Elixir 2016

The colour is dark garnet. On the nose cherries, elderberries, cedar, tobacco. In the mouth good structure, with well-integrated tannins and a fruity finish. The aftertaste last for a good while.

Elixir is part of Lux Vina, the premium line of Domaines Chevaliers winery. The vineyards are located between Salgesch and Chamoson in the Valais canton of Switzerland. The oldest vines used for Lux Vina wines are well over 50 years old and produce small yields, but complex grapes. Continue reading “Elixir 2016”

Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose chocolate, prunes, dark berries. In the mouth smooth and full, with a tasty finish and a long aftertaste.

To make its Gran Reserva wine, Marqués de Riscal uses Tempranillo grapes from over 80 years old vines. The wine is aged between two and a half and three years into French oak barrels, and rests another three years in bottle before its release. Continue reading “Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva 2016”

Cuvée 1858 Rouge 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose prunes, blueberries, black cherries and spices, such as anise and pepper. In the mouth smooth, elegant and tasty. The aftertaste is very long.

This top of the range Valais red wine is made by Bonvin with Cornalin, Syrah, Humagne Rouge grapes. All three grapes are peculiar to Valais. Continue reading “Cuvée 1858 Rouge 2016”

Synodos 2016

The colour is deep ruby and cloudy. The nose reveals some of the imperfections typical of natural wines. In the mouth acidic and drying. The aftertaste is rather short. With some air, both aroma and taste improve, but overall this is not a very pleasant wine, as it is often the case with red natural wines (according to my experience so far). Continue reading “Synodos 2016”

Terrini Boca 2016

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose blood and alcohol (my blood type 😊). In the mouth tannins and alcohol. The aftertaste is very short (fortunately). This wine is barely drinkable, and I decided not to drink it.

Boca DOC is one of the lesser-known red wine appellations in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. The leading variety is Nebbiolo (here named Spanna). Continue reading “Terrini Boca 2016”

Quater Vitis Rosso 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose cherries soaked in alcohol, with the addition of nutmeg, cinnamon, tobacco and cacao. In the mouth dense, rich and fruity. The aftertaste lasts for a while.

I appreciated the first glass of this bottle in Cefalù, facing the town and the sea from the balcony of a very nice hotel room. During the day I visited the Firriato winery on Mount Etna. A day with a lot of driving. Continue reading “Quater Vitis Rosso 2016”

Barrile 2016

Barrile 2016: The colour is deep ruby. On the nose dark berries, black cherries, plums, and liquorice. In the mouth smooth, with well-integrated tannins and a fruity finish. The aftertaste is slightly bitter and doesn’t last long.

Barrile is made by Contini under the Isola dei Nuraghi IGT. It is a blend of (mainly) Nieddera, with Caddiu and other native varieties. Continue reading “Barrile 2016”

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”

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”

Le Dix de Los Vascos 2016

The colour is deep ruby. The nose is dominated by tobacco leafs, cinnamon and nutmeg, with notes of saffron, cedar, and coffee. In the mouth the tannins are pleasant, but with a bitter finish. The aftertaste is not very long.

This wine was created in 1999 to commemorate the 10 years of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)’s work in Chile. Le Dix de Los Vascos originates from 70-year-old vines located in the terroir known as “El Fraile” of Colchagua Valley in Chile. Continue reading “Le Dix de Los Vascos 2016”