Cleaning Out The Closet - Bind Ends & Stray Bottles

Some bottles have been lying there for too long, taking up space, They are the result of bin end cases bought and also the odd whimsical buy. Time to make some room and open bottles!

1964 Montelpulciano Riserva, Gabriella Matassini ERcolani
Lots of interesting info on the label, the level good for the age and the cork came out in one piece, but...dead as a dodo.
50p   (tasted 2017/08)

1975 Chianti Classico Riserva, La Pagliaia
A large scaled nose that is verging on cooked (bad storage?) with notes of cherry jam, hot earth and sweet dried flowers.
The taste is big and foursquare with notes of licorice, dried up cherry jam and Tuscan gravel. A dry, fine end. The taste is better than the nose.
78p   (tasted 2017/08)

1978 Château de Fonscolombe
This Aux en Provence displays a light, mature nose with notes of red currants, almond paste and a hint of smoke. A fine maturity. Cool and nice.
The taste is dry and linear with notes of lingonberries, undergrowth and dried flowers. A bit on the light side but nice.
82p   (tasted 2017/08)

1981 Chianti Classico Riserva, Villa Antinori
A great surprise! What could you expect from a 36 year old Chianti? The nose is medium deep, sandy and fine with notes of red cherries, violets, cigarett smoke and saw dust. A very fine maturity.
The taste is tight and mature with a fine dryness and notes of rowanberries, red cherries, tobacco and dried herbs. A fine salty note. Long and fine. Very, very good.
88p   (tasted 2017/08)

1994 Le Marangole Pinot Noir, Castello d´Albola
The nose is a melange of moist undergrowth, the heavy scent of overripe strawberries and old leather. Not an inviting nose.
The taste is dry and hollow with dried up fruit and a medium length. The acidity is ok though. No thanks.
67p   (tasted 2017/08)

1995 San Martino, Cipriana
Scorched earth, overripe blueberries and wet cigarettes in a unappetizing blend.
The taste is big and fiery with cooked fruit, fried herbs and tobacco. Bitter on the finish.
63p   (tasted 2017/08)

1996 Cuvée Sexrant, Celliers d´Orfée
An earthy and tobacco filled nose with additional notes of dried blueberries, autumn leaves and fir. Good enough but a bit boring.
The taste is medium bodied with notes of dried blueberries, earth and old leather. A decent wine but one you have forgotten the second you have swallowed it.
81p   (tasted 2017/08)

1997 Sassello, Castello di Verrazzano
This 100% Sangiovese has a large, hot nose with notes of muscovado cooked cherries, pipe tobacco and moist earth. Deep but a bit muddled.
The taste is big, dry and compact with notes of cooked cherries, dry licorice and dusty earth. The finish is medium long and on the dry side.
80p   (tasted 2017/08)

1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner´s Reserve, Kendall-Jackson
A mature, round and warm nose with notes of plums, dry black currants, coffe powder and a hint of mint. Keeping up well. A fine maturity. Very good.
The taste is inviting and soft with notes of black currants, blueberries, herbs and asphalt. A fine warmth in the medium long finish. Drinking fine.
86p   (tasted 2017/08)