Le Difese 2018

The colour is deep ruby. Not much neither on the nose, where I barely detect some sour cherries, nor in the mouth, where I feel drying tannins and a bitter finish. The aftertaste is short.

Le Difese is made by Tenuta San Guido, the producer of the famous Sassicaia, first produced with the 1968 vintage. Le Difese is the third wine of the estate, first produced with the 2002 vintage. In between, the winery produces a second wine, labelled Guidalberto, first produced with the 2000 vintage. Continue reading “Le Difese 2018”

Chateau Haut-Lavignere 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose charmingly fruity. Prunes, cherries and the ever-present blackberries come to mind. In the mouth not much of a body, with a unpleasantly bitter and drying finish. The aftertaste is medium long. When you start eating, the flaws in the mouth disappear and the appealing sensations on the nose make the overall experience with this wine very enjoyable. Continue reading “Chateau Haut-Lavignere 2016”

Charmes-Chambertin Joseph Drouhin 2011

The colour is pale ruby/garnet. On the nose mushrooms, eucalyptus and pepper. In the mouth elegant, with some strawberries flavour. The aftertaste is discreet, but medium long.

Charmes-Chambertin is an Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) and one of the 24 Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte de Nuits subregion of Burgundy. It is made with Pinot Noir grapes. Continue reading “Charmes-Chambertin Joseph Drouhin 2011”

ARUMA 2017

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose herbs, green tea and menthol. In the mouth well balanced, but with a rather abrupt and tasteless finish.

This wine is made by Bodegas CARO. A joint venture between Nicolás CAtena and Domaines Barons de ROthschild (Lafite). An alliance between two wine cultures (French and Argentine), two noble grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec), and two renowned wine families. Continue reading “ARUMA 2017”

Vecchia Torre Salice Salentino Riserva 2013

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose mainly chocolate and mocha, with some balsamic and smoky notes. In the mouth still fresh, although the flavours are fading away. The finish is a bit bitter and rather short.

This wine is classified as Salice Salentino DOP, which to me is confusing. It makes me wonder what the difference with Salice Salentino DOC is. Continue reading “Vecchia Torre Salice Salentino Riserva 2013”

Juan Gil Blue Label 2018

The colour is dark ruby. On the nose dark cherries, dark berries and dark chocolate, accompanied by balsamic and spicy notes. In the mouth smooth, with a marked sensation of dark chocolate that last in the long aftertaste. With air the sensations change and become more subtle, which makes tasting this wine interesting.

This wine is a blend of 60% Monastrell, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. It ages for 18 months in French and American oak barrels. Continue reading “Juan Gil Blue Label 2018”

Alma de Luzón 2016

The colour is deep ruby. Already from the first sight the wine appears thick. An impression that is confirmed by the other senses as well. On the nose it reminds me of a Port wine. Among other aromas I can detect blackberry, caramel and chocolate, a lot of chocolate. In the mouth the wine is succulent. The aftertaste is again similar to a Port and last for a very long time. This wine is very rich, for my taste too rich. It is a wine that gives me more the sensation of eating than drinking. After swallowing it I almost feel like drinking some water. Continue reading “Alma de Luzón 2016”

Bodegas Volver & Casa Rojo

Despite the COVID-19 resurgence in Spain, early August I decided to stick to my plans and to go discover the wines made in the area around Alicante and Murcia.

My first visit right out of the plane has been Bodegas Volver, which I discovered by reviewing a wine I bought at Denner: Solnia 2014 (www.thelovedwine.com/solnia-2014). Continue reading “Bodegas Volver & Casa Rojo”

El Tauro 2015

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose meaty and earthy character, with some cherries. In the mouth rather light, but pleasant. The aftertaste is medium long and enjoyable.

I hardly drink very cheap wines, but when I saw this bottle selling at Coop for 2.60 CHF, 60% off the original price of 6.50 CHF, I couldn’t resist the temptation of tasting it. Continue reading “El Tauro 2015”

Gaja Barbaresco 2008

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose at first very closed. With some air it opens up, but the bouquet remains very subtle, with a predominance of underground. In the mouth a solid structure, with good acidity and well-integrated tannins. The aftertaste is at first very short, but after some air exposure it becomes fairly long.

Similar to its more famous sibling Barolo, Barbaresco is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes and is considered among the finest wines in the world. Continue reading “Gaja Barbaresco 2008”