November 2007 Vintages Pre-Release Tasting Print
Thursday, 22 November 2007
Reported by Amanda Truscott

Tasters were tremendously pleased with the wine selection at this Premium Red VPR, and the opportunity to discover some top reds for cellaring or holiday sipping.

1st Flight

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra 2003, DOCG, Piedmont, Italy, #734293, $59.95.
A light-to medium-bodied wine with a closed nose and “wicked tannin.” Cherry and raspberry.

Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 2001, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy, #928028, $41.95.
This one seemed “a little funky” at first, with an earthy, barnyard aroma. It had a bright acidity, and tasted better than it smelled. Dark cherry and lots of tannins.

Lungarotti Rubesco Rosso Riserva Vigna Monticchio 2000, DOCG, Umbria, Italy, #051771, $38.95.
This one probably needs a little time, but it has excellent potential. Tannic. Plum and berries.

Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2001 DOCG, Tuscany, Italy, #651141, $61.95.
The favourite of the first flight, it had a complex nose, with aromas of chocolate, blackberries, smoke and chalk. In the mouth, it revealed big tannins, a touch of vanilla, and a good structure.

2nd Flight

Montecastro Y Llanahermosa 2004, DO Ribera del Duero, Spain, #015016, $34.95
This one came out on top in round two, but you might want to put it away for awhile. Big and meaty, with overripe bing cherries. Some said this one wasn’t too far behind bottles that cost twice as much.

Chateau de Montmirail Gigondas, Cuvee de Beauchamp 2004, AC, France, #685198, $24.95
Good value. Very fruity with some acid and salty tang. Fresh blueberry, raspberry, black olive, chocolate, and cedar.

Raymond Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2003, Napa Valley, US, #715979, $31.95.
This one was a little medicinal, like iodine and pencil shavings. A lot of vanilla, and some herbs on the nose.

3rd Flight

Henschke Keyneton Estate Euphonium 2003, Barossa Valley, South Australia, #720433, $51.95.
Opaque, spicy vanilla and pepper with cherry and pencil. Stewed fruit.

Wolf Blass Black Label Shiraz/CS/Malbec 2002, South Australia, #960468, $89.95.
Far and away the most popular of the third flight. Deep, dark colour, opulent and full. Notes of espresso, tobacco and cured meat.

Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2004, AC, Rhone, France, #043026, $35.95.
Light-bodied with subtle red fruit, pepper, and a long, big tannin finish.

4th Flight

E.Guigal Cote-Rotie Brune et Blonde 2003 AC, Rhone, Framce, #352534, $81.95.
Deep and dark, medium body, good tannins, red fruits and black olives.

Chateau L’Arrosee 2003, AC St-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France, #046730, $61.95.
Very nice, but a bit short and not terribly subtle. An interesting and complex nose—chocolate, coffee, cedar and tobacco. This one will develop well with age.

Catena Alta Malbec 2004, Mendoza, Argentina, #982335, $64.95
A tie with the above for champion of the fourth flight, this wine is ready to drink. Intense florals and black fruit.

Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve 2004, Aconcagua Valley, Chile, #501247, $79.95.
An initial blast of cassis and petrol gives way to subtle, elegant fruit and sweet berries.
 
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