At Lo, seven wine aficionados came together, each bringing a bottle valued at a minimum of 1000 UAH, with the labels concealed to test their tasting mettle. Vasyl Velykanskiy deftly disguised the bottles further, ensuring complete anonymity before the guessing game commenced. This blind tasting, fueled by anticipation and camaraderie, highlighted the joy of surprise and the unique opportunity to evaluate one's own selection without bias. The format was refreshingly straightforward, requiring little more than a venue and an adventurous spirit.

Thanks to each participant's engagement, Vasyl's adept handling of the bottles, and Lo's warm hospitality, the evening was as seamless as it was delightful.

Charles Dufour Bulles de Comptoir #11 Terrine et Jardin NV

This wine secured the 🏅 7th place in our wine tasting lineup.

Presented itself with a modest charm, offering scents of bruised apples, chalk, and subtle bakery notes, all laced with a hint of Jerez. Though fresh, well-balanced and mineral-driven, complexity was wanting, and it fell short on intensity and finish. Anticipation met with anticlimax upon unveiling the label. Maybe a bottle variation? At least I guessed it was a Pinot Noir-driven Champagne.

Alice et Olivier De Moor Le Vendangeur Masqué Chablis 2018

This wine secured the 🏅 6th place in our wine tasting lineup.

This one held back at first, but its subtle beauty emerged with hints of yellow fruits, nuts, and an earthy cheese and mold character. A fresh, rounded palate that's moreish without being overly intricate. Medium-bodied with a hint of intrigue, mineral touch and a long aftertaste.

Matassa Blossom 2022

This wine secured the 🏅 8th place in our wine tasting lineup.

A basic nose with overripe apricots and a herbal, medicinal underpinning. There's a curious twist of aromas, but the palate doesn't follow through - feeling sanitized, lacking depth and vibrancy. It's a wine that comes across as bright yet hollow, which was a letdown upon discovering it was a Matassa. Blind tasting strips away biases, underscoring the importance of an unprejudiced approach.

Marco De Bartoli Integer Zibibbo 2021

This wine secured the 🏅 5th place in our wine tasting lineup.

The funk has mellowed over half a year, and it's for the better. The Muscat essence shines - infused with ginger, honey, lemon zest, and an herbal complexity, complemented by oatmeal's earthiness and the brightness of citrus. It's a fresh, intricate, and delightfully layered experience, effortlessly drinkable at a friendly 11.5% ABV.

Argiolas Korem 2018

This wine secured the 🥉 3rd place in our wine tasting lineup.

The bouquet is like a nocturnal garden, with dried night blossoms and a carpet of autumn leaves, all grounded by an earthy note and lifted by red fruits. As the evening progresses, a peppery spiciness takes hold. On the palate, youthful, firm and greenish tannin melds, cut by a vein of bitterness that adds depth to the juicy fruit. The aroma captivates, yet the palate leans towards the verdant edge.

Gabriel Meffre Chateauneuf du Pape L'Orme Chaulé 2009

This wine secured the 🥈 2nd place in our wine tasting lineup.

Staring down the final curtain, this bottle unfolds a lavish tale of toffee, licorice, and medicinal notes, entwined with trails of cigar smoke. Bereft of fruit, yet the palate clings to vestiges of vigor, nestled in round, silky tannin that glides like velvet. With a medium-full body, its aftertaste lingers with rich flavours, imparting a twilight complexity that's as compelling as it is fleeting.

Dario Prinčič Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

This wine secured the 🥇 1st place in our wine tasting lineup.

Perched on its peak, this gem parades a nose rich in chocolate and red fruit jam, with earthy undertones and a hint of Madeira, elevated by just the right touch of volatile acidity for added complexity. The palate, vivacious even in maturity, is impeccably balanced, showcasing a robust structure and an unexpected juiciness. A round, tantalizing experience that hits the mark.

And let me brag a bit - I guessed the producer.

Dario Prinčič Bianco L.2003B NV (bonus)

This wine secured the 🏅 4th place in our wine tasting lineup.

Unveiling itself anew, this bottle confidently fulfills its promises, presenting a luminous but intricate profile. It's a concoction of apricot, healing herbs, orange zest, and nuttiness, with honeyed pineapple for a tropical twist. Volatile acidity deftly interlaces through, enhancing each sip. Well-balanced and voluminous, it has a finish that's persistent and rich.

Raw scores