Domain de Thalabert 2017

The colour is deep purple. On the nose blueberries, black olives, meat and liquorice. In the mouth it is full-bodied and rich, with fruit and ripe tannins on the lingering finish.

Produced entirely from Syrah grapes, Thalabert’s Crozes-Hermitage is vinified from 40-60-year-old vines. It is made by Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné, which in 2006 was bought by the Frey Group, which also owns vineyards in Champagne and Bordeaux (Château la Lagune). Continue reading “Domain de Thalabert 2017”

Gjola 2020

The colour is medium copper. On the nose it is not very expressive. My nose is hard pressed to distinguish some nectarines and red apples. In the mouth refreshing, with a pleasant peach aftertaste that last for a while.

This rosé wine is made 100% with Caricagiola grapes. The Caricagiola grape is a black grape variety widespread in Sardinia and is probably also native to it, in particular from the Gallura area. Continue reading “Gjola 2020”

Northern Rhône Syrah

Mid October I organised a tasting of Northern Rhône Syrah wines. I visited the region with my wife in Mai 2015. Back then I bought wines from the best denominations: Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage and Cornas. I let the bottles age in my cellar for six years and now I’ve decided to taste a couple with some friends. Continue reading “Northern Rhône Syrah”

Alter Ego de Palmer 2009

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose ripe black fruits, chocolate and mocha. In the mouth well integrated tannins and balanced. The aftertaste is elegant and last for very long. Very good wine, although I find this bottle less exciting than the one I tasted one year ago.

Alter Ego de Palmer is a second label (not a second wine) produced by Château Palmer since 1998. Continue reading “Alter Ego de Palmer 2009”

Imperial Reserva 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose attractive and complex, combining the fruit driven notes from the blend of varieties with those from the ageing in French and American oak barrels. Black cherries, plums, vanilla, cocoa powder, and some rosemary, among others. In the mouth well rounded, with depth and structure. Opulent and elegant, warm and fresh at the same time. A pleasantly sweet finish and a long and savoury aftertaste. Continue reading “Imperial Reserva 2016”

Gagliasso Rocche dell’Annunziata 2015

The colour is pale garnet. On the nose very ripe fruits, plum and cappuccino. It reminds of a Tawny Port. In the mouth well integrated but still gripping tannins. The aftertaste is disappointingly short.

Rocche dell’Annunziata is one of the most historic and renowned Nebbiolo vineyards in La Morra. Its importance is also shown by the fact that many great producers have vines in this cru. Continue reading “Gagliasso Rocche dell’Annunziata 2015”

Carema 2017

The colour is pale garnet. On the nose rose, raspberry and cinnamon. In the mouth, soft, discreet, light. The aftertaste reminds of strawberries, but doesn’t last long. Overall, pleasant but not very fulfilling.

The village of Carema lies in a valley northwest of Piedmont and marks the divide between Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. The backdrop to the village is a spectacular expanse of vineyards clinging onto rocky slopes. Continue reading “Carema 2017”

Grosjean Fumin 2018

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose peanuts, black pepper, curry, and blackberries. A unique aroma that I find interesting. In the mouth well balanced, with an aftertaste that last for a while, although not very savoury.

This wine is made with 100% Fumin grapes by Grosjean winery in Valle d’Aosta. Continue reading “Grosjean Fumin 2018”

Trousseau 2018

The colour is pale ruby. On the nose, orange marmalade, lemon peel, cured meats, and ripe cheese. In the mouth, firm tannins and good acidity. The aftertaste is tasty, and last for a while.

This exemplar of varietal Trusseau is produced by Fruitière Vinicole de Pupillin, under the Arbois AOC. Pupillin is in the Jura department of France, on the hills between Burgundy and Switzerland. Continue reading “Trousseau 2018”