Annual Portfolio Tasting 2025 At The Oval

First wine of the day – a blend of 4 varietals, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay and possibly Viognier. I'm not sure I heard correctly, and I certainly didn't write clearly.

Light, simple and very drinkable - 2 out of 2 on the 'to buy' list.

"Lovely, yep". Not much of a note, buy just enough to remind me that this was a nice surprise. I think the last case of Loimer I bought was a tad disappointing - but I think it might be time to give this another go.

Also lovely. A touch sweeter than than Grüner Veltliner, as expected. I can imagine storing a case of this somewhere cool and dark and bringing a bottle out once a year to see how it ages.

Next, to Italy and one of my all time favourite producers Pieropan. My note simply reads, "Lovely as ever'.

For me this Sauvignon Blanc had a was slight yeasty flavour - with a lightly charred character.

If I had to choose one of the two Vie di Romans that I tried, it would be this one. With an RSP edging towards the £50 mark, I think I might need a few more samples before committing to case.

As a fan of Villa Bucci for years, I found this 2023 Classico Superiore slightly sour.

On paper this wine ticks all the boxes, but it doesn't quite live up to my memory of it from a few years ago.

"Richish butteryish" I suspect I'll be ordering some of this, and/or other Poggio al Tesoro wines. I've never had a wine from the Allegrini family that has not been superb.

Aka "Carol's Wine". The 2024 gets a thumbs up from me.

The tasting notes mention 'fragrant aromas' and I have to agree. I could easily be tempted to buy a few of the magnums and see how they age.

If this was the first wine of the day I would probably have enjoyed to more. I found it slightly watery with a sharp finish.

I should probably have written more than just "Oh yes!" next to this one. Oh well, I suppose I'll just have to order some.

No notes for this one. I spent some time in the SA corner of the room and don't remember anything that wasn't great. So this has to go on the list.

Again, no notes. I think I was too busy chatting with the nice chap from SA who is holding the bottle of Lanner Hill, which I seem to remember being rather good. Only one way to be sure though...

If 3-figures per bottle is the price point you're after, then the top end Henschke wines are my recommendation. 1 bottle of `Hill of Grace` or 2 bottles of `Mount Edelstone`? That would be tough question.

"Lovely" is the full extent of my notes. My crystal ball is showing me buying many cases.

I've written "Not bad - great for the price". One to try again when it becomes available.

Another new wine - not yet available. "Quality/price amazing".

It might not be the same as in Alghero or Cagliari, but it's a pleasant distraction from the grim grey wintery weather.

This one was confusing. The listing didn't match bottle. I've written "quite nice - took too long" which I think means I got fed up trying to work out what I was tasting.

'Selvapiana' on the label, 'Petrognano' on the list. either way this is a cracking wine. The note in my book simple says, "Wine 1.5" – a wine and a half.

"Soft, smooth, lovely light colour. Long finish – really [unreadable]". with fantastic wine in one hand and a book in the other, it's not always easy to write legibly, especially when you're scribbling reaches the bottom of the page.

"Berries – In a good way". I am a Fontodi fan. I can hear Tuscany calling.

I couldn't help nodding and smiling when tasting this amazing wine. "That's my favourite of the day", I said in the general direction of Giovanni Manetti. He seemed satisfied with my reaction and nodded back as if to say "I know".

I've written one word in my book for this one, but can't read it. I expect it was something positive as generally a fan of Rolly Gassmann and Alsace wines generally.

"Sweet" is my only note. But then Rolly Gassmann wines are known for higher than average levels of residual sugars. Quite delicious if you like that kind of thing.

Another unreadable one word note. I'll just have to try it again.

"Tastes OK" doesn't really do this wine justice. I suspect had one eye on the price when I wrote that.

No notes. It looks like Christophe Flambert is holding the bottle for me. I'll have to try this one again.

It was approaching 4pm when I tried this. My notes: "It's ok. The chap said zero". I think someone had had a long day and was wishing they were back home in France.