Today there are some surprising wines. Let's taste.

Summary: We have a sensational modern Sherry, a long lasting Moscato, a disappointing Cabernet Franc and one of the very best Dornfelder.

Ideally, Moscato d'Asti should be consumed fresh - preferably the latest vintage. However, it is remarkable how well the Paolo Saracco 2018 Moscato d’Asti has held up. The wine displays notes of herbs, sage, and lavender - plus apricot and peach with aeration - along with medium body, still enough carbonic acid, good balance, a medium-long finish, and lovely fruit sweetness. 17.5/20 points.

The Luis Perez 2017 La Barajuela Dos Palmas Viña El Corregidor Carrascal Alto is perfect for any Sherry lover. This fortified wine is modern and elegant, featuring nutty notes, blossom nuances, and a hint of pear; it is full-bodied, balanced, salty-mineral, dense, complex, and long-lasting. 18.8/20 points.

The Wong Amat 2022 Untertürkheimer Herzogenberg Cabernet Franc is happily significantly better than the 2023 vintage (15.3/20 points), though it does not taste like Cabernet Franc. It bears the closest resemblance to a fruity Cabernet Franc from the Loire, albeit without the characteristic aromatics. The wine offers notes of blueberries, barrique, a touch of toast, florals, and herbs, alongside full body, tannins, structure, and a long finish. It is a near-great wine (18/20 points), though we would have expected more given the high price of € 140.-.

The Deutzerhof 2012 Dornfelder ranks among the best of its variety and possesses remarkable longevity. The wine requires plenty of air, after which it is reminiscent of a Rhône Syrah, showing hints of olive, herbs, dill, and bacon, supported by full body, tannins, and structure. It is balanced and mineral-driven. 18.3/20 points.