Orfeo 2015

The colour is deep ruby, almost impenetrable. On the nose prune, blackcurrant, blackberry, cinnamon, nutmeg. All soaked in spirit. In the mouth good acidity and well-integrated tannins. Maybe slightly too alcoholic. The aftertaste is medium long.

Orfeo Riserva is made under the Colli Bolognesi DOC of eastern Emilia-Romagna (Italy). The DOC was introduced in 1975 and covers both red and white wines. Continue reading “Orfeo 2015”

Acrux 2015

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose red berries jam. In the mouth drying tannins and a bitter finish. The aftertaste is rather short.

Acrux 2015 is made by Viña Sutil winery by blending 37% Carménère, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot. These are the original six red grapes of Bordeaux. Continue reading “Acrux 2015”

MV Gran Reserva 2017

The colour is deep purple. On the nose plums, blueberries, raspberries and some cinnamon. In the mouth warn, with well integrated tannins. The aftertaste fades away quickly.

This wine is made in Argentina with 100% Malbec grapes and on the back label is declared to “undergo 15 months aging in new French and American oak.” Given the wording, I wonder if the wine goes in the wood or the wood in the wine. Continue reading “MV Gran Reserva 2017”

Kairós 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose very fruity (well matured dark fruits), with some herbs. In the mouth rich and savoury, with a lot of sensations, probably the result of using a wide variety of grapes. The aftertaste is medium long.

Kairos is made by blending an astonishing 16 grapes. Continue reading “Kairós 2016”

Alex’s Saperavi 2015

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose a hint of red cherries and raspberries, with a lot of acetone. In the mouth raw, with drying tannins. The aftertaste is long.

Saperavi is a dark-skinned, pink-fleshed grape variety grown widely throughout the Caucasus. It is originally from Georgia and its best expression comes from the Kakheti region, near the eastern border with Azerbaijan, where this wine has been made. Continue reading “Alex’s Saperavi 2015”

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”

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”