Chianti and Brunello

This was the monthly tasting group doing chianti and Brunello. I love Ciao Bella's pasta and it was as good as ever. I completely selfishly preferred the 2 Brunello's I brought, although the 2012 Castello Gabbiano Gran Selezione chianti was also a head turner.

• NV Camille Savès Champagne Grand Cru Brut Rosé 90 Points

  France, Champagne, Champagne Grand Cru

  The starter for a tasting. This is acidic and dry. There is a wonderful elegance to it, with unripe strawberry and slight toast.

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• 2012 Ottella Lugana Riserva Molceo

  Italy, Lombardia / Veneto, Lugana

  This is definitely old world. I thought it was corked but I think it's just musty and weird. There is walnuts and golden apple along with moss and mushrooms.

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• 2016 Terre di Talamo Vermentino Vento Forte Toscana IGT

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Tastes like Vermentino. Boring.

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• 2012 Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Bellezza 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  For some reason, the group drank 3 chianti's from youngest to oldest. I assumed this one was the oldest and it was the youngest. Which is interesting because this one had the most character and complexity. Lovely old leather, earth, cherry. It was clearly the most expressive of the 3 chianti's tonight.

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• 2007 Fattoria Vignavecchia Chianti Classico Riserva 86 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  Dominated by pepper. Spicy and spiky. Not compelling.

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• 2005 Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciarda 85 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  At this stage, boring and elderly.

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• 2006 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 91 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  Pop and pour, this really opened up over 1 hour. Dried herbs, earth, cherry.

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• 2010 Talenti Brunello di Montalcino 93 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  Slow o'd a couple hours, there were some firm tannins that did loosen up with 20-30 minutes in the glass. Good minerality, forest floor, cherry, raspberry, violets and rich earth. Quite dry. 93-94, and glad I have 3 more, as this is just entering its drinking window. I think this represents a great value. At this time, I would splash decant or slow o 5 hours.

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• 2010 San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucere

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  The last red of the night. Slow o'd a couple hours and I found this quite tannic. I can taste the potential and the power, but I could not assess it. Needs time or a decant.

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• 2010 Château d'Yquem Declassified 90 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

  Of course, this is a great wine to end a tasting, especially with a caramel custard. But as Sauternes go, it's middle of the pack. Our concensus is that this is a lighter style (more sauvignon blanc) and from a sweet vintage. Which makes for a strange combination. One taster suggested drinking it with foie gras instead of dessert, which makes sense.

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