Piccini Chianti Riserva DOCG Gran Seleczione 2007

All wines tasted at the party held for baby Thomas on 25/08/2012. The ‘Black Label’. 13% ABV, about £12 UK retail. Castellina’s higher-level wine by Antonella Conti. Bright crimson, lovely black cherries fruit, hint of pencil box and raspberry. Quite rounded and velvety, nicely dry and raisiny finish. Slightly short finish but very pleasant budget Chianti. Better than some ‘cheap’ Chianti offerings. Ready now, 16 / 20  

Collemattoni Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2008

All wines tasted at the party held for baby Thomas on 25/08/2012. 13.5%, cork closure. About £15 in Lea and Sandeman. There was slight disappointment with this wine but I suspect that it shows that you can buy a good basic ‘entry level’ Montalcino wine for £15 but a good one probably costs £20-£25+. Ripe red fruits and softish tannins, this wine is ready now and is probably best enjoyed as a food wine. Well balanced and ready now. From 2012, 16/20

Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2008

All wines tasted at the party held for baby Thomas on 25/08/2012. 13.5%, cork closure. About £20 - £25 UK retail (e.g. Slurp, Carluccios). Superb, massive wine with a great future – this is very young; too young to enjoy. Not as good as the stellar 2006, but still a very fine wine. Dark cherry red, tight red berries fruit nose, huge concentration and tannins in the mouth, long finish. Needs another 5 years at least. From 2015, 18/20

Les Combin Mercurey 1er Cru Domaine Theulot Juillot 2009

All wines tasted at the party held for baby Thomas on 25/08/2012. 13% ABV, cork closure. About £23 UK retail. Very much Old World classic style. Smoky, red cherries and floral nose. Rather simple on the palate but nicely balanced. Well made, a little over-priced for what it is to my mind but this is Mercurey after all. From 2012. 16/20