Bollinger Brut, ‘Spécial Cuvée’, Champagne, France 29 Like a fine tapestry, this weaves rich flavors of blackberry tart, lemon parfait, graphite and toasted almond together on the creamy palate. Finely honed acidity creates a vibrant thread throughout.

Laurent-Perrier Brut Rosé, Champagne, France 32 A touch earthy, yet this is well-integrated and lively, with berry, orange and spice notes that persist through the long finish. Very fine mousse with a classy texture. Lunetta Prosecco, Veneto, Italy 13 Enticing aromas of apple and peach give way to a palate that is refreshing and harmonious, with crisp fruit flavors.

Eroica Riesling Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington, USA, 2015 18 A wine crafted by two incredible winemakers- one in Washington State and the other in Germany. Eroica has aromas and flavors of mandarin orange, ginger, sweet lime and subtle minerality. Pinot Grigio, Elena Walch, Alto Adige, Italy 11 Framed by tangy acidity, this lively white offers a creamy texture and flavors of crunchy pear, kumquat and sliced almond, with a smoky overtone. Albariño, Pazo de Barrantes, Rías Baixas, Spain 13 A polished texture carries harmonious flavors of pear, almond and tarragon in this fresh white, which has bright, citrusy acidity and a clean finish. Chablis, ‘Vielles Vignes’ La Chablisienne, Burgundy, France, 2004 14 Taut and steely, this shows intensity to its lemon and mineral flavors, but it requires air and concentration to coax them out. Lively and long, it needs time to open. Chenin Blanc/Viognier, Pine Ridge, California, USA, 2014 10 Floral and sweet on the nose, this wine exhibits fragrant aromas of pear and melon, with a delicate touch of pink grapefruit, sweet, bright flavors of citrus and pear are offered up along with a supple texture, the slightly off-dry finish is clean and crisp, marked with notes of grapefruit peel. Sauvignon Blanc, Duckhorn, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2015 22 Fragrant and succulent, with melon, lime and passion fruit flavors accented by spice and orange sherbet hints. Features a smooth, supple frame and juicy accents.

Chardonnay Ferrari-Carano, Sonoma County, California, USA, 2013 27 A full-bodied Chardonnay, this wine delights with aromas of apple, a hint of graham cracker, floral notes, and honey, perfectly balanced by flavors of lemon and pear on the entry and lingering, creamy marshmallow, toasted oak notes.

Malene Rosé, Central Coast, California, USA, 2015 11 Orange blossom and watermelon aromas lead to soft strawberry flavors. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Vermentino. Château la Coste Rosé, Côtes de Provence, France 12 Made mainly from a small parcel of old vines of Grenache. The nose is of white fruits, fennel and herbs, the palate is dry but soft, red fruits with subtle notes of honey and caramel on the finish.

Beaune du Château Premier Cru, Bouchard Père & Fils, Burgundy, France 20 Strikes a balance between the cherry and earth flavors, with a delicate profile and tight structure. Chianti Classico Riserva, Villa Antinori, Tuscany, Italy, 2013 15 Fresh and vibrant, this red displays cherry, strawberry, tobacco, spice and mineral flavors. Firm structure lends plenty of support and the finish evokes tobacco, earth and underbrush notes. Malbec Golden Reserve, Trivento, Mendoza, Argentina, 2014 16 Shows good cut to the red currant, raspberry and crushed red plum flavors. The spicy finish offers good minerality, with some pepper details. Merlot, Marques de Casa Concha, Concha y Toro, Central Valley, Chile 12 Dark and deep red. Rich and deftly balanced yet muscular red, layers of complex currant, spice, wild berry and plum. Show off a nice touch of vanilla oak and mocha, adding a nice dimension. Paraduxx Red, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2013 25 More sturdy than exciting, with direct loamy earth, cedar and cigar box touches amid dried berry flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot.

Zinfandel, Seghesio, Sonoma County, California, USA, 2015 13 This elegant Zinfandel has flavors of raspberries and blackberries laced with cracked pepper and briar-like spicy notes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pine Ridge, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2014 30 Solid and well done, centered on a core of loamy earth, currant, clay and cedar flavors. Tightens on the finish, where the tannins are firm and grippy. Syrah Rudi Schultz, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2015 21 Ripe and focused, with a range of raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors, carried by a graphite spine through the licorice-accented finish. Has flesh and drive for balance.

Duval-Leroy, Brut, Champagne, France, NV 99 A fresh, finely knit version that meshes a silky mousse and delicate acidity with a subtle flavor range, including rich hints of toasted brioche, blackberry, spun honey, lemon zest and smoked almond. A fine aperitif in terms of weight and balance, but in a slightly richer style. Moët & Chandon, Impérial Brut, Champagne, France, NV 150 This bright Champagne is aromatic, with hints of smoke, pastry cream and lemon curd on the nose, and flavors of crushed blackberry and toast. Clean-cut and fresh, with a lively bead. Bollinger Spécial Cuvée Brut, Champagne, France 140 Like a fine tapestry, this weaves rich flavors of blackberry tart, lemon parfait, graphite and toasted almond together on the creamy palate. Finely honed acidity creates a vibrant thread throughout.

Laurent-Perrier, Brut Rosé, Champagne, France, NV 150 A touch earthy, yet this is well-integrated and lively, with berry, orange and spice notes that persist through the long finish. Very fine mousse with a classy texture. Bollinger, Brut Rosé, Champagne, France 218 Lacy in texture, with bright, well-knit acidity and a streak of chalky minerality underscoring the subtle flavors of strawberry, white peach, fresh ginger and crystallized honey. A hint of salted almond lingers on the finish.

Bollinger La Grande Année, Champagne, France, 2005 319 A powerful, structured and graceful 2005, showing deft integration of the rich, chalky underpinning, firm acidity and expansive flavors of crushed black currant, spring blossom, toasted almond, crystallized honey and preserved lemon. Dom Pérignon, Brut, Champagne, France, 2006 499 The tasting begins with a wine that breathes and comes alive in a light, playful spiral, with touches of angelica, coconut, cinnamon, cocoa and tobacco. In the mouth, the wine reaches a state of complex fullness: earthy, smoky and pearly, underscored by the vibrant warmth of peppery spice. Cristal, Louis Roederer, Champagne, France, 2007 799 Floral, citrus and spice aromas and flavors are at the forefront of this delicate Champagne, which is harmonious and well-defined, with a long aftertaste of roasted nut and toast. Very dry.

Lunetta, Prosecco, Veneto, Italy 60 Enticing aromas of apple and peach give way to a palate that is refreshing, and harmonious, with crisp fruit flavors. Bottega, Brut, "Venetian Gold", Prosecco, Veneto, Italy 89 Modest and lightly creamy, with a hint of petrol wafting through the biscuit, wax, chamomile and dried lemon peel notes.

Pinot Gris Bottega Vinaia, Pinot Grigio, Trentino, Italy, 2013 68 An attractive nose of manho and papaya, with hints of lime. Full-bodied, with bright acidity and plenty of ripe fruit. Elena Walch, Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy, 49 Framed by tangy acidity, this lively white offers a creamy texture and flavors of crunchy pear, kumquat and sliced almond, with a smoky overtone.

Willm, Pinot Gris Réserve, Alsace, France 59 Lightly juicy and creamy, with pretty floral and spice aromatics, and flavors of baked white peach and crushed almond. La Crema, Pinot Gris, Monterey, California, USA 77 Aromas of fresh white peach, Meyer lemon and subtle floral hints.

Chardonnay

Chablis, ‘Vielles Vignes’ La Chablisienne, Burgundy, France, 2004 59 Taut and steely, this shows intensity to its lemon and mineral flavors, but it requires air and concentration to coax them out. Lively and long, it needs time to open. Concha y Toro, Marqués de Casa Concha, Chardonnay, Coquimbo, Chile, 2014 59 Apple, melon and lemon notes with a toasty hazelnut finish. Chamisal Vineyards, Unoaked Chardonnay, California, USA , 45 Aromas of green apple and pear, alongside citrus-inspired notes of tangerine and orange blossom. Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir, Christian Moreau, Burgundy, France 165 Vanilla and lanolin notes frame peach, lemon cake and apple flavors, bolstered by fresh acidity. Long, leaving a lemony impression on the finish. Chassagne-Montrachet, Louis Latour, Burgundy, France 172 A solid white Burgundy, its apple and citrus flavors. This is nicely balanced, offering an earthy accent and moderate length. Ferrari-Carano, Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California, USA, 2013 129 A full-bodied Chardonnay, this wine delights with aromas of apple, a hint of graham cracker, floral notes, and honey, perfectly balanced by flavors of lemon and pear on the entry and lingering, creamy marshmallow, toasted oak notes. Duckhorn, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2015 114 Young, raw and edgy, with a complex mix of pear, fig, apricot and oak flavors, showing good concentration and persistence. Jordan, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California, USA, 2014 181 Jordan Chardonnay is marked by understated elegance. Bright, straw-green colored hue. With vivid fruit aromas of green apples, pears and peach, and a touch of quince and kiwi. Stag's Leap, Karia Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2015 127 Peach, crisp apple and pear aromas dance out of the glass, swirling with floral notes like honeysuckle and rose petal.

Rodney Strong, Chardonnay, Estate Vineyards, Chalk Hill, California, USA 68 The wine is both creamy and crisp, with abundant fruit character, mineral, and toasty oak flavors. Cakebread Cellars, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California, USA 132 Fans of pure, tart, flinty Chardonnay without oak will find this alluring. Zesty acidity keeps the flavors lively.

Riesling

Chateau Ste. Michelle, Eroica Riesling Washington, USA, 2015 83 A wine crafted by two incredible winemakers- one in Washington State and the other in Germany. Eroica has aromas and flavors of mandarin orange, ginger, sweet lime and subtle minerality. Villa Wolf, Riesling, Pfalz, Germany 49 Rich, offering peach and grapefruit flavors, with a lively structure offsetting the roundness. Good mouthwatering finish.

Sauvignon Blanc

Decoy by Duckhorn, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County, California, USA 71 Shows plenty of harmony to the pear, yellow apple and lemon zest flavors, with sturdy acidity and citrus blossom accents on the finish. Honig, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California, USA 53 Perfectly balanced grapefruit and melon aromas and flavors are accented by lime and mango. A round mid-palate is followed by a vibrant, crisp, lingering finish. Cakebread Cellars, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California, USA 170 Ripe melon, grapefruit, kiwi and lemon-lime flavors lead to a long, flavorful finish enlivened by bright mineral tones. Nobilo, Icon Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 52 Distinct Marlborough characters of passion fruit, gooseberry and nettles linger on the palate in a crisp, refreshing finish. Robert Mondavi, Sauvignon Blanc, California, USA, 95 A lively wine with impressive depth and a basket full of aromas and flavors. On the palate, flavors of zesty citrus and refreshing honeydew melon meld seamlessly with toasty oak. Sancerre, Henri Bourgeois, Loire, France 59 Wine of exotic fruit and citrus aromas; subtle yet powerful. Its persistence and harmony find their origin in the exposition and quality of the terroir.

Pouilly-Fumé La Moynerie, Michel Redde, Loire, France 64 Crisp and fresh on the palate, the wine features notes of smoke and gunflint with intense grassy aromas on the nose. Duckhorn, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2015 101 Fragrant and succulent, with melon, lime and passion fruit flavors accented by spice and orange sherbet hints. Features a smooth, supple frame and juicy accents.

Other Grapes & Blends

Quincy Haute Victoire, Henri Bourgeois, Loire, France 46 Offers a good crackling feel, with chive and gooseberry notes backed by a flinty finish. Energetic and refreshing, offering enough vivacity to match with fresh oysters or a goat cheese and onion tart. Vinho Verde, Casal Garcia, Minho, Portugal 59 This refreshing wine has a citrine color and a clear appearance with a very delicate and slightly fruity aroma. On the palate this is a fresh, smooth and well-balanced wine. Pazo Barrantes, Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain 59 A polished texture carries harmonious flavors of pear, almond and tarragon in this fresh white, which has bright, citrusy acidity and a clean finish. Villa Antinori Bianco, Tuscany, Italy 39 Pale straw-yellow color; intense nose with hints of spring flowers; soft and fresh on the palate with a good lingering, aromatic flavor. Pine Ridge, Chenin Blanc/Viognier, California, USA, 2014 39 Floral and sweet on the nose, this wine exhibits fragrant aromas of pear and melon, with a delicate touch of pink grapefruit, sweet, bright flavors of citrus and pear are offered up along with a supple texture, the slightly off-dry finish is clean and crisp, marked with notes of grapefruit peel.

Malene Rosé, Central Coast, California, USA, 2015 49 Orange blossom and watermelon aromas lead to soft strawberry flavors. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Vermentino. Château la Coste Rosé, Côtes de Provence, France, 50 Made mainly from a small parcel of old vines of Grenache. The nose is of white fruits, fennel and herbs, the palate is dry but soft, red fruits with subtle notes of honey and caramel on the finish.

Whispering Angel Château d'Esclans, Côtes de Provence, France, 2016 70 Alluring, with a creamy feel to the mix of white peach, mango and white cherry fruit flavors that stay nicely defined on the finish, thanks to a subtle mineral edge. Château Minuty Rosé, Côtes de Provence, France 39 A pure, brisk style, with refreshing watermelon rind, strawberry and white cherry notes that linger on the floral-edged finish.

Pinot Noir

Nobilo, Icon Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand 98 Shows smooth raspberry and cherry notes at the core, with a supple texture and nice details of caramel, loam, cigar box and clove. Sebastiani, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California, USA 80 Marked by flavors of bay leaf, dried herb, black tea, wild berry and baking spices, this is well-focused, clean and elegant, ending with firm, fine-grained tannins. Beaune du Château Premier Cru, Bouchard Père & Fils, Burgundy, France 92 Strikes a balance between the cherry and earth flavors, with a delicate profile and tight structure. Meiomi, Pinot Noir, California, USA, 2016 70 Offers a complex mix of dried berry, cranberry, anise and fresh earth. This is full-bodied, elegant and refined, with earth and fruit on the finish. Chamisal Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Central Coast, California, USA 58 The result is bursting with aromas of raspberry, cranberry and red cherry with a fruit driven palate revealing more intense red berry-fruit, citrus and floral hints. Archery Summit, Premier Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA 130 Perfumed aromas of black cherry and raspberry, spicy plum and violets.

Merlot

Chateau Ste. Michelle, Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA 55 A serious Merlot, yet still soft and satisfying. Approachable with a core of red cherries and ripe fruit. Decoy by Duckhorn, Merlot, Sonoma County, California, USA 84 Solidly built if slight in scale, with savory flavors of red currant, dusty dried herb and spice.

Concha y Toro, Marques de Casa Concha, Merlot, Central Valley, Chile 49 Dark and deep red. Rich and deftly balanced yet muscular red, layers of complex currant, spice, wild berry and plum. Show off a nice touch of vanilla oak and mocha, adding a nice dimension. Duckhorn, Merlot, Napa Valley, California, USA 175 Solidly built, with a lively, focused core and aromas of dark berry and spice mixed with sleek flavors of cherry and licorice. Seven Hills, Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA 62 Dark and tangy, with an earthy bite to the juicy blackberry flavors on a medium frame, finishing with savory intensity and firm tannins.

Zinfandel

Seghesio, Zinfandel, Sonoma County, California, USA, 2015 62 This elegant Zinfandel has flavors of raspberries and blackberries laced with cracked pepper and briar-like spicy notes. Masseria Altemura, Primitivo Sasseo, Salento, Puglia, Italy 45 Supple and medium-bodied, with polish to the tannins and layered flavors of dried strawberry, underbrush, aromatic smoke and licorice drop. Fresh, showing light grip on the spiced finish. Ravenswood, Zinfandel Old Hill Sonoma Valley, California, USA 49 Powerful ripe aromas of mint, cedar, vanilla and dark chocolate are underpinned by the full fruit character of Bing cherries and black raspberries.

Malbec

Trivento, Golden Reserve Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2014 73 Shows good cut to the red currant, raspberry and crushed red plum flavors. The spicy finish offers good minerality, with some pepper details. Viña Cobos, El Felino Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 126 The dried red currant and raspberry flavors are matched to notes of hot stone and dried savory herb. White pepper accents show on the supple finish. Kaiken, Ultra Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 60 Taut and sinewy, with plenty of peppery notes to the red plum and spiced cherry flavors. Minerally details extend on the crisp finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Chateau St. Michelle, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA 55 Fresh and expressive, deftly balanced and juicy, with raspberry and cherry flavors supported by hints of cinnamon and pepper. The finish persists against nubby tannins.

Simi, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California, USA 105 Wild berries, ripe plums and sweet oak mingle with approachable, forward tannins in our richly style. Pine Ridge, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2014 144 Solid and well done, centered on a core of loamy earth, currant, clay and cedar flavors. Tightens on the finish, where the tannins are firm and grippy. Clos du Val, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 135 Aromas of black currant, cassis and spice. Intense flavors of black fruit, dried herbs and a hint of spice fill the mouth. Jordan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California, USA 163 A reined-in style that's successful and appealing, with a narrow band of cedary oak cloaking modest dark berry and underbrush flavors. Keeps the focus on nuance and detail. Cakebread, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 212 Dark garnet in color with complex, spicy, cedar-like scents and background aromas of cassis and dark berries. On the palate, the texture is rich and smooth with flavors reminiscent of cassis with a hint of chocolate. Grgich Hills, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 186 Medium-weight and deep, offering notes of cedar, dried berry, sage and underbrush. Ends with oaky tannins and a clipped aftertaste. Duckhorn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 222 The flavors fill the palate with layers of Bing cherry, plum, cranberry, cola and cedar, as well as more woodsy elements. Stag's Leap, Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 203 Well-built, with rich dark berry, cedary oak, savory herb and tobacco flavors, ending with earth-laced tannins that cast a gravelly edge. Double Canyon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 60 Supple, focused and expressive, with a plush texture supporting blueberry, dark plum and spice flavors which transition seamlessly into the long finish. Cakebread, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 212 Dark garnet in color with complex, spicy, cedar-like scents and background aromas of cassis and dark berries. On the palate, the texture is rich and smooth with flavors reminiscent of cassis with a hint of chocolate. Duckhorn, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 222 The flavors fill the palate with layers of Bing cherry, plum, cranberry, cola and cedar, as well as more woodsy elements.

Silver Oak, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 325 Notes of dill, herb and vanilla bean-scented oak lead to an elegant array of dark berry, herb, cedar, gravelly earth and underbrush flavors. The tannins cling a bit. Concha y Toro, Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon Puente Alto, Central Valley, Chile 277 A ripe, rich and full-bodied red, with powerful flavors of dark cherry, plum pudding and currant that feature a lush creaminess. Firm and savory mid-palate, ending with a long and refined finish that shows mineral and cocoa butter accents, supported by tannins. Caymus, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA 199 Ripe and fleshy, with rich plum, wild berry, spice and savory herb notes that are complex, full-bodied and expansive on the palate, ending with firm tannins and a dash of espresso.

Shiraz

Rudi Schultz, Syrah, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2015 99 Ripe and focused, with a range of raspberry, boysenberry and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors, carried by a graphite spine through the licorice-accented finish. Has flesh and drive for balance. Penfolds, Grange Shiraz, South Australia, 2008 1,920 The intensity of fresh blueberry and plum fruit holds attention until the nuances kick in, offering glints of exotic spice, coffee, cocoa, bay leaf and mint. Shows tremendous presence without a lot of weight.

Other Grapes and Blends

Saumur-Champigny Château de Targé, Loire, France 48 Lovely fragrant, soft bright raspberry fruit, silky texture. Squarely on the floral side of the spectrum, with silky cherry fruit trying to keep up. Reveals a flash of white pepper on the finish. Rioja Reserva, Marqués de Murrieta, Spain 68 This wine exhibits a dense, bright cherry color, and has appealing big spicy nose. It is impressive with its outstanding aromatics of cherry and red fruit, mineral smoke and subtle oak nose. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château Mont-Redon, Rhône, France 149 Nose of ripe black fruit offset by notes of spice, leather, coffee and pepper. Rich, intense fruit flavors set in a full, tannic structure. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine du Vieux Lazaret, Rhône, France 73 Lush and gorgeously ripe, with a beam of linzer torte and cassis coursing along, lined with blood orange, singed apple wood and bergamot notes.

Chianti Classico Riserva, Villa Antinori, Tuscany, Italy, 2013 71 Fresh and vibrant, this red displays cherry, strawberry, tobacco, spice and mineral flavors. Firm structure lends plenty of support and the finish evokes tobacco, earth and underbrush notes. Château Angelique de Monbousquet, St.-Émilion, Bordeaux, France 79 Deep in color, smoke, licorice and black cherry scents create the perfume. On the palate, the wine is lush, soft and polished and the plummy fruits are accented by licorice and espresso. Château Clément Pichon, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 39 Fresh, offering a mix of cherry and red currant fruit lined with a lightly singed vanilla hint and backed by a flash of herb on the rounded finish. Red Blend, Decoy by Duckhorn, Sonoma County, California, USA 84 On the nose, layers of blackberry and blueberry mingle with hints of herbs and black olives. The rich fruit notes continue on the palate, and lead to a long, structured finish. Paraduxx Red, Napa Valley, California, USA, 2013 119 More sturdy than exciting, with direct loamy earth, cedar and cigar box touches amid dried berry flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot. Brunello di Montalcino, Col d'Orcia, Tuscany, Italy 193 Ruby with violet hues. Ample, complex with huge notes of ripe red berry fruits, and plum well-balanced with the spice from the oak. Well-structured with soft ripe tannins perfectly balanced with the notes originating from the long ageing in the wood. Les Hauts du Tertre, Margaux, Bordeaux, France 170 Flowers, cherries, smoke, thyme, cassis and silky fruits all over the place in this medium-bodied, fresh, sophisticated wine. Ciel du Cheval, Seven Hills, Red Mountain, Washington, USA 127 Firm, delivering a solid grip of tannins around layers of blueberry and currant, with a streak of savory espresso and bitter chocolate, finishing on a toasty note. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. 19 Block Mountain Cuvée Hess Collection, Mount Veeder, California, USA 110 A Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blend, this wine is both powerful yet elegant; flavors of bright red fruit, spice and a fleshy round palate integrated with French oak and a satin finish. Carménère Terrunyo Block 27, Concha y Toro, Peumo Valley, Central Valley, Chile 132 A rich and well-sculpted red, bursting with fresh flavors of dark plum, cherry tart and dried blackberry. Asian spice notes fill in mid-palate. The complex finish balances savory and dark chocolate notes.

Château Haut-Brion, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France, 2004 1,499 Loaded with warm tar, singed juniper, plum reduction and cassis notes that are perfectly melded, giving this a remarkably supple edge. The finish lets tobacco, bay leaf and incense accents glide in. Les Forts de Latour, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France, 2009 799 Offers a core of pure cassis and blackberry fruit, with mouthwatering streaks of graphite and anise. Château Lynch Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France, 2010 599 Glorious bouquet with intense blackberry and boysenberry fruit laced with minerals and cedar - beautifully defined and "symmetrical". The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition and a real sense of edginess and tension. Lovely focus and poise, superbly judged acidity and wonderful mineralite on the finish. Château Nenin, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France 299 This has grip, with charcoal and dark earth notes running throughout. The ample flesh is balanced by bright acidity, allowing the core of plum, raspberry and cherry preserve flavors. Guado al Tasso, Antinori, Tuscany, Italy 203 Intense, matching black currant, blackberry, cedar and spice flavors to a sleek, light-weight frame. Pintail Blend Paraduxx, Napa Valley, California, USA 119 Aromas of raspberry, cherry, cedar, spice, caramelized brown sugar, and sweet oak accented by a hint of white pepper. Dark cherry and raspberry flavors mingle with rich, compelling layers of blueberry, cedar and molasses. Opus One, Napa Valley, California, USA 690 Rich and creamy, intense and layered, featuring a mix of blackberry, licorice, mocha, cedar and tobacco flavors, with a touch of gravelly earth. The tannins are firm and gripping, standing out a bit from the core texture. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. Solaia, Antinori, Tuscany, Italy 815 Offers weight and presence, with black currant, plum and black cherry aromas and flavors. The structure is vibrant and harmonious. Herb, earth and spice accents complete the profile, accompanied by a lingering, savory finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France, 1996 2,599 Intensely coloured with a violet tint, the wine reveals a rich array of aromas including red and black fruit, wild blackberry and liquorice. On airing, peppery spices mingle harmoniously with vanilla. Floral aromas reminiscent of lilac and peony are followed by minty, mineral and smoky notes. Substantial on the palate, powerful but creamy tannins.

Zagara Moscato d'Asti, Marchesi di Barolo, Piedmont, Italy, 2015 66 Color is straw-yellow with golden reflections. The aroma is intense, rich in aromatic scents – in particular, it reminds to the orange blossom, peach and apricot. Six Grapes, Graham's, Douro, Portugal 94 Lots of sweet dark plum and sweet cherry flavors dominate, with plenty of milk chocolate. Clean and balanced on the straightforward finish. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Sauternes, Mouton Cadet Réserve, Bordeaux, France, 2013 81 Flavors of honey, bitter orange and candied pear and quince mingle on the palate, building to a fresh and distinctly mineral finish. A very harmonious and fresh wine, with crisp fruit. Otima 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Warre's, Douro, Portugal, 500ml 95 There's good intensity here, with a racy hazelnut edge alongside the core of singed walnut, sesame, toffee and cinnamon notes. Offers a focused, dry edge through the finish. Ruby Port, Dow's, Douro, Portugal, 58 Deep and lively ruby color. The wine is full-bodied and has very appealing red fruit driven aromas. On the palate, fresh and youthful with raspberry and cherry flavors, combined with a long and intense finish.