Gundog Estate Hunter’s Shiraz 2021 – To be honest, if anyone mentions Gundog Estate, my thoughts immediately go to fine Semillon, not Shiraz, which is definitely an oversight on my part. Their Shiraz wines are at least as impressive as the Sems, perhaps even more so. This one hails from a pair of low-yielding, old vineyards – Will’s Hill and Tinkler’s. Fermentation is in open top fermenters before maturation for a year in French oak puncheons. Deep red/crimson in colour, the nose is all red fruits, cherries and raspberries, with lifted warm earth notes and hints of animal skins. Notes of coffee grinds and dry herbs emerge on the palate. Impressive stuff, the texture is simply gorgeous, supple and seductive. Tannins are abundant but ever-so-silky. And such length! This is a cracking red, giving pleasure now but which will surely drink superbly for the next ten to fifteen years. 94, but expect that to go even higher with time.

Large Symington´s Port tasting, back to 1950 /  Graham's Single Harvest Tawny 1950 / Amber. 356 bottles made, bottle no 68, Intense, dried fruits, nuts, figs, dates, raisins nose, some tobacco and caramel. Fresh acidity, dried fruits, anise, dried fruits, raisins, dried apricots, layered, deep and long. 96

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.

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.

The launch of the 2024 Penfolds Collection is a positive reminder that the Australian Wine Industry is making very high-quality wine that can be matched with the great houses of Europe and beyond. While the Penfolds brand has made significant steps to become and international wine producer, its values are steeped in Australian winemaking methods and a house style developed over several generations. The 2024 Penfolds Collection comprises 28 wines and this is likely to increase in the years ahead. Ultimately this is a classic and stylish Penfold’s release highlighting the best of both world’s – house style and vineyard provenance.

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.

The 100 Best Champagne 2024 - Day II - wines over 90 points.

Bordeaux October visits at Ausone, Haut Brion, Le Pin, Lafite etc.

Ruffino has been presenting a series of the top wines in Germany, an exciting journey in Tuscany.

Masseto 2021 / 98 Points / Blueberries and black olives with violets and hints of sage, as well as rosemary flowers. Full and powerful with lots of fruit and vanilla on the palate. A rich and flavorful red, yet held together beautifully. Muscular and powerful. Needs five or six years to come together. Give it time.

2021 Petrus: 99% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc: Fermented in cement, 50% new oak. Harvest: September 30 to October 9. As suggested by its lighter color, this Petrus displays rather red berry fruit, cranberries, and red currants, along with a splendid note of licorice. Behind that, there are also delicate floral hints of lilies and violets. On the palate, it is surprisingly slender and energetic with juicy, finely spiced red berry fruit, crafted entirely for freshness and focus, without revealing the seductive melt or erotic fleshiness typically seen in its youth. I am curious to see if it develops these characteristics with bottle aging. A subtle, perhaps too slender Petrus for some, with silky tannins, delicate elegance, and a finish rich in finesse and spiciness. 99 points

Levy&McClellan vertical tasting from the first vintage with Bob Levy