seem to resonate endlessly. Joseph Drouhin’s Musigny 2023 is a tour de force — a wine of noble character, inner luminosity, and profound aging potential. A true jewel of the vintage.