connoisseur wines spring european portfolio

This is always a tasting I try to attend. I like their portfolio and there is usually a lot of good wines to taste

• 2006 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 89 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  nose: very nice and savory nose of red fruits, earth tones, bits of plums and a touch of herbs. Nice balance with good depth and classic sangiovese on the nose
  
  taste: elegant medium feel with medium/high acidity and good tannins with excellent tones of red fruits, dark red cherries, earth tones and some bits of wild herbs
  
  overall: On the young side, but it has smoothed out a bit in the past year. A quality classic chianti that is well balanced on both the nose and palate

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• 2004 Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  nose: a bit tight on the nose with hi-toned notes of red fruits, red florals, roasted herbs, a good bit of spice tones and red cherries. Very good depth with a real elegance on the nose
  
  taste: Great medium feel with medium/high acidity and chewy tannins with elegant and deep tones of red florals, roasted herbs, red cherries, red and black currants with bits of various spice tones
  
  overall: a very young wine, but has the ability to turn into a beauty. Very elegant with good depth on both the nose and palate. Has more of a feminine take to it and good aromatics that show through when they start to open a bit

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• 2005 Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  nose: much more open knit and fresh on the nose as opposed to the 04 with tones of roasted herbs, spice tones, perfumes, floral tones, red fruits and some bits of incense. Very good depth with a very feminine side to it
  
  taste: lovely and elegant medium feel with medium/high acidity and good tannins with fresh and pretty tones of roasted herbs, various floral tones, incense, red fruits and bits of fresh picked berries
  
  overall: A very pretty cepparello. Well balanced with pretty aromatics and a feminine side to it that shows quite well. Will need some more time to develop some of the nuances that this seems like it can bring and make this an extremely lovely wine

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• 2003 Isole e Olena Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione de Marchi Toscana IGT 91 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  nose: rich and powerful nose with tones of dark red cherries, black currants, herbs, anise, and bits of liqueur tones as well
  
  taste: full bodied with gripping tannins and rich tones of dark red cherries, black currants, bits of herb tones and a touch of liqueur tones too
  
  overall: still in need of time, but opening up more. This is a bruiser of a wine and could use another 2 or 3 years

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• 2007 Casa Vinicola Dreolino Chianti Rùfina 85 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Rùfina

  nose: light and straightforward tones of red cherries, red currants and bits of herbs
  
  taste:lighter bodied with medium acidity and easy tones of red cherries, red fruits and red currants
  
  overall: a pretty blase chianti. straight forward and rather plain

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• 2008 Cà La Bionda Valpolicella Classico 84 Points

  Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Valpolicella Classico

  nose: soft and easy tones of red fruits, red berries, and red currants
  
  taste: nice medium body with good tones of red berries, red fruits and some red cherries
  
  overall: very straightforward and kind of simple. Doesn't have much depth and is more of an easy drinking wine

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• 2006 Cà La Bionda Valpolicella Classico 87 Points

  Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Valpolicella Classico

  nose: very good tones of dark red fruits, dark red cherries, berries and a touch of cedary tones as well
  
  taste: medium bodied with lower acidity and straightforward tones of dark red fruits, dark red cherries, and some cedar
  
  overall: A very solid valpoicella. Pretty straightforward with a bit more depth on the nose rather than palate

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• 2005 Cà La Bionda Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 90 Points

  Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico

  nose: rich and dark nose with tones of black cherries, liqueur tones, chocolate, spice tones and loads of dark red fruits
  
  taste: full bodied with rich tones of black cherries, liqueur tones, spices and a lot of dark red fruits. Chewy tannins hold things back a bit right now as well
  
  overall: this certainly needs time. There is very good depth on both the nose and palate, but they are holding back right now

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• NV Vilarnau Cava Brut 87 Points

  Spain, Cava

  nose: crisp and fresh nose of lemon zest, mineral tones and bits of sea shells
  
  taste: lighter tones of pears, lemon zest, and mineral tones. Good medium acidity that is refreshing
  
  overall: a very good cava. Lacking some depth, but nice tones and good acidity

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• 2008 Vilarnau Cava Brut Nature Vintage Reserva 88 Points

  Spain, Cava

  nose: very mineral driven nose with crushed rocks, chalk tones, apples, and bits of peaches. Lacking some depth though
  
  taste: steely and focused lighter feel with medium acidity with tones of crushed rocks, minerals, apples and some bits of pears
  
  overall: this could've used some more depth and body. But, I liked the strong mineral take on it

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• NV Vilarnau Cava Brut Rosado 87 Points

  Spain, Cava

  nose: very good nose of citrus tones, red fruits, minerals and bits of cherries
  
  taste: crisp and lighter body with good tones of citrus', red fruits and some bits of cherries
  
  overall: a very good rose. Light and refreshing with good tones on both the nose and palate

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• 2008 Eidos Albariño Rías Baixas Eidos de Padriñan 88 Points

  Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas

  nose: fresh and aromatic nose of start fruits, lemon zest, tropical citrus tones and a lot of sweet pears
  
  taste: lighter bodied with tones of lemon zest, sweet pears, tropical citrus and mineral tones. The acidity is a bit lower, but it isn't flabby
  
  overall: a very good albarino. Brings what one would expect with good balance and nice tones

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• 2008 Eidos Albariño Rías Baixas Veigas de Padrinan 89 Points

  Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas

  nose: fresh and lively nose of limes, citrus tones, lemons and white fruits
  
  taste: lighter bodied with medium acidity and tones of limes, citrus', and white fruit tones
  
  overall: An excellent albarino. Nice aromatics with well balanced tones on both the nose and palate. This is perfect for a summer sipping wine

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• 2008 Adega Cachin Ribeira Sacra Peza do Rei Blanca 86 Points

  Spain, Galicia, Ribeira Sacra

  nose: very waxy nose with some tones of lemon peels, white fruits and mineral tones. Not a lot of depth on the nose
  
  taste: lighter bodied with medium/high acidity that is sharp but fairly refreshing with tones of wax, lemon peels and mineral tones
  
  overall: this was a bit of a conflicted wine. The wax tones seemed to be more oxidative, but then there were a bunch of fresh tones as well. It was also lacking some depth. Didn't fully know what to make of it

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• 2008 Casal Novo Godello Valdeorras Blanco 89 Points

  Spain, Galicia, Valdeorras

  nose: very airy and fresh nose of sea breeze tones, minerals, lemon peels and loads of citrus tones as well
  
  taste: lighter feel with medium acidity and laid back tones of sea breezes, mineral tones, and fresh picked citrus'
  
  overall: an extremely good and fresh spanish white. Well balanced with good tones on both the nose and palate that also give this a real refreshing side

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• 2007 Laurent Martray Brouilly Vieilles Vignes 87 Points

  France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Brouilly

  nose: lighter and fragrant nose of red cherries, spice tones, red fruits and bits of berries
  
  taste: lighter bodied with medium acidity and fresh tones of red cherries, spice tones and bits of red fruits
  
  overall: lacking a bit on both the nose and palate. Good acidity and well balanced though with some charm to it

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• 2007 Laurent Martray Brouilly Corentin 89 Points

  France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Brouilly

  nose: excellent nose with perfumed tones of red fruits, red cherries, spice tones, earth and some bits of floral tones
  
  taste: silky medium body with medium+ acidity that is noticeable with balanced tones of red fruits, red cherries, spices and florals
  
  overall: this could use a few years to settle down. The nose is also a bit tight now too. A very pretty beajolais right now

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• 2007 Laurent Martray Côte de Brouilly "Les Feuillées" 89 Points

  France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Côte de Brouilly

  nose: perfumed and pretty nose of red fruits, cherries, mineral tones, chalk and berries
  
  taste: medium bodied, but on the lighter side with medium acidity and fresh tones of cherries, berries, red fruits and some mineral tones as well
  
  overall: this had a more feminine take to it. Perfumed and elegant on both the nose and palate, but lacking some depth

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• 2006 Didier Dagueneau Silex 93 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Pouilly-Fumé

  nose: very pure and mineral driven nose filled with tones of citrus', tart lemon tones, sea shells, and lots of pears. Excellent depth with a real freshness to the tones as well
  
  taste: lighter bodied with high acidity that is a bit piercing. Lovely, crisp, and deep tones of tart lemons, citrus tones, white fruits, and pears all balance well together
  
  overall: This was what one would expect from dagueneau. Classy and deep with a great amount of purity on both the nose and palate. The acidity is a bit tough right now and could really use some food

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• 2007 Didier Dagueneau Silex 94 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Pouilly-Fumé

  nose: polished and deep nose filled with tones of minerals, crushed stones, white fruits, pears, and loads of white florals
  
  taste: light bodied with medium/high acidity and pure tones of minerals, crushed rocks, white fruits, pears and lots of peach blossoms
  
  overall: this was a really wonderful wine. Very pure and mineral driven with lots of depth on both the nose and palate

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• 2007 Georg Breuer Riesling Charm 88 Points

  Germany, Rheingau

  nose: balanced and crisp nose with tones of petrol, green apples, white fruits and bits of figs
  
  taste: well balanced with good medium body and medium acidity along with tones of green apples, white fruits and figs
  
  overall: this is a nice and fresh riesling. Not showing a lot of depth, but very good and enjoyable

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• 2007 Georg Breuer Rauenthaler Nonnenberg Riesling 91 Points

  Germany, Rheingau

  nose: tight nose with deep tones of tropical citrus', apples, pears, and bits of smoke tones
  
  taste: excellent medium body with medium+ acidity and complex tones of tropical citrus', apples, pears, white fruits and limes
  
  overall: this was showing to be very young right now. Well balanced with a lot of promise but just not fully showing itself right now

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• 2006 Georg Breuer Riesling Terra Montosa 90 Points

  Germany, Rheingau

  nose: tart and fatter nose of sweet citrus', pears, peaches, lemon zest and bits of apples
  
  taste: very good fatter medium feel with medium+ acidity and balanced tones of apples, pears, citrus tones and some lemon zest
  
  overall: this is really good right now. Well balanced with good depth on both the nose and palate. The acidity is more refreshing than interfering

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• 2005 Georg Breuer Spätburgunder Pinot Noir 88 Points

  Germany, Rheingau

  nose: earth based nose with some funky tones, dark red fruits and dark red cherries
  
  taste: medium bodied with good medium+ acidity and balanced tones of dark red fruits, earth, and some funky tones as well
  
  overall: this is a very good spatburgunder. Gives off some funk and has a more earth-bound take on it. Balanced with good tones on both the nose and palate, but lacking some depth

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• 2008 Martínez Corta Tempranillo Rioja Cepas Antiguas 85 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  nose: nice nose of red fruits, vanilla, red currants, and some bits of red cherries
  
  taste: lighter bodied with good medium+ acidity and tones of red fruits, vanilla and red cherries
  
  overall: a pretty straightforward table wine. Lacking some depth on the nose and palate, but the tones are nice and balanced

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• 2007 Bodegas y Viñedos Montecastro Ribera del Duero Alconte 84 Points

  Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

  nose: a lot of oak strikes you right away with some tones of dark red fruits, dark red cherries and spice tones
  
  taste: medium/full bodied with medium+ acidity. Richer tones, but loaded with oak and tones of dark red cherries and spice tones
  
  overall: There is a lot of oak on this and I don't see it absorbing. Pretty rich, but not extracted with bigger tones but not a lot of complexity

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• 2005 Bodegas y Viñedos Montecastro Ribera del Duero Montecastro y Llanahermosa 91 Points

  Spain, Castilla y León, Ribera del Duero

  nose: rich and intense nose filled with tones of dark red fruits, cedar, black currants, dark red cherries and spice tones. Well balanced and pretty pungent right now
  
  taste: full bodied with big and noticeable tannins along with medium acidity. Robust and balanced tones of cedar, black currants, dark red cherries, and spice tones
  
  overall: this is quite young. It's much more open on the nose, but the tannins on the palate are pretty oppressive. This could use some time to unwind and really show itself, but the underlying structure is there

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• 2005 Château Gloria 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Saint-Julien

  nose: excellent depth, though very tight, with tones of cedar, tobacco, black currants, dark red cherries and bits of dark berry tones
  
  taste: silky and elegant medium body with big tannins. Shows off the youth with the tannins along with balanced tones of cedar, tobacco, dark red cherries and some dark berry tones
  
  overall: it's no shock that this is a very young wine. Balanced and showing off a lot of poise, this will turn into a real beauty with some time. There is good elegance to it and good depth already, it's just hiding behind a wall of tannins and a tight nose right now

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• 2005 Château d'Issan 92 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  nose: well balanced though very tight nose with floral tones, cedar, spice box, dark red fruits and bits of berries. Good depth with some real class to the nose
  
  taste: big and very chewy tannins that certainly show off the youth of the wine with a real good medium body feel to it. Balanced tones of cedar, kirsch, spice box, and dark red fruits
  
  overall: As with all early notes of 05 bordeauxs, this is a real young wine. It's wound pretty tight right now but is showing classic margaux tones and comes off as a well balanced young bordeaux

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• 2004 Château Talbot Connétable de Talbot 88 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Saint-Julien

  nose: open and classic nose of cedar, leather, spice tones, some bits of root vegetables, dark red cherries and some bits of sour cranberries
  
  taste: medium bodied with good tannins and well balanced tones of cedar, leather, dark red cherries, sour cranberries and bits of root vegetables
  
  overall: this is about as classic bordeaux as it gets. You want spice, leather, and cedar, well here it is. This was very open to drink, though a little more age could probably be used

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• 2001 Château Pontet-Canet 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  nose: young, but open nose with balanced and pungent tones of cassis, black currants, cedar, black cherries, dark red fruits and some spice box tones
  
  taste: full bodied with chewy and very noticeable tannins right now. Balanced with good depth and very good tones of cassis, black currants, cedar, black cherries and some bits of spice box
  
  overall: This is starting to drink, but is certainly on the young side. It seems like it could still use some more years as it's still a bit backwards on the palate at this time

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• 2004 Château Lagrange (St. Julien) 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Saint-Julien

  nose: open and sleek nose of cedar, roasted coffee, dark red fruits, kirsch, and spice box tones. Good depth and well balanced
  
  taste: medium bodied with medium acidity and good supporting tannins. Balanced and classy tones of cedar, roasted coffee, dark red fruits and bits of kirsch
  
  overall: This could maybe use a little more time, but if one wants to drink it I don't think they could be faulted. This isn't a long haul wine, though it does seem like it can definitely go 25 years in a good cellar. Pretty classic lagrange that shows off what is enjoyable from the estate

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• 2004 Château Lynch-Bages 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  nose: polished and open nose of cedar, pencil lead, cassis, dark red fruits and spice box tones. Good depth with a nice classic take on the nose
  
  taste: full bodied with noticeable tannins that aren't overpowering though. Balanced and smooth with tones of pencil lead, cassis, dark red fruits and some bits of spice box tones
  
  overall: while this did come off as young, it didn't seem inaccessible. This could use a few more years to really balance out, but is very nice at this time and seems like it has a pretty open window

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• 2004 Château Gruaud Larose 89 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Saint-Julien

  nose: balanced and pretty classic gruaud nose of funk, cedar, earth tones, black cherries, and cassis tones. Complex, but a bit tight and lacking noticeable depth
  
  taste: medium/full bodied with gripping tannins that really show off the youth of the wine. Balanced with good tones of cedar, earth, black cherries, cassis, and a lot of black currant tones
  
  overall: this is very young. Grippy tannins really hold back the palate right now, but there isn't a lot of depth behind the tones as well. This can definitely improve though and become something real good, it will just take some time

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• 2004 Château Doisy-Védrines 91 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  nose: plush and attractive nose filled with tones of nectarines, peaches, caramel, and apricots. Good balance with nice depth
  
  taste: medium bodied with medium acidity and tasty tones of nectarines, peaches, apricots and bits of cream tones as well
  
  overall: this is a really good more frequent sauternes. Balanced with really good tones on both the nose and palate and solid depth, though it isn't on that real next level

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• 2007 Vignobles Yves Cheron Côtes du Rhône Les Dentelles 88 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

  nose: well balanced nose of black pepper, garrigue, lavender and bits of black cherries
  
  taste: medium bodied with plush tones of garrigue, lavender, and black cherries. Good tones with decent depth
  
  overall: a very good Cotes du Rhone. Doesn't really show that much of the 07 flash which is perfectly fine. More dark fruit based with good balance on both the nose and palate

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• 2007 Montirius Vacqueyras 88 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras

  nose: dark nose of black cherries, liqueur tones, pepper, spice tones and some dark red fruits
  
  taste: good medium feel with tones of black cherries, spices, and dark red fruits. On the more forward side and lacking a little bit on the mid palate
  
  overall: a very good wine. Well balanced, but doesn't bring too much depth. On the more forward side as well

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• 2008 Domaine des Escaravailles Côtes du Rhône Les Antimagnes 89 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

  nose: balanced nose with tones of white pepper, dark red fruits, spice tones, garrigue and a touch of red florals
  
  taste: very good medium body with tones of garrigue, white pepper, dark red fruits and spice tones. Well balanced and while a bit lighter, it's not lacking a mid-palate
  
  overall: an excellent CdR. Well balanced and showing off all the tones you want from a southern rhone wine

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• 2007 Domaine des Escaravailles Rasteau 88 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Rasteau

  nose: rich and bigger nose of black pepper, lavender, garrigue, black fruits and bits of spice tones
  
  taste: smooth and polished medium feel with tones of black pepper, lavender, black fruits and some spice tones
  
  overall: not as rich on the palate as the nose was. Wasn't overdone at all but definitely on the forward side

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• 2007 Domaine de Villeneuve Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Vieilles Vignes 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  nose: excellent nose filled with creamed tones of black fruits, black cherries, spice tones, thyme, liqueur tones, and bits of red berries
  
  taste: medium/full bodied with rich and balanced tones of liqueur, black fruits, black cherries, thyme and some red berry tones
  
  overall: This was a really good and young Chateauneuf. Certainly had some of the sleekness of 07 and the fruit. It held the fruit well though and wasn't too rich

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Vivere was perfect as it always is for their tastings. There was plenty of room to move around and as always, there was plenty of good wine to taste. While they don't have the big hitters that their domestic portfolio has, there is a lot more consistency of good wines in their european selections