Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale 2015

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose very light aroma of red fruits: cherries with some strawberries and raspberries. In the mouth similar to a canoe: close to water. No aftertaste worth mentioning.

This wine is a blend of 80% Sangiovese, with some Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Riserva Ducale is an iconic brand of Chianti. It has seen almost 90 vintages. Continue reading “Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale 2015”

Chateau Roslane 2017

On the nose at first Brussels sprouts. Overall, a rather artificial wine that doesn’t deliver much pleasure, neither in the mouth nor in the aftertaste.

This wine has been produced in the Meknès region of Morocco by Les Celliers de Meknès. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. At Casablanca airport it sells for 20-25 EUR. Continue reading “Chateau Roslane 2017”

Chateau Margaux 2012

I tasted the Grand Vin of Chateau Margaux along its two second wines: Pavillon Blanc & Pavillon Rouge.

Pavillon Rouge 2012 is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Chateau Margaux 2012 is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and a bit of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Continue reading “Chateau Margaux 2012”

La Croix de Beaucaillou 2012

The colour is deep ruby. The nose has a spicy and minty character, with green and smoky notes. In the mouth smooth, but not much of an aftertaste worth mentioning.

The 2012 Bordeaux vintage has been a challenging one, due to lousy weather that caused major problems for the ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon. The resulting wines are very variable. Continue reading “La Croix de Beaucaillou 2012”

Clos de l’Obac

So far my 152 posts on wine have focused on my tasting experience of single bottles. This time I want to write about the visit I had at Clos de l’Obac. A winery officially named Costers del Siurana and located in Gratallops, in the heart of the Priorat DOQ. Continue reading “Clos de l’Obac”

X

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose a bouquet of eucalyptus, tobacco, menthol and balsamic notes. In the mouth pleasantly lighter and fruitier than I was expecting, well balanced and with a savoury finish that let be enjoyed for quite a while.

This wine, named X, is as eclectic and unique as its producer. It is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Carminoir, Arinarnoa, Syrah and Merlot. Made out of three vintages: 2010, 2011 and 2013. Continue reading “X”

Château Pape Clément 2005 vs 2009

On the nose the 2009 is at first very elegant, mentholated with some prune. After some time more spices come out, rosemary and sandalwood can be detected. In the mouth the wine has a similar evolution. At first very smooth, showing firm, but already well integrated tannins. After a while the tannins become more gripping and drying. Continue reading “Château Pape Clément 2005 vs 2009”

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”