First wine of the evening as an aperitif, our Italian guests loved this one. Consistent with prior notes. Nice contrast with a White Burg and Chardonnay.
Consistent with prior notes, this is a really elegant wine. 2 bottles, no detectable variation. Decanted 2 hours prior to dinner - takes at least 30 minutes to open. Had with first 2 courses - Valerie's apple and squash soup soup and my truffle risotto. Bordeaux/Calif style made for a nice pairing - dark berries, plums, blueberry, cedar. Tannins sweet and integrated.
Excellent - right in its zone. My guess, should be in a great place for 5-8 more years
Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Drank this after the 2002 Verite la Joie. WOTN for most of us....
First bottle of this vintage from my cellar. Was a little concerned it was too early. Decanted for 3 hours before dinner, a quick check along the way showed it needed at least that amount of time.
Paired with a cassoulet as the main course, not ideal. Was too busy to take the day to make osso bucco - the spice was a bit too strong. Would have mild, savory or meats with this wine in the future
Still very young - alcohol heat is there with big dark fruits and earthy nose. Medium body and mouth feel - especially for an amarone. Dark fruits, very complex: cherry, plums, smoke, herbs, raisiny and chocolate. concentrated and rich wine, but not overdone. In fact, would call it medium to light on the amarone scale. Smooth and sweet mid palate.
Great now, if you can keep your hands of it my guess is it will only get better
Second to last bottle, bought these several years back direct from Far Niente.
Had this with fruits and Francesca's tiramisu...Deep gold color, aging nicely. Nose of honey, pears, must. Palate is a creme brulee, apricot, caramel. Botrytis is there but not prevalent.
Very nice wine (if pricey) for a Calif late harvest. Some compare to d'Ychem or other Sauternes, not a fair fight. This is enjoyable and will go for a while.
2011 Corte Gardoni Bianco di Custoza Mael 90 Points
Italy, Veneto, Bianco di Custoza
First wine of the evening as an aperitif, our Italian guests loved this one. Consistent with prior notes. Nice contrast with a White Burg and Chardonnay.
Our Italian guests really liked this one...
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2010 Antica Terra Chardonnay Aurata 92 Points
USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
First experience with this wine - have only had her Pinots to date - all spectacular.
Light gold/straw color. Nose was citrus and minerals, ripe and distinctive. Palate was apples, pear, oak, spice. Great minerality on the finish.
Tart acidity, paired well with cheeses and roasted peppers. Drinks well now, best guess is a good 5-7 year drinking window. May put on some weight
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2009 Joseph Drouhin Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches Blanc 93 Points
France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru
Drank this after the Italian White - Corte Gardoni Mael
Consistent with prior notes. Always a spectacular white - had with cheeses, olives and roasted peppers.
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2002 Vérité La Joie 96 Points
USA, California, Sonoma County
Consistent with prior notes, this is a really elegant wine. 2 bottles, no detectable variation. Decanted 2 hours prior to dinner - takes at least 30 minutes to open. Had with first 2 courses - Valerie's apple and squash soup soup and my truffle risotto. Bordeaux/Calif style made for a nice pairing - dark berries, plums, blueberry, cedar. Tannins sweet and integrated.
Excellent - right in its zone. My guess, should be in a great place for 5-8 more years
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2000 Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 97 Points
Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Drank this after the 2002 Verite la Joie. WOTN for most of us....
First bottle of this vintage from my cellar. Was a little concerned it was too early. Decanted for 3 hours before dinner, a quick check along the way showed it needed at least that amount of time.
Paired with a cassoulet as the main course, not ideal. Was too busy to take the day to make osso bucco - the spice was a bit too strong. Would have mild, savory or meats with this wine in the future
Still very young - alcohol heat is there with big dark fruits and earthy nose. Medium body and mouth feel - especially for an amarone. Dark fruits, very complex: cherry, plums, smoke, herbs, raisiny and chocolate. concentrated and rich wine, but not overdone. In fact, would call it medium to light on the amarone scale. Smooth and sweet mid palate.
Great now, if you can keep your hands of it my guess is it will only get better
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2001 Dolce Winery Late Harvest 92 Points
USA, California, Napa Valley
Second to last bottle, bought these several years back direct from Far Niente.
Had this with fruits and Francesca's tiramisu...Deep gold color, aging nicely. Nose of honey, pears, must. Palate is a creme brulee, apricot, caramel. Botrytis is there but not prevalent.
Very nice wine (if pricey) for a Calif late harvest. Some compare to d'Ychem or other Sauternes, not a fair fight. This is enjoyable and will go for a while.
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