Wednesday, 19 August 2026

2022 Langhe Nebbiolo, Bric Cenciurio


2022 Langhe Nebbiolo, Bric Cenciurio
A warm, fine nose with notes of dark cherries, tobacco, leather and Langhe earth. Very, very good.
The taste is compact and seedy with notes of cherry pips, dry licorice and red tea. A long, warm finish.
87p   (tasted 2026/08)


Tuesday, 18 August 2026

Tasting New Releases


Elke Jung arrange once a month a tasting of wines that are to be released on the state monopoly. As usual a lot of wines to taste. 

Below are the reds I looked forward to taste.
I note the release date (if any) and the price in SKR (Swedish currency, 1 Euro ~ 11 SKR). 

2024 Moulin-À-Vent, Château des Jacques
A light, elegant nose with notes of chrushed strawberries, smoke and rhubarb.
The taste is finely tuned with a fine acidity and lovely strawberry fruit. 
Will be released on the 18th of September / 249 SKR.
88p   (tasted 2026/08)

2024 Irancy La Grande Côte, Benoît Cantin
A deep, almost ligthly meaty nose with dark raspberries, forest floor and ripe flowers. 
The taste is taut and fine with nicely shaped tannins and acidity backed up with raspberry fruit. A beauty for the prize.
Will be released on the 25th of September / 269 SKR.
91p   (tasted 2026/08)


2023 Côte de Brouilly Lieu-dit Brulhié, Château de La Chaize
A deep, dark nose with notes of assorted berries, moist earth and wood.
The taste is young and tight with chalky tannins and hidden fruit. Needs time.
Will be released on the 25th of September / 349 SKR.
86p   (tasted 2026/08)

2023 Santenay, Joseph Drouhin
A smoky, rich nose with notes of balsamico cooked strawberries, smoke and forest floor.
The taste is open, juicy and balanced with nice strawberry fruit and a fine acidity.
Will be released on the 18th of September / 389 SKR.
87p   (tasted 2026/08)

2020 Château Malecasse
A young, open nose with notes of tobacco, ripe red and black currants, fir wood and smoke. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and fine with perky tannins, the fruit is a tad locked up at the moment, long and fine.
Will be released on the 4th of September / 299 SKR.
88p   (tasted 2026/08)

2012 Château de Camensac
A mature, withdrawn nose with notes of vintage leather, cigarette smoke and autumn leaves.
The taste is medium bodied, on the dry side with notes of dried red currants, gravel and tobacco.
Will be released on the 28th of August / 399 SKR.
84p   (tasted 2026/08)


2020 Château La Fleur Pourret
An open, juicy nose with notes of plums, pipe tobacco and warm tiles. Very, very good.
The taste is young and structured with very fine fruit, a nice balance and backbone for cellaring.
Will be released on the 28th of August / 479 SKR.
91p   (tasted 2026/08)

2018 Château Marquis de Terme
A layered, fine nose with ripe black currants, cedar and bonfire smoke. A fine warmth.
The taste is linear and dry with warm black currant fruit and a broadshouldered structure. Very, very good.
Will be released on the 25th of September / 498 SKR.
89p   (tasted 2026/08)

2024 La Falaise, Château La Negly
A smoky, stony nose with notes of blackberries, charcoal and dried meat. Very, very good.
The taste is dry and structured with very fine black fruit, silky tannins and a long, fresh finish. For the price, a winner.
Will be released on the 11th of September / 289 SKR.
91p   (tasted 2026/08)


2024 Ze Cinsault, Domaine du Pas de l´Escalette
An open, juciy nose with notes of ripe red currants, gravel and an autumn forest. Lovely.
The taste is medium bodied, pure and fresh with gorgeous fruit, a cleansing acidity and a long, layered finish. An easy buy.
Already released / 359 SKR.
93p   (tasted 2026/08)

2024 Quintessence, Château Pesquié
A light peppery nose with notes of blueberries, smoke and a hint of bacon fat.
The taste is structured and warm with some cooked fruit and a long, warm, slightly bitter finish.
Will be released on the 18th of September / 249 SKR.
85p   (tasted 2026/08)


2023 Saint Joseph Poivre et Sol, Francois Villard
A forward, pepper filled nose with notes of red bell pepper, cigarette ashes and blood. Very interesting.
The taste is narrow and peppery with some anemic fruit and a long, warm finish.
Will be released on the 18th of September / 349 SKR.
84p   (tasted 2026/08)

2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine Font de Courtedune
A ripe, forward nose with notes of assorted herbs, raspberries and hot gravel. 
The taste is rich, almost overripe with cooked fruit, lots of tannins and a long, warm, dry finish.
Will be released on the 11th of September / 419 SKR.
86p   (tasted 2026/08)

2023 Cornas Vieilles Vignes, Alain Voge
A deep, delicate nose with notes of damsons, black pepper and rust. Very fine.
The taste is taut and fine with lovely black fruit, a fine balance and long, layered finish. Really fine.
Will be released on the 25th of September / 699 SKR.
94p   (tasted 2026/08)


2023 Côte-Rôtie Améthyste, Domaine Levet
A young, shy nose with notes of dried meat, dried flowers, some peppery notes and ripening blueberries.
The taste is young and finely tuned around fresh blueberry fruit, silky tannins and a long, fresh finish. Needs time.
Already released / 759 SKR.
92p   (tasted 2026/08)

2022 Barbaresco Bricco di Neive Vie Erte, Cigliuti
A handsome, elegant nose with notes of red cherries, rosehips and Langhe earth. Beautiful.
The taste is balanced and delicate with notes of cherry pips, dried flowers and dry licorice. Very fine. A must buy.
Will be released on the 28th of August/ 439 SKR.
94p   (tasted 2026/08)

2024 Sito Moresco, Gaja
A deep, open nose with notes of ripe cherries, tobacco, tar and dusty gravel. A fine warmth.
The taste is taut and fine but lacks a bit of depth, has a very good cherry fruit and a long, dry finish.
Will be released on the 21st of September / 499 SKR.
87p   (tasted 2026/08)


1982 Barolo Riserva, Borgogno
A very deep, lovely mature nose with notes of mushrooms, cold coffee, vintage leather and dried up cherry jam.
The taste is structured, ripe and very fine with still a healthy dose of tannins, cooked cherries and a long, dry finish. A very nice mature Barolo, but the price...
Will be released on the 17th of September / 3999 SKR.
91p   (tasted 2026/08)

2023 Chianti Classico, Pagliarese
A young, seedy nose with notes of ripening cherries, tiles and Tuscan road gravel.
The taste is young and perky with nice fruit, polished tannins and a medium long, dry finish. Pretty for the price.
Will be released on the 2nd of October / 209 SKR.
87p   (tasted 2026/08)

2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Castello di Meleto
An old school, dusty nose with notes of dried cherries, mothballs and warm earth.
The taste is dry and linear with a high acidity, stern tannins and some fruit popping up here and there. For the masochist.
Will be released on the 18th of September / 279 SKR.
81p   (tasted 2026/08)


2021 Brunello di Montalcino, Il Poggione
A warm, spicy nose with notes of ripe black cherries, leather, smoke and a hint of band aid. Complex and fine.
The taste is upfront, taut and potent with a very fine cherry fruit, polished tannins and a long, luscious finish. Needs 8+ years. A definitive buy.
Will be released on the 21st of August / 379 SKR.
92p   (tasted 2026/08)

2022 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Brancaia
A deep, slightly medicinal nose with notes of warm cherries, tobacco and fried herbs.
The taste is forward and dry with notes of not fully ripe cherries, tobacco and chrushed rocks.
Will be released on the 3rd of September / 648 SKR.
85p   (tasted 2026/08)


2022 Il Blu, Brancaia
A low keyed, finely tuned nose with notes of ripe cherries, coffee powder and forest floor.
The taste is warm and fine with juicy tannins and a nice cherry fruit. A long, warm finish.
Will be released on the 3rd of September / 748 SKR.
88p   (tasted 2026/08)

2016 Rioja Gran Reserva, Marqués de Riscal
An open, sweet nose with notes of cooked red fruit, a hint of vanilla and undergrowth. Old school Rioja.
The taste is mature and velvety with fine red fruit, soft tannins and a long finish that ends on a dry note.
Will be released on the 25th of September / 429 SKR.
88p   (tasted 2026/08)


2023 Psi, Bodegas y Viñedos Alnardo
A juicy, fresh nose with a mix of raspberries and blueberries, a hint of smoke and some rosé pepper. Very, very good.
The taste is finely structured with a great balance between fruit, acidity and tannins. A long, fresh, dry finish. Great value.
Will be released on the 9th of October / 359 SKR.
92p   (tasted 2026/08)

2023 Laurel, Clos I Terrasses
A deep, rich nose with lots of cooked fruit, scorched earth and red licorice.
The taste is rich and almost over the top with cooked fruit, dry tannins and a long, hot finish.
Will be released on the 28th of August / 549 SKR.
85p   (tasted 2026/08)


2024 Pinot Noir, Pike Road
A light, fresh and juicy nose with notes of wild strawberries, smoke and flowers.
The taste is open for business, light and shiny with nice strawberry fruit and a light acidity.
A juicy wine for a juicy prize.
Will be released on the 18th of September / 219 SKR.
87p   (tasted 2026/08)

2023 Pinot Noir Santa Ynez Valley, Au Bon Climat
A deep, crisp nose with notes of really ripe raspberries, red licorice and fresh herbs. A high note that is very fine.
The taste is layered and nicely structured with lovely red fruit, a fresh acidity and a long, warm finish. Really fine.
Will be released on the 11th of September / 549 SKR.
95p   (tasted 2026/08)


2023 Pinot Noir Falstaff Vineyard, Kutch
A deep, laid back nose with notes of red currants, ripening strawberries, smoke and coffee powder, very elegant.
The taste is young and focused with a high acidity, polished tannins and fine red fruit that takes the backseat today. Needs time, 6+ years.
Will be released on the 21th of August / 669 SKR.
90p   (tasted 2026/08)

2023 Pinot Noir McDougall Ranch, Kutch
A deep, velvety nose with notes of dried raspberries, licorice, dried flowers and forest floor. Very fine.
The taste is potent and juicy at the same time with gorgeous raspberry fruit, a fine acidity and a long, long finish. Lovely.
Will be released on the 21th of August / 669 SKR.
94p   (tasted 2026/08)

2022 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard, Cobb
A very fine, delicate nose with notes of wild strawberries, thai basil, licorice and forest floor. A very fine sweetness to the fruit.
The taste is balanced, refined and just lovely with stunning fruit, a perfect acidity and a finish that promises miracles in the future. A must buy.
Will be released on the 25th of September / 795 SKR.
97p   (tasted 2026/08)


2023 Pinot Noir Memorious, Domaine de la Côte
A tight, smoky nose with notes of dried flowers, wet cement, raspberries and warm gravel. Very distinct.
The taste is tight and structured with a stern backbone, lots of ripe raspberries and a long, long finish. More impressive than likeable, at least for now. Wait 7+ years.
Will be released on the 27th of August/ 995 SKR.
92p   (tasted 2026/08)

2023 Pinot Noir Bloom´s Field, Domaine de la Côte
A very deep, layered nose with notes of red licorice, dried raspberries, herbs and smoke. An old school Pinot nose.
The taste is tight, taut and intense with stunning fruit, very long, very powerful, very fine. 8+ years. 
Will be released on the 27th of August / 1099 SKR.
95p   (tasted 2026/08)

Wednesday, 12 August 2026

1989 Château Verdignan


1989 Château Verdignan
A classic mature Bordeaux nose with notes of vintage leather, dried up black currant jam, fresh stables and sugared coffee. A touch of brett. Very, very good.
The taste is medium bodied with soft tannins, fine black currants fruit and a silky dry finish. A perfect luncheon claret.
89p   (tasted 2026/08)

Monday, 10 August 2026

2007 Goldtröpchen Erstes Gewächs Riesling Kabinett, Reinhold Haart


2007 Goldtröpchen Erstes Gewächs Riesling Kabinett, Reinhold Haart
A pure as a mountain river nose with notes of slate, salt lemon licorice, fresh soap and sweet minerals. Very fine.
The taste is light and precise as a ballerina with a beautiful acidity, gorgeous lemon fruit and a long finish that ends almost dry. In a perfect drinking stage.
93p   (tasted 2026/08)

Saturday, 8 August 2026

A Bottle Of Bubbly - 2010 Extra Brut, Olivier Marteaux


2010 Extra Brut, Olivier Marteaux
Friends opened this the other day. A nicely matured nose with notes of wet cement, yellow apples, dark fudge and dried flowers. Very fine.
The taste is round and elegant with notes of passionfruit, yellow apples and chrushed rocks. A very fine acidity. For drinking now and the coming 6+ years.
40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 2 gr dosage.
92p   (tasted 2026/08)

Monday, 3 August 2026

2019 Domaine du Grand Ormeau


2019 Domaine du Grand Ormeau
This Lalande de Pomerol offers up an open, warm nose with notes of plums, dark chocolate, shoe cream and fir wood. Very good.
The taste is medium bodied with soft tannins, a fine plummy fruit and a warm, chocolate bisquit finish.
The cepage is 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
87p   (tasted 2028/01)

Interesting enough - the label on my bottle is not the same as on their webpage - FicheTechnique-DGO-2019.pdf

Sunday, 2 August 2026

Nemi, Wannborga


Nemi, Wannborga
A blend of vintages 2021 and 2022 with 55% Leon Millet, 25% Rondo and 20% Regent. The nose is light and nice with notes of ripening blueberries, earth, geranium and a touch of chocolate. Better on day two, more elegant then.
The taste is medium bodied with nice going tannins and notes of blueberries, gravel and chocolate biscuits. On day two behaves like an easy going Bordeaux. Only 11,5%.
87p   (tasted 2026/08)

Other bottles tasted:

Thursday, 30 July 2026

2024 Barbera d´Alba Superiore Scassa, Bruna Grimaldi


2024 Barbera d´Alba Superiore Scassa, Bruna Grimaldi
An open, attractive nose with notes of asphalt, balsamic vinegar cooked cherries, licorice and model clay. Very, very good. 
The taste is juicy and warm with notes of raspberry chocolate, leather, licorice and asphalt. A great drink today and the coming 8+ years. 
Notes from my first visit to the cantina here - Barolista: A Couple Of Days In Piedmont - Visit To Bruna Grimaldi
91p   (tasted 2026/07)

Tuesday, 28 July 2026

2022 Côte-Rôtie Les 3 Brunes, Lionel Faury


2022 Côte-Rôtie Les 3 Brunes, Lionel Faury
A young, cool and refined nose with notes of iron, fir wood, new leather and fresh blueberries. Very, very good. 
The taste is fresh and lightly peppery with additional notes of blue ski wax, asphalt and damsons. Stern tannins. Definitely not a charmer but I like this stiff Syrah. 6+ years.
91p   (tasted 2026/07)

Sunday, 26 July 2026

2013 Barolo Gabutti, Sordo


2013 Barolo Gabutti, Sordo
Gabutti, the 14,24 ha big MGA in Serralunga, most known by the two stunning wines from Cappellano, Piè Franco and Piè Rupestris. Other than Cappellano its only two producers that makes a Gabutti, Franco Boasso (notes from my visit here - Barolista: A Couple Of Days In Piedmont - A Visit To Franco Boasso) and Sordo (notes from my two visits and some other wines tasted, see below).
The 2013 Gabutti from Sordo offers up a dark, broad nose with notes of cooked cherries, moist Langhe earth, coffee and dark flowers.
The taste is tight and taut with broad shouldered tannins, ripe black cherries, tobacco and asphalt. Still needs a couple of years in the cellar to really open up.
89p   (tasted 2026/07)

Thursday, 23 July 2026

Two Bottles Of Bordeaux


2006 Château Grandis
A nice, mature nose with notes of autumn leaves, tobacco, graphite and dried black currants.
The taste is medium bodied, dry and low keyed elegant with notes of iron, leather and dried up black currant jam.
87p   (tasted 2026/07)

2005 Château Faizeau Selection Vieilles Vignes
A deep, somewhat mature nose with notes of plums, pipe tobacco, warm tiles and leather. A fine old viney note.
The taste is tight and fine with a peppery note, lots of black fruit and a long, silky finish. Very, very good.
90p   (tasted 2026/07)

Tuesday, 21 July 2026

2021 Blanc, Podere Il Carnasciale


2021 Blanc, Podere Il Carnasciale
A deep, elegant nose with notes of almond paste, yellow apple, candle grease and summer warm gravel. Very fine.
The taste is tight and refined with notes of tangerines, gravel, white flowers and yellow apples. A fine acidity. 
92p   (tasted 2026/07)

Sunday, 19 July 2026

1993 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, Dr. Loosen


1993 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese, Dr. Loosen
A soft, mature nose with notes of clay, oil cloth, dried mango and smoke. Very good.
The taste is velvety and of dry with a good acidity, dried yellow fruit and a medium long finish.
86p   (tasted 2026/07)

Friday, 17 July 2026

2022 Barolo Albe, G. D. Vajra - 20 Years After Tasting The 2002 Barolo Albe At The Cantina


2022 Barolo Albe, G. D. Vajra
On this day it was 20 years since I made my first visit to Paradise, aka Piedmont. We were staying in Liguria and made a one day trip to Langhe. My first ever visit was to Luciano Sandrone but my second visit was to G. D. Vajra. I got to taste the 2002 Albe and wasn´t that impressed. But 2002 was not a good vintage in any shape or form.

20 years later and a multitude of trips to Piedmont have been made and to this day 121 cantinas visited. 

The 2022 Albe offers up a cool, earthy nose with notes of paint, red tea, hard cherry candy and dry licorice.
The taste is young and tight with notes of red licorice, red currants, cherry pips and earth. A touch bitter on the finish.
87p   (tasted 2026/07)

Wednesday, 15 July 2026

2021 Barolo, Vietti


2021 Barolo, Vietti
From this great vintage, Vietti has fashioned a beauty, with an upfront, juicy nose with notes of dried up cherry jam, fir wood, dried flowers and paint.
The taste is young and structured with ripe cherry fruit, red licorice, mocha and Langhe earth. Long and fine, 6+ years.
91p   (tasted 2026/07)

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

2013 Barbaresco, La Ca´Növa


2013 Barbaresco, La Ca´Növa
A low keyed, elegant (after some time in the glass) nose with notes of forest floor, red currants and band aid. Very, very good.
The taste is medium bodied and dry with notes of cherry pips, licorice and earth. A fine salivating finish, craving you to take another sip. On top of its game.
89p   (tasted 2026/07)



Sunday, 12 July 2026

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba, Flavio Roddolo


2017 Dolcetto d´Alba, Flavio Roddolo
Opens a touch barnyardy but that blows away, especially on day two its just about bright red fruit and additional notes of licorice, sun warm earth and a hint of cinnanmon. Very fine.
The taste is open, juciy and ripe with gorgeous raspberry fruit, dried flowers, molasses and licorice. A joy to drink but had this been poured blind I would have guessed a Barbera.
92p   (tasted 2026/07)


Wednesday, 8 July 2026

Two Bottles Of 2013 Barolo Riserva


2013 Barolo Riserva, Sangrato
A deep, old school nose with notes of dried flowers, undergrowth, dried red fruit and licorice. Very good.
The taste is tight and linear with some maturity and notes of dried cherries, asphalt and fir wood. 
88p   (tasted 2026/06)

2013 Barolo Riserva Simposio, Bel Colle
A fine, expressive nose with notes of hard cherry candy, ripe roses, paint and dry licorice. Very, very good.
The taste is still on the young side of things with taut tannins, fine cherry fruit and a long, structured finish. 5+ years.
92p   (tasted 2026/06)

Sunday, 5 July 2026

Two Saint Emilion Grand Cru Bottles

2019 Château Millaud-Montlabert
An upfront, plummy nose with notes of stables, pipe tobacco, mint and a tiny metallic note. Very, very good.
The taste is nicely structured with a fine dryness, notes of plums, chocolate biscuits and tobacco.
89p   (tasted 2026/06)



2012 Château La Marzelle
A round, silky nose with notes of worn leather, tobacco, plums and undergrowth. A lovely sweetness to the fruit.
The taste is creamy and smoky with fine black fruit, polished tannins and a long, warm finish. 
91p   (tasted 2026/06)

Thursday, 2 July 2026

2016 Crozes-Hermitage Albéric, Gilles Robin


2016 Crozes-Hermitage Albéric, Gilles Robin
A deep, somewhat mature nose with notes of violet licorice, black pepper, smoke and pine fir. Very, very good.
The taste is medium bodied and elegant with lovely black fruit, silky tannins and a iron clad dry finish. 
91p   (tasted 2026/06)

Monday, 29 June 2026

2019 Dolcetto d´Alba Coste & Fossati, G. D. Vajra


2019 Dolcetto d´Alba Coste & Fossati, G. D. Vajra
Last tasted 5 years ago - Barolista: A 19 Bottle Dolcetto Tasting With Dolcetto Boys & Girls - this Dolcetto offers up a inky, blueberry filled nose with additional notes of shoe polish and hints of rubber. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and fresh with notes of licorice, blueberry candy, gravel and lots of violets. Still young, 4+ years.
90p   (tasted 2026/06)

Thursday, 25 June 2026

1964 & 1967 Barolo, Franco Fiorina


1964 Barolo, Franco Fiorina
A deep, finely balanced nose with gorgeous maturity in the shape of dried strawberries, tiles, orange peel and vintage leather. Very, very good.
The taste is soft and cool with notes of red currants, cold coffee, paint and leather. There is still some sweetness in the fruit. Not the best 64 Fiorina I have tasted but a really good drink.
92p   (tasted 2026/06)

1967 Barolo, Franco Fiorina
Second bottle of 67 Fiorina tasted recently and this was by a small margin the better. The nose is deep, earthy and dried up with notes of molasses, candle grease and bonfire smoke. 
The taste is warm, structured, a tad dry in the middle, medium long, still going strong but a bit burly.
85p   (tasted 2026/06)

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

2023 Sainte-Agathe, Domaine Georges Vernay


2023 Sainte-Agathe, Domaine Georges Vernay
A young, fresh, peppery nose with notes of violets, iron, pine resin and some meaty aromas. Very, very good.
The taste is cool, balanced and handsome with silky tannins, stalky in a delicate way and beautiful black fruit. A lovely Syrah that needs 4+ years in the cellar.
91p   (tasted 2026/06)

Saturday, 20 June 2026

A Dynamic Duo From San Biagio


NV Alta Langa Riserva Rosé 
I love the wines from this cantina. I have visisted three time, see below, and Tiziana and Gianluca are the nicest people, and that says something, in a region where nice people are a dime a dozen.
This zero dosage bubbly offers up a delicate nose with notes of red apples, red currants, blood oranges, gravel and wet rocks. Very fine.
The taste is pure and precise with a cleansing acidity and fine notes of red apple skin, oranges and lots of sweet minerals. Very long. 100% Pinot Noir.
92p   (tasted 2026/06)

2019 Barolo Galina, San Biagio
My third time tasting this gem, and it doesn´t disappoint. The nose soars up from the glass with notes of red tea, salmiak, strawberries and lots and lots of roses. Just lovely.
The taste is tight and refined with intense notes of hard cherry candy, sand, asphalt and roses. A very long, balanced finish. Great wine.
97p   (tasted 2026/06)

My visits to Tiziana and Gianluca:

Tuesday, 16 June 2026

Four Mature Dolcetto d´Alba´s - 1990, 1993, 1933 & 1996


1990 Dolcetto d´Alba Vigneto Sorj Canta, Lodali
A mature, smoky nose with notes of furniture polish, dried red fruits and stables. A nice dried up warmth.
The taste is dry and linear with notes of cherry pips, red currants, vintage leather and a bitter finish. Better on the nose.
81p   (tasted 2026/06)

1993 Dolcetto d´Alba Borgo Asili, Lodali
A somewhat restrained but perky nose with notes of hard cherry candy, forest floor and red tea. Very good.
The taste is long and cool with a fine red fruit, still some silky tannins and a fine balance. Mature of course but bottles like this could go on for 6+ years.
88p   (tasted 2026/06)

1993 Dolcetto d´Alba Vigneto Bric Sant´Ambrogio, Lodali
A tight, iron filled nose with notes of damsons, red licorice and warm gravel. A nice depth.
The taste is fresh and structured with broad tannins, dried red fruit and a dry finish that is rather short.
84p   (tasted 2026/06)

1996 Dolcetto d´Alba Vigneto Bric Sant´Ambrogio, Lodali
An open, warm nose with notes of dried up strawberry jam, asphalt and fir wood. A tad foursquare.
The taste is nicely structured with fresh red fruit, soft tannins and a long, earthy finish. Better on the palate.
84p   (tasted 2026/06)

Sunday, 14 June 2026

2018 Barolo, Bric Cenciurio


2018 Barolo, Bric Cenciurio
A low keyed, elegant nose with notes of hard cherry candy, rosehips, furniture polish and sweet Langhe earth. Very, very good.
The taste is medium bodied and sleek with cool, silky tannins, red currants, dry licorice and a dry finish. 4+ years.
89p   (tasted 2026/06)


Saturday, 13 June 2026

2018 Brut Millésime, Taittinger


2018 Brut Millésime, Taittinger
A young, perky nose with notes of toasted bread, lemon cream, elderberries and ripe peaches. Very fine. Even better on day two, the fruit is sweeter and more round.
The taste is fresh and creamy with fine yellow fruit, a cleansing acidity and a long, lingering finish. Also better on the palate on day two.
A tasting sample from Wine Affair.
93p   (tasted 2016/06)

Thursday, 11 June 2026

Then & Now - 2000 & 2020 Château Bouscassé


2000 Château Bouscassé
A deep, nicely mature nose with notes of coffee, dried black currants, dried meat and vintage leather. A very fine warmth. Even better on day two.
The taste is open and warm with fine black fruit, notes of tobacco, leather and autumn leaves. Very long.
92p   (tasted 2026/06)

2020 Château Bouscassé
A rich, juicy nose with notes of asphalt, iron, tobacco and plums. Very, very good.
The taste is big and bold with upfront plum fruit, dark chocolate, graphite and a long, fiery finish. Needs a couple of years in the cellar.
89p   (tasted 2026/06)

Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Four Bottles Of Riesling


2014 Wintricher Oligsberg Riseling Spätlese, Julian Haart
A young, fresh nose with notes of red apples, smoke and sun warm rocks. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and fine with notes of grapefruit, red apples and sweet minerals. A very fine acidity.
91p   (tasted 2026/05)

2008 Piesporter Goldtröpchen Riesling Spätlese Auction, St. Urbans-Hof
A deep, velvety nose with notes of lemon curd, saffron, dried up honey and some rubbery notes. Beautiful.
The taste is dry and refined with notes of dried oranges, chrushed rocks and dry grass. Very long and lovely.
95p   (tasted 2026/05)

2002 Piesporter Domherr Riesling Spätlese, Reinhold Haart
A restrained, elegant nose with notes of dry peach, smoke and gravel. Laid back and fine.
The taste is nicely concentrated with a fine maturity and dried pineapple and peaches. A hint of bitterness in the finish.
90p   (tasted 2026/05)

2005 Piesporter Goldtröpchen Riesling Spätlese, Reinhold Haart
A racy, refined nose with notes of grey pears, lime and match box. High and very fine.
The taste is focused and forward with a gorgeous balance and intensity. Lovely fruit. Really fine.
94p   (tasted 2026/05)

Tuesday, 9 June 2026

2007 Barolo Zonchera, Ceretto


2007 Barolo Zonchera, Ceretto
One of the last vintages of Zonchera, Ceretto stopped using this name with the 2009 vintage.
An open, deep, mature nose with notes of dried up cherry jam, pipe tobacco, asphalt and lots of rosehips. Very, very good.
The taste is soft and velvety with notes of dried cherries, vintage leather and Finnish licorice. A fine dried up warmth. 
89p   (tasted 2026/06)


Thursday, 4 June 2026

Tasting With Gullberg by Stockwine - Part II - Jocelyne & Yves Lafoy


I had the opportunity to attend a trade tasting with Gullberg by Stockwine a couple of days ago. A lot of fine wine to taste and meet and talk with winemakers.

Part II - a new acquaintance for me, from Rhone, Gaetan - third generation of the estate (the fourth generation is seen in the background) - poured these stunners.

2023 Alliance, Jocelyne & Yves Lafoy
A light, peppery nose with notes of ink and blueberries is followed with a nicely structured, herbal palate. Very, very good. (199 SKR ex VAT).
~91p   (tasted 2026/06)



2024 Saint-Joseph Préambule, Jocelyne & Yves Lafoy
A cool, elegant nose with an open, fresh, juicy taste with lots of juniper berries and black pepper. (no price given).
~92p   (tasted 2026/06)

2023 Côte-Rôtie Prélude, Jocelyne & Yves Lafoy
A handsome, refined nose with notes of blackberries and chrushed rocks alongside a tight, concentrated taste with notes of bakelite and ripe blueberries. Lovely.
~94p   (tasted 2026/06)

2022 Côte-Rôtie Prélude, Jocelyne & Yves Lafoy
The -22 Prélude is a tad more meatier, the structure is more broadshouldered but the fruit is as fine. (550 SKR ex VAT).
~93p   (tasted 2026/06)


2023 Côte-Rôtie Côte Rozier, Jocelyne & Yves Lafoy
Only 930 bottles made of this nectar. The nose is deep and layered with notes of damsons, asphalt, licorice and tobacco. Stunning. The taste is high and fine with fruit, tannins and acidity in gorgeous harmony. Great wine. (800 SKR ex VAT).
~95p   (tasted 2026/06)

2022 Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde, Jocelyne & Yves Lafoy
The Côte Blonde is what dreams are made of, at least mine. From vines planted in 1934. The nose is bottomless deep with sweet black fruit, a touch of old balsamic vinegar, sun warm gravel and ripe flowers. The taste is intense, focused and just brilliant with rich black fruit, silky tannins, a high acidity and a finish that never ends. In 8+ years, perfection in the making. (1199 SKR ex VAT).
~98p   (tasted 2026/06)

Wednesday, 3 June 2026

2013 Barolo Perno, Sordo


2013 Barolo Perno, Sordo
A fine, old school nose with notes of hard cherry candy, paint, roses and licorice. Very, very good.
The taste is still young and tight with notes of cherry pips, red licorice and coffee powder. Taut tannins. A fine structure. 6+ years.
91p   (tasted 2026/05)

Tuesday, 2 June 2026

Tasting With Gullberg by Stockwine - Part I - A Bunch of Burgundies


I had the opportunity to attend a trade tasting with Gullberg by Stockwine yesterday. A lot of fine wine to taste and meet and talk with winemakers.

Part I - the Burgundies - these were the ones that caught my palate. Since I only spend a minute or two with each wine, while taking notes and simultaneously chatting with the winemaker, I give an approximate score. 

2024 Bourgogne Joie de Vigne, Marchand-Tawse
A fresh, pure nose and a grippy palate with a fine acidity, a real catch for (239 SKR ex VAT).
~90p   (tasted 2026/01)


2023 Marsannay, Marchand-Tawse
Somewhat restrained but with a very fine red fruit and a long, layered finish (365 SKR ex VAT).
~91p   (tasted 2026/01)

2024 Beaune 1er Cru Les Tuvilains, Marchand-Tawse
A deep, elegant Pinot nose and a racy, forward and focused taste. Needs 6+ years (659 SKR ex VAT).
~93p   (tasted 2026/01)

2023 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Fôrets Monopole, Domaine de L´Arlot
A very handsome, raspberry laden nose and a high, concentrated taste. Very fine, 7+ years (1099 SKR ex VAT).
~93p   (tasted 2026/01)


2023 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos de L´Arlot, Domaine de L´Arlot
A stunner from start to finish, a truly great Pinot, lovely to drink now but will age 10+ years (No price given).
~96p   (tasted 2026/01)

2022 Volnay 1er Cru Frémiets, Pierrick Bouley
A tight, focused nose with gorgeous red currants fruit and a balanced, broad taste with a fine acidity, 4+ years (1099 SKR ex VAT).
~92p   (tasted 2026/01)

2023 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Roncière, Domaine Jean Grivot
A deep, meaty, perfumed nose and a tight, rich, smoky palate with goes on for a minute. Lovely, 8+ years (1499 SKR ex VAT).
~94p   (tasted 2026/01)


2023 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts, Domaine Jean Grivot
A very deep, opulent, raspberry focused nose and restrained and concentrated on the palate with a length that is counted in minutes, give this beauty 10+ years (2550 SKR ex VAT)
~96p   (tasted 2026/01)

2023 Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Grandes Vignes, Domaine Garcia
A cool, smoky nose with ripening strawberries and undergrowth. A nicely structured taste with herbs and flowers, 5+ years (899 SKR ex VAT).
~92p   (tasted 2026/01)