Wow, might be the greatest Barbera there is. This wine took me on a journey. Extremely funky, meaty, earthy nose upon PnP, then more gamey, animale flavors. Where was the fruit? Reminded me more of Northern Rhone than Piemonte. After an hour decant it began to shine. Sweet red berries, lavender, leather, camphor, cedar, musk. Each sip revealed a new layer - that garam/curry/cinnamon note one can find in aged Barolo. Orange peel, chambord, and other black-fruited liqueur. Burgundian, power without weight. Like a really exquisite village or 1er Cote de Nuits. Still beguiling on Day 2 but the 15.5% alcohol started to punch through. This has 94+ potential with some more time in the cellar.
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Opened way too young I guess. All oak notes on PnP - but much better after 3 hr decant. Plum, blackberry jam, black pepper, tobacco and green pepper, but like a really delicious velvety green pepper that’s been braised in mole sauce or something. Have the opportunity to pick up a few more bottles at a good price but I’m undecided.
This is drinking well - I agree with the comment below that the nose overdelivers and makes up for the short length. Not totally sure about its QPR but it is delicious. The toasted almond, vanilla and cream on the nose is subtle and in balance with the minerality and acidity. Pear, orange zest, even a touch of something herbal - rosemary? - a little melon most likely from the grechetto. Drink now.
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2020 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba Vigna Cerretta
3/28/2023 - cinescuro Likes this wine: 93 Points
Wow, might be the greatest Barbera there is. This wine took me on a journey. Extremely funky, meaty, earthy nose upon PnP, then more gamey, animale flavors. Where was the fruit? Reminded me more of Northern Rhone than Piemonte. After an hour decant it began to shine. Sweet red berries, lavender, leather, camphor, cedar, musk. Each sip revealed a new layer - that garam/curry/cinnamon note one can find in aged Barolo. Orange peel, chambord, and other black-fruited liqueur. Burgundian, power without weight. Like a really exquisite village or 1er Cote de Nuits. Still beguiling on Day 2 but the 15.5% alcohol started to punch through. This has 94+ potential with some more time in the cellar.
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2016 Antinori Tignanello
2/7/2023 - cinescuro wrote: 91 Points
Opened way too young I guess. All oak notes on PnP - but much better after 3 hr decant. Plum, blackberry jam, black pepper, tobacco and green pepper, but like a really delicious velvety green pepper that’s been braised in mole sauce or something. Have the opportunity to pick up a few more bottles at a good price but I’m undecided.
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2015 Castello della Sala (Antinori) Umbria Cervaro della Sala
1/30/2023 - cinescuro Likes this wine: 91 Points
This is drinking well - I agree with the comment below that the nose overdelivers and makes up for the short length. Not totally sure about its QPR but it is delicious. The toasted almond, vanilla and cream on the nose is subtle and in balance with the minerality and acidity. Pear, orange zest, even a touch of something herbal - rosemary? - a little melon most likely from the grechetto. Drink now.
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