Late Night Friday at UE Square

Last minute gathering of wine geeks & gals.

• 2011 Monte del Frá Custoza Superiore Bianco Cá del Magro 89 Points

  Italy, Veneto, Custoza Superiore

  Appearance is clear, pale intensity, lemon colour. Legs.
  Nose is clean, medium- intensity, with aromas of vanilla oak, citrus lemon-lime, melon, peach, almond. Youthful.
  On the palate, dry, medium acidity, medium alcohol, medium body. Medium flavor intensity, with flavours of creamy vanilla oak, citrus lemon-lime, melon, peach, almond. Chardonnay character obvious, with a mix of other Italian white grape characteristics thrown in. Medium+ finish.
  Overall a rather nice and balanced wine, elegant rather than wow.
  Good quality. Drink now while fresh. Interesting blend of Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Tocai (Friulano), Cortese (Fernanda), Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon.

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• 2006 Casanova di Neri Pietradonice 90 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Tasted blind. Aired in decanter for about 2 hours already.
  Appearance is clear, deep intensity, garnet colour. Long legs.
  Nose is clean, medium+ intensity, with aromas of ripe red and black fruits. Alcoholic fumes.
  On the palate, dry, medium+ acidity, high alcohol, high drying tannins, full body. Pronounced flavor intensity, with flavours of intense bright, rich, ripe fruit - mix of red and black cherries, blackberries, plums, cassis. Also developed some flavours of savoury soy sauce. Long finish. Alcohol heat. Somehow balance just a little off.
  I guessed a serious Italian Barbera from a ripe vintage because of the fruity character.
  Good quality Tuscan IGT (Cabernet Sauvignon + some Sangiovese). Still a bit too blockbusterish now, no wonder my wife guessed Californian Cabernet. Suggest to re-explore again in another 5 years.

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• 2009 Viña Almaviva S.A. Almaviva EPU 88 Points

  Chile, Maipo Valley, Puente Alto

  Aired in decanter for an hour.
  Appearance is clear, deep intensity, ruby colour. Legs.
  Nose is clean, pronounced intensity, with aromas of green bell peppers, sweet dark fruits, blackberry jam. Developing.
  On the palate, dry, medium acidity, high alcohol, medium+ tannins, full body. Medium+ flavor intensity, with flavours of toasted oak, green bell peppers, blackberry jam, blackcurrants, licorice, cassis. Medium+ finish.
  Overall feel is fruity, a little simplistic, and the prevalence of herbaceousness. I wonder why I used to like this in the past.
  Good quality. May improve slightly and smoothen out over the next 3-4 years.
  Second label of Almaviva.

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• 2009 De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Sémillon 93 Points

  Australia, New South Wales, Big Rivers, Riverina

  Appearance is clear, medium intensity, gold colour. Long legs.
  Nose is clean, pronounced intensity, with aromas of toasted oak, orangey marmalade, sweet ripe apricots, and honey. Developing.
  On the palate, luscious sweetness, high citrusy acidity to balance, medium alcohol, full body. Pronounced flavor intensity, with flavours of orangey marmalade, sweet ripe apricots, honeysuckle and honey. Complex botrytis character. Long finish. Goes down well, not cloying.
  Outstanding quality. Young now, this will go on for another 10 years and develop more complexity.
  Australia's most famous sweet wine. Comparable to Sauternes.

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