Syrah/Shiraz

Last week I hosted a wine tasting event at my home. Three other wine enthusiasts joined me to taste blindly four Syrah/Shiraz based wines.

Since everyone brought a bottle of his choice, we ended up without any Syrah from the Rhône Valley. Continue reading “Syrah/Shiraz”

AALTO PS 2013

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose woody sensations and chocolate dominate the experience. With some air tomato and hot pepper also come on stage. In the mouth the wine is far from delivering the opulent experience you would expect. In the long aftertaste the woody sensations first perceived on the nose come back, as well as the chocolate. For my taste, this wine got too much exposure to oak. Continue reading “AALTO PS 2013”

Culdrée 2012

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose blackberry jam, prunes and some balsamic notes. In the mouth smooth, with well-integrated tannins and a pleasant freshness. At first the aftertaste lacks the fruitiness perceived on the nose, but after some exposure to air the prunes show up.

Culdrée is made with Merlot grapes by Enrico Trapletti, who founded his winery in 1992. Continue reading “Culdrée 2012”

Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale 2015

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose very light aroma of red fruits: cherries with some strawberries and raspberries. In the mouth similar to a canoe: close to water. No aftertaste worth mentioning.

This wine is a blend of 80% Sangiovese, with some Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Riserva Ducale is an iconic brand of Chianti. It has seen almost 90 vintages. Continue reading “Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale 2015”

Vigna del Gris 2008

The colour is deep garnet. Slightly cloudy. On the nose dark cherries and blackberries. The 14.5% alcohol is clearly perceived on the nose as well as in the mouth. The firm tannins characteristic of a Barolo wine dominates the sensations in the mouth and leave it clean and dry.

As any Barolo, Vigna del Gris is made with 100% Nebbiolo, the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont in north-western Italy. Continue reading “Vigna del Gris 2008”

Altos de la Finca 2014

The colour is deep purple. The nose has an herbal character, complemented by chocolate and dark cherries. In the mouth fresh, with round tannins and a long aftertaste of mocha, with hints of caramel.

Altos de la Finca is a blend of 60% Petit Verdot and 40% Syrah. It is aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels. This explains the chocolate notes on the nose and the overpowering mocha sensation in the aftertaste. Continue reading “Altos de la Finca 2014”

Cooperation Wines Descendientes de J. Palacio 2017

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose liquorice accompanied by earthy notes. In the mouth smooth, up to the bitterish and drying finish.

This wine is the result of a partnership between Ricardo Perez Palacios and his famous uncle Alvaro Palacios, both heirs of the wine dynasty Palacios (Remondo) of Rioja. Descendientes de J. Palacios is the name of the company that the two have formed in 1999. Continue reading “Cooperation Wines Descendientes de J. Palacio 2017”

Nesoi Malvasia Volcanica 2018

The colour is pale straw. On the nose pear, banana and melon, with mineral notes. In the mouth very refreshing. The finish is fruity and savoury, accompanied by a prickly sensation.

Malvasia is an ancient grapes’ family believed to be of Greek origin. Its name is a derivation of the coastal Greek town of Monemvasia, where the Venetians had a strategically important fortress and trading post during the time of their empire. Continue reading “Nesoi Malvasia Volcanica 2018”

Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde de Vidal-Fleury 2009

The colour is medium purple. At first the nose is dominated by animal musk. Fortunately, with some air it fades away and leaves space to more pleasant earthy notes and some prunes. In the mouth an explosion of savour characterises the final. An enjoyment that seems to finish abruptly, only to surprise a few seconds later by coming back for a long-lasting aftertaste rich in fruity sensations. Continue reading “Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde de Vidal-Fleury 2009”

WINE DEAL IN SWISS STORE! Séptima Gran Reserva 2015

Currently selling for 9.95 CHF at Coop. 50% off the regular price of 19.95 CHF.

So far, my posts have been inspired mainly by grape varieties and wine regions. From now on I will also write about wines which are on special offer and that I judge to be good deals. At 10 CHF Séptima Gran Reserva 2015 is one of them. Continue reading “WINE DEAL IN SWISS STORE! Séptima Gran Reserva 2015”