TN: November 2019

[Luke W]

2005 Balgownie Gold Label Bendigo Shiraz: bought for about $5 in about 2007, drinking it to escape the weather in the Winnebago in Murrawah in North West Tasmania where the feel like temp is below zero. Decanted and left for maybe 5 minutes, great colour, no sign of bricking, interesting aroma and palate of black currants and black plums, light and elegant at this stage, worried a bit about the distance. As the evening wore on (maybe 2 hours), the wine became stronger and more textural, the aroma and palate more distinct and the black fruit more in your face. Isn't it great when a little beauty just knocks your socks off? (Not literally, it's much too cold for that)!

[Luke W]

I guess no-one really wants try to change the tasting notes to what they used to be......

[Mahmoud Ali]

Hi Luke,

I saw the tasting note but did not comment because I have not had this wine. However I did appreciate your attempt to introduce a monthly tasting note thread.

I will say his though, that one of the best Australian white I've ever had was a 1990 Balgownie Chardonnay. It shattered stereotypes of what a new world white could do with about a couple of decades under its belt.

[Scotty vino]

Wynns 'The Gables' 2014.

OK so dark cherries, plum, blackberries, woody-oak, and leather.
Also getting some sweet herbaceous, tea leaf and aniseed/liquorice characteristics coming thru.
All quite pleasant and presentable.

Time for a taste....Tannins are chihuahua like in that there's a small bite up front but not much after that.
There's a slight astringency here that i'm not really liking. Quite frail and thin on the finish.
Bit of a slap from a wet lettuce leaf in the structure department I'm sorry to say.

Hmmm. Ok so this quaff/bbq wine material but I remember it being better in the CD.
Will leave overnight and reassess.

All is not lost. little heroes 'one perfect day' plays in the background during these notes.
80's classic .

[Luke W]

Good to see a start fellas, thanks. Touring the Tamar region and spent a couple of hours yesterday at Clover Hill. They have 6 sparking and the same number of still wines. You pay 8 bucks each for tasting and that is redeemable on purchase. The new set up is quite stunning with a state of the art tasting room with a view to die for. You even get to try the $150 late disgorged which is very similar to a Taittinger Comtes or an EJ Carr, quite remarkable. The still wines didn't do much for me, I thought the pinot was corked, which surprised me given new Q A cork procedures (and a new bottle was bought out and was considerably more drinkable). I thought the $30 chardy was probably the best of this lot but took a Vintage (2013) brut back to the winny. Wanted to go to try the Arras but you have to pay for a "tasting experience" which involves $55 or 75 pp being handed over to try the premiums...... (rather just buy a good bottle or 2)!

[phillisc]

Wynns 'The Gables' 2014.

OK so dark cherries, plum, blackberries, woody-oak, and leather.
Also getting some sweet herbaceous, tea leaf and aniseed/liquorice characteristics coming thru.
All quite pleasant and presentable.

Time for a taste....Tannins are chihuahua like in that there's a small bite up front but not much after that.
There's a slight astringency here that i'm not really liking. Quite frail and thin on the finish.
Bit of a slap from a wet lettuce leaf in the structure department I'm sorry to say.

Hmmm. Ok so this quaff/bbq wine material but I remember it being better in the CD.
Will leave overnight and reassess.

All is not lost. little heroes 'one perfect day' plays in the background during these notes.
80's classic .

TN note the decade,

Tannins are chihuahua like...

Great way to enter my third millennium

Cheers craig

[mychurch]

2008 Tre Bianchi, Carlei
I have walked past Bar Nonno a few times, but never ventured in until last night - the sky’s were turning black and ‘not getting wet’ seemed a reasonable excuse. The per glass list (dated Aug ‘19) had 4 different wines from Carlei, a producer in the Yarra who I had never heard of, all with a lot of bottle age. This was the most interesting and it’s a blend of Sauvignon, Semillon and Chardonnay. Very rare to see any wines of this age on tasting and I had no idea what to expect. The nose though immediately took me to the Hunter Valley with toast and a slight whiff of Petrol. Colour was a pale yellow and showed no sign of age. In the mouth it was just as interesting. Lots of ‘Rhine Riesling’ flavors, good mid palate weight and plenty of acidity. After that though a slightly sweet candy taste kicks in. Seems odd, but actually it was pretty enjoyable. As the wine warmed up in the glass this candidness become more pronounced, and the citrus flavours became more green, but it remained a good glass of wine.

Talking to the staff, it turns out the owner of the bar also owns the Carlei winery and hence the number of older bottles in the store - there was an 06 version of this wine, as well as Chardonnay from 08 and 09 to name but a few. Not with buying per bottle - I tried an NV Chardonnay and it was as oxidised - but fine to have a glass of.

There were a few other older wines per glass on the list - a ‘12 German Riesling, 07 Rose, 07 Villiard Syrah - but when the glasses came they were all from younger vintages (14 & 15). Good wines, but not quite what I was hoping for.

[Luke W]

Four cellar doors today in the Tamar Valley. The first was Delamere where they had half a dozen sparklings, all quite acceptable, one I liked, my wife didn't (too much forest floor IHO) and a bunch of stills that included a rather nice pinot for $110. Opted for a 2018 chardy which was quite tidy and a 2015 riesling as the sales lady insisted on $10 each tasting fees where u could only redeem one on a bottle! Next winery was Sinapius which had some lovely pinots well worthy of an investment but I was still recovering from the Delamere gouge and refrained. Still I can order some later. The 3rd winery was Jansz where the lady shuffled us through in about 5 minutes complaining she was rushed off her feet. You can try 6 sparklings for $10 and she was quite pissed with me when I told her my local Dan's had just sold me a dozen Premium Rose for $12 a bottle!
Finally to Pipers Brook where tastings were $5 for 6 wines. The estate pinot I loved at $50 a bottle can be bought if u join the club for $35 or you could drive to Dan's and pay $37.

[Matt@5453]

Four cellar doors today in the Tamar Valley. The first was Delamere where they had half a dozen sparklings, all quite acceptable, one I liked, my wife didn't (too much forest floor IHO) and a bunch of stills that included a rather nice pinot for $110. Opted for a 2018 chardy which was quite tidy and a 2015 riesling as the sales lady insisted on $10 each tasting fees where u could only redeem one on a bottle! Next winery was Sinapius which had some lovely pinots well worthy of an investment but I was still recovering from the Delamere gouge and refrained. Still I can order some later. The 3rd winery was Jansz where the lady shuffled us through in about 5 minutes complaining she was rushed off her feet. You can try 6 sparklings for $10 and she was quite pissed with me when I told her my local Dan's had just sold me a dozen Premium Rose for $12 a bottle!
Finally to Pipers Brook where tastings were $5 for 6 wines. The estate pinot I loved at $50 a bottle can be bought if u join the club for $35 or you could drive to Dan's and pay $37.

I was over there in January. Holm Oak and Wines for Joanie were the stand outs for me.

[Luke W]

Thanks for that Matt, plan on those tomorrow.

[sjw_11]

November notes so far...

• 2014 Quinta de Soalheiro Alvarinho Espumante Bruto - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde (11/13/2019)
  Interesting wine. Moderately deep colour. Some interest on the nose- a bit of toast, some yeasty complexity. Can't quite shake the simplicity of Alvarinho fruit for this type of wine. (87 pts.)
• 2012 Real Companhia Velha Douro Evel Grande Reserva - Portugal, Douro (11/10/2019)
  Deep purple red. Gently fragrant and fruit driven nose of plum, red fruit and a touch of spice. Juicy and medium bodied in the mouth. Lingering purple fruit and fuzzy tannins. Really nice, and no rush to drink. (92 pts.)
• 2016 Koehler-Ruprecht Kallstadter Saumagen Riesling Kabinett trocken - Germany, Pfalz (11/10/2019)
  Pale yellow. Sharp, citrus driven nose. A touch of lemon sherbert. Zippy acid on the palate. Lots of lemon/lime. Quite angular. Not bad but I suspect it needs more time to show its best. (87 pts.)
• 2018 Albamar Rías Baixas - Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas (11/9/2019)
  Same as prior note, except perhaps just a bit tart today. (89 pts.)
• 2012 Clau De Nell Cabernet Franc Anjou - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Anjou (11/9/2019)
  Mid red in the glass. Developed nose. Barnyard, sous-bois. A bit of chicken poo. Some red currant notes as well and a touch of typical cab franc green leaves. Fresher in the mouth but a bit simple. Slightly tart. Interesting wine, I think I would have preferred it younger. Hard to know- could there be a touch of Brett? (86 pts.)
• 2015 Quinta & Casa das Hortas Douro Cabeça de Gaio Grande Reserva - Portugal, Douro (11/7/2019)
  Deep purple red. Intensely fragrant nose. Spicy red berries, dark plum, vanilla and purple jubes. Smooth entry with round, dark fruits and then a surprisingly grippy layer of mouth coating tannin. Lingering high toned fruit. Snappy acid. Maybe a bit over the top or new world for some people but for me this is fantastic especially for the price. No idea how it will age but I am sure a few years won’t hurt it. (93 pts.)
• 2017 Quinta de Soalheiro Alvarinho Nature pur terroir - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde (11/6/2019)
  Coming one day after opening the Soalheiro Primeiras alvarinho this was a shock. Totally different style. Natural wine and unfiltered as the name suggests. Full malo. Golden yellow and almost hazy. Slightly dirty nose with lots of bruised apple, some citrus as well. The palate opens broad with round fruit and slightly spiky acid. Almost cider-esque. As someone else said, maybe natural wine geeks will go for this but it is not for me. (86 pts.)
• 2018 Quinta de Soalheiro Vinho Verde Soalheiro Primeiras Vinhas - Portugal, Minho, Vinho Verde (11/4/2019)
  Attractive lemon sherbet and citrus nose. Very fresh and clean. Zippy acidity in the mouth- lots of cut citrus and a pleasant saline character. Delicious drinking- my style of crisp white wine to match with seafood or just as an aperitif. (90 pts.)
• 2015 Dauvergne Ranvier Margaux Grand Vin - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux (11/4/2019)
  Medium red. Lightish red fruits, pale plum and bramble. Pleasant but relatively simple. (87 pts.)
• 2010 Janisson Baradon & Fils Champagne Toulette - France, Champagne (11/2/2019)
  Blanc de blanc from a single grand cru vineyard. Mid yellow. Lively bead. Complex nose with distinct aldehydic characters, citrus, brioche. Rich and mouth filling this has excellent depth of flavor. I don’t necessarily feel like it will benefit from from further aging and for me I would drink in the next couple of years. The winery’s website suggests drinking with mushroom risotto and I wouldn’t disagree, or just with some canapés or snacks. (93 pts.)
• 2015 Château Smith Haut Lafitte Le Petit - France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan (11/2/2019)
  60/40 Cab/Merlot. Dark red colour. Dense nose of purple fruit, with blackberry, a touch of liqueur, graphite, pencil shavings and a touch of cedar. Dense and well structured. Firm, mouth filling tannins. Lots of stuffing, certainly a ripe, modern style. The quality is clear. I’d like to have another look at this in 2-3 years and then see. (90 pts.)
• NV Gosset Champagne Brut Grande Réserve - France, Champagne (11/2/2019)
  Purchased to get two free glasses because our Airbnb in Reims didn’t have any. Excellent value. Good depth of flavour. Punchy and fresh acidity. Citrus fruit profile. Fresh. Good aperitif style. (89 pts.)
• NV Champagne Redon Champagne L'R du Temps - France, Champagne (11/1/2019)
  This is composed of 67% Chardonnay, 18% Pinot Noir and 15% Trepail Rouge (which since their vineyards are only Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is presumably also Pinot). From Premier cru classed vineyards in the Trepail sub region. Extra brut.
  
  Salmon pink hues in the glass with a small persistant bead. Fresh strawberry and red berry characters dominate. Broad and relatively intense in the mouth. Not particularly profound but pretty good. Good value at €28. (89 pts.)

Posted from [url=https://www.cellartracker.com/]CellarTracker[/url]

[Mahmoud Ali]

Nice set of note there Sam.

I've had the Quinta de Solheiro Espumante Brut and like you found it interesting if a little simple. Here in Canada it was overpriced and not good value at all.

The Duverne Ranvier is not a name I've heard of before - is it a small property or a new estate carved out of existing vineyards, like Chateau Gloria was many years ago. And out of curiosity, what does the Le Petit of Smith Haut Lafite go for over there?

Mahmoud.

[Kevhussey]

...The 3rd winery was Jansz where the lady shuffled us through in about 5 minutes complaining she was rushed off her feet. You can try 6 sparklings for $10 and she was quite pissed with me when I told her my local Dan's had just sold me a dozen Premium Rose for $12 a bottle!
Finally to Pipers Brook where tastings were $5 for 6 wines. The estate pinot I loved at $50 a bottle can be bought if u join the club for $35 or you could drive to Dan's and pay $37.

That is pretty much my exact experience in Jansz, we arrived at 3.45 and no one was there, clearly had no interest in serving us, and keep looking at the time, we walked out disappointed.
Went across to Pipers and the lady was lovely, we had a nice tasting, good chat and she threw in a bottle of red, after we bought some of the 'lyre' or A10 I think it's called now.

[Luke W]

Today on Matt's suggestion we went to Holm Oak, what a great cellar door! Stunning 2018 riesling, nice estate chardy but the highlights were the 2 premium pinot noir that just ooze class. Not cheap but quite stunning. The cellar door staff are great and no buying pressure. One of the great CD experiences. Thanks Matt.

[qwertt]

Today on Matt's suggestion we went to Holm Oak, what a great cellar door! Stunning 2018 riesling, nice estate chardy but the highlights were the 2 premium pinot noir that just ooze class. Not cheap but quite stunning. The cellar door staff are great and no buying pressure. One of the great CD experiences. Thanks Matt.

I went to Holm Oak last month on a trip to Tasmania and had a similar experience. Very impressed with all their wines and with the way we were treated as clients. Finished up joining their wine club.

[Ian S]

Hi Sam
I was nervous reading the Soalheiro notes given I'd recommended them (well at least the basic cuvee and the Primeiras Vinhas!). I've not tried the fizz, nor the nature, but might give the latter a go (with a little trepidation). Glad you liked the Primeiras Vinhas, but also worth looking out for any aged bottles if you see them (including the basic cuvee). Much in th manner of Hunter semillons, the high acid but quite linear youth, can give way to a crisp yet more complex wine later.

I always like your TNs, as you've got a great sense of exploration, but are also mining similar seams to those that interest me!
Regards
Ian

[sjw_11]

Nice set of note there Sam.

I've had the Quinta de Solheiro Espumante Brut and like you found it interesting if a little simple. Here in Canada it was overpriced and not good value at all.

The Duverne Ranvier is not a name I've heard of before - is it a small property or a new estate carved out of existing vineyards, like Chateau Gloria was many years ago. And out of curiosity, what does the Le Petit of Smith Haut Lafite go for over there?

Mahmoud.

Good question Mahmoud, I had mostly seen them in Monoprix and mostly wines from the Rhone area- when I saw this I actually started to think that it might be a supermarket own brand, but looking now it seems to be a small private operation that mainly buys from fruit from many different areas and does not themselves own many vineyards.

The Petit was about €28 from a supermarket.

[sjw_11]

Hi Sam
I was nervous reading the Soalheiro notes given I'd recommended them (well at least the basic cuvee and the Primeiras Vinhas!). I've not tried the fizz, nor the nature, but might give the latter a go (with a little trepidation). Glad you liked the Primeiras Vinhas, but also worth looking out for any aged bottles if you see them (including the basic cuvee). Much in th manner of Hunter semillons, the high acid but quite linear youth, can give way to a crisp yet more complex wine later.

I always like your TNs, as you've got a great sense of exploration, but are also mining similar seams to those that interest me!
Regards
Ian

The Primeiras was definitely a top recommendation Ian, a style of white I really enjoy. I figured I should also try a couple of their other wines as well. The fizz was OK but at c€20 there is better value. I suspect some people would love the Nature wine, I just struggle when part of me wants to describe it as basically faulty.

And your tip sent me looking where to buy them and now I have a new site to buy from with a fantastic range of Portuguese wines and reasonable delivery prices to France, so that's a big win!

[Mahmoud Ali]

A mid-week wine, served with simmered turkey breast and vegetables, a 2013 Chapoutier 'Beaurevoir' Rosé, Tavel, France (13.5%) that I've held on to for a few years. Despite its six years of age the colour was still quite bright, an almost a lolly red. Initially the nose was closed, but as it warmed the nose opened up displaying a marked marachino cherry note. Belying that the palate was quite the opposite, fresh, herbal (sage?) and very dry and savoury. An adult rosé that was quite appealing. Bought as a one-off that I saw on clearance I wish I had bought more.

[Luke W]

Enjoyed Tamar Ridge Wines this morning. They have some great wines and a wonderful venue. Couldn't get into Wines for Joanie, they seem a bit disorganised. Bought a 6 pack of Pipers Brook pinot and drank one tonite. It's a great pinot with a strong sour cherry backbone, shades of sarsparilla and strawberry. It became more textural with decant time and also more mouth filling. Suspect it'll be good for 10+ years.

[Ian S]

[
And your tip sent me looking where to buy them and now I have a new site to buy from with a fantastic range of Portuguese wines and reasonable delivery prices to France, so that's a big win!

I've used Garrafeira Nacional before and they've been very good. I fear that option may disappear soon given looming Brexit.

[Wizz]

I don't write many detailed notes these days but good to see this forum returning to its roots and people posting tasting notes or impressions about actual wines. Here is a contrasting pair I looked at last night:

2018 Ochota Barrels Impeccable Disorder Pinot Noir: Brick red even at this tender age, which might reflect the winemaking...twigs and forest floor, spicy too. This is what you get with stems and stalks. Sometimes it gets overdone. Not here though. Some cherry and rhubarb fruit peeking out underneath - needs airtime or some age for this to all unfurl. What tannins there are feel pulpy - from fruit and pips not oak. Right now its savoury and intriguing, and demands food. Nicely made in this style.

2015 Ten Minutes by Tractor Estate Pinot Noir: And here we have the polar opposite - Lush and fruity this is. Round ripe forest berry, plush and sewn through with a little beef jerky and a little kiss of tannin and oak at the end. Ready to go now. 13.8%

Two very good wines, same grape, but otherwise completely different.

[Luke W]

Found a little beauty given to me by the lady at one of the wineries, she said that she'd got some from a bottle shop in Launceston for $15 a bottle and it was comparable to her $60 good stuff and I've tried both and it's actually better! Apparently the wine maker thinks it's unbalanced. It's a mouthfilling, in your face riesling with huge flavour reminiscent of a Clare Valley, lots of complexity and layers of lime /lemon that stays on your palate for about an hour after u finish it. Doubt if it will get any better.

[JamieBahrain]

[url=https://postimg.cc/dk16GRdt][img]https://i.postimg.cc/pTQSbqL8/C2-C39763-ADB5 ... 3974-B.jpg[/img][/url]

Still holding comfortably. Fresh notes of fennel and lemon curd. A touch of quince and yellow fruit development. Rich and slatey, minerals, citrus and honeycomb in a long wine with old fashioned phenolic grip .

Impressive again !

93pts

A magnum of La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 904 2007 and a Pierre Gaillard Cote Rotie 2010 impressive too.

[Mahmoud Ali]

Went to a fairly large tasting in the suburbs and was particularly taken by Masi's Vaio Amarone, Rabl's St Laurent, Cono Sur's 20 Barrels Pinot Noir, and Gironda Barbera La Gena. Went home and opened a 20 year-old aglianico from Tenua del Portale.

TenutaPortale'99-1.jpg

TenutaPortale'99-2.jpg

Tenuta del Portale Aglianico del Vulture, Italy (13%)
Dark terracotta red centre with a lovely warm robe. The nose was reticent at first but continued to grow, with dried cherry skins, polished leather, and then perfumed notes of crushed rose petals, nothing terribly effusive but in a calm, restrained manner. I had chilled it a bit after decanting so it was cool on the palate, the acidity working its magic. It's medium-bodied, herbal, and savoury, with a hint of fruit and a dry, astringent finish that was engaging and long. We had it with pan seared steak. Overall a very nice wine given its modest pedigree.

Mahmoud.

[Ian S]

Always interesdting to read notes on aged Aglianico, wines that still seem to fly a little under the radar.

[Mahmoud Ali]

Apparently aglianico is often referred to as the Barolo of the south so perhaps those who like old nebbiolo ought to consider cellaring some of them. It would certainly be more affordable.

By the way, remembering that I also have a 2009 Reserva from Tenuta del Portale, I went to their website and saw that they say that their regular aglianico cellars for 10-15 years while their reserva cellars for 15-20 years. I think I was wrong about the Tenuta del Portale having a "modest pedigree" - it may have been modest in price but not pedigree.

[Scotty vino]

2013 Greenock Creek Alices shiraz.
Heavy going. Some really nice atypical barossa notes. Leather, cigar box, tobacco, chocolate and a bit of black olive etc.
It does front up fairly well. But it's a bit of a slog after that. It seems a bit porty and over extracted on the palate. Bit of an 18 wheeler pulling a heavy load up a hill. Tannins are in check but the alcohol sititng aorund the 16-17% mark really gives you a whack around the chops. The volatility of this wine is quite a distraction to be honest. I did enjoy elements of this wine but the velvet sledgehammer that comes thru in the final round really does sit you on your rear end. A score for scores sake.... I'd say 90 points.

[Luke W]

Clover Hill 2013 Vintage Brut: one of the best oz sparklings I've had the pleasure to drink, full of wonderful flavours and complexity. Reminded me of the late disgorged styles of Ed Carr, it was on lees for 5 years. Had to buy another box.....

[Rossco]

As this night was in november, thought it fitting to put here

Theme was 'Piedmont' and as always, all wines served blind:

Wine # 1- 2013 Castello di Verduno S-ciopet Brut Rose
Pale Salmon Pink in colour, is this a sparkling Rose`? If it is, BRAVO!
On the nose some aftershave florals, dont think its alcohol blowing off, but it was very interesting. Yeasty, and on the strawberry spectrum. Fine....very fine mousse. Lovely soft cloud/pillow like bubble, so very satisfying. Not sharp or acidic. This is VERY dry, bone dry that just adds to the complexity. Feels old world, but missing that backbone of acidity to be French. Feels Italian and has these dry dusty tannins which i found really compelling. Not sure i have experienced that in a sparkling before. Commune from Verduno....... while this would cellar a little, no point as its drinking so well now.

Wine # 2 - 2015 La Palazzina Bramaterra Balmi Bioti
Wow what extraordinary colour here. Bright and ultra clear red. Beautiful purity of fruit that isnt over worked,no wine making tricks, just vineyard expression letting the fruit do all the talking. So burgundy like. Feels very young. Bright red Cherry, red currants and
aromatics, soft tannins.... stunning wine.
Not over oaked, not overly acidic, very mineral type notes as well. low alcohol of 12.50% and was all the better for it. Love this style of Barolo

Wine # 3 - 2011 Conterno Fantino Sori Ginestra
Big hit of Cherry Cola on the nose. Medicinal Herbs, Liquorice and tar.
Quite Oaky to me, may need a little more time resting in the cellar. Spearmint/Mint/menthol notes, couldnt hammer down which one. Riper side of the fruit spectrum, was this a warm year? Massive alcohol @ 15%, but doesnt show it at all. Chocolate notes (from the oak?) and those cherry/cola notes carried through to palate as well.

Wine # 4 - 2003 Conterno Fantino Vigna Del Gris
Another Conterno, but different vineyard and year. Colour indicates its a little older. Dark/Brick Red, browning on edges. Again that Menthol character coming out strongly (or im just quite susceptible to it?).... then those tannins. Wonderful, Mouth coating tannins. Quite dusty & fine really. Rose Petals, Blue/Purple fruit spectrum, and that lenght, goes on and on! Again Riper fruit here, probably the style more than anything. Cedar oak is quite prominent as well, leather, earth and something else.... tobacco perhaps (or is that the oak?) Lovely wine

Wine # 5 - 2005 Produttori del Barbaresco Rio Sordo
The first Barbaresco of the night! (although i didnt know it at the time). This seem young, cant believe its 14 years old. Acid & Tannin still battling it out and quite prominent. Years left in the tank. Lovely herbaceous wine here. Bay leaf and sage mainly. Red florals, raspberries and red fruits and some plums. I had a little coffee nose as well and that minerally backbone that just tied everything together. Wonderful stuff!

Wine # 6 - 2004 Elio Altare Barolo
Very earthy, hits the nose straight away. Tar and rose petal pot purri. So perfumed, its quite profound. Violets and Lavender.
Darker colour, has this sweetness to it... from the oak perhaps? Modern Style. Again very herbaceous, Wild Oregano and Thyme. Some mushrooms and wet earth, just cant get over how dark this wine was! Perfectly ripe fruit, weighty fruit if that makes sense, but not a weighty wine. Loved this!

Wine # 7 - 2006 Benevelli Piero Barolo (Corked) - fvk. My last bottle and the other two were simply sensational and traditional producer style. Was really looking forward to showing this.

Wine # 8- 2010 Comm. G.B. Burlotto Barolo Acclivi Verduno
To me, this wine is the reason I love the region so much. A masterclass in purity and elegance. 100% Traditionalist here, no fancy winemaking tricks, no masking or hiding oak behind the fruit, surely this is what the gods drink. Cannot get over the purity of red fruits here, is this Vineyard expression or Nebb expression?. Again clear and bright red. Raspberries, Violets, Tar, tobacco,.... and OH that balance. In perfect balance and harmony. Has a little spice at the end with some fennel hints.

Wine # 9- 1999 Poderi Aldo Conterno Cicala Barolo (Corked) - Apparently very common with this producer around this time?

Wine # 10 (Backup) - 2009 Produttori del Barbaresco Pora
Not happy with his first choice, this was an amazing backup. Liquorice, red raspberry and red currents. Very traditionalist wine here and all the better for it. Cherry with what seemed like fruit tannin rather than oak tannin. Got some iron type minerals and slate in there, with perhaps a reduction of balsamic? Not in the vinegary type, but sweetness. Another earthy wine and this time some slight wet pine needle. All this dancing around my mouth making me very happy.

Wine # 11 - 2006 Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino Barolo Riserva Bussia Cascina Dardi
Seemed older in the glass than others. Perhaps a little more developed than normal? Dark Berry compote, had some meaty characters as well. Smoked ham and prosciutto mainly. Spicy too, but a sweet spice cherry note.
Minty herbs and liquorice, tar and actually an unusual intensity to the wine towards the end. The wine was slightly oxidised, and fell over in the glass, so perhaps its time to drink up (again could be a cork issue or storage issue)

Wine # 12 - 2007 Benevelli Piero Barolo (Corked) - not again! My backup also failed and it was the first of 3 bottles, so hopefully the other two are ok. Benevelli is one of my favourite producers, so a bit shattered here.

Wine # 13 - the 'Ring in' - 2007 S.C Pannell Nebbiolo - Adelaide Hills
You know what, this held its own against the Italians. Was very easy to see the Neb characters in this wine. Tar, Earth, liquorice, roses and sweet red fruit. Not a knockout superstar, but for $ 60 retail on current vintage its not bad drinking. Real question is will a $60 Langhe be just as good or better?


Wine # 14 - 1983 Orlando Vintage Port
The presenter of this wine is having us on...... or perhaps G Gramp & Sons are? One of them poured out the 1983 Shiraz and replaced it mainly with younger touriga and some Tinto Cao. Dodgy shenanigans were happening back in 1983!

Of course all the above is in jest, however I simply didnt get any Shiraz characters here. This is in no way saying it was bad... it wasn't, it was actually
sensational! Had lovely subcontinent spices. Cinnamon, cloves, star anise, cardamom and leather. This wine defied its age. Seemed very young (circa 2000's) and had some slight coffee, ginger and treacle notes. I thought the spirit was a little 'portuguese' so it was pretty exciting to hear it was from Aus! Char grilled figs, shoe polish and old leather. Wonderful end to the night and I loved the banter this wine brought to the table.


Overall......... my impressions of all the wines (bar mine) were that "All roads lead to Piedmont!" Im very happy to be shifting my
cellar to Italian wines and think there is still some genuine value in some producers still. How long that will happen is anyone's guess.

Also of note that I used Zalto Burgundy Glasses which worked an absolute treat, and I didnt even break one *touch wood*

Also this night was very educational for me as realised/confirmed im a Traditionalist. Love the wines more on the pure fruit profile than oak.