Drinking Tonight - 1993 Langhe Nebbiolo, Produttori Del Barbaresco

1993 Langhe Nebbiolo, Produttori del Barbaresco
This bottle is a) a testament to the quality of this cooperative and b) - which I have been nagging on for years - the much-better-than-its-reputation vintage of 1993.
Well, getting of my soapbox and on to the wine; the nose of this lovely mature specimen is that of mushrooms, an autumn walk in a dimlight forest, dried up 90´s perfume, Gauloises smoke, violet pastilles and a hint of dog fur to add to the complexity. Very fine. A perfect maturity.
The taste is dry, mature and soft with notes of dried lingonberries, mushrooms, violets, dry leather and gravel. Medium long with a fine dry finish. The taste doesn´t really live up to the fantastic nose and doesn´t have heaps of complexity but it is an utter joy to drink, and isn´t that what its all about?
89p   (tasted 2018/10)

2015 Tirrenico, Mazzei

A tasting sample from The Wine Agency.

2015 Tirrenico, Mazzei
This is a Bordeaux blend from the hills above "Mar Tirreno" and consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Alicante.
The nose is young, fresh and balsamic with notes of ripe red currants, plums, matchbox, leather and a fine low keyed salty aroma that may come the closeness to the sea. A kiss of oak. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and fine with notes of fresh rosemary, cherries, smoke, leather, asphalt and chrushed rocks. A long, fine finish. A touch of salt in the finish as well. Drinking fine now and the coming 8+ years. A bargain for 16 Euro.
90p   (tasted 2018/10)

Some Baroli Of Late

2013 Barolo, Domenico Clerico

A deep, open nose with notes of Christmas spices, ripe black cherries, herbs and some minty aromas. Very direct and pleasing.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of dark cherries with a sprinkle of vanilla on top, asphalt, smoke and herbs. Velvety tannins. 4+ years.
89p   (tasted 2018/09)

2013 Barolo Bricco Boschis, Cavallotto
A fine depth and lovely aromas of red cherries, red beets, tobacco and root vegetables. A very fine freshness. Complex.
The taste is young, tight and racy with notes of ripe red cherries, sweet lingonberries, forest floor and warm tiles. Very balanced and fine. 6+ years.
93p   (tasted 2018/07)

2013 Barolo Gattera, Bovio
Oooh dear, this lack depth and is a bit to warm, strangly enough in this elegant vintage. Ripe raspberries, moist undergrowth and asphalt on the nose with a underlyinh warmth.
The taste is warm and a bit to structured with notes of cherry liquor, sweet licorice and scorched earth. Long, warm and dry.
84p   (tasted 2018/07)

2013 Barolo Castelletto, Giovanni Manzone
A fine, deep, high nose with notes of sour/sweet cherries, violets, rosehips and some handcream notes. Young and fine.
The taste is tight and dry with notes of hard cherry candy, dry licorice and a fine sandy deeling. Long and seedy. Needs 5+ years.
89p   (tasted 2018/09)

2010 Barolo Nirvasco, Bersano
A cool, earthy nose with notes of dried mushrooms, asphalt, herbs and a hint of dry chcocolate. More earthy than fruity in a old school manner.
The taste is earthy, smoky and dry with notes of violets, mushrooms and asphalt. Young, perky tannins. Very good in a dry, restrained way.
87p   (tasted 2018/09)

2013 Barolo, Sordo
The Normale from Sordo sports a fine, low keyed, traditional nose with notes of lingonberries, paint, rosehips and herbs. A fine spicy character.
The taste is seedy and young with notes of bakelite, cool red fruit, and herbs. A bit restrained on the palate. Needs 5+ years. See all 2013 cru´s from Sordo here.
86p   (tasted 2018/08)

2013 Barolo Tre Ciabót, Cascina Ballarin
A finely tuned nose with a light sweetness and notes of ripe red cherries, tobacco, asphalt and model clay. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and balanced with notes of raspberry licorice, tobacco, gravel and herbs. A fine finish with silky tannins. Very fine. 6+ years.
90p   (tasted 2018/08)

2011 Barolo Arborina, Mauro Veglio
A deep, warm, nicely put together nose with notes of dried rose petals, hard cherry candy, ripe flowers and some smoky notes. Very fine. Needs lots of ait to open up.
The taste is taut and warm with notes of raspberry licorice, warm undergrowth, herbs and rosehips. A long, fine tannins with still marked tannins. 5+ years. Here is a note of one of its sister wines, the 2011 Rocche dell´Annunziata.
91p   (tasted 2018/08)

1968 Barolo, Sordo
The last 68 Barolo was a nice one. Not this one, or it could have been nice if its not had been stored in a Italian shop window (or a please like that) for 20+ years... A beautiful label though.
50p   (tasted 2018/09)

Some Champagne´s From AR Lenoble

I got an invitation from Valid Wines to meet Christian Holthausen and taste some wines from AR Lenoble. Of course I jumped at the chance, I adore the Chouilly (mostly) bubbles they produce, as seen from some of my previous notes, see below.
Christian held a fetching presentation of the wines and the philosophy behind this small, family owned winery, info here. And he mentioned a newly released 88, my favourite vintage, mmm...

NV Intense Mag 14
The Intense is light and elegant on the nose with notes of lime peel, thai basil, red currants, gravel and summer flowers. High and pure.
The taste is fresh and juicy with notes of lime, gravel, spices and some dried fruits. A very fine acidity. This is for happy everyday drinking. Mag 14 means that the base vintage is 2014. A blend of 45% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay.
89p   (tasted 2018/10)

NV Brut Nature Dosage Zero
I liked the non dosage better last time, see the Tasting lunch with Anne Malassagne below. This time I felt that the nose was very rocky, flinty and a tad one dimensional with notes of shellfish, chalk and cigarette ash.
The taste dry and chalky with notes of the white inside a lime, chrushed rocks and oyster shells. A high acidity. Linear. Could evolve nicely though. Base vintage 2013. 35% Pinot Meinier, 35% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay.
86p   (tasted 2018/10)

NV Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Mag 14
Also with the base vintage of 2014, the Blanc de Blancs is a beauty, with a fresh, racy nose with notes of dried apriocts, freshly washed clothes, lemon cream and some smoky scents. High and fine.
The taste is young, tight and intense with notes of lemon cream, yellow apples, smoke and chalk. Long and refined. Gotta get me some of this.
91p   (tasted 2018/10)

2008 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
I have tasted the 08 two times before (and have some in the cellar), see below, and this still is, and will continue to be, an awesome bottle of bubbly. The nose is balanced and handsome with notes of white peach, sunwarm asphalt, butter cookies and spices. Very, very fine.
The taste is concentrated, focused and fine with notes of grilled lemons, chalk, smoke and spices. Long and luscious. A really great wine that will go on for 10+ years.
94p   (tasted 2018/10)

2012 Premier Cru Blanc de Noirs Bisseuil
Imagine a Premier Cru Faiveley, Grivot or Confuron - red that is - with bubbles! A stunning nose, vivacious and lively, with spicy Pinot fruit and notes of red beets, autumn leaves, root vegetables and violets. Different and just splendid!
The taste is very young, concentrated and focused with notes of ripe lingonberries, moist earth, a touch of coffee and light licorice notes. Very long, very intense and very, very lovely. Gotta get hold of this one as well!
94p   (tasted 2018/10)

Tasting Lunch With Anne Malassagne
NV Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs L´Epurée
1996 Grand Cru Bland de Blancs
2008 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
2004 Premier Cru Blanc de Noirs
2006 Premier Cru Blanc de Noirs
2002 Gentilhomme
2006 Gentilhomme
MV Les Aventures (1990. 1995, 1996)

Rabbit & Barbaresco

What to do with some leftover rabbit? Make a yummy pasta sauce and then open a mature Nebbiolo, of course!

1985 Barbaresco, Punset
A lovely mature nose that really opened up with some air, with notes of autumn leaves, tobacco, dried cherries, paint and a hint of truffle. Very, very good. A fine dried up sweetness.
The taste is mature, cool and velvety with notes of cranberries, earth, leather and rosehips. A fine, dry finish with a hint of still structured tannins. Very fine.
91p   (tasted 2018/10)

Dinner With Some Oldies & Some Immature Bottles

Mikke invited to a tasting dinner. Then you know that it will be some oldies at the table (not so much the guests as the bottles...) but this time there were more young ones then normal, and very nice ones at that.
All wines tasted double blind.

2016 Coche Blanco, Nierpoort
A stony, finely tuned nose with notes of green apples, spices and hand cream. Some flowery scents with air. Very good.
The taste is dry and structured with notes of white peach, chrushed rocks, spices and grass. A fine acidity and a good length.
88p   (tasted 2018/09)

2003 Cuvée de 6 Cepages, Moutard
An interesting blend of six grapes - Arbanne, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier - that shows an open, inviting nose with notes of autumn apples, orange blossom, root vegetables and milk chocolate. Complex and fine.
The taste is round and mature with a good acidity and notes of a dried up Tarte Tatin, peach, dry cookies and warm grass. Very, very good. Perfectly mature.
90p   (tasted 2018/09)

1985 Puligny-Montrachet Les Pucelles, Jean Boillot
A lovely mature white Burgundy from Boillot - this 85 was as fresh as the 96 Clos de la Mouchere tasted two months ago. The nose is deep, mature and with a gorgeous dried up sweetness from ripe grapes, with notes of white currants, slate, dry fudge and a delicate salty aroma. Very fine.
The taste is long, luscious and dry with notes of candied lemons, cap gun smoke, dried peach and gravel. A very fine mouthfeel. Great wine.
94p   (tasted 2018/09)

2010 Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes, Simon Maye
This also shows some mature features in the shape of dried yellow plums, dried up vanilla ice cream, chrushed rocks and a hint of rubber. Warmer and bigger than the PM. Very, very good.
The taste is outgoing and delicious with notes of apricots, lemon cream, asphalt and herbs. A very fine acidity. A long finish with a fine, dry warmth.
91p   (tasted 2018/09)

? Château Pavie Decesse
Unknown vintage, but guesses hoovered around vintages 64, 66, 70, but we will never know... The nose is soft and mature with notes of earth, autumn leaves, cranberries, dried plums and mushrooms. Pretty vital and very good.
The taste is earthy and cool with notes of dry tobacco, dried plums, leather and some balsamic notes. Ends dry but definitely not dried out.
87p   (tasted 2018/09)

1964 Château La Croix Du Casse
There was something wrong with this bottle from The Greatest Vintage Ever...
53p   (tasted 2018/09)

1970 Château Larrivet-Haut-Brion
A deep, lovely mature nose with notes of tobacco, black currants, forest floor, gravel and some fine animal scents. A fine dried up sweetness. Very, very good.
The taste is medium bodied, elegant and fine with notes of red currants, autumn leaves, tobacco and warm tiles. Soft and fine.
89p   (tasted 2018/09)

1970 Château Troplong Mondot
A fine, mature, low keyed nose with notes of autumn leaves, plums, root vegetables and tobacco. Light and fine.
The taste is warmer and more "cooked" than on the nose, with notes of scorched earth, dry tobacco and old leather.
85p   (tasted 2018/09)

1970 Château Phelan Ségur
A very fine, multi layered nose with notes of sweet tobacco, black currants, pencil shavings and forest floor. Deep and very fine.
The taste is balanced and very fine with notes of black currants, red beets, ink and forest floor. The finish is long and structured. Mature but will go on for 6+ years.
91p   (tasted 2018/09)

1970 Château Magdelaine
Corked (/"#¤/&%!!!

2008 Chardonnay, Far Niente
A palate cleanser between the two red wines flights. The nose is fresh and steely with notes of lemon cream, Christmas spices, yellow flowers and almond paste. Very good.
The taste is fresh and pure with notes of butter biscuits, corn, grass and gravel. There is some warmth in the end. Feels younger than 10 years old. A tad linear though.
87p   (tasted 2018/09)

2003 Cabernet Franc Rosa Mystica Block, Owenroe
Bottle no 684 out of 3.840. The nose is deep, inky and herbal with notes of ripe cherries, licorice, fir wood, gingerbread dough and heavy perfume. A tad over the top.
The taste is taut and steady with notes of blueberry pie, Christmas spices, bonfire and fir wood. Very concentrated and long. Wait another 10+ years and see...
86p   (tasted 2018/09)

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Owenroe
The young Owenroe is much better with a more laid back, balanced nose with notes of ripe blueberries, graphite, geranium and gravel. A fine young structure.
The taste is young, focused and finely tuned with notes of blueberries, cherry licorice, tobacco and forest floor. Very long. 6+ years.
91p   (tasted 2018/09)

2010 In The Rocks Syrah, Reynvaan
To my recollection, the first bottle from Reynvaan I have ever tasted - what have I been missing out on!! The nose is that of an great, and I mean Great, Côte-Rôtie with stunning notes of white pepper spiced blueberries, handpounded meat, pine wood and violets. Ethereal and just lovely.
The taste is cool, refined and persistent with notes of violets, white peppers, veal stock, dried flowers and asphalt. The finish is one minute long and ends seamsless. Really, really fine.
96p   (tasted 2018/09)

1970 Château Guiraud
A deep, round, sweet nose with notes of toffee, lavender honey, dried apricots, apricots and dry vanilla fudge. A lovely maturity.
The taste is deep and semi dry with notes of red tea, apricots, orange peel and some old milk chocolate. A tad blunt but very charming in a old fashioned way.
87p   (tasted 2018/09)

Another Racy Rancia - This Time The 2009

2009 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia, Felsina
A upfront, deep and lush nose with notes of ripe black cherries, fresh rosemary, leather, freshly baked dark bread, leather and a hint of a blueberry smoothie. Very fine. Open, with a fine laid back warmth and a great depth.
The taste is tight yet refined with notes of ripe cherries, licorice, tapenade and some dark chocolate elements. A slender structure with a fine warmth and juicy tannins. Lovely now and lovely the coming 8+ years.
92p   (tasted 2018/10)

Other vintages tasted recently:
1993
1997, 2001, 2006 & 2010
2007

Del Duque Rare Signature Amontillado Muy Viejo V.O.R.S., Gonzalez Byass

Del Duque Rare Signature Amontillado Muy Viejo V.O.R.S., Gonzalez Byass
A deep, wonderful nose with notes of walnuts, dry milkchocolate fudge, warm hay, lime peel and iodine. Very complex and fine. A light dried up sweetness. Ethereal.
The taste is long, intense and multi layered with notes of green raisins, walnuts, banana peel and iron. Very long. Ends dry with a hint of sweetness. Very fine. Info about this Amontillado here.
92p   (tasted 2018/09)

A Bottle Of Bubbly - 1995 Blanc Des Millénaires, Charles Heidsieck

1995 Blanc des Millénaires, Charles Heidsieck
Tasted two times before I knew that we were in for a treat. The nose is a dream with notes of orange flowers, sandelwood, chalk, white peach and model clay. Deep and complex. Manage to combine maturity with raciness and energy. Very, very fine.
The taste is lush and lively with notes of dried orange peel, yellow apples, butter biscuits and lots of chrushed rocks. A very fine acidity. Long and vivacious. A great bubbly.
95p   (tasted 2018/09)

2008 Las Flors, La Pèira & 2008 Red Mountain Bel´Villa Vineyard Syrah, Goedhart Family

Two bottles to go with grilled meat, roasted vegetables and garlic sauce - yummy!

2008 Las Flors, Le Pèira
The 08 Las Flors have always performed great (albeit not as great as the 09), both in 2014 and
last year.
The nose is deep, rich and open for business with notes of ripe plums, Finnish licorice, shoe polish, asphalt and sweet violets. Very, very good. Dark and dense.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of violets, blaclberries, smoke, soya and some smoky notes. Very long, warm and focused. Stern tannins in the finish. Still needs time in the cellar. I´ll wait 4-6 years before opening another bottle.
92p   (tasted 2018/10)

2008 Red Mountain Bel´Villa Vineyard Syrah, Goedhart Family
It has been four years since I last drank a bottle of the 2008. I projected then that it wouldn´t improve with age. Has it? No, but it has taken on some mature features, that I find very nice.
The nose is cool and spicy with notes of white peppar, dried blueberries, bakelite and autumn leaves. A fine warmth. Very good. A soft touch.
The taste is earthy and herbal with notes of dried meat, gravel, dried flowers and mushrooms. A medium long, dry finish. Went very well with the food. One bottle left, should be drunk within 2-4 years.
88p   (tasted 2018/10)

1949 Château Bastor Lamontagne

1949 Château Bastor Lamontagne
This 69 year old Sauternes actually needed some air to really open up and delivering notes of wet aspahlt, handcream, wet concrete, dried orange peel, saffron and a spot on scent of that glue I used as a kid when I tried to assemble some model plane or a tank! A lovely depth and complexity that only age can give. Very, very good.
The taste is more dry than the nose leads you to believe, with notes of candied tangerines, dry glue, sage and gravel. Medium long, balanced and fine. Ends semi dry. Good bottles will surely live for another 10+ years.
89p   (tasted 2018/09)

Some Baroli Of Late

2009 Barolo Cannubi, Damilano
Damilano gets a lot of flack from us serious Nebbiolo junkies...but judging from this bottle they are to be looked upon a tad more serious.
The nose has a fine coolness to it given the vintage, with notes of ripe red cherries, bakelite, tobacco, rosehips and earth. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and dense with notes of hard cherry candy, mushrooms, herbs and tobacco. Long and warm with a fine dryness at the end. 5+ years.
90p   (tasted 2018/08)

2012 Barolo Bricco Boschis, Cavallotto
A deep, fine, open nose with notes of violets, raspberry licorice, cool meat, dried flowers and a touch of mint. Very fine.
The taste is handsome and velvety with notes of forest floor, cherry pips, red currants and Christmas spices. Highly drinkable now but will soldier on for 10+ years.
90p   (tasted 2018/09)

2013 Barolo Ginestra, Diego Conterno
A high, refined nose with notes of sweet/sour cherries, smoke, roses, sweet tobacco and a hint of figs. Complex and fine albeit very young.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of sunwarm rocks, ripe cherries, tobacco and some balsamic notes. Long with a fine texture. Very promising, 6+ years.
92p   (tasted 2018/09)

2012 Barolo, Burlotto
A fine drinking Barolo, the Normale from Burlotto showcases a pure, elegant nose with notes of paint, red currants, incense and a hint of asphalt. Very fine.
The taste clean as a whistle with fine notes of white peppar, dried raspberries, gravel and spices. Light on its feet with a fine balance. Drink now and the coming 6+ years.
91p   (tasted 2018/09)

1996 Barolo Ciabot Berton, Luigi Oberto
A lovely mature, deep, open nose with notes of (over)ripe raspberries, canned mushrooms, dark roses, tobacco and dark perfume. A gorgeous maturity. Intoxicating.
The taste is a bit denser and closed in compared to the nose but still gives lots of pleasure in the shape of raspberry licorice, warm sand, forest floor, dried herbs and paint. A fine dryness at the end. Drinking perfect now.
91p   (tasted 2018/08)

Some Fine Brunello´s

Our monthly tasting group got together yesterday and Håkan opened these fine bottles.
Tasted double blind.

1997 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso, Ciacci Piccolomino d´Aragona
A deep, mature, soft nose with notes of mushrooms, tobacco, old leather and dried flowers. A fine dried up warmth.
The taste is round, mature and dry with notes of dried raspberries, moist earth asphalt and leather. Long and fine. A good warmth. Maybe a tad too mature for its age, but drinking very good.
89p   (tasted 2018/10)

1997 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina, Gaja
Just lovely. Rich, deep, pure, with sweet/sour cherries, expensive tobacco, rosemary and forest floor. A lovely warmth. Really fine.
The taste is velvety and ample with notes of cherry compote, Finnish licorice, smoke and dried herbs. Very, very long. Perfectly mature. Great wine.
95p   (tasted 2018/10)

1997 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia, Lisini
A round, open, mature nose with notes of violets, asphalt, herbs and leather. Deep and fine. Forest floor and some veal meat aromas. A very fine maturity.
The taste is medium bodied and structured with notes of dried cherries, smoke, iron and cranberries. A long, warm finish. Mature but will hold for 6+ years.
92p   (tasted 2018/10)

2010 Brunello di Montalcino, Cupano
A new acquaintance and a very nice one at that. The nose is high, intense and earthy in a Langhe kind of way, with notes of pine, rosehips, red cherries, mushrooms and tobacco. Very pure and fine.
The taste is tight and focused with notes of sage, cherry pips, rosemary and forest floor. Salivating. Balanced. Very fine. 4+ years.
94p   (tasted 2018/10)

2010 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova, Casanova di Neri
Another stunner, the Casanova di Neri delivers a beautiful wine with a deep, exquisite with notes of sweet licorice, bonfire, fir wood, ripe cherries and Christmas spices. Very complex and fine.
The taste is tight and seedy with lots of potential and very fine notes of hard cherry candy, licorice, iron and herbs. Long and structured. 8+ years.
94p   (tasted 2018/10)

2010 Brunello di Montalcino, Biondi-Santi
Another disappointment from Biondi-Santi, I can´t remember a bottle that has been worth their heavy tariff. Double blind, it was hands down the least favourite wine in the line up by all.
The nose is cool and linear with notes of fresh mushrooms, freeze dried coffee, dried herbs and old leather. Ascetic.
The taste is seedy and dry with fine tannins, I will give it that, but the fruit is low keyed and playing in the background. A hint of bitterness in the end. Wait 20 years?!?
85p   (tasted 2018/10)

2010 Brunello di Montalcino, Salvioni
Aaah, my favourite producer of Brunello. But this needs time. The nose is deep, warm and structured with notes of rosehips, licorice, rosemary, gravel and a hint of ginger bread. Very deep but a bit restrained today, Opened up more and more as the evening went on.
The taste is refined and balanced with lots of ripe cherries, hard cherry candy, smoke, iron and new leather. Very, very long. Silky tannins that dominate the finish. 8+ years.
93p   (tasted 2018/10)