Château Clerc Milon 1979

Visually this wine displays a shiny medium garnet color. On the nose at first a bit dusty. The main sensations are of old, slightly burned wood and tea leaves. With time it shows a tiny bit of complexity.

In the mouth very fresh and elegant. At first rather light, with lean tannins: more Burgundy than Bordeaux in character. Continue reading “Château Clerc Milon 1979”

Quinta do Noval Port Vintage 2003

On the nose mocha, leather, anise and other spices, with some balsamic notes. In the mouth velvety and balanced, although a bit warm due to the high alcohol content. The aftertaste is fruity, sweet and seductive.

Quinta do Noval, whose name first appeared in land registers in the year 1715, is one of the most prestigious names in Porto. Continue reading “Quinta do Noval Port Vintage 2003”

Rocca Rubia Riserva 2015

On the nose fruity and spicy, with pepper and black-/mulberries dominating the aroma. In the mouth a medium body, well balanced and with a fairly long fruity and pleasant, although prickly and drying, finish.

Even though Carignan (Cariñena in Spain) is most commonly used for blending, in the Carignano del Sulcis DOC is made as varietal. Continue reading “Rocca Rubia Riserva 2015”

Di Majo Norante Tintilia Riserva 2015

On the nose vanilla ice cream with sour cherries. The tannins are firm and leave you with a dry mouth. The lingering aftertaste is pleasantly bitter, an interesting contrast to the smooth fruity aroma.

Tintilia del Molise is one of the newest DOC of Italy. Continue reading “Di Majo Norante Tintilia Riserva 2015”

Confine 2017

On the nose a pleasant aroma of candied fruits, accompanied by some spicy notes, which give a prickly sensation. In the mouth filling and fresh, with a flavourful finish that linger for a long aftertaste of honeyed nuts.

This white wine is made with Trebbiano di Lugana grapes around the southern edge of Lake Garda, where Lombardy and Veneto meet. Continue reading “Confine 2017”

Stricto Sensu 2013

At the first sight the wine appears pretty dense, signalling a lot of matter. The nose is very rich. Pleasantly spicy, with dark cherries mixed in with some coffee and liquorice. Once in the mouth the wine is less filling than it made you anticipate from the visual and olfactory point of view. On the other hand it is more elegant than expected. A finesse that is confirmed by the discreet aftertaste. Continue reading “Stricto Sensu 2013”

Weingut Heinrich Mayer jr. Zeller Burglay-Felsen Spätlese 1982

The wine presents itself with a brilliant gold color and a nose of honeyed apples, alongside some diesel smell typical of aged Riesling. In the mouth light and refreshing, with lemon like acidity that leaves the mouth salivating for a while. The finish is discreet, with a sweet dried pineapple aftertaste that linger for a long time. Continue reading “Weingut Heinrich Mayer jr. Zeller Burglay-Felsen Spätlese 1982”

Gran Vin du Domaine L’Ostal Cazes 2012

On the nose black cherries, liquorice and black pepper, which gives a slightly prickly sensation. In the moth well balanced and consistent with the nose. Fairly long finish, but lighter than expected, with an earthy character.

This wine is produced under the Minervois La Livinière red wine appellation by the Domaine L’Ostal Cazes. Continue reading “Gran Vin du Domaine L’Ostal Cazes 2012”

Le Chevalier de Sterimberg 2011

On the nose (acacia) honey, nuts and caramelized citrus aromas. In the mouth very elegant and superbly balanced. The finish is characterised by an explosion of flavours. The aftertaste is subtly discreet, but stays around for quite a while.

This Hermitage Blanc is a blend of 2/3 Marsanne and 1/3 Roussanne, both indigenous of the northern Rhône Valley. Continue reading “Le Chevalier de Sterimberg 2011”

Muga Seleccíon Especial 2011

Although they are very subtle, the milky nuances typical of Rioja wines are the first aroma I detect on the nose. The fruit is a bit lacking, with burnt notes, hints of spices and licorice (another trademark of Tempranillo based wines) coming forward.

Once in the mouth the wine pleases you from the first sip. Tasty and fresh, with an agreeable mouthfeel, thanks to well integrated tannins.  Continue reading “Muga Seleccíon Especial 2011”