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.

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. ”

Biondi-Santi's Brunello di Montalcino Riserva has only been produced in 43 vintages since 1888. The tasting in Montalcino highlighted the elegance and style of these historic wines and the excellent evolution potential. The whole series presents itself very consistent on a high quality level, although the vintages have been very different and therefore the stylistic differences are quite important. However, the tasting proved that the respect of the terroir and a philosophy which promotes this specific terroir is of great importance. It was very exciting to see that all the wines displayed an unparalleled vibrancy and excellent length.

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.

The Torre Mora estate on Sicily has presented two new arrivals.

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.

Founded in 1956 by his father, Paolo Marchi took over Isole e Olena in 1976. He transformed the estate to one of the leading wine producers in Italy. The observation of his vineyards, the promotion of Sangiovese as the estate's leading variety, lower yields, denser plantation and Massale selection for the Sangiovese were his key to success. As the DOC rules of the time did not allow to produce a Chianti Classico with 100% Sangiovese he invented Ceparello, a Super-Tuscan but pure Sangiovese, unheard at that time. 2022 was the last vintage of Paolo Marchi, he sold the estate to the French EPI group, also owner of -amongst others- Champagne Piper Heidsieck and the Tenuta Biondi-Santi. In 2023 Emanuele Reolon took over the management of the estate, a gifted vintner with the aim to continue the extraordinary work which as done by Paolo Marchi.

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.

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

Domaine Méo-Camuzet Richebourg 2020: Charming at first glance, it seduces with a great purity of fruit, such as raspberry and strawberry. There is also a floral (rose petal) and minty side.

The palate offers a caressing and seductive texture, ample and with perfectly adjusted tannins. You will have to be patient for the ensemble to blend and reveal itself fully, but the balance, the dimension and the pleasure place it among the greats. Aging potential 15 to 20 years

Beaulieu Georges de Latour Private Reserve 1970 / It's a rare treat to be able to try an old Californian classic like this. Sweet open spicy nose with some herby fruit showing a savoury, spicy, earthy/meaty edge. The palate is soft and spicy with some American oak still showing. Tarry and sweet with some evolution in the glass. Very nice, this historical old wine. Very good+ 88/100

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