Masseto tasting 1998-2022 / Masseto 2015: A truly legendary, text-book perfect growing season. A normal spring gave way to a hot, intensely sunny summer. Crucially, timely rains in late July relieved any potential vine stress. August brought cooler nights, allowing the Merlot to preserve its aromatic freshness while reaching unprecedented levels of sugar and tannin ripeness.

 The perfect masterpiece and the ultimate expression of Masseto. This vintage is an olfactory explosion of ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, black truffles, and wet iron clay. The palate achieves absolute, breathtaking harmony. It delivers a monumental, multi-layered texture that manages to be simultaneously opulent, dense, and magically weightless. A flawless, unforgettable expression of a golden Tuscan season. 100 points

The first day is now behind us for the 18th annual '100 Best Champagnes' ranking,, a joint project by Tastingbook and FINE Champagne Magazine, highlighted exceptional vintage and prestige cuvées. Top accolades today went to the Dom Pérignon 2017 and Salon Cuvée 'S' Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs 2015, both achieving 98 points. The tasting showcased the evolution of cooler vintages against the warm, solar characteristics of 2015 and 2018, culminating in a definitive selection for the 2026 ranking. With hundreds of Champagnes still left to taste over the coming weeks, the race for the ultimate crown in The 100 Best Champagne 2026 ranking remains wide open!

This Fine Wine tasting journey represents a pinnacle of global finest viticulture, traversing the world's most storied terroirs with breathtaking variety. We began with the "monastic precision" of Salon 2004 and the multi-generational depth of Krug 1973 Magnum, moving into the "weightless intensity" of Screaming Eagle Sauvignon Blanc and the volcanic tension of Dana Hershey Sauvignon Blanc. The flight showcased a fascinating dialogue between power and restraint: the monumental, cross-hemisphere structure of the Grange La Chapelle 2022 stood in stark contrast to the silken, ethereal grace of the legendary Cheval Blanc 1949.

The selection further highlighted the evolution of luxury, from the flamboyant, "sun-drenched" opulence of the DRC Montrachet 2009 to the razor-sharp, technical brilliance of Dom Pérignon P2 2008. We concluded with the sheer, unctuous majesty of Yquem 2009, a wine of a century. Ultimately, the tasting underscored a singular truth: the greatest wines transcend mere flavor, offering a "chiseled" harmony where site-specific minerality and structural acidity ensure eternal longevity.

At Ca’ Marcanda Estate in Bolgheri, the tasting unfolded with quiet intensity under the Tuscan light. Surrounded by vineyards shaped by sea breeze and stone, we moved through vintages of Camarcanda, Vistamare, Promis, and Magari with Giovanni Gaja guiding each glass. His explanations were measured, precise, and deeply connected to the land, revealing how each vintage reflects a different dialogue between climate and time. From the tension of structured years to the ease of warmer ones, every wine spoke of balance and intention. The visit felt less like a tasting and more like a conversation with Bolgheri itself.

A recent tasting of Monteverro’s portfolio offered a compelling insight into one of coastal Tuscany’s most refined estates. Situated in the Maremma, near Capalbio, Monteverro has quickly established itself as a benchmark for Bordeaux-style blends and Rhône-inspired wines with a distinctly Mediterranean identity.

Across multiple vintages, the estate’s flagship Monteverro consistently showed depth, precision and polished structure, particularly in outstanding years such as 2019 and 2021. The second wine, Terra di Monteverro, delivered a more approachable expression while retaining balance and varietal clarity.

The Syrah-based Tinata stood out for its aromatic intensity, combining dark fruit, spice and savoury complexity, especially in the cooler, more structured 2021 vintage.

White wines also impressed. The Chardonnay demonstrated finesse and texture, while the Vermentino captured the freshness and saline character of the coastal terroir.

Overall, the tasting confirmed Monteverro as a producer of consistency, elegance and growing international "First Growth" stature.

A Vertical of Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 1959-2014 /

A remarkable tasting of Taittinger Comtes de Champagne offered a rare look at one of Champagne’s most iconic Blanc de Blancs across more than five decades. Produced only in exceptional vintages and sourced from Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards of the Côte des Blancs, Comtes is celebrated for its elegance, mineral precision and extraordinary ageing potential.

The oldest wines, including 1959 and 1961, displayed remarkable vitality, revealing complex layers of brioche, honeyed citrus and roasted almond while retaining impressive freshness. Mature vintages from the late 1960s and 1970s showed beautifully evolved nutty and pastry-like complexity.

Among the modern releases, 1988, 2004 and 2008 stood out for their structure, purity and tension. The tasting also featured several vintages of Comtes Rosé, with the outstanding 1996 showing exceptional vibrancy and depth.

Across every decade, the wines confirmed the enduring signature of Comtes de Champagne: finesse, chalky minerality and timeless longevity.

Tb's Monthly 50 wines tastings: New releases from Napa Valley / Darioush Signature Chardonnay 2023 / The 2023 growing season in Napa Valley was characterized by a generally balanced and steady progression, with cooler southern Napa and Los Carneros sites benefitting from morning fog and breezy conditions that preserved vibrant acidity in white grapes while achieving full phenolic ripeness. These conditions helped Chardonnay maintain freshness, clarity of fruit and aromatic precision. Darioush’s cooler-climate blocks naturally lend the 2023 Signature Chardonnay its bright profile and nuanced complexity. 

Tasting Note:

Pale straw with green highlights. Aromas of lemon zest, crisp Bosc pear and citrus blossom are layered with subtle white flowers and hints of clove and nutmeg. On the palate the wine is medium- to full-bodied with bright acidity and layered flavors of green apple, lemon curd and honeyed pear, framed by a touch of minerality and gentle oak spice. The texture is smooth and refined, leading to a long, balanced finish that marries freshness with richness.

Tb's February 50-wines tasting I / Schramsberg – J. Schram Blancs 2015

A beautifully developed and refined California sparkling wine, the 2015 J. Schram Blancs from Schramsberg shows creamy complexity and vibrant freshness. Aromas of lemon curd, green apple, pear, and brioche are complemented by toasted almond, honeyed nuances, and subtle mineral notes. The palate is rich yet balanced, with fine mousse, bright acidity, and a long, elegant finish marked by citrus and saline undertones. Mature and expressive with excellent finesse.

Drinking Window: Ready now — 2028+

Score: 94 points

Tastingbook's Weekly 50 Wines tasting: Silvia Grasso Barolo 2020 / A refined and classically styled Barolo, the 2020 shows lifted aromatics of red cherry, wild strawberry and rose petal, layered with notes of orange peel, anise and dried herbs. Subtle hints of tar and earthy spice add complexity.

On the palate, it is medium-bodied and precise, with bright red fruit, firm yet polished Nebbiolo tannins and fresh acidity that gives clarity and drive. The finish is long, savoury and mineral, pointing to graceful evolution. An elegant, traditional Barolo that favours finesse over power.