So it Goes… this week's decent drinking

These bottles are one legacy of a boozy dinner party. The other is the happy memory!

Domaine Langlois Chateau Saumur Vielles Vignes 2004

David Whelehan introduced me to this darling; hand-picked, carefully selected Chenin Blanc from 35 year old vines. Matured in oak casks. Sumptuous and supple, it’s a huge favourite of mine. O’Briens €17.99

d’Arenberg The Lucky Lizard 2007

Takes me back to great friendly days in Adelaide Hills. Another tour de force from Chester Osborn, a perfect reminder that Australian Chardonnay doesn’t have to be all pineapples, guavas and mangoes. Joyful but quite delicately structured. Oddbins €17.99

Chassagne-Montrachet 1998 Bader-Mimeur

Found this down the cellar, god knows where it came from. Nice example, I’m really coming back on to aged white Burgundy though younger friends, though up on Kiwi Sauv B seem unconvinced.

Chateau Redortier Gigondas 2006

Bags of soft, showy fruit, drinking beautifully now and will doubtless keep. Better than a lot of C du P at twice the price. Fallon & Byrne €19.50

Barolo 2001, G.D.Vajra.

Everyone rated this for the warm dark plum, morello and redcurrant fruit in abundance. Unlike many Barolos from this vintage it had already lost that steely edge. I’d love another bottle to see how it keeps but, again, can’t remember where this one came from.

Chateau Dereszla Tokaji Muscotaly 2000

Classic dessert wine with substantial weight, a dark honeyed edge and a long, long finish. Carted a few of these back from Budapest, this is the last one, alas.