1954 Antonio Vallana e Figlio Spanna Campi Raudii

Community Tasting Notes (4)

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  2/8/2012 - Ian S wrote:

  In truth, no idea on the vintage, but it did come in the same box as some 1954s and the labels are consistent, hence on balalnce of probability, also a 1954.
  
  Certainly over-mature in colour, being predominantly brown/mahogany albeit with enough red to suggest it might still be alive.
  
  Very attractive nose, with high toned faded fruit, mushroom, liquorice, fennel and a touch of black olive, all with a genuine flow to the profile and the sort of complexity that comes with fully/over mature wines.
  
  Lovely balance on the palate, which is nearer to medium bodied than I'd expect (albeit still probably 'light' in the context of modern wines). Although the fruit is light/delicate, it's far from faded to the background. Slightly less complexity than the nose, but a decent length to the finish and lovely acidity that's both refreshing, yet also soft enough not to dominate.
  
  Our last bottle of this and I suspect we're unlikely to see any more at a sensible price. It's done good by us.

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  12/1/2007 - Ian S wrote:

  Another upper shoulder wine - with the cork coming out in instalments...
  
  Colour-wise, this is showing significant age, with maroon/mahogony body and a broad orange at the rim. Not bad colour for the age.
  
  The nose is very expressive, with strong mushroom aromas, volatile acidity, an orange/ medicinal element and the remaining fruit playing a game supporting role.
  
  The wine itself is hanging on in very well. If I were being objective I'd say this would probably have peaked 10-20 years ago, but that would be denying the joy I get from some wines in their dotage.
  
  There's still fruit on the palate and it's more prominent than on the nose, making it nicely in balance with the tertiary flavours. It's quite light bodied with an excellent long finish, albeit with a hint of straw towards the end.
  
  Fantastic enjoyment from these wines and will always keep an eye out for more.

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  6/30/2007 - Ian S wrote:

  Having experienced this wine before, expectations weren't too high and as I was opening it said "It will definitely be fading".
  
  Fading perhaps, but stonking with it!
  
  Cork was pretty soft & soaked and came out in two pieces. The level was a concerning, (albeit unsurprising with it's age) upper shoulder
  
  The colour is edging from claret to mahogany with the red tones hanging in there - just. The browning at the rim has a touch of amber, but not as much as I've noticed in other older nebbiolos. This one definitely darker and heading towards brown.
  
  The nose is certainly very mature, with a fair degree of sweet decaying fruit giving it an overall caramelly nose (in a good way, this descriptor cuts both ways for me). There's some earthy mushroom in there and a nice fresh lift (VA?) that fits well, perhaps a touch of sweet spice as well?
  
  On the palate there's a degree of sweetness and balancing refreshing acidity that matches really well. Relatively light in body, with a finish that isn't powerful, but long and complex (it almost fades away, yet seems to come back again, and again). Works very well with food (in this case roast chicken with a porcini and Morel gravy). On it's own, perhaps the acidity dominates the finish and makes it a little drying. Still a minor quibble.

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  1/28/2007 - Ian S wrote:

  Colour-wise, this was really showing it's age, with a mahogany colour and little hint of red left. However the colour was quite deep. Fill level was upper shoulder IIRC. The nose had a strong tertiary mushroom nose, with shades of licorice and medicinal sweetness. Certainly impressive and complex. On the palate the dominant mushroom aromas were replicated, together with the licorice. Initially it fell away quite quickly on the finish, though with a little air, it held up slightly better and some caramel notes appeared. Overall highly enjoyable, but definitely on the slide and you have to appreciate aged characters to get the same enjoyment I did.

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