Martin Korrell has launched a stuning collection from the vintage 2023 edition as well as his famous Korrell XXV from 2020. 

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

Two new wines have been launched by Hanspeter Ziereisen. Again he proved his dedication to the local variety of Chasselas. Roter Gutedel, or as the French call it Chasselas rosé, is a mutation of the classic Chasselas. An exciting discovery is  also the blend "Schmätterling" (butterfly in the local dialect), which is an ideal treat for hot summer days. 

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.

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.

The new vintage of Siepi is a wonderful example for a Super-Tuscan with complexity and class. 

The Best 40 wines tasted in 2023 Part II, exclusively for readers of Tasting Book. It has been quite a year, with far more ups than downs, especially when it comes to wine. I am lucky as well as blessed to be able to taste older, mature wines, as well as young wines and barrel samples, all of which allows me a fun look at a myriad of different wines at all ages and stages of maturity.

By ratings, these are a look at the 40 best wines tasted, so far. I have two more special nights coming up, but as we already closing in on the second week of December, this is a good snapshot of the best wines from 2023.  I hope you have at least half as much read it, as I did tasting them.

Bordeaux 2023 from barrel /  Part I - POMEROL - The key to making successful wine in 2023 for a winemaker was careful maceration/extraction and using less oak than in the 2022 vintage to get the perfect expression of fruit and gentle tannin. The Right Bank, particularly Saint Emilion and Pomerol, produced some of the best wines in 2023. While there is more consistency among wines on the Right Bank, it does not mean that wines on the Left Bank are of inferior quality; they are just not as consistent in every commune/district.

TOP Wines - Bordeaux 2023 vintage.

Fattoria Le Pupille Saffredi 2019 / Imperial and decidedly austere on the nose showing deep notes of black prunes, blackberries, wild myrtle, Mediterranean herbs, sandalwood, cumin and juniper berries. In the background hints of cedar and burnt mandarin peel blend with wild thyme, marjoram and sage. There’s more in the sensory frame which comes out slowly with nuances of gentian and coriander. Full bodied, perfectly blended tannins of extraordinary workmanship and admirably fine grain and an exciting finale with fresh, whispering, balsamic echoes of iced mint and maritime pine. An extraordinary expression made in Maremma, perhaps the best ever for Saffredi, the most elegant and cohesive ever tasted. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. A perfect wine, a divine wine. Better from 2025. 100 points

The 1966 Heitz Vineyard Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was an epic bottle, a testament to the heights that Napa can achieve, pun intended!  There was a minty and sexy nose that seeped caramel and eucalyptus.  There was this great herbal complexity that was so expressive.  Insane expression!  ‘So good’ was written over and over in my notes.  The palate was creamy, long and smooth with tasty and fresh caramel flavors.  Divine stuff (98).

Henchke Hill of Grace 2015 /"Effortlessly long, smooth and supple, this polished and uber-restrained shiraz unfolds a musky, peppery and faintly meaty bouquet of mulberries, cassis, dark plums, cedar/vanilla oak and paprika backed by suggestions of cola and sweet floral notes. Flaunting its rare restraint and finesse, it reveals layers of pristine translucently clear dark red, blue and black berry flavours supported by a refined, ultra-fine spine of loose-knit tannins and knit with creamy, cedary, cigarboxy oak, building in weight and lasting forever. A very different, distinctive Hill of Grace of exceptional quality and charm."