Tenimenti Luigi D'Alessandro Cortona DOC Syrah 2003 (Magnum) - Tasted on 17/Dec/05 Xmas Party

Tokaji Aszu 5 puttonyos 1999 - Tasted on 17/Dec/05 Xmas Party

Petaluma Connawarra Cab Sau + Merlot 2001 - Tasted on 17/Dec/05 Xmas Party

Tennyson Victorian Shiraz 1994 - Tasted on 17/Dec/05 Xmas Party

Paradise Okanagan Riesling Icewine 2000- Tasted on 17/Dec/05 Xmas Party

Yellow Tail Chardonnay 2004 - Tasted on 17/Dec/05 Xmas Party

Tittarelli Reserva de Familia Tempranillo 2003 - Tasted on 17/Dec/05 Xmas Party

E. Guigal Condrieu (Viognier) 2004 - Tasted on 17/Dec/05 Xmas Party

Condrieu - This small appellation includes 7 right bank communes. Distinctive & fashionable white wine made in Northern Rhone, exclusively from the Viognier grape. Good ones would ecpress an unusual combination of a pronounced yet elusive perfume wiht substantial body. Vines are planted on small patches of vineyard on the steep, often granitic slopes. The best soil are said to have a topsoil of arzelle, or decomposed mica. Best sites should be sheltered from the north wind.

Yields are extremely low, which makes the price relatively expensive. It should be drunk young, at between 2 to 4 yrs in general. Almost all Condrieu is made dry today.

3 of the most experienced wine-makers are Multier at Ch du Rozay, Georges Vernay, and Guigal. Some other challengers include Cuilleron, Perret, & Villard. Desirability of Malolactic Fermentation and use of oak vary within the region.

China Grace Vineyard Cabernet Merlot 2001- Tasted on 17/Dec/05 Xmas Party

Tanuta Chiccheri Valpolicella Amarone 2001 - Tasted on 17/Dec/05 Xmas Party

Valpolicella - red wine of Veneto region in north east Italy. The Valpolicella Superiore , has an alcoholic strength of at least 12% & an ageing period of 1 yr, is of higher quality when compare to the regular ones of 11% a.b.v. & no ageing requirement.

Grape varieties:

1) Corvina - is generally considered the grape with the most personality in the blend

2) Molinara - high acidity, contribute little character

3) Rondinella - Neutral, contribute little character

Amarone - Dry dried grape wines, made from selected superior whole bunched which are dried or raisined in special drying lodges or chambers. Grapes are spread out on mats or wickerwork shelving. Length of drying period varies from producer to producer. Once being popular with botrytized character during 70's & 80's. Some producers now tend to produce a fresher, fruitier wine without the oxidized flavours which once characterized the wine. After drying process, grapes are pressed & fermented DRY & aged in casks or barrels. It is very common to see finished wines of alcohol as high as 15%, & usually be released until 5 yrs after the vintage (which is not an obligation).