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An afternoon of Italians (wine and people)
Vince & Lisa's
Tasted April 13, 2015 by Loren Sonkin with 397 views
Introduction
Yesterday afternoon was the culmination of weeks of planning. My wife and I have a few friends from Italy, one of whom is a chef, and all of whom like to eat and drink. We also have another couple who are friends and they are of Italian descent who also love to eat and drink. One thing led to another and 16 or so people descended upon Vine and Lisa's home to enjoy a Sunday afternoon. There was lots of home made pastas including beet dough with blue chees and almond stuffed raviolis, gnocchi with shaved truffles and others, rice balls, pasta fagioli, salads, cheeses, salumis and other meats, dessert and more. Luckily for my wife and I (possibly the only non-Italians in the crowd), we were assigned wine (just some of it). It was a great afternoon of talking and enjoying stories, watching the Masters, eating way too much and just relaxing. As for the wines, there were lot of treats.
Flight 1 (11 notes)
White - Sparkling
N.V. La Marca Prosecco
87 points
This is nice. On one of the first warm afternoon of spring, this is a great lunchtime starter. Not a lot of bubbles but more than a spritz. The nose is more mineral driven but some lemon-lime. Just a hint of sweetness on a very refreshing palate. Very easy to drink. Nothing harsh. Nice way to start.
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Comment
White
2012 Masi Delle Venezie Pinot Grigio Verduzzo Masianco
83 points
I suspect this was better a couple of years ago. Artificial cork and a lighter weight Pinot Grigio do't really make for holding wines. I don't know if this was bought recently, but I suspect it was meaning it was on the store or distributor shelves past its prime. That said, it was certainly drinkable. Not much fruit. Some minerality. A bit harsh on the finish perhaps. On to the reds.
Red
2006 Pietranera Brunello di Montalcino
93 points
Two bottles opened. Both consistent. In a very good place right now. This is a modern take on BdM but it is not dark fruits. It is a feminine yet strong wine. The nose shows some nice cherries with a bit of tea leaves and still some oak. On the palate, this has an easy texture. Nice cherry fruit with some depth. Show some nice complexities. Probably close to peak but maybe not quite. Nice streak of acidity but food is not required. Good finish.
Red
2008 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabajà
93 points
This has really developed and improved in a couple of years. While there is lots of life left, this is fast tracked. Light ruby in color. The nose is very pretty. dusty with cherries and dried roses. On the palate, dark and regular cherries with some anise and a bit of damp earth. It took some time to open but then showed some nice complex layering. Not a lot of acidity but enough to work with the food. Very nice.
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Red
2010 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino
94 points
Pop and pour, this is very young and needs more time. Purple/ruby in color. The nose is quite complex with cherries, anise, smoked meat, dark cherries and even some mint. On the palate, great juicy texture. I was able to return to it later in the afternoon and it had opened only slightly. Luckily in a room of non-wine geeks, no one cared about this wine. Lots of cherries and dark cherries. This is great now, but will improve a couple of points and should be a very special wine in a few years.
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Comments (1)
Red
2001 Mauro Molino Barolo
flawed
It seemed others were drinking this, but there was so much volatile acidity in my glass I couldn't stand it. I took a sip, but although less than the nose, it seemed off as well. A room full of non-geeks, and I did not hear a negative comment so I said nothing. I did dump my glass though.
Red
2005 Silvio Grasso Barolo Pì Vigne
91 points
A nice showing for this wine. It is actually in a very nice place right now, perhaps a bit fast tracked for a 2005. The nose is dusty with cherries, some tar, some roses and some menthol. Fine, light tannins still on the palate. Juicy cherries. Some complexity. It drinks easily right now.
Red
2006 Zenato Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
95 points
Yeah. Wow. This was a great showing for this wine. Still young but it has shed its youth and seems to be mature while still young. Purple/ruby in color. The nose is complex with dark cherries, cherries, chocolate, spice, dried flowers and some tarragon. This is a big wine but the juicy acidity makes it drink so easily. Long finish. Just a perception of sweetness, probably more from ripe fruit than any residual sugar. Despite how delicious it is today, I think it will still improve from here.
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Red
2010 Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
90 points
This is very nice, but coming after the Zenato, it lacked a bit. It is still young so perhaps it improves a bit from here. Purple/ruby in color. The nose has dark cherries, some prunes, some black licorice. On the palate, there is nice dark cherry fruit. Comes off dry as a bone. A bit of charred earth. Nice finish.
Red
2004 Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi
93 points
Two bottles were opened of this, both consistent. Dark purple in color. The wine is starting to enter a maturity but years left. The nose shows dark cherries, black raspberries, charred wood, plums and spice. On the palate, this is big, probably the biggest wine on the table. Juicy acidity. Lots of black cherry and black raspberry fruit. Long finish. Delicious.
Red
2007 Monte Antico Supremus Toscana IGT
88 points
This is always one of the great values in the wine world. I might have thought it was getting old, but this bottle was fresh and right there. Ruby in color. The nose shows cherries, smoked meats, fresh herbs and some chocolate. On the palate, this has juicy acidity. Slight complexity. Easy to drink. Perhaps its the Cab in it, or perhaps the screw cap, but this is drinking very well at 8 years from vintage.
Closing
Thanks to Vince and Lisa and everyone for a great afternoon.