It's only wine but I like it

Castello Di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva Docg 2017

Splendid CCR here from Volpaia. Complex and long finishing. Red cherry, hints of sour cherry, with silky smooth tannin and Sangiovese acidity. This estate has gone from strength to strength over the years and though the prices have increased on this and the normale CC, the quality improvements have more than kept pace. A go-to CC producer every vintage, Drinking well now, but should hold a few more years. Tasted Mar 2024.

Brokenwood Hunter Valley Sémillon 2018

Very good white, ageing quite nicely with no signs of deterioration. A bit if a waxy texture with notes of apple and lime. Drink or hold. Tasted Oct 2024.

G. D. Vajra Albe Barolo 2011

A bit darker and riper than some Barolo, this is a wine that shows why Nebbiolo is perhaps my favourite grape variety. Aromatic, with complex flavours of sour red fruit, dried fruit, earth and wood that is so well-integrated that it barely registers. Tannin is still noted but is mellowing and, of course, there is wonderful acidity on the very long finish. Never heavy or ponderous, this reminds me why I am willing to pay $50+ for a bottle of wine. Lovely stuff. Drinking now, but surely no rush, this should hold another 5+ years. Tasted April 1, 2021 (no fooling).

Ravine Vineyard Chardonnay 2011, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Oak dominates the simple fruit. Out of balance. Unmemorable.

Fattoria Di Fèlsina Chianti Classico Riserva Rància 2005, Docg

the 2006 vintage.

Almost 15 years on, this is still very much alive. Sour cherry fruit with some dried fruit, earth and hint of balsamic. Complex and, interestingly enough, quite a bit better on the second night after opening. Still life left in it but better to drink sooner than later. Nice indeed. Tasted June 1, 2021.

Val Di Suga Brunello Di Montalcino 2010, Docg

Fully mature, savoury and complex Brunello. Oxidized, dried fruit, integrated wood and a long finish. Traditional Brunello and a fine one at that. At its peak now. Tasted Feb 2020.

Poças Colheita Port 1994, Vieilli En Fût, Doc Douro

This single vintage tawny is most comparable to a 20 year old tawny port. Flavours range from dried fruit to toffee and butterscotch. The alcohol is well-balanced as is the sweetness. I do find this a bit rougher and shorter-finishing than , say, a Taylor's 20 year old. Still, a fine tawny. Tasted Dec 2014.

Château Léoville Poyferré 2008, Ac St Julien

The 2003 vintage:
Unexpected surprise. Given the hot vintage and "modern-wine" reputation of the producer, I expected something ore over the top. But instead, this is a wonderfully complex authentic left-bank red, with perfectly judged oak, ripe (but not overly) black fruit, cedar, vanilla and a very long finish. Tannin is still noted, so this is still (at 13 years) a bit young but still a sensation red. I have another bottle too! Drink now through 2030...maybe longer. Tasted Dec 2016.

Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello Di Montalcino 2008, Docg

A fairly big, concentrated Brunello here from Donatella Cinelli Colombini, quite amazing considering that '08 was considered merely a good vintage in the Montalcino region. Rick, ripe dark cherry fruit, with notes of sour cherries and vanilla on the long finish, as are some youthful tannin. Complex, deep, and delicious. Lots of life left in this. Really well done. Tasted Aug 2018.

Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Douro Valley

Consistently a very good tawny with copious notes of dried fruit (prunes, dates) along with caramel/butterscotch. A bit of tannin and cleansing acidity on the finish. Nice, but the price is getting up there. Tasted Nov 2019.