Eric's Birthday at La Vigna

Tasted Saturday, June 14, 2014 by Mlermontov with 580 views

Introduction

Thanks to Eric and Deborah for the invitation and the wines. It was also lovely to meet some great people and celebrate Eric's birthday.
Can we do this every Friday though? :)
all the wines showed well, and the company did not hurt either :)

Flight 1 (2 Notes)

2007 Ottaviano Lambruschi Vermentino Colli di Luni Costa Marina 90 Points

Italy, Tuscany / Liguria, Colli di Luni

mineral notes with grassy tones on the nose. touch of acid. fresh, with lots of power and depth on the finish. touch of heat that is easily hidden by matching it with food. tastes very young for a 7yearold wine. very refreshing but with serious depth. and surely one to try in the vermentino world :)

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2011 Larkmead Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Lillie 92 Points

USA, California, Napa Valley

amazing nose. funky, blue cheese, currants, mid full of peach and sweet fruit, medium finish, fully dry and refreshing. good acidity. The nose is by far the best i have seen on a SB. very good wine and manages to stay refreshing and balanced.

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Flight 2 (3 Notes)

2005 Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione Alta Valle della Greve IGT 92 Points

Italy, Tuscany, Alta Valle della Greve IGT

needs time! while the nose is open the mid was shut and took over an hour to start showing potential. meaty, red and black fruit, touch of vanilla from the oak. the middle took its time but there was great earthiness and mushrooms there, with time more fruit and power. still rather tannic on the finish. needs time but an excellent wine.

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2001 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva 90 Points

Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

classic notes of chianti. fully mature - drink now though no rush. Middle took about 30 min to open up - was a bit hollow at start but filled in. black fruit, touch of earthiness, excellent finish of herbs and spices. Amazing with food. Just a classic example.

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1999 Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT 92 Points

Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

Fully mature though no sign of decline. Meat, wet earth, rich middle of ripe red fruit. touch of tannins on the finish. bit drying but still very fresh. Herbs and red fruit dominate. excellent now. this summed up our italian flight for the night - excellent wine on their own and even better with food.

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Flight 3 (1 Note)

NV ETKO Centurion Commandaria 92 Points

Cyprus, Commandaria

last bottle...paging Nicos..thank you again brother!
this is just excellent. notes that combine Madeira and PX sherry to a T. Figs, dates on the nose with that touch of acidity that Madeira gets. rich dry fruit in the middle, sweet but at the same time light and refreshing - more so than any PX. nutty finish that just keeps going. excellent.

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