Four Baroli Bottles

1982 Barolo Riserva, Claudio de Maria

A soft, mature nose with notes of vintage leather, lacquer, dried strawberries and forest floor. Very, very good.

The taste is dry and linear with notes of red currants, dry tobacco, undergrowth and band aid. Got sweeter and richer with air.

87p   (tasted 2026/05)

1986 Barolo Riserva, Claudio de Maria

An open, layered nose with notes of ripe strawberries, Langhe earth, red skiwax, iron and ripe flowers. Very fine.

The taste is structured and dry with lots of rosehips, dried flowers and red currants. Very long. Never heard of this producer before and a very pleasant surprise, but not in existing today.

92p   (tasted 2026/05)

1967 Barolo, Giovanni Manzone

A soft, mature nose with lots of mushrooms, moist earth and dried red fruit. Got sweeter and better with some time in the glass.

The taste is pale and dry with notes of band aid, mushrooms and dried up sugared coffee. A medium long, dry finish. Hanging in there, but barely so.

78p   (tasted 2026/05)

1974 Barolo Riserva, Serio & Battista Borgogno

A very delicate, mature nose with notes of dried flowers, rosehips, dried meat and undergrowth. A very fine warmth.

The taste is dry and finely structured with lovely cherry fruit, still some perky tannins and a long, warm finish. Bottles like this could go on for 10+ years.

90p   (tasted 2026/05)

And sadly, a thoroughly cooked 1974 Barolo from E. Pira. Have probably been standing in a shop windom for 20+ years...

Thanks M for opening these bottles!

Two Bottles Of Bordeaux - 1982 Château Reynon & 2010 Château Rocher Corbin

1982 Château Reynon

A round, mature nose with notes of dried red currants, dog fur and autumn leaves. Nice.
The taste is dry and fine with notes of tobacco, vintage leather and dried currants. A fine linear finish.

85p   (tasted 2026/05)

2010 Château Rocher Corbin

A dark, balsamic nose with notes of plums, tobacco, chocolate and a hint of mint. Very, very good.

The taste is taut and steady with notes of plums warm tiles, tobacco and autumn leaves. A long, wam finish. 

88p   (tasted 2026/05)

Two Baroli - 1970 Barolo, Luigi Marengo & 1971 Barolo Riserva Speciale, Tenuta Carretta

1970 Barolo, Luigi Marengo

A light, earthy nose with notes of dried red fruit, root vegetables, red apple skin and a hint of VA.

The taste is warm and soft with notes of moist undergrowth, cold coffee and dry licorice. A nice dry finish.

81p   (tasted 2026/05)

1971 Barolo Riserva Speciale, Tenuta Carretta

A deep, finely mature nose with notes of Langhe earth, plums, dried strawberries and sunwarm gravel. Very good.

The taste is steady and fine with still perky tannins and notes of dried cherries, ink and tobacco. A long, sandy finish. Will go on for 10+ more years.

88p   (tasted 2026/05)

2017 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, Lilbert-Fils

2017 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, Lilbert-Fils

A waxy, stony, handsome nose with notes of white peach, flower water, slate and matchbox. Very fine.

The taste is pure and racy with a fresh acidity and beautiful yellow fruit, notes of dry fudge and wet stones. Lovely.

93p   (tasted 2026/05)

2016 La Dame de Montrose

2016 La Dame de Montrose

A laid back, deep, aristocratic nose with notes of black currants, leather, coffee powder and graphite. Restrained, even after several hours and even on day two. Needs plenty of time.

The taste is tight and backward with lots of black fruit, finely polished tannins and a long, distinct finish. High quality but not much fun right now. 10+ years.

90p   (tasted 2026/05)

A lot of fun was when we tasted 100 years of Château Montrose - Barolista: 100 Years Of Château Montrose - 1911-2011 - The Notes

Two Burgundies From Nicolas Potel

2023 Bourgogne Chardonnay, Nicolas Potel

A young, fresh, spicy nose with notes of peach, cold butter, gravel and birch sap. Very good.

The taste is cool and stony with a good acidity and nice yellow fruit. A fine warmth in the finish.

87p   (tasted 2026/05)

2023 Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Nicolas Potel

A herbal, linear nose with notes of red currants, violets and assorted herbs. 

The taste is light and seedy with notes of dried raspberries, root vegetables and earth. A good acidity.

84p   (tasted 2026/05)

2021 Pinot Noir Réserve Caroline, Schlossgut Diel

2021 Pinot Noir Réserve Caroline, Schlossgut Diel

An upfront, elegant nose with notes of ripe strawberries, incense, smoke and red beets. Very fine.

The taste is tight and refined with a fresh acidity and notes of dried strawberries, rhubarb and herbs. Long and silky. Lovely.

94p   (tasted 2026/05)

2006 Caroline - Barolista: A Top Notch Spätburgunder - 2006 Cuvée Caroline, Schlossgut Diel

2010 Caroline - Barolista: Seven Pinots

2020 Barolo Bussia Sprun, Orlando Rocca

2020 Barolo Bussia Sprun, Orlando Rocca

A high, refined nose wit notes of red currants, hard cherry candy, dried flowers and a touch of cinnamon. Very fine.

The taste is finely tuned with silky tannins and notes of Langhe earth, herbs, cherry pips and tobacco. Long and lingering. 5+ years.

92p   (tasted 2026/05)

2020 Barbaresco Riserva Vecchie Vite Serraboella Sorì Paitin, Paitin

2020 Barbaresco Riserva Vecchie Vite Serraboella Sorì Paitin, Paitin

A very handsome, layered nose with notes of dried roses, shoecream, licorice, fir wood and moist Langhe earth. Just lovely.

The taste is racy and refined with gorgeous cherry and cranberry fruit, polished tannins and a long, long, balanced finish. Great wine.

96p   (tasted 2026/05)

2017 Chardonnay, Mount Mary

2017 Chardonnay, Mount Mary 

This Aussie Chardonnay offers up a cool, creamy nose with notes of yellow flowers, cap gun smoke, candle grease and dry fudge. Very, very good.

The taste is high and silky with notes of oranges, pickled ginger, smoke and butter biscuits. Long and fine.

91p   (tasted 2026/05)

2022 Apricot Block Syrah, Greenock Creek

2022 Apricot Block Syrah, Greenock Creek

An upfront, broad nose with notes of raw meat, tomato paste, black plums, bonfire smoke, decaying flowers and a hint of toothpaste. Very fine.

The taste is big and taut with rich black fruit, sweet tannins and a very fine balance. Great to drink now and the coming 8+ years.

93p   (tasted 2026/05)

2021 Il Carbonaione, Podere Poggio Scaletto

2021 Il Carbonaione, Podere Poggio Scaletto

A very handsome, delicate nose with notes of sour cherries, Tuscan gravel, expensive leather and hints of moccha. Very, very fine.

The taste is tight and seedy with notes of violets, tobacco and the taste of chewing on cherry pips. Finely polished tannins. Very long. 6+ years.

94p   (tasted 2026/05)

2019 Gigondas, Château de Saint Cosme

2019 Gigondas, Château de Saint Cosme

A fine, earthy nose with notes of blackberries, dark raspberries, licorice and old forrest floor. Very fine.

The taste is spicy, warm and earthy with notes of dried up raspberry jam, undergrowth, fir wood and tobacco. A long, warm finish. 4+ years.

91p   (tasted 2026/05)

Two Fine Whites - 2023 Ihringer Winklenberg Grauburgunder, Dr. Heger & 2023 Señora de las Alturas Blanco, Viña Zorzal

2023 Ihringer Winklenberg Grauburgunder, Dr. Heger

A low keyed, nice nose with notes of grey pears, gravel, white currants and assorted spices.

The taste is cool and delicate with notes of dried flowers, gravel and dried lemons. A fine, fresh acidity.

89p   (tasted 2026/05)

2023 Señora de las Alturas Blanco, Viña Zorzal

Only the second vintage made, this 75% Viura and 25% Garnacha Blanco jumps out of the glass with notes of ripe peach, sweet minerals, candle grease and sun warm grass. Very fine.

The taste is broad and juicy with gorgeous yellow fruit, a fine acidity and a long, lingering finish. Lip smacking good.

93p   (tasted 2026/05)

2023 Crozes-Hermitage, Franck Balthazar

2023 Crozes-Hermitage, Franck Balthazar

An open, smoky nose with notes of cranberries, red beets, violets and a touch of white pepper.

The taste is tight and linear with white pepper sprinkled red fruit, silky tannins and a medium long finish.

89p   (tasted 2026/04)

2021 Barbera d´Alba La Ginestra, Paolo Conterno

2021 Barbera d´Alba La Ginestra, Paolo Conterno

A deep, meaty nose with notes of ripe raspberries, tar, dried flowers and fresh herbs. Very, very good.

The taste is tight and fine with notes of raspberry licorice, chrushed rocks and forest floor. A very fine structure with a cleansing acidity.

91p   (tasted 2026/04)

2022 Hohen-Sülzen Spätburgunder Alte Reben 1G, Battenfeld Spanier

2022 Hohen-Sülzen Spätburgunder Alte Reben 1G, Battenfeld Spanier

When in Germany - a deep, lightly meaty nose with notes of licorice, herbs, fir wood, red beets and (over)ripe strawberries. Very, very good.

The taste is more tight than the nose indicates, with notes of Asian spices, dried strawberries, earth and a fine balsamic note. Still young.

91p   (tasted 2026(04)

Syrah & Syrah

I just bought these two bottles from Atomwine when we passed Vejle. Tom has a very interesting portfolio and lots of great wines - highly recommended!

2023 Field St Shiraz, S. C. Pannell

This Shiraz comes from McLaren Vale and is a juicy package with a cool, elegant nose with notes of blueberries, gravel and violet pastilles.

The taste is young and seedy with notes of iron, damsons and blueberries. A fresh, gulpable finish. A bargain at 17 Euro.

89p   (tasted 2026/04)

2018 Syrah Haley Rockpile Vineyard, Jeff Cohn

This beauty starts of slow with a deep, low keyed nose that needs a couple of hours to shift gears, but when it does it showcases notes of dried meat, ink, blackberries and salmiak. Very young still. On day two it is even better, with more depth, refinement and opulence,

The taste, oh the taste, intense, layered and a absolut stunner, the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, all nots and bolts are in the right place. The taste is the same on day two, just very, very fine. Truly great. 6+ years.

97p   (tasted 2026/04)

2024 Monastrell, Parajes del Valle

2024 Monastrell, Parajes del Valle

A light, finely tuned nose with notes of fresh strawberries, earth, spices and a fresh peppery note. Very, very good.

The taste is cool and juicy with a fine acidity, notes of dried strawberries and assorted herbs. A light, fine structure. Hitting way over its price tag.

90p   (tasted 2026/04)

2022 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Frog’s Leap

 

2022 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Frog’s Leap

A finely tuned, cool nose with notes of black currants, new leather, cigarette smoke and a hint of green bell pepper.

The taste is tight and refined with notes of black currants, plums, tobacco and mocca. A long, balanced, dry finish. Very fine. 5+ years.

93p   (tasted 2026/04)

2015 Château Mancèdre

2015 Château Mancèdre

This Pessac-Léognan turned out a big surprise. I had never heard about the Châteaux and hence never tasted its wines. The 2015 displays a beautiful, somewhat mature nose with notes of plums, dried flowers, chocolate biscuits and coffee. Very fine.

The taste is medium bodied, refined and long with notes of black currants, cold coffee and a fine peppery note. A very fine dry finish. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot.

I need to hunt down more vintages of Château Mancrède.

93p   (tasted 2026/04)

2015 Barolo Bricco Boschis, Roccheviberti

2015 Barolo Bricco Boschis, Roccheviberti

A favourite producer of mine, Claudio makes great wines (see notes from my two visits to the cantina below). The 2015 Bricco Boschis offers up a very deep, layered nose with notes of ripe black cherries, shoepolish, tobacco and autumn Langhe earth. Very, very fine.

The taste is broad and taut with notes of cherry pips, licorice, tobacco, Beautiful stern tannins. Very long. Great wine. 6+ years.

96p   (tasted 2026/04)

My two visits to Roccheviberti:

Barolista: A Couple Of Days in Piedmont - Visits To Roccheviberti & Monchiero

Barolista: The Barolo Boys In Piedmont - Visit To Roccheviberti

2021 Dry Red Wine No 1, Yarra Yerring

2021 Dry Red Wine No1, Yarra Yerring

An open, gorgeous nose with notes of plums, sweet violets, ripe black currants, iron and a touch of tapenade. Deep and complex.

The taste is tight and concentrated with luscious black fruit, polished tannins and additional notes of chocolate biscuits, mint and iron. Very long.

A tasting sample from The Wineagency.

95p   (tasted 2026/04)

2022 Barbera d´Alba Carrà, Cascina Penna-Currado

2022 Barbera d´Alba Carrà, Cascina Penna-Currado

Right out of the gate this shows of a hedonistic and complex nose, with notes of a mix of ripe rasp- and blueberries, bonfire smoke, cured meat and licorice en masse. Just lovely.

The taste is rich and intense with stunning fruit, a piercing acidity and a long, long, lingering finish. Tasted at Grandi Langhe last year with the same impression.

94p   (tasted 2026/04)

Tasting Through The Sortiment Of Ward Wines

Last week I tasted through some of Ward Wines sortiment at Magnusson Fine Wines. These were my highlights.

Whites:

2023 Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru Le Clos Reyssier, Georges Duboeuf

A pure, racy nose with notes of grass and wet cement. 

The taste is young and tight with fine yellow fruit and a fresh acidity.

91p   (tasted 2026/03)

2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Plateau Blanc, Château Mont-Redon

A deep, layered nose with notes of ripe oranges, fudge and a hint of oak.

The taste is broad and lively with notes of orange juice, ripe flowers and white raisins.

93p   (tasted 2026/03)

Reds:

2019 Corton Les Grandes Lolières, Domaine Leflaive

A very handsome, old school Pinot nose with decadent, sweet red fruit, red beets and fresh herbs.

The taste is seamless and intense with gorgeous fruit, a cleansing acidity and a long, long finish.

95p   (tasted 2026/03)

2019 Hermitage Les Bessard, Delas Frères

A deep, meaty nose with notes of rubber, blackberries and saw dust.

The taste is taut and rich with notes of black pepper, dried meat and violets.

92p   (tasted 2026/03)

2021 Chianti Classico Badia a Passignano Gran Selezione, Marchesi Antinori

A low keyed, elegant nose with notes of sour cherries, tobacco and rosemary.

The taste is high and refined with fine cherry fruit and silky tannins.

91p   (tasted 2026/03)

2022 Guado al Tasso, Marchesi Antinori

A dense, restrained nose with notes of hard cherry candy, undergrowth and leather. 

The taste is tight and seedy with a fine structure, ripe cherry fruit and a long, warm finish.

92p   (tasted 2026/03)

2018 Valtellina Superiore Vigna Fracia Valgella, Nino Negri

A finely tuned, high nose with notes of sweet/sour cherries, gravel and dry licorice.

The taste is structured and pure with lovely dark cherries, licorice and fir wood.

91p   (tasted 2026/03)

2020 Valtellina Superiore Vigna Sassorosso, Nino Negri

A very deep, refined nose with notes of ripe red apples, dried cherries and warm tiles.

The taste is high and intense with racy fruit, polished tannins and a minute long finish.

93p   (tasted 2026/03)

Three Times Bordeaux

2005 Château La Bridane

This Saint Julien offers up a cool, somewhat mature nose with notes of red and black currants, shoe cream, almond paste and autumn leaves. Very, very good.

The taste is dry and structured with still perky tannins, dried black currant fruit and a long, warm finish.

89p   (tasted 2005/04)

1999 Château La Serre

This needed some time to open up, but then displayed a warm, soft nose with notes of leather, plums, sugared coffee and a hint of green bell peppers.

The taste is elegant and mature with notes of damsons, sun warm gravel and forest floor. A medium long, low keyd finish.

87p   (tasted 2026/04)

1996 Château Cissac

A very fine, mature nose with notes of freezedried coffee, fresh stables, expensive leather and sweet black currants. A poster child for a mature Bordeaux. Lovely.

The taste is round and refined with a very fine structure and balance, notes of dried black currants, tiles and sandelwood. A long, dry finish. Very fine.

92p   (tasted 2026/04)

Lunch Tasting With Wines From Gran Clos

I was invited by Vinunic to meet Xavier Benas from Gran Clos at Agnes, who served a great lunch (as usual).

2023 Gran Clos Blanc

A large scaled, smoky, perfumed nose with notes of ripe peach, matchbox and grilled lemons. A fine salty touch.

The taste is open and smoky with fine yellow fruit, a matching acidity and a long finish.

88p   (tasted 2026/03)

2022 Finca el Puig

A tad restrained nose with notes of damsons, dusty earth, blackberries and a light peppery note.

The taste is young and tight with peppery black fruit, a fine warmth and a long finish with a nice bitter touch. Needs a couple of years in the cellar.

89p   (tasted 2026/03)

2019 Finca el Puig

From magnum. The 2019 offers up a smoky, earth filled nose with notes of red apple skin, dried blueberries and hints of diesel. Very, very good.

The taste is warm and seedy with notes of dried black fruit, smoke and scorched earth. A tad dry on the finish.

88p   (tasted 2026/03)

2013 Finca el Puig

From magnum. A deep, spicy nose with notes of ripe blue- and blackberries, vintage leather and scorched earth. Very fine.

The taste is warm and creamy with notes of asphalt, dried up blackberry jam and sun warm gravel. The finish is long and structured. Some maturity. Lovely.

92p   (tasted 2026/03)

2019 Cornas Terres Brulées, Domaine Colombo

2019 Cornas Terres Brulées, Domaine Colombo

A young, warm nose with notes of ripening blackberries, asphalt and freshly chrushed black pepper. Very good but a tad anonymous.

The taste is cool and iron filled with notes of blueberries, dried flowers and dusty earth. A fine acidity. Still young, 4+ years.

88p   (tasted 2026/03)

Six Malbec Bottles

I taste Malbec to seldom. These were poured by Mikke at our latest tasting group meeting. No one was close to pinpoint these as Malbec dominated wines.

2021 Alberto, Bodega Noemia

A young, forward nose with notes of hot earth, bakelite and some peppery black fruit. Very nice.

The taste is upfront and fruity with notes of tobacco and asphalt. A tad short.

87p   (tasted 2026/03)

2016 Volare Del Camino, Viticultores de Gualtallary

A herb filled nose with additional notes of leather, dusty earth and dark raspberries. Very, very good.

The taste is structured and fine with notes of herbs, undergrowth and dried raspberries. A very fine warmth.

90p   (tasted 2026/03)

2014 Colomé, Hess Family

A deep, warm nose with notes of bonfire smoke, dried meat, red beets and undergrowth. Very fine.

The taste is firm and peppery with a very fine structure, balance and focus. Lovely sweet fruit.

93p   (tasted 2026/03)

2013 Finca Piedra Infinita, Zuccardi

A deep, lightly oaky nose with notes of red bell peppers, blueberries, scorched earth and dried meat. Very, very good.

The taste is tight and peppery with notes of ginger bread, asphalt and balsamic vinegar. Very long.

90p   (tasted 2026/03)

2007 Malbec Viña Fausto Orellana de Escobar, Trapiche

A finely tuned Bx look-a-like nose with notes of leather, dried black currants, stables and forest floor. Lovely.

The taste is cool and slightly mature with notes of dried black fruit, leather and asphalt. Silky tannins.

91p   (tasted 2026/03)

2007 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard, Catena Zapata

A deep, velvety nose with notes of blackberries, dried meat, bakelite and dark chocolate. Very fine.

The taste is taut and restrained with notes of scorched earth, chocolate wafers and dark flowers. A long, seedy finish.

92p   (tasted 2026/03)

1997 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra, Domenico Clerico

1997 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra, Domenico Clerico

A very deep, sweet, mature nose with notes of autumn leaves, veal stock, mucovado cooked strawberries and dark incense. Very, very fine.

The taste is silky and layered with spicy cherry fruit, pipe tobacco, tar and salmiak. A very fine backbone. Perfectly mature. Great wine.

95p   (tasted 2026/03)

2023 Chinon Le Puy, Jean-Marie Raffault

2023 Chinon Le Puy, Jean-Marie Raffault

On the third day I really liked this wine. Then it displayed a finely tuned, herbal nose with additional notes of iron, blueberries and hint of bell pepper. Before it had a barnyardy, wet dog note that was lying over the fruit.

The taste also became fresher with air with notes of blueberries, gravel, fried herbs and undergrowth. Silky tannins. Very, very good, but open and decant it in time.

90p   (tasted 2026/03)

2012 Brunello di Montalcino, Col d´Orcia

2012 Brunello di Montalcino, Col d´Orcia

An open, forward nose with notes of hard cherry candy, fresh herbs, sun warm gravel and old shoe cream. Very fine. Beginning to mature.

The taste is medium bodied and steady with notes of balsamico marinated cherries, vintage leather and forest floor. A very fine warmth in the finish. A lovely drink today.

92p   (tasted 2026/03)

2016 Barolo Brunate, M. Marengo

2016 Barolo Brunate, M. Marengo

A deep, tight nose with notes of dark cherries, violets, licorice and some light meaty notes. Still young and very focused.

The taste is seedy and fine with salty tannins, lots of cherry pips and a long, broad finish. This will need 8+ years in the cellar.

94p   (tasted 2026/03)