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Boccaccio e-newsletter 22ND July
PETALUMA COONAWARRA 2005 STELVIN
NOW AVAILABLE FOR
$39.99 A BOTTLE
Hi everyone,
The 2005 vintage of Petaluma
Coonawarra Cabernet Merlo has been a runaway success for Boccaccio and for
good reason. This wine is up there with the very best vintage of Petaluma
Coonawarra ever made. Whilst our bonus offer on this wine is now finished,
we have given the wine a big price reduction to $39.99 a bottle as an added
incentive to buy this stunning and benchmark wine.
Also on offer this week are a
number of new and exciting producers and vintages from the likes of Shaw and
Smith, Kanta, Delas Freras, Vinea Marson and Pizzini. Enjoy!!
Cheers,
Anthony D'Anna
THIS WEEKS FEATURE RELEASE:
Petaluma Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot 2005
Dark purple in
colour, a big brooding palate that would have to be the biggest, richest
and most powerful Petaluma Coonawarra on release. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon,
30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec. The Malbec fills the middle
palate and the Merlot makes this wines throughly approachable. Even
weighing in at 14%, this wine is supremely balanced and so well crafted. It
will be remembered I think as one of the classic Petaluma Coonawarra, up
there with 90,91 and 1998. 95 points Anthony D'Anna
I was a great fan
of the 2004 and this 2005 is equally as good. It's a great combination of
elegance and power. It tastes dark and olive-like, its blackcurrant-y heart
peppered with spicy, smoky oak. All that said, this wine is more about
structure and texture than flavour: it flows beautifully through the mouth
before straightening up and reaching out through the finish. It's a
cracker. Drink: 2013-2023. 96 points. Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
It’s still sealed
with a cork but a nice long cork, and one of excellent quality that will
surely please the aesthetes amongst us. This year sees a blend of 60%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the introduction of two brand new grapey
chums - 5% Petit Verdot (Evans Vineyard) and 5% Malbec (Sharefarmers
Vineyard)
It’s
fragrant, violetty and perfumed with aniseed and spice over blackberry,
blackcurrant, cedar oak and mineral. Cool, calm and collected. On the
palate medium bodied and fine - a wine of effortless sophistication that
combines perfectly ripe fruit without excess sweetness or alcohol warmth, a
flourish of savoury black olive and graphite with polished cedary French
oak in support. It has fine smooth tannins, clean fresh acidity and feels
fluid and calm throughout, finishing long and dry. Benchmark Coonawarra.
Drink : 2015 - 2025+ 96 Points Gary Walsh, Winorama
PETALUMA COONAWARRA CABERNET MERLOT 2005 (S) IS AVAILABLE WHILST
STOCKS LAST $39.99 A BOTTLE.
OTHER WINES ON OFFER:
Shaw and Smith M3 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2007
There’s a higher
percentage of the Bernard clones in this vintage and it certainly shows in
the wine. It’s got a lot more arse (and soul) than previous vintages which
I found to be all head and shoulders…
Flinty,
matchsticky, creamy almond meal, white peach, sweet lemon and green banana
sprinkled with cinnamon oak are the fine and very appealing flavours
(according to me). In the mouth it has good fruit weight coupled with
minerality in a complex White Burgundy style. With a lightly glossy creamy
mouthfeel, excellent savoury inputs and a long dry flinty finish there’s
nothing out of place - it presents itself in a cool, gentle and most
stylish manner. Best I have tasted from the M3 vineyard. Drink : 2009 -
2014 94 points Gary Walsh, Winorama
Has
progressively moved from a contract grape growing base to estate production
with the development of a 40-hectare vineyard at Balhannah in the Adelaide
Hills, followed by the erection prior to the 2000 vintage of a
state-of-the-art, beautifully designed and executed winery was erected at
Balhannah, ending the long period of tenancy at Petaluma. While wine
quality has been exemplary, the perfectionism of Martin Shaw will now
receive full play. jAMES HALLIDAY
SHAW AND SMITH M3 CHARDONNAY 2007 (S) IS AVAILABLE WHILST STOCKS
LAST FOR $33.99 A BOTTLE.
Delas Freres Chateauneuf du Pape Haute Pierre 2005
The finest
selection from Chateauneuf du Pape I have yet tasted from Delas is the 2005
Chateauneuf du Pape Haute Pierre. Made from around 80% Grenache with the
rest Syrah and Mourvedre, the wine is outstanding, dense ruby/purple with
notes of black currant, black cherry, smoke, tobacco leaf, and licorice.
The wine is full-bodied and has superb intensity, beautiful purity, and a
long, heady finish. It is still young and slightly unevolved, but it should
age nicely for 10-15 years. 91 points Robert Parker Wine Advocate # 173
Oct 2007
This firm, which
has done such terrific work for the last decade under the ownership of the
Louis Roederer Champagne firm and the management of the brilliant
administrator Jacques Grange, has forged a noteworthy reputation for their
selections from the northern Rhone. As I have written in the past, their
southern Rhone selections have lagged behind in quality, but that seems to
be changing dramatically. Robert Parker Wine Advocate # 173 Oct 2007
This
opened up straight away and didn't really need a decant. Lovely perfumed
nose, violets, cherries, plums and mineral on the nose. The palate is
lovely and fragrant with cherries, violets, minerals and earth. This wine
is great value for $50 a bottle and throughly enjoyable. 94 points
Anthony D'Anna
DELAS FRERES CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE HAUTE PIERRE 2005 (C) IS
AVAILABLE WHILST STOCKS LAST FOR $49.99 A BOTTLE.
Kanta Adelaide Hills Balhannah Vineyard Egon Muller Riesling
2007
This tastes as
much like a good quality gewurztraminer as it does riesling - in this case,
not a bad thing. It smells and tastes strongly of rose petals and Turkish
delight, the cut of lemon infused thoroughly by perfumed aroma and flavour.
There are flashes of peach, lime and chalk too - this is a complex young
riesling with an assertive mouthfeel - it's grippy. It's worth seeking out;
it's different. Drink: 2008-2014. 94 points. Campbell Mattinson, The
Winefront
Egon
has done it again… the 07 Kanta shows an intense, lifted bouquet full of
citrus blossom, lime skin, and banana peel. It has a lovely mouth-feel, the
cold maceration and lees contact giving a rich, structured, creamy texture
to the palate. Lemon and lime flavours abound with subtle hints of pear and
guava creating a complex fruit compote. Fresh acidity ensures the palate
remains razor sharp and focussed through to the end of the long, clean,
bright finish.
KANTA
ADELAIDE HILLS BALHANNAH VINEYARD EGON MULLER RIESLING 2007 (S) IS
AVAILABLE WHILST STOCKS LAST FOR $26.99 A BOTTLE.
THREE GREAT TAKES ON AUSTRALIAN SANGIOVESE
Coriole
Mclaren Vale Sangiovese 2007
Happy
Birthday Coriole Sangiovese. Twenty one today. Tried to fit a yard of ale
into the bottle to celebrate but it all gushed out of the neck… obviously
the wine is far too civilised for that sort of thing.
Rich and dark with
cocoa, licorice, dark cherry, earth, flowering herbs and a slight menthol
character. Medium to full bodied with good weight and extract, toothsome
chalky tannins and attractive nutty dark cherry flavours. Balanced and
long. It’s a more robust expression of Sangiovese but none the worse for
it. Tasty stuff. Drink : 2009 - 2012+ 92 Points Gary Walsh, Winorama
CORIOLE
MCLAREN VALE SANGIOVESE 2007 (S) IS AVAILABLE WHILST STOCKS LAST FOR $18.99
A BOTTLE.
Pizzini King Valley Sangiovese 2006
Sangiovese primacy
(locally) is neck and neck really, with Mark Lloyd of Coriole (McLaren
Value) and Alfred Pizzini (King Valley) both planting in the same year -
1985. At least I think that’s the case…although I’m sure someone will pipe
up and correct me if I’m mistaken…
It
smells of cherry, almonds and aniseed/licorice - typical of the variety. On
the palate medium bodied, fresh and energetic with firm dry grippy tannins
and meaty flavours of cherry, earth and bitter almond. It’s dry, refreshing
to drink and shown to its best advantage with food. Really enjoyable wine.
Drink : 2008 - 2012 91 points Gary Walsh, Winorama
PIZZINI KING VALLEY SANGIOVESE 2006 (S) IS AVAILABLE WHILST
STOCKS LAST FOR $21.99 A BOTTLE.
Vinea Marson Heathcote Sangiovese 2006
Bit late in
getting round to tasting this but now I’ve started my attack on the local
Sangiovese pile in earnest. It’s looking good too.
Subtle aromatics
of licorice, dark cherry, dried herb and earth lead in to an absolutely top
palate that offers open knit suede like tannins, dry and grainy, but very
smooth - certainly a wine that would appeal to the keenest of tannin
freaks. The flavours are of licorice and dark cherry with a sprinkling of
red berries - it sounds dark but tastes quite fresh. Long too. And with all
that I should add that it drinks beautifully too - sometimes we forget.
Local benchmark I think. Drink : 2009 - 2016 94 points Gary Walsh,
Winorama
This raised the
bar for my perception of what Sangiovese is capable of in the Heathcote
region. It's a focused, bright and well-structured wine. crooning with
savoury flavour: almond, chocolate, earth, tar and juicy cherry. It will
please both savoury hunters and the sweet-fruit hunters. There is also a
bit of weight to the flavours. In other words, just about anyone will love
this. Campbell Mattinson, Gourmet Traveller Wine
Opens up really
well on the palate with dried herbs, warm chocolate, almonds and earth. It
has both a distinct old world touch to a new world wine and should age well
over time. 92 points Anthony D'Anna
Sangiovese is a
variety which I thought would be suited to the Heathcote region. Red garnet
in colour, this medium bodied wine displays characters of strawberries,
dark cherries and vanilla on the nose. The palate contains all of the
previous flavours integrated with the fine grained French oak and dusty
tannins. A wine for medium term cellaring for 5 to 10 years. Mario
Marson
The
name will mean a lot to a lot of people – because this is Mario Marson’s
new label, produced off his own Heathcote property. The reason the name
will mean a lot is that Mario was the winemaker at Mount Mary for many
years and more recently, made the Jasper Hill wines with Ron Laughton.
Impressive pedigree for an impressive person – as if that wasn’t enough,
Mario has also been something of a winemaking mentor to Franco D’Anna at
the can’t-put-a-foot-wrong Hoddles Creek Estate winery. The below wines
were made off relatively young vines, and are an impressive debut. Before
long a nebbiolo will be added to the range – this is a new label to look
out for. CAMPBELL MATTINSON, WINEFRONT MONTHLY
VINEA MARSON HEATHCOTE SANGIOVESE 2006 (C) IS AVAILABLE WHILST
LAST FOR $33.99 A BOTTLE.
NEW AND EXCITING CHIANTI CLASSICO
PRE-GENERAL RELEASE OFFER: STOCKS ARRIVING MID AUGUST
Castello di Monsanto is one of Chianti Classico’s most
historically important estates. Proprietor Fabrizio Bianchi was at the
forefront of many innovations that later became standard practice. In the
early 1960s Monsanto pioneered the concept of the single-vineyard wines, and
its Il Poggio is credited as being the first such Chianti Classico. In the
years that followed Bianchi removed the traditional white varietals from
the Chianti blend, years before other producers followed suit. Today
Monsanto makes wines in a slightly more updated style that remains very
much connected to the past, and most importantly, to its unique terroir. Antonio Galloni The Wine Advocate
A GREAT VALUE, GREAT
VINTAGE CHIANTI
Castello Monsanto Monrosso Chianti 2006
Monrosso…Entry
level, approachable Chianti in a classic style. Authentic Chianti…In a
modern world where wine styles tend to be homogenous and trendy, Monsanto
stays true to its heritage. All Chianti and Chianti Classico are made from
Sangiovese with small percentages of Canaiolo and Colorino. Never over
oaked, always balanced, traditional Chianti. Situated in the heart of
Chianti Classico, Monsanto represents the truly classic Tuscan style.
Stay-at-home pasta
or pizza dinners call out for a simple but solid Chianti, and Monrosso fits
the bill beautifully. The ruby-colored wine (80 per-cent Sangiovese with
smaller components of Canaiolo and Merlot) is fermented in steel and aged
six months in oak casks for fresh, fruit forward results. It is redolent of
cherry, plum, milk chocolate and has distant hints of spice and licorice.
Its lightweight consistency and subtle tannins make it an excellent,
no-brainer match for most foods.
2006
looks to be superb as it is incredibly consistent both across the various
Tuscan appellations and at all levels of quality. I visited the region
three times that year. In September I spent some time in Maremma, where I
saw the tail end of the harvest at a number of properties, including Tua
Rita, Ornellaia, Le Macchiole and Montepeloso. In November I spent a week
or so in Chianti Classico, where producers were ecstatic with their young
wines. So far I have tasted a large number of 2006s from tank and later
from barrel that confirm the early promise of the vintage. The growing
season was made in the last month or so. Warm daytime temperatures
alternated with cool evenings, which extended the grapes’ hang time and
gave growers the luxury and peace of mind to harvest without being rushed.
These weather conditions were ideal for achieving full phenolic ripeness
along with the maximum development of aromatics, acidity and structure. In
general these are big, full-bodied wines loaded with super-ripe fruit, but
with plenty of stuffing underneath. They will be tempting to drink young,
but the best wines seem to have the potential to age gracefully for many
years. Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate # 177 Jun 2008
CASTELLO
MONSANTO ‘MONROSSO CHIANTI 2006 (DIAM) IS AVAILABLE NOW TO ORDER FOR $22.99
A BOTTLE WITH DELIVERY FROM 1ST SEPTEMBER AUGUST.
WONDERFULLY PURE AND EXPRESSIVE CHIANTI
CLASSICO
Castello Monsanto Chianti Classico 2006
Deep black cherry
ruby with black reflections. The bouquet is elegant, though a touch
overripe, with plums and spice mingled with berry fruit. Nice for a barrel
sample. On the palate it's clean and bright, with graceful cherry fruit
supported by bright slightly mineral cherry acidity and smooth sweet
tannins that have underlying peppery notes. It's quite pleasant, and will
develop very well, becoming quite graceful as it matures in the bottle. It
will be worth seeking out and do beautiful things with grilled meats or
roasts. Kyle Phillips, Italian Wine
Review
Monsanto’s 2006
Chianti Classico is an elegant, finessed wine loaded with sweet, ripe
fruit. Classy and elegant at this level, it offers lovely weight and a
perfumed personality. The estate’s Chianti Classico is aged in equal parts
tonneaux and steel. At the moment, this wine is not imported into the U.S.,
but should be available elsewhere. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012. 87 points Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate
# 177 Jun 2008
Chosen
by Aldo Bianchi for its view of his hometown of Poggibonsi, the estate of
Castello di Monsanto also features vineyards with surprisingly low
altitudes and hotter climates than most of Chianti Classico as well as
significant deposits of marine fossils, all very favorable conditions for
viticulture. Aldo’s son Fabrizio recognized this boon and devoted his
boundless energy to the estate, enthusiastically trying new ideas and
tirelessly promoting the excellent wines he produces. Fabrizio’s most
integral belief is in the character of the land, which he explains is
destined to produce robust, structured wines with great aging potential.
Now running the winery with the help of his daughter, Laura, and enologist
Andrea Giovannini, he has developed and maintained a reputation as one of
the most consistent and high-quality producers of Chianti Classico and an
innovator who has introduced many developments that have become regular
practice throughout the zone.
CASTELLO
MONSANTO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 (C) IS AVAILABLE NOW TO ORDER FOR $39.99 A
BOTTLE WITH DELIVERY FROM 1ST SEPTEMBER.
INCLUDED IN BOCCACCIO TOP 15
WINES OF THE YEAR FOR 2007 AND NOW..
WINE
SPECTATOR TOP 100 WINES FOR 2007
Marchesi De Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva 2004
#56 on the Wine
Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2007! : "Very aromatic, offering bright
blackberry and light vanilla aromas. Full-bodied with vibrant fruit, fine
tannins and a clean, crisp, fruity finish. Best after 2008." #56 on
the Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2007! 91 points Wine Spectator
Absolutely
stunning wine. Masses of rich brambly dark fruits, licorice, blackberry,
tar, rosemoary and fine silky tannins. Impeccable length, beautiful
structure and with the capacity to age gracefully for 10 plus years. A
beautiful Chianti from a beautiful year. 95 points Anthony D'Anna
MARCHESI
DE FRESCOBALDI NIPPOZZANO CHIANTI RUFINA RISERVA 2004 (C) IS AVAILABLE
WHILST STOCKS LAST FOR $35.99 A BOTTLE.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKS:
TROPHY FOR BEST SHIRAZ –
GEELONG WINE SHOW
Brown Magpie Geelong Shiraz 2006
Gold Medal -
Geelong Wine Show 2007
Trophy - 'Best Shiraz'
Geelong Wine Show 2006
Matured in French
oak barriques the 2006 Shiraz is a deep mulberry coloured wine with layers
of flavour and complexity. It displays characters of full ripe black
berries and plum, through to pepper, rich dark chocolate and mocha, framed
by firm, balanced tannins.
The planning of
Brown Magpie Wines started in 1998. This new venture was born through
Shane’s and Loretta's love of fine wine love of horticulture. The property
we selected is ideal for the purpose. It consists of 20 hectares on a
gentle, north facing slope: the cypress trees, planted on the western and
southern borders, provide a warm, sheltered site. Situated in Modewarre,
which is a few kilometres from Geelong, it is in the hinterland of the Surf
Coast.
Brown Magpie Wines
has nine hectares of grapevines, which were planted in 2001 and 2002. The
pinot noir, shiraz, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay are all
currently producing, and we have just finished our sixth vintage. The
vineyard displays a range of soils from sandy loam to light clay, and our
water supply is fresh rainwater from our dam and water tanks.
BROWN
MAGPIE GEELONG SHIRAZ 2006 (S) IS AVAILABLE WHILST STOCKS LAST FOR $24.99 A
BOTTLE.
96 POINTS JAMES HALLIDAY IN THE 08 WINE COMPANION
Henty Estate Shiraz 2006
This
wine has just been released from the winery and has recieved a whopping 96
points from James Halliday in his upcoming 2008 Wine Companion due out on the 1st
of August. Whilst we will give this wine a feature release in the next few
weeks, I thought I would slot it in our e-newsletter this week so people
know that we have it and it is available to buy. Anthony D'Anna
Intense crimson;
while only medium-bodied in weight, is packed full of beautifully ripe,
lip-smacking spicy black fruits, the tannins and new French oak seamlessly
interwoven. What a wine. 96 points,
drink to 2026, $22, Screwcap Wine Companion 2009 James Halliday
Peter and Glenys
Dixon have hastened slowly with Henty Estate. In 1991 they began the
planting of 4.5 ha of shiraz, 1 ha each of cabernet sauvignon and
chardonnay, and 0.5 ha of riesling. In their words, 'we avoided the
temptation to make wine until the vineyard was mature', establishing the
winery in 2003. Encouraged by neighbours John Thomson and Tamara Irish,
they have limited the yield to 3-4 tonnes per ha on the VSP-trained,
essentially dry-grown, vineyard. 5 STAR WINERY - James Hallday
HENTY
ESTATE SHIRAZ 2006 (S) IS AVAILABLE WHILST STOCKS LAST FOR $21.99 A BOTTLE.
Tardieu Laurent 'Les Grandes Bastides' Chateauneuf du Pape 2005
For such a young
wine, it is very nice indeed. Quite approachable with bright cherries, ripe
strawberries, hints of licorice and minerals showing through. Whilst it is
approachable now, I think it will benefit with 4-5 years bottle ago. 92
points Anthony D'Anna
Nevertheless, the
quantities of « LES GRANDES BASTIDES » will remain restricted, the choice
of an utmost Quality being not compatible with big volumes. Wines more
accessible, but perfectly worthy of their great historical Terroirs, "
LES GRANDES BASTIDES " are to be an invitation to discovery and
pleasure.
Michel Tardieu has
been working very hard in Chateauneuf for a number of years now in order to
produce benchmark wines. The domaine now employs a full time oenologist to
work with its growers and has established trusting relationship with the
best domaines in the region – those on the best terroirs and with the
oldest vines.
The set of 2005s I
tasted with negociant Michel Tardieu and his enologist, the Zelig-like
Philippe Cambie, showed more restraint and elegance than I was expecting.
" It was possible to make wines with both finesse and power in 2005,
which is why it is such a fantastic vintage in the north as well as the
south",Michel Tardieu told me. ..... Tardieu-laurent by Josh Raynolds ( janvier 2007)
TARDIEU
LAURENT ‘LES GRANDES BASTIDES’ CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE 2005 (C) IS AVAILABLE WHILST
STOCKS LAST FOR $59.99 A BOTTLE.
98 POINTS GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE
Cloudy Bay Marlborough Chardonnay 2006
Intense and
complex - Marlborough Chardonnay doesn't get much better. Layers of fruit,
oak, mineral and nutty. Lees flavours with impressive weight and richness.
Impossible to fault. Offers excellent value at this price. 98 points Bob Campbell, Gourmet
Traveller Wine
Absolutely superb,
94-95 point wine in my opinion. Quite tight and restrained but with enough
fruit to see this wine age well for the next 6-7 years. Anthony D'Anna
CLOUDY
BAY MARLBOROUGH CHARDONNAY 2006 (S) IS AVAILABLE WHILST STOCKS LAST FOR
$36.99 A BOTTLE.
ANTONIO GALLONI FROM THE WINE ADVOCATE VIEW ON 2005 AND 2006 VINTAGES
IN TUSCANY
As a preview, 2005
is a smaller-scaled vintage of attractive, fresh wines that are showing
very well today. Some areas were particularly vulnerable to rain towards
the end of the harvest, so quality is variable. 2006 is an outstanding
vintage across all quality levels and appellations. The smart consumer will
focus on the lower and mid-tier wines which offer tons of pleasure at more
reasonable prices than the famous wines. I am
increasingly of the view that the 100% Sangioveses from Chianti Classico
are among the very finest, if not the finest, wines being made in Tuscany
today. Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate
NEW AND EXCITING CHIANTI CLASSICO
PRE-GENERAL RELEASE OFFER: STOCKS ARRIVING MID AUGUST
Below are just two wines we have
picked out from a number of new and very exciting Chianti’s we will have in
store mid to late August. Both the wines of Fattoria Nittardi and Castello
Monsanto have never been available in Australia and reading the views and
opinions of the best wine writers in the world (Jancis Robinson and Antonio
Galloni from the The Wine Advocate to name just two) these are true and
remarkably expressive takes on Chianti Classico. Chianti Classico is now
starting to gain the recognition that it deserves. My aim is to try and
fine Chianti’s that are true expressions of the style and region. These two
wines are exactly that. Anthony
D’Anna
Fattoria Nittardi 'Casanuova di Nittardi' Chianti Classico 2005
EACH BOTTLE IS WRAPPED WITH PAPER PAINT DESIGNED BY YOKO ONO.
This Producer is Now One of the Best in
Chianti Classico - Wine Spectator
Nittardi is not
one of the better known small producers in Chianti Classico, but the wines
have been consistently very good. The Wine Advocate.
Decanter Great
Italian Fine Wine Encounter 2008: The Top Wines Filippo
Bartolotta and Christelle Guibert select the best wines from Decanter's
2008 Great Italian Fine Encounter, held at the Landmark Hotel in London on
17 May 2008
Very vibrant fruit
on the nose, some ripe cherry with hint of violet; very perfumed. Ripe
tannin but smooth and well-integrated with the acidity and the perfumed
characters. Great depth. (CG) Four stars Decanter
The overall result
from Peter Fenfert and Stefnia Canali's winery was good, with two wines
through to the final. We expected no less from this property, which has
shown remarkably consisten results over the years. The Chianti Classico
2005 is fresh-tasting, characterful and appertising. Gamero Rosso
Italian Wines 2008
JANCIS
ROBINSON - CHIANTI CLASSICOS WORTH BUYING (ONE OF FOUR WINES CHOSEN):
Casanuova di
Nittardi Chianti Classico 2005
Mid ruby. Very
lively nose with some development and lovely smoothness on the palate with
no lack of integrity. Good wine! There is bite and refreshment but no
palate aggression. Just a little fade on the finish but otherwise a very
good wine for the vintage. Drink 2007-10 16.5 points Jancis Robinson
Good, reliable
Chiant Classico wines, vintage after vintage. Vino Italiano: The
Regional Wines of Italy
Casanuova di
Nittardi, the Chianti Classico of Fattoria Nittardi, growns at an alititude
of 1,500ft in the golden triangle between San Donato, Panzano and
Castellina in Chianti. In addition to the tradition label, every year a
limited abound of bottles are adorned with a label created by a renowned
artist and wrapped in special silk-paper, alwao work of the artist. The
25th artist label was created by the American Yoko Ono.
Variety grapes:
97% Sangiovese, 3% Canaiolo
Ageing: Several
months in French oak barrels, 6 months average bottle fining.
Alcohol:
13.27%
Shipped to Australia in a temperature controlled container.
FATTORIA NITTARDI ‘CASANUOVA DI NITTARDI’ CHIANTI CLASSICO 2005
(C) IS AVAILABLE NOW TO ORDER FOR $44.99 A BOTTLE WITH DELIVERY FROM 1ST
SEPTEMBER.
Castello Monsanto 'Il Poggio' Chianti Classico Riserva 2004
The
2004 Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio is simply gorgeous. It is a
layered, finessed wine of notable detail, with tons of potential hiding
behind its restrained facade. With air, notes of earthiness, tobacco,
spices, menthol and dark fruit gradually emerge from this classically built
wine. Although the wine is beautifully balanced today, it requires
additional cellaring to blossom fully. In 2004 Il Poggio was aged
exclusively in aged tonneaux, which signals a move away from a percentage
of new oak and smaller barrels that recent previous vintage had seen. The
change in aging regime seems to allow for the full breadth of the unique
qualities of Sangiovese and the Il Poggio vineyard to come through.
Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. 93
points Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate # 177 Jun 2008
My
recent visit to Castello di Monsanto was memorable. In addition to the
current releases, I had a chance to taste a few older vintages of the
estate’s benchmark Chianti Classico Riserva Il Poggio. Monsanto is one of
the small handful of estates to have kept a vast library of its past
vintages, a few of which it re-releases every year to select customers.
Needless to say, in today’s world of highly suspect collectible wines, the
chance to buy impeccably stored older vintages of unquestioned provenance
is a huge service to consumers. Kudos to proprietor Laura Bianchi and
oenologist Andrea Giovannini. These are simply beautiful wines. Antonio Galloni Wine Advocate # 177 Jun
2008
Situated in the heart of
Chianti Classico, Monsanto represents the truly classic Tuscan style.
Esteemed
chianti classico estate, especially for Il Poggio vineyard. Hugh Johnson
Shipped to Australia in a temperature controlled container.
CASTELLO
MONSANTO ‘IL POGGIO’ CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2004 (C) IS AVAILABLE NOW TO
ORDER FOR $99.99 A BOTTLE WITH DELIVERY FROM 1ST SEPTEMBER.
Ashton Hills Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2007
Stephen
George wears three winemaker hats: one for Ashton Hills, drawing upon a
3.5-ha estate vineyard high in the Adelaide Hills; one for Galah Wines; and
one for Wendouree. It would be hard to imagine three wineries with more
diverse styles, from the elegance and finesse of Ashton Hills to the
awesome power of Wendouree. James Halliday Wine Companion 2008
ASHTON HILLS ADELAIDE HILLS PINOT NOIR 2007 (S) IS AVAILABLE
WHILST STOCKS LAST FOR $33.99 A BOTTLE.
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Non Vintage
Had a bit of a
small party round at our house last night and today, I must admit, I feel a
little shabby. I opened this along with a sample of Champagne G.H.Mumm 1999
which was (sadly) corked and then a few Australian Sparklers. Champagne is
always a hard act to follow, the local offerings always look fruity and
have distinctly sharp acidity. I have pretty much copied my note from last
years tasting, except this bottle looked finer and better than last years
model. I wish they would put disgorgement dates on NV because quite apart
from the lotteries of cork and storage…I don’t even know if you will be
tasting the same cuvée!
Aromas
of apple, lemon biscuit, flowers, vanilla, fresh bread and touch of
mineral. On the palate flavours of lemon pudding, apple, citrus and white
peach with some spice and mineral. It has a gentle foaminess and feels
light and lively. Good sweet fruit but also tastes dry and spicy with clean
mouth freshening acidity. Finishes with apple, lemon and spice flavours. A
vivacious and entertaining wine. Drink : 2008 - 2010 $89.95 93 Points
Gary Walsh, Winorama
PERRIER-JOUET GRAND BRUT NON VINTAGE IS AVAILABLE WHILST STOCKS
LAST FOR $69.99 A BOTTLE.
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STOCKS OF VASSE FELIX CAB 05
Vasse Felix Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Pure currants and
richer plum pud. Vanilla oak in the background while the essency currants
build in the glass. Attacks deep: a mix of chocolate raisin and the tangier
currant. Massive mid-palate with plenty of extract and richness then gets
dry-tannined and long at the back. Finishes with wholemeal raisin toast.
Great structural integrity with a core - runnel - of slick, sapid reduced
black punnet fruits. 96/100; Tim
White ~ Australian Financial Review ~ February 2008
Deep colour;
potent, brooding, multi-layered aromas and flavours, the structure provided
by ripe cabernet tannins and, to a lesser degree, French oak. High-quality
cork. 14.5º alc. Rating 94 Drink
2020 $35 Date Tasted Feb 07 James
Halliday Wine Companion 2008
Vasse Felix
Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ($35): A point of note straight up:
the oak in this wine is seamless, integrated, sensible and restrained -
points it's often been difficult to make of Vasse cabernet in the past. This
is a really good cab. Juicy, refreshing, substantial in flavour and yet
never overwhelming or overdone. Blackcurrant, herbs, menthol and cedar.
Bang on. Excellent tannin structure too. Drink: 2011-2018. 94 points. Campbell Mattinson; The Wine
Front
Much
like people, there are some wines that just click with you when you taste
them and this is one such wine. I just love it…so much so that I really
want to give it 95 points but have to hold myself back. You can’t let
emotions get in the way of (attempted) objectivity. It is a blend of 85%
Margaret River and 15% Great Southern comprising 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6%
Merlot, 5% Shiraz and 3% Malbec. A captivating mix of juicy dark berries,
cassis, eucalpyt, coffee bean, aniseed and cedar oak. Rich, almost cakey,
but balanced with attractive leafy Cabernet characters. On the palate
medium to full bodied with cassis, red berry, aniseed and some leafy
tobacco flavours backed with well judged cedar and vanilla oak. It has
marvellous shape and drive through the palate with firm dry tannins and a
fine sense of freshness and vitality. It feels good to drink. A big finish
closes out an outstanding example of Margaret River Cabernet. It’s strongly
to my personal taste and the sort of wine where I have to stop myself from
buying a case. Rated : 94 Points;
Price : $35; Drink : 2008 - 2016+ Gary
Walsh; Winorama
VASSE
FELIX MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 (C) IS AVAILABLE WHILST STOCKS
LAST FOR $26.99 A BOTTLE.
PLEASE NOTE: (S) SCREWCAP,
(C) CORK
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