Macellaio South Kensington I had been to one of their sites before – as written up here – this visit was with “Magnum” and “Fiscali” – it is not for the feint hearted – essentially Piedmont beef and then more Piedmont beef but so good…try it. The four ages of parmesan is a great value option an interlude from beef.

Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta NV Cuvee Prestige – was our starter and the bottle from the list. It is a fair while since I last had a bottle from Ca’ del Bosco – I like their wines. Fresh crisp and mellow.

Qué Bonito Cacareaba 2011, Benjamin Romeo – now this is one of those lone bottles, I had a case (of 6) and enjoyed all of the previous five, probably having the most recent four or so years ago. I had always intended to keep the last one a while but when you have one bottle I sometimes find I am in vinous “no man’s land”. When to serve it? With a good decant this was superb – I so wish I had more, rich but refined and textured. It is a field blend made in a clean and precise way with (perfectly judged) oak ageing. No rush to drink if you have some.

Leoville Poyferre 1990 – this is always a great wine, I have had it about 4 or 5 times over the years despite never actually owning it myself (a perk of the trade). It combines a classicism with a lovely opulence and generosity. It also happens to be one of the very few wines I have got “bang on” in a blind tasting.

Lodovico 2007, Tenuta di Biserno – amazingly I have had the ’07, ’11 & ’12 Lodovico recently. This is the first vintage made. The wine is rich but also somehow effortless. Decadent might be the word. A perfect foil to the main beef dish. No rush to drink but just in it’s window.

Mail Road Mount Camel Vineyard Blocks 3,5 Pinot Noir 2014 – I know zero about this little gem that “Magnum” pulled from his bag. Good good wine this. They look an interesting set up. Lovely opulent fresh red fruit and a little grey pepper and spice.

Tenuta di Trinoro 2012 – In my last post I made specific reference to what a very sad loss Andrea Franchetti is. This was another chance to marvel at what he did. Still only in 2nd gear approaching its 10th birthday this was a hedonistic joy but not without refinement. A real treat of a wine.

And with that a gentle mid-week gathering had become a six bottle blast. Being over excited by wine and company is a good thing…