Rich and robust. Nice interplay of spice, floral and yellow fruit notes, with a bit of tea for good measure. Came off as super-primary, and really demands food alongside at this stage.

Chablis-like to me, at least at this young stage of its development, with notes of oyster shells, flint and saline alongside what i found to be some heavy-handed oak treatment. Give it a few more years, I think.

If past peak, it is barely so, with layers of dense and complex flavors jousting for primacy: orchard fruit, herbs, a touch of spearmint. The acid is just starting to fade. The power of the vineyard is something I still struggle to adjust to (but love trying!).

Perhaps the shortest cork I've ever encountered, maybe only 1/12 inches long. Yet the wine was completely correct. Maybe a late release? In any case, a fairly classic Barolo, with rose petal notes, some fennel and just enough gentle red fruit. The tannins were fully resolved. A touch diluted, but a splendid showing.

Served blind. Great concentration, with signature Cabernet notes of cassis and black cherry along with some graphite and a touch of smoke. No noticeable oak. I called Left Bank, maybe a Pauillac like Lynch Bages. A tremendous performance, and given no tertiary notes this one may last a long while if you can find any.

My first of three, said to be one of the better '71 Bordeaux still around, and this did not disappoint. Elegant and even energetic, displaying dusty black cherries alongside truffle, cedar and coffee ground notes, with good persistence.

Sheer class, elegant and pure. Black fruit with earthy and mineral notes, some tobacco and tea. Not quite as powerful or refined as a bottle I had last December, but a fine showing. Took on weight with air, but we were not that patient TBH.

Still quite youthful and fresh. A powerful nose showing mocha, cedar and spice. A concentrated and powerful palate, with layers of leather, dried herbs and pit fruit. Long finish.

Soaring aromatics, with rich fruit and floral notes echoed on the palate. High-toned in the best of ways. Cherries, chocolate, licorice, leather, smoke and some mint. Soft, sweet, barely-there tannins on the lush finish. A flashy wine that worked beautifully.