Saarfeilser Riesling Spätlese – 15 – 2003 – St.Urbans-Hof, Nic.Weis – Alc.10.5%. This is one of the best wines I have had from Germany in torrid 2003 and much better than the Ockfener Bockstein from the same stable. It was fuller and richer than usual without Saar steeliness but, although the petrol aroma was more marked than often, it was still in balance and did not obscure attractive floral, spice and some other mineral notes. Above all, and exceptionally for the vintage, the acidity was juicy and quite lively; 16.5/20.
Mâcon-Lugny Terroir de Bissy “Les Crays vers Vaux” Vieilles Vignes 2007 – Rijckaert – Alc. 13% - (€15) – white from Chardonnay - was a touch darker and more complex than previous bottles but still showed refreshing aromas of flowers and stony minerals, medium/light body with well focussed white fruit, squeezes of citrus, minerals, a dab of cream, lively/crisp acidity, decent length and backbone with a saline touch. These bottles continue to improve, maybe because for once Rijckaert happily eschewed his usual plastic Nomacorc stoppers here; 16/20++.
Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore Riserva Petrignone 2006 – Tre Monti, Imola – Alc.14.5% was matured in used barrels.
Colour was quite deep ruby. The nose showed a well developed bouquet of ripe red fruit and hints of leather strap. The palate was quite full bodied with a soft velvety feel, good fruit with fine balancing acidity and enough tannic structure. A cheesy note and caramel touches on the finish which I noted on a previous bottle about a year ago have now disappeared; 16/20.