Drinking Tonight - 2007 Brunello di Montalcino, Col d´Orcia

After a loooong week I needed a good bottle to unwind. This was the first I grabbed. I´m relaxed now...

2007 Brunello di Montalcino, Col d´Orcia
It needed an hour in a decanter to really open up, but then a big glass had already disappeared...
The nose is seedy, cool and fine with notes of red cherries, dried rosemary, violet pastilles, a hint of tobacco and a dry Tuscan gravel road. For the fruit hunter this will be disappointing, but this is really up my alley tonight. Very, very good.
The taste is cool, a tad withdrawn with red currants, cherry pips, dry liquorice, a bucket full of gravel, a bonfire in a distance and some rose petals. A fine warmth in the finish. Tasted 18 months ago, and then it was more black than red in character, but equally good. This is good stuff.
91p   (tasted 2014/08)

 

 

5 Bottles Of Syrah & A Fizzy Zinfandel...

Our tasting group had its monthly session yesterday and Roderick was pouring. Thanks!
All tasted double blind.

2012 Grosse Reserve Chardonnay Trocken, Weingut Aldinger
First we got a tasting sample. We all pegged it as a Chardonnay, but then we were off. From Germany? Really? It has a medium deep, nice nose with notes of lemon cream, hazel nuts, star anise and spices. A fine warmth. Very good.
The taste is warm, spicy and perky with notes of lemon peel, summer flowers, grapefruit and minerals. A medium long, fine finish. This is drinking very well.
87p   (tasted 2014/08)

Then we were, as usual, presented with 6 decanters and not a clue. Tasting double blind is the most fun form of tasting. And most often deep lessons in humility...
2002 Boekenhoutskloof
The first wine has a deep and dark nose with creamy notes of black fruit, new leather, bay leaves, capers and a nice perfumed scent. A good depth. A hint of maturity. Very, very good.
The taste is warm, peppery and deep with notes of blackberries, Christmas spices, meat stock and earth. Long and fine. This has started to mature but isn´t there quite yet. Very fine.
91p   (tasted 2014/08)

1995 Cornas Cuvée Les Vieilles Fontaines, Alain Voge
If it smells like a Bordeaux and taste like a Bordeux, shouldn´t it be a Bordeaux then? Apparently not.
A round, mature, soft nose with notes of red and black currants, dry tobacco, warm grass and some stables in a distance. A bit narrow but good none the less.
The taste is cool an tight with mature note sin the shape of dried red currants, autumn leaves, pencil shavings and dry grass. The finish is medium long and nicely balanced. Very good with the food. A Cornas? Ah, well...
87p   (tasted 2014/08)

2001 Le Roc des Mates, Château de Cazeneuve
A warm, semi mature, dense nose with notes of sweet blueberries, garrigue, iron and scorched earth. It has depth and intensity but it is a bit withdrawn. Doesn´t open up much during the evening.
The taste is warm, a tad fiery and long with notes of raspberries, resin, fried herbs and liquorice. The finish has some unresolved tannins. Long and warm, a bit too much for my liking.
85p   (tasted 2014/08)

2001 Les Aspres, Domaine Cros
Hands down my favourite in the line up. I guessed it to be a great SQN! The nose is big, broad shouldered and wearing a Zegna suit. Stunning notes of plums, moist earth, violets, blood & iron, lavender and a hint of cardamom. This is the real thing!
The taste is big, steady and intense with notes of blackberries, plums, dark chocolate and a hint of soya. It has energy, complexity and hedonism in one package. Tasted many, many times before with the same impression, here are two notes - here & here.
96p   (tasted 2014/08)

1998 RWT, Penfolds
This was apparently just the second vintage of RWT (Red Wine Trial), but it needs some more trials to get it right...because this isn´t good. A big, shallow nose with lots of toothpaste, sweetened blackberries, tar and vanilla powder. Lot of make up but not much underneath.
The taste is massive and dry with the tannins on one side, the acidity on another and the sweet fruit somewhere else. Lots of VA. This would probably work better as a paint remover.
62p   (tasted 2014/08)

1997 Hayne Vineyards Zinfandel, Turley
Roderick did say before pouring that this was not really in the line up. And what did we get? A 17,1% fizzy wine! Yes, it actually had some sparkle feeling on both the nose and the taste. On the nose there are notes of cooked black cherries, band aid, chocolate and molasses. A very sweet nose. A bit ungainly. But not all that bad.
The taste is warm and seedy with notes of black cherry jam, chocolate mousse, lavender and hot earth. A long, warm finish. The finish isn´t that bad after all. It behaves more balanced when the first wave of fruit have disappeared.
78p   (tasted 2014/08)

A Great BYOB Evening!

A couple of days ago, four wine afficionados gathered at Ulfs place, bringing one bottle of Champagne and one bottle of "interesting red" each. With good food and a lot of wine talk, it turned into a great evening! Thanks all!

All wines tasted double blind, except for the ones we brought.

2005 Hattenheimer Mannberg 1es Gewächs, Freiherr Langwerth von Simmern

This was served blind as a starter. The nose is reminiscent of a dry Sauternes with notes of dried apricots, warm hay, bay leaves, dried flowers and a hint of botrytis. A bit oily on the nose. Good.
The taste is long and balanced with fine yellow fruits, grassy notes and a fine acidity. I was leaning to a Chenin Blanc, but alas, it turned out to be a Riesling.
86p   (tasted 2014/08)
 

On to the Champagne's!

1996 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, AR Lenoble

This was my offering. I bought some of these after attending a tasting with wines from AR Lenoble.
It opens with fine notes of dry caramel, hyacinth, wet asphalt, nougat and spices. With air more roasted coffee notes emerge. Very, very good. Some maturity.
The taste is round, velvety and focused with notes of ripe yellow apples, milk chocolate, minerals and some steely notes. Pure and fine. Has started to mature but still  has a long way to go. Very fine.
91p   (tasted 2014/08)
 

 

NV Hommage Francois Hemart, Henri Giraud

What a beauty. The winner in this line up. It consists of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay and out of the glass notes of just ripening pears, wheat biscuits, ginger, sweet minerals and a luxury soap oozes. Deep and refined. This is good stuff!
The taste is young, taut and impressive with lots of lemons, star fruit, grapefruit, minerals and ginger. The finish is long and balanced. Still very young. I would love to taste this in 5+ years time. Great!
93p   (tasted 2014/08) 

NV Cuvée Louis, Tarlant

A new acquaintance for me, this cuvée displays fine aromas of tangerines, almonds, star anise and lots of crushed rocks. A touch of cap gun smoke. It is made up of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay. The main base is from 1999 with the rest being from 1998, 1997 and 1996. Very, very good.
The taste is cool, fresh and pure with notes of grey pears, lime peel, minerals and flowers. A very good acidity. Long,, tight and focused. There are a hint of maturity in the taste but there is no hurry to drink this one.
90p   (tasted 2014/08)
 

 

NV Cuvée Blanc de Noirs, Etienne Lefèvre

Again, a new producer for me. This Verzy producer has turned out a Blanc de Noir that shows a nose with notes of ripe pears, red currants, earth and some bonfire notes. Very good.
The taste is young, seedy and fresh with notes of sweet lime, ripe pears, minerals and cap gun smoke. It seems that the dosage is a tad bit higher in this wine compared to the previous three. Very good.
88p   (tasted 2014/08)

The Champagne´s were followed by a line up of some interesting reds...

1964 Chäteau Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac

This was my offering, not surprisingly given the vintage... This has matured into a stunning St Emilion. The nose is just beautiful, with notes of Corinthians, tobacco, warm tiles, dark fudge, autumn leaves and leather. The tiles/gravel note lead to some guesses on Graves. This is outstandingly fresh for its age and behave way above its pedigree. Just awesome.
The taste is mature but at the same time fresh as a daisy with sweet red fruit, earth, coffee powder, saddle leather and charcoal. A long, persistent finish with nicely polished tannins. This was caught in a perfect state of maturity. Grand Vin!
94p   (tasted 2014/08)

 

2011 Il Redoma, Nierpoort

A young, strapping nose with masses of concentrated black currants and blueberries alongside notes of black pepper, rubber and dog fur. A very multidimensional and interesting notes. Some oak vanilla scents after a while. Deep and very good.
The taste is young and intense with notes of sweet black fruit, liquorice, new leather and a warm grassy note. Nicely imbedded taut tannins. A long, warm finish. Very, very good today although I suspect it will get even better with 3-5 years in the cellar.
91p   (tasted 2014/08) 



 

2005 Chäteauneuf-du-Pape, Clos des Papes

A big, semi mature, unfocused nose with notes of dried raspberries, hot earth, fried herbs and some woody scents. Big but a bit flabby. Not my cup of tea.
The taste is better with lot of cooked raspberries, earth, herbs, bonfire and pine. A high, cleansing acidity. Long and warm. Very good with the food bur rather one dimensional on its own.
82p   (tasted 2014/08)

2009 Cepas Viejas, Dominio de Tares

As with the Portugese wine above, guesses were far of... I really liked this young, tight, concentrated nose with lots of sweet black fruit and notes of asphalt, scorched earth, liquorice and dark chocolate. A rather massive character yet it shows refinement. Very fine.
The taste is young, seedy and teeth gripping with sweet blueberry fruit, strapping tannins and a long, intense finish. Very taut. This needs time to soften, but I really like in its massiveness today.
91p   (tasted 2014/08)

 

1964 Chäteau la Grace Dieu

I brought a back up bottle if the first 64 wouldn´t be up to scratch. It was, but curiosity got the better of us, so we opened this as well. This hasn´t faired as well over the years as the Lamarzelle Figeac.
The nose is mature and open with notes of old stables, dried red fruit, old leather, meat stock and autumn leaves. A tad over the hill, although it offers some enjoyment.
The taste is mature, round and dry with notes of dried red currants, root vegetables, autumn leaves and coffee powder. The finish is medium long and dry. Went well with the food but too dry on its own.
78p   (tasted 2014/08)

 

1971 Wachenheimer Mandelgarten Ruländer Beerenauslese, Fitz Ritter

The evening finishes with an old sweetie. Out of the glass flows aromas of dried apricots, over ripe red apples, glue, cold coffee and the scent of a rubber carpet that we had in gymnastic as a child... Feels semi sweet on the nose.
The taste is mature and initially medium sweet, but when the taste finishes it is almost dry. Notes of dried apricots, almond macaroons, glue and dried apples. A decent acidity that keeps the sweetness at bay. Very good.
86p   (tasted 2014/08)

 

Drinking Tonight - 2013 Catena Chardonnay

I opened this trustworthy Argentinian Chardonnay with a creamy shrimp dish tonight. 

A tasting sample from VinUnic.

2013 Catena Chardonnay

A fresh, open, nice nose with notes of dried pine apple, yellow apples, butter cookies, summer flowers and a hint of mint. Very good. Young and clean.

The taste is young, fresh and fruity with notes of fried nuts, warm grass, dried tropical fruit and cold butter. A good acidity that cleans the mouth effectively. A very good food wine although I could easily drink it on its own as well. Good stuff.

88p   (tasted 2014/08)

Something Really Fine - 2001 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Joh. Jos. Prüm

I read that the 01 Goldcapsel got a lot of praise. I have just two bottles of that one (with the same Ap number as the note on WineBerserkers), but I noticed that I have some more of the regular Auslese. Then I couldn´t help myself...

2001 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Joh. Jos. Prüm
Right out of the bottle this beauty showcase a luscious, pure, racy nose with notes of ripe peaches, warm lemons, rubber boots and a touch of lavender honey. With air more dried fruits emerge and a touch of bonfire, and it becomes very focused. Very, very fine. A great after-the-rain scent. A real thoroughbred. Still young though.
The taste is like drinking pure high mountain water with a stunning acidity and notes of candied lemon peels, peaches, ripe pears and boatloads of sweet minerals. The finish goes on for over a minute. A great wine that still needs another 5-8 years in the cellar, unless you like them young.
93p   (tasted 2014/08)

I'll Take A Case!

Found this interesting auction on ebay. Just 2.999 Euro for a half bottle. 

Broadbent has of course tasted it. Four times... He gives it 2 stars for pleasure but 5 stars for interest!

I have to get me some... :-)

1 Flasche Rüdesheimer Apostelwein 'Bremer Ratskeller' 1727 375ml

Ein großer Jahrgang war 1727 in Deutschland, nicht nur was die Qualität der Weine angeht, sondern auch von der Erntemenge her. Trotzdem wäre ein damals auf Flasche gefüllter Wein heute sicher nicht mehr genießbar. Im Bremer Ratskeller liegt er in einem Faß, der legendäre 1727 Rüdesheimer Apostelwein. Zu besonderen Gelegenheiten wird schon mal ein halbes Fläschchen abgefüllt. Längst nicht so oft aber, wie die in der letzten Zeit sich auf Auktionen häufenden Angebote dieses Weines glauben lassen. Ein 2000 speziell für eine englische Chistie´s Auktion abgefüllte, halbe Flasche erbrachte etwa 6.500 Euro. Im Sommer 2005 durfte ich den Rüdesheimer Apostelwein aus einer vor gut 80 Jahren abgefüllten Flasche probieren. Durch diese zusätzliche Flaschenlagerung mag er sich etwas anders präsentieren, als „frisch aus dem Faß“. Dunkelbraun, faszinierende Nase, halbtrockener Sherry, Teer, Kaffeetöne, altes, leicht verrottetes Leder, bleibt in der Nase schön, verliert aber sehr schnell am Gaumen und wird säuerlich. Trotzdem faszinierend, dass solch ein Wein überhaupt noch trinkbar ist (Quelle: wineterminator.com Dr. Becker).

A Bad Bottle Of Wine

I am fortunate to taste and drink a lot of good, great and gorgeous wines, but sometimes I come across something that don´t appeal to me, or worse, that I think is really bad.
Should I post then? I think yes. It becomes a bit holier than thou if I only post positive notes. And the note per se is not in any way, shape of form a reflection of the people that have made the wine, it is only my reaction to their product, just like I don´t like a certain kind of car, orange juice or shirt. Same thing.
Well, on to the wine then...

2012 Le Bon Petit Diable, Domaine des Sabbonettes
An insipid, thin, hollow nose with notes of lingonberry juice, old, wrinkled red apples, rotten hay, lambic aromas and a touch of gravel. This Cabernet Franc is shallow and wimpish. No, thanks.
The taste is a touch better, but this light, thin and acedic juicy doesn´t get any love from me. Some notes of dried lingonberries, frozen raspberries, dry liquorice and a some rubber notes. Lightly fizzy. A high acidity. The finish is short and flat. What is the point? Nice label though!
60p   (tasted 2014/08)

1964 Brunello di Montalcino - Fattoria Dei Barbi & Biondi-Santi

Time to open the only two bottles I have of Brunello from the greatest vintage ever! :-) You will come to embrace it eventually...:-)

1964 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Fattoria dei Barbi
A mature, dry, medium deep nose with notes of dried red currants, cranberries, dry leather, bonfire and a dry barnyard note. On the nose this seems to have gone a bit too far. Laid back and a tad hollow.
But the taste! Feels definitely much younger and fresher, with notes of ripe red cherries, forest floor, saddle leather, rosehips and violet pastilles. Long and fine, and with a nice warmth, and a fine sweetness. Perfectly integrated tannins with still a bit of a bite. This is really fine in the mouth, but sadly not on the nose.
87p   (tasted 2014/08)

1964 Brunello di Montalcino, Biondi-Santi
This, on the other hand, showed exactly opposite - a fine nose and a dull taste. It has a deep, sweet, concentrated nose with lots of ripe red and black cherries, fresh rosemary, dark chocolate, leather and a fine earthy aroma. Very, very good.
The taste is big but rather hollow, with notes of lingonberries, dry liquorice, red currants and a earthy touch. The tannins are pretty forward still but they are dry and ungainly also. With food it worked well, but not so much on its own.
86p   (tasted 2014/08)

I then blended a 50/50% mix, to see if I could get the best of the both wines. Did it work? No, no, no. The nose was a blur and the taste was a tedious mix of sweet and dry red fruits with dry tannins on the side. This blend would have scored in the 65p range.
There goes my blending career... :-)

Vacation Wine Diary - Day 35 - Last Day & 1990 Selvapiana

Dear Diary

Our vacation have come to an end. One last evening of freedom. What to the finish this vacation with?

I opened two bottles from Selvapiana, the 1990 and the 1999 Chianti Rufina. The 99 was unfortunately corked and that got me thinking, and counting. I have opened 28 bottles of wine during this five weeks, and just one have been corked. That is a pretty good percentage, I would think. I have been lucky. On to the wine.

1990 Chianti Rufina, Selvapiana
Popped and poured. This needed some time in the glass to open up but when it did it offered some real enjoyment. The nose is beautifully mature with notes of dried red cherries, rosehips, rose petals, moth balls, bay leaves and a Tuscan gravel road. Very balanced, and very, very good.
The taste is mature, tight and seedy with notes of hard cherry candy, dried rosemary, rosehips, old leather and gravel. Cool, dried up tannins. The finish is medium long, finely tuned and just perfectly mature. A fine ending to a great vacation.
90p   (tasted 2014/08)

Time to close the vacation wine diary for this year.

Vacation Wine Diary - Day 34 - Notes From Yesterdays Debauchery

Dear Diary

Yesterday, S and I went home to M, too take advantage of the summers last (?) warm day. We sat outside all night long, barbequed and shared the awesome bottles that M presented. Thanks!
All tasted double blind.

1997 Côte-Rôtie La Turque, Guigal
This bottle was opened by M the day before and half the bottle had been left with a cork inserted in the cellar. Unfortunately it has not faired well. Neither S or I found any tell tale Syrah signs.
The nose is deep and smooth with ripe black fruit, some dark chocolate and balsamic notes. We thought we were in Italy...
The taste is big and tight but not that expressive or without real character. Dark fruit, some oak and rusty tannins. I was thinking Aglianico.... I had thought that there shouldn't be a problem saving a Guigal La La wine from one day to the next, but alas. M said that it performed stunningly the day before.
No rating   (tasted 2014/08)

2008 Saint Aubin 1er Cru Derriére Chez Edouard Haute Densité,  Hubert Lamy
A long name on a glorious wine! This is a world class Chardonnay from the hands of Lamy. I tasted the 08 En Remilly last year that was great but this cuvee was even better.
The nose soars up from the glass with beautiful notes of just ripening peaches, cold butter, summer flowers and lots and lots of stone and minerals. Some cap gun smoke. Very intense and focused. This is really fine.
The taste is young, taut and complex with lovely creamy yellow fruit and a searing acidity with notes of butter cookies, yellow pears, flowers and sweet minerals. Very refined. The finish goes on and on. Again, world class!
96p   (tasted 2014/08)

1989 Wachenheimer Gerümpel Riesling Auslese, Dr. Bürklin-Wolf
This looked an orange wine when poured, but when I put my nose in the glass it was obvious that it is a mature Riesling. Or a Chenin Blanc... It has aromas from both, the petroleum that indicates a mature Riesling, and the oilcloth and hay that indicates a mature Chenin Blanc. And when aromas of slate, band aid, bee wax and soap are tossed in, I am more confused. But it is good all the same! A very fine maturity.
The taste is mature, pure and lovely with a fine dried up sweetness and notes of dried apricots, honey, band aid, dried flowers and a ever so tiny touch of botrytis. It starts of semi sweet when it hits the tongue and ends, almost, bone dry. Very, very good. But I guess it is downhill from here for this one.
92p   (tasted 2014/08)

1996 Vigna d´Alceo, Castello dei Rampolla
This is the debut vintage of Vigna d´Alceo. I attended a vertical tasting of this cuvée some years ago and the 99 and 01 was, and probably still is, really great wines. The debut vintage is not. It is good, but my impression is that they tried to hard the first time. The nose is still on the young side with notes of ripe black cherries, liquorice, rosehips and spruce shoots. Somewhat dusty. It feels like a lot of vin de presse have been added. It has a restrained character to it.
The taste is semi mature with notes of cherry pips, dark chocolate with at least 90% cocoa, gravel and dried rosemary. A medium long, dusty finish with lots of unrelieved tannins. Some bitterness in the finish. Good fruit but it is hidden behind the rather four square structure. With the bloody meat from the barbeque it worked great, but not for drinking on its own.
85p   (tasted 2014/08)

1996 Pahlmeyer
This beauty consists of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon an the rest is Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The nose is deep, barely mature and decadent with notes of sweet black cherries, violets, graphite, expensive tobacco and sweet herbs. It has a wonderful sweetness to the fruit without being heavy handed or too big. Even elegant. This is goood!
The taste is a big mouthful of ripe Cabernet with gorgeous notes of black cherries, black currants, leather, tobacco, sandalwood and some autumn leaves. A long, long, finely tuned finish. This is just entering its plateau of maturity. A treat to drink.
94p   (tasted 2014/08)

1996 Penfolds Bin 707
This was instantly pegged as an Australian wine by S and me. Even a blind hen finds a grain from time to time...:-)
The nose is marked by the 15 months it has spent in American oak, with sweet notes of cassis liquor, blackberries, meat, eucalyptus, green pepper and sweet tobacco. Deep, dark and broading. And very, very good. Not overpowering in its exuberant style. 
The taste is big and steady with a lots of intensity and notes of sweet black currants, iodine, liquorice, dark chocolate, meat stock and mint. The finish is long, warm and satisfying. Very fine.
92p   (tasted 2014/08) 

1982 Barolo Bric dël Fiasc, Paolo Scavino
This bottle have been stuck, to our joy, in some sort of time warp. We were not even close guessing the vintage. This behaves at least 15 years younger than what the label says. I have tried the 82 Bric dël Fiasc one time before, and then it was close to perfect. And behaved accordingly to its age.
This one sports a deep, fresh, pure nose with notes of red cherries, a mushroom forest on a perfect autumn day, bay leaves, rosehips and some tarry aromas. Just gorgeous. And young...
The taste is tight, focused and very, very fine with notes of dried strawberries, dried mushrooms, hard cherry candy, rosehips and gravel. The finish goes on for minutes and there are lots of unresolved tannins. Very pure and refined. This still needs 10 years to reach the maturity level of the one tasted two years ago. Great stuff!
95p   (tasted 2014/08)

1989 Château d´Yquem
I drink Yquem to seldom! But when I do I love it! And this time was no exception. The nose is deep, powerful and multi layered with notes of dried apricots, mushroom cream, almond paste, a whiff of detergent and ripe pears. Not that much botrytis. Very, very deep. This is fine. Has started to mature but have many, many years ahead of it.
The taste is silky smooth and expressive with gorgeous notes of dried pine apple, saffron, chalk, milk chocolate and overripe pears. The finish goes on forever as it seems. Stunning! Would love to drink this with 10 years intervals over the next 50 years. Any sponsors? :-)
95p   (tasted 2014/08)

1994 Chalk Hill Botrytised Sémillon
Also from a half bottle, this Cali sweetie sports a big, mature nose full of dried tropical fruit, almond suryp, detergent and sweet hay. Very good but a tad top heavy.
The taste is big and bold with notes of apricot purée, glue, chicken stock and butter cookies. Sweet, a bit all over the place but I can´t deny the yumminess of this wine. In small sips.
87p   (tasted 2014/08)

Vacation Wine Diary - Day 32 - An Old Bottle Of Bourgogne Passetoutgrains

Dear Diary

With todays barbequed chicken fillets and a mushrooms sauce I needed something mature, soft and fulfilling. I hoped that this bottle would cater to my needs. It did.

NV Bourgogne Passetoutgrains, Louis Latour
According to the seller this is from the 50´s. The bottle shape and the content strongly suggest that that would be the case.
The nose is medium deep, ripe and mature with notes of dried strawberries, a lot of mushrooms, old tobacco and some barnyardy aromas. With air it gets more harmonious and sweeter with a lovely rhubarb scent. Very good.
The taste is mature, round and dry with notes of cool strawberry fruit, undergrowth, old leather and dried herbs. A fine acidity that cuts through the creamy mushroom sauce like a sword. A medium long, balanced finish. During the hours it takes to finish the bottle in doesn´t budge a bit. Not great, but very good, and just what I needed.
86p   (tasted 2014/08)

Vacation Wine Diary - Day 30 - Another 2008 Chassagne-Montrachet La Romanée

Dear Diary

I really enjoyed the 08 La Romanée from Morey-Coffinet and therefore I opened another La Romanée from the same vintage, this time from Paul Pillot, to go along with loach fillets and a creamy cauliflower purée - yummy!

2008 Chassagne-Montrachet La Romanée, Paul Pillot
This version of La Romanée displays a pure, flinty, young nose with notes of sweet/sour lemon peels, a touch of linoleum, barely mature yellow apples, tangerines and some almond paste. Deep, complex and fine. Racier than the one from Morey-Coffinet. A high, intense nose. Very, very good.
The taste is young, tight and pure with notes of flint, candied lemon peels, milk chocolate fudge and dried flowers. A long, tight, dry finish. Almost ascetic in the finish. This needs more time in the cellar but I still love drinking it in big sips on this warm summer evening, both with the fish and on its own.
93p   (tasted 2014/08)

Vacation Wine Diary - Day 28 - Burgers & Petite Sirah

Dear Diary

Even though it is hot, you got to eat. This evening I made burgers with a lot of fixings. To go along I opened a bottle of Foppiano Petit Sirah. Someone, which taste I trust, said it was a bargain (16 Euro), and after finishing the bottle, I agree.

2010 Petite Sirah, Foppiano Vineyards
The nose is young but quite forward with notes of sweet blueberries, blackberries, asphalt, seared meat, bay leaves and some bonfire scents. Upfront and easy but it also displays some restraint and more dimensions than one. But if you into anaemic, lambic smelling wines, this will not suit you.
The taste is young and potent with a decent amount of acidity and notes of spicy blueberries, liquorice, asphalt and a touch of gingerbread cookies. The tannins are a bit on the light side. It went very well with the burgers though. Still rather young. Very good.
87p   (tasted 2014/08)

Vacation Wine Diary - Day 27 - Chianti

Dear Diary

 

Yet another hot day - in places in Sweden the hottest day this year - here it has been 32 degrees Celsius. Great to be able to spend the day at the sea, not in the office :-)

 

Returning home in the afternoon we decided on a light meal, some Italian delicatessen and some cheese, and I opened a tasting sample from Passione Italiana.

2010 Chianti Classico, Castello Monterinaldi

A young, fresh, pure Sangiovese nose with notes of cherry pips, dried rosemary, hard cherry candy, dusty gravel and a hint of red wine vinegar. A very nice, salivating nose. Promising.

The taste is light on its feet but with a good grip with a fresh acidity and notes of red cherries, bakelite, gravel, a dried up bonfire and some tobacco. A medium long, dry finish. There is a touch of expensive soap, in a positive way. Not a blockbuster, but a great dinner drink if the food isn't too rich. 

88p   (tasted 2014/08)

 

Vacation Wine Diary - Day 26 - Two Bottles Of 1964 Barolo

Dear Diary

Home again after two and a half week on the road in the sunny and warm Sweden. And the sun keeps on shining! 
And what better way to celebrate that we still have one and a half week left of our vacation, than open two bottles of Barolo from the greatest vintage ever? None!

After these two bottles have been drained I have emptied 30 of the 185 bottles of 1964´s (there have been some additions since that post). Still 155 to go...:-)

1964 Barolo Cannubi, Carretta
The fist Cannubi shows a mature, warm and generous nose with notes of dried mushrooms, prunes, dried red cherries, rosehip and some veal stock. It has a nice depth and keeps on giving all evening long. A touch of VA. Very, very good.
The taste is ripe, warm and meaty with notes of cherry pips, dried mushrooms, liquorice, asphalt and coffee powder. The finish is long, medium intense and with a nice warmth. This has aged well and with the grilled pork tenderloin it was a great companion.
89p   (tasted 2014/08)

1964 Barolo Collina Cannubio, Serio & Battista Borgogno
The Borgogno Cannubio hasn´t faired as well over the years. The nose is mature and fleeting with notes of toasted almonds, beet roots, rubber, dog fur and, from time to time, that smell you can get from a overfull ditch. Ok, but not much more than that. Doesn´t get worse or better with air.
The taste is better with notes of dried cherries, rosehips, hot gravel, undergrowth and old tobacco. A bit rigid in the finish, which ends warm and dusty. It was ok with the food but a bit to dry on its own.
73p   (tasted 2014/08)