Congratulations dinner for a Judge

Parsnip and Pear Soup with Vanilla Oil and Rosemary Blossoms
Roast Carrots with Barley, Duck Crumble and Cumin Oil
Lamb Loin with Hazelnut Oil
Chocolate Soufflé. Prune and Armagnac Ice Cream

• 2001 Trimbach Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile 375ème Anniversaire 93 Points

  France, Alsace

  Rich and structured. Very developed (yellow-gold). Certainly savoury, and the minerality brings a structure to the developed flavours. Fully mature or perhaps just past its peak, this is not drying out or cracking up, but I would be inclined to drink up now due to its development and forward and opulent character. Outstanding.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 2023 Domaine Jean Chartron Puligny-Montrachet 92 Points

  France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet

  Really really nice Puligny! Fabulous concentration. Generous oak handling. Mealy, vanilla, smoke, pear, bracing young structure. This is very modern in style and will appeal to people who enjoy new world Chardonnay.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No

• 1996 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 97 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  Stunningly good ethereal, totally true to its terroir and style. Just a perfect balance of fruit, graphite, elevage, cedar and cassis. Ageing effortlessly and while at its peak, I see this holding and developing in the years to come. Superb.

  Post a Comment / 3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No

• 2025 Felton Road Pinot Noir Bannockburn 93 Points

  New Zealand, South Island, Otago, Bannockburn

  Opened at the end of a dinner to try the new FR release. It’s really stunning - classy fruit, superb tannic structure. Even at this early stage, the balance and complexity are compelling. This will age wonderfully, but is already giving a lot of pleasure. Drunk just after the Pichon Lalande 1996, this did not dis. Absolutely fine wine and world class.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No