Isole e Olena
Cepparello Toscana Sangiovese 1999
Once upon a time Isole e Olena's Cepparello was one of three or four benchmarks of Sangiovese in purezza from the Chianti classico area between Florence and Siena. This gracefully aged 1999 explains why: nothing in excess, just pure and elegant Sangiovese, stilistically much closer to Pinot Noir than Cabernet, firm tannins, fresh acidity, ... I would still buy this kind of wine by the case - but too many producer aim at high scores from critics blinded by power and extract... — 12 years ago
Diebolt-Vallois
à Cramant Brut Champagne
Not my favorite label design but one of my favorite small producers from Champagne, Diebolt-Vallois from Cramant. The 'Prestige Brut' retails for round about 30 Euros at the cellar - great value for money, and the perfect Champagne on a Sunday morning! — 12 years ago
Pahlmeyer
Napa Valley Chardonnay 2010
Stunning stuff! — 11 years ago
E. Guigal
La Turque Côte-Rôtie Syrah
How much better can Syrah get? Guigal's 2009 Côte Rotie La Turque is divine... — 11 years ago
Schloss Lieser
Niederberg Helden Gross Gewachs Riesling 2011
Undoubtedly Thomas Haag is one of Germany's best Riesling winemakers. At his estate Schloss Lieser he producers uncompromising Riesling from pure slate terroirs. Love it or leave it - this is Riesling from slate in perfection, a masterpiece, drink it now or over the next decade. This stuff is so good!!! — 12 years ago
Gagliole
Colli della Toscana Centrale Sangiovese Blend 1997
A wonderful example of how supertuscans used to be at the end of the 1990s. Unfortunately the owner had the style changed to more power and extract - and less aging potential. So I have memories of a time when patience was rewarded while enjoying this beautiful Cabernet-Sangiovese blend in perfect drinking age. Unfortunately my last bottle, bought in October 2000 at the estate for 39,000 Lira a bottle. — 12 years ago
Olivier Bernstein
Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Chardonnay 2010
A real Chardonnay benchmark! — 11 years ago
Ferrari
Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore Trento Brut Chardonnay 1997
Who says sparkling wines don't get better with age even after degorgement? I bought this 1997 Giulo Ferrari about five years ago. Today it id fresh as ever, with slightly toasty notes and a perfect structure. My favorite Italian metodo classico from an excellent vintage. I toast the Lunelli family for creating this world class Blanc de Blancs from single vineyard Maso Pianizza located high above Trento in Northern Italy. — 12 years ago
Weingut Kranz
Kalmit Spätlese Trocken Riesling 2007
Nowadays Boris Kranz's Riesling Kalmit Terrassen from this terraced grand cru in Ilbesheim in Southern Pfalz is sold as a VDP Großes Gewächs - but back in 2007 Boris wasn't a member in the VDP yet but already a great winemaker with great terroirs. This 2007 has now opened up nicely and displays plenty of fruit as well as lots of minreality, superb mouth feel, drink now or over the next three years. — 12 years ago
Richard Grosche
You don't have to wait any longer, if you have bottles of this 2005 Clos des Mouches in your cellar. It has just reached its alltime peak and drinks beautifully now. An affordable Cru from Beaune and from a great vintage made by a great producer. — 11 years ago