Important Update From the Founder
Read message >
Formula One 2013
F1 Paddock Club
Tasted September 21, 2013 by Derek Darth Taster with 220 views
Introduction
Knew that definitely the French would have one representation out of the 3 red wines.
The Ata Rangi seems to be on the menu year after year, a clear indication of its consistency and good quality for price.
Interesting that they decided to choose a Brunello. I would have thought that a Chianti would be a much better general crowd-pleaser at a lower price.
Flight 1 (3 notes)
Red
2007 Réserve de la Comtesse
Damp woody aroma. Smooth but flat. Uneventful on the palate. Table wine standard, but on the better side.
Red
2011 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir
Wasn't served in a proper pinot noir glass. Nonetheless, fresh fruity bouquet with hint of oak. Medium body and tannins, but definitely more heavy-going as compared to the 2010 and 2009 I had previously. This is too young. Needs some time to integrate.
Red
2007 Tenute Niccolai Brunello di Montalcino Podere Bellarina
Deep dark hue with a typical Sangiovese nose. Sweet on the entry and coats the tongue with lots of dry chewy tannins. Textbook Brunello flavors on the palate but somehow not very organized. Very well defined long finish though.
Closing
The Brunello clearly mowed down the other 2 reds. The Ata Rangi has potential but is too young. The Bordeaux is good table wine standard.
I ended off with a Grant Burge Tawny Port. Sweet and nice!