WTN: 1999 Bottega Vinaia Trentino Lagrein

My first Lagrein. My last...?

Nose: Decaying vegetation. Lots of ketone.

Color: Muddy brown. Very opaque due to floating sediment. Did not decant before serving.

Taste: Watered down Port. Stinging burnt leaf notes. A blob of unfocused, sweet muck. Very unpleasant.

I don't know exactly what a Lagrein is supposed to taste like, but surely it is not this. The ketone element was so overwhelming that I have to believe this wine is severely flawed.

While it may have been crap wine to begin with, it might just be too old as well. Any idea about how it was stored? Don't let this put you off an interesting grape.

Sam,
Don't give up hope on Lagrein. It can make some pretty interesting wines. My note on the '02 is below, tasted Oct'06. I can't imagine it'd fall apart and resemble the wine you describe in the next 2 yrs. I'd guess it's a bad btl you had.
Lagrein can be a bit on the earthy/rustic side, but I've found them, as a whole, pretty interesting wines. I especially like the ElenaWalch, the Laimberg, and the AbazziaNovacella versions.
Tom



11. Bottega Vinaia DOC: Trentino Lagrein (EB; 13%) 2002: Very dark color; huge earthy/blackberry/Syrah-like some minerally/peppery nose; tart dusty/earthy cola/blackberry/Syrah-like rich bit rustic/tannic flavor; long earthy/dusty some tannic strong blackberry/Syrah-like minerally/dusty finish; bit rough & rustic but interesting character; some like a Bonarda or Refosco. $22.00 (LM)