Villa Sparina 2017

Delicate nose of melon, peach and pineapple mixed together; accompanied by light herbal aromas. In the mouth fruity and refreshing, but not overly so. The aftertaste last for a fairly long time and recalls the melon first perceived on the nose.

Villa Sparina is probably the most widely known wine produced under the (Cortese di) Gavi DOCG denomination of Piedmont. Continue reading “Villa Sparina 2017”

Vintage Tunina 2015

On the nose ananas mixed with grapefruit welcomes you, followed by some marzipan. In the mouth well balanced, but less tasty and complex than I expected. On the other side, I find the finish very interesting: at first very discreet, but the flavour soon comes back full of fruit and it last for a long time. Continue reading “Vintage Tunina 2015”

Blandy’s Madeira Malmsey 1940

Very dark amber color. Nose dominated by tiramisù (a mix of cream, cocoa and coffee), with some nutty and tea sensations. In the mouth, the (sour) creamy side dominates and it reminds me of Baileys Irish Cream. The aftertaste linger for a very long time.

Although it owns a lot of its fame to the island’s geographical location in the Atlantic Ocean and its consequent importance as a hub for sea traffic, Madeira is one of the treasures of the wine world. Continue reading “Blandy’s Madeira Malmsey 1940”

Fattoria il Palagio Vernaccia di San Giminiano 2017

On the nose gentle floral aromas complemented by undertones of hazelnut and fresh herbs. In the mouth crispy and mildly astringent. The slightly bitter aftertaste is surprisingly long.

Grown in hillside vineyards surrounding the Tuscan town of San Gimignano, well known for its 14 medieval towers, the Vernaccia grapes must constitute at least 85% of the blend. Continue reading “Fattoria il Palagio Vernaccia di San Giminiano 2017”

Château Calon-Ségur 2000

The bouquet doesn’t display much complexity, with lots of smoke, cigar, mocha and liquorice, but not much fruit. In the mouth tobacco overpowers other sensation. Although well integrated, the tannins are still very present and add to the rustic experience. The finish is abrupt. The aftertaste fine, but nothing to indulge in and leaning towards a not overly pleasant mocha taste. Continue reading “Château Calon-Ségur 2000”

Acústic 2015

On the nose blueberries and mulberries, with the addition of a spicy accent. In the mouth smooth and well balanced, with a drying finish and an aftertaste that last long enough. It somehow reminds me of an Aglianico del Vulture I reviewed some time ago.

Acústic is a blend of 60% Samsó (Carignan) and 40% Garnacha (Grenache). Carignan if a grape variety most likely native to Aragon. Continue reading “Acústic 2015”

Campo Vijeo Gran Reserva 2011

On the nose some wizened fruit, toffee and a light mocha character. In the mouth balanced, but only moderately structured, with a finish and aftertaste dominated by dark chocolate. The oak is not as overpowering as in other Gran Reserva. Overall, the wine is not very sophisticated, but drinks nicely.  Continue reading “Campo Vijeo Gran Reserva 2011”

Viña Ardanza 2009

On the nose a spicy and earthy character dominates: mushroom, tobacco, nutmeg, mocha and chocolate. From the background, hints of cherries and stewed plums come forward. In the mouth smooth and well balanced, with elegant tannins and a good acidity. The wine is tasty and leaves you with a fairly long aftertaste. Continue reading “Viña Ardanza 2009”

CVNE Selección de Fincas Graciano 2016

The wine displays an intense prune colour. On the nose a pleasant perfume, strongly influenced by blueberry scent. In the mouth velvety, with medium acidity, moderate tannins and a pleasant fruity finish that last for a fair aftertaste.

Graciano is a difficult to cultivate and low yielding grape. Continue reading “CVNE Selección de Fincas Graciano 2016”

Psarades Dafni 2017

The nose is characterised by herby aromas, like rosemary, pine and the signature laurel, which is called “dafni” in Greek.

The mouth is also dominated by herbal sensations, with a finish that displays the flavours of the same rosemary, pine and laurel that welcome you on the nose. The long lingering aftertaste has a savoury character and a citrus fruit background. Continue reading “Psarades Dafni 2017”