Gaja Sperss 1997, Gaja Sperss 1998 and Jonata 2010 La Sangre de Jonata - it's an exhausting tasting when the wines are all so good you don't want to spit them.

The Gaja 1997 Langhe Sperss is very expressive and complex with moss, undergrowth, blossoms, sweetish notes, some powdered sugar and with aeration also blueberries and red fruits. The wine has full body, supple tannins, but still structure, a long finish and red fruits. 19.3-19.8/20 points.

The Gaja 1998 Langhe Sperss is a bit closed at first and needs aeration. The wine has blossoms, cherry, full body, structure, some melted tannin and an almost long finish. 19.3-19.8/20 points.

The two Gaja wines were recognized blind as Nebbiolo and were each awarded more than 19/20 points by the tasters. However, preferences varied, with some tasters preferring the 1997 and others the 1998.

The 2010 Jonata La Sangre de Jonata has a character all its own and is immediately recognizable even blind. The wine has earthy notes such as beet, but also bacon, iron, blood, and with air also blueberries. The wine has a lot of power, full body and is complex, long and balanced. This is high-end Syrah at its best! 19.8/20 points.