Luigi Einaudi Barolo Terlo 2009

Transparent dark red with light brown rims. First nose has green notes like chives, anise then licorice gets the scene with leather. Blueberry notes are dominant in the mouth with a high acidity, which makes this wine crispy. in time the mouth gets a fruity structure. Medium bodied with nice, integrated tannins, following a moderate final with a touch of vanillin and gets closer to the balance in the glass after some time. 90/100 39,70/75cl/February 2014

Farnito Camponibbio 2007 (Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon)

A Super Tuscan style wine. The color is opaque, dark ruby red with purple rims. The first nose is extroverted, it has baked fruits then blueberry, raspberry, fruit jam and slightly blood come to the scene. An almost perfection in balance at the palate, it is like chewing a bunch of dark forest berries in the mouth. Extremely fruity palate is a great fun with a medium to full body. The fruity final is quite long. Tannins are significant but integrated. A very easy, pleasurable drinking with a nice and surprising satisfaction of velvety texture. A wine of moment, not necessarily something to eat together, this wine might be enjoyed just reading a book together or consumed enjoying the night with a special person. Non-spicy cold cuts like Prosc.Parma might be a pair if needed. Decent price/quality ratio. 92/100  28,50€/75cl/February 2014

Lo Zoccolaio Dolcetto d'Alba 2012

Opaque with yellow rims. The nose is dominantly fruity, a hint of lingonberry followed by blueberry. In the mouth, the blueberry aroma continues together with blackcurrant. The full body is even more prominent with the robust tannins, followed by a slight astringency. The final is long with a satisfaction of deep dark flavors. The wine relaxes quite easily with decantation. Quite a good wine for its price-quality ratio. I think it is very young right now and I am going to buy few bottles to age for some couple of years and see how it develops. It might be good with heavy stews and butter fried fatty pieces of red meat like entrecote. 85/100 12,73€/75cl/February 2014

Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Sagrantino 2008

Slightly transparent, dark ruby red with purple rims. The nose is a big surprise for a Sagrantino, it is extremely fruity and elegant, blackberry and blueberry followed by a slight rustic touch, a hint of leather. The nose is a great fun, I can spend my hours with sniffing this complex structure of aromas. In the mouth, the fruity background continues with strong tannins. Tannins are strong, little bit astringent but integrated and delicious. This beautiful velvety Italian has a medium to full body. It has a relatively masculen palate for its elegant, feminine nose. It is also possible to get hints of vanillin during the joyful final, which is long and pleasant. It might fit to red meat stews and cold cuts, or just, I would also love it to drink, enjoying the night reading my book. Delicious, complex structure, characteristic. Its a wine for nice moments. 92/100. Not available in Finland.

Reserve Naturelle Chardonnay 2012

Light straw yellow, first nose has a touch like gooseberry then it follows fresh grass and a hint of lime. Quite fresh in the mouth and velvety feeling with a touch of butteriness. It offers an easy drinking and a surprisingly balanced character for its price/quality ratio. The fresh final is short-moderate but fun with a touch of minerality. It can be a friend for a lot of dishes like salads as a main dish or seafood plates. With this price/quality ratio, this wine could be your daily white. It is also an organic product. 10,47€/75cl/Janaury 2014

Domenico Clerico Barbera d'Alba Trevigne 2006 (Barbera 100%)

Dark ruby red with light red rims. The nose is dominated by baked fruits, a hint of licorice, blackberry and cassis. In the mouth, strong, sharp tannins with a little bit astringency. Full bodied. The after taste has a touch of vanilla and chocolate. One of my favorite regions, one of my favorite varieties... A very pleasant wine by a good producer, like the Villa Matilde Taurasi... These are serious stuff... Not available in Finland.

Tasted among some other wines during a blind tasting.

WebRep

currentVote

noRating

noWeight

Villa Matilde Tenute Alta DOCG Taurasi 2008 (Aglianico 100%)

Dark ruby red with purple rims. A very fruity nose, red forest berries among jam-like baked fruits notes with a small touch of woodiness. Sweetish in the mouth, in the mid palate, there is a nice touch of clove. The tannins are harsh, a typical Italian rusticity there is. The strong fruity structure is made up by the tannin and a character. This full bodied wine had a nice, long final with a satisfaction smile on the consumer´s face... Not available in Finland.

WebRep

currentVote

noRating

noWeight

Luigi Righetti Amarone Classico 2008

Light red at the rims and slightly brown in the midpoint. First nose has the hints of black pepper and quite fruity. Second nose has blackberry and blueberry and slightly woody. In the mouth, licorice and leather is accompanies by baked fruits like rose hip jam. It is not "the big Amarone" but still satisfying. The strong but integrated tannins are little bit astringent but no harm for the enjoyment. The nose reveals some vanillin in time. The final is moderate. It might be enjoyed alone or with cold cuts as well as spicy barbecues. 87.5/100 Not available in Finland yet.

Collina del Sole Amarone della Valpolicella 2009

Slightly transparent crimson. First nose earthy and has notes of licorice. Second nose dominated by licorice stronger and tar comes out in time. It is slightly fruity in the mouth, good high acidity, raspberry and blackberry aromas are accompanied by blueberry aroma. The leather sensed at the mid-palate is combining with spicy notes and tobacco insignificantly. Tannins are not that strong. This wine with moderate final should be decanted at least one hour before consumed. All in all it is still a nice wine to enjoy, even though you might not feel the expected iron fist in the velvet glove of an Amarone. It can match all kinds of red meat dishes, spicy casseroles and cold cuts. 87/100 Not available in Finland yet.

Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon 2011, France (Sav. Blanc 100%)

The color is light golden. First nose dominated by greengage and lemon. Second nose gives out mineral notes and green apple. In the mouth the acidity is very nice, the structure is rich, stone fruits like apricot and plums stand out. A very pleasant drinking. The final is long and delightful. Wet pebble stones, salidity... This wine has a nice minerality. It can handle creamy dishes, fatty fish, barbecue and stew chicken meals. It can handle a wide variety of cheese types too. It can even go with yoghurt based meze dishes and creamy vege-salads. A very food-friendly wine. 86/100 11,41€/75cl/April 2013

May your glass be filled with happiness.

Dominio de Punctum Tempranillo 2011, Spain (Temp 100%, Alch 13,5%)

Slightly opaque, light red on the rims. First nose is dominated by berries; blackberry, blueberry, rotten leaves, vanillin, soil. Legs are moderate. The second nose has blackcurrant, blackberry gets stronger, a hint of rotten meat, caper. In the mouth, acidity is satisfying, tannins are strong. The forest berries continue in the mouth too. A velvety, easy-drinking wine. Medium-bodied. You do not get the expected fist of Tempranillo punching right in the middle of your face, but all in all, it is a good wine to drink. The final is moderate and leaves a faintly sweet taste. A buttery-like feeling stays in the mouth but it is not buttery for sure. Rich in the mouth, elegant notes, nice to drink. Not a big surprise, but it is nice wine. It can fit to light dishes cooked in oven, the velvety texture can fit well with barbecued chicken. But it should be consumed as soon as possible, at the same time the bottle is opened. Because, it is a biodynamic wine so it doesn't have sulfites or has a very small percentage. So it is very open to the attack of oxygen. I have waited it in the fridge and tried next day, it was hardly possible to drink. 85/100 9,56€/75cl/April 2013

Chapoutier Rasteau 2010, France ( Grenache 80%, Syrah 20%, Alch 14%)

Opaque,  purple rims and ruby red in the mid. FIrst nose has vanillin, coffee with milk, dried orange peels. The legs are moderate. The second nose has both fruity and rustic characteristics; watermelon, sour cherry, blackberry, redcurrant, black pepper, caramel, biscuit and leather. The nose is not extroverted but rich. Tannins are very strong at the attack phase but integrated.  Medium-bodied. The red forest berries continue in the mouth too. This Cotes Du Rhone  has a very fruity nose but the tannic structure in the mid-palate gives a feeling like a typical Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is not for everyone and has a moderate-long final. It is a table wine and can fit a wide variety of dishes; stews, barbecues, even it can handle some light cheese types. The price-quality ratio is fine, a good everyday´s table wine. 85/100 Price: 15,95€/75cl/April 2013

May your glass be filled with happiness.

Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella 2011, Italy ( Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Alch 12%)

Light red transparent color with purple notes on the rims. The nose is a bit extroverted and fruity. Grape molasses and rose hip jam notes leaves the stage to wood, slightly leather and alcohol at the second nose. In the mouth some notes of damson and cherry, a bit dilute, tannins are strong but integrated. Acidity is satisfying. In time, it leaves the feeling of sour fruits on the palate. The short-moderate final is  fine. But overall, nothing so big, not a surprising wine. Even a bit industrial. But it is a food wine, it would fit well a wide variety of red meat dishes, could be drunk at home parties, picnics etc. The fruity notes of Valpolicella is there but not too deep. Try it as a table wine with food. The curiosity and qulaity of Masi wines are on parallel with the price. 84/100 Price: 10,90€/75cl/April 2013

Masi Campofiorin 2009, Italy (Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Alch 13%)

Opaque, purple on the rims and dark ruby red in the mid. First nose: Cured meat, blackberry, fresh pepper, leather. The legs are thick and slow. Second nose is licorice, tobacco, slightly oregano and blackberry. This medium-bodied wine has strong tannins, rich and delicious as a bit out of usual. In the mouth, the licorice and red forest berry-aromas are strong while the notes of fresh green pepper, dried orange peels and slightly vanillin slowly get the stage. The moderate-long final is warm and under the alcohol effect.

This wine is like leaving a small gap for the cured meat, so it fits very well with the charcuterie products, "very light" cheese types, a nut cocktail made of almond, pistachio and walnuts, mushroom dishes cooked without cream, barbecued chicken and unspiced barbecued red meats without sauce. 88/100 Price: 14,99€/75cl/April 2013

Engel Crémant d'Alsace Chardonnay Brut 2011, France (Alcl 12,5%) An Outstanding Sparkling

Before telling more, to say, an outstanding, surprising sparkling.

Light golden coloured, first nose has fresh cut grass and spring flowers, second nose gives out stone fruit notes like peach for example. Overall the nose is very rich of fruits, I had not so much time to think about the aromas one by one, but I can say, the nose is very complex. As it is a Cremant style of sparkling, it is very "big" in the mouth, filling, well structured and has it´s own character. As a sparkling, the acidity you look for is right there and satisfying but what surprised me about this wine is, even though it is a sparko, the buttery characteristics of Chardonnay is right there too. The buttery feeling and acidity together, both combining well and not disturbing, not shading each other. The final is long, warm and delightful with very soft notes of minerality giving itself like the wet pebble stones. This wine is also an Organic Product to keep an eye on.

Do not buy this wine for getting drunk with friends during a party, that means spoiling a bottle of good-quality. This is a serious wine which should be drunk at home or a nice picnic meeting of good friends or family. If you want to buy something precious for your friend´s birthday but do not have enough money for a well-known Champagne wine, do not go for cheap Champagnes and just grab this bottle of Cremant, especially if your friend has a knowledge of wine, this will be a surprising, nice gift. 92/100 Price: 16,99€/75cl/March 2013

PS: I will be writing on this blog about a tasting event of this producer organized by the importers, on the next days.

Château Sénilhac 2009, France (CaS 55%, Merlot 40%, CaF 5%, Alcl 14%)

Purple in the rims through ruby in the mid. Transparent. First nose vanillin, milk; the fruity structure is upfront, sour cherry and blackberry are dominants. Still sour cherry in the mouth, also blueberry. Tannins are very strong but they do not disturb so much, integrated. It is a bit felt as diluted but still good balance is found. This medium bodied claret has a warm moderate-long final with an alcohol feeling. Elegant, velvety drinking while it is possible to get dried orange peels in time with little bit tomato touches and almond. Acidity is satisfying. Relatively good balanced, matching with light dishes, even matching with fatty fish dishes cooked with cream if it is a bit cooled. With fatty cheeses it would be fine too but heavy meat stews can crash it down. Party-picnic bottle as long as nice to drink at home too. Not a deep wine, not a very serious wine but still it has a character. Unfortunately a bit diluted. 86/100 Price: 14,76€/75cl/March 2013

Giacomo Fenocchio Barolo 2008, Italy (Nebbiolo 100%, Alcl 14%)

Dark transparent ruby red with orange rims. First nose has extremely raisin, then honey, fresh baked cake, rose and vanillin. Second nose comes with blueberry, mulberry, chocolate, cloves and some tobacco. Very rich and intense in the mouth. I would call it balanced if the tannins are not that strong. They are extremely strong and this is a great wine to experience what astringency is. It is an extremely astringent wine but it is felt after some time during the long final, so still the quality of wine makes me feel like keeping the wine in my mouth for some time to enjoy, before swallow. There are blackcurrant, red apple, raisin and licorice aromas in the mouth with a hint of leather. The strong tannins of that full-bodied wine can handle strong dishes too. It is a serious wine. This DOCG Barolo is highly recommended to consume with Mozart, a touch of "Le Nozze di Figaro", tested and proved. I would prefer it to enjoy by drinking without food. Good wine even though seems like too early/young to open a Barolo. 91/100 Price: 27.50€/75cl/March 2013

Ugo Lequio Barbaresco Gallina 2008, Italy (Nebbiolo 100%, Alch 14%)

Light ruby transparent color and get a bit darker into the middle. The first nose has sour cherry, apple, blackberry and a bit vanillin. The nose is very strong, fruity, extroverted. After some time earthy smells and black pepper appear. In the mouth, the tannins are strong, maybe they a bit disturb like giving some burning feeling. Damson aroma dominates first and the high acidity is satisfying. It a a bit dilute. Soon a  bit orange peel and licorice with a touch of leather. The very long final is warm and pleasant. It is elegant like a good quality Pinot Noir but still the tannins are affecting the balance and it is a bit dilute. This medium-bodied wine would be nice to drink alone but also fits very well with light cheeses (not heavy-fatty cheeses as we generally talk about a red here). It can fit grilled beef and pork as well as chicken, cleaning the palate very well. 87/100 Price: 21.90€/75cl/March 2013

Guigal Cotes Du Rhone 2009, France (Syrah 45%, Grenache 52%, Mourvèdre 3% Alcl 14%)

Opaque, dark ruby red, the rims are purple. The nose is woody and of course possible to get red forest berries. But damson is there too. In the mouth, still damson is the dominant aroma, then plum and acidity is satisfying. Oaky notes like smoke comes out with swirling and some leather is possible to find. The spicy complex characteristics of Syrah and Grenache are definitely well performed in this bottle, with a high acidity. Fruit, acidity, oak, different aromas in a complex structure, everything is there for a good balance. This medium to full bodied lovely juice is not so special, not so close to perfection but definitely a great table wine with a warm moderate final by the alcohol. Anything you expect from a producer like Guigal, is in this bottle. I am not as professional as able to give drinking windows but I think this wine can wait  for some years without losing any strength, but not too long. For the next 5-6 years can be still very tasty, who knows maybe even better. The internet page of the producer says that it is possible to age 20 years. Interesting length for a table wine... Also the internet site has different grape percentages than given on ALKO´s internet site. With a great price-quality ratio, this wine is a great daily wine which can accompany to a big variety of relatively strong (not too strong!) dishes, mostly red meats, game and stews. If you think that French table wines are a bit overstated, this wine can change your mind. Enjoy it during a dinner with friends or family, as I did both, or even with some very light cheese, just enjoy the wine. Especially if you got lost in those hundreds of different bottles in the same price category in ALKO. Also I suggest you to learn about Guigal´s production methods and process. Interesting things wait you there.  92/100 Price: 12.98€/75cl/February 2013

May your glass be filled with happiness.

Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Chile ( CabS 90% Merlot 10%, Alchl 14.5%)

Color is homogenous claret. Leather is strong in the first nose, and then it gives out some citrus touches, that would sound untypical for a red. In time fresh greens like parsley and mint becomes intense as it is aged 12 months in new and used French barrels. The wine is medium bodied and I am very surprised how it is labeled as “Extra Full-Bodied” on Alko website. Then I realized a difference between what I bought and what is presented on the website (You will read down here very soon). Tannins create a certain dryness on the tongue. Animal touches are there and also it is a bit rustic wine. The tannins are likely abducting the fruit and harming the balance. It´s dry final has a moderate length. A good table wine it is which could be better in time with the softening of tannins.

The awards of the previous vintages and the reputation of the producer, as well as the price growing like a sweet fat baby on parallel to these issues, makes it interesting and you become expectant, then you buy it, then you see it is a good wine, it is a very good wine, but not as surprising as you expected. Quite much “not fitting” all those notes described on sites which are selling the wine.

So, about the website I told up there in the note; when u search the wine on Alko website right now in January 2013, you will realize that the info on the site belongs to 2009 recolte. Also, alcohol is specified as 14.5% on the bottle even though it is 14.3% on producer´s website.

Even it is called “Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon” it also has a 10 percent of Merlot. But still a good wine to understand the tannic structure of CabS. It is better to decant minimum 15-20 minutes and I think it will fit well with casserole dishes or barbecued meats with fatty-spicy sauces. Harsh tannins would oppose cheese negatively, I think. As one of the mistakes in wine-food pairing, people drink strong tannic red wines with cheese types with their sourish-bitter mimics on their “getting-ugly” faces, with fake words “oohh, immh very nice ,oohh delicious” which first of all they do not believe. So this is not a wine to drink with cheese. Okay, this is a topic for another article so I stop to make more longer this overextended tasting note. Apologies. 84/100 Price: 17.89€/75cl/January 2013