2004 Castello di Pomino (Frescobaldi) Pomino Benefizio

Truly surprised with this white wine from Frscobaldi. Dark golden color with peachy, honey and complex wine. Pomino means "Little Apple" and the wine is a great chardonnay blend that is oaked. The white wine shows great history and character, and goes well with strong, oily foods.

Frescobaldi History

2001 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Sperss

Great structure and with elegance. Nice tannins is long finish. Cherry, floral and minty. Nice balanced acidity, but I really need to try a older Sperss to really know why Gajas are rated as they are.

1997 Gaja Langhe Darmagi

First time trying the Cabernet from Gaja. Super rich nose, with leafy, tobacco, licorice and strong blackberry. Smooth, strong structure with reasonable finish. Powerful wine, and very different from Gaja's Barolos and Barbarescos, but very enjoyable. Tannins well dissolved. Probably about right time to drink it now.

Darmagi means "What a pity"? since they converted the vineyard from Nebbiollo in 1978?

2000 Chateau Musar Blanc

Make from native grapes of Merwah and Obaideh from Lebanon, the white Musar is truely a treat if not an acquired taste. Smoky, complex with strong, ripe fruits. Unique and no need to chill. Needs very strong food to go with it. Once you have it, you will recognize it next time.

1999 Hetszolo Tokaji Aszú 5 Puttonyos

Honey, floral, apricot. Sweet, but not over the top. Very well balanced and good Tokaji. Does not feel as strong and concentrated as a 5 Puttonyos, but still provides great value and an excellent finish to the night.

2005 Fontodi Chianti Classico

Good value for money. With Strawberry, cherry, jammy and refreshing acidity. Tannin and structure is reasonable. Good with antipasto like we had that night.

2005 Forest Hill Block 9 Shiraz

I like this Shiraz a lot! At 14%, it has strong alcohol content, but not over the top of taste nor flavor. Well balanced with berries and touch of leafy and cedar with excellent finish.

http://www.foresthillwines.com.au/foresthillredwines.htm