1996 Montelena + 1982 Beausejour Duffau

Dinner at La Boheme.

1996 Montelena - old reliable.  Sweet nose and firm tannins.  Full-bodied.  Very enjoyable.

1982 Beauséjour-Duffau - this was flat, maybe because I decanted at home too early.  Not enjoyable so we didn't finish the bottle.  Acidic without much fruit.

Bought from Yamaya for around JPY 12,000.

1986 Lynch-Bages

Dinner at Morton's.

1986 Lynch-Bages - honestly I was fairly disappointed.  Not enough fruit in the nose.  Only a bit of it, dominated by grass and straw notes, plus a bit of earthy tones.  Rounded and smooth tannins, but a little too flat.

1998 SQN E-raised

Dinner at Le Parisien.

1998 Sine Qua Non E-raised - drank over dinner at Le Parisien.  This Syrah was really good stuff.  Nose of coffee, caramel, sweet, ripe red fruits like cassis, prunes.  Full-bodied but not too tannic.  Can easily last another 10-15 years.  I really like it.

Bought from FRW for GBP 60.

1996 d'Arenberg Riesling the Noble

Drinking at home.

1996 d'Arenberg Riesling the Noble - wow!  Color is now brownish/dark amber, very, very sweet nose of citrus, pineapple, apricot, honey, walnut.  

Bought from Watson's for HKD 112. Now down to my last case from the original 3.

1999 Greg Norman Cabernet Merlot

Dinner at home.

1999 Greg Norman Cabernet Merlot - a little young but drinkable.  Full-bodied and tannins still strong.  Nose of caramel, sweet cassis.  Decent drinking wine for the price.

1997 Mitchelton Print Shiraz

Dinner at home.

1997 Mitchelton Print Shiraz - this was actually pretty good.  Very forward with sweet fruit in the nose.  Not too acidic or tannic.  Definitely worth buying.

96 Virginie

Drinking at home.

1996 Virginie de Valandraud - definitely a Thunevin wine... nose was sweet, fruity, and forward in style. I think it's good, but for the price there are probably many New World wines which offer better value.

Bought from 易元 for TWD 3,400.