Friday, 27 September 2024

2017, 2018, 2019 Scheurebe Kabinett, Keller


2017 Scheurebe Kabinett, Keller
A fresh, upront nose with notes of chives, smoke, birch leaves and that tell tale sign of Scheurebe - grapefruit.
The taste is pure and fresh with notes of spring onions, chrushed rocks, grass and grapefruit juice. Very, very good.
88p   (tasted 2024/09)

2018 Scheurebe Kabinett, Keller
A restrained nose with notes of grey pears, chrushed rocks and dry grass. Very tight.
The taste is young and linear with a high acidity and locked up yellow fruit. A tad anemic in the finish.
85p   (tasted 2024/09)

2019 Scheurebe Kabinett, Keller
A high, elegant nose with notes of white pepper, chives, candied lemons and grapefruit. Very fine.
The taste is stony and fine with notes of white flowers, grapefruit ice cream and grass. Long and very fine.
92p   (tasted 2024/09)

Thursday, 26 September 2024

A Bottle Of Bubbly - Grand Siècle, Laurent-Perrier


Grand Siècle No 24, Laurent-Perrier
Tasted before an Il Caberlot tasting that will get its own post. No 24 of Grand Siècle consists of the vintages 2004, 2006 and 2007.
The nose is deep and chalky with notes of red apples, ginger, dry biscuits and grass. Very fine.
The taste is young and tight with fresh fruit, a cleansing acidity and a long creamy finish. 6+ years. I recently tasted two other versions of the Grand Siècle - Barolista: A Tasty Lineup From Laurent-Perrier
92p   (tasted 2024/09)

Sunday, 22 September 2024

2023 Kalterersee Classico Superiore Leuchtenberg, Cantina Kaltern


2023 Kalterersee Classico Superiore Leuchtenberg, Cantina Kaltern
A high, intense nose with notes of red currants, ripe lingonberries, earth, saw dust and red apples. A lovely purity.
The taste is light and handsome with notes of ripening raspberries, wet asphalt, white pepper and violets. Very fine and delicate. The Classico Superiore tasted here - Barolista: 2023 Kalterersee Classico Superiore, Cantina Kaltern
91p   (tasted 2024/09)

Tuesday, 17 September 2024

The Autumn Of The Greatest Vintage Ever - Part II


Later this year I will turn 60. I have in my cellar 92 bottles from The Greatest Vintage Ever, aka 1964, which all will be drunk this autumn. 
A fair amount of bottles but just half of what I had 10 years ago... - Barolista: 180 Bottles Of Wine On The Wall...

Last week we tasted eight bottles - notes on the first four here - Barolista: The Autumn Of The Greatest Vintage Ever - Part I.

1964 Barolo, R. Barbiere
A stifled, earthy nose with notes of cranberries, dried raspberries, fir wood and dry licorice. 
The taste is more lively with notes of ripe lingonberries, violet, iron and dried flowers. A nice finish.
85p   (tasted 2024/09)


1964 Barolo, Fontanafredda
A open, perfumed nose with notes of Langhe earth, licorice, sage and scorched earth. A fine dried up sweetness.
The taste is tight and seedy with notes of dried cherries, licorice, asphalt and paint. Long and lingering. Very, very good. Bottles like this will keep to my 70th birthday. :-)
90p   (tasted 2024/09)



1964 Barolo, Maggiorino Gagliasso
A stunner. The nose is deep and velvety with notes of ripe strawberries, moist earth, tobacco and shoe polish. High and intense.
The taste is refined and nicely concentrated with a perfect maturity, ripe fruit and a long, taut finish. Great wine.
94p   (tasted 2024/09)

1964 Barolo Gran Riserva, Rochetta Tanaro
A, open, cool nose with notes of forest floor, dried raspberries, asphalt and dried flowers. Very, very good.
The taste is rich and seedy with notes of iron, dried flowers and old chocolate. Long and warm.
88p   (tasted 2024/09)

Saturday, 14 September 2024

2022 Dolcetto d´Alba, Ferdinando Principiano


2022 Dolcetto d´Alba, Ferdinando Principiano
An open, fine nose with notes of violets, blueberries, dried flowers and Kungen av Danmark. Very, very good.
The taste is young and seedy with notes of iron, damsons, undergrowth and a fine, salty note. Last tasted when I visted the estate - Barolista: A Couple Of Days In Piedmont - Visit To Ferdinando Principiano
88p   (tasted 2024/09)

Thursday, 12 September 2024

1996 Barolo Riserva Cannubi Boschis, Virna Borgogno


1996 Barolo Riserva Cannubi Boschis, Virna Borgogno
A warm, mature nose with notes of autumn leaves, dried strawberries, paint, dried roses and a touch of mint. Very, very good.
The taste is nicely mature with notes of Langhe earth, violets, dried strawberries and leather. A long, dry finish. 
89p   (tasted 2024/09)

Tuesday, 10 September 2024

The Autumn Of The Greatest Vintage Ever - Part I


Later this year I will turn 60. I have in my cellar 92 bottles from The Greatest Vintage Ever, aka 1964, which all will be drunk this autumn. 
A fair amount of bottles but just half of what I had 10 years ago... - Barolista: 180 Bottles Of Wine On The Wall...

Yesterday we tasted eight bottles from the stash, first up were these four bottles.

1964 Beaujolais-Village, Piat
A light, earthy nose with notes of dried flowers, red currants, mushroom stock and herbs. Definitely alive and kicking.
The taste is dry and fine with notes of dried strawberries, earth and quinine. A short finish.
86p   (tasted 2024/09)


1964 Rioja Gran Reserva, Federico Paternina
A deep, smoky nose with notes of strawberries in balsamic vinegar, tobacco, paint and a hint of mint.
The taste is steady and mature with a fine dried up sweetness and notes of tobacco, earth and leather.
88p   (tasted 2024/09)


1964 Rioja Gran Reserva Faustino I, Bodegas Faustino
A bit restrained that opens up nicely with notes of strawberries, dried up coca-cola, moist earth and hints of chocolate.
The taste is structured and fine with sweet red fruit, silky tannins and a long, warm finish. Very fine.
92p   (tasted 2024/09)

1964 Pommard Rugiens, Bouchard
A round, mature nose with notes of red beets, cold coffee, old leather and forest floor. A fine sweetness.
The taste is steady and fine with soft tannins and notes of fried herbs, dried raspberries, tobacco and warm earth. Very, very good.
89p   (tasted 2024/09)


Sunday, 8 September 2024

2000 Chiroubles Cuvée Bel Air, Armand Charvet


2000 Chiroubles Cuvée Bel Air, Armand Charvet
A low keyed, charming nose with notes of dried raspberries, rhubarbs, licorice and cigarette ashes. Very nice.
The taste is cool and fresh with a fine dried up sweetness and notes of red currants, tobacco and forest floor. 
87p   (tasted 2024/09)

Saturday, 7 September 2024

Tasting Dinner With Vintages Ending With A "0"


My fourth dinner with all bottles ending with the same digit, in this case "0". See previous dinnes below.

2010 Special Club Blanc de Blancs, Launois
A fresh, smoky nose with notes of ripe oranges, candied lemon peels, spices and cookie dough. Very fine.
The taste is tight and pure with notes of chives, lemon cream and pickled ginger. A very fine acidity. 
93p   (tasted 2024/08)


Flight I
1950 Château Certan Marzelle
Needed a lot of time to open up but when it did it displayed a deep, soft, mature nose with notes of plums, vintage leather and sugared coffee. A fine dried up sweetness to the fruit.
The taste is round and velvety with notes of dried plums, earth, leather and dry tobacco. Maybe a tad thin in the middle but this is a fine drink.
91p   (tasted 2024/08)


1960 Barolo, Marchesi Villadoria
A bit burly on the nose, still very much alive but showing notes of moist earth, old stables, shoe polish and tobacco. 
The taste is foursquare and dry with notes of dried red fruits, scorched earth, dry herbs and gravel. Drinkable but not so much fun.
83p   (tasted 2024/08)




1970 Beaujolais, ?
From a unknown producer, this Beaujolais, in contrast to the Barolo above, was a joy to drink. A high, interesting nose with notes of (over)ripe strawberries, earth, incense and dried flowers.
The taste is cool and pure with notes of wild strawberries, minerals and dried flowers. A tad short on the finish though.
88p   (tasted 2024/08)

Flight II
1990 Vinho Branco, Luis Pato
A cool, somewhat mature nose with notes of hay, candied fruits, yellow apples and herbs. A bit subdued.
The taste is dry and seedy with notes of dried herbs, autumn apples and hay. A tad bitter in the finish.
84p   (tasted 2024/08)



2000 Château Talbot Caillou Blanc
A broad , rich nose with notes of rubber bands, dried lemons, smoke and ripe flowers. Outgoing and fine.
The taste is smoky and concentrated with notes of dried mango, flowers, detergents and grass, Very, very good.
92p   (tasted 2024/08)

2010 Westhof Kirchspiel Riesling GG, Keller
A creamy, stony nose with notes of dried honey, chrushed rocks, nuts and hay. Tight and fine.
The taste is intense and layered with a high acidity and lovely yellow fruit. Very long and racy.
93p   (tasted 2024/08)


Flight III
1870 Verdelho Solera, 
A high, intense, bottomless deep nose with notes of dried figs, black tea, Christmas spice, incense, ramson and orange peel. Absolutely stunning.
The taste is brilliant with notes of red plums, orange peel, fried nuts, dry butterscotch and hay. A piercing, cleansing acidity and a finish that never ends. A masterpiece.
98p   (tasted 2024/08)


Flight IV
1980 Brunello di Montalcino, Castelgiocondo
A dark, forest filled nose with notes of plums, dried cherries, fried herbs and earth. Very, very good.
The taste is mature and dry with a very fine mouthfeel, dried black fruit and a long, warm finish.
90p   (tasted 2024/08)


1980 Vigorello, San Felice
A soft, old nose with notes of cold coffee, vintage leather and dried cherries. A tad unfocused.
The taste is warm and gentle with notes of dried black fruit, moist earth and old tobacco. Good but that´s all.
85p   (tasted 2024/08)

1980 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Poggio Antico
A still tight, rich nose with notes of black olives, black cherries, asphalt and coffee powder. A bit ungainly.
The taste is taut and concentrated that needs more bottle age. Tight black fruit and a long, narrow finish. 6+ years.
88p   (tasted 2024/08)

Flight V
1970 Château Latour a Pomerol
A very handsome, deep and layered nose with notes of plums, black currant leaves, expensive tobacco and fresh stables. Very fine.
The taste is rich and velvety with gorgeous sweet, black fruit, silky remains of tannins and a long, structured finish. In a perfect drinking stage.
94p   (tasted 2024/08)


1970 Château Latour
Too bad, this bottle, although it had a good fill and a nice looking cork, have probably been stored too warm. A soft, diluted, cooked nose and a short taste with a hollow constitution.
61p   (tasted 2024/08)

1970 Château La Tour de Mons
From a magnum. A round, mature nose with notes of ripe black currants, plums, tobacco and graphite. Very, very good.
The taste is nicely concentrated with lots of life, soft tannins and a beautiful black currant fruit. A long, silky finish. A joy to drink.
90p   (tasted 2024/08)


Flight VI
1900 Moscatel de Setubal, José Maria da Fonseca
With a nose deeper than the Mariana trench, this stunner displays notes of fried nuts, candied apples, white raisins, sugared coffee and autumn leaves in the sun. Awesome.
The taste is rich, intense and very concentrated with a stunning structure, boatloads of sweet candied fruit, a very fine acidity and a finish that goes on forever. Starts sweet on the palate but ends on a semi-dry note. A truly great wine.
98p   (tasted 2024/08)



Previous dinners:



Wednesday, 4 September 2024

2013 Barolo Galina, Alessandria Crissante


2013 Barolo Galina, Alessandria Crissante
A deep, forest filled nose with notes of violets, asphalt, black cherries and fir wood. A fine perfumed note. Still young.
The taste is nicely concentrated and rich with notes of ripe cherries, violets, tobacco and rosehips. Some oak tannins in the finish, needs 8+ years.
91p   (tasted 2024/08)

Tuesday, 3 September 2024

2011 Blanc de Blancs, Diebolt-Vallois


2011 Blanc de Blancs, Diebolt-Vallois
From a magnum. Tasted at the Dorli Muhr lunch - Barolista: Lunch Tasting With Dorli Murh & Her Fantastic Blaufränkisch.
A fine, somewhat mature, smoky nose with notes of fried nuts, chrushed rocks, white currants and butter cookies. Very, very good.
The taste is crisp and fine with notes of matchbox, orange peel, dried flowers and nuts. A fine acidity. 
90p   (tasted 2024/08)

Sunday, 1 September 2024

2023 Kalterersee Classico Superiore, Cantina Kaltern


2023 Kalterersee Classico Superiore, Cantina Kaltern
Cantina Kaltern is a cooperative, the largest in Alto Adige with 590 member-growers cultivating 440 ha of vineyards. The grape at large is Schiava which also makes up this wine.
The nose oozes out of the glass with purity and a lightness of being. Notes of red currants, lingonberries, moist earth and chrushed rocks. A very fine saline note. Salivating.
This is a gulpable wine - where did the botttle go? - with a cool, light structure and notes of cranberries, wild flowers and gravel. A tad short but oh so lively.
89p   (tasted 2024/08)

Friday, 30 August 2024

Lunch Tasting With Dorli Murh & Her Fantastic Blaufränkisch


I was invited by The Wine Agency to meet Dorli Muhr for lunch and to taste her great wines. Time flies, it was four years since I met her last (then during the covid period, trough Zoom) - Barolista: Lunch Tasting With Stunning Blaufränkisch From Dorli Muhr.
All wines 100% Blaufränkisch except for the Carnuntum. Dorli source the grapes from 12 ha (11 ha Blaufränkisch and 1 ha Syrah) and from 40 different plots. More info here - https://dorlimuhr.at/


2019 Carnuntum
65% Blaufränkisch & 35% Syrah. A pure, spicy nose with notes of bluberries, green pepper and chrushed rocks. 
The taste is cool and seedy with notes of damsons, blueberries and gravel. A fine dryness in the finish.
87p   (tasted 2024/08)


2021 Prellenkirchen Samt & Seide
A young, fresh, earthy nose with notes of blueberries, wet cement, white pepper and gravel. Very, very good.
The taste is perky and intense with light tannins, clean blueberry fruit and a long, distinct finish.
90p   (tasted 2024/08)

2019 Ried Spitzerberg Obere Roterd
A cool, layered nose with notes of red and black currants, fir wood, cement and some chocolate wafers.
The taste is tight and elegant with notes of ripe red currants, chrushed rocks and forest floor. Silky tannins.
92p   (tasted 2024/08)

2018 Riet Roterd
There is a hint of maturity on the nose alongside notes of cranberries, blueberries, mosquito repellent and gravel. Low keyed and handsome.
The taste is tight and seedy with a fine structure and notes of dried blueberries, dried flowers and gravel.
92p   (tasted 2024/08)



2019 Ried Spitzerberg Kobeln Liebkind
A deep, focused nose with notes of dried raspberries, matchbox, ripening red currants and gravel. Very fine.
The taste is restrained yet concentrated and rich with juciy red fruit, chrushed rocks, polished tannins and a long, pure finish.
93p   (tasted 2024/08)

2018 Ried Kobeln Liebkind
A cool, aristocratic nose with notes of red currants, violets, fir wood and minerals. Very handsome.
The taste is tight and focused with notes of red currants, bakelite, dried plums and forest floor. Silky tannins. Lovely.
93p   (tasted 2024/08)




2016 Ried Kobeln Liebkind
Some maturity on the nose and the fruit is soft and fine. Notes of smoke, dried red fruits and earth.
The taste is rich and round with more body than the others and also a tad more warmth/feeling of alcohol. Long and rich.
89p   (tasted 2024/08)

2019 Ried Spitzerberg Obere Spitzer 1ÖWT
From a magnum and a beauty. The nose is tight and multi dimensional with notes of ripe blueberries, violets, iron and dry asphalt. Stunning.
The taste is taut and structured with a purity and intensity, gorgeous fruit and polished tannins. Very balanced and fine. Great wine.
95p   (tasted 2024/08)


2017 Ried Spitzerberg 1ÖWT
A pure, tight nose with notes of black tea, cranberries, earth and an assortment of fresh herbs. High and fine.
The taste is rich and concentrated with notes of sweet minerals, dried blurberries, smoke and black tea. A long, lingering finish. Beautiful.
94p   (tasted 2024/08)

Thursday, 29 August 2024

Two Bottles Of Dolcetto


2017 Dolcetto d´Alba, Nada Fiorenzo
A herbal, fine nose with notes of cranberries, leather, iron and lots of undergrowth.
The taste is tight and spicy with some perky tannins still and a fine cranberry/blueberry fruit. A fine dry finish.
88p   (tasted 2024/08)

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba Le Liste, Erbaluna
A wild, upfront nose with notes of dried strawberries, fresh stables, chrushed rocks and matchbox. Very interesting.
The taste is crisp and fine with notes of raspberry vinegar, almond paste, iron and earth. Long and juicy.
90p   (tasted 2024/08)

Thursday, 22 August 2024

2004 - 2010 Le Pergole Torte


The same evening as we tasted five bottles of Montevertine - Barolista: 2004 - 2010 Montevertine - we were privileged enough to get to taste six bottles of Le Pergole Torte.
S generously poured the bottles and J offered up some tasty food.

2004 Le Pergole Torte
A deep, ethereal nose with notes of hard cherry candy, candle grease, smoke, wet asphalt and leather. Very fine.
The taste is sleek and focused with some maturity and notes of dried cherries, fine tobacco, Tuscan gravel and violets. A long, lingering finish. Great wine.
95p   (tasted 2024/08)

2006 Le Pergole Torte
A stunner. WOTN for me. The nose is brilliant with a willful character and sublime notes of sweet violets, ripe red cherries, iron, chocolate wafers and fine leather. Awesome.
The taste is rich and intense with gorgeous cherry fruit, perfect tannins and a length that is counted in minutes. Perfection in 5+ years. Equally great as one year ago - Barolista: A Sangiovese Evening.
98p   (tasted 2024/08)


2007 Le Pergole Torte
A deep, rich nose with notes of dried up cherry jam, violets, a warm Tuscan gravel road, banana peel and coffee. Very complex and fine.
The taste is taut and concentrated with massive fruit, massive tannins, a fresh acidity and a long, long finish. Really fine. 
96p   (tasted 2024/08)

2009 Le Pergole Torte
A broad, warm nose with notes of cooked cherries, licorice, undergrowth and a fine peppery note. 
The taste is tight and refined with notes of toasted almonds, ripe cherries, sugared coffee and tobacco. Still young, 4+ years.
91p   (tasted 2024/08)

2010 Le Pergole Torte
A real beauty. The youngest Pergole Torte offers up a aristocratic, cool nose with gorgeous notes of violets, hard cherry candy, summer gravel, fine leather and thyme. 
The taste is young, tight and brilliant with everything, but maturity, in place. Give this stunning wine 6+ years and you´re looking at perfection.
97p   (tasted 2024/08)

1999 Le Pergole Torte
S didn´t think we had enough to drink so he opened this 25 year old Pergole Torte. Popped and poured it displays a deep but a bit stifled nose with notes of fir wood, dried cherries, licorice, glue and forest floor. 
The taste is open and warm with notes of licorice, fried herbs, violets and sugared coffee. A long finish with soft tannins. 
92p   (tasted 2024/08)

Wednesday, 21 August 2024

1990 Barolo, Ciabot Berton (Luigi Oberto)


1990 Barolo, Ciabot Berton (Luigi Oberto)
An open, mature nose with notes of cold coffee, autumn leaves, red tea, licorice and molasses. A very fine dried up sweetness to the fruit.
The taste is broad and velvety with dried red fruits, warm sand, tobacco and dried mushrooms. A long fine finish. Fully mature.
90p   (tasted 2024/08)

Tuesday, 20 August 2024

2004 - 2010 Montevertine


S invited to a Sangiovese evening. J offered up some great food to along these fine wines. 
Part I.

2004 Montevertine
A elegant, racy nose with notes of candied cherries, violets, thyme and smoke. Very, very good.
The taste is nicely concentrated and silky with a fine dryness, cherry pips and chrushed rocks. A very fine acidity. For drinking now and the coming 6+ years.
91p   (tasted 2024/08)

2006 Montevertine
A deep, meaty nose with notes of licorice, dark bread, bakelite and ripe cherries. High and fine.
The taste is tight and seedy with taut tannins and notes of hard cherry candy, coffe powder, herbs and dusty earth. Very fine. 6+ years.
93p   (tasted 2024/08)

2007 Montevertine
A restrained, handsome nose with notes of hard cherry candy, violets, chocolate wafers and ripe flowers. Just lovely.
The taste is rich and focused with gorgeous cherry fruit, polished tannins and a long, juicy finish. Great wine. 5+ years.
95p   (tasted 2024/08)


2009 Montevertine
A tight, warm nose with notes of fir wood, plums, tobacco and ripe cherries. The fruit feels locked up at the moment.
The taste is tight and warm with notes of cherry liquor, asphalt, violets and fried herbs. Very good in a restrained way. Needs time.
90p   (tasted 2024/08)

2010 Montevertine
A deep, velvety nose with notes of sweet/sour cherries, dark bread, fried herbs and tobacco. Very, very fine.
The taste is young and taut with an aristocratic backbone, boatloads of ripe cherry fruit, stern tannins and a minute long finish. 8+ years.
95p   (tasted 2024/08)

Tuesday, 13 August 2024

Three Tuscan Bottles


2022 Rosso di Montalcino, Ciacci Piccolomini d´Aragona
A upfront, fresh nose with notes of red cherries, iron, Tuscan gravel, herbs and some dark cookie dough. Very, very good.
The taste is pure and light with a high drinkability and notes of hard cherry candy, violets and herbs.
89p   (tasted 2024/08)

2022 Troncone, Le Ragnaie
A pure, high nose with notes of pomegranate, dog fur, band aid, thyme and chocolate wafers. Very fine.
The taste is cool and fresh with a very handsome acidity and notes of cranberries, iron, tobacco and thyme. A real bargain for 17 Euro.
91p   (tasted 2024/08)

2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio, Fanti
A deep, spicy nose with violets en masse and additional notes of a dried up cherry pie, bakelite and bonfire smoke. Lovely.
The taste is tight and refined with a very fine structure and intensity, notes of cooked cherries, warm sand, tobacco and violets. Polished tannins and a long, lingering finish. 
93p   (tasted 2024/08)

Monday, 12 August 2024

2018 Verduno Pelaverga Speziale, Fratelli Alessandria


2018 Verduno Pelaverga Speziale, Fratelli Alessandria
A light, nicely perfumed nose with notes of wild strawberries, incense, gravel and some smoky notes. Very, very good.
The taste is crisp and fine with notes of red currants, dried raspberries, iodine and gravel. A fine acidity. Drinking beautifully today.
89p   (tasted 2024/07)

Thursday, 8 August 2024

2010 Barolo Coste & Bricco, Ascheri


2010 Barolo Coste & Bricco, Ascheri
Five years ago since the last bottle - Barolista: Vacation Wines - 2010 Barolo Coste & Bricco, Ascheri - and it has started to mature somewhat. The nose is deep and fine with notes of dried cherries, tobacco, forest floor and incense. A very fine sweetness to the fruit.
The taste is stern and fine with notes of violets, hard cherry candy, mushrooms and iron. Long and fine. For drinking now and the coming 8+ years.
93p   (tasted 2024/07)

Wednesday, 7 August 2024

2018 Dominium, Dominio de la Sierra


2018 Dominium, Dominio de la Sierra
My first taste of a 100% Rufete wine. From the Salamanca region this offers up a high, spicy nose with notes of cranberries, green pepper, fir wood and a hint of chocolate. Very interesting.
The taste is medium bodied and shows a nice structure, with notes of a mix of blueberries and lingonberries, hot earth and iron. Cool tannins and a very nice acidity. Very, very good.
89p   (tasted 2024/07)