The Italian Wine Masters

Hilton, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York
Tasted Tuesday, February 8, 2011 by Eric Guido with 1,723 views

Introduction

The Italian Wine Masters is a combined effort between The Consorzi Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. It’s a trade show of sorts, where industry professionals and press are invited to meet the owners and representatives of over 100 wineries from Tuscany and the Veneto, Valdobbiadene wine growing region.

Flight 1 - Brunello di Montalcino (18 Notes)

Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino, Saint’Animo and Moscadello di Montalcino wine production.

  • 2006 Capanna Brunello di Montalcino 90 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    The Capanna Brunello di Montalcino is painful to drink in this early stage. The nose showed dark red fruits and hints of barnyard. On the palate, sour red fruit and herbs fought against the tannic structure of the wine but were ultimately shut down as they coated my palate in tannin. This wine needs many years before showing what it’s truly capable of.

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  • 2004 Capanna Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 94 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    The 2004 Riserva showed a gorgeous nose of dusty dark berries with soil and dark woodsy notes. On the palate, this showed remarkable richness yet refinement as flavors of sour strawberry and spiced herbal tea tantalized the senses. The finish gave way to palate coating tannin, which should keep the concentration on the palate in check for some years to come. This is a wine that I choose for my own cellar and will be very happy to enjoy in its maturity.

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  • 2008 Capanna Rosso di Montalcino 87 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino

    The nose showed wild black berries and violets. On the palate, this came across and fresh yet simple with red fruit and slightly astringent tannin on the finish.

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  • 2009 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Rosso di Montalcino 85 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino

    The nose showed plum with hint of moldy fruit and pecorino cheese. On the palate, I found blackberry and wood barrel with a drying finish.

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  • 2008 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Rosso di Montalcino 90 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino

    The 2008 Rosso showed crushed wild berries, green stems, white pepper and menthol. The palate was velvety and full with lush red berries and cinnamon, which lasted into the long finish.

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  • 2006 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Brunello di Montalcino 91 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    The nose showed elegant floral notes against rich red fruits. On the palate, this wine is focused with spicy sweet cranberry yet restrained by its large structure.

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  • 2005 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli 90 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    The Riserva Vigna Paganelli took the elegance of the noramale, yet added rich dark fruit and wood tones to the nose. On the palate, this wine was big in structure with mouth filling raspberry fruit fading to an uncharacteristically short finish.

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  • 2006 Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino 90 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    The nose showed manure and saddle leather. On the palate, I found red berries and spicy cinnamon stick. It ended in a simple yet enjoyable finish laden with red fruits.

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  • 2005 Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    The nose of the 2005 Le Ragnaie was beautiful, yet not classic to Brunello in any way, as aromas of floral cranberry were joined by an unmistakable wash of coconut. On the palate, it was light and fresh with red berries, but dry going into the finish.

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  • 2006 Campogiovanni (San Felice) Brunello di Montalcino 91 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    The nose showed ripe strawberry, animal musk and hints of wood. On the palate, I found sour red fruits with a savory round body, and hints of salinity, leading to a long structured finish.

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  • 2005 Ruffino Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Greppone Mazzi 87 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    On the nose, I found red fruits and herbs. The palate showed soft, but drying red fruit with hints of cedar and spice.

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  • 2006 Tassi Brunello di Montalcino 91 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    The nose was classic with crushed wild berries, fresh leather and hints of barnyard. On the palate, I found dark strawberry fruit and savory herbs leading to a long red berry finish.

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  • 2006 Tassi Brunello di Montalcino Franci 92 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    Darker and slightly more elegant that the regular Brunello, the Selezione Franci showed an intoxicating note of cherry pipe smoke on the nose. On the palate, I found a balanced, fresh, yet structured Brunello with rich dark fruits and cinnamon leading into a long cherry laden finish.

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  • 2007 Tassi Sant' Antimo BAC 87 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Sant' Antimo

    Darker and slightly more elegant that the regular Brunello, the Selezione Franci showed an intoxicating note of cherry pipe smoke on the nose. On the palate, I found a balanced, fresh, yet structured Brunello with rich dark fruits and cinnamon leading into a long cherry laden finish.

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  • 2009 Terre Nere Rosso di Montalcino 86 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino

    The nose showed dark, older wood, with red fruit and hints of chalk. On the palate, I found faded red fruit and wood, which led to a red candied finish.

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  • 2005 Terre Nere Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    The nose showed red fruits with earth and a hint of manure. The palate was full bodied and nicely structured; showing black cherry and minerals. The finish was medium long with hints of menthol.

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  • 2009 Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino 86 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino

    The nose showed plum reduction, leather and floral perfume. On the palate, I found spicy red fruits but the slightest hint of alcohol marred the finish.

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  • 2006 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino 91 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    The nose on the 2006 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino was fragrant with dark fruits, lush flowers and undergrowth. On the palate, I found a structured, full-bodied wine with ripe red fruits and spicy wood. The structure continued into the finish and left the palate wrapped in tannin. This should be an interesting wine to follow over many years.

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Flight 2 - Chianti Classico (20 Notes)

  • 2008 Bibbiano Chianti Classico 88 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The nose showed wild berry and cranberry. On the palate, I found red fruit against refreshing acidity on a lean yet juicy frame that finished fresh. This would make a great house red for a relaxing weeknight.

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  • 2008 Bibbiano Chianti Classico Montornello 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The Montornello was more refined than the normale with cherry and licorice on the nose. The palate was slightly restrained by this wines fine structure but should open up in decanter. A gorgeous expression of spiced red fruit lingered on the finish.

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  • 2007 Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Capannino 91 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The nose showed cherry and dark woods with hints of cinnamon. On the palate, this wine showed a full, structured body with sweet red fruits and a fine, lingering finish.

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  • 1997 Bibbiano Vin Santo del Chianti Classico San Lorenzo 87 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Vin Santo del Chianti Classico

    The nose showed saw dust, vanilla and coffee. On the palate, I found orange peel and roasted nuts but ultimately this wine lacked the acidity necessary to battle its inherent richness.

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  • 2007 Capannelle Chianti Classico Riserva 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The nose showed ripe strawberry, leather and earthy undergrowth. The palate wasn’t as full as you’d expect from the nose, yet it’s balanced and showed dark red fruits and minerals into its medium-long finish.

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  • 2009 Carpineto Chianti Classico 88 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The nose showed raspberry, dark wood, undergrowth and a hint of manure in a rustic expression of Chianti. On the palate, I found vibrant red fruit that stayed through the finish.

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  • 2006 Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva 90 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva kept the same rustic feel on the nose as the normale but with more delineated fruit. On the palate, I found dark red fruits and cedar, leading into an enjoyably fresh finish.

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  • 2004 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico 92 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The 2004 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico, was easily one of the highlights of the tasting. The nose showed forest notes with earth, undergrowth, mint and cherries. On the palate, I found a beautiful balance of concentration and acidity as lush red fruit and wood was kept in check by the wines fine structure.

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  • 2006 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The nose showed dark red fruits, savory beef notes and animal musk. On the palate, I found red fruit against a balanced frame but little else before the wines tannin numbed my palate. With age, this wine may blossom but on this day it was dwarfed by the structured 2004 and the rich 2007.

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  • 2007 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico 91 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    On the nose, I found vibrant black cherry with spice and woodsy notes. The palate was full and bursting with flavors of mint and rich raspberry. The finish was medium-long with sweet red fruits lingering on the palate.

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  • 2007 Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo 92 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    To drink this, and then have the 1999 later in the day, was an interesting peak into what truly buried beneath the youthful structure of this wine. The 2007 showed red fruits with spice and vanilla on the nose. The palate was structured, showing mulling spice with leather and sour red berries. I believe its enjoyable now with a good decant but will be truly amazing if left to age in your cellar.

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  • 2007 Fontodi Chianti Classico 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The 2007 Fontodi Chianti Classico showed woodland aromatics with undergrowth and hint of evergreen ushering in its red fruits. On the palate, it showed its grace through light, yet well focus red fruit with hints of tobacco and a bit of drying tannin going into the medium finish. Ultimately, this wine may need to be accompanied by food to reach its apogee.

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  • 2006 Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro 91 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    On the nose, I found dark red fruits with hints of chalk dust. On the palate, it showed and ethereal elegance that I found lacking in the 2004. Hopefully this may be a sign of the producer moving away from the dark brooding character that this wine seemed to epitomize over the last few vintages. The palate showed vibrant black cherry with tobacco, minerals. The finish, was long yet slightly tannic. This bottle may find its way into my cellar.

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  • 2007 Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale 88 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The nose showed red fruits, clay and earth with hints of manure. It was a bit gruff on the palate and drying, which I’ve come to expect from this bottling. The finish was long with spiced red fruits.

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  • 2008 Ruffino Chianti Classico Tenuta Santedame 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    This wine showed perfumed, sour red berries on the nose, followed by forest notes. The palate was light yet juicy with red fruits but a little dry into the finish. I was impressed by this unassuming Chianti and wouldn’t mind it with a plate of pasta and red sauce.

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  • 2007 San Felice Chianti Classico Il Grigio Riserva 91 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The nose showed animal musk and dusty black cherry. On the palate, I found vibrant strawberry fruit, spice and earthy minerals. This wine is well structured and has great balance. It was a pleasure to drink.

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  • 2008 San Felice Chianti Classico 88 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The nose showed crushed red berries, soil and green stems. On the palate, I found sweet, round fruit with a nice balance of acidity.

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  • 2006 San Felice Chianti Classico Riserva Poggio Rosso 91 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The nose showed candied cranberry fruit with spice and mint. On the palate, I found red and black fruits with hints of wood on a velvety full body. The finish is long and staying but a bit sweeter than I usually prefer. However there’s no denying the quality in the glass.

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  • 2008 Tenuta Lilliano Chianti Classico 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The nose showed, cherry and earth with notes of forest floor. On the palate, I found round red fruits with hints of violet candies. The finish was long and showed cinnamon and spice.

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  • 2007 Tenuta Lilliano Chianti Classico Riserva 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    The nose showed red fruit and pecorino. On the palate, I found silky raspberry fruit and licorice. The finish was pleasant and juicy.

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Flight 3 - Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (7 Notes)

  • 2007 Ruffino Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Lodola Nuova 88 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

    This wine showed a bit of yeast on the nose, like red fruits wrapped in baking breads. On the palate, I found it to be toasty with spiced red fruits and leather.

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  • 2004 Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 90 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

    The nose showed animal musk, and candied strawberry. On the palate, this wine showed focused red fruit with polished acidity and structure. It was highly enjoyable yet still tannic and could easily benefit from a few years of cellaring.

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  • 2009 Crociani Rosso di Montepulciano 88 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Rosso di Montepulciano

    The nose showed brambly fruit with violet and hints of pepper. The palate showed a nice balance of fruit and acidity but the finish was a bit drying.

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  • 2008 Crociani Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 89 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

    The nose was slightly restrained yet still showing floral notes and ripe strawberry. On the palate, I found plum and holiday spice. The finish was firm with drying tannin. This wine may really shine with a proper decanting.

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  • 2007 Crociani Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 91 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

    The nose showed masses of raspberry, cedar, herbs and a bit of older wood. The palate was structured, but not austere, and savory with rich black cherry. The finish coated the palate with fine tannin. This wine would benefit from a few years in the cellar.

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  • 2006 Crociani Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 91 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

    The nose showed red fruits, violets and a hint of toast. On the palate, I found a rich, full-bodied wine, with brambly red fruit and cedar. The finish was smooth and long.

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  • 2003 Crociani Vin Santo di Montepulciano 92 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Vin Santo di Montepulciano

    The nose showed intense almond, cotton candy and coffee notes. On the palate, this wine was refined, showing roasted nuts, orange peel and toffee but with less sweetness than I’ve come to expect from Vin Santo. Ultimately, this was a pleasure to drink as it showed remarkable balance and refinement.

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Flight 4 - Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore (13 Notes)

Flight 5 - The Sommelier Cellar (21 Notes)

A collection of aged wines from various producers from The Italian Wine Masters.

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