Aromatically high-toned, with primarily red fruit and a distinct herbal quality as well. The palate is relatively light, and because of that I don't think it holds its 15% alcohol as well as the other two in the lineup, at least right now. On the palate, you get a lot of primary, tart red cherry notes, and much less of the herbal notes on the nose. Obviously youthful tannins right now, but they aren't obtrusive. While this is clearly a good wine, it's definitely not at the level of the brilliant 2016.
The Cerretta has always struck me as the darker complexioned and riper site in the Conterno lineup. This bottle fits the bill quite clearly, with a nose that is driven more by black cherry than red. Much more intense and opulent on the palate in contrast to the Arione, I think that this holds its alcohol better. Almost a hint sweet, this is the most accessible and hiding its tannins right now.
Of course, the OG vineyard was the best of the lineup. This is kind of a best of both worlds situation with the Arione and Cerretta. The nose is a lovely mix of red and black fruit, with a more modest herbal element. It's quite aromatically intense, and you do get a slight whiff of the alcohol on the nose. On the palate, this feels like it has a slight notch of complexity over the other two vineyards; it's just more intense and concentrated on the palate. The tannins are also the most prominent and apparent of the three wines here, but I also suspect this is, of course, the wine with the most longevity of the three.
I was really excited to try this, but alas it's clear that this is a champagne really not made in a style that I care for. It's incredibly yeasty and autolytic -- to the detriment of all the other qualities of this champagne. The acidity feels low, and this also lacks fruit. Sitting on the lees for that long has really not been profitable for this wine. This has a pale copper colour, and truth be told, if I were served this in a black glass, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have identified it as a rose at all.
From magnum; laid in chalk cellars 2016. Not quite consistent with my previous note on the same release. Some sweet apples and pears on the nose, good clean crispness but not too complex. I didn't find this as aldehydic as I did before. Amply drinkable and approachable.
2017 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Arione 93 Points
Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
Aromatically high-toned, with primarily red fruit and a distinct herbal quality as well. The palate is relatively light, and because of that I don't think it holds its 15% alcohol as well as the other two in the lineup, at least right now. On the palate, you get a lot of primary, tart red cherry notes, and much less of the herbal notes on the nose. Obviously youthful tannins right now, but they aren't obtrusive. While this is clearly a good wine, it's definitely not at the level of the brilliant 2016.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2017 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cerretta 93 Points
Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
The Cerretta has always struck me as the darker complexioned and riper site in the Conterno lineup. This bottle fits the bill quite clearly, with a nose that is driven more by black cherry than red. Much more intense and opulent on the palate in contrast to the Arione, I think that this holds its alcohol better. Almost a hint sweet, this is the most accessible and hiding its tannins right now.
Post a Comment / 1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue
2017 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Francia 93 Points
Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
Of course, the OG vineyard was the best of the lineup. This is kind of a best of both worlds situation with the Arione and Cerretta. The nose is a lovely mix of red and black fruit, with a more modest herbal element. It's quite aromatically intense, and you do get a slight whiff of the alcohol on the nose. On the palate, this feels like it has a slight notch of complexity over the other two vineyards; it's just more intense and concentrated on the palate. The tannins are also the most prominent and apparent of the three wines here, but I also suspect this is, of course, the wine with the most longevity of the three.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2004 Laurent-Perrier Champagne Grande Cuvée Rosé Alexandra 85 Points
France, Champagne
I was really excited to try this, but alas it's clear that this is a champagne really not made in a style that I care for. It's incredibly yeasty and autolytic -- to the detriment of all the other qualities of this champagne. The acidity feels low, and this also lacks fruit. Sitting on the lees for that long has really not been profitable for this wine. This has a pale copper colour, and truth be told, if I were served this in a black glass, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have identified it as a rose at all.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
NV Charles Heidsieck Champagne Brut Réserve 90 Points
France, Champagne
From magnum; laid in chalk cellars 2016. Not quite consistent with my previous note on the same release. Some sweet apples and pears on the nose, good clean crispness but not too complex. I didn't find this as aldehydic as I did before. Amply drinkable and approachable.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue