ITALY 2008 - Italy (10/21/2008)

From October 16th through October 29th PURPLE and myself visited Italy from Tuscany in the south to Como in the north. We visited a few wineries and had several excellent dinners. Although not a comprehensive list of wines we drank and tasted during this trip (by way of example we tasted close to 50 Chianti and not a single note was taken) we did take some notes on some of the wines including some stunning "must buy" wines. These few notes are posted here in a haphazard format in the hopes they'll help somebody make a decision to buy, avoid or simply whether to decant. Enjoy.

On to the show...

• 2001 Poggio Stella Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
  WIML90. No tasting notes. Had this wine at Ristorante San Giorgio in Montalcino. Nice garnet color with a fairly vibrant hue throughout. Simple but fresh nose and palate of berries and cherries. Seemed to be drinking fairly well at the moment. Drink or hold. (90 pts.)
• 2004 Case Basse (Soldera) Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
  WIML94?+ No tasting notes. Tasted at the winery. Nose was fairly perfumed and expressive for such a young Brunello. Palate was a little tight but fairly soft and silky as compared to the 2006 barrel sample. Guessing it's pretty close to WIML94 at the moment but I'll definitely buy some once it hits the U.S. market and try from bottle. Should be stellar with time in bottle. (94 pts.)
• 2006 Case Basse (Soldera) Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
  WIML94?+ No tasting notes. Tasted from barrel at the winery. Nose was full and rich with fruit which was a lovely surprise considering it hasn't been in barrel but 18-24 months. Palate was obviously tight and the tannins were quite pronounced which I expected. Structurally everything is there and seems quite balacned. Should give the 2004 a run for the money with tons of time in the bottle. Guessing it's pretty close to WIML94 at the moment. (94 pts.)
• 2006 Castello della Sala (Antinori) Cervaro della Sala Umbria IGT - Italy, Umbria, Umbria IGT
  WIML95
  
  Tasted at Badia a Passignano. Light yellow to yellow color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Georgeous floral nose with seducing aromas of passion fruit, nutmeg and Mehjool dates. Full flavors of pears, apples, pineapples and lemon zest on the medium to long finish. Bright acidity, medium to full body. Drink or hold. This is one of the best young drinking Cervaros I've ever tasted from Antinori. Well done and highly recommended.
  . (95 pts.)
• N.V. Antinori Montenisa Franciacorta Brut - Italy, Tuscany
  WIML89-90? No tasting note. Had a glass of this from a freshly opened bottle at Badia a Passignano prior to the cellar tour. Light yellow color in the glass with steady, medium beading. Nice nose and palate that I recall as being light and refreshing. Seemed to be quite the value play at the time. Drink now. (90 pts.)
• 2007 Antinori Sauvignon Blanc Santa Cristina - Chile, Central Valley
  WIML85. No notes. Complimentary bottle from Fonte di Medici. Can't say this wine impressed me in the least. Seemed light and a bit acidic at the time. Drink now. (85 pts.)
• 2007 Antinori Merlot Santa Cristina - Chile, Central Valley
  WIML82. No tasting notes. Complimentary bottle from Fonte di Medici. Simple, lean. Drinkable but that's about it. Drink now. (82 pts.)
• 2004 Abadia Retuerta Vino de la Tierra Castilla y León Selección Especial - Spain, Castilla y León, Sardon de Duero, Vino de la Tierra Castilla y León
  WIML88? No tasting notes. Served my the glass on Iberia Airlines. Decent young Spanish wine with a bit of a new world slant to the nose and palate. Drink or hold. Would like the chance to try again under better circumstances. (88 pts.)
• 2004 Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva Badia a Passignano - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico
  WIML91
  
  Tasted at Badia a Passignano. Purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of melted black licorice, smoke, black berries, black cherries and balsam wood. Flavors of black cherries and black licorice. Bright acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium to full bodied. Drink or hold. (91 pts.)
• 2005 Antinori Tignanello Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
  WIML92-93+
  
  Tasted at Badia a Passignano. Dark purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose starts with a hint of cedar followed by notes of potpourri, talc, sandlewood and mixed fruits. Flavors are rich and full on the palate with notes of currants, Bing cherries and a hint of jam on the long finish. Bright acidity, firm tannins, full bodied. Hold for at least a couple of more years before opening. (92 pts.)
• 2005 Tenuta Guado al Tasso (Antinori) Bolgheri Superiore - Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Superiore
  WIML94
  
  Tasted at Badia a Passignano. Dark purple to crimson color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose fo sandlewood, bay leaves, perfume, plum and currants. Flavors of currants, berries and rich dark fruits on the medium to long finish. Bright acidity, firm tannins, full bodied. Hold. (94 pts.)
• 2004 Antinori Solaia Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
  WIML94+
  
  Tasted at Badia a Passignano. Dark purple to crimson color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose is still a little tight on this very young wine but showing some lovely notes of wet stones, flowers, perfume, talc and dark plums. Rich and full flavors of plums, currants and berries. Medium to bright acidity, medium to firm tannins, full bodied. Hold. Likely to pick up another point or two with more time in bottle. Recommended. (94 pts.)
• 1999 Fattoria di Sant'Angelo (Lisini) Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
  WIML93
  
  Ordered from the list at Arnolfo in Colle di Val d'Elsa. Purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Lovely nose of perfume, saddle leather and mixed dark fruits. Soft and silky on the palate with mixed red and dark fruits. Medium acidity and tannins, medium to full body. Drink or hold. (93 pts.)
• 2006 Tua Rita Bolgheri Perlato del Bosco - Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri
  WIML90
  
  Tasted at the winery. Dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of cedar, potpourri and red fruits. Mostly red berries and cherries on the palate. Bright acidity, something beyond firm tannins, medium to full body. Needs a pretty decent decant prior to serving or more time in bottle. Seems to be a good wine though. (90 pts.)
• 2006 Tua Rita Giusto di Notri Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
  WIML92
  
  Tasted at the winery (was also given a bottle by the owner for our 25th anniversary as a gift; a lovely and much appreciated gesture). 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petite Verdot. Purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of violets, black cherries, black berries and lovely perfume notes. Flavors of black berries, currants and cherries. Bright acidity, firm tannins, full bodied. Can be drank now with a pretty serious decant prior to serving or continue to hold. (92 pts.)
• 2006 Tua Rita Redigaffi Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
  WIML95+
  
  Tasted at the winery. Dark purple to crimson color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of dark chocolate sucks you in leading the way to aromas of smoke and rich plums. Flavors of black cherries and plums dominate at the moment in this very young wine. Bright acidity, firm tannins, full bodied. A little tight on the palate right now but man on man it's tempting to buy and pop this wine right now. It's a stunner. Can't wait to try it in about 5-10 years. Highly recommended. (95 pts.)
• 2007 Tua Rita Syrah Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
  WIML90
  
  Tasted at the winery. WARNING: this was a barrel sample. Dark purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Fragrant nose with added notes of smoke, roasted meat and berries. Flavors mostly of berries with I believe some plums tacked onto the end of the medium to long finish. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium to full body. (90 pts.)
• 2004 Le Macchiole Bolgheri Superiore Paleo Rosso - Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Superiore
  WIML92
  
  Tasted at Enoteca Tognoni in Bolgheri. Dark garnet color in the glass, slightly dusty looking. Slightly tight nose of florals, briar patch, violets and berries. Falvors of currants and berries. Brigh acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium to full body. Hold. (92 pts.)
• 2001 Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore - Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Superiore
  WIML91+
  
  Tasted at Enoteca Tognoni in Bolgheri. Dark purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of wet stones, white pepper, plums and currants. Rich flavors of currants, berries and boysenberry. Medium to vibrant acidity, medium to firm tannins, full bodied. Drink now with a decant or continue to hold. (91 pts.)
• 2005 Fornacelle Foglio 38 - Italy, Tuscany
  WIML91
  
  Tasted at Enoteca Tognoni in Bolgheri. Purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of Balsamic, currant, berries and violets. Flavors of berries and currants. Medium to bright acidity, medium tannins, medium to full body. Drink or hold. (91 pts.)
• 2004 Castello del Terriccio Lupicaia Maremma Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Maremma Toscana IGT
  WIML92
  
  Tasted at Enoteca Tognoni in Bolgheri. Dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Tight nose giving way to briar patch, thistle and berries. Rich berry flavors on the palate with cherries and some currant notes on the medium to long finish. Medium to vibrant acidity, medium to firm tannins, full bodied. Drink now with a decant or continue to hold. (92 pts.)
• 2006 Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso - Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri
  WIML90
  
  Tasted at Enoteca Tognoni in Bolgheri. Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of florals, thistle and berries. Flavors of berries and cherries. Bright acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium body. Drink or hold. Probably a B+/A- kind of wine so split the difference and say WIML90. (90 pts.)
• 2005 Antinori Villa Antinori Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
  WIML89
  
  Tasted at Tenuta Tignanello. Dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of thistle, black berries, black cherries, a bit of spice, dash of pepper and some cigar box notes as well. Rich flavors of black cherries, black berries and raspberries. Birght acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium to full body. Drink over the short to maybe medium term. 13.5% alcohol. First vintage of this wine dates to 1928. (89 pts.)
• 2006 Antinori Chianti Classico Pèppoli - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico
  WIML87-88
  
  Tasted at Tenuta Tignanello. Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of red berries, red cherries and red licorice. Flavors of red berries, raspberries and cherries. Medium to bright acidity, medium tannins, light to medium body. Drink over the short term. 13.0% alcohol. 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and Syrah. Spends 9 months in oak with 1 year in the bottle before release. First vintage of this wine was 1985. (87 pts.)
• 2004 Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico
  WIML91
  
  Tasted at Tenuta Tignanello. Purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of black currants, melted black licorice, black berries, black cherries and some light violet notes. Flavors of black currants and black berries. Silky smooth on the palate. Medium to bright acidity, medium tannins, medium to full bodied. Drink or hold. 13.5% alcohol. Aged 14 months in oak and 1 year in bottle before release. (91 pts.)
• 2005 Antinori Tignanello Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
  WIML92-93
  
  Tasted at Tenuta Tignanello from 375ml. Dark purple to crimson color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of espresso, smoke, black currants, black cherries, black berries and some tobacco notes. Rich flavors of berries, cherries, raspberries and currants. Medium to bright acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium to full body. Drink now with some decant time or continue to hold. (93 pts.)
• 2005 Villa di Capezzana Carmignano - Italy, Tuscany, Carmignano
  WIML90
  
  Tasted at the winery. Yellow color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of anise, honeysuckle, yellow flowers and a bit of talc. Flavors of yellow apples, pears and spice. Medium to bright acidity, medium body. Drink over the medium term. Aged 15 months in oak. (90 pts.)
• 2006 Villa di Capezzana Barco Reale di Carmignano - Italy, Tuscany, Barco Reale di Carmignano
  WIML90
  
  Tasted at the winery. Garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of lovely florals, black cherries, black berries. Flavors of black berries and a bit of Bing cherry. Medium to vibrant acidity, medium to firm tannins, Medium body. Drink or hold. 70% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. (90 pts.)
• 2003 Villa di Capezzana Ghiaie della Furba Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
  WIML91
  
  Tasted at the winery. Dark garnet color in the glass, vibrant hue throughout. Nose of black cherries, black berries, a dask of smoke, a dash of cocoa. Flavors of black cherries, black currants, plums and berries. Medium to vibrant acidity, slightly drying tannins, medium to full body. Drink or hold. 13.5% alcohol. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Syrah. (91 pts.)
• 2006 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba
  WIML91-92
  
  Tasted at the winery. Dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of black cherries, black berries, potpourri and a dash of tar. Flavors of black cherries, black berries and a hint of bitters over the medium to long finish. Bright acidity, firm tannins, medium to full body. Drink now with a decant or continue to hold. 14.5% alcohol. (91 pts.)
• 2004 Giacomo Conterno Barolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
  WIML92-93
  
  Tasted at the winery. Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose fo tar, forest floor, black cherries, black berries and a touch of flowers. Flavors of black cherries, black berries. Pretty rich fruit. Bright acidity, firm tannins, medium to full body. Drink now with a decant or preferably continue to hold. 14.0% alcohol. (92 pts.)
• 2001 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva Monfortino - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
  WIML94+
  
  Tasted at the winery. Dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of black licorice, tar and black cherries. Flavors of black cherries and black berries. Bright acidity, firm tannins, full bodied. Drink with a decant or preferably continue to hold. (94 pts.)
• 2004 Olivero Mario Barbera d'Alba - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba
  WIML88
  
  Dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Dash of smoke on the nose followed by black licorice and a mix of dark fruits. Flavors of black berries, black cherries, plums and a dash of currants. Medium acidity, integrated tannins, medium body. Drink over the short term. (88 pts.)
• 1999 Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino Barolo Riserva Vigna dei Dardi - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
  WIML91
  
  Tasted at La Posta in Monforte d'Alba. Garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Soft perfumed nose with notes of potpourri, anise, flowers and a mix of red fruits. Flavors of red berries, cherries, raspberries. Soft and silky on the palate. Medium to bright acidity, medium tannins. medium to full body. Drink or hold. (91 pts.)
• 1995 Tenimenti Angelini Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Spuntali - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
  WIML92
  
  Ordered from the list at Il Pozzo. Dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of smoke, licorice, perfume, forest floor and black fruits. Flavors of black licorice, cassis and black berries. Medium acidity, medium tannins, medium to full body. Drink or hold. (92 pts.)
• 1990 Elio Altare Barolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
  WIML92
  
  Ordered from the list at Felicin in Monforte d'Alba. Dark garnet to purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of perfume, berries, flowers, licorice and tar. Flavors of black berries, black cherries and a dash of bitters on the medium to long finish. Drink with a decant. Can continue to hold as well. (92 pts.)