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”

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”

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”

Post Scriptum 2016

The nose reminds me of blackberries fruit candy. To my taste a rather unpleasant sensation that unfortunately follows in the mouth, where the wine doesn’t show any depth of flavour. It finishes abruptly and without any aftertaste worth mentioning.

What a disappointment! To me this wine seems artificial from the first sniff. A far cry from the enthusiastic memory I had about it when I drunk the 2011 vintage in 2014, while visiting Porto. Continue reading “Post Scriptum 2016”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”