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.

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

Bond Estate 2022 + Harlan 2021 + Dominus 2021 + Inglenook 2021

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.

1970's tasting with Cristal, Krug, Jayer, Chave, Sassicaia, Guigal, Haut-Brion etc.

Dom Pérignon 2003 P2 / Medium deep golden colour with rather small and vivid bubbles. Pure and intense nose, fine development without oxidation, roasted pine and pistachio nuts with confit de citron, fresh peach and brioche notes. The palate is ample and rather opulent with a rounded acidity yet with a nice fresh bite from fine extract, mild creaminess, nice layers of finely spicy yellow fruit, nougat and nutty flavours with a long and embracing finish. 95p

San Leonardo is not only celebrating its 300 jubilee as a wine estate but was also awarded the “Winery of the Year” award of Gamber Rosso, the famous Italian wine guide. A tasting of the actual vintages was hold in Essen with some excellent wines.

Château d'Yquem 1816 / Recorked. 1816 is known as the "year without a summer." However, there is no indication of this in the wine. It is still surprisingly fresh, with a fine note of mocha, malt, and bitter orange. Incredibly youthful and elegant. The sweetness is still very pleasant and, along with the slight touch of alcohol, provides an incomparable variety of aromas. A timeless monument and a unique privilege to be able to enjoy this wine over 200 years old. 18.5p

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

The Best 100-Champagnes 2024 -tasting Day I - Champagnes that received over 90 points.

Niepoort Redoma Reserva Branco 2021 / Mineral, lemon, lime and flint on the nose. Reductive and fascinating. Medium to full body with creamy texture. Lemon rind and curd. Some nougat and stone. Flavorful and driven finish. Drink or hold. 94p