The starter for a tasting. This is acidic and dry. There is a wonderful elegance to it, with unripe strawberry and slight toast.

This is definitely old world. I thought it was corked but I think it's just musty and weird. There is walnuts and golden apple along with moss and mushrooms.

Tastes like Vermentino. Boring.

For some reason, the group drank 3 chianti's from youngest to oldest. I assumed this one was the oldest and it was the youngest. Which is interesting because this one had the most character and complexity. Lovely old leather, earth, cherry. It was clearly the most expressive of the 3 chianti's tonight.

Dominated by pepper. Spicy and spiky. Not compelling.

At this stage, boring and elderly.

Pop and pour, this really opened up over 1 hour. Dried herbs, earth, cherry.

Slow o'd a couple hours, there were some firm tannins that did loosen up with 20-30 minutes in the glass. Good minerality, forest floor, cherry, raspberry, violets and rich earth. Quite dry. 93-94, and glad I have 3 more, as this is just entering its drinking window. I think this represents a great value. At this time, I would splash decant or slow o 5 hours.

The last red of the night. Slow o'd a couple hours and I found this quite tannic. I can taste the potential and the power, but I could not assess it. Needs time or a decant.

Of course, this is a great wine to end a tasting, especially with a caramel custard. But as Sauternes go, it's middle of the pack. Our concensus is that this is a lighter style (more sauvignon blanc) and from a sweet vintage. Which makes for a strange combination. One taster suggested drinking it with foie gras instead of dessert, which makes sense.