Tasting New Releases - The Reds

Elke Jung arrange once a month a tasting of wines that are to be released on the state monopoly. I attented for the first time a couple of weeks ago. 

Lots of wines to taste. Below are most of the reds I tasted. I note the release date and the price in SKR (Swedish currency, 1 Euro ~ 11 SKR). 

The sparkles and whites notes here.

2024 Pinot Noir, Hamilton Russell

A round, slightly meaty nose with notes of ripe raspberries, paint and earth. Very fine.

The taste is spicy and fine with a very good structure, a fine acidity and a long, warm finish.

Already released / 479 SKR.

92p   (tasted 2025/10)

2022 Reserve Pinot Noir, Hirsch

A very deep, layered nose with notes of ripe raspberries, incense and ripe flowers. Just stunning.

The taste is balanced and intense with lovely raspberry fruit, fresh herbs and spices. Great wine.

Will be released 2025-11-06 / 1179 SKR.

95p   (tasted 2025/10)

2022 Raschen Ridge Pinot Noir, Hirsch

The Raschen is even better than the Reserve. The nose is a tad more restrained but oh so fine. Gorgeous notes of wild raspberries, salt licorice and roses. 

The taste is just brilliant with fruit, acidity and tannins in perfect harmony. In 5-10 years my score would probably seem modest.

Will be released 2025-11-06 / 1279 SKR.

96p   (tasted 2025/10)

2023 Morgon Château Gaillard, Domaine Romanesca

An open, nice nose with notes of red currants, herbs and moist earth.

The taste is nicely balanced with fine fruit, a very good acidity and a medium long, structured finish.

Will be released 2025-11-14 / 259 SKR.

88p   (tasted 2025/10)

2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Famille Isabel Ferrando", Saint-Prefert

A deep, warm, smoky nose iwth notes of plums, scorched earth and herbs. Very fine.

The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of fried herbs, licorice and lots of black fruit. Very long.

Already released / 899 SKR.

93p   (tasted 2025/10)

2022 Château Rocheyron

A very fine, polished nose with notes of plums, leather and new oak. Lovely.

The taste is rich and focused with gorgeous black fruit, silky tannins and a minute long finish.

Already relesead / 1299 SKR.

93p   (tasted 2025/10)

2022 Château De Braude

An open, nice nose with notes of red and black currants, tobacco and a hint of vanilla.

The taste is fresh and forward with some grassy notes and very fine currant fruit. A bargain for the price.

Will be released 2025-11-14 / 199 SKR.

89p   (tasted 2025/10)

2023 Éclat de Granite, Domaine Sérol

A fine, peppery nose with notes of fir wood, violets and dried red fruit.

The taste is structured and herbal with a very fine red fruit, silky tannins and a long, warm finish.

Will be released 2025-11-28 / 219 SKR.

90p   (tasted 2025/10)

2020 Brunello di Montalcino File de Seta, Castello Romitorio

A very handsome, refined nose with notes of perfect black cherries, rosemary and Tuscan gravel. Gorgeous.

The taste is just brilliant with stunning fruit, taut tannins and a structure for aging. Great wine.

Will be released 2025-11-13 / 1099 SKR.

96p   (tasted 2025/10)

2023 Dolcetto d´Alba Priavino, Roberto Voerzio

A young, upfront nose with notes of plums, iron and gravel. Very, very good.

The taste is nicely structured with notes of blueberries, ink and some peppery notes. 

Already released /229 SKR.

88p   (tasted 2025/10)

2022 Langhe Nebbiolo Sanfrancesco, Roberto Voerzio

A deep, warm nose with notes of dried strawberries, earth and rosehips. Very, very good.

The taste is spicy and focused with a fine cherry fruit, silky tannins and a long, fine finish.

Alreday released / 319 SKR.

90p   (tasted 2025/10)

2024 Langhe Nebbiolo, Produttori di Barbaresco

A low keyed, elegant nose with notes of sand, wild strawberries and wild flowers.

The taste is cool and fine with notes of red currants, rosehips and a hint of tobacco. Great value for money.

Will be released 2025-11-07 /199 SKR.

89p   (tasted 2025/10)

2021 Barbaresco, Produttori di Barbaresco

From magnum. A very fine, earthy nose with lovely, high red fruits, sandelwood and rosehips.

The taste is long and balanced with a very fine backbone, juciy fruit and a long, balsamic finish.

Will be released 2025-11-06 / 799 SKR.

92p   (tasted 2025/10)

2021 Barolo, Massolino

A restrained, focused nose with notes of quinine, strawberries and Langhe earth. Very, very good.

The taste is tight and structured with notes of dried red fruits, licorice and earth. Second taste in a month - Barolista: A Couple Of Days In Piedmont - A Visit To Massolino.

Will be released 2025-11-07 / 399 SKR.

91p   (tasted 2025/10)

2021 Barolo Berri, Trediberri

A high, elegant nose with notes of assorted spices, wild strawberries and licorice.

The taste is young and seedy with notes of dried strawberries, incense and licorice. A very fine sweetness to the fruit.

Already released / 399 SKR.

90p   (tasted 2025/10)

2021 Barolo, Azelia

A deep, racy nose with notes of paint, violets and ripe wild strawberries. Very fine.

The taste is tight and elegant with lovely red fruit, taut tannins and a long, juciy finish.

Will be released 2025-11-07 / 419 SKR.

92p   (tasted 2025/10)

2021 Roda Reserva, Bodegas Roda

A very handsome, silky nose with notes of assorted black fruits, graphite and scorched earth. Very fine.

The taste is tight and complex with notes of ripe plums, chocolate and smoke. Very long and fine.

Will be released 2025-11-21 / 359 SKR.

92p   (tasted 2025/10)

2020 Gran Clos, Gran Clos

A gorgeous, deep and layered nose with notes of sweet/sour cherries, matchbox, forest floor and ripe dark flowers. 

The taste is rich and complex with lovely fruit, taut tannins and a long, long, balanced finish.

Already released / 399 SKR.

94p   (tasted 2025/10)

2023 Clou d´Etat, Jolie Laide

A cool, finely tuned nose with notes of red currants, dried raspberries and fine herbs. Very, very good.

The taste is elegant and balanced with low keyed red fruit, a fine acidity and a silky finish.

Already released / 279 SKR.

90p   (tasted 2025/10)

2011 Le Clos Des Carmes Haut-Brion

2011 Le Clos Des Carmes Haut-Brion

A somewhat mature, round nose with notes of tobacco, tiles, cool black currants and a nice oaky touch. Very, very good.

The taste is medium bodied with a spicy structure, notes of dried black currants and gravel. A very nice mouthfeel.

91p   (tasted 2025/10)

2023 Côtes Du Rhone Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Font De Courtedune

The Côtes du Rhone in front of a wall of magnums...

2023 Côtes Du Rhone Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Font De Courtedune

A young, lightly peppery nose with notes of red currants, strawberries and a touch of raspberry vinegar. Open, juicy and very nice.

The taste is slender and fine with very fine red fruit, cool tannins, a touch of saltiness and a medium long dry finish. For 14 Euro - back the truck up. 

Will be released on the 7th of November. A tasting sample from Quaffable Wines.

90p   (tasted 2025/11)

A Few Bottles From Cascina Sòt

I got the opportunity to taste these bottles a couple of weeks ago. Here are notes from my visit to the cantina in 2023 - Barolista: A Couple Of Days In Piedmont - Visit To Cascina Sòt.

2023 Dolcetto d´Alba, Cascina Sòt

A young, perky nose with notes of red beets, iron and spices. Very good.

The taste is pure and nicely structured with fresh tannins and good blueberry fruit. 

87p   (tasted 2025/09)

2022 Barbera d´Alba, Cascina Sòt

An open, warm nose with notes of ripe raspberries, fried herbs and licorice. 

The taste is forward amd fine with sweet fruit, a very good acidity and a long, balsamic finish.

89p   (tasted 2025/09)

2022 Langhe Nebbiolo, Cascina Sòt

A cool, low keyed nose with notes of Langhe earth, tobacco, ripe cherries and forest floor. Very, very good.

The taste is tight and fine with notes of hard cherry candy, licorice and earth. Very long. 4+ years.

90p   (tasted 2025/09)

2021 Barolo Del Comune di Monforte d´Alba

A deep, layered nose with notes of leather, ripe red cherries, Langhe earth and a touch of menthol. High and fine.

The taste is handsome and refined with lovely cherry fruit, polished tannins and a long, long finish. 8+ years.

93p   (tasted 2025/09)

Six Bottles Of White Bordeaux

G offered up these gems at a tasting in our monthly tasting group in September.

2023 Château Lespault-Martillac

A grassy, spicy nose with notes of white currants, dried up vanilla ice cream and a hint of matchbox. Very, very good.

The taste is cool and elegant with chalky notes and fine yellow fruit. Young and spicy. 4+ years.

91p   (tasted 2025/09)

2021 Château La Louvière

A stony nose with notes of grass, white peach and lemon cream. A touch of sulfur. Youngish.

The taste is dry and fine with notes of quinine, gravel and freshly cut grass. Long and fine.

88p   (tasted 2025/09)

2021 Château Couhins-Lurton

A fresh, grassy nose with notes of grapefruit, chrushed rocks and white flowers. Very elegant.

The taste is tight and dry with laid back yellow fruit, a fine acidity and a long, fresh finish. Needs time, 6+ years.

90p   (tasted 2025/09)

2020 L´Esprit de Chevalier

A cool, delicate nose with notes of gravel, red apples, dry caramel and a hint of smoke. Very fine.

The taste is racy and handsome with notes of sweet lime, peach and dry fudge. Very long.

92p   (tasted 2025/09)

2016 Domaine de Chevalier

A very deep, stony nose with notes of lime, grass, peach and some oaky notes. Lovely.

The taste is structured and very fine with notes of oranges, chrushed rocks, fir wood and spices. The finish goes on and on. Great.

94p   (tasted 2025/09)

2007 Château La Louvière

A deep, somewhat mature nose with notes of dried peach, smoke and wet grass. 

The taste is medium bodied and soft with notes of dried oranges, gravel and dried flowers. A tad short on the finish.

87p   (tasted 2025/09)

2022 PSI, Dominio Pingus

2022 PSI, Dominio Pingus

A fine, herbal nose with notes of sun warm rocks, a mix of blue- and blackberries and fir smoke. Very, very good.

The taste is nicely structured with fine black fruit, some licorice and asphalt notes and fried herbs. A long, dry finish. 4+ years.

91p   (tasted 2025/10)

1989 Bourgogne Passetoutgrains, Domaine Faiveley

1989 Bourgogne Passetoutgrains, Faiveley

A mature (!) lightly perfumed nose with notes of dried strawberries, wet earth, sand and some moist dog fur.

The taste is dry and holding up nicely although the fruit has somewhat faded. A good acidity. Rather short.

83p   (tasted 2025/10)

Tasting New Releases - Sparkles & Whites

Elke Jung arrange once a month a tasting of wines that are to be released on the state monopoly. I attented for the first time a week ago. 

Lots of wines to taste. Below are the sparkles and whites I tasted. I note the release date and the price in SKR (Swedish currency, 1 Euro = 11 SKR). The reds will follow.

2016 Cuvée Speciale Grand Cru, Hervé Dubois

A very elegant, pure nose with notes of peach, cap gun smoke and chrushed rocks. Very fine.

The taste is young, tight and fresh with notes of ripe lemons, sponge cake and chalk. A very fine acidity.

Will be released 2025-11-21 / 579 SKR.

93p   (tasted 2025/10)

2018 Blanc de Noirs, Roebuck Estates

A cool, low keyed nose with notes of chives, smoke and oranges. Very good but a tad thin in the middle.

The taste is dry and nicely structured but a tad avoid of fruit.

Will be released 2025-11-07 / 599 SKR.

86p   (tasted 2025/10)

2021 Special Club, Marc Hebrart

A deep, focused and stern nose with notes of ripe lemons, smoke and yellow flowers. Again, a lovely wine from Marc Hebrart.

The taste is rich and refined, some oaky notes, a wealth of fruit and a long, pure finish. 6+ years.

Will be released 2025-11-14 / 659 SKR.

93p   (tasted 2025/10)

2018 Special, Hervieux-Dumez

A deep, stony nose with notes of birch leaves, lemon caramel and sun warm rocks. Very, very good.

The taste is racy and nicely balanced with fruit and acidity in harmony. A high acidity. 5+ years.

Will be released 2025-11-28 / 659 SKR.

91p   (tasted 2025/10)

2016 Tillington Single Vineyard, Nyetimber

A blend of 73% Pinot Noir & 27% Chardonnay. This English bubbly is a stunner. The nose is deep and handsome with notes of ripe oranges, matchbox, slate and dried flowers. Just stunning.

The taste is rich, concentrated and focused with all nuts and bolts in the right place. I would venture that in 5+ years in could be even better. But quality cost.

Will be released 2025-11-13 / 1199 SKR.

95p   (tasted 2025/10)

2022 Bourgogne Aligoté Les Moutots, Jean-Claude Boisset

A low keyed, elegant nose with notes of spicy lemons, grass and dry fudge. Very, very good.

The taste is nicely structured and pure with notes of lemon cake, grass and white flowers. A very good acidity. A bargain for 249 SKR.

Alreaday released / 249 SKR.

88p   (tasted 2025/10)

2023 Pouilly Fuissé 1er Cru Les Clos, Château Fuissé

A deep, ethereal nose with gorgeous notes of autumn leaves, candied lemons and candle grease. Beautifully perfumed.

The taste is tight and concentrated with brilliant fruit, a cleansing acidity and structure for aging. Great wine.

Will be released 2025-11-06 / 749 SKR.

95p   (tasted 2025/10)

2021 Chardonnay, Mount Eden Estate

A refined, layered nose with notes of ripe lemons, sun warm rocks and chives. Very fine.

The taste is rich and focused with notes of lemon cream, butter cookies and hay. Very long and fresh.

Already released / 599 SKR.

94p   (tasted 2025/10)

2023 Chardonnay, Hirsch

A high, handsome nose with notes of ripe lemons, tangerines and chrushed rocks. Very, very good.

The taste is young, tight and nicely balanced with notes of smoke, tangerines and dry fudge. 

Will be released 2025-11-06 / 899 SKR.

91p   (tasted 2025/10)

2022 Ultreia Godello, Raul Perez

An open, flowery nose with notes of dried apricot, chrushed rocks and assorted nuts. Very, very good.

The taste is fresh and fine with a fine structure and notes of dry lemons and caramel. A long, warm finish.

Will be released 2025-11-07 / 249 SKR.

89p   (tasted 2025/10)

2013 Barolo, Azelia

2013 Barolo, Azelia

With some air this Normale opens up nicely and offers up a stony nose with notes of Christmas spices, dried cherries, violets and a hint of mint. Very, very good.

The taste is medium bodied with some perky tannins, a very fine cherry fruit and a long, warm finish where you can find a hint of maturity. 4+ years.

91p   (tasted 2025/10)

 

A Bottle Of Bubbly - NV Chalky Brut, André Clouet

NV Chalky Brut, André Clouet

This Blanc de Blancs displays a steely, chalky (!) nose with notes of chives, lime, oyster shells and grapefruit. High and luscious.

The taste is young, tight and crisp with notes of lime juice, chrushed rocks and sweet minerals. A very fine cleansing acidity. Probably the best version of this wine I have tasted.

A tasting sample from WineWorld.

93p   (tasted 2025/10)

A Beautiful, Bargain Oregon Pinot

2022 Lone Oak Ranch Pinot Noir, Purple Hands

How many will I buy? That was my first gut thought after tasting this gem. Since my better half occasionally read this blog, I will not tell...

The nose soars up from the glass with notes of dried meat, dried strawberries, moist earth and incense. Like a hedonistic Burgundy from the 40´s.

The taste is racy and forward with silky, salivating fruit, a fine acidity and a long, layered finish. For 36 Euro this a true bargain.

Thanks Divine for the possibilty to taste.

93p   (tasted 2025/09)

Eating & Drinking In Piedmont

I go to Langhe for the wines and the winemakers, but the food is almost as important. I love the traditional food of this area - carne cruda, vitello tonnato, plin, tajarin, coniglio and much, much more. 

Here are some notes from the restaurants I visited on my latest trip in September 2025.

La Gemella - Locanda La Gemella

My first visit to this restaurant, located in Barolo, in the square when you arrive in Barolo either from Castiglione Falletto or Monforte d´Alba.

The food was very nice, I would definitely recommend a visit.

2022 Langhe Nas-Cëtta, Mauro Marengo

A cool, low keyed nose with notes of grass, white pepper and birch leaves.

The taste is light and fresh but a tad anonymous with notes of ripening peach, grass and spices.

85p   (tasted 2025/09)

2015 Barolo Bric dël Fiasc, Paolo Scavino

A deep, warm nose with a hint of maturity and notes of warm tiles, dried black cherries, charcoal, leather and a whiff of mint. Opens up nicely and becomes more perfumed and layered with air.

The taste is nicely structured with taut tannins, lots of black fruits, notes of dark incense, leather and scorched earth. 5+ years.

93p   (tasted 2025/09)

Centro Storico

You always visit Ciccio when you are in Langhe, that goes without saying. I have been eating and drinking here for almost 20 years and it is always a treat.

NV Brut, Ernest Remy

This 100% Pinot Noir, a choice by Ciccio, offers up a deep, flowery nose with notes of autumn apples, almond paste and the scent of a Swedish late summer evening. Very, very good.

The taste is fresh and spicy with notes of red apples, dried flowers and thai basil. A very good acidity.

91p   (tasted 2025/09)

2023 Dolcetto d´Alba, Cascina Fontana

A handsome, balanced nose with notes of balsa wood, blueberries, herbs and Langhe earth. Lovely.

The taste is elegant and nicely balanced with crisp tannins and a fine mouthfeel. 6+ years. Also a Ciccio choice!

91p   (tasted 2025/09)

Langotto

Langotto is located in Il Grecale´s previous premises (which the Barolo Boys have visited on several occasions) in Novello. The chef has worked in France and there is a French-Italian touch that is displayed on the plates. Lovely food and service, I will be back.

2021 Il Rosato, Cantina Nervi

Roberto´s Rosé shows of a fresh, open nose with notes of rhubarbs, blood grape and a whiff of smoke.

The taste is fresh and juicy with a fine acidity and lots of sweet citrus fruits. Very, very good.

88p   (tasted 2025/09)

2016 Barolo Bricco San Pietro, Ruggeri Corsini

A deep, smoky nose with gorgeous notes of dried cherries, rosehips, black tea and shoe polish. A lot of violets with air. Complex and fine.

The taste is structured and fine with a hint of maturity and notes of dried cherries, asphalt, smoke and licorice. Very long.

92p   (tasted 2025/09)

2016 Barolo Riserva Coste di Rose, Bric Cenciurio

A tight, concentrated nose with notes of tapenade, black flowers, asphalt, tiles and warm Langhe earth. Beautiful.

The taste is very handsome, rich and focused with gorgeous black fruit, silky tannins, a taut structure and a lenght that is counted in minutes. Still young, this beauty needs another 7+ years.

95p   (tasted 2025/09)

Osteria Veglio

Oh dear. My second favourite restaurant in Langhe (see previous visits below) - the untouchable number one is of course La Coccinella in Serravalle. 

I always look forward to a visit here, only to get let down this time. I hope it is a one time thing.

I have always loved the carne cruda here, but this time is was refrigerator cold and bland. The plin, which always have been the best in Langhe, was cooked a minute or two too long, the taste was the same but vitality wasn´t there. 

I had lunch on a beautiful early September Saturday, the veranda outside was crowded with people, maybe a tad much so, and maybe an explanation to my experience.

2022 Barbera d´Alba, Bartolo Mascarello

But the wine was good! A nicely perfumed nose with notes of ripe flowers, Finnish licorice, autumn earth and smoke. Very fine.

The taste is tight and finely built around a sweet raspberry fruit, a very fine acidity and a long, long, warm finish. A fine note of salmiak. Lovely.

93p   (tasted 2025/09)

Some previous visits to Osteria Veglio:

https://barolista.blogspot.com/2023/03/food-wine-in-piedmont.html

https://barolista.blogspot.com/2023/01/eating-drinking-in-piedmont-2022.html

https://barolista.blogspot.com/2019/08/eating-drinking-in-piedmont-impressions.html

https://barolista.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-barolo-boys-in-piedmont-eating.html

https://barolista.blogspot.com/2017/11/lunches-dinners-in-piedmont-part-one.html

A Bottle Of Bubbly - NV Pureté Brut Nature 1er Cru, Champagne Geoffroy

NV Pureté Brut Nature 1er Cru, Champagne Geoffroy

35% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay. This zero dosage bubbly offers up a crisp, smoky nose with notes of assorted spices, yellow apples and chalk. Very fine.

The taste is fresh and elegant with a very fine acidity, lovely yellow fruit and a long, creamy finish. 4+ years.

Thanks Quaffable Wines for the taste.

92p   (tasted 2025/10)