WSET Level 2 - Day 3

Today’s focus was on alternate varietals, then moving on to sparkling and sweet wines…

• 2013 Allegrini Soave Corte Giara 85 Points

  Italy, Veneto, Soave

  The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour. Tears are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with a medium intensity. There is a well-defined aroma of citrus fruit (lemon). Swirling reveals an aroma of green fruit (green apple), and a generic floral note. The wine is youthful.
  
  On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(-) body. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of citrus fruit (lemon), green fruit (sour green apples, red apple), pungent spice (white pepper), and a generic floral note. The finish has a medium length.
  
  This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a good balance with the acidity and a reasonable balance with the alcohol. The warmth from the alcohol slightly picks up on the finish. In its current state the wine is simple, only showing primary characteristics. The wine has a good length.
  
  The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing due to the fruit concentration and levels of acidity.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2016 Yalumba Viognier The Y Series 83 Points

  Australia, South Australia

  The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour. Pétillance are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with a medium intensity. There are well-defined aromas of oak (toast, subtle vanilla) and stone fruit (cooked apricot). The wine is youthful.
  
  On the palate, the wine is dry with a medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of stone fruit (apricot), green fruit (subtle pear), oak (subtle toast, subtle vanilla). There is an impression of lees (oily texture). The finish has a medium length.
  
  This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a good balance with the alcohol. The acidity appears slightly elevated with respect to the fruit flavours. In its current state the wine is simple, only showing primary and secondary characteristics. The wine has a good length.
  
  The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing due to the fruit concentration. With time, the level of acidity should diminish and improve the structural balance (fingers crossed).

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2012 Bodegas La Cana Albariño Flawed

  Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas

  The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour (almost gold). Tears are visible.
  
  The nose is unclean (TCA; damp cardboard) with a pronounced intensity. There are subdued aromas of green fruit (very subtle nashi pear) and oak (very subtle vanilla, very subtle toast). The wine is faulty.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2015 Alamos Torrontés 88 Points

  Argentina, Valles Calchaquíes, Salta

  The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour. Tears and pétillance are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with pronounced intensity. There are well-defined aromas of floral (rose) and stone fruit (nectarine, subtle peach). The wine is youthful.
  
  On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show floral notes (violet, rose), herbal notes (subtle lavender), and stone fruit flavours (subtle nectarine). The finish has a long length.
  
  This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and a good balance with the alcohol. The warmth from the alcohol picks up very slightly on the finish. In its current state the wine is simple, only showing primary characteristics. The wine is enjoyable and has a finish with amazing length.
  
  The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing due to the fruit concentration and levels of acidity.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2010 Bodegas Valdemar Rioja Conde de Valdemar Reserva 91 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of herbal notes (dill) and black fruit (blackberry). Swirling reveals additional notes of black fruit (black plum) and bottle-age (leather, meaty character). If left to decant in the glass an additional bottle-age note shows (tobacco). The wine is developing.
  
  On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(+) body. The medium level tannins are unripe and sandy in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of black fruit (black plum, blackberry) and bottle-age (leather, savoury and meaty characters). Additional flavours evolve on the finish including oak (very subtle vanilla) and fruit development (dried figs). The finish has a long length.
  
  This is a very good quality wine. The flavours a concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The sandy tannins are astringent, but have a good balance with the acidity and work well with the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine shows complexity with primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The wine is very enjoyable and has a finish with an amazing length.
  
  The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as tertiary notes continue to develop.

  Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2014 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 86 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  The appearance is clear and pale ruby in colour. Tears are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with a medium(-) intensity. There are distinct aromas of black fruit (black cherry), bottle-age (earthy character), and red fruit (red cherry). Swirling reveals additional aromas of pungent spice (white pepper) and herbal notes (subtle mint). The wine is developing.
  
  On the palate, the wine is dry with high acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(-) body. The medium level tannins are ripe and dusty in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of red fruit (red cherry), bottle-age (earthy character), and oak (cloves, cinnamon). The finish has a medium(+) length.
  
  This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and a reasonable balance with the acidity. The acidity appears slightly elevated with respect to the fruit flavours, but is more refreshing than offensive. The dusty tannins hold firm despite the elevated acidity. The oak treatment is well-integrated and complements the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine shows some complexity with primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The wine is enjoyable and has a finish with great length.
  
  The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as tertiary notes continue to develop.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2015 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Catena High Mountain Vines 88 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza

  The appearance is clear and medium purple in colour. Tears are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of black fruit (blackberry), oak (vanilla, cinnamon), and a MLF character (cream). Swirling reveals an additional note of oak (cloves). The wine is youthful.
  
  On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(-) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium level tannins are unripe but fine-grained in nature. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of black fruit (blackberry, blackcurrant), oak (vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, subtle toast). On the finish a MLF character (cream) appears. The finish has a medium length.
  
  This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have an amazing balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The fine-grained tannins are astringent but have a reasonable balance with the acidity. The oak treatment is well-integrated and complements the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine is simple showing primary and secondary characteristics. The wine is very enjoyable and has a finish with good length.
  
  The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as tertiary notes develop.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2015 Durbanville Hills Pinotage Rhinofields 88 Points

  South Africa, Coastal Region, Tygerberg, Durbanville

  The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with a medium(-) intensity. There are subtle aromas of red fruit (strawberry, raspberry), and swirling reveals animal and mineral notes (leather, earthy character). The wine is youthful.
  
  On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium(+) alcohol, and full body. The medium level tannins are ripe and chalky in nature. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of red fruit (raspberry), oak (cloves, vanilla), mineral (earthy character), and animal (leather). The finish has a medium(+) length.
  
  This is a very good quality wine. While the nose is restrained, the flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The chalky tannins have a great balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The oak treatment is well-balanced with the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine shows primary and secondary characteristics. The wine is very enjoyable and has a finish with great length.
  
  The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as tertiary notes develop.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2015 Shaw Vineyard Estate Cabernet-Shiraz 89 Points

  Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Canberra District

  The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are present.
  
  The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of black fruit (blackberry). Swirling reveals additional aromas of herbal notes (mint), pungent spice (white pepper), black fruits (black plum), and oak (subtle vanilla). The wine is youthful.
  
  On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, high alcohol, and medium(+) body. The medium level tannins are ripe and fine-grained in nature. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of black fruit (black plum, blackberry, blackcurrant), oak (vanilla), pungent spice (white pepper), herbal character (subtle mint), and bottle-age (very subtle leather). The finish has a medium(+) length.
  
  This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The fine-grained tannins have a great balance with the acidity and complement the flavour profile. The oak treatment is well-integrated, supporting the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine shows primary, secondary, and some subtle tertiary characteristics. The bottle-age character was only identified on the palate. The wine is very enjoyable and has a finish with great length.
  
  The wine drinks well now, but has potential for ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as tertiary notes continue to develop.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2013 Shaw Vineyard Estate Merlot 86 Points

  Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Canberra District

  The appearance is clear and medium ruby in colour. Tears are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with a medium intensity. There are well-defined aromas of red fruit (red plum), oak (vanilla), and bottle-age (leather). The wine is developing.
  
  On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The medium(-) level tannins are stalky and provide a sticky tape like impression. The flavours have a medium intensity and show notes of red fruit (red plum), oak (vanilla), and bottle-age (leather). With aeration, a herbal note (mint) shows. The finish has a medium length.
  
  This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The stalky tannins are slightly astringent and have a reasonable balance with the acidity and flavour profile. The oak treatment is well-integrated supporting the aromas and flavours. In its current state, the wine is showing primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The wine has a finish with good length.
  
  The wine drinks well now, but has potential for further ageing. The fruit intensity is great, and the tannin and acid structure will support the wine as tertiary notes continue to develop.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• NV Pol Roger Champagne Brut Réserve 88 Points

  France, Champagne

  The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour. Tears and bubbles are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with a pronounced intensity. There are well-defined aromas of autolytic character (brioche, toast), green fruit (apple), and a floral note (blossom). The wine is youthful.
  
  On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The mousse is creamy and the flavours have a medium(+) intensity. There are notes of green fruit (red apple) and autolytic character (brioche, creamy texture). The finish has a medium(+) length.
  
  This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The creamy mousse is enjoyable and complements the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine shows primary and secondary characteristics. The wine is very enjoyable and has a finish with great length.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• NV Lonia Penedès Brut 86 Points

  Spain, Catalunya, Penedès

  The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour. Tears and bubbles are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with a medium intensity. There are well-defined aromas of stone fruit (peach), floral notes (chamomile), and an autolytic note (very subtle toast). The wine is youthful.
  
  On the palate, the wine is dry with low acidity, medium alcohol, and medium body. The mousse is creamy and the flavours have a medium intensity. There are floral notes (chamomile) and flavours of stone fruit (peach), kernel (almond), and citrus fruit (subtle lemon). The finish has a medium(+) length.
  
  This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The creamy mousse is enjoyable and complements the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine shows primary and secondary characteristics. The wine is enjoyable and has a finish with great length.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• NV La Riva dei Frati Prosecco di Treviso 87 Points

  Italy, Veneto, Prosecco di Treviso

  The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour. Tears and bubbles are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of tropical fruit (green melon), a floral note (blossom), green fruit (apple), and stone fruit (peach). The wine is youthful.
  
  On the palate, the wine is dry with a medium(-) acidity, medium(-) alcohol, and light body. The mousse is creamy and the flavours have a medium intensity. There are notes of tropical fruit (melon), green fruit (apple), and stone fruit (peach). Autolytic characters (bread) appear on the finish. The finish has a medium(+) length.
  
  This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The creamy mousse is enjoyable and complements the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine shows primary and secondary characteristics. The wine is enjoyable and has a finish with great length.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2010 Mallaluka Wines 91 Points

  Australia, New South Wales, Southern New South Wales, Canberra District

  The appearance is clear and pale lemon in colour (almost gold). Tears and bubbles are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of autolytic and MLF characters (toast, cream, butter), oak (vanilla), and bottle-age (honey). The wine is fully developed.
  
  On the palate, the wine is dry with medium acidity, medium alcohol, and medium(+) body. The mousse is creamy and the flavours have a medium(+) intensity. There are notes of bottle-age (honey), oak (vanilla), green fruit (green apple), and MLF (cream). On the finish additional MLF and autolytic characters show (butter, toast). The finish has a long length.
  
  This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a great balance with the alcohol and the acidity. The creamy mousse is enjoyable and complements the flavour profile. In its current state, the wine is complex showing primary, secondary, and tertiary characteristics. The wine is very enjoyable and has a finish with amazing length.
  
  [Note: 85% chardonnay, 15% pinot noir]

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2007 Château Bastor-Lamontagne 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  The appearance is clear and pale gold in colour. Tears are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with a medium(+) intensity. There are well-defined aromas of fruit development (orange marmalade, dried apricot) and bottle-age (honey). The wine is fully developed.
  
  On the palate, the wine is medium-sweet with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, and a full body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show notes of fruit development (dried apricot, orange marmalade) and bottle-age (honey). On the finish, an additional note of pungent spice (saffron) shows. The finish has a long length.
  
  This is a very good quality wine. The flavours are very concentrated and have an amazing balance with the acidity and the alcohol. The sweetness has an amazing balance with the acidity, and provides an interesting textural dimension that complements the flavour profile. The wine predominantly shows tertiary characteristics, but there is also a primary note on the finish. The wine is very enjoyable and has a finish with amazing length.
  
  This wine drinks well now, and is not suitable for further ageing - it is ready for immediate consumption.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2009 Domaine de Coyeux Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise 85 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise

  The appearance is clear and pale gold in colour. Tears are visible.
  
  The nose is clean with pronounced intensity. There are well-defined aromas of bottle-age (honey), stone fruit (peach), and perfume-like floral notes (blossom). The wine is fully developed.
  
  On the palate, the wine is sweet with medium acidity, high alcohol, and a full body. The flavours have a medium(+) intensity and show floral notes (rose water, generic perfume), stone fruit (peach), and deliberate oxidation (marzipan, almond). The finish has a medium(+) length.
  
  This is a good quality wine. The flavours are concentrated and have a good balance with the acidity. Heat from the alcohol shows on the finish. The sweetness has a reasonable balance with the acidity, but complements the flavour profile. The wine shows some complexity with primary and tertiary characteristics. The wine has a finish with great length.
  
  This wine drinks well now, and is not suitable for further ageing - it should be enjoyed before the primary characteristics fade.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

Some very impressive wines have made the pick for wine of the day difficult. If the tannins were ripe, the 2010 Conde Valdemar Rioja DOCa Reserva would have won hands-down. It would have to be the 2010 Mallaluka Chardonnay Pinot Noir, a very interesting and enjoyable wine indeed. There was also a session on sherry and port, but only wanted to share my notes on the wines.