Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Monday, December 19, 2016
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Monday, December 5, 2016
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Monday, November 28, 2016
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
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Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Monday, November 14, 2016
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Monday, October 31, 2016
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
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Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Monday, October 10, 2016
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Monday, October 3, 2016
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Monday, September 26, 2016
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Monday, September 19, 2016
Friday, September 16, 2016
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Monday, September 12, 2016
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Monday, August 22, 2016
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Monday, August 1, 2016
Monday, July 25, 2016
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Monday, July 18, 2016
Monday, July 11, 2016
Monday, July 4, 2016
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Monday, June 20, 2016
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Monday, June 13, 2016
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Monday, June 6, 2016
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Monday, May 23, 2016
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Monday, May 16, 2016
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Monday, May 9, 2016
Monday, May 2, 2016
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Monday, April 25, 2016
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Monday, April 18, 2016
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Wednesday, April 6, 2016
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Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Report from: Benvenuto Brunello in Toronto, March 8, 2016
Having just returned from Tuscany less than a month ago it was nice to see Tuscany’s big boy wine (Brunello) come to our shores to show off their wares. I stayed away from the younger wines, instead wanting to taste the aged versions. Oldest wine present was 2004 – but I tasted nothing past the year 2010 and there’s a Rosso on the way that’ll knock your socks off with in both taste and price (see special mention) … here’s the good stuff I tasted:
Four Stars …
Col D’Orcia 2010 Brunello di Montalcino (DOCG)
Lisini 2009 Brunello di Montalcino – Selezione Ugolaia (DOCG)
Podere Le Ripi 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (DOCG)
Sassodisole 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (DOCG)
Four-Plus Stars …
Palazzo 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (DOCG)
Best Producer …
Pouring three wines and all were spectacular:
La Fiorita
2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (DOCG) … **** ½
2009 Brunello di Montalcino (DOCG) … **** ½
2010 Brunello di Montalcino (DOCG) … ****
Special Mention …
The producer, Rendola, whose label is vaguely familiar of a high profile Australian producer (you decide) had the oldest wine in attendance and a really good Rosso that should be at the LCBO in May at under $15.
2004 Brunello di Montalcino (DOCG) … *** ½+
2009 Rosso di Montalcino (DOC) … *** ½+
Monday, March 7, 2016
Report from: Romagna Tasting – February 22, 2016
Albana was also on display, a white grape that needs help to be recognized – even if it is the only DOCG of the area … but it deserves the spotlight, even if it’s a little one, as these wines can be quite interesting and approachable.
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| The table of Sangioveses |
So, without further preamble …
The tasting was broken up into whites (Albana) both current and coming releases and Sangiovese Superiore Riserva – these wines are set to go on sale in the Spring of 2017 – some are still in barrel and some are in bottle ageing … I rate finished wines only – the rest fall into the “Potential” category, which, as the name suggests, are wines that show potential for the future once bottled.
(All scoring is out of 5 stars)
Romagna Albana (DOCG) …
Three Stars …
Tre Monti 2014 Romagna Albana DOCG “Vitalba”
Caviro 2014 Romagna Albana DOCG “Romio”
Madonia 2014 Romagna Albana DOCG “Neblina”
Three-and-a-Half Stars …
Fattoria Monticino Rosso 2014 Romagna Albana DOCG “Codronchio”
Three-and-a-Half PLUS Stars …
Fratta Minore 2014 Romagna Albana DOCG
Tenuta Masselina Romagna Albana DOCG
Trere’ 2014 Romagna Albana DOCG “Compradrona”
Potential (tank samples) …
I tasted eight 2015 tank samples (unfinished wine) of Albana these are the ones that I believe have the best potential for the future – I’m hoping for good things once bottled.
Branchini 2015 Romagna Albana DOCG “Dutia”
Giovannini Giorgio E Jacopo 2015 Romagna Albana DOCG
Trere’ 2015 Romagna Albana DOCG “Arlus”
Fiorentini 2015 Romagna Albana DOCG “Cleonice”
Romagna Sangiovese Riserva (DOC) 2013 …
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| Bucking the solo tasting ... tasting in a group (from right): Megumi Nishida (Japan); Jan-Sebastian Van Lissum (Holland); and Michael Pinkus (Canada) |
Three Stars …
Tre Monti 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Oriolo “Thea”
Three-and-a-Half Stars …
Trere’ 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Superiore “Amarcord D’un Ross”
Ca’ Di Sopra 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Marzeno “Cadisopra”
Villa Papiano 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Modigliana “I Probi di Papiano”
Poderi Dal Nespoli 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Superiore “Il Nespoli”
Tenuta La Viola 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC “P. Honorii”
Santini 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Superiore “Cornelianum”
Three-and-a-Half PLUS Stars …
Tre Monti 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Oriolo “Petrignone”
Special Mention … (non-DOC wine)
Tenuta Santa Lucia 2013 Rubicone IGT Sangiovese “Moro Bendato”
Potential (tank samples) …
I tasted nineteen 2013 barrel samples (unfinished wine) of Sangiovese Riserva, these are the ones that I believed have the best potential for the future – I’m hoping for good things once bottled.
Fiorentini 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Castrocaro “Vigna Dei Dottori”
Caviro 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Superiore “Terragens”
Conde’ 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Predappio “Conde’ Riserva”
Drei Dona’ 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Superiore “Riserva Palazza”
Drei Dona’ 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Superiore “Pruno”
Bissoni 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Bertinoro
Madonia 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Superiore Bertinoro “Ombroso”
Tenuta Casali 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Superiore “Quatosole”
Tenuta Santa Lucia 2013 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Superiore “Sassignolo”
Romagna Sangiovese Riserva (DOC) 2012 …
Three Stars …
Madonia 2012 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Bertinoro “Ombroso”
Cantina Braschi di Enoica 2012 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Bertinoro “Il Costone”
Three-and-a-Half Stars …
Gallegati 2012 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Brisighella “Corallo Nero”
La Berta 2012 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva “Olmatello”
Fattoria Zerbina 2012 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Superiore “Torre di Ceparano”
Poderi Morini 2012 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Oriolo “Nonno Rico”
Berti Stefano 2012 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Predappio “Calisto”
Drei Dona’ 2012 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva “Podere Palazza”
Tenuta La Viola 2012 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Bertinoro “P. Honorii”
Le Rocche Malatestiana 2012 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC “Il Mastino”
Three-and-a-Half PLUS Stars …
Poderi Dal Nespoli 2012 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Superiore “Il Nespoli”
Potential (tank samples) …
I tasted three 2012 barrel samples (unfinished wine) of Sangiovese Riserva, this was the one with the best potential for the future:
Conde’ 2012 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC Predappio “Conde’ Riserva”
Looking Back: 2008 Sangiovese di Romagna …
Three-and-a-Half Stars …
Balia di Zola 2008 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC “Redinoce”
Poderi Dal Nespoli 2008 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC “Prugneto”
Three-and-a-Half PLUS Stars …
Drei Dona’ 2008 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC “Pruno”
Four Stars …
Costa Archi 2008 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC “Monte Brullo”
San Patrignano 2008 Romagna Sangiovese Riserva DOC “Avi”
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Looking at the Dinner the Night Before … (held at San Domenico 45, est 1970)
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| Morbidella di Robiola e Squacquerone |
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| Filetto di Salmone Selvaggio |
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| Uovo in Raviolo "San Domenico" |
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| Favourite wine at my table: La Berta 2009 Sangiovese Riserva |
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| Writers gather round the wine table - a surrealistic where's Waldo moment |
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Report from: Chianti Classico Tasting – February 15-16, 2016
371 wines … 172+ producers … 7 vintages represented (2006 -2014) … 2 days … 1 enormous room for tasting – This is the Chianti Classico tasting 2016 and this is the pinnacle of the week – yes they start with it, but it’s the biggest tasting, the crown jewel, the reason we all gather.
“The 2016 edition of the Chianti Classico Collection marks the beginning of the 300th anniversary celebrations, commemorating 24th September 1716 when Grand Duke Cosimo III dei Medici issued the ordinance ‘On the Declaration of the boundaries of the four regions of Chianti, Pomino, Carmignano and Valdarno Superiore’ … a DOC appellation ahead of its time.” – Sergio Zingarelli, President Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico
I tasted close to 200 wines to get a sense of the vintage, the ageing potential and my overall satisfaction with the wines that are coming and the wines that have been – I stayed away from barrel samples (mostly) trying finished wines that dated all the way back to 2006.
Below is a list of the wines that truly represented, to me, the best of the Chianti Classico wines I tasted (in alphabetical order by producer / by star rating), also broken down by classification: Classico, Classico Riserva and Gran Seleczione.
(All scoring is out of 5 stars)
Chianti Classico (DOCG) …
Three-and-a-Half Stars …
Castello d’Albola 2013 Chianti Classico “Castello d’Albola”
Riecine 2013 Chianti Classico “Riecine”
Tenuta La Novella 2014 Chianti Classico “Casa di Colombo”
Torcibrencoli 2013 Chianti Classico “Maria Gioconda”
Val delle Corti 2013 Chianti Classico “Val delle Corti”
Three-and-a-Half PLUS Stars …
Barone Ricasoli 2013 Chianti Classico “Brolio Bettino”
Borgo Scopeto 2013 Chianti Classico “Borgo Scopeto”
Brancaia 2014 Chianti Classico “Brancaia”
Castelli del Grevepesa 2012 Chianti Classico “Clemente VII”
Cigliano 2013 Chianti Classico “Cigliano”
Collazzi 2013 Chianti Classico “I Bastioni”
Fontodi 2013 Chianti Classico “Fontodi”
Losi Querciavalle 2011 Chianti Classico “Querciavalle”
Luiano 2014 Chianti Classico “Luiano”
Ormanni 2012 Chianti Classico “Ormanni”
Podere Capaccia 2013 Chianti Classico “Podere Capaccia”
Querciabella 2013 Chianti Classico “Querciabella”
Tenuta Cappellina 2013 Chianti Classico “Tenuta Cappellina”
Four Stars …
Badia a Coltibuono 2014 Chianti Classico Riserva “Badia a Coltibuono”
Bibbiano 2013 Chianti Classico “Bibbiano”
Carpineto 2014 Chianti Classico “Carpineto”
Castell’in Villa 2011 Chianti Classico “Castell’in Villa”
Castello di Cacchiano 2011 Chianti Classico “Castello di Cacchiano”
Castelvecchi 2013 Chianti Classico “Capotondo”
Fattoria di Corsignano 2013 Chianti Classico “Fattoria di Corsignano”
Fattoria San Michele a Torri 2013 Chianti Classico “Tenuta La Gabbiola”
Felsina 2014 Chianti Classico “Berardenga”
Lamole di Lamole 2013 Chianti Classico “Lamole di Lamole”
Monteraponi 2014 Chianti Classico “Baron‘Ugo”
Panzanello 2014 Chianti Classico “Panzanello”
Podere Il Palazzino 2012 Chianti Classico “Argenina”
Principe Corsini – Villa Le Corti 2013 Chianti Classico “Le Corti”
Setriolo 2012 Chianti Classico “Setriolo”
Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG) …
Three-and-a-Half Stars …
Bindi Sergardi 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva “Calidonia”
Brancaia 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva “Brancaia”
Caparsa 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva “Doccio a Matteo”
Castello di Ama 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva “Castello di Ama”
Fietri 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva “Fietri”
Le Fonti 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva “Le Fonti”
Le Masse 2013 Chianti Classico “Le Masse”
Le Masse 2012 Chianti Classico “Le Masse”
Villa Mangiacane 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva “Mangiacane”
Three-and-a-Half PLUS Stars …
Borgo Scopeto 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva “Vigna Misciano”
Castellare di Castellina 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva “Castellare”
Castelli del Grevepesa 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva “Clemente VII”
Castello di Cacchiano 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva “Castello di Cacchiano”
Castello di Radda 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva “Castello di Radda”
Dievole 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva “Novecento”
Il Molino di Grace 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva “Il Molino di Grace”
Lamole di Lamole 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva “Lamole di Lamole”
Panzanello 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva “Panzanello”
Poggio Borgoni 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva “Borromeo”
Querciabella 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva “Querciabella”
San Leonino 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva “Monsenese”
Val delle Corti 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva “Val delle Corti”
Villa di Greggiano 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva “Villa di Greggiano”
Four Stars …
Antinori 2013 Chianti Classsico Riserva “Villa Antinori”
Banfi 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva “Banfi”
Bibbiano 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva “Montornello”
Castell’in Villa 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva “Castell’in Villa”
Fattoria di Corsignano 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva “L’Imperatore”
Fattoria La Ripa 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva “Fattoria La Ripa”
Felsina 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva “Rancia”
Ormanni 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva “Borro del Diavolo”
Podere La Cappella 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva “Querciolo”
Santo Stefano 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva “Drugo”
Four PLUS Stars …
Badia a Coltibuono 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva “Badia a Coltibuono”
Castello di Volpaia 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva “Coltassala”
Tenuta di Arceno 2010 Chianti Classico Riserva “Strada al Sasso”
Gran Selezione DOCG …
On the first day many writers start with these wines and ignore the “simpler” wines saving them for the following day – thus when I get around to tasting them many are finished / unavailable … in my opinion Gran Selezione should be the reward, the dessert, not the appetizer and main course.
Three-and-a-Half PLUS Stars …
Bibbiano 2011 Chianti Classico “Gran Selezione” – Vigne del Capannino
Villa Calcinaia 2013 Chianti Classico “Gran Selezione” – Vigna Contessa Luisa
Four Stars …
Antinori 2011 Chianti Classico “Gran Selezione” Badia a Passignano
Castello di Querceto 2012 Chianti Classico “Gran Selezione” – Il Picchio
Four PLUS Stars …
Renzo Marinai 2011 Chianti Classico “Gran Selezione” – Renzo Marinai
Potential (barrel samples) …
I didn’t taste many barrel samples (unfinished wine) but the ones I did taste, and had potential for the future will be listed here – these are wines I’m hoping for good things from once it goes into bottle.
Banfi 2014 Chianti Classico DOCG “Fonte alla Selva”
Castello di Radda 2014 Chianti Classico DOCG “Castello di Radda”
Cigliano 2014 Chianti Classico DOCG “Cigliano”
Gagliole 2014 Chianti Classico DOCG “Rubiolo”
Isole e Olena 2014 Chianti Classico DOCG “Isole e Olena”
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Taste of Tuscany ...
Goodies for after the tasting showcasing the bounty of Tuscany -
none of these foods need any introduction.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Report from: Chianti Lovers Tasting – February 14, 2016
What a way to spend Valentine’s Day, tasting Chianti by the truck load … if my counting is right, or the numbering on the paper in front of me is right (meaning they didn’t skip any), then I have 183 Chianti wines to try – but I doubt that can be done in the few hours I have – so let’s take a look at a sampling.
This is the tasting of the Chianti’s that are part of the non-Classico areas: Chianti; Colli Arentini; Colli Fiorentini; Colli Senesi; Colline Pisane; Montalbano; Montespertoli and Rufina … all Chianti, all DOCG – just not Classico.
As mentioned, with about 183 wines to try and super slow service (at one point I got up to get my own bottles and was chastised for doing so … twice) … I only ended up trying 42 of the wines (over a 3 hour period) – definitely not my usual pace; but it was enough of a sampling to get a feel for each region and the wines / styles they are producing … plus I was even able to cobble together a top three.
All Chiantis were tasted blind, are DOCG from region indicated and in alphabetical order
(All scoring is out of 5 stars)
Three-and-a-Half Stars …
Azienda Agricola Il Ciliegio 2015 Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG
Colognole 2015 Chianti DOCG
Fattoria Casabianca 2015 Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG
Fattoria di Fiano 2013 Chianti DOCG - Riserva
Frascole 2013 Chianti Rufina DOCG - Riserva
Poggiotondo 2014 Chianti Superiore DOCG
Tenuta Cantagallo e La Farnete 2013 Chianti Montalbano DOCG - Riserva
Tenuta Il Palazzo 2015 Chianti DOCG
Tenuta Tresanti 2015 Chianti Montespertoli DOCG
Three-and-a-Half PLUS Stars …
Azienda Agricola Castel di Pugna 2015 Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG
Azienda Agricola La Cignozza 2015 Chianti DOCG
Campochiarenti 2015 Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG
Fattoria Lavacchio 2015 Chianti DOCG
Fattoria Lavacchio 2014 Chianti Rufina DOCG
Fattoria Lavacchio 2013 Chianti DOCG - Riserva
La Querce 2014 Chianti Colli Fiorentini DOCG
Mannucci Droandi 2015 Chianti Colli Aretini DOCG
Tenuta di Morzano 2013 Chianti Montespertoli DOCG - Riserva
Tenuta Il Palazzo 2013 Chianti DOCG - Riserva
Four Stars …
Azienda Agricola Montechiaro 2015 Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG
Castello di Gabbiano 2015 Chianti DOCG
Colognole 2014 Chianti Rufina DOCG
Fattoria Lavacchio 2013 Chianti Rufina DOCG - Riserva
Fattoria San Fabiano 2014 Chianti Superiore DOCG
Guidi 1929 2015 Chianti DOCG
Four PLUS Stars …
Guidi 1929 2013 Chianti DOCG – Riserva
Marchesi De’ Frescobaldi 2013 Chianti Rufina DOCG - Riserva
Top Three Wines of My Tasting …
Actually pretty obvious from the above notes but the third might not be:
Guidi 1929 2013 Chianti DOCG – Riserva
Marchesi De’ Frescobaldi 2013 Chianti Rufina DOCG - Riserva
Guidi 1929 2015 Chianti DOCG
Special mention of my top producers …
I really enjoyed the wines from Guidi 1929 they had consistent quality (and proved it again a few days later in San Gimignano); the other producer did not become as obvious until I started typing up these notes: Fattoria Lavacchio, making the list 4 times.
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| We were looking for a different place, but got "lost" and stumbled upon this one |
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| A look in the window and you would think you were anywhere; Tourist trap? - Maybe ... but the food was good |
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| Meats and cheeses - fresh warm bread - local olives How in the world can this be bad? Answer: It wasn't |
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| - This one's for my Podcasting partner in crime - Yes Andre they still have this for the tourists ... We finished 3 or 4 of these ... we lost count. |
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Report from: Benvenuto Brunello 2016 – February 19, 2016
Today 127 producers showed off their wares from the 2011 vintage, plus the 2010 Riserva and a number of other wines – without getting too in-depth 127 producers with a minimum of two wines to taste equals 254 – and that’s not taking into account single vineyard offerings, Rossos and any other specialty wine they wanted to showcase; and with only a day to taste one must make hard choices of what to specialize in … I chose the 2011 Brunello di Montalcino.
Below are some of my selections (based on the wines I tried – looking at the above numbers and the time restraints, I hope you would agree with me when I say, one just can’t do ‘em all):
All Brunellos are from the 2011 vintage and in alphabetical order within the rating
(All scoring is out of 5 stars)
Three-and-a-Half Stars …
Lisini 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
San Polo 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Sesti 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Tenuta Crocedimezzo 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Val di Suga 2011 Brunello di Montalcino “Val di Suga”
Three-and-a-Half PLUS Stars …
Antinori 2011 Brunello di Montalcino “Pian delle Vigne”
Carpineto 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Col D’Orcia 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Donatella Cinelli Colombini 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Il Poggione 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
La Gerla 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Mocali 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Palazzo 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Poggio Il Castellare 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Tenuta San Giorgio 2011 Brunello di Montalcino “Ugolforte”
Tiezzi 2011 Brunello di Montalcino “Poggio Cerrino”
Vasco Sassetti 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Villa Poggio Salvi 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Four Stars …
Banfi 2011 Brunello di Montalcino “Castello Banfi”
Barbi 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Brunelli 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Caparzo 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Fattoi 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Le Chiuse 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Poggio Antico 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Talenti 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Villa I Cipressi 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Four PLUS Stars …
Argiano 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Campogiovanni 2011 Brunello di Montalcino
Monday, February 29, 2016
Friday, February 26, 2016
Report from: Anteprima Vernaccia di San Gimignano – February 17, 2016
Gorgeous little town this San Gimignano, the streets, the walkways, the views from the hillsides, back alleys and cute little shops … sadly at the time of my writing this I can’t show you any of it – I lost my camera and as one Italian resident pointed out during my search, “If this were say Scotland, you’d get it back, but this is Italy” – turns out he had lost his camera in Scotland and days later it was returned to him in Italy … God bless the Scots.
What I didn't lose were my notes from the Anteprima of San Gimignano – their 50 Anniversary of being a recognized DOC (the first in all of Italy - 1966) and then upgraded to DOCG in 1993.
Today 38 producers stepped up to their tables pouring the preview of the most recent vintage (2015) – most were about a month away from being bottled – though some will wait longer. Below is a list of the wines I thought showed a lot of promise for the coming year (I do not rate them because a lot can happen between tank and bottle) but I do think these wines will be something special … plus I rate a few older vintages that are quite delicious. Will we see them in Ontario? Probably not, but they are worth keeping an eye out for, if you are ever kicking around the world (or better yet in Italy visiting San Gimignano).
Promising Bottlings … Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2015
Cantine Guidi 2015 Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Fattoria Abbazia di Mone Oliveto 2015 Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Fattoria di Pancole 2015 Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara 2015 Vernaccia di San Gimignano “Selvabianca”
Lucil Libanio 2015 Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Mormoraia 2015 Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Palagetto 2015 Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Tenuta La Vigna 2015 Vernaccia di San Gimignano – my favourite of the Anteprima Vernaccia
Tenuta Le Calcinaie 2015 Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Honourable Mention Anteprima Wines …
Cesani 2015 Vernaccia di San Gimignano - he says it is bottled, but needs 2 months to come out of bottle shock … I thought it was pretty good and could only get better
Poderi del Paradiso 2015 Vernaccia di San Gimignano - again it is going through some bottle shock but should be worth it once it comes out
Previous Vintages and Current Offerings …
Cantine Guidi 2014 Vernaccia di San Gimignano …
Lively with good acidity, a mouthful of ripe and juicy Bosc pears. (*** ½+)
Fattoria San Donato 2013 Vernaccia di San Gimignano …
Grapefruit rind, canteloup with a slight buckwheat honey note. (*** ½+)
Panizzi 2014 Vernaccia di San Gimignano “Vigna Santa Margherita” …
Half of this wine spent 6 months on lees while the other half spent 6 months in neutral oak, then they were blended; the results are quite fruity with melon and pear notes, good acid backing and a hint of vanilla. (****)
San Benedetto 2013 Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva …
I was surprised to learn this was the winery’s first reserve wine ever made, it showed a real freshness, even after 18 months in “used wood”: floral, peach cobbler, a little vanilla and couple-hour-old apple core. Nice depth. (****)
Tenuta La Vigna 2014 Vernaccia di San Gimignano …
An award winning wine and their 2015 was my favourite of the Anteprima wines – this 2014 still smells and tastes like fresh white fruits with a little bit of a honey note that is very inviting. (*** ½+)
Tenuta La Calcinaie 2013 Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva “Vigna ai Sassi” …
10% Chardonnay goes into this Riserva, all stainless steel fermented and aged with 3 years of lees contact: apple skin, vanilla and an almost spicy note – it feels like oak but has the freshness of steel, this one’s quite yummy. (*** ½+)
Tollena 2011 Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva “Signorina Vittoria” …
Nice weight in the mouth with notes of pineapple core, honey and melon rind. (****)
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Monday, February 22, 2016
Report from: Profile Portfolio Tasting – September 29, 2015
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Bersano 2010 Barolo Nirvasco, Italy ($29.95)
Good fruit, herbal, sour cherry and a little bit smoky; well-structured. (****)
Bersano 2007 Barolo Riserva, Italy ($76.95)
Rich, ripe and fruit driven with great spice and a dark fruit linger with pepper on the backend. (****+)
Fantinel 2014 Spumanti Prosecco Brut “One & Only”, Italy ($23.95)
Only 48,000 bottles are produced from this single vineyard offering: great minerality and freshness with citrus, mac apple and good acid balance – not your same old same old Prosecco here. (****)
Fantinel 2011 La Roncaia Refosco, Italy ($41.95)
2 years in barrel, 100% new but with very low toast has created a wine with coffee/mocha, black cherry, pencil shavings, boysenberry … a great marriage of fruit / spice and acidity. (**** ½)
Cesari 2011 Bosan Ripasso, Italy ($34.95)
Great aromatics of Ripasso lead to a palate of cocoa, mocha, spice and black cherry. (****)
Poggio al Tesoro 2010 Dedicato A Walter, Italy ($104.95)
7th release if this 10 barrel selection, special offering which is dedicated to the owner’s brother: herbal and olive aromas (trees are planted every 9 rows in the vineyard) great spice, tobacco and mineral – lovely. (****)
Castello di Querceto 2009 Romantic, Italy ($199.95)
A three grape blend of Petit Verdot (50%), Merlot (30%) and Syrah (20%) aged for 24 months (Merlot and Syrah) and 36 months (Petit Verdot) – meaty, gamey, cassis, white pepper with nice tannin grit and some anise seed on the mid-palate. Only 3000 Bottles produced. (****)
Farnese 2012 Edizone 14, Italy ($40.95)
Deep, rich dark fruit, smoky-mocha, plum and vanilla with hints of coffee on the lengthy finish. (****+)
Velenosi 2010 Roggio del Filare, Italy ($38.95)
Name of the wine means “Fire” and is made up of 70% Montepulciano and 30% Sangiovese from 45 year old vines and aged 18 months separately in 1 year old barrels: deliciously red fruited with vanilla, cherry, plum and a touch of smoke, all with a licorice finish. (**** ½)
Velenosi 2011 Ludi, Italy ($52.95)
Made with Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot from 38 year old vines, aged 24 months in oak: mocha, chocolate, spice, blackberry and cassis … quite delicious. (****+)
La Gerla 2014 Poggio Degli Angeli, Italy ($23.95)
Sour cherry, raspberry, light and easy fruit with a touch of something herbal. (*** ½+)
Juan Gil 2014 Bodegas Ateca Honoro Vera, Spain ($15.95)
A light and easy Grenache aged only 2 months in oak from 50+ year old vines: fresh, lively and truly delightful – red fruit, deep rich and gorgeous, what the real draw here is the boat-load of cherry fruit on the mid-palate to the finish. (****)
Juan Gil 2014 Bodgeas Atalaya Laya Red, Spain ($14.95)
70% Garnacha and Tinto Rera with another 30% Monastrell aged 4 months in oak: mocha, cherry, strawberry, vanilla and a hint of white pepper. (****)
Juan Gil Bodegas Tridente Entresuelos, Spain ($17.95)
100% Tempranillo with herbal, tobacco and a little raspberry and smoke on the finish. (*** ½+)
Juan Gil 2013 Bodegas Ateca Atteca Old Vines Grenache, Spain ($24.95)
80+ year old Grenache aged 10 months, this is a true delight: rich dark fruit, plum, vanilla, and white smoke; the deep rich fruit caresses the tongue with flavour. (**** ½)
Renwood 2012 Zinfandel, Fiddletown, California ($24.95)
Plum, cherry, mocha-chocolate, cola all with a little sweetness but quite nicely balanced by the acidity. (****)
World’s End 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, Crossfire, California ($166.95)
Rich cherry, plum, blackberry, black cherry and vanilla – very sweet fruited. (****)
Chappellet 2013 Mountain Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, California ($54.95)
It says Cabernet blend on the label, but Merlot dominates at 43% with Cabernet Sauvignon being only 34% and even with the addition of Cab Franc (5%) it’s still only 39% in total … and don’t forget the Petit Verdot and Malbec in here as well – all aged 17 months in oak; smoky, cassis, hint of vanilla, plum, blackberry all with an elegant spiced finish. (****)
Miner 2011 Chardonnay, Wild Yeast, California ($51.95)
I’m a sucker for wild yeast and here’s a Chardonnay with 12 months in oak (30% new) both barrel fermented and aged and has gone through 100% malolactic fermentation: peach pit, apricot, pear, vanilla, yellow plum with creamed pineapple and butterscotch on the finish. (****)
Miner 2012 Pinot Noir, Garys’ Vineyard, California ($59.95)
Light and delicate in colour with raspberry and strawberry, hints of tart cranberry and a white pepper on the finish – it’s clean and delicate with refreshing acidity. (****+)
Peter Franus 2013 Zinfandel, Brandlin Vineyard, California ($59.95)
Vineyard was planted in 1920: 90% Zinfandel with Mourvedre, Carignan and Charbono rounding out the rest of the grapes; it’s also dry farmed which (amongst other things) helps to concentrates the aromas and flavours in the finished wine. Layers of flavour including plum, black cherry, vanilla-cola, mocha and a mid-palate minerality that’s just “wow”-good, it closes off with a luxurious finish. (****+)
J. Lohr 2013 Petite Sirah, Tower Road, California ($37.95)
There’s also 3% Syrah in this wine, it’s bold and fruity: blueberry, black cherry, vanilla, all with a nice red fruit middle and a dry black fruit finish. (****)
J. Lohr 2013 Pinot Noir, Falcon’s Perch, California ($28.95)
Fruit for this wine comes from the cooler region of Monterey and 17% of the wine sees 3rd fill barrels to keep things fresh and fruit forward: lots of cherry yet really very delicate – it’s one of those by-itself Pinots you would happily just sit and sip on. (*** ½+)
Young Inglewood 2012 Right Bank Blend, California ($123.95)
Winery was bought in 2007 and the first vintage was 2009 … 61% Cabernet Franc, 36% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot spent 2 months in new French oak: smoky tobacco, blueberry skin, cassis and plenty of black pepper on the finish. (****)
Long Meadow Ranch 2013 Pinot Noir, Farmstead, California ($52.95)
The first thing that grabs you is the great acid and pepper note, then there’s the cran-cherry tartness and the mineral / floral backing – good fruit and great length. (****)
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Report from: Anteprima Del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – Feb. 18, 2016
79 wines in total tasted all broken down into 4 categories:
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
2013
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
2013 “selezione”
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
2012
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
– annate precedent (previous vintages ranging from 2012 to 2007)
The first three categories were also split between barrel
and bottled samples (though on second glance there was also one in the last category - strange) …
The following were my star-rated scores for the bottled
wines followed by list of the barrel samples that show potential for the future
(all wines were tasted blind – knowing just the vintage and category):
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
2013 - (43 wines in this category)…
Three-and-a-Half Stars (*** ½)
Antico Colle 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Bocarelli 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Casale Daviddi 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Dei 2013 Vino Nobile
di Montepulciano
Le Bertille 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Lunadoro “Pagliareto”
2013 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Tenuta Trerose “Santa
Caterina” 2013 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Tenuta Valdipiatta 2013
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Three-and-a-Half Plus Stars (*** ½+)
Avignonesi 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Nottola 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Romeo 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Tenuta di Gracciano
della Seta 2013 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Four Stars (****)
La Ciarliana 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Poliziano 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Potential for the
Future (barrel samples) …
Fassati 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Fattoria della Talosa
2013 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Casa Vinicola Triacca
2013 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano “Santavenere”
Godiolo 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Il Macchione 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Icario 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Lombardo 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
2013 “Selezione” - (5 wines in this category)
Bindella 2013 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano “I Quadri” (*** ½+)
Tenuta Valdipiatta 2013
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano “Vigna d’Alfiero” (showing potential)
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
2012 “Riserva” – (13 wines in this category)
Casale Daviddi 2012 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva (*** ½)
Le Berne 2012 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva (*** ½+)
Lunadoro 2012 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva “Quercione” (****)
Tenuta di Gracciano
della Seta 2012 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva (****)
Potential for the
Future (barrel samples) …
Carpineto 2012 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva
Fattoria della Talosa
2012 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva
Icario 2012 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva “Vitaroccia”
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
– Annate Precedenti – (17 wines in this category)
Fassati 2012 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano Selezione “Gersemi” – (****+)
Salcheto 2011 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano Selezione “Salco” – (****)
Palazzo Vecchio 2011 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano Selezione “Terrarossa” – (*** ½+)
Romeo 2011 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano “Riserva dei Mandorli” – (****+)
Boscarelli 2011 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva “Bianca” – (****)
Il Macchione 2010 Vino
Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva – (****)
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| Behind the scenes sommeliers gather the wines |
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