futronic

Funny ... those are some of my favourite producers as well! I'm looking forward to tasting the '99s in a couple months to get a feel for how they are at a young age and extrapolate the pleasure they will provide in a decade.

It could have been Vin Santo. It's a popular accompaniment to biscotti. Perfect for dipping.

No problem Brad. As I said in my note, it's drinking nicely now, but there's no rush to drink it. If I only had one bottle, I'd wait another couple years.

jogoode, I've generally found the term applied to non-French dessert wines.

A friend and his wife were visiting from Ottawa, so 10 of us had dinner and a lovely bunch of wine. 1998 Cloudy Bay Pelorus, New Zealand This is Cloudy Bay's sparkling wine. Pale yellow/gold colour. Slow, fine bead. Aromas of cream, biscuit, apple, and pear. Moderate mouthfeel; not overly dry, with good acidity. Cream, apple, pear on the palate with a 30-40s finish. Drink now. 88 points (03/20/2004). 2002 Hogue Cellars Johannisberg Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington State Pale yellow. Floral aromas with honey and apricot. Off-dry, medium bodied wine with grapefruit, pear, and minerals. Moderate finish, 20-25s with grapefruit continuing on. Good quaffer. 86 points (03/20/2004). 1991 Antinori Tignanello, Tuscany, Italy 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. Dark garnet colour. Aromas of black cherry, earth, and black licorice. Medium-bodied with completely resolved tannins. Soft, with black cherries and earth. Short finish. An experience to taste an aged Tig, even if it's from an off year. 83 points (03/20/2004). 1999 Antinori Tignanello, Tuscany, Italy 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. Dark ruby/garnet colour. Aromas of eucalyptus, black fruit, black olive, and plums. Medium-full bodied with pepper, oak, figs, and crushed red berry fruit. Moderate-long finish, ~ 30-40s. Has many years of life ahead of it. 90 points (03/20/2004). 1997 Armando Parusso Langhe Rosso Bricco Rovella, Piemonte, Italy Ruby/garnet red. Lots of slow, thin legs. Aromas of tar, dried rose petals, grilled meat/smoke. Medium-full bodied with pepper, tar, and red berry fruits, Moderate finish, ~ 30s in length, Drink now, as it's on the downward slope. Tasty quaffer. From Nebbiolo. 87 points (03/20/2004). 1995 Antinori Brunello di Montalcino Pian delle Vigne, Tuscany, Italy This was the first Brunello release from Antinori. Opaque garnet/purple colour. Aromas of vanilla, black licorice, black figs, black cherries, earth, and spice (cardamom?). Big wine with replays from palate. Long, lingering finish with figs and vanilla. Drinking beautifully now with an hour or so of air, but there's no rush to drink this wine. It should easily go another 5 years. 92 points (03/20/2004). 1995 Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Ripe al Convento, Tuscany, Italy Dark garnet colour, almost opaque. Aromas of plums, blackberries, tar, dried violets. Full-bodied with crushed black fruits and dark chocolate. Long, lingering finish, ~ 45-50s. Needs another 5 years, and will hold for at least another 5 after that. Delicious wine! 94 points (03/20/2004). 1997 Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella Capitel Monte Olmi, Veneto, Italy Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara. Deep garnet/black colour. Aromas of cola, figs, dark chocolate, anise, and plums. Full-bodied, with chocolate replays and black crushed fruit. Long, lingering finish with black fruit, ~40s. Drinking wonderfully now, but still has plenty of stuffing to warrant revisiting in a couple years. 92 points (03/20/2004). 1997 Masi Serego Alighieri Amarone della Valpolicella Vaio Armaron, Veneto, Italy Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara. Opaque dark garnet/purple colour. Aromas of dark chocolate, black fruit, raisins, vanilla, and aged balsamic. Smells like a Vintage Port! Full-bodied, lush, rich, unctuous wine with vanilla, black crushed fruit, figs, liquid black licorice, dark chocolate, and freshly roasted espresso beans. Tannins are nicely integrated. What a wonderful wine! Needs another 2-3 years, but it is still drinking amazingly well. My WOTN. 95 points (03/20/2004). 2001 d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia Decanted 24 hours before dinner. Inky-black colour with tinges of garnet/ruby red. Aromas of Tahitian vanilla, eucalyptus, brown sugar, and oak. Full-bodied with vanilla, oak, black fruit, cassis and alcohol. Long, mouthpuckering finish, ~ 50s in length. This wine needs a substantial amount of time in the cellar. I would not even consider revisiting this wine for at least 5 years. 92 points (03/20/2004). 1992 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port, Douro, Portugal Inky black colour. Sweet nose with black fruit, cherry cough syrup, vanilla, and espresso. Full-bodied with sweet black fruit replays from nose that is joined by a hint of cinnamon on the finish. Long finish, ~ 40-45s. This tannic, but has lots of life ahead of it. 92 points (03/20/2004). Dinner was absolutely wonderful. I had a beef carpaccio that went well with the lighter bodied wines (the two Tignanello and the Bricco Rovella), and the braised lamb shank with mushroom risotto was wonderful with the latter half of the lineup.

jogoode, My pleasure. I purchased these wines (the Barbera a few months ago, the Casalferro and Il Carbonaione a couple years ago), and the rest were at a tasting. 2000 Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta Barbera d'Asti Superiore Sant'Emiliano 1999 Barone Ricasoli Casalferro 1998 Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione

Brad, I agree. I really enjoy Maculan's dessert wines as well. The Torcolato is wonderful, and I've yet to taste the Acininobili. I'm still mulling over buying a bottle, but trying to restrain myself at $70CAD/375mL for the '99. Sorry to hear about the off bottle of Dindarello. My thoughts about Bellavista are also similar. Nothing wrong with the wine, but I'd rather spend the money on something else.

1999 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon, California Medium-ruby red. Aromas of blackberry, vanilla, and a touch of alcohol. Medium-full bodied with dark crushed fruit, raspberry, and a bit of stemminess. Dry, moderate finish with cedar showing through. 86 points (03/15/2004). 2001 Foppiano Petite Sirah Sonoma County, California Deep garnet purple colour. Muted nose. Aromas of cotton candy, red/black fruit, and brown sugar. Medium-bodied with red/black fruit. Cedar notes lingered through to an unconcentrated, watery finish. Disappointing. 86 points (03/15/2004). 1999 Penalolen Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile Medium-ruby red colour. Aromas of candied lemon peel, cranberryes, currant. Medium bodied with red fruit and a short finish. 84 points (03/15/2004). NV Gosset Brut Excellence Champagne, France Good fine bead. Aromas of matchstick, flint, and apples. Good mouthfeel, but simple on the palate with granny smith apple. Short finsh. 81 points (03/15/2004). 2002 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Gary's Vineyard, California Decanted 2.5 hours, drunk over the next hour and a half. Light-medium ruby red to pink rim. Aromas of currant, red fruits, and candied orange peel. Very present tannin. Cotton candy, red fruits, curants on the palate. Got more integrated around 3.5 hours in. Long, lingering finish, about 40-45s with currant notes. 92 points (02/20/2004). 2000 Brothers In Arms Shiraz, Australia Opaque garnet/purple colour. Aromas of vanilla, figs, cassis, cream, and raspberry. Full-bodied and surprisingly integrated with cassis, vanilla, and raspberry replays. Moderate finish, ~30s. Delicious! 91 points (03/15/2004). 2002 Paringa Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia Dark ruby/purple colour. Aromas of vanilla, blackberry, raspberry, and cranberry. Medium-bodied with black crushed fruit and cedar. Moderate finish. 86 points (03/15/2004). 1999 Leo de la Gaffeliere St. Emilion, France Crystal clear, light-ruby red. Aromas of barnyard, red fruit. Medium-bodied with red fruit. Simple wine with a short finish. 79 points (03/15/2004). 2002 Hugel Gentil From Hugel's website: Medium-gold colour. Honey, lychee, petrol, honeysuckle aromas on the nose. Medium-bodied, with apple, lychee. High in acid, but not much there. Was expecting more. Short finish. 84 points (03/15/2004). 1996 Gosset Brut Grand Millesime Champagne, France Excellent, fine bead. Aromas of cream, oatmteal cookie, apples, ya pears, and gooseberries. Medium-bodied with apple, and cream. Good finish, ~ 20-25s. 87 points (03/15/2004). NV Drappier Carte d'Or Brut Champagne, France Pale yellow, note much on nose, but hints of citrus and granny smith apple. Not much complexity. Lovely bead and effervescence, but not much behind it. Short finish, ~10-15s. Disappointing. 81 points (03/15/2004).

I haven't posted notes in a while, so here are some Italian wines that I've had over the past couple months: 2000 Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta Barbera d'Asti Superiore Sant'Emiliano This is a Barbera produced by the same group that makes Sassicaia. Deep garnet colour; aromas of tar, earth, cherries, and rose petals. Medium-bodied, fresh tasting, with bright tar, and cherry fruit. Nice finish, ~30s, with a slight peppery, juicy note. 87 points (03/06/2004). 2000 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 75% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 5% Sangiovese. Deep ruby /garnet colour. Pretty nose of violets, black cherries, earth, and spice. Medium-bodied with candied fruit and cherries. Well-integrated tannins. An easy drinking wine with a moderate finish of cedar and cherries. 87 points (03/15/2004). It's definitely a food wine, in my opinion. I would drink this wine over the next 2-3 years. Hopefully it puts on a little weight and gains complexity on the palate. I was discussing this wine with Marilisa Allegrini when she poured it for me. I said I liked the wine, but preferred the La Grola over the Palazzo della Torre and explained why - it was a little more rich and would be better with roasted meats and risotto. Her response was interesting - she said I have a more European palate in that the La Grola is more popular in Europe, while the Palazzo della Torre is much more popular in North America (the US in particular). Approximately 60% of the production of Palazzo della Torre goes to the US, with only about 20-25% staying in Italy. 2002 Maculan Dindarello From Veneto 100% Moscato ~ $14CAD/375mL Honey-gold colour. Aromas of petrol, honey, lemon and orange peel. Medium-sweet, medium-full bodied with apricot, honey, and lemon/orange replays from nose. Good 30s finsish. 87 points (03/15/2004). NV Bellavista Franciacorta Cuvee Brut From Lombardy 90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Grigio and Pinot Nero Loose bead, pale yellow colour. Aromas of granny smith apple. Good mouthfeel, but seems restrained. Apple and yeast notes dominate. Short finish. 82 points (03/15/2004). 1999 Barone Ricasoli Casalferro Dark ruby-red/garnet colour. Aromas of vanilla, black cherry, tar, earth, and raisin. Palate replays from nose, but adds hints of mocha. Moderate length finish, ~ 30s. Made from Sangiovese and Merlot. Hold for another year or so. 90 points (02/20/2004). 1998 Podere Poggio Scalette Il Carbonaione 100% Sangiovese (Lamole clone) Not decanted, but allowed to breathe for an hour. Medium-dark ruby red to a rose rim. Aromas of tar, vanilla, grilled meat, violets, mint, black cherry, fenocchio, and a bit of raisining. Medium-full bodied, silky smooth, refined wine with tar, black cherry, mocha. Well integrated tannins, and a long, lingering finish, ~ 45-50s with mocha and cherries. Drinking wonderfully now! 93 points (02/20/2004). What a wonderful wine! I hope I get the opportunity to visit Juri Fiore and the Scalette estate when I am in Italy in a couple months. 2002 Braida Moscato d'Asti Vigna Senza Nome Pale yellow colour. Sweet nose with petrol, honey, lychee and pine needles. Medium sweetness, very easy to drink. Palate replays from nose and ha a moderate finish. 88 points (03/15/2004). 2000 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Medium-ruby red. Aromas of tart red fruits (cranberry, red chery), violets, and earth. Medium-bodied, very soft, with red fruit on the palate. Moderate finish, ~20-25s. Decent Chianti, but nothing special. 86 points (03/15/2004). NV Zardetto Prosecco di Conegliano Brut Pale yellow. Very aromatic, with apples, pears, cream, biscuit. Off-dry, with pear and cream; soft-mouthfeel. Moderate-finish, ~30s. This is a really tasty summer sipper that just screams for lounging on a patio. 87 points. A steal at $16CAD per bottle (03/15/2004). 1999 Allegrini Amarone 75% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 5% Molinara. Dark garnet colour, almost opaque. After 10+ minutes of swirling, aromas of cedar, cherry, alcohol, flowers, raisins, cigar box, and vanilla appeared. Full-bodied, rich wine still in a very primary stage. On the palate, bourbon vanilla bean, cedar, dark chocolate, black fruits (figs), fenocchio. Very present tannins, but there is a nice creaminess to the wine. Long, lingering finish, 60+ seconds with notes of black figs. Easily needs 10 years, a fact confirmed by Marilisa Allegrini who was in attendance at the tasting. 93+ points with potential to add at least a few more with age. (03/15/2004).

I think it might be difficult to find Barbaresco in the $15-$30 range, but a few options may be 1997 Produttori di Barbaresco Barbaresco (the normale bottling) and perhaps the 1997 Castello di Neive Barbaresco Santo Stefano (not the bottling from Giacosa). These go for about $30-35CAD, so you should be able to find them below the $30 mark in the U.S. To get a taste for the Nebbiolo grape, you can also try the declassified Nebbiolo offerings from various producers. They won't have the complexity of a Barolo or Barbaresco, but at least you can get an idea of what the grape is like without shelling out boatloads of money or having to wait 10 years to taste the first drop of this wonderful juice.

This is unfortunately true. As much as I would love BYO in Ontario for many reasons, I don't think it'll happen. I hope I have to eat (drink?) my words, however!

Friday: 2001 Daringa Peter Dennis Shiraz Tonight: 2001 Antonin Rodet Vin de Pays d'Oc Syrah 2000 Cantine dei Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta Barbera d'Asti Superiore Sant'Emiliano

The 2000 Oreno goes for $72CAD here in Canada. We'll likely see the 2001 later this year, so hopefully the price doesn't go up much.

The third and final flight that was served at our wine dinner in January. A bit of palate fatigue started to play a factor come this flight. 2000 Pirramimma Reserve Shiraz Deep ruby/purple/black colour. Stains the glass. Fat, thick, slow legs. Aromas of raspberry, smoke, mesquite, grilled meat, vanilla, iron, and a touch of bandage. Full-bodied with pepper, vanilla, and black fruits on the palate. Very present tannins in the wine. Long finish, 45+s. 91 points. Both mine and the group’s #1 WOTF. 1999 Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz Crystal clear dark ruby red. Red/black crushed sweet fruit. Medium-full bodied with red fruit and a moderate finish. 86 points. 2001 Elderton Shiraz Dark ruby/purple colour. Lots of legs. Reams of vanilla, cassis, and raspberry on the nose. Full-bodied with firm tannins. Vanilla, black fruit, cassis, and espresso on the palate. Long finish, ~50-55s with coffee and black fruit showing through. 89 points. My #3 WOTF. The group’s #3 WOTF. 1999 Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz Opaque purple/black colour. Aromas of vanilla, black crushed fruit, lavender, and blackberry. Glass-staining with lots of fat, thick legs. Sweet black fruits on the palate with nicely integrated tannins and oak. Moderate finish. 88 points. The group’s #2 WOTF. 2002 Marquis-Philips Shiraz Deep purple/inky colour. Big nose of raspberries, cola, cassis, and a whiff of alcohol. Stains the glass. Minty notes develop with swirling. Full-bodied with sweet black fruit, vanilla/oak, pepper, and alcohol. Long, lingering finish, ~45-50s. Went well with the bumbleberry pie served for dessert. This wine was decanted for about six hours. 89 points. My #2 WOTF. 1997 Penfolds Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz Dark ruby red. Aromas of sweet red fruit and root beer. Medium-bodied with red fruits and well integrated tannins. The fruit seems a little soft on the palate and continues through to the 30s finish. 87 points. 1998 Merrivale Tapestry Bin 338 Shiraz Opaque ruddy ruby red. Aromas of barnyard, garrigue, red fruits. Red fruit replays on the palate are joined by vanilla. Integrated tannins and a good finish. 88 points.

This was the second flight of wines served at our wine dinner in January. 1999 Rosemount Mountain Blue Deep ruby red/burgundy colour, almost opaque. Aromas of mint, blackberry, eucalyptus. Big nose! Full-bodied, peppery wine with black crushed fruit. A little hot with hints of cough syrup. Lingering finish, ~ 30-40s. 89 points. My #3 WOTF, the group’s #1 WOTF. 1995 Wolf Blass Black Label Medium ruby red with fat, slow legs. Aromas of vanilla, amyl acetate, chocolate. Medium-full bodied with black/red crushed fruit. Oak and tannins have integrated will with the fruit. Dry finish, ~ 30s. 87 points. The group’s #2 WOTF. 1999 Elderton CSM Ruddy red colour. Aromas of vanilla, raspberry, cherry, currant. Medium-bodied with red fruit on the palate. Short, dry finish. 85 points. 2000 Rosemount GSM Crystal clear, medium ruby red. Aromas of grilled meat, raspberry, earth, cherries, and Asian spice. Medium-full bodied with black cherries and huge amounts of raspberry coulis. Long finish with raspberries continuing through. 90 points. My #2 WOTF. 1998 Penley Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Opaque ruby/purple colour. Aromas of barnyard, black fruit, eucalyptus, vanilla, and a touch of herbaceousness. Full-bodied with well-integrated tannins. Black fruits (figs) and glycerin on the palate. 40-45s of length on the finish. 87 points. The group’s #3 WOTF. 1998 Reynella Basket Pressed Cabernet Sauvignon Opaque ruby/purple colour. Aromas of banana leaf, eucalyptus, and red fruits. Full-bodied, very accessible wine. Red/black fruits on the palate. Hints of pepper with some grapiness to it. Moderate finish, ~ 30-35s. 87 points. 1998 Penfolds RWT Deep ruby colour. Aromas of flat Coca-Cola, raspberry, and blackberry. Medium-full bodied with loads of raspberry coulis, cola and red fruit. 30-40s finish with more raspberry notes. 91 points. My #1 WOTF.

A group of ten wine lovers got together the last Saturday in January for dinner. The Bordeaux flight was the first served, and was paired with a really lovely beef tenderloin. 1999 Chateau D’Armailhac Crystal clear ruby red with slight browning on the rim. Fat legs. Aromas of wood, lead pencil, cherries, bramble, red fruit, violets. Medium-bodied with red fruits and berries; well-integrated tannins. Moderate finish, ~ 25-30s. 88 points. My #3 WOTF. 1994 Chateau L’Evangile Medium-dark ruby red. Lots of fat, slow legs. Aromas of cedar, lead pencil, tobacco leaf, and cassis. Medium-full bodied. Cedar replays from nose. Cherries, earth, and red fruit also on the palate. Lingering finish with lead pencil and tobacco notes that goes on for minutes. Delicious! Drinking beautifully right now. 92 points, and my #1 WOTF. 1982 Chateau Palmer Light-medium ruby red with oranging on the rim. Aromas of lead pencil, cedar, cherries, tobacco, garrigue. Medium-full bodied. Smooth wine, well-integrated tannins with red fruits, tobacco, and spice notes. Short finish, ~ 20-25 seconds. Drink now. 88 points. My #2 WOTF, the group’s #1 WOTF. 1999 Chateau Lynch-Bages Medium-dark ruby red almost to rim. Lots of thin, slow legs. Aromas of red fruit, cedar, vanilla, plums, earth. Medium-full bodied with red fruit and spice. Long finish, ~ 45-50s with spice and garrigue notes. 87 points. 1975 Chateau Brane-Cantenac Pale ruby/brown colour with browning rim. Aromas of cinnamon, cedar, red fruit, vanilla, mushrooms. Tannins completely gone. Faded a lot. Very earthy, well over the hill. Very short finish. 83 points. 1996 Chateau D’Ardennes Medium-ruby red. Restrained nose of red fruit. Lots of cedar and red fruit on the palate. 30s finish, tastes a little flat. 86 points.

Had the following at lunch today: 1999 Via Qeubrada de Macul Penalolen Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 Paringa Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Drei Dona Cabernet Sauvignon Magnificat I was very impressed by the Drei Dona offering from Emilia-Romagna. Considering it had been open for three days (it was a half bottle brought to lunch by an import-agent friend), it was a very profound and powerful wine. Still very youthful, I expect this wine to need at least five more years in the cellar before opening. As I type this, I'm sipping on some 2001 Leone de Castris Primitivo di Manduria Santera from Puglia.

Thanks for the notes, Andre. :)

Craig, My apologies for the delay. I've been away for a bit. I'll post notes on all the wines I listed above when I get a chance this weekend.

Most of 360 Restaurant at the CN Tower in Toronto. A couple things that stuck out off the top of my head: 2001 Hardys Bankside Shiraz - List, $48CAD - Retail - $16CAD 1998 Luigi Righetti Amarone - List, $88CAD - Retail - $29CAD I'm not even gonna get into the high-end stuff.

At a wine dinner on Saturday, I had the following: Aperitif: 1990 Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut Flight #1 - Bordeaux 1975 Chateau Brane-Cantenac 1982 Chateau Palmer 1994 Chateau L'Evangile 1996 Chateau D'Ardennes 1999 Chateau D'Armailhac 1999 Chateau Lynch-Bages Flight #2 - Aussie Others 1995 Wolf Blass Black Label 1998 Chateau Reynella Basket Pressed Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 Penfolds RWT 1998 Penley Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 Elderton CSM 1999 Rosemount Mountain Blue 2000 Rosemount GSM Flight #3 - Aussie Shiraz 1997 Penfolds Bin 28 1998 Merrivale Bin 338 1999 Leasingham Bin 61 1999 Penfolds St. Henri 2000 Pirramimma Reserve 2001 Elderton 2002 Marquis-Philips Last night and tonight I had a 2001 Daringa Peter Dennis Shiraz.

I'll keep an eye for Jermann wines here. I know the 2001 Tunina and Pinot Grigios were released here, but they're long gone now. The Tunina was $65CAD - pricey indeed!

Thanks for the tasting note Alberto. I'm surprised to hear that this wine has retained its freshness.

Sorry Jim, I'm not Bill!

$13CAD From Puglia Deep, intense dark ruby red/black colour. Slow, thin legs. Not decanted, allowed to breathe in glass for 20-25 minutes. Pretty nose of liquorice, blackberries, black cherries, and a hint of chocolate. Medium-full bodied with liquorice, pepper, black fruit. Very tasty. Lingering finish with liquorice and spice, ~30-40 seconds. Another winner this year! 87 points (01/10/2004).