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Posts Tagged ‘Tuscany’

2006 Querciabella Chianti Classico

Monday, April 13th, 2009

91/A-

Tasted by Mike Supple - 13 Feb 2009

Dark ruby core with a tiny garnet rim. Sweet black and red cherry fruits lurk under bright, expressive wild flowers, a touch of sage and ripe plum. Chalky and bold tannins support the body of the wine. A core of dark chocolate, earth and minerals are surrounded by sweet black cherry and plums. Chewy and full-bodied with a long, lingering mocha finish.

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2005 Terrabianca Campaccio IGT

Monday, April 13th, 2009

90/B

Tasted by Mike Supple - 13 Feb 2009

Medium ruby core with a wide garnet rim. Still very young, but the aromas are showing the wine is beginning to integrate and evolve. Spicy cedar surrounds sweet leather and dried herbs. Blackberry and black cherry fruit lurk beneath the spices and are accented by an edge of charcoal. Powerful, chalky tannins on the palate. Raspberry, red cherry and plum flavors mix with chocolate and a touch of smoky game. Wet stones and earth linger on the finish.

A blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

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2006 Fattoria di Felsina Chianti Classico

Monday, April 13th, 2009

91/A

Tasted by Mike Supple - 13 Feb 2009

Dark ruby core with a wide ruby rim, accented with flecks of garnet. Fresh and young on the nose with sweet herbs and leather around plum and dark cherry. A sweet ripe raspberry note yields to red cherry and a faint, lingering hint of earth. Bold ripe tannins are balanced well by lots of acid and tons of dark fruit. Plum and black cherry are backed by earth and cocoa powder with a touch of wet stone on the finish. Very well balanced and great mouthfeel. Another winner from Felsina.

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2006 Argiano Non Confunditur Rosso Toscano

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

92 / A+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 29 Jul 2008

Bright, vibrant ruby in the glass. Explosive aromas of roses and violets surround red and black cherry fruits with a really great streak of flint and sweet leather. Bold in the mouth with great body and voluptuous tannins. Black cherry and plum flavors with a nice dusty, earthy accent. Lots of dark, roasted cocoa beans with bold highlights of dried anise and cinnamon spice. Long, lingering finish.

Argiano grows grapes in a very expensive and high quality region of Italy. They produce some outstanding high-priced beauties, and some of those grapes found their way into this fantastic bottle for a fraction of the price. $23 may not be cheap, but for wine of this quality out of Italy - it is a downright steal. This is perfect for any time you need to impress an Italian wine buff, and if you’re looking to dabble with $100 Italian wines, this one will get you there and save you 75 bones. 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 20% Syrah.

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2004 Argiano Solengo

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

90 / B+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 25 May 2008

Dark ruby core surrounded by a bright rim. Very bold caramel coated raspberry fruit aromas are backed by darker cassis, sweet dried tobacco and a spicy punch of cedar. Dark and thick on the palate. Ripe cassis and blackberry fruits are underscored by a dark wet earth tone and a streak of minerality leading to the long toffee, toast and charcoal finish. Rich and complex with a solid backbone of approachable tannins.

45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 25% Syrah.

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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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2004 La Gerla Birba IGT

Monday, January 26th, 2009

89 / B

Tasted by Mike Supple - 10 Mar 2008

Medium ruby core. Lighter on the rim with a hint of garnet. Graphite and fresh pencil shavings, blackberry and plum. Touch of burnt chocolate. Light entry. Medium acid. Red cherry fruit with cinnamon spice and nutmeg on the palate. Touch of heat on the back end. Medium length. Touch of earth and caramel.

A good quality wine, but 2004 was so exceptional in Tuscany I expect a little more for $30.

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2005 Placido Rosso di Montalcino

Sunday, January 25th, 2009

89 / B+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 18 Mar 2008

Deep ruby core with a vibrant rim. Dark cherry, cassis, black truffle and roasted leather aromas. Smooth entry on the palate. Nice acid on the mid-palate. Caramel and black cherry linger on the finish.

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