Burgundy 2022 Part III / Anne Gros Richebourg 2022: Bright ruby. Scented, seductive, red berries, detailed and nuanced, lifted, elegant nose, layered and complex.Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, red berries, spices, detailed, layered, gorgeous texture, stunning length.   96

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva 2024 Edition Part II / CASTELLO DI VOLPAIA Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Coltassala 2020 /From a mythological vineyard and valuable work on clonal selection, from Sangiovese and Mammolo. Red cherry on the nose, myrtle notes, then hints of wild mint. Salty mouthfeel, with hints of red fruit and menthol. Aftertaste of great persistence.99p

Mitchelton – celebrating 50 years / 2023 Michelton Blackwood Park Riesling, Nagambie Lakes - Victoria / Pale colour. Fresh camomile, hint lime aromas with hints of ginger and tonic water. Fresh lime cordial, touch honey, camomile, jasmine flavours, underlying ginger/ tonic water notes, fine slinky textures, very attractive mid-palate volume and pure long indelible/ crunchy acidity. Very precise with a touch of phenolic twist at the finish. Lovely density, definition and mineral length. Screw cap. Drink now – 2032 12.% alc 95 points

Château Saint-Georges at Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion has three new wines made as “Vin de France”. Three wines which are supposed to be great fun for the summer time.

Domaine Ramonet tasted: 2020 Ramonet Bâtard-Montrachet / Pale lemon yellow. Apples, citrus, minerals, detailed, rich, layered, nuanced, detailed and complex nose. Fresh acidity, intense, rich, layered, nuanced, detailed, creamy, fruit forward and long. 96

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

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.

Krug Vintage 1949 / Truly rare and magnificent expression of aged Champagne, Krug 1949 opens with a deep amber-gold hue, showcasing its decades of evolution. The nose is an intricate tapestry of dried apricots, toasted hazelnuts, honeyed brioche, and hints of truffle, interwoven with oxidative notes of old sherry and antique wood. On the palate, it retains remarkable vitality, with a fine, persistent mousse and a beautifully layered complexity—dried fruits, caramelized citrus, roasted coffee, and a whisper of saffron. The finish is endlessly lingering, delivering a symphony of nutty richness, iodine minerality, and a refined acidity that defies its age. A historic Champagne with unparalleled depth and grandeur.

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.

Bordeaux 2023 Vintage Part III / Stephanie Rivoal de Bouard, CEO of Angelus since 2012, has transformed this property into a refined and intellectual wine in recent vintages by increasing the amount of Cabernet Franc and using considerably less oak. Benjamin Laforet, the young winemaker since 2017, does a great job at Angelus. The wine is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. On the nose, there are intense morello cherries and raspberries, while on the palate, it's elegant and plush, with a strong backbone, great complexity, sophisticated touch, and finesse. It has a great mid-palate and long aftertaste. This is stupendous quality. 98p.

Best new Australian releases: D'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz 2019 / The current release of their flagship red, small batches of grapes were crushed and placed in five tonne headed down open fermenters, which saw foot treading when fermentation was 2/3^rds complete. Basket pressing followed, to a mix of new and older French oak. Excellent pricing for a flagship red of this quality. 

An opaque purple/maroon hue, the nose exhibits notes of chocolate, licorice, bergamot, blackcurrants, coffee grinds, cold tea and beefstock. The oak integration has been handled in the most exemplary manner. This is youthful, rich, powerful and bold with big flavours. Ideal for those who love big, ripe, concentrated wines, even when they are still young. Serious length here, good balance, fresh acidity, firm tannins and intensity which runs for the full length of the wine. This will drink well for the next ten to fifteen years. 95. 

Today’s arrivage came from the southern Rhône valley. Domaine de la Vieille Julienne presents a very convincing collection, both white and red. 2022 proves to be a very successful vintage for this biodynamic estate.