Astrolabe Fronton 2014

This wine is deeply pigmented. On the nose notes of violet, blackberries and some spices. On the palate it is velvety and pleasant, but the finish leaves you with a disturbing bitterness, which I guess is due to a suboptimal use of oak. Fortunately, after some exposition to air, this defect disappears. Nevertheless, I find this imperfection a real shame, given the otherwise pleasant profile of this wine made with a unique grape variety: Négrette. Continue reading “Astrolabe Fronton 2014”

Pacheca Grande Reserva Touriga National 2015

From the first sight this Portuguese wine gives the impression of being opulent. The deep purple color certainly contributes to this impression. In reality, on the nose the aroma is elegant, with violet, bergamot, blueberry and some mint. In the mouth the wine is still very young, although already enjoyable thanks to the pleasantly integrated tannins, which influence mainly the drying aftertaste. Continue reading “Pacheca Grande Reserva Touriga National 2015”

Lafnetscha 2016

The color is medium gold. The nose is very inviting, with notes of ripe banana and elderberry. In the mouth smooth and pleasantly fresh. The aftertaste, which last for a while, is dominated by the sustained acidity.

This rarity made with Lafnetscha is certainly worth trying at least once, especially if you are a wine enthusiast like me, who get thrilled by tasting godforsaken grapes. Continue reading “Lafnetscha 2016”

Superiore Riserva Teroldego Rotaliano 2015

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose light notes of cherry, but with a background that doesn’t feel right. In the mouth more present, although a bit rustic, with good acidity and a drying finish that last for a while. Usually, wines tend to be richer on the nose than in the mouth. Interestingly, in this case it is the opposite.

This Teroldego Rotaliano DOC is produced by Cantina Rotaliana di Mezzolombardo. Continue reading “Superiore Riserva Teroldego Rotaliano 2015”

Château Pape Clément 2005 vs 2009

On the nose the 2009 is at first very elegant, mentholated with some prune. After some time more spices come out, rosemary and sandalwood can be detected. In the mouth the wine has a similar evolution. At first very smooth, showing firm, but already well integrated tannins. After a while the tannins become more gripping and drying. Continue reading “Château Pape Clément 2005 vs 2009”

Clos des Moines 1974, 1985, 1991, 2002 and 2011

I enjoyed these five vintages of Clos des Moines as part of a wine tasting contest during the annual dinner organized in Ticino by the Confrérie du Guillon. An organization founded in 1954, following the model of a medieval fraternity, with the purpose of promoting the wines of the Vaud wine region of Switzerland. Continue reading “Clos des Moines 1974, 1985, 1991, 2002 and 2011”

Blangé 2017

The appearance is very clear, with a pale straw colour. At pouring the wine is slightly bubbly. On the nose the aroma is delicate, floral with some citrus and stone minerality, and a hint of hazelnut. In the mouth dry, with a pronounced acidity. Well balanced, with a subtle taste that last for a fairly long time.

Pleasant, but at 14.50 EUR not my favourite white Italian wine. Continue reading “Blangé 2017”

Domain de Chevalier 2008

On the nose woody, with resin and a touch of burnt. In the mouth austere, but well balanced, with soft tannins and a fresh aftertaste, which sadly is a bit short. This is a wine that growths in the glass and with time shows more complexity. Overall, a good classic Bordeaux from Pessac-Léognan.

The week before tasting this 2008 I shared a 2007 with some friends. Continue reading “Domain de Chevalier 2008”

Argentiera 2009

The nose is rich of plums and dark cherries. Inviting, but devoid of any complexity, a feature that I would expect from a 10 years old Bordeaux. In the mouth and in the finish not much, beside a hint to the fruits perceived on the nose, the drying sensation of the tannins and some burning from the 14.5% alcohol. Overall a fine wine, but not much to enjoy for the 55 CHF I paid four years ago at Chiodi Ascona. Continue reading “Argentiera 2009”

PerricOne 2015

This wine displays a purple-ruby colour. On the nose it is vinous, with a predominance of cherries accompanied by some roses and herbs. In the mouth it shows a medium body, a good acidity and firm tannins. It finish with a pleasant mild bitterness and drying sensation.

Perricone is a difficult to cultivate, low yield red wine grape variety grown in southwestern Sicily. Continue reading “PerricOne 2015”