Cos Labory 1982

St Estephe 5GCC. Colour of deep magenta, looks younger than its age. Restrained nose of cedar and some stingy blackcurrants. Light-bodied, elegant - detected some finesse of spice and white pepper in the mid-palate on top of dominant tea leaves typical of aged Bordeaux. Q interesting. Fruit has gone - a bit tired now but could probably sense that its drinking window was closed just few years, not decades, ago. A great vintage but this wine did not have the stamina for the marathon (7.9/10).

Domaine Weinbach

Gewurztraminer, Alsace AOC. A royal gold in hue and a fresh zesty nose. Great rounded mouthfeel, v smooth and agreeable. Acidity is well-controlled. Extremely sweet, high sugar, almost like a dessert wine. Sweetness perhaps overwhelming the signature delicate lychee flavours of Gewurtz. Whites not rated.

De Sainte Gemme 1994

Haut Medoc Cru Bourgeois. The nose carries a classy cedar scent, not too bad. A cool nose as expected of an aged wine. The palate however is extremely unbalanced, w overwhelming astringency in the attack/ mid-palate and grainy bitterness coming in at the end. Fruit is all gone. A Sherry-like component kicks in after an hour, suggesting the wine has oxidized and breathed its last breath (6.6/10). Somebody commented - Cru bourgeois is never meant for aging. Not always true, but definitely spot on here.

La Chapelle Aux Moines 2007

St Emilion GC. Ruby, almost translucent. Meaty, savoury aromas mixed with mineral notes. Earthy, dried leaves tones, not much fruit. This is extremely light-bodied reflecting the weak vintage. Oaky and tannic as well but acids in control. Q unbalanced overall. Finish does not last more than 3 secs. QPR not great (7.3/10)

Pago Florentino 2008

Tempranillo, Castile La Mancha, Spain. An unexpected gem - bought it as part of a Spanish bundle together with many well-known Riojas, hence no great expectation for this one. But boy did it turn out fantastic. Intense nose of blackcurrants and smoke w some meaty aromas keeping things interesting. As expected, the palate is smokey w abundant and dominant black fruit/ bitter dark chocolate. Tannins are firm yet polished and unobtrusive. Mouth coating texture. Full-bodied. Imposing finish. Superb QPR (9.1/10).