Koonunga Hill 2019

The colour is deep purple, almost black. On the nose very fruity, fruit berries, with a dominance of cassis. In the mouth smooth and fruity, with some chocolate. The aftertaste is pleasant, but rather short.

Koonunga Hill is an Australian blend of 65-75% Shiraz and 35-25% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes (depending on the year), produced by Penfolds since 1976. Continue reading “Koonunga Hill 2019”

Fattoria dei Barbi Vigna del Fiore 2012

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose plums, blueberries, black cherries, chocolate. In the mouth gripping tannins and bright acidity. The aftertaste is bitter and rather short.

The all-Sangiovese Brunello di Montalcino style we know today did not emerge until the 1870s, just after the creation of the unified Italian state. Continue reading “Fattoria dei Barbi Vigna del Fiore 2012”

Terra di Lavoro 2011

The colour is deep ruby, almost black. On the nose menthol, burnt wood, iron, mushrooms, fig, blackberries. In the mouth a solid structure, with well present tannins and a medium acidity. The aftertaste is fairly long and pleasant.

Terra di Lavoro is a blend of 80% Aglianico and 20% Piedirosso. It is made by Fattoria Galardi under the Roccamonfina IGT. Continue reading “Terra di Lavoro 2011”

Kizakura Bijito

The colour is (very) pale straw. On the nose aromas of green apples, white grapes, almond milk and rice pudding. In the mouth soft, with a taste of pears and bananas. The aftertaste has a slight bitterness and is long.

Sake is an alcoholic beverage of Japanese origin made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran. Continue reading “Kizakura Bijito”

Contado de Haza Crianza 2018

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose blackberries and black cherries (from the grapes), and vanilla and spices (from the oak). In the mouth grippy tannins that leave the mouth dry. The aftertaste is rather short.

Condado de Haza Crianza is a red wine from the Ribera del Duero region. It is made with Tempranillo grapes by a winery that belongs to Familia Fernández Rivera. Continue reading “Contado de Haza Crianza 2018”

Ruistal 2018

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose blackberries, black cherries, prunes, cinnamon, and some smoke. In the mouth pleasantly smooth, filling and well balanced. The aftertaste last for quite a while.

This wine made by Varone is a blend of four typical Valais grapes: Syrah, Pinot Noir, Humagne Rouge and Cornalin. Continue reading “Ruistal 2018”

Giusto di Notri 2013

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose quite opulent: black cherries, cassis, dark chocolate, leather, among other aromas. In the mouth fresh with a good structure. The aftertaste is a bit bitter and last less than you would expect.

Giusto di Notri 2013 is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. It is made by Tua Rita winery under the Toscana Rosso IGT denomination. Continue reading “Giusto di Notri 2013”

Attems Pinot Grigio 2021

The colour is pale gold. On the nose white melon, peach and apricot. In the mouth smooth, mineral and savoury. The aftertaste is pleasant and medium long.

This Pinot Grigio is made by Attems under the region-wide Friuli DOC, according to which the wine must be made with a minimum of 85% Pinot Bianco grapes. The rest can be any OANWG (allowable non-aromatic white grapes). Continue reading “Attems Pinot Grigio 2021”

La Grande Dame 2012

The colour is medium straw, with fine, long-lasting bubbles. On the nose very elegant, but overly subtle, with some caramel and almond notes. In the mouth also very elegant, but much tastier and with a very pleasant long lasting aftertaste.

This top of the line champagne is made by Veuve Clicquot with 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay grapes from historical Grands Crus vineyards. Continue reading “La Grande Dame 2012”

Philipponnat Royale Réserve Brut

The colour is medium gold, with fine, medium-lasting bubbles. On the nose a bit over the top, with mainly tertiary notes imparted by the oak and some oxidation. In the mouth not very tasty and rather on the short side.

The Philipponnat family has been growing vines around Ay for five hundred years and manages the champagne house to these days. Continue reading “Philipponnat Royale Réserve Brut”