Wine~Works
Wine & Beer Tastings with a Difference
We are delighted that our wines feature prominently in the press, Here are a few highlights.
In the national press, Hamish Anderson (The Daily Telegraph, 30 Aug 2014) picked his top Pinot Grigios:
Andy Cronshaw (Manchester Evening News, 29 Aug 2014) instead looked to Pinot Noir for his weekly column:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/wine-picks-sexy-sensuous-pinot-7690800
Tinpot Hut Pinot Noir 2011, Marlborough, New Zealand
Respected US critic James Suckling has also been busy of late with many relevant videos, blogs and tasting articles being posted on his site, www.jamessuckling.com. Here are a selection of the best bits from the last month:
VIDEO - Barolo 2010: Poderi Aldo Conterno (with Franco Conterno)
27 Aug 2014
http://www.jamessuckling.com/barolo-2010-poderi-aldo-conterno.html
Tasting Report: Chile's Breathtaking Diversity
13 Aug 2014
http://www.jamessuckling.com/tasting-report-chiles-breathtaking-diversity.html
Clos des Fous Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Grillos Cantores’ 2011, Alto Cachapoal, Chile
Score 92
This is a Cabernet with dark berry, chocolate and hazelnut character. Full body, fine tannins and a delicious finish. Balanced. The wood and fruit are in harmony.
Clos des Fous Chardonnay ‘Locura 1’ 2012, Terroir de los Andes, Chile
Score 92
A pretty Chardonnay with cooked apple, stone and mineral character. Full body plus delicious fruit, hints of toasted oak and coconut. Solid core of fruit here. Serious structure.
Clos des Fous ‘Cauquenina’ Viñas Viejas de Cauquenes 2012, Chile
Score 92
A very focused and balanced red with orange peel, spice, mineral, slate and berry character. Full body plus layers of fine tannins and a long, long finish.
Montes ‘Alpha’ Carmenère 2011, Valle de Colchagua, Chile
Score 90
A red with walnut shell and berry character. Hints of cloves and other spices too. Full-bodied, fruity and delicious plus a fresh finish. A pure Carmenère that shows focus.
Montes ‘Limited Selection’ Pinot Noir 2012, Valle de Casablanca, Chile
Score 90
This is a delicious Pinot Noir with plums, hints of cedar and delicate acidity. Medium body and a savoury finish. Aged eight months in oak. Pretty Pinot character for a hell of a price!
Montes ‘Alpha’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Valle de Colchagua, Chile
A soft and fruity red with currants, blueberries and light cream. Full body, soft tannins and a flavourful finish.
Montes ‘Outer Limits’ Zapllar Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Valle de Aconcagua, Chile
A tangy yet ripe Sauvignon with sliced apple and light asparagus. Full-bodied, fresh and clean.
Jane MacQuitty, The Times, 28th June 2014 (subscription required):
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/life/food/wine/article4131954.ece
In the first part of her Top 100 Summer Wines in The Times, Jane MacQuitty’s white and sparkling wine recommendations included Greywacke Riesling, Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay, Innocent Bystander Moscato and Nyetimber Classic Cuvée. Victoria Moore (The Daily Telegraph) followed suit with her own seasonal recommendations, choosing Isole e Olena Chianti Classico and Miraval Rosé as top picks. In an article earlier in the week Victoria also chose wines to accompany the Glyndebourne festival and Nyetimber was again a winner alongside Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve. Jamie Goode (the Sunday Express) looked specifically at his top summer red recommendations with Heinrich Red and Innocent Bystander Syrah making the list.
James Suckling's scores from his website www.jamessuckling.com
Tolpuddle Pinot Noir 2012 – 94 points
Montes – reviews across the range including 97 points for Purple Angel
Colonia Las Liebres 2012 – 91 points ‘one of the best Bonardas of the world’!
Charles Melton ‘Grains of Paradise’ Shiraz 2010– 94 points
John Duval ‘Eligo’ Shiraz 2009 – 93 points
Conterno ‘Granbussia’ Barolo 2005 – 100 points!!
Victoria Moore, The Daily Telegraph, 28th June 2014:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/wine/10927941/Best-wines-on-offer-this-summer.html
Jamie Goode, Sunday Express, 29 June 2014:
http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/food/485302/Best-red-wines-for-summer
Good afternoon,
This week we have a huge amount of coverage to share with you. Matthew
Jukes launched both his 100 BEST AUSTRALIAN WINES 2014 and also THE
SEVENTH GREAT NEW ZEALAND PINOT NOIR CLASSIFICATION 2014 with Tyson
Stelzer! It was great to see so many wines from our portfolio on both
these lists – see the links below for more details. Tyson also
accompanied the release of the classification with a review of the ATA
RANGI PINOT NOIR 2011.
In Restaurant magazine Jane Parkinson looked at the Jura and featured
DOMAINE DE LA PINTE, while Victoria Moore wrote up ISOLE E OLENA CHIANTI
CLASSICO in her blog, planetvictoria.co.uk.
CHARLES HEIDSEICK received much attention this week. Firstly, the gift
packs available made it onto recommendations for Father’s Day gifts in
both the Independent and the Mail on Sunday. Jancis Robinson also wrote
a piece which included reviews for the whole range. The full piece also
has reviews for some older vintages which you may be interested in
(again, please follow the link).
****
MATTHEW JUKES’ 100 BEST AUSTRALIAN WINES:
http://www.matthewjukes.com/2014/06/100-best-australian-wines-201415/
[1]
• Charles Melton ‘Voices of Angels’ Shiraz 2010, Barossa Valley,
South Australia [2]
• Cullen ‘Diana Madeline’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Margaret River,
Western Australia [3]
• Mount Horrocks Shiraz, Clare Valley 2011, South Australia [4]
• Plantagenet Mount Barker Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Western Australia
[5]
• Clonakilla Shiraz/Viognier 2012, Canberra District [6]
• Mitolo ‘Jester’ Shiraz 2012, McLaren Vale, South Australia [7]
• Shaw + Smith Shiraz 2012, Adelaide Hills, South Australia [8]
• Willunga 100 Cabernet/Shiraz 2012, McLaren Vale, South Australia [9]
Matthew also couldn’t resist to squeeze in a few mentions for the
following wines in his write ups. With a total of 195 wines mentioned in
the 2014/15 100 Best, Liberty Wines represents just under 10% of these.
• Plantagenet Great Southern Riesling 2013, Western Australia [10]
• Cullen Mangan ‘East Block’ 2012, Margaret River, Western
Australia [11]
• Cullen ‘Kevin John’ Chardonnay 2011, Margaret River, Western
Australia [12]
• Mitolo ‘Savitar’ Shiraz 2010, McLaren Vale, South Australia [13]
• Tolpuddle Vineyard Chardonnay 2012, Tasmania [14]
• Tolpuddle Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012, Tasmania [15]
• Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling 2013, Clare Valley, South Australia
[16]
• Mount Horrocks ‘Cordon Cut’ Riesling 2013, Clare Valley, South
Australia [17]
• Charles Melton ‘Rose of Virginia’ 2013, Barossa Valley, South
Australia [18]
THE SEVENTH GREAT NEW ZEALAND PINOT NOIR CLASSIFICATION 2014:
http://www.matthewjukes.com/2014/06/3561/ [19]
Five stars – ATA RANGI
Three Stars – GREYWACKE
Two Stars – DELTA VINEYARDS
One Star – TRINITY HILL
One Star – WILD EARTH
Tyson Stelzer, Wine Taste Weekly, 4th June 2014:
ATA RANGI PINOT NOIR 2011, MARTINBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND [20]
95 points
This is a beautifully textured, structured and focused Ata Rangi of red
berry and cherry fruits and dried herb notes. It’s a vintage of rustic
style and considerable grip, more masculine in structure than usual,
built for the long-haul. An Ata Rangi of great length, drive and focus,
worthy of the lineage of Martinborough’s first grand cru.
Jane Parkinson, Restaurant magazine, June 2014:
DOMAINE DE LA PINTE POULSARD DE L’AMI KARL 2011, JURA, FRANCE [21]
Pale with raspberry leaf and tomatoes-on-the-vine aroma. There are faint
tannins with raspberry fruit, but there’s a nutty edge, thanks to its
ageing in a foudre for a year before release.
Victoria Moore, planetvictoria.co.uk, 9th June 2014:
http://planetvictoria.co.uk/2014/06/09/wine-sessions/ [22]
ISOLE E OLENA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011, TUSCANY, ITALY [23]
I think we sometimes forget how good Italian wines, and in particular
how good Chianti, can be. This red showed us. All sour cherries and
church incense (it’s made from 15% Canaiolo, which is very incensey)
and spit-spot in perfect shape. We drank it very slightly chilled.
Luke Blackall, www.independent.co.uk [24], 8th June 2014:
http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/food-drink/11-best-fathers-day-gifts-for-drink-lovers-9503741.html?slide_num=5&action=fullscreen#gallery-9503711
[25]
CHARLES HEIDSIECK BRUT RÉSERVE NV [26]
Olly Smith, The Mail on Sunday, 8th June 2014:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/event/article-2649801/OLLY-SMITH-Choose-Daddys-sauce-The-old-man-wants-one-thing-Fathers-Day-not-pair-socks.html
[27]
CHARLES HEIDSIECK BRUT RÉSERVE NV [26]
Jancis Robinson. Jancisrobinson.com,_ _9th Jun 2014:__
http://www.jancisrobinson.com/tasting_articles/ta20140522.html [28]
_ _
_“Champagne Charlie deserves to be taken more seriously.”_
CHARLES HEIDSIECK RÉSERVE BRUT NV CHAMPAGNE [26]
17.5 points
_Based on 2007 vintage and the first new formulation, launched in 2012.
60% of 2007, a third of each variety. 60 crus. Far fewer crus than in
the past - the principle difference from the old days. Reserve wines are
half Chardonnay and half Pinot Noir, 8-10 years old. Kept in big
containers. Minimum 36 months in crayères. 11 g/l dosage for all
cuvées._
Complex nose and very well balanced palate.
CHARLES HEIDSIECK RÉSERVE ROSÉ BRUT NV CHAMPAGNE [29]
17 points
_Very pale pink. Same assemblage of the 2007 as the white but 20%
reserve wines - younger ones, 5-10 years old. 5-6% still reds from the
Montagne de Reims. Trying for delicacy. Want it to be a wine that will
age. _
Quite complex. Dry finish and really quite broad and serious on the
palate.
CHARLES HEIDSIECK BRUT 2000 CHAMPAGNE [30]
18 points
_Not that much evidence of ageing. 17 crus, Ambonnay, Verzenay, Aÿ,
Oger, Chardonnay from Cézanne. In the old bottle shape. 60% Pinot Noir,
40% Chardonnay._
Tight textured. Some slight almondy notes. Very good now. But still
quite brisk.
CHARLES HEIDSIECK ROSÉ 1999 CHAMPAGNE [31]
18 points
_60% Pinot Noir, 8% red wine. Rare to have such a mature rosé. _
Very ripe, intense nose. Lots of complexity. Rewards being served at
cellar temperature. Something a little rose petal-like about this but
very complex. Ferns and wild strawberries in a wood.
CHARLES HEIDSIECK BLANC DES MILLÉNAIRES BRUT 1995 CHAMPAGNE [32]
18 points
_This cuvée has been in the UK for some time now. The next vintage is
likely to be much younger, presumably in the new bottle shape._
Fruit from Cramant, Avize, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Vertus for
floral notes. Aged for 15 years on the lees. Very rich and broad.
****
If you would like any more information on any of these wines please get
in touch or follow the links to our website www.libertywines.co.uk [33].
Kind regards,
Verity Milns
COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT MANAGER
020 7819 0333
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UIT:101
Links:
------
[1] http://www.matthewjukes.com/2014/06/100-best-australian-wines-201415/
[2] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=CM109
[3] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=CU307
[4] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=HO105
[5] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=PL102
[6] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=CL101
[7] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=MI101
[8] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=SS409
[9] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=WI103
[10] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=PL103
[11] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=CU312
[12] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=CU308
[13] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=MI104
[14] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=TV201
[15] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=TV202
[16] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=HO101
[17] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=HO102
[18] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=CM103
[19] http://www.matthewjukes.com/2014/06/3561/
[20] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=AR201
[21] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=PI602
[22] http://planetvictoria.co.uk/2014/06/09/wine-sessions/
[23] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=IO102
[24] http://www.independent.co.uk/
[25] http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/food-drink/11-best-fathers-day-gifts-for-drink-lovers-9503741.html?slide_num=5&action=fullscreen#gallery-9503711
[26] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=CH503
[27] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/event/article-2649801/OLLY-SMITH-Choose-Daddys-sauce-The-old-man-wants-one-thing-Fathers-Day-not-pair-socks.html
[28] http://www.jancisrobinson.com/tasting_articles/ta20140522.html
[29] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=CH504
[30] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=CH514
[31] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/index.htm?pageto=prddtldrt&productCD=CH516
[32] http://www.jancisrobinson.com/tasting_notes/tn20140522151/sid/112111.html
[33] http://www.libertywines.co.uk/
[34] http://www.libertywines.co.uk
[35] https://twitter.com/liberty_wines
[36] https://service134.mimecast.com/mimecast/click?account=CUK66A20&code=27bd233fe77f9f5d67e2f326087a994d
--
Alex Allan
www.wine-works.co.uk
alex.allan@wine-works.co.uk
020 3583 7070
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Follow us on Twitter @wine_works1
In the national papers, Matthew Jukes (The Daily Mail) chose Tinpot Hut Sauvignon Blanc as one of his wines of the week while Olly Smith (The Mail on Sunday) enthused about the quality of Australian wine including Innocent Bystander’s Moscato. Radio Times magazine also featured his highlights from the west coast of America which included Ted Lemon’s Littorai Pinot Noirs (he has a new television programme starting on the subject this week).
In the Irish Examiner Leslie Williams chose the Vignerons de Valençay Sauvignon and Il Passo Nerello Mascalese Nero D’Avola as two of his best value wines last week.
Jamie Goode featured Austrian wines in The Sunday Express this weekend with Loimer Grüner Veltliner and Heinrich Red being named as top selections. On his own website (www.wineanorak.com) he published tasting notes on the Bachelder wines from Oregon and Niagara.
2013 Tinpot Hut, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
Matthew Jukes, The Daily Mail Weekend Magazine, 1 Mar 2014
http://www.matthewjukes.com/2014/03/six-new-incredible-new-zealand-wines/
Littorai Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011
(current vintage 2010)
Olly Smith, Radio Times, 28 Feb 2014
http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-02-28/olly-smiths-guide-to-californian-wine-and-travel
Innocent Bystander Moscato 2013, Victoria, Australia
Olly Smith, Mail on Sunday Event Magazine, 23 Feb 2014
Vignerons de Valençay Sauvignon Blanc IGP 2012, Loire, France
Il Passo Nerello Mascalese-Nero-d’Avola 2012, Sicily
Leslie Williams, Irish Examiner, 23 Feb 2014
Loimer Grüner Veltliner 2012, Kamptal, Austria
Heinrich Red 2011, Burgenland, Austria
Jamie Goode, The Sunday Express, 2 Mar 2014
http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/food/462342/Best-Austrian-wines-by-Jamie-Goode
The wines of Bachelder
Jamie Goode, wineanorak.com, 21 Feb 2014
http://wineanorak.com/canada/canada_10_bachelder.htm
Bachelder Chardonnay 2011 Niagara, Canada
Well defined and fresh with some nuts and spices, allied with lemony freshness. There’s richness here, but it is reined in. Lovely precision and focus.
93/100
Bachelder Chardonnay Wismer Vineyard 2010 Niagara, Canada
Distinctive and quite broad with a smooth, mineral character to the palate, which is textured and has a lovely mouthfeel. Notes of nuts, pear and even nectarine, but despite the richness there is restraint here. Really fine and focused.
94/100
Bachelder Chardonnay Wismer Vineyard 2011 Niagara, Canada
Lovely texture here: fresh but rich with pear, peach and some mineral notes. Nice weight and purity.
93/100
(current vintage 2010 above)
Bachelder Chardonnay 2011 Oregon, USA
Fine lemon, pear and nut nose with some fresh mineral notes. The palate is fresh with generous pear and peach fruit, as well as a hint of quince. Very expressive, a lovely wine.
94/100
Bachelder Pinot Noir 2011 Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Fresh, elegant and supple with some warm sweet cherry fruit notes but also a hint of sappiness. Real elegance and precision here, but also a really attractive Oregon sweetness.
94/100
The Wine Gang, March Report
Ata Rangi Craighall Chardonnay 2011, Martinborough, New Zealand
Yes, Ata Rangi is best known for its Pinot Noir, but Clive Paton and his wife Phyll make a mean Chardonnay too, a barrel-fermented dry white with seductive appley fruit that's opulent in Meursault-like mould showing lots of peaches and cream fruit and fine integrated oak, bisected by a trenchant blade of fresh acidity.
92/100
Vie di Romans Flors di Uis 2011, Isonzo (Friuli), Italy
An intriguing and delicious blend of Malvasia Istriana, Friulano and Riesling, this is instantly fresh and seductive in its floral aromas with an expressive concentration of exotic peachy ripe fruit intensity, the wine's fullness of body and flavour beautifully focused by a zesty streak of limey acidity that brings a natural exuberance and balance to the blend.
92/100
Jeffrey Grosset Springvale Riesling 2013, Clare Valley (South Australia), Australia
A brilliant Riesling from Jeffrey Grosset, the Springvale displays a spiced apple and floral fragrance behind which the refreshingly youthful spritz leads into a dry aromatic white of considerable palate weight and volume of lime zesty-rich fruit supported by an underlying savoury-fresh mineral quality that ensures a long life ahead of it.
92/100
Greywacke Chardonnay 2011, Marlborough, New Zealand
Chardonnay can get a little overlooked in the ocean of New Zealand Sauvignon which is a shame when it comes up with great examples like this super-complex, rich and toasty dry white from Kevin Judd, which shows opulent peach and butterscotch notes with underlying, barrel-fermented struck match characters in a New Zealand-meets-Puligny Montrachet style.
92/100
Isole e Olena Chardonnay 2012, Tuscany, Italy
Do we need Chardonnay from Tuscany? Why not when it's as good as this small production line from Paolo De Marchi. Increasingly convincing perhaps due to vine age, this is gently aromatic in light toasty vein and rich in flavour and texture with complex undercurrent of wholemeal and lees-derived nuttiness balanced by a lively freshness on the finish.
91/100
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Marlborough, New Zealand
Created by ex-Cloudy Bay winemaker and photographer extraordinaire Kevin Judd, the Greywacke wines show the intensity of early-days Cloudy Bay, in this instance an accomplished, food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc whose subtle herbal / blackcurrant leaf scents are underscored by ripe melon and an opulent tropical fruity, zesty freshness.
91/100
Cesconi Olivar 2011, Friuli, Italy
An elegantly crafted, mouthwatering barrel-fermented blend of Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay from the Cesconi brothers in Italy's North-East, this shows a delicate smoky touch of oak which, together with the floral, ripe peachy fruit concentration, makes for a finely balanced dry white with lively freshness on the finish.
90/100
Grosset Alea Riesling 2013, Clare Valley (South Australia), Australia
With its sweet pea floral spicy fragrance, this just-off-dry Riesling from Jeffrey Grosset shows a deliciously pure, seamless quality of lime-like fruitiness that can compete with the best of Mosel Kabinett for delicacy of flavour, freshness, balance and a moreish irresistibility.
90/100
Dandelion Vineyards Wonderland of the Eden Valley Riesling 2013, Eden Valley (South Australia), Australia
Fresh and expressively floral in its aroma, this is a classic dry Eden Valley Riesling from Zar Brooks and his winemaker wife Elena, with plenty of mouthwateringly zesty citrus and stonefruit freshness and even a touch of spice adding complexity to its delightfully refreshing, bone dry aftertaste.
90/100
(current vintage 2012)
Trinity Hill Viognier 2011, Gimblett Gravels (Hawkes Bay), New Zealand
If the Gimblett Gravels are good for Syrah, then why not Viognier? The logic is proven correct by this richly concentrated dry white blend that includes a touch of Marsanne; it shows the typical floral notes of Viognier supported by a lively quality of peach and pear fruitiness with a moreish gossamer texture that helps it slip down all too easily.
Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling 2013, Clare Valley (South Australia), Australia
Fresh and green appley on the nose with floral hints, this is a ripe, yet dry Clare Valley Riesling from Stephanie Toole showing juicy apple and pear fruit and finishing with a youthfully lively appley bite.
Specogna Friulano 2012, Colli Orientali (Friuli), Italy
The Colli Orientali always sound excitingly exotic and while Orientali simply means Eastern, there is something exotically spicy, fresh and perfumed about this dry Friuli white made from pure Friulano, a whisper of oak highlighting the angelica spice and yellow stonefruit flavours without any loss of freshness.
Shaw and Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Adelaide Hills (South Australia), Australia
The cool climate of the Adelaide Hills ensures a natural freshness for wines like this zesty and aromatic dry white whose zingy pink grapefruity character is relatively restrained, making, literally, a refreshing change from the more assertive Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc style.
Pieropan Soave Classico 2012, Soave Classico (Veneto), Italy
This elegant Soave from the Pieropan family shows a delightfully refreshing spritz on the tongue with clean, juicy fresh stonefruit flavours and a nutty dry finish.
This week’s press round up begins with Matt Walls’ quest to find the
perfect Pinot Grigio on www.timatkin.com [1] which found VIE DI ROMANS,
FELLUGA and SPECOGNA among the top choices.
Andy Cronshaw at Manchester Evening News shared his top drops for
Valentine’s Day, including LAROCHE CHABLIS, CHARLES HEIDSIECK,
PIEROPAN SOAVE and ALLEGRINI VALPOLICELLA.
In the Irish Independent, Liam Campbell looked at the variety of styles
of Sauvignon Blanc coming from Chile with the latest release from NATIVA
a favourite.
Finally, the March issue of Decanter magazine also came through the
letterbox this week. This edition saw great scores and reviews for
CASTAÑO, CH LAROSE PERGANSON, CH DE VAUDIEU, VALDESPINO, GREYWACKE, KIM
CRAWFORD and DELTA VINEYARD. Full details can be found below.
****
‘_Searching for the perfect Pinot Grigio’_ by Matt Walls,
www.timatkin.com [1], 10th Feb 2014
http://www.timatkin.com/articles?1283 [2]
VIE DI ROMANS ‘DESSIMIS’ 2011, FRIULI, ITALY [3]
94 POINTS
_Unexpectedly pale peach coloured. Very unusual aromatics. Apricot,
peach, melon, papaya, spice. Full-bodied. Silky palate. Very intense
texture and body. Sweet fruit and lots of citrusy acidity. Alcohol is
high, shows a bit. Highly characterful, and would probably be hated by
many Pinot Grigio lovers – atypical. Has real freshness and life.
I’m guessing this has spent a while on the skins. Very mineral,
mouthwatering finish, and long too. Would be a good match with roast
pork. Finishes, eventually, with a touch of spice and minerality. Wow.
Like a concentrated Pinot Grigio. _
LIVIO FELLUGA PINOT GRIGIO 2012, FRIULI, ITALY [4]
92 POINTS
_Pale straw colour. Blossomy flowers on the nose, fresh and attractive.
Medium-bodied, nicely balanced. Incisive acidity. Fresh, clean and
reasonable length. A good example, lean fresh and very drinkable. Tiny
touch of sweetness on the finish adds to the appeal. I'd be happy to
drink this with a simple fish dish or alone. A lovely wine - the
sensation is very clean. Good persistence. _
SPECOGNA PINOT GRIGIO 2012, FRIULI, ITALY [5]
_Pale salmon pink. Banana and apricot, some fermentation aromas. Savoury
spices on the nose. Slight spritz. Lively. Very fresh and balanced. Long
too - this is good. Lovely to drink. Dry, herbal finish. Lots of
intensity, makes quite an impression_.
‘_Valentine's Day: Wine, food and music to match’_, Andy Cronshaw,
Manchester Evening News, 6 Feb 2014:
LAROCHE CHABLIS 2012, BURGUNDY, FRANCE [7]
CHARLES HEIDSIECK BRUT RESERVE NV [8]
PIEROPAN SOAVE CLASSICO 2012 [9]
ALLEGRINI VALPOLICELLA 2012 [10]
Liam Campbell, Irish Independent, 8 Feb 2014:
NATIVA SAUVIGNON BLANC RESERVA 2013, VALLE CENTRAL, CHILE [12]
DECANTER MAGAZINE, MARCH 2014
The Spanish Levante – Producers to watch, Sarah Jane Evans MW
CASTAÑO – YECLA
_“…By its aspirations to improve quality and export, it has put
Yecla on the map.”_
Cru Bourgeois 2011 – James Lawther MW
CHÂTEAU LAROSE PERGANSON 2011
_16.25 POINTS_
_Modern allure. Palate ripe and focused. Fresh and long on the finish
with finely-honed tannins._
_(current vintage 2010 [13])_
Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 – Panel Tasting
CHÂTEAU DE VAUDIEU CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2011
_16.5 POINTS_
_Savoury, ripe, spiced plum, dried meats and herbs with cedar oak
nose… Big, rich, satisfying. A bonny glass._
_(current vintage 2010 [14])_
Fino and Manzanilla – Panel Tasting
VALDESPINO DELICIOSA MANZANILLA NV [15]
_OUTSTANDING – 18.5 POINTS_
_Typical apple and camomile aromas – charmingly floral and delicate...
A classically fresh drink with just a hint of saline bite. Delicate and
finely balanced; the essence of a young Manzanilla. (Sarah Jane Evans
MW)_
VALDESPINO DELICIOSA MANZANILLA EN RAMA NV [16]
_16.75 POINTS_
_Creamy, yeasty appeal on the nose. Palate is bold and intense, showing
notes of lime juice and ripe apples. Pungent with a tight grip. A wine
of delicacy rather than power._
VALDESPINO INOCENTE FINO NV [17]
_16 POINTS_
_Floral, yeasty Fino. Creamy supple palate with a spicy back bite and
herbal notes._
Experts Choice – New Zealand 2013, Christine Parkinson
GREYWACKE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013, MARLBOROUGH [18]
_17 POINTS _
_Ripe honeydew melon aromas with herbal notes on the palate and a tangy,
crisp finish. Fermentation in old French barriques has given a broad
palate and mouthfeel, with a dry and quite austere finish._
KIM CRAWFORD SPITFIRE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013, MARLBOROUGH [19]
_17 POINTS_
_Mouthwatering, ripe kiwi fruit forms the core of this wine, with
tropical fruits and hints of crushed tomato leaf adding character. Good
expression of classic Marlborough style._
Weekday Wines
DELTA PINOT NOIR 2010, MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND [20]
_17 POINTS_
_Heady and opulent with aromas of redcurrants and cassis augmented by a
toasty note and sweet spice. Black cherries and strawberries fill the
palate leading to a fresh finish._
_ _
_****_
If you would like any more information on any of these wines please get
in touch
Good afternoon,
This week’s press round up has the usual highlights from the weekend’s papers below. In addition, love it or loathe it Valentine’s Day is approaching so with that in mind we have also included some of the great press our rosé sparkling wines and Champagnes have received recently. The World of Fine Wine’s recent feature on rosé Champagne in particular should give you some great scores and quotes for Charles Heidsieck (they took the top two spots!) to help you make the most of this romantic time!
The wines of Paolo De Marchi were under John Wilson’s spotlight in the Irish Times this weekend (1 Feb 2014), where he wrote up a profile of the man himself and reviews of the ISOLE E OLENA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011, ISOLE E OLENA CEPPARELLO 2008 and PROPRIETÀ SPERINO COSTE DELLA SESIA ROSSO ‘UVAGGIO’ 2010
http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/sensational-sangiovese-1.1673946
In The Scotsman, Rose Murray Brown looked at the success of Syrah in New Zealand, particularly in the Hawkes Bay area (1 Feb 2014). She picked out the following wines as two of her recommendations:
TRINITY HILL GIMBLETT GRAVELS SYRAH 2011, HAWKES BAY, NEW ZEALAND
An Air New Zealand award winner, Trinity Hill winery make some of the best Kiwi Syrahs. This ripe, succulent well-made Syrah has vibrancy, black pepper and spice notes: a delicious well-priced introduction to their style.
TINPOT HUT SYRAH 2009, HAWKES BAY, NEW ZEALAND
For those sick of hefty Aussie Shiraz, this Kiwi Syrah is a delight with its elegant berried fruits, cinnamon undertones, toasty notes and refreshing coolness. It hails from the stony river beds of Dartmoor in Hawkes Bay.
http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/food-drink/features/wine-syrah-grape-causing-stir-in-new-zealand-1-3290021
David Williams looked to lesser-known regions of Italy for good value reds (The Observer, 2 Feb 2014), where the TORRE DEL FALASCO VAPOLICELLA SUPERIORE RIPASSO 2011 is a real winner:
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/feb/01/italy-best-second-division-wines
Meanwhile, Kate Hilpern in The Independent on Sunday (2 Feb 2014) chose to celebrate the 10 best English sparkling wines on the market, including NYETIMBER CLASSIC CUVÉE 2009 and HATTINGLEY VALLEY CLASSIC CUVÉE 2011:
http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/food-drink/cheers-10-best-english-wines-9100166.html
2013 INNOCENT BYSTANDER, MOSCATO
WWW.WINEANORAK.COM, JAMIE GOODE, 14 JUL 13
_This just works. It’s pink and sweet and fizzy, with grape and cherry fruit. Simple, fresh and not at all cloying, it’s easy and fun.
17.5 POINTS, DECANTER, DECANTER PANEL TASTING, 01 SEP 13
_Hugely aromatic with fresh, aromas of strawberry, nectarine and grape. It‘s gently sparkling with further sweet, creamy fruit in the mouth as well, with an elegant, long finish. _
2009 NYETIMBER, ROSÉ
WWW.THEWINEGANG.COM, THE WINE GANG, 01 DEC 13 _Another cracking English fizz from an exemplary vintage in England. It‘s one of darkest English rosés you‘ll see with its deep raspberry colour… Rich red cherry fruit, well-defined bubbles and a long fruity finish. More class from the Nyetimber stable.
NV COATES & SEELY, BRUT ROSÉ
16 POINTS, DECANTER, DECANTER PANEL TASTING, 01 MAY 13
_Delicate, elegant fruit nose with hints of sweet rhubarb and redcurrant. Apple, blossom and lemon sherbet mouthfeel; very drinkable._
1999 CHARLES HEIDSIECK, ROSÉ MILLÉSIMÉ
VINTAGE ROSE CHAMPAGNE TROPHY - DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS 2013
SPARKLING ROSE TROPHY - INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE 2013
GOLD - INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE 2013
GOLD - SOMMELIER WINE AWARDS 2013
GOLD OUTSTANDING - IWSC 2013
THE WORLD OF FINE WINE, 01 OCT 13 - _TOP WINE OF THE TASTING!
_19.5 POINTS, ESSI AVELLAN:_ _…Full, creamy, rich, and concentrated, with mature autolysis aromatics. Fully evolved and blooming, with no signs of tiring. Blockbuster style and as toasty and rich as it gets.
_19 POINTS, SIMON FIELD:_ _Magnificent evolved aromas… all harmoniously deferential to the reputation of the vintage, with its modest acidity and fulsome charms. A wonderful, near-mature rosé of no little distinction.
_19 POINTS, TOM STEVENSON: __Mesmerising! …Amazing, slowly evolved, mellow, toasty notes pervading every nook and cranny.
93 POINTS, WINE SPECTATOR, ALISON NAPJUS, 15 NOV 13
_Roasted nut and toasted brioche notes herald this fine, creamy version...
NV CHARLES HEIDSIECK, ROSÉ RÉSERVE
GOLD - INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE 2013
SILVER - DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS 2013
SILVER - SOMMELIER WINE AWARDS 2013
SILVER - IWSC 2013
91 POINTS, WWW.THEWINEGANG.COM [16], 01 MAY 13
_Charles Heidsieck likes to add quite a bit of complexing reserve wine from earlier vintages to its non-vintage champagnes, and the 20% reserve wine added here to the coral pink blend that also includes 5% pure Pinot Noir makes it a complex, delicious summer pudding Champagne whose toasty undertow and richness of bubble makes it one of the most appetising and stylish dry rosé Champagnes on the market.
THE WORLD OF FINE WINE, 01 OCT 13 - _SECOND HIGHEST SCORE OF THE TASTING!
_18.5 POINTS, ESSI AVELLAN:__ Beautifully toasty, coffee-and-cream nose, with dried apricots, spice, and perfume notes. Evolved, mellow palate, with a fine mousse and balanced, concentrated length.
_18.5 POINTS, SIMON FIELD: The wine has an elegant and persistent bead and rich toasty aromatics. Creamy, rich and magnificently indulgent; mocha and white chocolate complete the ensemble. From the oaky devil-may-care end of the spectrum, this is delicious through and through.
_19 POINTS, TOM STEVENSON: __Very pale, almost old-gold colour, with lovely toasty aromas indicating good age or significant post-disgorgement ageing. Deliciously fresh yet mellow, crystallised orchard fruits, all perfectly dry and easy to drink, with a lovely low-pressure, silky mousse. An intriguing Champagne rosé.
NV DEVAUX, CUVÉE ROSÉE
17 POINTS, THE WORLD OF FINE WINE, ESSI AVELLAN, 01 OCT 13
_Deep cherry colour, with peachy hue. Pronounced, soft, beautifully toasty undertone despite opulent red fruitiness. Full, fleshy, powerful, but it works. Long and succulent finish with a lovely lemony bite.
NV DEVAUX, `D DE DEVAUX` LE ROSÉ
SILVER - DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS 2013
DECANTER, STEVEN SPURRIER, 01 MAY 13
_This floral rosé with hints of wild strawberries is lifted... Beautiful texture and a perfect aperitif.
19 POINTS, THE WORLD OF FINE WINE, TOM STEVENSON, 01 OCT 13
_Delightful old-gold colour, some mellowness on the nose, promising a slow build of toasty aromas, with excellent intensity of fruit and acidity on the palate. This has true finesse, but it also has a greater future.
18 POINTS, THE WORLD OF FINE WINE, ESSI AVELLAN, 01 OCT 13
_Toast dominant, with gunpowder complexity and ripe white-fruit character. Smooth, velvety palate, with fluffy soft mousse and fine, mouthwatering succulence. Long and balanced.
Decanter was full of excellent recommendations and was accompanied by their Italy 2014 supplement. So extensive was the coverage of our wines please find here a summary of the wines included with the full quotes below.
Decanter February 2014
Spurrier’s World - Steven Spurrier: Crystallum, Heinrich, Curatolo Arini
Californian Cabernet 2010 – Panel Tasting: Pine Ridge
Franciacorta: Expert’s Choice - Jane Parkinson: Bellavista
Weekday Wines - Decanter Tasting Panel: JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset, Belisario
Decanter - Italy 2014
Whither Tuscany? - Richard Baudains: Fontodi, Capezzana, Felsina, Isole e Olena, Petrolo, Selvapiana
Piedmont’s forgotten reds – Ian D’Agata: Vajra
Running for the Hills - Michael Garner: Allegrini
Lugana: The lure of the lake – Carla Capalbo: Cà dei Frati
Beyond Etna: Ian D’Agata: Curatolo Arini, Donnafugata, Cento Cavall
Malbec was a popular choice in the national press this week, with Anthony Rose (The Independent, 11 Jan 2014) selecting the2011 Colomé Malbec, Salta, Argentina as one of his favourites:
Victoria Moore also discussed the merits of this variety (The Daily Telegraph 10 Jan 2014) reviewing the “super” Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico 2012, Mendoza, Argentina:
Jamie Goode, meanwhile, very much enjoyed this old-vine Spanish Bobal (wineanorak.com, 9 Jan 2014):
2011 Cien y Pico ‘En Vaso’ Bobal, Manchuela, Spain
“Very rich, intense, sweet nose is almost Port-like, yet it still remains fresh, with blackcurrant, blackberry, spice and a hint of tar. Super-concentrated palate is powerful, rich and tannic with liquorice, black fruits, meat, spice and tar. Essence of old vine Bobal: Australia meets Spain.”
92 points
www.wineanorak.com/wineblog/spain/cien-y-pico-a-remarkable-bobal
Brian Elliott’s weekly recommendations included this “brilliant” organic Merlot from the Pays d’Oc (Scotland on Sunday, 12 Jan 2014):
2012 Pech Matelles Merlot Gilles Louvet Languedoc, France
“Brilliant... Its nutty damson and blueberry fruit shines through and is given complexity by the underlying flavours of mocha, vanilla and nutmeg.”
www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/food-drink/features/wine-silver-medal-for-versatile-semillon-1-3264770
DECANTER, FEBRUARY 2014
Spurrier’s World - Steven Spurrier
2012 Crystallum Clay Shales Chardonnay, Walker Bay, South Africa
Their best vintage to date: rich palate and nose, character, minerality and depth.
2011 Heinrich Blaufrankisch, Burgenland, Austria
Floral aromas lead to ripe summer berry fruits refreshed by natural tannins. Delightful!
NV Curatolo Arini Marsala Superiore Dolce, Sicily
Warm caramel flavours and a refreshing finish. A wine of total charm.
Californian Cabernet 2010 – Panel Tasting
2010 Pine Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA
Points: 16.5
Hefty, savoury nose and underneath there is a lifted, pure core of sweet berry fruit. Fine tannic muscle to support the rich, flamboyant fruit. Complete.
(current vintage 2008, moving to 2010 spring 2014)
Franciacorta: Expert’s Choice - Jane Parkinson
NV Bellavista Brut, Lombardy, Italy
Points: 17.5
Elegant, floral… A gentle toasty richness balanced by perky bubbles.
Weekday Wines - Decanter Tasting Panel
NV Jean-Charles Boisset, JCB No 21 Brut, Crémant de Bourgogne, France
Points:16.5
An easygoing sparkler, with honeycomb, peach and citrus aromas and gentle lemon hints on the palate.
2012 Cantine Belisario, Terre di Valbona Verdicchio di Matelica, Marche, Italy
Points:18
A pretty, unoaked wine, showing a waxed citrus and guava nose and palate of tangy limes, a steely edge and savoury complexity.
DECANTER - ITALY 2014
Whither Tuscany? - Richard Baudains
2010 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve, Tuscany
Points:18.5
Quintessential Panzano from another of the all-Sangiovese Super Tuscans. Intriguing nose of plum, mulberry and a touch of sloe. Big, round, mouthfilling palate with sweet fruit and ripe tannins, hints of dark chocolate and mint from the oak, great acidity to balance the fleshiness and a long, bone-dry, earthy finish.
2008 Capezzana ‘Villa di Trefiano’ Carmignano Riserva, Tuscany
Points:17.5
Complex herby-floral nose with lots going on in the background; graphite, liquorice, tar and leather. Vigorous palate with sour fruit, firm acidity and lots of tannins to soften with time, but great intensity and length.
(current vintage 2007)
2010 Felsina ‘Rancia’ Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany
Points:17.5
One of the great Chianti Classico Riservas with an impeccable record for ageing. Earth, wet moss, white pepper and fig leaf nose with subtle plummy fruit. Depth and texture on the palate, quite austere with great concentration and savoury grip in the finish.
(current vintage 2009)
2010 Isole e Olena Cepparello, Tuscany
Points:17.5
One of the prototypes of the all Sangiovese Super Tuscan. Cherry brandy and smoky tar on the nose. Blackberry fruit on the palate and gritty tannins, firm structure, great length with hints of white pepper and sage in the finish.
2011 Petrolo BogginAnfora, Tuscany
Points:17
First impression of wild herbs on the nose, then sweet cherry and plum. Fresh and fluid on the palate with nervy intensity and a long mouthwatering finish of great length and purity. Personal, original, fascinating.
2010 Selvapiana ‘Vigneto Bucerchiale’ Chianti Rufina Riserva, Tuscany
Points:17
Nose of red fruit and dark flowers with hints of tar and mushroom underneath. Intense dry palate with fine tannins and long, soft, juicy finish. More refinement than structure.
(current vintage 2009)
Piedmont’s forgotten reds – Ian D’Agata
2009 GD Vajra Kyè Freisa, Langhe, Piedmont
Points:17.5
Full-bodied and rich, showing spicy dark berries, prune, cocoa, violets and balsamic herbs. Refills please!
This week we have a Champagne recommendation from The Observer (Charles Heidsieck) and Bill Knott (How to spend it, FT) picked Coates & Seely Rosé for his Christmas Hamper.>
Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2013 was picked by The Independent on Sunday and James Halliday, Australia’s foremost wine writer, has awarded it 98 points, his equal highest score for an Australian wine and the highest score awarded to any vintage of Grosset Polish Hill to date. Jeffrey Grosset commented, “This reflects my absolute confidence in the quality of our 2013 Rieslings”.>
Finally US publication, Wine Spectator released their Top 100 of 2013 list and four of our wines made the list!>
16 - Vajra Barolo Le Albe 2008
23 - Seghesio Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Cortina 2010
42 - Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Uco Valley Reserve 2011
48 - Greywacke Pinot Noir Marlborough 2011
Full details of all coverage can be found below.
Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne, France NV
David Williams, The Observer, 17 Nov 2013
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/nov/17/best-christmas-champagne-sparkling-wine>
Coates & Seely Brut Rosé NV
Bill Knott, How to Spend it, 15 Nov 2013
http://howtospendit.ft.com/food/40463-o-come-all-ye-foodies>
Grosset Polish Hill Riesling 2013
Terry Kirby, The Independent on Sunday, 17 Nov 2013
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/bowled-over-raise-a-glass-to-the-ashes-series-with-terry-kirbys-pick-of-australian-wines-8942601.html>
James Halliday, Top 100 Wines of 2013
98 points
“Light straw-green; has a degree of perfumed fragrance that immediately sets it apart from the other '13 Clare Valley Rieslings, and a thrilling burst of hyper-intense lime/slate fruit. Despite these pyrotechnics, the wine has the elegance of the finest china. Yet another example of the Riesling mastery of Jeffrey Grosset.”>
Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2013
http://2013.top100.winespectator.com/list/
No. 16
G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe 2008
94 points
The rose, strawberry and cherry aromas and flavours are beautifully displayed on an elegant frame in this pure and delicately wrought red, which shows harmony and depth. The fine lingering finish expresses energy, with a mineral element.> Bruce Sanderson
(Current vintage 2009)
No. 23
Seghesio Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Cortina 2010
94 points
Dark and intense, yet well-polished, with floral blackberry and pepper aromas and concentrated black cherry, bitter chocolate and black olive flavours that finish with muscular but ripe tannins.> Tim Fish
No. 42
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Uco Valley Reserve 2011
91 points
Concentrated and cut, displaying layers of macerated blueberry, cassis, black peppercorn and flint on a full frame. Silky tannins and undertones of game and mocha line the savoury finish.> Nathan Wesley
No. 48
Greywacke Pinot Noir Marlborough 2011
93 points
Elegant, with supple, fresh and lively flavours of raspberry and cherry, meshing harmoniously with details of clove, forest floor, tobacco leaf, pepper and dried lavender that echo on the long, lingering finish.> MaryAnn Worobiec
Good afternoon,
This week we have a focused press bag with Jamie Goode posting his reviews of the 2013 Grosset Rieslings and a report from Antonio Galloni on ‘Piedmont beyond Barolo and Barbaresco’. This report looks at the great value to be found among the entry level wines at top estates and includes enthusiastic, mouthwatering reviews of wines from Bruno Rocca, Vajra and Massolino.
Jamie Goode, www.wineanorak.com, 4 November 2013
2013 Grosset Springvale Riesling, Clare Valley, Australia
93 points
Lively, precise, very pure and bone dry. Mineral with a hint of spice and some talcum notes, as well as lemon and lime fruit. Laser sharp focus, but there’s a bit of richness here providing balance. Such precision: a lovely wine.
2013 Grosset Polish Hill Riesling, Clare Valley, Australia
94 points
Very fine and fresh; limey and precise. There’s a bit of grapefruit, too. Lean, fresh, dry and so mineral this has lovely weight. Lively, bright and with great acidity, it avoids being austere. Less showy than the Springvale, but with more substance and mineral depth, and a bit more concentration.
Antonio Galloni, ‘Piedmont beyond Barolo and Barbaresco’, www.vinousmedia.com, October 2013
2011 Bruno Rocca Barbera D'Asti
Rocca's 2011 Barbera d'Asti is soft, sexy and supple in this vintage, which is to say it is quite true to the year. Expressive, layered and silky, it is a delicious wine to drink now and over the next few years. Dark red cherries, plums, smoke and tar wrap around the finish. The Barbera d'Asti is a bit darker and richer than the Alba in 2011. These red soils yield a Barbera with considerable richness and broad shoulders.
2011 Bruno Rocca Barbera D'Alba
90 points
…This has always been a delicious Barbera. Raspberry, cinnamon and freshly cut flowers are bright and beautifully perfumed throughout. Lower toast levels in these barrels are allowing the purity of the fruit to come here. This is another gorgeous, entry-level offering from Bruno Rocca.
2012 G. D. Vajra Langhe Riesling
91 points
A drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Lime, tropical fruits, white flowers and spices all jump from the glass. This is one of the more immediate, open, young Vajra Rieslings I can remember tasting, which means the 2012 will drink well beautifully right out of the gate. Floral notes add lift on a finish of exceptional beauty.
2012 G. D. Vajra Dolcetto D'Alba
Freshly cut flowers, mint, rose petals and sweet red berries lift from the glass in Vajra's 2012 Dolcetto d'Alba. An intensely perfumed, high-toned Dolcetto, the 2012 is ideally suited for drinking over the next few years. The style is lifted, feminine and graceful.
2011 G. D. Vajra Barbera D'Alba
90 points
A beautiful wine for the money. Black cherries, plums, smoke and cloves flesh out in a supple, juicy Barbera to drink now and over the next handful of years. A creamy, voluptuous finish rounds things out in style.
2011 G. D. Vajra Dolcetto D'Alba Coste & Fossati
Wraps around the palate with scents of black cherry, plum, liquorice, tobacco, smoke and menthol. A rich, layered wine, the 2011 shows considerable darkness and raw animal power, with a bit less finesse than normal, but plenty of depth.
2010 G. D. Vajra Langhe Freisa Kyè
94+ points
Vajra's Langhe Freisa Kyè has been fabulous for several years now. The 2010 is another stellar vintage. Rich, deep and powerful, yet much lighter on its feet than some of the more explosive vintages, the 2010 stands out for its impeccable balance. Today the 2010 is incredibly primary, with very little in the way of flavour development. Instead, it is the wine's texture and pure minerality that stand out. With time in the glass the wine's volume and breadth become more apparent. Blood orange, savoury herbs, menthol, rosemary and melted road tar linger on the finish.
2010 G. D. Vajra Barbera D'Alba Superiore
94+ points
Jumps from the glass with black cherries, plums, mocha, cloves and new leather. A wine of striking transparency and nuance, the 2010 impresses for its inner sweetness, perfume and fabulous overall balance… The 2010 isn't a blockbuster, but it sure is beautiful.
2011 Massolino Barbera D'Alba Gisep
91 points
Cloves, cinnamon, plums, black cherries, French oak and menthol are all woven together in the 2011 Barbera d'Alba Gisep. A warm, resonant wine, the 2011 impresses for its balance and sense of proportion. There is plenty of vintage 2011 generosity in this open, beautifully resonant Barbera. Ageing in French oak adds volume and breadth to this suave, silky Barbera loaded with personality.
2011 Massolino Langhe Nebbiolo
91 points
A stunner. Sweet red berries, rose petals, sweet spices and mint all flesh out in a gorgeous wine loaded with pure pedigree. Best of all, the 2011 is flat-out delicious. Silky, polished tannins grace a finish of impeccable class. Simply put, this is a fabulous wine.
http://vinousmedia.com/articles/piedmont-beyond-barolo-and-barbaresco-oct-2013
Essentially, a pocket-priced Barolo, with less oak-ageing, so much in there. I love Nebbiolo, with its autumnal, smoky, rose-petal gravity. It has a conversation with you.
Finally, we were delighted to share the latest news from Italy which means that there are no longer any ministerial obstacles to using alternative closures like screwcaps for DOC and DOCG wines.
It has an incredibly finessed and completely bewitching fragrance. I tend to use the word fragrance rather than perfume when the smell is finer and edgier, when it hits you higher up in the nose and has a kind of delicacy rather than an all-encompassing spread. This is one of those occasions.
Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo 2011
Vajra ‘Le Albe’ Barolo 2009
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