Today we have a Champagne, a Syrah from California and a white wine from Lake Constance (Bodensee).

This shows that the 2008 vintage in Champagne is a great vintage and that even small Champagne houses can produce a great Champagne: The Voirin-Jumel 2008 Brut from 100% Cramant Chardonnay has incipient drinking maturity with blossoms, some white chocolate and nougat, medium body, long finish and is balanced, mineral and fresh. 18/20 points.

The Leon Löwentraut & Josef Hornstein Grand Cuvée is a Bavarian country wine from Lake Constance made from Pinot Gris, Auxerois and Riesling. The wine has blossoms, nutmeg, apricot, medium to full body, spicy notes, balance and medium length. 16/20 points, but really fun.

The Martinelli 2004 Russian River Valley Syrah Terra Felice shows the good longevity of California wines. The wine has held up very well and has rose hip, bacon fat, animal notes, some toastiness, medium to full body, relatively high tannin, structure, medium length, and is perfect with a char-grilled steak. 17.3/20 points.