Lunch with three Italians

[Sigmamupi]

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My three dining companions were not Italian, bu the wines were. Lunch was at Mezzalira restaurant in Civic, Canberra. Mezzalira has had it its ups and downs over the years but it is currently very good. Byo is $15 per bottle. The glassware is excellent and wine service competent.

I bought the 2004 Messorio on release after a 100 point review in the Wine Spectator. It was opened, decanted and poured. A big wine with a porty/pruney nature and a varnishy character, presumably from plenty of new oak when young. About 93 points on my scoring scale; it is not now and never has been, a 100 point wine. No surprise to find that the review was by James Suckling. How this guy has any credibility is beyond me.

The 1999 Masseto was a different matter all together. Opened when we arrived but decanted and then poured as our main courses arrived. An initial flash of redcurrant and spice but quickly settled down to a character like a vinous plum pudding. Again a big powerful wine but with balance and finesse and was a great match with all the main courses (venison, duck and suckling pig). An easy 98 points and I would happily drink it again any time - the Italian Petrus indeed.

The 2007 Vietti Rocche barolo was decanted on arrival and given about two hours breathing. Only my second 2007 vintage barolo and my impression is the vintage was ripe and fleshy and has entered a good drinking space. We enjoyed the licorice and plum flavours with some taleggio cheese and accompaniments. I preferred the Masseto and thought this was a 96 point wine but one member of the party rated it as best wine.

Altogether a very instructive and enjoyable lunch and I would recommend the venue to anyone visiting Canberra who wishes to byo something good out of the cellar.

[dave vino]

Bit cheaper than Petrus too

I think I've had it on 2-3 occasions and have always been really impressed with it.

[michel]

Masseto is the real deal...
Exceptionally amazing
Well done

[Ian S]

FWIW I found the 2007 Barolo wines pretty approachable on release and some may not have shut down, and perhaps never will. A vintage I had no qualms about choosing in a restaurant, though not one well represented in my cellar. An interesting recent discussion on another forum about whether they were becoming unbalanced, but I have nothing to support that.

[Con J]

Masseto is the real deal...
Exceptionally amazing
Well done

Masseto is a bucket list wine.
I was close once, someone bought it as a back up at a wine dinner.

Cheers Con.

[Mark Carrington]

FWIW I found the 2007 Barolo wines pretty approachable on release and some may not have shut down, and perhaps never will. A vintage I had no qualms about choosing in a restaurant, though not one well represented in my cellar. An interesting recent discussion on another forum about whether they were becoming unbalanced, but I have nothing to support that.

Agreed. Rather like 1997s. And both the polar opposite to ‘96s.
Never come close to trying Masseto, regretfully.