Midsummer Wines

We have spent some days in the middle of Sweden, deep into the woods, no internet connection, no comforts of the modern society (think bathroom...), just me and my better half, and we have had a tranquil time. It was long ago I have felt so relaxed.
Of course I brought some bottles of wine into the heart of darkness.

2012 Cartology, Alheit Vineyards
This blend of 86% Chenin Blanc and 14% Semillon has a big, focused, deep nose with notes of ripe peaches, grilled lemons, pickled ginger and expensive soap. And that soapy note keeps evolving, and in the end it is a bit too much for my liking. A very creamy nose. Good quality.
The taste is big and broad with notes of overripe peaches, grilled lemons, a touch of mint and lots of soap/moisturizer. A bit oily in the finish. Good acidity though. Again, this is a good quality wine but from time to time it feels like drinking sun screen and that´s not really my cup of tea.
85p   (tasted 2014/06)

2013 Côtes du Rhone Reserve Rosé, Les Dauphins
A tasting sample from Primewinegroup.
This fresh. light rosé is made from 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Cinsault. It has a cool, fine nose with notes of pomegranate, wild strawberries,, rose petals and gravel. Very nice. Some herbs as well. On the light side but very fine.
The taste is young, cool and dry with notes of not yet ripe red apples, dried raspberries, gravel and dried herbs. A good acidity and a medium long finish. Very nice. This is a bargain for 9 Euro.

87p   (tasted 2014/06)

1999 Brunello di Montalcino Il Paradiso, di Manfredi
This beauty offers up a deep, complex nose that just have developed some mature notes. Lovely aromas of crushed black cherries, sweet licorice, rosemary, violets and boiled beets rises from the glass. A very fine warmth. This is deeply hedonistic yet structured and concentrated.

The taste is big, intense and warm with notes of sweet red and black cherries, violet pastilles, rose water, gravel and a touch of dark chocolate. A long, impressive finish with finely tuned tannins. The finish ends dry and salivating, leaving the palate wanting another sip. Starting to mature, this is ready for prime time drinking for the upcoming 10+ years.

94p   (tasted 2014/06)

1995 Brunello di Montalcino Pian delle Vigne, Antinori
A deep, mature, round nose oozes up from the glass with notes of pipe tobacco, sweet black cherries, fried rosemary, sandel wood and moist undergrowth. A fine warmth to the fruit. Dark, ripe and fine.

The taste is big, steady and warm with notes of chocolate covered cherries, licorice, rosemary, rosehips and hot gravel. The finish is long, warm and yummy. Round, sweet tannins. This is, from this bottle anyway, fully mature but should hold for another 5+ years.

91p   (tasted 2014/06)