Very enjoyable family lunch today at my sister’s place in Gerrards Cross. A four siblings plus their families and my parents were gathered. Some nice wines were opened. I didn’t take proper notes this time, but here are my brief impressions.

First some fizz. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is a very fruit-driven Champagne with lovely depth of flavour. It’s almost vinous, and it is very easy to drink.

Then a couple of nice reds. The first, Jamet’s Cote Rotie 1999, is an old friend. It’s a really serious expression of Cote Rotie and is drinking very well now, but has some distance to go. The second is another old friend: a wine I’d forgotten about. It’s Domaine de Ravanes Les Gravieres du Taurou Grande Reserve 2000, a Languedoc wine that did very well in a famous blind tasting in 2004 that I attended. With 50% Petit Verdot and the balance Merlot and a dash of Cabernet, this is a beautifully dense, spicy, slightly tarry wine with real definition and structure, and its ageing very well.

Then it was time to turn to another favourite. Cos Frappato 2008 from Sicily: so fresh, bright, elegant and drinkable. A delight. This was followed by a Fortnum & Mason Madeira from Barbeito, designed to go with Christmas pudding. It was actually a brilliant Malvasia, with lovely fresh acidity as well as some sweetness. To finish? A half of Sandeman’s Vau Vintage Port 2004 – one of a large stash bought at £4.99 each from Oddbins some years ago (one of the steals of the decade), and drinking very well now.