Vinacull

Tasting Notes

• 2016 Roc de Cambes

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  10/11/2019 - Vinacull wrote: 93 Points

  Tasted twice with consistent impression, note from memory. Aromas and flavors of rich, opulent black and tangy red fruits of excellent depth, spices, dark chocolate and potting soil, with medium-full intensity polished tannins that give this a firm structure. Long and layered finish of fruit extract, earth, refreshing bitters. High deliciousness factor and surprisingly accessible now makes this hard to keep hands off, but likely better in a few years when it relaxes.

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• 2002 La Cave de l’Abbé Rous Banyuls Hélyos

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  3/5/2019 - Vinacull wrote: 95 Points

  Cellared from purchase. Aerate to decanter. At least two teaspoons of caked sediment on the side of the bottle. Color is full intensity garnet with lots of dark hues making this quite dark in the glass, opaque at center, some bricking evident throughout, distinct watery edge, full+ body, long thin slow legs. Nose is full intensity and somewhat port-like with deeply ripe black cherries baked in a light coat of brown sugar, a more savory twangy bass note of raw molasses, baking spices including cinnamon and anise, and underneath, loads of dark moist earth. Overall a decadently ripe nose but interesting in the way it is supported with earthy and savory elements. 16.5 abv and none of it showing, which is an achievement in itself. On taste we have full intensity rich ripe dark cherries - some fresh and some dried - covered in milk and dark chocolate, leather, and layers of earth that just keep unfurling in perfect counterbalance to the sweet attack. Not a lot of different flavors by name, but there is myriad subtlety that makes this quite complex on the palate. Medium acid, full tannins are present but fully integrated giving this a soft and velvety but still-firm finish. The finish might be the best part, stretching out in waves that turn from chocolate cherries to many shades of moist dark earth that grows in intensity and dryness from the tannins. This is a long, succulent and sensual dance. Still tasting remnants of earth minutes later. I see nothing here not to love. Can probably go another ten years but glad I opened it now to enjoy the current level of freshness in the fruit. 95 conservative.

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• 2005 Romano Dal Forno Valpolicella Superiore Vigneto di Monte Lodoletta

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  11/14/2018 - Vinacull wrote: 95 Points

  From 57 degree cellar to splash decanter and gone in less than two hours, we consumed too fast. Color is garnet deeply pitched with black hues, opaque with zero lightening to rim, FB+ inky and stains the glass. Fresh and very deep stinky nose with a note of gorgonzola in the foreground, concentrated ripe black cherries and bubbling plum sauce that sings Amarone-like, hoisin, iron shavings, campfire smoke, and waves of damp black soil. Very complex bouquet and suggestions there are nuances to explore if given more air and time. Flavors of ripe black and red pit fruits densely mixed with earth, camphor, bittersweet dark chocolate and tobacco. High acid seems shrouded by the density of fruit and earth. High tannins are primary but polished, dry and lightly bitter. Very long finish of succulent black fruits, forest floor, black tea and drying herbs. Captivating now, yet still has a long life and upside ahead.

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