Last one. Still decent. Flavors a bit faded compared to previous bottles. I would recommend drinking in the near term, although there is no need to panic.
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Medium dark red. Clearly has shed some of the oaky influences of its youth, with more true to type pomegranate and iron character on the nose. On the palate, the baby fat is apparent upfront but gone by the finish, where seriously respectable tannins accumulate. I like the direction this has taken in the cellar.
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Friday night at home with porchetta redone on the grill. Wine cut nicely through the richness of the pork. Enjoy this wine with food and would consistently score it higher than most others have.
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Friday night - Jess is home for winter break and Danielle and MArie stop by for a snack - two bottles opened with leek tart, olives and cheese. Enjoyed by all.
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This has lost some fruit, weight, and depth since I last opened a bottle 18 months ago, and it hasn't gained any complexity, and the minerality has lost some clarity, but it's still drinking nicely even if it is sliding downhill. There's a new interesting celery note here, and there's some nice spicy, peppery black fruit, and plenty of acidity and structure. Good to pair with meats and earthy autumn vegetables alike. Drink up, folks!
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Very nice bottle -- opened up as I drank it over more than an hour (from a decanter). Pretty traditional Italian palate -- dusty and dry -- bit not at all bitter or excessively trannic. I guess you could go with the "dark fruit and cherry" thing -- sort of standard. Regardless, nicely balanced -- and "Old Worldly" -- a plus for me. Not a real pop-n-pour. Drinks well early out of the bottle, and a little smoother later.
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Wednesday at home - made a big pot ogf gravy on a cool, rainy day (home following the JRV pick-up @ Cof C). Wine a good/perfect pairing with the rich meat sauce.
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i dont understand the acclaim this wine is getting. it's bitter, sour, astringent, watery, lacking fruit, disjointed, awkward, strange, thoroughly unpleasant, and yep you guessed it i didnt like it. i could barely swallow it. bad bottle? maybe. confused? definitely.
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We decided to take dougdell up on his note below about this wine's suitability for having with pizza, and he is right on! Once again, a very satisfying nose and acidity level...quite chianti-like, and with quite sufficient depth and power to match a 'works' pizza very well. My wife and I were very impressed, and will keep our eyes out for more of this!
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Possibly the best match for pizza that I've ever drank. Lots of nose, rich and fruity. Very aggressive palate; medium tannins but dark fruit flavors with a bit of earth. Too much acidity for sipping, but as I said matches great with pizza. Good value, would be worth considering again.
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This is really coming around. What a nice change from the last bottle. After an hour in the decanter it shows dark fruit, mineral and citrus. It isn't complex, but interesting enough to keep you going back for more. The palate is soft, seamless with no, or very little, tannin left. It has medium body and acid and is a very good accompaniment to food. Initially I described this as rustic, but it now shows some elegance and class. Drink or hold short term for improvement.
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My first time trying this, without really knowing what to expect. A medium-dark ruby in the glass, the nose was difficult to pin down, aromatic at times, with slightly sour red berries, roasted meat, and oak. What was surprising was that there was little to no spice, which I had expected to go with my BBQ pork spareribs. However, there was good acidity, and this helped to cut through the fat from the spareribs, even if the experience of both were not heightened as with a spicy zinfandel or southern Rhone. Nonetheless, very agreeable. After an hour open, the tannins in this softened, the acidity lessened, and mocha definitely stepped forward, making this even more appropriate to consume with steaks. Indeed, I'll plan on having my last bottle of this with steaks and see how this works.
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100 percent Aglianico. Aged for 12 months partly in French oak barrels and partly in steel vats. Decanting time : two hours. Nice deep red color with some purple shades. Strong nose, dominated by red cherry and fragrances of cedar, cassis and a hint of cinnamon. The taste is difficult to describe (and to rate) as the wine developed enormously during the tasting (still very tannic and spicy, good acidity, full bodied, intense varietal character). Needs definitively more air (or cellar-time).
100 percent Aglianico. De wijn rijpte 12 maanden, deels op Franse eik en deels op roestvrij staal. Decanteertijd : twee uur. Goede, dieprode kleur met wat purperen schakeringen. Krachtige neus met aroma’s van rode kersen, cassis, cederhout en een zweem kaneel. De smaak is op dit ogenblik moeilijk te beschrijven (en te beoordelen) gezien de wijn sterk evolueert in het glas (krachtig en met nog stevige tannines, kruiden, goede aciditeit, uitgesproken “Aglianico-smaak”). Geef hem een langere decanteertijd, of nog wat kelderrust.
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Opened and served right away. Nose of dark fruit, blackberries, cassis and cinnamon. Light flavours of dark ripe cherries. No tannins, medium finish. Easy drinking.
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Deep crimson color. Not overly aromatic on the nose. Good sour cherry flavors on the palate with nice acidity and solid tannins. Very respectable QPR wine.
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Light and rustic, could probably use a few more years. Black fruits on the nose, spicy mineral undercurrents on the palate danced around the chocolate covered cherries and earth notes. Somewhat dry, slightly bitter finish of moderate length.
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Man, this is an astonishing wine. Deep dark volcanic-tasting minerality and deep black fruit, very pure and full-bodied, with a long finish. Even better the second night, when the minerals were stitched ever more comfortably into the fruit. Organically grown.
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Pretty much the same review as last time. A solid wine. For whatever reasons, it reminds me of a carmenere. Fruit not that prominent, although the tannins are in check (somehow). I have 2 bottles left, and I will (try to) let them sit for a few years just to see what happens.
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This vintage was a winner of Gambero Rosso's Tre Bicchieri. Decanted 2 hours. Lots of black cherries, acidic cranberries, and flowers on the nose, along with tons of minerals and wet granite. Full bodied with candied cherries on the mid-palate, followed by strawberry jam, minerals, and brambly fruit on the moderately dry finish. Very nice length, developing deeper minerals and plump fruit. This really lingers in my senses. A great value, and I think this will last for quite some time as it is still very tannic on the finish.
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Deep ruby color. Full aromas of plum, black fruit and some musty, earthy and herbal notes. But definetly not 'green and herbacious'. Very intersting nose. Medium bodied palate with good acidity balance and chewy tannins. Medium, slightly bitter, finish. Interesting wine with intruiging nose. Drink now - 2010.
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Again, very nice earthy flavours (mushrooms, dirt) with plenty of acidity to keep it fresh. On the finish strong chocolate & hazelnut flavours, which rounds it out very nicely
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this needed time open up to show its appeal. At first, musty odor and strong tannins (probably needs a year or two to age) - the next day a different wine. earthy, plums, smoke, a bit unusual and hard to describe, but not in a bad way. Long finish as well. Good value for the $
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red beets and oaky nose; full bodied smoky sausage taste, with dark fruits; medium to long finish - better within 1st hour of decanting than later, when flavors became muted and finish got shorter
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Popped and poured this one at a barbeque and didn't really pay much attention. Dark color, full-bodied, spicy on the finish. Would benefit from decanting.
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Dark ruby color. Some cherry, oak and leather on the nose. Tannins are not obtrusive nor is the oak. Medium body, rustic, decent QPR. Will enjoy my remaining bottles
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Deep garnet color, initially I was getting dusty charcoaled bacon, but after and an hour or so, some black plum aromas came through. The palate evolved as well. Black fruits with brisk acidity and moderate, but fine tannins. I'd go 88-89 points considering the price, very enjoyable, but needs decanting to bring out the fruit. Still liked their Ramitello a bit more.
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I bought a few of these at a great price and wanted to see if I should stock up. Opened with whole wheat penne baked with tomato/ground chicken sauce and cheese.
Dark purple. Tar/minerals/tar/stones/tar/blackberries/tar/earth/tar/dirt/tar. Chunky, rustic, and tannic. The last glass was smoother/softer after being open about four hours. I think I will let the remaining bottles sleep and check back in a year or two.
I have never had the Contado (100% Aglianico) before, but I have enjoyed the Ramitello (80% Prugnolo and 20% Aglianico) in a couple of vintages and I think I prefer it to the Contado (at least this vintage).
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An interesting and enjoyable bottle. Reminded me of a carmenere - a little burnt and leathery. Rich, but not very fruity. I am looking forward to the others.
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I liked this for the price. An improvement over the 02 and (as near as I can recall the 01, too). Nice licorice and earth notes. Dark fruits, though not of the greatest depth. Wood is more under control that past vintages. A serious wine in its category.
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Dark garnet-red. Nose opens up with a little air, with a primary impression of prune and secondary notes of vanillin, stones, herbs, and chocolate covered raisins. Medium in weight and surprisingly round and gentle in the mouth, with a 30 second finish. Interesting how Di Majo Norante tamed this varietal and left it with no rough edges.
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Cherry, spicy, tobacco nose w/ some brett notes. Clear varietal character - liquorice and cherry, but noticeable bitter tannins on the mid-palate and finish prevent a higher score. Bitter tannins reduced somewhat on 2nd day, but were still clearly noticeable. Good food wine.
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I have to wonder if there were multiple bottlings of this wine. My sample showed nice pencil shavings, raspberry, some darker fruit, and a distinct spiciness. Showing some tannin, medium-bodied, with decent power, it came across as almost Pauillac-light. By the second day, however, it was distinctly more ho-hum. The variation in tasting notes here is certainly odd...
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Deep dark purple in color. Very strange nose. Not real familiar with varietal, so don't know if it's characteristic or not. Kind of medicinal, slight rubber smell. Palate: wierd, ok up front, but takes on some band aid flavor thru to finish. Not my type.
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Dark fruits on the nose. Leather and earth on the palate. Tannins are evident but mellowed out with some air. This was a really good "Friday night pizza wine".
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Extremely dry. Although it felt like it was holding back a lot, you could tell this is a serious wine. Next bottle needs much more time to breethe (2+ hours).
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Ripeness and purity in this little beauty. Jammy aromas, earth, liquorice and tar. Medium body, rich and tasty, perfectly balanced, with a nice acidity in the moderate chocolate finish. Great QPR.
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Dark, concentrated colour. Intense nose with great complexity. Some feshness (herbs) with dark concentrated fruits. On the palate very fresh at the beginning, some nice acidity. This is followed by some outstanding smoothness and lovely balance in the mid-palate. Towards the finale it just keeps on getting smooter (vanille, coffee, tobacco, silky tannins, dark fruit and spice) and more complex. Very refined finale with impressive length. Difficult to beat the QPR of this wine. World Class.
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Dark fruit, a bit of oak - well integrated. Smooth and balanced maybe a bit international but nice anyway. Fine finish. Will certainly hold for some time but pleasent now.
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According to RMP: « It is a stunning Italian red: 91pts. » Indeed, the wine has personnality. Deep ruby with purple tinge, the nose is intense with blackberries, floral notes, almond paste, and nicely roasted notes with tar and liquorice. Alcohol is noticeable at first but gradually is overcome with the great complexity of aromas. Aglianico reveals itself through the deep color and the interesting celery salt on the nose. The palate is medium to full bodied and the mid-palate is fabulously smooth and balanced. The finale is all about spices, tobacco, liquorice and nice cherry pits. To be decanted at least 30-60 minutes.
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4/6/2011 - John Nezlek wrote: 87 Points
Last one. Still decent. Flavors a bit faded compared to previous bottles. I would recommend drinking in the near term, although there is no need to panic.
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12/5/2010 - tcfishler wrote:
Medium dark red. Clearly has shed some of the oaky influences of its youth, with more true to type pomegranate and iron character on the nose. On the palate, the baby fat is apparent upfront but gone by the finish, where seriously respectable tannins accumulate. I like the direction this has taken in the cellar.
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5/17/2010 - Louisiana George wrote: 88 Points
a little herbal, very good color and flavors, medium body, good acidity, medium finish
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4/24/2010 - eastover wrote:
Saturday night at home with Jill's "Inside out eggplant parm". Nice pairing. Last of this vintage in the cellar.
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4/9/2010 - eastover wrote:
Friday night at home with porchetta redone on the grill. Wine cut nicely through the richness of the pork. Enjoy this wine with food and would consistently score it higher than most others have.
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12/18/2009 - eastover wrote:
Friday night - Jess is home for winter break and Danielle and MArie stop by for a snack - two bottles opened with leek tart, olives and cheese. Enjoyed by all.
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12/4/2009 - eastover wrote:
Friday night - just back from London - at home with Jilly's homemade pizza. Delicious and a perfect pairing - even commented on by Jill.
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10/24/2009 - Wicker Parker wrote:
This has lost some fruit, weight, and depth since I last opened a bottle 18 months ago, and it hasn't gained any complexity, and the minerality has lost some clarity, but it's still drinking nicely even if it is sliding downhill. There's a new interesting celery note here, and there's some nice spicy, peppery black fruit, and plenty of acidity and structure. Good to pair with meats and earthy autumn vegetables alike. Drink up, folks!
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9/9/2009 - John Nezlek wrote: 89 Points
Very nice bottle -- opened up as I drank it over more than an hour (from a decanter). Pretty traditional Italian palate -- dusty and dry -- bit not at all bitter or excessively trannic. I guess you could go with the "dark fruit and cherry" thing -- sort of standard. Regardless, nicely balanced -- and "Old Worldly" -- a plus for me. Not a real pop-n-pour. Drinks well early out of the bottle, and a little smoother later.
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5/6/2009 - eastover wrote:
Wednesday at home - made a big pot ogf gravy on a cool, rainy day (home following the JRV pick-up @ Cof C). Wine a good/perfect pairing with the rich meat sauce.
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3/20/2009 - sarciero wrote: 88 Points
Nice, food friendly wine. Not as much fruit as I would have expected. More vegetal type action. Not bad, not great.
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12/29/2008 - mike l. wrote: 65 Points
i dont understand the acclaim this wine is getting. it's bitter, sour, astringent, watery, lacking fruit, disjointed, awkward, strange, thoroughly unpleasant, and yep you guessed it i didnt like it. i could barely swallow it. bad bottle? maybe. confused? definitely.
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11/29/2008 - MBannon wrote: 89 Points
Big, big wine. Wow. Massive fruit and tannins, and plenty of acidity. Might actually be smooth in a couple years, but it's hard to tell right now.
2 days later - Still big, definitely a bit softer now. Hasn't fallen apart in the least, though. Terrific value.
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11/13/2008 - wicozani wrote: 88 Points
We decided to take dougdell up on his note below about this wine's suitability for having with pizza, and he is right on! Once again, a very satisfying nose and acidity level...quite chianti-like, and with quite sufficient depth and power to match a 'works' pizza very well. My wife and I were very impressed, and will keep our eyes out for more of this!
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11/1/2008 - dougdell wrote: 91 Points
Possibly the best match for pizza that I've ever drank. Lots of nose, rich and fruity. Very aggressive palate; medium tannins but dark fruit flavors with a bit of earth. Too much acidity for sipping, but as I said matches great with pizza. Good value, would be worth considering again.
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10/29/2008 - DavidK wrote: 91 Points
This is amazing for the price. Packed with fruit, mineral tones, smoke, some complexity and also quite some reserve, this is a steal. 18/20
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10/24/2008 - esb wrote:
This is really coming around. What a nice change from the last bottle. After an hour in the decanter it shows dark fruit, mineral and citrus. It isn't complex, but interesting enough to keep you going back for more. The palate is soft, seamless with no, or very little, tannin left. It has medium body and acid and is a very good accompaniment to food. Initially I described this as rustic, but it now shows some elegance and class. Drink or hold short term for improvement.
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10/2/2008 - wicozani wrote: 87 Points
My first time trying this, without really knowing what to expect. A medium-dark ruby in the glass, the nose was difficult to pin down, aromatic at times, with slightly sour red berries, roasted meat, and oak. What was surprising was that there was little to no spice, which I had expected to go with my BBQ pork spareribs. However, there was good acidity, and this helped to cut through the fat from the spareribs, even if the experience of both were not heightened as with a spicy zinfandel or southern Rhone. Nonetheless, very agreeable. After an hour open, the tannins in this softened, the acidity lessened, and mocha definitely stepped forward, making this even more appropriate to consume with steaks. Indeed, I'll plan on having my last bottle of this with steaks and see how this works.
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8/7/2008 - jmoskow wrote: 87 Points
Medium tannins. cherry and spice.
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8/2/2008 - JerzeyJohn wrote: 88 Points
full bodied and robust - tannic, but mellows after an hour or so, even better the next day
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6/10/2008 - huse wrote:
100 percent Aglianico. Aged for 12 months partly in French oak barrels and partly in steel vats. Decanting time : two hours. Nice deep red color with some purple shades. Strong nose, dominated by red cherry and fragrances of cedar, cassis and a hint of cinnamon. The taste is difficult to describe (and to rate) as the wine developed enormously during the tasting (still very tannic and spicy, good acidity, full bodied, intense varietal character). Needs definitively more air (or cellar-time).
100 percent Aglianico. De wijn rijpte 12 maanden, deels op Franse eik en deels op roestvrij staal. Decanteertijd : twee uur. Goede, dieprode kleur met wat purperen schakeringen. Krachtige neus met aroma’s van rode kersen, cassis, cederhout en een zweem kaneel. De smaak is op dit ogenblik moeilijk te beschrijven (en te beoordelen) gezien de wijn sterk evolueert in het glas (krachtig en met nog stevige tannines, kruiden, goede aciditeit, uitgesproken “Aglianico-smaak”). Geef hem een langere decanteertijd, of nog wat kelderrust.
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5/14/2008 - godx wrote: 87 Points
Opened and served right away. Nose of dark fruit, blackberries, cassis and cinnamon. Light flavours of dark ripe cherries. No tannins, medium finish. Easy drinking.
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5/9/2008 - pharkas wrote: 89 Points
High acidity, dark chocolate, black fuit, pepppers.
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4/24/2008 - LPskeleton wrote:
Deep sweet fruit nose, with smoky hickory flavors.
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4/13/2008 - Rich S wrote: 88 Points
Deep crimson color. Not overly aromatic on the nose. Good sour cherry flavors on the palate with nice acidity and solid tannins. Very respectable QPR wine.
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3/24/2008 - Delund wrote: 89 Points
Light and rustic, could probably use a few more years. Black fruits on the nose, spicy mineral undercurrents on the palate danced around the chocolate covered cherries and earth notes. Somewhat dry, slightly bitter finish of moderate length.
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2/5/2008 - Wicker Parker wrote:
Man, this is an astonishing wine. Deep dark volcanic-tasting minerality and deep black fruit, very pure and full-bodied, with a long finish. Even better the second night, when the minerals were stitched ever more comfortably into the fruit. Organically grown.
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1/23/2008 - John Nezlek wrote: 88 Points
Pretty much the same review as last time. A solid wine. For whatever reasons, it reminds me of a carmenere. Fruit not that prominent, although the tannins are in check (somehow). I have 2 bottles left, and I will (try to) let them sit for a few years just to see what happens.
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1/14/2008 - David Paris (dbp) wrote: 89 Points
This vintage was a winner of Gambero Rosso's Tre Bicchieri. Decanted 2 hours. Lots of black cherries, acidic cranberries, and flowers on the nose, along with tons of minerals and wet granite. Full bodied with candied cherries on the mid-palate, followed by strawberry jam, minerals, and brambly fruit on the moderately dry finish. Very nice length, developing deeper minerals and plump fruit. This really lingers in my senses. A great value, and I think this will last for quite some time as it is still very tannic on the finish.
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1/11/2008 - Jochems wrote: 89 Points
Deep ruby color. Full aromas of plum, black fruit and some musty, earthy and herbal notes. But definetly not 'green and herbacious'. Very intersting nose. Medium bodied palate with good acidity balance and chewy tannins. Medium, slightly bitter, finish. Interesting wine with intruiging nose. Drink now - 2010.
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12/28/2007 - mpoel wrote: 91 Points
Again, very nice earthy flavours (mushrooms, dirt) with plenty of acidity to keep it fresh. On the finish strong chocolate & hazelnut flavours, which rounds it out very nicely
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12/14/2007 - mauropallido wrote: 84 Points
Sempre un buon aglianico ben vinificato e di facile beva, ma questo 2003 mi pare veramente troppo barricato e legnoso. Prezzo onesto.
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12/8/2007 - lolo66 wrote: 88 Points
this needed time open up to show its appeal. At first, musty odor and strong tannins (probably needs a year or two to age) - the next day a different wine. earthy, plums, smoke, a bit unusual and hard to describe, but not in a bad way. Long finish as well. Good value for the $
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12/4/2007 - barcavine wrote: 88 Points
Very, very nice. I like this one, very interesting with a lot more to offer.
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11/25/2007 - eastover wrote:
A good everyday, food friendly wine.
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11/16/2007 - rossnross wrote: 89 Points
Nice everyday wine. Would buy again.
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10/25/2007 - eastover wrote:
At cellar temp - nice wine - a good value - and improved as it warmed. Good everyday bottle.
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8/8/2007 - Louisiana George wrote: 89 Points
red beets and oaky nose; full bodied smoky sausage taste, with dark fruits; medium to long finish - better within 1st hour of decanting than later, when flavors became muted and finish got shorter
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7/15/2007 - amgryger wrote:
Popped and poured this one at a barbeque and didn't really pay much attention. Dark color, full-bodied, spicy on the finish. Would benefit from decanting.
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7/15/2007 - borneman wrote: 91 Points
Scores extra points for originality. Fresh plum and a little smoke frame this most interesting aglianco. Great interesting wine for the price,
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7/8/2007 - ksmith wrote: 88 Points
Dark ruby color. Some cherry, oak and leather on the nose. Tannins are not obtrusive nor is the oak. Medium body, rustic, decent QPR. Will enjoy my remaining bottles
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6/28/2007 - jimkay21 wrote: 89 Points
Deep garnet color, initially I was getting dusty charcoaled bacon, but after and an hour or so, some black plum aromas came through. The palate evolved as well. Black fruits with brisk acidity and moderate, but fine tannins. I'd go 88-89 points considering the price, very enjoyable, but needs decanting to bring out the fruit. Still liked their Ramitello a bit more.
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6/24/2007 - Siggy wrote: 86 Points
Tasting Group Dinner - The Other Italy (Il Vesco Vino, St. Paul): Simple, plummy, and smoky. Light/medium body. Rustic.
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6/14/2007 - good old ludwig van wrote: 88 Points
Smoky, oaky, OK.
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5/18/2007 - Al Ehrhardt wrote:
I bought a few of these at a great price and wanted to see if I should stock up. Opened with whole wheat penne baked with tomato/ground chicken sauce and cheese.
Dark purple. Tar/minerals/tar/stones/tar/blackberries/tar/earth/tar/dirt/tar. Chunky, rustic, and tannic. The last glass was smoother/softer after being open about four hours. I think I will let the remaining bottles sleep and check back in a year or two.
I have never had the Contado (100% Aglianico) before, but I have enjoyed the Ramitello (80% Prugnolo and 20% Aglianico) in a couple of vintages and I think I prefer it to the Contado (at least this vintage).
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5/10/2007 - John Nezlek wrote: 89 Points
An interesting and enjoyable bottle. Reminded me of a carmenere - a little burnt and leathery. Rich, but not very fruity. I am looking forward to the others.
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5/8/2007 - SadEdjo wrote:
wonderfully smooth medium bodied but taut sour cherry & kirsch
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5/4/2007 - djb wrote: 89 Points
I liked this for the price. An improvement over the 02 and (as near as I can recall the 01, too). Nice licorice and earth notes. Dark fruits, though not of the greatest depth. Wood is more under control that past vintages. A serious wine in its category.
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4/26/2007 - yui wrote: 89 Points
nice food wine. better than 2002
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4/15/2007 - popquizkid wrote: 89 Points
Nice wine. Cherry on the nose. Leather notes are evident. Tannins are evident but not obtrusive. nice QPR.
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4/14/2007 - tcfishler wrote: 90 Points
Dark garnet-red. Nose opens up with a little air, with a primary impression of prune and secondary notes of vanillin, stones, herbs, and chocolate covered raisins. Medium in weight and surprisingly round and gentle in the mouth, with a 30 second finish. Interesting how Di Majo Norante tamed this varietal and left it with no rough edges.
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4/12/2007 - mas01950 wrote: 87 Points
Cherry, spicy, tobacco nose w/ some brett notes. Clear varietal character - liquorice and cherry, but noticeable bitter tannins on the mid-palate and finish prevent a higher score. Bitter tannins reduced somewhat on 2nd day, but were still clearly noticeable. Good food wine.
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4/10/2007 - bknysak wrote: 90 Points
I have to wonder if there were multiple bottlings of this wine. My sample showed nice pencil shavings, raspberry, some darker fruit, and a distinct spiciness. Showing some tannin, medium-bodied, with decent power, it came across as almost Pauillac-light. By the second day, however, it was distinctly more ho-hum. The variation in tasting notes here is certainly odd...
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4/2/2007 - jjlobi wrote: 87 Points
Can't support the RP rating of 91. Tasted better with lower ratings.
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3/22/2007 - Fatty Cat wrote: 84 Points
Late Mar 2007: dark purple ink; no bouquet; brutal tannins.
Opened way too young. Leave this wine at least another 5 years in the cellar and hope for improvement.
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3/12/2007 - jjlobi wrote: 85 Points
While this is a RP91, I just don't see it the same way. Was not particularly impressed with this wine and would not repurchase.
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3/11/2007 - caboychuck wrote:
Deep dark purple in color. Very strange nose. Not real familiar with varietal, so don't know if it's characteristic or not. Kind of medicinal, slight rubber smell. Palate: wierd, ok up front, but takes on some band aid flavor thru to finish. Not my type.
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3/10/2007 - popquizkid wrote: 88 Points
Dark fruits on the nose. Leather and earth on the palate. Tannins are evident but mellowed out with some air. This was a really good "Friday night pizza wine".
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3/1/2007 - Hi-Ho-Silver wrote: 87 Points
Much better than the first bottle. Dark red fruit color and aroma.
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2/27/2007 - gbauer wrote:
Dark fruit and a little alcohol on the nose. Currants and dirt (in a good way, for me) on the palate.
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2/21/2007 - insaneirish wrote:
Extremely dry. Although it felt like it was holding back a lot, you could tell this is a serious wine. Next bottle needs much more time to breethe (2+ hours).
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2/18/2007 - nschmidt wrote: 84 Points
Liquified dirt in a bottle. No smell or taste of fruit. I like earthy but this was way over the top. I really wanted to like it but I couldn't.
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2/8/2007 - Hi-Ho-Silver wrote: 80 Points
Flat, rather muted fruit.
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1/10/2007 - BABA wrote: 90 Points
Ripeness and purity in this little beauty. Jammy aromas, earth, liquorice and tar. Medium body, rich and tasty, perfectly balanced, with a nice acidity in the moderate chocolate finish. Great QPR.
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12/29/2006 - mpoel wrote: 92 Points
Dark, concentrated colour. Intense nose with great complexity. Some feshness (herbs) with dark concentrated fruits. On the palate very fresh at the beginning, some nice acidity. This is followed by some outstanding smoothness and lovely balance in the mid-palate. Towards the finale it just keeps on getting smooter (vanille, coffee, tobacco, silky tannins, dark fruit and spice) and more complex. Very refined finale with impressive length. Difficult to beat the QPR of this wine. World Class.
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11/4/2006 - robs_r wrote:
Dark fruit, a bit of oak - well integrated. Smooth and balanced maybe a bit international but nice anyway. Fine finish. Will certainly hold for some time but pleasent now.
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10/15/2006 - walkers wrote: 89 Points
Black fruit, a bit of tar and a little bit of earthiness. good structure. Needs a bit of air on opening for the fruit on the palate to open up.
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10/2/2006 - DuVinMD wrote: 88 Points
According to RMP: « It is a stunning Italian red: 91pts. » Indeed, the wine has personnality. Deep ruby with purple tinge, the nose is intense with blackberries, floral notes, almond paste, and nicely roasted notes with tar and liquorice. Alcohol is noticeable at first but gradually is overcome with the great complexity of aromas. Aglianico reveals itself through the deep color and the interesting celery salt on the nose. The palate is medium to full bodied and the mid-palate is fabulously smooth and balanced. The finale is all about spices, tobacco, liquorice and nice cherry pits. To be decanted at least 30-60 minutes.
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