The colour is medium ruby. On the nose at first closed. With some air, dark berries and smoky notes show up. Despite the name, no chocolate whatsoever. In the mouth velvety and fruity, with an enjoyable drying finish. The aftertaste is pleasant, but short.
The Chocolate Block is a barrel-aged red wine made by Boekenhoutskloof winery in the Franschhoek Valley (“French corner” in Dutch), a broad vineyard-lined valley that has been producing wine since the 17th Century, when exiled French Huguenots brought their viticultural know-how to their new home in South Africa. Continue reading “The Chocolate Block 2016”
2010 has been a very good year for Ticino wines. Back then I was just starting to get an appreciation of wine and was curious to see how the best products of my region would age. I therefore bought a few bottles of wines produced by three friends: Sassi Grossi made by Alfred De Martin (12 bottles), Rompidée made by Andrea and Giada Arnaboldi (12 bottles), and San Giorgio made by Mattia Bianda (6 bottles). Continue reading “Merlot del Ticino 2010”
The colour is medium straw. On the nose apricot, pear, melon, honey, and a hint of mountain herbs. In the mouth, refreshing, but not very tasty. The almond aftertaste is very discreet, but last for quite a while.
The colour is deep gold. On the nose pears, nuts and curry. In the mouth well-balanced and tasty. The savoury taste last for a long aftertaste.
The colour is deep ruby. The nose is very appealing, with notes of currant, dried figs, and coffee, among others. In the mouth smooth and slightly fruity. At first the finish is a bit rough, but the aftertaste is pleasant and last for a while.
The colour is pale gold. On the nose pineapple, apricot, golden apple, and some banana. In the mouth well balanced, smooth, with a tasty finish that last for a satisfying while.
The colour is deep purple. On the nose prunes and over-ripe blackberries, combined with wood and a hint of tobacco. In the mouth smooth, with drying fruity finish. The aftertaste is medium long.
The colour is deep purple. On the nose black cherries with a bit of blood. In the mouth juicy, with silky tannins. The aftertaste is fairly long and fruity.
The colour is medium straw. On the nose peach, citrus, and tropical fruits. In the mouth fresh, but also rich and well balance. The aftertaste is pleasant and last for quite a while.
The colour is deep ruby. On the nose dried berry fruits, spices, vanilla and balsamic notes. In the mouth flavourful and fresh, with a drying finish. The aftertaste last for a long while and reminds of cherries.