Just Bought

Domenico started his estate with the 1979 vintage, so this is only the third vintage made. In 1982 he began to bottle the Ciabot Mentin Ginestra separately and in 1990 Pajana was born.
I have only met Domenico once, some ten years ago, and only briefly because he had a toothache. That didn´t help to understand his Piedmontese accent...
In recent years I have met Oscar, who now is in charge of the winemaking since Domenicos passing, two times - at the estate in 2017 and at Ba&Ba in 2018.

Mini Vertical Of Oberrotweiler Eichsberg Spätburgunder GG, Weingut Salwey

2011 Oberrotweiler Eichsberg Spätburgunder GG
The 2011 shows signs of maturity, more forest floor and dried red fruits than the two younger vintages. Strawberry jam, smoke and rhubarb licorice. A fine warmth.
The taste is broad and nicely concentrated with notes of dry licorice, earth, dried strawberries and bonfire smoke. A high acidity. Ends on a dry note. Very, very good.
89p   (tasted 2020/06)

2012 Oberrotweiler Eichsberg Spätburgunder GG
The best one in this line up. It has a deep, balanced nose with notes of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries, herbs and smoke. Very fine. Pipe tobacco after a while.
The taste is tight and focused with notes of red cherries, dried raspberries, herbs and tobacco. Silky tannins. Long and fine. 3+ years.
92p   (tasted 2020/06)

2014 Oberrotweiler Eichsberg Spätburgunder GG
A restrained, mineral laden nose with notes of ripening red currants, sandelwood and herbs. Shy. Needs time.
The taste is young and medium bodied with notes of red currants, gravel, herbs and tobacco. A high acidity. Somewhat sparse in the finish. 5+ years.
87p   (tasted 2020/06)

1997 Bourriquot, Havens

1997 Bourriquot, Havens
A brilliant, perfectly mature Napa wine made up of two-thirds Cabernet Franc and one-third Merlot. The nose is deep, round and intoxicating with notes of warm tiles, red and black currants, fresh stables, leather and a hint of mint. Very, very fine.
The taste is seamless, perfectly balanced and mature with notes of red and black currants, gravel, tobacco and band aid. Long and refined. Lovely.
The last bottle out of three bought twenty years ago in London.
95p   (tasted 2020/06)

Lunch Tasting With Stunning Blaufränkisch From Dorli Muhr

The Wine Agency invited to an unsual tasting. We sat with great distances apart, the wines poured before we entered the room and Dorli Muhr was with us through Zoom from her home i Austria.
But all in all, a great tasting.

2015 Cuvée vom Berg
Damson, bramble and wet cement defines the nose on this blend of 60% Blaufränkisch, 20% Syrah and 10% Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Some peppery notes after a while indicating the Syrah presence. Very good.
The taste is cool and linear with notes of blueberries, sand and model clay. Good balance. Slender tannins. Dry and fine. 3+ years.
87p   (tasted 2020/06)

2017 Carnuntum
From 2017 Cuvée vom Berg has switched names to Carnuntum. The 2017 consists of 65% Blaufränkisch and 35% Syrah. The nose is more restrained than the 2015 but share the aroma profile. Very good.
The taste is young and seedy with notes of damson, blueberries, cement and smoke. A good structure. A high acidity. Needs 5+ years.
87p   (tasted 2020/06)

2017 Samt & Seide
A fine, deep nose with notes of fried herbs, minerals, dry licorice and dried raspberries. Wilful. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and dry with a fine concentration and notes of blueberries, sloeberries, bakelite, and herbs. A fine length. Structured tannins. 5+ years.
90p   (tasted 2020/06)

2017 Ried Roterd
A very tight, aristocratic nose with notes of warm sand, ripe blueberries, herbs and hints of black pepper. Very balanced and fine.
The taste is tight and intense with notes of herbs, sloeberries and minerals. Very long and promising. 8+ years.
92p   (tasted 2020/06)

2015 Liebkind
Aaaah, what a wine. The nose is deep, old viney (yet the vines were only seven years old when this wine was made) and multi layered with notes of ripe blueberries, freeze dried raspberries, model clay and green pepper. Brilliant.
The Liebkind flows effortless over the tongue with a high density, intensity and richness. Gorgeous fruit. Wilful. A lovely wine, maybe not for everyone, it demands attention. 6+ years.
94p   (tasted 2020/06)

Mature grapes at Liebkind!

2015 Spitzerberg
A deep, restrained, concentrated nose with notes of dry asphalt, blueberries, bakelite and assorted herbs. Very handsome.
The taste is refined and intense with notes of blueberries, gravel, herbs and bakelite. The finish goes on and on and on. High-pitched. Old viney, made from grapes from vines with 45, 55 and 65 years of age. This will need time, 10+ years. Impressive.
93p   (tasted 2020/06)

2011 Rossese di Dolceacqua Galeae, Ka*Mancine

2011 Rossese di Dolceacqua Galeae, Ka*Mancine
Like a hypothetical blend of a fine Dolcetto and a Crozes-Hermitage, this Rossese sports a upfront, juicy nose with notes of blueberries, red currants, iron, black pepper, herbs and violets. Very, very good. At nine years of age, not showing any signs of maturity.
The taste is cool and fresh with notes of blueberries, bakelite, dried herbs, forest floor and violets. Light on its feet yet with a fine intensity. Drinking lovely now and the coming 6+ years. As good as tasting it at the estate with Maurizio seven years ago.
91p   (tasted 2020/06)

2017 Lurlibad Chardonnay Reserve, Cottinelli

2017 Lurlibad Chardonnay Reserve, Cottinelli
A deep, spicy, fine nose with notes of butter fudge, fennel, aniseed, flint and papay. Very complex and fine. Some smoky notes after a while.
The taste is concentrated and fine with notes of passionfruit, fudge, smoke and flint. Very long. A very fine acidity. Balanced. Really fine. A great swiss Chard.
92p   (tasted 2020/06)

1999 Barbaresco Rabaja, Produttori del Barbaresco

1999 Barbaresco Rabaja, Produttori del Barbaresco
From probably the best cooperative in the world, this 99 Rabaja needs an hour to unfold. Then it displays fine notes of forest floor, dried cherries, damson, mushrooms, fir wood and a hint of furniture polish. Some maturity. Very fine. A lovely depth.
The taste is tight and refined with silky tannins and notes of dried strawberries, undergrowth, sandel wood, bonfire smoke and asphalt. Very long. This is starting to drink great but I would wait 3+ years for the next bottle.
93p   (tasted 2020/06)

2005 & 2016 Goulée by Cos d´Estournel

2005 Goulée
Only the second vintage of this cuvée from Cos d`Estournel, the first vintage was 2003. The cepage has changed over the years, this is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (80%, and 20% Merlot) while the newer vintages, see below, is Merlot dominated.
The nose is deep and rich, with only some signs of maturity, and fine notes of dried up black currant jam, sandel wood, chocolate wafers, tobacco and fresh stables. Very, very good.
The taste is mature, tight and dry with notes of red and black currants, blueberries, cigarette ash, earth and graphite. Very long. Ends dry. Very fine, for drinking now and the coming 6+ years. The label of the 2005 is great, the 2016 not so much.
92p   (tasted 2020/06)

2005 Goulée by Cos d`Estournel
This 77% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot blend displays a upfront, juicy nose with notes of ripe plums, frehs herbs, leather, violets and bonfire smoke. Ripe, sweet, fresh fruit. Very deep. Needs time.
The taste is big and concentrated with notes of plums, graphite, dark chocolate and asphalt. Very long and promising. 8+ years.
92p   (tasted 2020/06)

2016 Dolcetto d´Alba Barturot, Ca`Viola

2016 Dolcetto d´Alba Barturot, Ca`Viola
A young, lively nose with notes of ink, blueberries, violets, sage and blood. Very fine. Intense. Balanced.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of sour cherries, damson, iron and sage. Silky tannins. Long. Very, very good. 5+ years. A great Dolcetto. 14 Euro!
91p   (tasted 2020/06)

Two Summer Drinking Bottles From Villa Wolf

I recently attended a webinar (on my iPad that recently met with a concrete floor...) with Ernie Loosen about his estate in Pfalz, Villa Wolf. A couple of days later I tasted the wines below, courtsey of Vinunic.
Ernie had some very interesting info about the history and current state of Spätburgunder in Germany.

2019 Grauburgunder
A light, polished nose with notes of white peach, flint, lemon peel and lavender soap. Very good.
The taste is cool and fresh with notes of lemon licorice, chalk, gooseberries and the feeling of licking a wet rock. A fine acidity. Summer fresh drinking.
87p   (tasted 2020/06)

2019 Pinot Noir Rosé
A fine, pure nose with notes of wild strawberries, dried strawberries, chives and minerals. Very, very good. Light on its feet with a good intensity.
The taste is tight, dry and finely tuned with notes of dried raspberries, lingonberries, dry licorice and chrushed rocks. A fine structure.
90p   (tasted 2020/06)

2018 Teroldego, Cantina D´Isera

2018 Teroldego, Cantina D´Isera
A tasting sample from Wine World. The nose is crisp and pure with notes of violets, rubber, ink, tar and ripe blueberries. With some air in the glass it smells like summer warm asphalt. Highly likeable.
The taste is tight and dry with notes of blueberries, dry tobacco, tar and herbs. A fine length. Very, very good. For 10 Euro, this is a steal!
89p   (tasted 2020/06)

2011 Oberrotweiler Käsleberg Spätburgunder, Weingut Salwey

2011 Oberrotweiler Käsleberg Spätburgunder, Weingut Salwey
A round, mature, somewhat fiery nose - that calms with air - with notes of cooked strawberries, incense, dark candle grease and a fine perfumed scent. Very good but maybe a tad overmature.
The taste is mature, warm and dry with notes of dried raspberries, licorice, bay leaves and violets. Long and warm. Very good.
86p   (tasted 2020/05)

2015 Château Bouscassé, Brumont

2015 Château Bouscassé, Brumont
A fine, deep, sandy nose with notes of warm tiles, bonfire, herbs and a mix of black cherries, raspberries and blackberries. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and focused with notes of cool tobacco, matchbox, violets, herbs and a fine smoky note. Very fine, polished tannins. Had the opportunity to meet Alain Brumont and taste a wonderful line up a year ago.
90p   (tasted 2020/05)

2017 Dogliani Superiore Vigna Tecc, Luigi Einaudi

2017 Dogliani Superiore Vigna Tecc, Luigi Einaudi
A very young, seedy, focused nose with notes of ripe blueberries, iron, violets and herbs. A fine energy to it. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and invigorating with notes of blueberries, damsons, asphalt and candle grease. An uplifting acidity. Long. 4+ years. Better than the 2016 tasted at the estate.
90p   (tasted 2020/05)

2009 Gran Reserva 904, La Rioja Alta

2009 Gran Reserva 904, La Rioja Alta
An open, warm, fine nose with notes of cranberries, red apples, chocolate wafers and that tell tale dill aroma. Very, very good,
The taste is dry and mature with notes of dried strawberries, cranberries, tobacco and fir wood. A fine dry finish. Maybe a tad marked by this hot vintage but there is no problem finishing the bottle with a chicken and sage pasta.
88p   (tasted 2020/05)

2001 Gran Reserva 904

1964 Gran Reserva 904

2004 Barolo Bricco Viole, M. Marengo

2004 Barolo Bricco Viole, M. Marengo
An open, somewhat mature nose with fine notes of tar, tobacco, herbs, undergrowth, roses and, of course, violet pastilles! Very deep and fine. A fine warmth.
The taste is round and fine with notes of asphalt, mint, dried cherries and incense. A long, warm finish with a fine dry twist. Very, very good. Drink now and the coming 6+ years.
92p   (tasted 2020/05)

The 2004 tasted in 2012
2013 Bricco Viole
2014 Bricco Viole
2015 Bricco Viole
2016 Bricco Viole

2015 Spätburgunder Grande Réserve, Weingut Bietighöfer

2015 Spätburgunder Grande Réserve, Weingut Bietighöfer
A high, interesting nose with notes of fir wood, red currants, Finninsh licorice, Lily of the valley and a touch of cinnamon. Idiosyncratic and fine.
The taste is structured and fine with notes of dried raspberries, plywood, forest floor and violets. A very fine warmth. Very, very good.
91p   (tasted 2020/05)

2017 Barbaresco Ronchi, Albino Rocca

2017 Barbaresco Ronchi, Albino Rocca
I remember vividly the Barolo Boys visit to Albino Rocca some 10+ years ago where Angelo poured us some great wines before taking us to lunch in the Barbaresco square, bringing two bottles and one magnum for four... Angelo is very much missed.
The 17 Ronchi flows elegantly up from the glass with fine notes of red currants, rhubarb licorice, asphalt and tons of rose petals. Really fine.
The taste is restrained and handsome wirh notes of red currants and cherries, violets, sage and a hint of fine tobacco. Stony. Very long and refined. 6+ years. A tasting sample from Wine Affair.
93p   (tasted 2020/05)

One Old Sherry & One Old Madeira

NV Don Estepha Amontillado, Bodegas Pastranilla
A nutty, intense nose with notes of white rasisins, old nougat, detergent, white chocolate and mahogny wood. Very deep and complex.
The taste is luscious and tigth with notes of fried nuts, dried sage, old chocolate and shoe polish. A very long finish with a fine acidity. Ends semi dry. High and fine. Bought two bottles for 10 Euros...
92p   (tasted 2020/05)

NV Fine Madeira Wine, Justino Henriques
The neck lable says "Sweet" but on the nose there is more restrained, dry scents that come up from the glass, in the shape of dried nuts, old wrinkled red apples, dry biscuits and model clay. Medium deep.
The taste is expressive and long but dry and a tad empty in the middle. Notes of dry nougat, raisins, nuts and earth. Its good but nothing too write home about.
84p   (tasted 2020/05)

New Vintages From Wine Affair - Part Three - Five La La´s From Guigal

Last part of tasting notes from the tasting of recent releases from Wine Affair. And what a lineup!

2011 Côte-Rôtie La Mouline, Guigal
The first La Mouline (usually my favourite of the three La La´s) dispalys a laid back, smoky nose with notes of veal meat, velcro, violets, white pepper and dark flowers. Really fine.
The taste is intense and multi layered with notes of chrushed rocks, ripe blueberries, violets and a hint of tobacco. A gorgeous mouthfeel. Stunning. 8+ years.
97p   (tasted 2020/04)

2012 Côte-Rôtie La Mouline, Guigal
The 2012 is more muted on the nose compared with the two other vintages of La Mouline, with notes of flower earth, dried meat, damsons and fir wood. Deep. Very, very good.
The taste is more expressive with notes of sage, damsons, forest floor and some lovely meaty notes. Very, very long. Very fine. 5+ years.
94p   (tasted 2020/04)

2013 Côte-Rôtie La Mouline, Guigal
Dark and restrained on the nose, this beauty reveals scents of violet pastilles, raw meat, iron and flower water when you swirl the glass energetically. Really deep and intense.
The taste is young, tight and concentrated with notes of model clay, black pepper, violets and graphite. Long, long, long. Lovely. 10+ years.
96p   (tasted 2020/04)

2012 Côte-Rôtie La Turque, Guigal
A candidate for perfection - just give it 8+ years - the 2012 La Turque oozes up from the glass with stunning notes of asphalt, perfectly mature blueberries, peppered meat and ripe flowers. Very, very deep. Hauntlingly beautiful.
The taste follows the nose with a taut structure and lovely notes of allspice, asphalt, incense, blueberries and ink. The finish goes on for minutes. Great wine.
98p   (tasted 2020/04)

2013 Côte-Rôtie La Turque, Guigal
Last but not least, the 13 La Turque offers up a dark, tight nose with notes of violets, scorched earth, damsons and that distinctive smell of a fresh hockey puck. Very, very deep and promising.
The taste is taut and steady with notes of damsons, violets, asphalt, beef stock and dried flowers. Intense, sandy tannins. This will need time in the cellar, 10+ years. Very fine.
96p   (tasted 2020/04)

2016 Blaufränkisch, Weingut Heinrich

2016 Blaufränkisch, Weingut Heinrich
A earthy, spicy nose with notes of blueberries, lavender, bay leaves, ink and gravel. Very good. A touch of iron and clay.
The taste is tight and structured with notes of damsons, iron, violets and scorched earth. Dry. Fastidious and fine.
87p   (tasted 2020/05)

1996 Barolo, Costa di Bussia - Tenuta Arnulfo

1996 Barolo, Costa di Bussia - Tenuta Arnulfo
From Bussia this 1996 shows a fine. mature nose with notes of dried cherries, mushrooms, shoe polish, aspahlt and a autumn fir forest. Very, very good.
The taste is round and warm but still with a tannin bite and notes of tobacco, dry licorice, mushrooms and violets. A fine lenght with a dry finish. Fully mature, as most 96 are by now. Info here.
89p   (tasted 2020/05)

2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Selection, Raymond

2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Selection, Raymond
This is so yummy it is hard to keep my hand of my decreasing stash of bottles...
The nose jumps from the glass with notes of ripe black currants, coffee powder, fine tobacco and ink. Very deep. Just lovely.
The taste is refined and structured showing no age but fine notes of spicy black currants, warm tiles, tobacco and asphalt. Very, very long. Yet again, impressive. 6+ years.
95p   (tasted 2020/05)


Earlier tasting notes: From March 2018 & March 2017

New Vintages From Wine Affair - Part Two

This was the reds tasted the other day from Wine Affair, except for five bottles of La La´s from Guigal. Those notes will come in the last part.

2018 Limonte, Braida
This young, perky Grignolino jumps out of the glass with notes of chrushed cherry pips, gravel and fresh herbs.
The taste is fresh with a racy acidity and notes of red cherries, cranberries and herbs. Drink now with a bowl of pasta or with some Crudo and Reggiano.
86p   (tasted 2020/04)

2016 Chianti Classico Storia di Famiglio, Cecchi
A young, crisp nose with notes of red cherries, violets and rosemary.
The taste is dry, sandy and taut with a fine, juicy cherry fruit and some violet pastilles. Very good.
87p   (tasted 2020/04)

2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Villa Rosa, Cecchi
The one year older Gran Selezione is a more serious creature with notes of ripe black cherries and some black currants tossed in, Tuscan gravel and dried leather. Deep and complex.
The taste is tight and focused with notes of dried cherries, rosemary, warm tiles and furniture polish. Very long and fine. 5+ years.
92p   (tasted 2020/04)

2018 Family Vineyards Pinot Noir, Newton Johnson
A fine, smoky Pinot nose with notes of wild raspberries, forest floor and some light meaty aromas. A very fine sweetness.
The taste is earthy and fine with notes of ripe raspberries, salt licorice, leather and red beets. Long and lingering. Lovely.
92p   (tasted 2020/04)

2017 Sojourner Vineyard Pinot Noir, Walter Scott
This is a stunner. The same lovely Pinot fruit as the above but darker, more structured and with added depth. Really fine.
The taste is tight and concentrated with gorgeous Pinot fruit and notes of smoke, incense and dark tobacco. Very, very long. Great wine.
95p   (tasted 2020/04)

2017 Geyserville Zinfandel, Ridge
The Geyserville sports a high, direct nose with some VA and additional notes of sweet licorice, blackberries and birch sap. Very interesting.
The taste is big, complex and  a bit all over the place with dark fruit, a high acidity, hints of VA and a fine warmth. Would love to taste this again.
90p   (tasted 2020/04)

2017 Lytton Springs Zinfandel, Ridge
The Lytton Springs on the other hand is a role model for this kind of Zinfandel - dark, suave and perfumed with notes of ripe blueberries, damsons and asphalt. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and warm with ripe black fruit, a dense structure and long, long finish with notes of blueberry pie, smoke and scorched earth. Very fine.
92p   (tasted 2020/04)

2015 Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde, Guigal
The regular Côte-Rôtie shows of a light meaty nose with notes of red currants, blueberries and black pepper. Spicy and fine.
The taste is cool and structured with notes of violets, dried blueberries and warm sand. Medium long and balanced. Very, very good.
90p   (tasted 2020/04)

2014 Côte-Rôtie Château d´Ampuis, Guigal
From a cool vintage, this d´Ampuis has a high, flowery nose with notes of assorted spices, red currants, damsons and forest floor. Very fine.
The taste is cool and fresh with notes of white pepper, a dried up blueberry pie, violets and a hint of tobacco. On the lighter side but very, very good.
91p   (tasted 2020/04)

2015 Côte-Rôtie Château d´Ampuis, Guigal
A very deep, tight, concentrated nose with notes of ripe blueberries, hand pounded meat, dark flowers and black pepper. Very, very fine.
The taste is pure and handsome with a lovely focus and intense fruit. Layer upon layer. Bay leaves, ripe blueberries, spices and tobacco. Stunning. 8+ years.
95p   (tasted 2020/04)

2016 Barolo, Mauro Veglio
A finely tuned nose with notes of ripe red cherries, some strawberries, Finnish licorice and rosehips. Very, very good.
The taste is young and tight with notes of dried strawberries, rosehips, earth and leather. 6+ years.
90p   (tasted 2020/04)

2016 Barolo Paiagallo, Mauro Veglio
The Paiagallo has a refined, balanced nose with notes of fresh herbs, ripe red cherries, asphalt and some flowery aromas. Very fine.
The taste is elegant and concentrated with silky tannins and a assortment of red and black fruits. Herbs, rosehips and asphalt is noticable in the long finish. Lovely. 8+ years.
These two Veglio wines made me remember the Barolo Boys visit to the estate some two years ago.
93p   (tasted 2020/04)

2015 Dolcetto d´Alba, Bruno Giacosa

2015 Dolcetto d´Alba, Bruno Giacosa
Being member no 3 in the illustrative association of "Dolcetto Boys & Girls" (of which Elisa Scavino in member no 2) you gotta drink some great Dolcetto from time to time!
The nose is stony and fresh with notes of rowan berries, blueberries, violets, chrushed rocks and a fine salty scent. Very, very good.
The taste is dry and tasty with notes of green peppers, violets and dried blueberries. Sandy. A long finish with silky tannins. Very fine.
90p   (tasted 2020/05)

2011 Iphöfer Kronsberg Spätburgunder Erste Lage, Weingut Hans Wirsching

2011 Iphöfer Kronsberg Spätburgunder Erste Lage, Weingut Hans Wirsching
The nose is open, smoky and direct with notes of ripe strawberries, red beets, earth and smoke. Very fine. Rhubarb licorice after a while.
The taste is cool and fine with notes of ripe lingonberries, red currants and dried strawberries, smoke, licorice and earth. A very fine, dry finish. Very fine.
91p   (tasted 2020/05)

New Vintages From Wine Affairs - Part One

I had the opportonity to taste through some new releases from Wine Affair the other day.

Here are some brief notes of the white wines tasted. To be contiuned...

2019 Sparkling Rosé, Mulderbosch
A light, fresh, stony nose with  a fine wild strawberry and earthy character and a lively taste with a fine acidity and a plethora of red fruits. Very good.
87p   (tasted 2020/04)

2016 Chablis Dame Nature, La Chablisienne
A salty, spicy nose with some oyster shells, chrushed rocks and minerals. A light, pure taste with salt, wet stones and lemon peels. Racy.
88p   (tasted 2020/04)

2014 Chablis Grand Cru Bougros, La Chablisienne
A very stony, intense, lovely nose with minerals, grilled lemons, flint and a hint of licorice.
The taste is restrained yet aristocratic and racy with lovely yellow fruits, flint and smoke. 10+ years.
94p   (tasted 2020/04)

2018 Il Fiore, Braida
A low keyed, herbal nose with notes of white peppar and stony fruit with a spicy taste with dried apples and chrushed rocks.
87p   (tasted 2020/04)

2017 Chenin Blanc Block W, Mulderbosch
A handsome, balanced nose with a touch of wool, grilled lemons, white pepper and sage. Complex.
The taste is high pitched and lovely with grilled pine apple, asparagus and flint. A very fine acidity.
91p   (tasted 2020/04)

2017 Chenin Blanc Block S2, Mulderbosch
The Block S2 is more restrained, more spicy and with notes of wet wool. Very good but more subdued than the Block W.
The taste is high and fine with dark yellow fruit and with a fine acidity.
89p   (tasted 2020/04)

2018 Southend Chardonnay, Newton Johnson
A fine, lightly oaked nose with notes of butter biscuits, grilled lemons and assorted nuts. On the palate it is textured and fine with sweet lemons and smoky notes.
90p   (tasted 2020/04)

2018 Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Newton Johnson
A very deep, sandy nose with notes of blood oranges, smoke and lemon fudge. Very, very fine.
The taste is luscious and very fine with notes of tangerines, smoke, slate and ripe lemons. Looong.
92p   (tasted 2020/04)

2017 Justice Vineyard Chardonnay, Walter Scott
This Chardonnay shows of a big, ripe nose with notes of mango, quince and rubber glue. A bit all over the place.
The taste is big and structured with notes of ripe yellow fruits, rubber and dry lemon candy. The acidity isn´t really integrated in the fruit. Impressive yes, but...
85p   (tasted 2020/04

2015 Hermitage Blanc, Guigal
A large scaled, old fashioned nose with dried yellow fruit, a hint of VA, dried flowers and spices. Very deep.
The taste is long, deep and structured with warmth, generous dried fruits and a long, long finish. Drink now or in 30+ years.
89p   (tasted 2020/04)

1982 Barolo, Valerio Alfero

1982 Barolo, Valerio Alfero
Not a excisting producer according to Masnaghetti, this 1982 displays - with a two hour decanting - a warm, mature nose with notes of worn Chesterfiels chairs, dried strawberries, sun warm asphalt and old chocolate wafers. Ripe, mature and interesting.
On the palate, it is compressed and a tad hollow in the middle, but still has fine notes of cranberries, rosehips, dried black currants and gravel. Long enough, with a fine warmth and a sandy texture. The nose is the better part of this wine.
85p   (tasted 2020/04)