A positive bouquet promised much. On the palate there was bright cherry fruit that was spicy and medicinal, overlying soft ruffled tannins. Initially savoury, the fruit was sweet, juicy and spicy, developing a silky smooth sweetish finish. Enjoyable, but this didn’t grip me as much as a Freisa or Barolo I had enjoyed with friends the previous Thursday. CHP 89 pts
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Initially tasted when double-decanted at around 5pm, this came across as warm and cuddly, with spicy and sweet kirsch cherry fruit maybe with a hint of liquorice and tar. At the time I felt it should have a little more structure and lift. The wine, though, was actually consumed at a local restaurant, Tropea, at around 10pm that same evening, some 5 hours later, and what a transformation. Smooth, rounded and svelte with lifted black cherry fruit and subtle grainy tannins. The mouthfeel, structure and length of finish were utterly superb, and quite frankly, this had metamorphosised into an amazing wine. Wonderful. CHP 94 pts
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Fresh, fruity and vibrant with gorgeous ruffled tannins, developing a velvety texture tasting of bright red cherry, with an excellent finish. This has matured beautifully, showing little signs of age and is now giving great pleasure. CHP 92 pts
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5/1/2023 7:12:00 AM - Hi Michael, I'm not certain how this will cellar as I have generally drunk it fairly young like a Beaujolais. If the stopper is still plastic I wouldn't hold it for too long and consume it on the cool side during the course of this summer.
By the way. Did I pick up that you have visited Eugene in Oregon. I am thinking about visiting next May and wondered if you had any recommendations. Clive
4/26/2023 8:54:00 AM - Hi Clive. Saw your post in my board. Seeing your review on the 2020 Dom du Cros Marcillac made me not open the bottles that I have and save it for later(hoping it'll get better). Looking forward to your future tasting notes.
Thanks!
Michael
3/21/2023 4:00:00 AM - Hi Martin,
I am the last original founder of the Mercian Wine Circle which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025 and we currently have a full complement of members. We meet monthly currently at a community hall in Harborne, Birmingham and generally taste 12 bottles of high quality and fine wine on any given theme. Membership is limited therefore to 17.
I also run a sister group, Bin Ends, where we get to taste everyday and good value wine so it keeps my feet firmly on the ground. It makes a good contrast and there is no membership limit but I do restrict numbers to 17 per tasting.
We generally meet on a Tuesday evening but living in Hereford I think it would be a bit too far to travel.
2018 Dalamara Winery Xinomavro Naoussa
4/20/2024 - platpeeps Likes this wine: 89 Points
A positive bouquet promised much. On the palate there was bright cherry fruit that was spicy and medicinal, overlying soft ruffled tannins. Initially savoury, the fruit was sweet, juicy and spicy, developing a silky smooth sweetish finish. Enjoyable, but this didn’t grip me as much as a Freisa or Barolo I had enjoyed with friends the previous Thursday. CHP 89 pts
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2011 Elio Grasso Barolo Ginestra Casa Maté
4/19/2024 - platpeeps Likes this wine: 94 Points
Initially tasted when double-decanted at around 5pm, this came across as warm and cuddly, with spicy and sweet kirsch cherry fruit maybe with a hint of liquorice and tar. At the time I felt it should have a little more structure and lift.
The wine, though, was actually consumed at a local restaurant, Tropea, at around 10pm that same evening, some 5 hours later, and what a transformation. Smooth, rounded and svelte with lifted black cherry fruit and subtle grainy tannins. The mouthfeel, structure and length of finish were utterly superb, and quite frankly, this had metamorphosised into an amazing wine. Wonderful. CHP 94 pts
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2012 G.D. Vajra Langhe Freisa Kyè
4/18/2024 - platpeeps Likes this wine: 92 Points
Fresh, fruity and vibrant with gorgeous ruffled tannins, developing a velvety texture tasting of bright red cherry, with an excellent finish. This has matured beautifully, showing little signs of age and is now giving great pleasure. CHP 92 pts
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