Life is too short to drink bad wine

This is sweet white from Soave. 100% hand-harvested Garganega grapes from the heart of the Soave region. The ripest bunches are put in small wooden cases and brought to the "fruttaio" where they are hang in special nets. During the following period (called appissemento) the imperfect grapes are removed before the dried grapes are pressed and fermented the following March. The result is a golden colored sweet white with a lovely perfume of apricots, honey, nuts and spices. The taste is sweet with a lively acidity and great balance. A delicious and seldom dessert wine (or blue cheese). Recioto di Soave Le Sponde 2007 Coffele in Soave Ca 25€ for 50 cl

Jean -Michel Comme, the technical director at Pontet Canet, has been instrumental in converting this chateaux into pure biodynamic mode. All the vintages from 2005 has been un this status but the rise in quality has been increasing ever since the conversion started in 2001. This 2006, not the best of years in Bordeaux, has an amazing deep dense colour and a powerful complex nose of dark fruit, brambles, spices, raspberry, cedar and cassis. Stunning stuff! The taste is rich, pure, big and solid with big tannins that are well integrated. A truly masculine Paulliac and a massive handful. This 2006 costs a mere 120£ at a local restaurant, in stark contrast to the present prices that are roughly the same, but this is first growth quality at price that one sometimes may afford!

I think I must have a preference for the blanc de blancs Champagne. They seem to be richer with more mousse and less acidity than the mixed ones. So also this one with a crispy fruity nose of lime and wet bread. Great balanced taste with a perfect level of acidity. Ulysse Collin started making his own Champagne just ca 10 years and should definitely continue to do so… Ulysse Collin Blanc de Blancs Champagne Ca 35€

This is a very solid and big red from Alentejo in Portugal. Despite the warm climate, the wine has a surprising complex and fresh taste. Dark fruit, spices and  full bodied concentrated finish. Alicante Bouschet is the predominant grape with small volumes of Tricnadeira. One of Portugal's top wines. Mouchao 2005, Alentejo, Portugal Ca 30-40€

I have never been a big fan of oaky Californian Chardonnay's but here in this case I had to surrender… Medium lemon colour with green reflections. A wonderful complex aroma of tropical fruit, citrus fruit and minerals. Very different from white Burgundy but oh so seductive. The taste was bone dry packed with fruit and a surprising acidity. Quite elegant actually! Ridge Monte Bello Chardonnay 2010  Santa Cruz Mountains, California 50€

Yet another beautiful Meursault premier cru from the plot Charmes on the border to Puligny-Montrachet. Pale-medium lemon colour. Gorgeous rich smell of lime, butter and nuts. A big lovely balanced mouthful with a long aftertaste. Perfect harmony between acidity and fruit. Yet another great example of what Meursault can bring. Meursault Charmes 1er cru Coche-Bouillot Ca 50€

A truly delightful white premier cry Burgundy from Meursault! Pale lemon colour and an elegant bouquet of butter, lime, minerals and nuts. A complex long well balanced taste and with a lovely minerality in the finish. A very elegant and feminine Meursault indeed and perfect with the fried cod. Meursault-Perrier 1er cru 2006 Domaine des Comtes Lafon Ca 80-100€