LI/NYC Offline - July 14, 2009

It would be nice to imagine the evening was organized into flights. We did our best to pour wines based on what we extemporaneously felt was the best order, based on weight/complexity. These tasting notes do not represent all the wine poured this evening; only the wines I remember.

• NV Nino Franco Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut 87 Points

  Italy, Veneto, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

  Nice mousse with refreshing nose and palate of green apple. Respectable sipper.

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• 2007 Calera Viognier Mount Harlan 88 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Mount Harlan

  Bright, fruity with an acidic bite, yet plenty of spice. One person commented it had "more life" than the Guigal. In this case I agree.

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• 2006 E. Guigal Condrieu 86 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu

  Tasty but lacks interest. Seemed to be missing the best of the spicy aspects of Condrieu, and seemed a little flat next to the CA Calera. Just didn't bring it home.

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• 2004 Bruno Giacosa Spumante Extra Brut 87 Points

  Italy, Lombardia, Lombardia Spumante

  Pale in color and bone dry. Light weight with a very lemony aspect. Lacks real complexity and has a rather short finish, but points for mouth feel. Very refreshing, but questionable QPR. The restaurant owner was very impressed, until he heard the price.

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• 1967 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  This had completely fallen apart. Acid and tannins with nothing left in the middle. One person said, "It would have been a great wine ten years ago". Another said "Thirty years ago." Cork crumbled, but the smell didn't indicate a bad/corked bottle. Tasted of sherry and licorice, with a drying finish. General consensus was that the wine has passed it's prime (by quite a bit.)

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• 1995 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico 88 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  Always a reliable Chianti producer. In a field of Super Tuscans, this tastes rustic by comparison, which is not too surprising. Bright cherry component with a bit of heat.

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• 2000 Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 92 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Aromatic with lots of oaky presence still. Voluptuous mouthfeel. A winner.

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• 2006 Collelceto (Elia Palazzesi) Rosso di Montalcino 83 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino

  Bad spot in the line-up, following the Pio Cesare 2000. Still dominated by oak, and probably too young. Not decanted

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• 1997 Antinori Tignanello 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Lush nose. Like velvet in the glass. The Cabernet component seems to add balance and softness to the Sangiovese in just the right proportions. Drinking beautifully now, with still a fair amount of tannic grip. The fruit has not faded; this is in a great drinking window right now.

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• 1999 La Magia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 87 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  Light in color with some signs of bricking. Slightly maderized flavors, light in body weight.

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• 2000 Antinori Solaia 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Managed to be a standout amidst a glut of wine. Young but well balanced, ripe Cabernet blend. Wait on this one.

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• 2005 Macari Vineyards Block E 87 Points

  USA, New York, Long Island, North Fork

  Nice dessert wine and a good showing for LI. Chardonnay based sweetie, with good acidity and decent length. Lacks the "wow" factor of the best dessert wines, but fun to have as part of the tasting, and quite delicious.

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• 2006 Donnafugata Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé 90 Points

  Italy, Sicily, Passito di Pantelleria

  Less maderized than I expected, with the unique aromatic component of the Muscat grape. This has elements of apricot, nuts and honeysuckle wrapped up in a medium-bodied frame. Not cloying at all, and a pleasure to drink.

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• 1980 Fonseca Porto Vintage 84 Points

  Portugal, Douro, Porto

  Granted this was tasted with a fair amount of palate fatigue, but my recollection was that this is a bit hot still, and not as rounded as other Ports I have had.

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