Sunday 27 February 2022

Wines In The Mountains - 2017 Langhe Nebbiolo, Giuseppe Mascarello


2017 Langhe Nebbiolo, Giuseppe Mascarello
On location in Sälen, the second bottle opened (the first a bottle of bubbly (that goes without a saying!) but a note on that one tomorrow) is this handsome Langhe Nebbiolo, with a silky nose with roses en masse, rosehips, a touch of tobacco and that scent of a freshly cleaned bathroom. Very, very good.
The taste is pure and fine with notes of ripe red currants, hard cherry candy, candle grease, chrushes rocks and tobacco. A long, velvety finish. A perfect drink today but this will surely go on 6+ years at this level.
92p   (tasted 2022/02)

Friday 25 February 2022

2016 Barbaresco, Manuel Marinacci


2016 Barbaresco, Manuel Marinacci 
A young, tight, handsome nose with notes of red currants, wet cement, rosehips, candle grease and hints of tobacco. Very, very good.
The taste is fresh and racy with notes of hard cherry candy, gravel, tobacco and tiles. Silky tannins. A fine length. 4+ years.
91p   (tasted 2020/02)

Thursday 24 February 2022

1991 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de Saint Préfert


1991 Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de Saint Préfert 
A 65 point vintage according to Parker. Well...not this bottle anyway. The nose is deep, mature and fine with notes of dried raspberries, red autumn apples, fresh stables and a very fine dried up sweetness to the fruit. Very good.
The taste is soft and warm with notes of dried raspberries, white pepper, herbs and forest floor. Soft tannins and a fine warmth in the finish. A nice drink.
86p   (tasted 2002/02)


Tuesday 22 February 2022

Tasting Wines At Divine


A couple of days ago I had the opportunity to taste some wines at Divine´s office.

2021 Duwweltjie Chenin Blanc, Thistle & Weed
These bottles of South African Chenin Blanc is really exciting. Different characters and very fine expressions of the grape.
From Paarl and from vines planted in 1961, this offers up a cool, grassy nose with notes of stringbeans, summer gravel and a hint of oil cloth. Very, very good.
The taste is racy and fine with notes of white flowers, ripening melon and grass. A very fine acidity. Lovely.
91p   (tasted 2022/02)


2021 Springdoring Chenin Blanc, Thistle & Weed
This comes from Swartland and is marked on the nose with white currants, dry grass and dusty gravel. The most restrained of the three. Needs time to open up.
The taste is young and tight with notes of dried grass, white currants, dried peach and gravel. A fine lenght. A tad closed. Very, very good.
88p   (tasted 2022/02)

2021 Brandnetel, Thistle & Weed
This Steelenbosch Chenin Blanc comes from a trial vineyard with 32 different rootstocks. The nose is earthy and strict with gorgeous notes of lime peel, cap gun smoke, grass and dried flowers. Very fine.
The taste is fresh and elegant with a racy character, a lovely acidity and a fine lenght. Great wine.
92p   (tasted 2022/02)

2021 Khakboi, Thistle & Weed
An unusal blend of Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, Palomino and Fernao Pires. The nose is open and fine with notes of lemons, yellow apples, gravel and chrushed rocks. Very, very good.
The taste is cool and forward with fine yellow fruit, a good acidity and a fine mouthfeel, although not as expressive as the Chenin Blanc´s.
87p   (tasted 2022/02)

2019 Atlántico, Bodegas El Paraguas
85% Trejaduoro, 11% Godello and 4% Albarino. The nose is big and forward with notes of lemon cream, rubber shoes, warm grass and hot gravel. Upfront, fruity and yummy.
The taste is round and generous with notes of grilled lemons, yellow apples, minerals and Thai basil. Very, very good. A fine structure for medium ageing.
90p   (tasted 2022/02)


2020 Atlántico, Bodegas El Paraguas
The one year younger version displays the same characteristics as the -19 but with a smoky touch on the nose and it is a tad softer on the palate. Very, very good. 
89p   (tasted 2022/02)

2020 Dogliani San Luigi, Chionetti
Tasted a couple of months ago, this behaved the same on this occasion, great juice.
90p   (tasted 2022/02)

2020 Dogliani Briccolero, Chionetti
The Briccolero is tighter and leaner that the San Luigi, and needs more time in the glass but the blueberry fruit and the licorice, herbs and asphalt notes are first rate. 6+ years.
90p   (tasted 2022/02)



2018 Dogliani Vigna La Costa, Chionetti
Also tasted before, this is a world class wine that can be bought for a song, but please don´t tell, so that I can fill my cellar.
94p   (tasted 2022/02)

Monday 21 February 2022

The Barolo Boys In Piedmont - Visit To La Spinetta


For the first time in 16 years visiting Piedmont, The Barolo Boys missed an appointment. We were happily tasting wines at Mauro Veglio when we got a call - "where are you?"
Tasting at Mauro Veglio didn´t seem the right answer so we asked on our knees for forgiveness and the opportunity for a tasting at another time, which we thankfully got.
We got a tour of La Spinetta´s large cellar and then Manuela Rivetti took great care of us and poured the following wines.

2019 Barbera d´Asti Superiore Ca´di Pian
A fine, large scaled nose with notes of ripe raspberries, dark flower and chocolate. Open and fine.
The taste is big and steady with notes of moist earth, sugared coffee and ripe raspberries. Long, warm and fine.
89p   (tasted 2022/01)



2018 Barbera d´Alba Gallina
The nose has a fine mix of straw- and raspberries with additional notes of chocolate, violets and earth. Some fine, oaky notes. Very, very good.
The taste is silky yet firm, with notes of raspberry licorice, asphalt, violets and sandal wood. Very long and fine. A fine acidity.
92p   (tasted 2022/01)

2017 Pin
This 65% Nebbiolo and 35% Barbera blend sports a fruity, earthy nose with notes of herbs, cherries and leather. Very good.
The taste is fresh and fine with a mix of red and black fruits, gravel, herbs and leather. A soft finish. Very good but it doesn´t really sing for me.
87p   (tasted 2022/01)


2014 Barbaresco Valeirano
A lovely, deep and multidimensional nose with notes of dried flowers, ripe red currants, red cherries, licorice and dusty earth. Very fine. Hints of maturity.
The taste is balanced and fine with some rounded tannins and notes of dried cherries, earth, old leather and hints of truffles. Very long and fine. 5+ years.
94p   (tasted 2022/01)



2013 Barbaresco Starderi
The -13 Starderi is a beauty, with gorgeous notes of ripe cherries, dried orange peel, forest floor and polished furniture. Very deep and fine.
The taste is tight and focused with notes of dried cherries, hot gravel, dark chocolate and violets. Very long with a fine intensity. 7+ years.
95p   (tasted 2022/01)

2008 Barolo Vigneto Campé
A broad, taut and deep nose with notes of dried up cherry jam, smoke, tobacco leaves, dry licorice and Piedmont earth. Very fine.
The taste is concentrated and seedy with lovely notes of hard cherry candy, dry licorice, mushrooms, tobacco and undergrowth. Hints of maturity. Very fine. 3+ years. 
94p   (tasted 2022/01)



Barolo Boys small allocation....:-)

Sunday 20 February 2022

2015 Dolcetto d´Alba Vignavillej, Brovia


2015 Dolcetto d´Alba Vignavillej, Brovia
A fine, delicate nose with notes of blueberries, violets, bakelite, summer gravel and herbs. Very handsome. Lovely. 
The taste is tight and structured with a mix of blueberries, black currants and some raspberries, with additional notes of violets, dry tobacco and asphalt. A great mouthfeel. Very fine and will get even better with 5+ years in the cellar. Alex is a master!
93p   (tasted 2022/01)

Thursday 17 February 2022

Tasting Dinner With Vintages Ending With A "5"


This was the first tasting dinner in a series of dinners with what you might call a peculiar theme. A mix of wines with one special signature, all vintages ending with a "5". Then there was, as you can see below subthemes in the wines poured.

2005 Brut La Grand Cuvée, Jeepers
A new acquaintance for me and a very nice on at that. The nose is chalky and fine with notes red apples, iron, tangerines and gravel. Stern in a very fine way. Hints of maturity.
The taste is tight and irony with notes of dried apples, chalk, chrushed rocks and dried flowers. A very fine acidity. Very, very good.
92p   (tasted 2022/02)


Flight I
1985 Mercurey, Michel Juillot
Corked.
No rating   (tasted 2022/02)

1985 Chardonnay, Chalone
A large scaled, mature nose with notes of autumn apples, a rubber carpet, smoke and stale nuts. Soft, complex and fine.
The taste is round and mature with notes of toasted bread, dried oranges, smoke and gravel. A very fine dryness. Medium long. Fully mature.
91p   (tasted 2022/02)



2015 Bourgogne Blanc, Lucien le Moine
A young, upfront and spicy nose with notes of cap gun smoke, grilled lemons, fresh flowers and hand cream. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and elegant with notes of lemon cream, butter cookies, spices and smoke. Long and fine. A stunning Bourgogne Blanc.
92p   (tasted 2022/02)

Flight II
1945 Pommard, Morey Pacault
Dusty earth, dusty fruit and dusty all over, this has not faired well over the years. Too bad, since old Pommards´can be great - Barolista: Past Glory´s - A Dinner With Old Pommards 1921 - 1969
62p   (tasted 2022/02)

1945 Pommard,  Antonin Rodet
A tad better than the bottle above, especially on the palate, but alas, this has gone too far.
70p   (tasted 2022/02)



1945 Pommard 1er Cru, Huguenin P&F
This on the other hand is alive and kicking. The nose is low keyed but with a fine depth, with notes of bay leaves, Christmas spices, dried red currants and fir wood. A touch barnyardy. A fine warmth.
The taste is broad and dry with notes of dried red fruits, dried herbs, undergrowth and old furniture. Long with a fine warmth. Very, very good.
89p   (tasted 2022/02)

2015 Roter Berg Grande Réserve Spätburgunder, Stefan Bietighöfer
I opened two backup bottles to replace the two lesser performing Pommard´s. This Spätburgunder shows a young, fruity nose with notes of cherry liquor, earth, damsons and a fine perfumed note.
The taste is earthy and good with notes of leather, wild raspberries and forest floor. A tad compressed. Needs 3+ years
87p   (tasted 2022/02)

1995 Barolo Margheria, Luigi Pira
A dense, stifled nose with notes of dried cherries, dusty earth, old leather and gravel. A nice warmth to the fruit but seems to have been subjected to a bit to much warmth in the bottle for some time.
The taste is more concentrated and tighter than the nose leads you to believe. Lots of dry licorice, cooked cherries and asphalt. A tad short. Good but no more.
85p   (tasted 2022/02)

Flight III
1975 Chianti Classico Riserva, Monte Vertine
A finely matured nose with notes of sandelwood, dried cherries, detergent, undergrowth and a touch of VA. Very complex and fine.
The taste is tight and mature with notes of black tea, dried cherries, forest floor and dried herbs. A long, fine finish. Very fine. Fully mature.
91p   (tasted 2022/02)


1985 Château de la Riviere
From a magnum, this wine really showed of itself. A classic, mature nose with loads of cedar, tobacco, leather, black currants and dried plums. A very fine varmth. Round and generous. Lovely.
The taste is mature, velvety and nicely concentrated with notes of dried black currants, ash, autumn leaves and coffee. A very fine dry finish. Really fine.
93p   (tasted 2022/02)

1995 Château Lafleur
27 years old and behaving like an infant. Lots of depth, intensity, focus and locked up power. Stunning notes of iron, violets, ripening plums and ink. Very, very young.
The taste is cool, intense and multi layered yet still a baby. The tannins has a firm grip around the fruit. Very impressive but needs another 15+ years in the cellar.
95p   (tasted 2022/02)


1995 Vigorello, San Felice
Vigorello with some age keeps impressing. Last time it was the 1990 - Barolista: 1990 Vigorello, San Felice and on this night the 1995 displayed a deep, dark nose with notes of ripe black cherries, moist earth, fried herbs and licorice fudge. Very, very good.
The taste is mature and warm with fine notes of a dried up cherry pie, asphalt, tobacco and herbs. Long and warm. A very nice mouthful.
92p   (tasted 2022/02)

Flight IV
1995 Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese No 6, Fritz Haag
Finely matured, with a deep, cool nose with notes of rain wet asphalt, dried apricots, candied orange peel and diesel oil. 
The taste is medium bodied, semi dry and fine with notes of tangerines, wet earth and dry vanilla. Ends on a dry note. Seems fully mature. Very, very good. 
90p   (tasted 2022/02)


1995 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Joh. Jos. Prüm
This is a beauty! A deep, silky, refined nose with notes of candied oranges, wet stones, rubber boots and warm grass. Very, very fine.
The taste is brilliant, with fruit, acidity and structure in (almost) perfect harmony. Fine notes of white raisins, chalk, dried apricots and sweet minerals. Great wine.
96p   (tasted 2022/02)

2005 Pinot Gris Vendage Tardive, Zind-Humbrecht
A very deep, ripe and sweet nose with notes of orange honey, mango, ripe oranges and minerals. Big and bold.
The taste is big and concentrated with notes of orange juice, sweet minerals, apricots and dried honey. Still very young. A fine acidity.
88p   (tasted 2022/02)

Flight V
1985 Delaforce Vintage Port
How often do you drink Port from a magnum? Not very often, at least yours truly. But tonight we did our best to down a magnum of mature, yummy Port. The nose is round and mature with notes of fried nuts, dried violets, chocolate mousse and Finnish licorice. Very nice.
The taste is deep, complex and medium sweet with notes of cold coffee, milk chocolate, nuts and damsons. Very good but lacks somewhat in complexity.
88p   (tasted 2022/02)


Wednesday 16 February 2022

1985 Barolo, Enoteca Regionale Del Barolo


1985 Barolo, Enoteca Regionale Del Barolo
The label states that this bottle was only sold in the Enoteca Regionale del Barolo. But who has made the wine I don´t know. The label doesn´t say.
After one hour in a decanter the nose rises from the glass with fine notes of dried red cherries, sage, shoe cream, lots of roses and even more aromas of a fresh forest floor. A very fine maturity and liveliness.
The taste is mature, dry and with a low keyed elegance, with notes of rosehips, gravel, dry licorice and soft tobacco. Medium long. A very nice Wednesday Barolo.
88p   (tasted 2022/02)

Sunday 13 February 2022

1995 Château Les Ormes De Pez


1995 Château Les Ormes De Pez
If you were suppose to believe the Man from Monkton, this should have been drunk 20 years ago. In his Wine Buyer´s Guide (Sixth Edition from 2002) he writes - "an attractive, soft, round....claret / an easygoing finish, this wine should be drunk during its first 7-8 years of its life". That would mean 2002-2003...

Well, 20 years later this -95 is not just alive, its gets better and better with a couple of hours after pulling the cork. The nose is medium deep, cool and fine with notes of dried black currants, iron, lead pencil shavings and autumn leaves. A very fine maturity.
The taste is soft and round (I will give him that...) with fully resolved tannins and notes of dried black currants, dry tobacco, earth and iron. Very good. I would guess that it has hit its apogee but bottles like this would go on for 5+ years.
87p   (tasted 2022/02)

Thursday 10 February 2022

The Barolo Boys In Piedmont - Visit To Mauro Veglio


Mauro Veglio
2020 Barbera d`Alba
Alessandro greated us on a early morning and showed us a great time.
The Barbera opens with a fine, open nose with notes of raspberries, licorice and herbs. Upfront and yummy.
The taste is a mouthful of juicy structure, with notes of chocolate covered raspberries, licorice and damp earth. Very long and fine.
89p   (tasted 2022/01)


2019 Barbera d´Alba Cascina Nuova
From 60-65 year old vines, this beauty oozes up from the glass with notes of rhubarb, dried raspberries, dry licorice and violets. A fine concentration.
The taste is tight and earthy with a fine wamth, a great acidity and a gorgeous raspberry fruit. Very long. 
92p   (tasted 2022/01)

2020 Langhe Nebbiolo Angelo
A racy, forward nose with notes of wet asphalt, black cherries and dusty earth. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and fine with silky tannins and a very good cherry fruit. An airy structure. 3+ years.
88p   (tasted 2022/01)


2018 Barolo
The 18 classic Barolo comes from Gattera (40%), Arborina (30%) and Castelletto (30%) and sports a deep, violet scented nose with additional notes of dried strawberries, earth and fried herbs.
The taste is pure and refined with notes of sweet/sour cherries, rosehips, earth and a hint of tobacco. 5+ years.
89p   (tasted 2022/01)



2018 Barolo Arborina
A delicate bose with notes of red apples, cool earth, ripe strawberries and rosehips. Very fine.
The taste is young, racy and refined with notes of ripening strawberries, red licorice, minerals and roses. Silky tannins. 5+ years. All -18 Cru´s sees 30% new barriques.
93p   (tasted 2022/01)

2018 Barolo Gattera
A open, perfumed nose with notes of hard cherry candy, violets, dark roses and paint, Very, very good.
The taste is tight and fine with notes of violets, black olives, dark flowers and minerals. Tight tannins. 8+ years.
91p   (tasted 2022/01)



2018 Barolo Castelletto
Much different than the other Baroli, with a denser, dusty nose with notes of ripe black cherries, licorice, undergrowth and asphalt. Very, very good.
The taste is seedy and concentrated with notes of dark herbs, cherries, asphalt and dry licorice. Stern tannins. A lot of backbone. 8+ years.
92p   (tasted 2022/01)

2018 Barolo Paiagallo
The -18 Paiagallo is a stunner, with an open, creamy, focused nose with lovely notes of salt licorice, sweet/sour cherries, chrushed strawberries and tar. Very, very fine.
The taste is structured and luscious with notes of ripe strawberries, roses, asphalt, licorice and fir wood. A very fine finish, that goes on for minutes. 6+ years.
95p   (tasted 2022/01)



2016 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell´Annunziata
The first Riserva ever from Mauro Veglio, and its 2016 and its Rocche dell´Annunziata. Everything in line for a masterpiece then? Well, not quite.
Don´t get me wrong, this is a fine bottle of wine. But - I am not a fan of those dried plums, pruny character of some of these Riserva wines. I feel the same about for example the Riserva Voghera from Azelia. They even remind me ever so slightly of Amarone, even though a good one.
The nose is big and concentrated with notes of cooked cherries, sweet licorice, fir wood, ashes and melting asphalt. Large scaled.
The taste is rich, juicy and concentrated with notes of sweet violets, asphalt, dried up cherry jam and new leather. Very long and fine but not refined to be really great, at least IMHO.
90p   (tasted 2022/01)


Tuesday 8 February 2022

A 19 Bottle Dolcetto Tasting With Dolcetto Boys & Girls


The reputable group - Dolcetto Boys & Girls - only four members (and some hangarounds (no prospects yet)) - had its first major tasting a couple of months ago. The big discovery was how great Dolcetto can age, with bottles from the 90´s that were fresh as daisys, well almost.

Flight I
1992 Dolcetto d´Alba, Bruno Giacosa
The first flight contained some old timers. Old timers that held their own and showed that Dolcetto can age. 
The 29 year old Giacosa offers up a fine, forest floor filled nose with notes of dried plums, tobacco and Christmas spices. Mature of course.
The taste is medium bodied and dry with notes of red currants, earth, tobacco and fir wood. Very good.
88p   (tasted 2021/12)


1990 Dolcetto d´Alba Vigneto Sorj Canta, Lodali
A tad VA on the nose that (mostly) blew away alongside notes of dried red currants jam, earth and dry herbs. 
The taste is earthy and dry with a fine warmth, dried up red fruits and a dry finish.
84p   (tasted 2021/12)

1993 Dolcetto d´Alba Borgo Asili, Lodali
A rather tight, mature nose with notes of dried blueberries, bakelite, tiles and dry licorice. Very good in a ascetic style.
The taste is dry and seedy with lots of dried up blue and black berries, gravel, dry tobacco and a hint of iron. Not a charmer but alive and kicking.
87p   (tasted 2021/12)


1996 Dolcetto d´Alba Bric Sant´Ambrogio, Lodali
A warm, spicy, mature nose with notes of dried plums, dry biscuits, violets and earth. Very, very good.
The taste is firm and steady with notes of bakelite, dried black fruits, earth and dry tobacco. A long, warm finish. Mature, but will go on for many years still.
89p   (tasted 2021/12)

Flight II
2020 Dolcetto d´Alba Vigna Melera, Roccheviberti
A fine, upfront nose with juicy blueberries, iron and lots of gravel. A fine depth.
The taste is fresh and fine with notes of sloe berries, violets, ink and dry licorice. Very good.
89p   (tasted 2021/12)


2005 Dolcetto d´Alba Boschi di Berri, Marcarini
From ungrafted vines, this Dolcetto displays a deep, dark nose with notes of (over)ripe strawberries, salt fudge, asphalt. Different and very fine.
The taste is concentrated and layered with notes of iron, dried blueberries, salt licorice and earth. Very long.
92p   (tasted 2021/12)

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba Coste Fossati, G. D. Vajra
A deep, laid back nose with notes of sloe berries, balsa wood, earth and herbs. Very good.
The taste is inky and fine with notes of blueberries, dark roses, herbs and gravel. A good structure.
88p   (tasted 2021/12)


2019 Dolcetto d´Alba Coste Fossati, G. D. Vajra
The -19 Coste Fossati is more expressive than the -17 with a high, intense nose with notes of ripe blueberries, forest floor, herbs and a hint of tobacco. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and fine with notes of blueberry licorice, asphalt, herbs and ripe flowers. Very long and promising.
91p   (tasted 2021/12)

2019 Dolcetto d´Alba Priavino, Roberto Voerzio
A deep, focused nose with notes of cured meat, ripe blueberries, spices and sage. Very fine.
The taste is silky, inky and intense with notes of blueberries, cold coffee, fresh herbs and licorice. High and fine. Great.
92p   (tasted 2021/12)



Flight III
2012 Dolcetto d´Alba, Marengo
A dark, spicy nose with notes of ripe blueberries, moist earth, warm tiles and a hint of worn leather. A fine maturity. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and seedy with notes of warm rocks, salted blueberries, earth and some tobacco. Long and fine.
91p   (tasted 2021/12)


2015 Dolcetto d´Alba, Marengo
The three younger version displays a tighter, seedy nose with notes of salmiak, damsons, violets and asphalt. 
The taste is nicely concentrated with notes of salt licorice, chrushed rocks, violets and gravel. Still young tannins.
88p   (tasted 2021/12)

2015 Dolcetto d´Alba, Bruno Giacosa
A deep, fine nose with notes of blue skiwax, granite, ripe blueberries, sage and a touch of band aid, in a complex way.
The taste is tight and finely concentrated with notes of cherries, blueberries, licorice and iron. Silky tannins. Very, very good.
90p   (tasted 2021/12)



2016 Dolcetto d´Alba, Luigi Pira
A deep, tight, focused nose with notes of dark roses, blueberries, sweet minerals and licorice. Very fine.
The taste is taut and rich with notes of salt minerals, licorice, black cherries and iron. A very fine length. Really fine.
92p   (tasted 2021/12)

Flight IV
2013 Dogliani Superiore, San Fereole
A deep, and a tad funky nose with notes of red cherries, sand, Christmas spices and cigarette ash. Very good in a sturdy style.
The taste is concentrated and seedy with notes of asphalt, dried cherries, dried sage and some chicken farm notes. High and fine.
89p   (tasted 2021/12)

2017 Dogliani Papà Celso, Marziano Abbona
A very fine focused nose with notes of hard cherry candy, violets, salt licorice and bakelite. Luscious and very fine.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of ripe cherries, licorice, sand and ink. Very fine tannins. Will evolve beautifully.
93p   (tasted 2021/12)


2015 Dogliani San Bernardo, Anna Maria Abbona
A deep, seedy and laid back nose with notes of rosehips, earth, red currants and red licorice. Tight and fine.
The taste is taut and tight with notes of red currants, earth, dry licorice and iron. Very long and structiured. Needs 6+ years.
90p   (tasted 2021/12)

2017 Dogliani San Luigi, Chionetti
The three bottles from Chionette showed the class of the wines from this estate. I visited 2019 and notes can be read here - Barolista: A Couple Of Days In Piedmont - Visits To Fratelli Barale & Chionetti.
The -17 San Luigi displays a deep, multi layered nose with notes of red beets, rosehips, iron and minerals. Open and very fine.
The taste is racy and refined with a mix of blueberries and raspberries, salt licorice, iron and rosehips. Very fine. 3+ years.
92p   (tasted 2021/12)


2017 Dogliani Briccolero, Chionetti
The Briccolero is firmer and tighter than the San Luigi, with notes of sweet/sour cherries, tar, minerals and dried flowers. Very fine.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of paint, dried cherries, asphalt and dried flowers. Very tight tannins. Needs at least 8+ years.
92p   (tasted 2021/12)

2017 Dogliani La Costa, Chionetti
The La Costa is a world class wine. The -17 sports a deep, focused nose with notes of Christmas spices, rubber, hard cherry candy and fresh violets. Very fine.
The taste is sappy and seamless with firm, silky tannins, lovely young fruit and a finish that goes on for minutes. Needs 6+ years. Just lovely.
94p   (tasted 2021/12)