A Fine Set of Wines with Friends, Both Old and New

Los Olivos, CA
Tasted Saturday, February 16, 2019 by JonnyG with 223 views

Introduction

A wonderful evening, with one flawed bottle I had been saving being the only sour note. The title refers to the friends more than the wines, as all the bottles we had were well aged.

Flight 1 - Two Fascinating Whites with Some Real Bottle Age (2 Notes)

  • 1988 Fiorano (Boncompagni Ludovisi) Sémillon Botte 47 Vino da Tavola 94 Points

    Italy, Latium, Vino da Tavola

    A stellar bottle, easily the best of my old Fiorano whites, with an expressiveness and freshness that made this far more than a curiosity supported by a cool backstory. Alive and generous, belying the amber color of the wine. Complex nose of honey and marzipan, with muted tropical fruit. A textured, slightly waxy white. Fine acidity, mild oxidation, open mouthfeel, medium+ finish.

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  • 2006 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 93 Points

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

    It always figures -- my last of these bottles showed the best. More energetic than its predecessors, mildly oxidative, with generous honeysuckle, cedar, white pit fruit and herbal notes. Impressive aromatic complexity, especially as the wine rose in temperature.

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Flight 2 - A Great Horizontal Which Was Not Meant To Be... (2 Notes)

Flight 3 - Some Powerful Reds With (and after) Dinner (4 Notes)

  • 1995 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso 93 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    My first from a nearly forgotten set of ten bought at auction a few years back. I feared from CT TNs that this would be tired. To the contrary, the wine showed beautifully, especially as it aerated, taking on weight. High-toned red cherry, raspberry and mocha notes along with some well-integrated, spicy oak and a touch of roasted meat. Surprisingly structured. I look forward to the remainder of my stash, no evident rush.

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  • 2005 Fattoria Galardi Terra di Lavoro 89 Points

    Italy, Campania, Roccamonfina IGT

    Another less than impressive showing, where the extraction and "polish" of the wine clash with the grape's inherent rustic, "furry" characteristics, leaving the taster with a muddled impression I am not sure further bottle age will enhance. Enough going on to deem this an enjoyable wine, but not punching at or above its weight in my mind.

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  • 2006 Tabarrini Montefalco Sagrantino Colle Grimaldesco 93 Points

    Italy, Umbria, Montefalco, Montefalco Sagrantino

    Age continues to serve this wine so well. Dusty plum notes, licorice, and orange peel, with a thread of smokiness woven in. Lovely, harmonious and thoroughly enjoyable, a fine example of a complex, rustic winner that complements if not exceeds the heights of more "elegant," refined reds.

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  • 1995 Château Latour Grand Vin 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    An outstanding showing, popped and poured then nursed for 3 hours. Still in a primary stage, and I see real upside from here. Classic Pauillac aromatics of dark berries, leather and forest floor, along with some orange rind. Confident and coherent on the palate. Softening tannins wrap around the black fruit, which is joined by some licorice and leather. There's a heaviness to the wine that never feels clumsy. Very expansive finish.

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