Dave Dal Farra

Sottimano Langhe Nebbiolo 2013, Doc

I rarely come across badly corked wines these days (it was carefully cellared), unfortunately this was one of them. Putting up a rating only to highlight that quality control should be better in a $30 wine.

Behind the wet cardboard you could still detect significant cedar and ruined cherry elegance.

Heredad De Urueña Santo Terroir Tempranillo 2012, Vino De La Tierra De Castilla Y León

Fonseca Late Bottled Vintage Port 2015

Domaine Du Grand Montmirail Vacqueyras 2009, Ac

Starting to tail off, drink up but still excellent

Hecht & Bannier St Chinian 2009

Descendientes De J. Palacios Pétalos 2010, Do Bierzo

Still floral, bit funky barnyardy but very complex, long delicious and balanced. Still has zip and a couple years life in it, but probably at peak.

Domaine Pabiot Les Vieilles Terres Pouilly Fumé 2010, Ac

Opened this along with the Dog Point from Nz tonight, to compare while making a snow pea risotto to pair with.

This was mineraly but with the mid-belt weight and complex fruit of a balanced new world SB. Best of both worlds, this soared given the length and complexity, especially in direct comparison with the Dog Point.

Chalone Monterey County Chardonnay 2010, Monterey County, Central Coast

Cave De Roquebrun La Grange Des Combes Saint Chinian Roquebrun 2010, Ac

Not overly deep or complex, but extremely smooth, reasonably flavourful and very accessible for such a high % of Grenache. Enjoyable & good deal

André Blanck Altenbourg Gewürztraminer 2012, Ac

No longer huge but well evolved, very long, complex, with classic flavours.

Excellent balance with alcohol providing just a touch of heat, and enough viscosity counterbalancing the depth of flavour