Barolo 2019 is an excellent vintage—classic and balanced. It shows great structure, freshness, and aging potential, with refined tannins and vibrant acidity. One for the cellar.

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

Boscarelli is one of the stars of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano appelation, and here was a very rare oportunity, to taste a vertical from them, all the way back to the first vintage of Il Nocio, one of their single vineyard wines. It has changed name a few times over its lifetime.

Some of the Best Australian New Releases: Cullens – Dancing in the Sun 2024  – As with all Cullens, we see the use of biodynamics in action, although we are told this is the ‘fun and joyful’ side. Who knew biodynamics had a fun and joyful style? This wine is part of quite an extensive array of Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blends offered by Cullens, this one with a dribble of Chenin Blanc and friends as well – 53% Sauvignon Blanc, 28% Semillon, 14% Chenin, 4% Chardonnay and 1% Verdelho. It hails from a trio of their vineyards. 

A pale lemon hue, this has quite an intense nose with herbals to the fore, along with florals, soursop, citrus and touches of lemon curd. Pleasingly powerful aromas. This is balanced and seamless, with the palate beautifully constructed, and a lingering, clean finish. This will excite even more in a year or two and then drink well for the following four years. These Savvy Sem wines from Cullens are anything but your simple, slurpable Savvys blends, and all the better for that. 92. 

Some Best Wines from the latest Burgundy vintages.

Dom Pérignon Oenothèque 1990 / Big, ripe expression with gingerbread, roasted hazelnuts, straw, green apple and sea notes, complemented by gunpowdery complexity. Broad, almost oily textured yet fresh palate, with the softest mousse. Mature but healthy and fruity. Disgorged 2007.

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.

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.

The 100-Best Champagne 2024 Finalists reviewed!

Prowein was a busy fair but there was some time to taste some stunning wines from Italy.

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