Community Tasting Note

• Kronos(er) wrote: 95 points

  April 5, 2015 - Once I said Italians can't mature for more than 10 years. Now it's time to admit that I was wrong. Castelgiocondo 1999 has proven that.
  Colour still impenetrable, after 15 years. Little of brick rims but that's all.
  Obviously perfectly matured in my cellar for more than 10 years, ready for drinking now.
  Italian aristocracy and the best old Brunello I have ever tasted.
  Different, taste like old Bordeaux 1996 or 2000 left bank. Cigar box, cinnamon, cedar and even trace of fig marmelade. Harmony and pleasure in every sip. Paired with roasted lamb for an Eastern lunch. Frescobaldi...cappello giù!!!

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5 Comments

• sunnylea57 commented:

  4/5/15, 6:05 AM - Glad you saw the light re: aged Italian reds. Barolo from good vintages is barely drinkable for at least 10-15 years - especially those from traditional producers. And 1999 is still a relative baby for a good Barolo or Brunello.

• Kronos(er) commented:

  4/6/15, 4:08 AM - Hi,
  Well, all depends what you expect from matured wine. If all fruit is gone than I don’t consider it successful. This 1999 was so fruit forward and elegant with loads of silky tannins that I must admit I was surprised. I have few Clerico’s Ginestras and Pajanas 1998, 2000 and will inform you in details when tasted. Hope to be equally pleasantly surprised there as well. Cheers. Vilim

• sunnylea57 commented:

  8/6/15, 4:33 PM - I just opened the first of my 99 Castelgiocondo. What a sublime treat! Your note comparing it to a left bank Bordeaux is bang on. And despite what others have said, this wine is still in its prime. It is definitely at its peak, but I don't think it will be fading any time soon.

• Kronos(er) commented:

  8/10/15, 1:00 AM - Happy to see you enjoying your first 99. Lucky you since you have them more. Looking through your tasting notes one can see you are well in love with Brunellos and Barolos. If you have a chance, I would to recommend you to try Barolo Cavallotto Bricco Boschis 2010. Had a chance to try it few weeks ago (only one sip). But that was enough for me to recognize something unbelievably rich and pleasant right now but structured to develop for next 25 years. If you try it, your opinion would be much appreciated.

• sunnylea57 commented:

  8/10/15, 3:26 AM - Thanks for the recommendation. I already have the 2010 Cavallotto B. B. in my cellar and I'll look forward to trying it at some point in the future!

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