Simultaneously sweet and bitter with lots of berry and almond. Very good density. Blend of ‘13/‘14 vintages, disgorged in 2018. 40% Chardonnay, 43% Pinot Noir, 17% Bouzy rouge. A very eccentric wine. Apparently this did not go through ML, and is finished with ~7g dosage. Some liked this a lot, I enjoyed it and found it interesting.
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Pure red fruit flavors with good power in a very Old School style. I appreciate the cleanliness, but find the tannins slightly obtrusive, but hopefully that will resolve itself in the cellar. Showed much less aromatically than on the palate. Intriguing.
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Very earthy, seemingly getting tired. Much more enjoyable with food than on its own, with more flavor intensity coming through and its aged attributes lessening.
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Firm and dense black and red cherry with good substance. Firm tannins keep this seeming perfectly harmonious right now. Given a quick decant before serving, more air would have helped this open better.
Opened 2-3 hours before serving. Dried rose petals galore with dried red cherry aromas. Good+ weight and length, with all structure nicely harmonized. Exactly what you want - a wine that can not be mistaken for anything other than beautiful, aged Nebbiolo.
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Recent release from the producer. Glorious aromatic start with a ripe array of cherries and mouth watering spice. Similar flavors, just slightly less forthcoming, and more restrained by the wine’s structure. Long and powerful finish hints at even more, even if not quite/ yet showing its full potential. 94-95+ point potential.
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Amazing at this age, this showed enough lingering red cherry that while (fully) mature, was enticing when combined with the earthy, mushroomy, meaty umami character of everything else. More than just alive, this was frankly exciting. 90 points for its organoleptic enjoyment, 96 points for the intellectual experience it contributed.
Clearly made to fit a certain profile for those wanting an English style of Champagne (brioche, tasty) at a non-Champagne price. Pleasant enough in its simplicity.
NV Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Réserve 88 Points
France, Champagne
From magnum. Very easy to enjoy. Lots of apple with toasted rye bread, finishing with brightness, good textures and good+ length.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
NV Delavenne Pere et Fils Champagne Grand Cru Brut Rosé 88 Points
France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru
Simultaneously sweet and bitter with lots of berry and almond. Very good density. Blend of ‘13/‘14 vintages, disgorged in 2018. 40% Chardonnay, 43% Pinot Noir, 17% Bouzy rouge. A very eccentric wine. Apparently this did not go through ML, and is finished with ~7g dosage. Some liked this a lot, I enjoyed it and found it interesting.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2015 Pecci Celestino Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Carro 89 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Pure red fruit flavors with good power in a very Old School style. I appreciate the cleanliness, but find the tannins slightly obtrusive, but hopefully that will resolve itself in the cellar. Showed much less aromatically than on the palate. Intriguing.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino Flawed
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
I thought it somewhat stewed, others thought it much too bretty.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2011 Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 88 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Fresh and dried red cherry with good brightness and energy. Medium+ weight, but finishing with good lift. Good now.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
1995 Lisini Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia 88 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Very earthy, seemingly getting tired. Much more enjoyable with food than on its own, with more flavor intensity coming through and its aged attributes lessening.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2008 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Brunello di Montalcino 89 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Firm and dense black and red cherry with good substance. Firm tannins keep this seeming perfectly harmonious right now. Given a quick decant before serving, more air would have helped this open better.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
1967 Scarpa Barolo Riserva Speciale 93 Points
Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
Opened 2-3 hours before serving. Dried rose petals galore with dried red cherry aromas. Good+ weight and length, with all structure nicely harmonized. Exactly what you want - a wine that can not be mistaken for anything other than beautiful, aged Nebbiolo.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
1997 Tenuta Greppo (Biondi-Santi) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 94 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Recent release from the producer. Glorious aromatic start with a ripe array of cherries and mouth watering spice. Similar flavors, just slightly less forthcoming, and more restrained by the wine’s structure. Long and powerful finish hints at even more, even if not quite/ yet showing its full potential. 94-95+ point potential.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
1946 Tenuta Greppo (Biondi-Santi) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Amazing at this age, this showed enough lingering red cherry that while (fully) mature, was enticing when combined with the earthy, mushroomy, meaty umami character of everything else. More than just alive, this was frankly exciting. 90 points for its organoleptic enjoyment, 96 points for the intellectual experience it contributed.
Read 3 Comments / Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2006 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Cuvée Rare 92 Points
France, Champagne
Very rich, this is clearly in that bready / toasty style I associate with Heidsieck. Good depth, even better textures.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2014 Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta Extra Brut 86 Points
Italy, Lombardia, Franciacorta DOCG
Clearly made to fit a certain profile for those wanting an English style of Champagne (brioche, tasty) at a non-Champagne price. Pleasant enough in its simplicity.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue