grapevine: hear.it.first

Posts Tagged ‘bold’

2004 Querciabella Camartina IGT

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

93 / A-

Tasted by Mike Supple - 11 Feb 2008

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Sangiovese. Deep purple core with just barely a hint of a bright ruby rim. Dark aromas of black cherry and blackberry are lifted by light floral aromas, cinnamon, cocoa powder and leather. Full bodied on the palate, with bold yet very ripe and round tannins. Black licorice, blackberry and plum are backed by leather, graphite, vanilla and milk chocolate. The finish is rich, long and bold with a nice cassis note. Deep and complex, this should continue to develop in the bottle for the next couple of years, and the high, balanced acid and full tannins matching the power of the fruit should allow this to easily age another 10+ years.

Wines made from a blend of grapes not typically grown in Italy are becoming more popular, and are known as Super Tuscans when produced in Tusany (and given the Italian government’s approval). This is simply a fantastic wine. Tastes great young, but will age for a while. Can be drunk on it’s own, but like most Italian wines should really be enjoyed with a meal. Try something with tomato sauce or some good fat to it like dry salami.

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2005 Querciabella Chianti Classico

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

86 / B

Tasted by Mike Supple - 11 Feb 2008

95% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium density purple and ruby core with a thinner pink rim. Bright red cherries are surrounded by cocoa, tobacco, dusty earth and light metallics on the nose. In the mouth the flavors are somewhat more subdued. Fairly bold tannins, though somewhat coarse and green. Sour cherries, cocoa and chalk lead into the medium length finish.

Too many Chiantis are associated with cheap, bulk wine. Querciabella is a very solid producer, although their 2005 is not as good as most vintages. On the plus side, it is not over priced.

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2005 Aromes de Pavie

Monday, January 26th, 2009

92 / A

Tasted by Mike Supple - 06 Mar 2008

Dark ruby in the core, intense and almost black in the middle; bright ruby red rim. A full, rich nose of orange zest, blueberry, wet clay, black licorice, black cherries, cassis and a nice hit of slate. The palate entry is powerful: the fruits are impressively soft for such a young wine, and the bold ripe tannins build through the mid-palate. Blueberry and red cherry flavors circle around dark earthy notes. Starting to be approachable now, and should build in complexity over the next 5 - 7 years.

While not a cheap wine, this comes from one of the best regions and best winemakers in Bordeaux. This is the first time Gerard Perse has released a second wine from Chateau Pavie. Essentially these are the younger vines (around 10 years) that did not make the cut for Chateau Pavie. Stunning quality at less than 1/5 of the price of the Grand Vin.

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2005 Passopisciaro

Monday, January 26th, 2009

94 / A

Tasted by Mike Supple - 18 Mar 2008

Bold ruby red core with a slightly lighter ruby rim. Fresh aromas of raspberries, milk chocolate, orange zest with a touch of white flowers, dusty slate and caramel. Amazing entry and mouthfeel. Silky doesn’t really even begin to describe it. Fantastic acidity is balanced very well by the fruit and ripe tannins. This wine has the smooth feel of a well made Pinot Noir. Raspberry and cherry fruits with a touch of fresh anise, black truffle and orange zest. Long, smooth finish.

100% Nerello Mascalese, a grape native to Sicily. Grown on the rocky volcanic soils of Mt. Etna. This is a stunning little wine, and more than worth every penny. Try it if you want something smooth and easy to drink that will go with just about any food.

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2005 Caymus Conundrum

Monday, January 26th, 2009

88 / A-

Tasted by Mike Supple - 01 Sep 2007

Clear and bright in the glass with a lemon yellow core. Very fragrant; bold honeysuckle florals with big lemon, lime and orange zest followed by a touch of sweet yellow pear. The acidity is bright yet balanced on the palate. The bold citrus continues, but is matched well by a smooth creamy pear note and a touch of vanilla on the finish.

The blend varies somewhat each year, but is generally Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon.

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2007 Chateau Le Gay Festival Rose

Sunday, January 25th, 2009

90 / A+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 04 Apr 2008

Nice deep pink color with a hint of salmon tint. Bright and fresh on the nose. Candied strawberries, raspberries and rose petals with an underlying hint of honey and cool minerality. Nice complexity on the palate. Big strawberry flavors followed by blackberry, raspberry and a touch of cherry. The terroir of Pomerol really comes through with a nice clay and chalk minerality leading to a lingering strawberry and honey finish.

This has amazing complexity for a rose, while maintaining good acid to keep it refreshing. Coming from an outstanding piece of Bordeaux (next door to Chateau Petrus - one of the most expensive and sought after wines in the world), this is a screaming deal. The perfect wine to drink all spring and summer by itself and with appetizers. Light enough to go with fish and vegetable dishes, yet bold enough to pair with meatier pork, chicken and duck. Made from 100% Merlot.

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