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”

Weingut Haas-Lenz Zeller Schwarze Katz Riesling-Eiswein 2007

This very special sweet wine, produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine, presents itself with a brilliant amber color. The nose is dominated by hazelnuts. In the mouth it tastes very sweet, with a balancing high acidity. The aftertaste is fairly long but significantly less rich than I would have expected. Continue reading “Weingut Haas-Lenz Zeller Schwarze Katz Riesling-Eiswein 2007”

Weingut Haas-Lenz Zeller Schwarze Katz Riesling Beerenauslese 2005

Visually this wine has a medium to deep Amber color. Olfactory it has a bouquet that recalls apple must, nuts and backed apple pie. In the mouth is less filling and rich than I had expected. Sweet but not overly so, with a savour that reminds me of the apples covered in sugar that my mom used to bake in the oven when I was a child. The aftertaste is discreet, but fairly long. Continue reading “Weingut Haas-Lenz Zeller Schwarze Katz Riesling Beerenauslese 2005”

Ritme 2014

On the nose at first animal, meaty, dark chocolate and moca sensations dominates. After some exposure to air, the aroma becomes more fruity, with blueberries and dark cherries coming on stage.

In the mouth, this medium bodied wine is smooth and reminds of juicy blackberries. The drying finish is neither very long nor too short. Continue reading “Ritme 2014”

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”