2007 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett alongside was a little riper with the fruit leaning more towards red apple and less green citrus but again very light and refreshing, ideal Mosel wine.
2008 Leitz Dragonstone Riesling disappeared within minutes and had a couple of non-wine geek friends scribbling down the name so they could find some.
2007 Carta Vieja Carmenere on the other hand was fruit bomby boringness.
1996 Château Croizet-Bages was the complete opposite of the Carmenere and may have been put through a fruit-removing machine on its way to us. Seriously, barely a hint of fruit here but not necessarily a bad thing as this had really nice developed smoky, tobacco/leafy and herbal flavours over a base of earth and gravel. That said I would have liked a bit more richness as it did feel a bit astringent on the back end, but was still very enjoyable with food.
2007 Steve Bird Pinot Noir Big Barrel Old Schoolhouse Vineyard from Marlborough, NZ is remarkable as it's the only real value (around US$20) Pinot I've had from anywhere that consistently delivers at this quality. Have had a few bottles since release and this is again wonderful with red fruits, black cherry, rose petals and faintly smoky elements combined in a very elegant and drinkable package. And under screwcap as well!
2006 Karthäuserhof Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhofberg Riesling Spätlese trocken
From a leaker. Quite developed aromatics with some honeyed and fusel notes on top of ripe pear and citrus flavours, and a little spice suggesting botrytis. Very rich in the mouth with a faint creaminess on the back end but really good acidity and length.
Another bottle (non-leaker this time) was more primary, all bright fruit, flowers and minerals with real energy and precision. Both very enjoyable, though the difference was quite surprising.
2004 Dönnhoff Oberhäuser Brücke Riesling Spätlese
Um... wow. Basically a fireworks display in a glass; this is shockingly open and one of the best Brückes I've had.