Domain de Thalabert 2017

The colour is deep purple. On the nose blueberries, black olives, meat and liquorice. In the mouth it is full-bodied and rich, with fruit and ripe tannins on the lingering finish.

Produced entirely from Syrah grapes, Thalabert’s Crozes-Hermitage is vinified from 40-60-year-old vines. It is made by Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné, which in 2006 was bought by the Frey Group, which also owns vineyards in Champagne and Bordeaux (Château la Lagune). Continue reading “Domain de Thalabert 2017”

Vin Jaune Château-Chalon 2012

The colour is medium gold, although the name would suggest a yellow. On the nose nuts, dried fruits and panettone. In the mouth good acidity and a prickly sensation. The aftertaste is savoury and very long.

Vin jaune is a special and characteristic type of white wine made in the Jura region of eastern France. It is similar to dry fino Sherry and gets its character from being matured in a barrel under a film of yeast, known as the voile, on the wine’s surface. Continue reading “Vin Jaune Château-Chalon 2012”

Terre Bianche 2020

The colour is medium yellow. On the nose white peaches, jasmine tea, chamomile, and some citrus. In the mouth refreshing, with a saline finish. The aftertaste doesn’t last long.

This wine is made by Sella & Mosca with 100% Torbato grapes under the Alghero DOC.

Sella & Mosca is one of the main wineries of Sardinia and owns one of Europe’s largest vineyards. Continue reading “Terre Bianche 2020”

Gjola 2020

The colour is medium copper. On the nose it is not very expressive. My nose is hard pressed to distinguish some nectarines and red apples. In the mouth refreshing, with a pleasant peach aftertaste that last for a while.

This rosé wine is made 100% with Caricagiola grapes. The Caricagiola grape is a black grape variety widespread in Sardinia and is probably also native to it, in particular from the Gallura area. Continue reading “Gjola 2020”

Heida Fleur du Rhône 2019

The colour is medium straw. On the nose nuts, pineapple, peach, quince, honey and jasmine tea. In the mouth refreshing, with a pleasant sapidity on the finish. The aftertaste is pretty long.

I bought this bottle to complete a set of four wines that I’ve decided to present at a wine tasting I’ll host for the CFA Society Switzerland in December. Since I resigned from Credit Suisse and started my own company more than two years ago, I often thought about guiding a wine tasting, but so far I never did it. Continue reading “Heida Fleur du Rhône 2019”

Northern Rhône Syrah

Mid October I organised a tasting of Northern Rhône Syrah wines. I visited the region with my wife in Mai 2015. Back then I bought wines from the best denominations: Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage and Cornas. I let the bottles age in my cellar for six years and now I’ve decided to taste a couple with some friends. Continue reading “Northern Rhône Syrah”

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”