Alter Ego de Palmer 2009

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose ripe black fruits, chocolate and mocha. In the mouth well integrated tannins and balanced. The aftertaste is elegant and last for very long. Very good wine, although I find this bottle less exciting than the one I tasted one year ago.

Alter Ego de Palmer is a second label (not a second wine) produced by Château Palmer since 1998. Continue reading “Alter Ego de Palmer 2009”

Imperial Reserva 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose attractive and complex, combining the fruit driven notes from the blend of varieties with those from the ageing in French and American oak barrels. Black cherries, plums, vanilla, cocoa powder, and some rosemary, among others. In the mouth well rounded, with depth and structure. Opulent and elegant, warm and fresh at the same time. A pleasantly sweet finish and a long and savoury aftertaste. Continue reading “Imperial Reserva 2016”

Gagliasso Rocche dell’Annunziata 2015

The colour is pale garnet. On the nose very ripe fruits, plum and cappuccino. It reminds of a Tawny Port. In the mouth well integrated but still gripping tannins. The aftertaste is disappointingly short.

Rocche dell’Annunziata is one of the most historic and renowned Nebbiolo vineyards in La Morra. Its importance is also shown by the fact that many great producers have vines in this cru. Continue reading “Gagliasso Rocche dell’Annunziata 2015”

Carema 2017

The colour is pale garnet. On the nose rose, raspberry and cinnamon. In the mouth, soft, discreet, light. The aftertaste reminds of strawberries, but doesn’t last long. Overall, pleasant but not very fulfilling.

The village of Carema lies in a valley northwest of Piedmont and marks the divide between Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. The backdrop to the village is a spectacular expanse of vineyards clinging onto rocky slopes. Continue reading “Carema 2017”

Grosjean Fumin 2018

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose peanuts, black pepper, curry, and blackberries. A unique aroma that I find interesting. In the mouth well balanced, with an aftertaste that last for a while, although not very savoury.

This wine is made with 100% Fumin grapes by Grosjean winery in Valle d’Aosta. Continue reading “Grosjean Fumin 2018”

Trousseau 2018

The colour is pale ruby. On the nose, orange marmalade, lemon peel, cured meats, and ripe cheese. In the mouth, firm tannins and good acidity. The aftertaste is tasty, and last for a while.

This exemplar of varietal Trusseau is produced by Fruitière Vinicole de Pupillin, under the Arbois AOC. Pupillin is in the Jura department of France, on the hills between Burgundy and Switzerland. Continue reading “Trousseau 2018”

Merlot del Ticino 2010

2010 has been a very good year for Ticino wines. Back then I was just starting to get an appreciation of wine and was curious to see how the best products of my region would age. I therefore bought a few bottles of wines produced by three friends: Sassi Grossi made by Alfred De Martin (12 bottles), Rompidée made by Andrea and Giada Arnaboldi (12 bottles), and San Giorgio made by Mattia Bianda (6 bottles). Continue reading “Merlot del Ticino 2010”

Rayon 2019

The colour is medium straw. On the nose apricot, pear, melon, honey, and a hint of mountain herbs. In the mouth, refreshing, but not very tasty. The almond aftertaste is very discreet, but last for quite a while.

This wine is made with 100% Prié Blanc grapes by Cave Mont Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle under the denomination Vallée d’Aoste DOC Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle. Continue reading “Rayon 2019”

Savagnin 2017

The colour is deep gold. On the nose pears, nuts and curry. In the mouth well-balanced and tasty. The savoury taste last for a long aftertaste.

This wine is reminiscent of a Fino Sherry. In fact, it is aged for four years under a layer of yeasts, called “voile” in French.

It is advised to open a Savagnin that has aged “sous voile” at least four hours before tasting. Continue reading “Savagnin 2017”

En Rougemont 2020

The colour is pale ruby. On the nose it reminds me of a hotel room in which the previous guest has been smoking. In the mouth the taste is as light as the colour. Probably fortunately so. Same for the aftertaste.

This wine is produced by Domaine Baud with 100% Poulsard grapes, under the Côte du Jura AOC, located in the Jura department of France, between Burgundy and Switzerland. Continue reading “En Rougemont 2020”