Hello All,
Well, here goes my first TN post in our new home. Just three nice wines I tasted in the past month, but hadn't gotten around to posting on Strat's Place. Anybody who hasn't had Nero di Troia before should seek it out - lovely little grape; and I can never say enough about how much I love Louis Martini Cabs.
Louis M Martini, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Vallley Reserve 2004
My second tasting, and no need to change a word of my previous note (see below) except to say that this bottle, at a store tasting, had plenty of time to breathe, and was showing even better, confirming my earlier hopes for what it was capable of. Love it! Martini Cabs are always good values, and at around $20, this is a impressive value even for them. Exceptional (90 - 93) [6/14/08]
Louis M Martini, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Reserve 2004
Backwards and only suggesting the dark cherry and cassis that will emerge with time, with a touch of slightly savory herbs toward the finish, and an almost leathery earthiness. The herbs even suggest a bit of Italian influence, but still it proudly asserts its Napa provenance. Backwards and very old world in style, but even at this stage showing the promise of tremendous elegance to come. In short. a classic Martini Cabernet. This should age well for 15 more years, and very possibly longer (might be interesting to see what it's like in 20 years), but needs 5 or maybe even 10 years to resolve all its elements - but then it will sing! Excellent (87 - 90), but will be Exceptional (90 - 93) with time [2/1/08]
Delmas, Blanquette de Limoux, Brut NV
On sale at a discount store because of its age I suspect: I was concerned to see a bit of seepage, and the cork did not expand as champagne corks usually do. But the wine was still fresh and lively, and I dare say even improved, the extra bottle age giving it a touch of the sort of depth one finds in good Champagne. Citrus upfront, followed by apple, perhaps a touch of pear, then honeydew melon, and a lightly nutty finish. Obviously a quality sparkler. Went very nicely with Shrimp Scampi. Purchased for $7, and at that price an unbeatable value for a quality sparkler. At it's normal retail of around $20, not unreasonable, but a bit harder to recommend. Very Good / Excellent (86 - 88) [6/15/08]
Vini Coppa d'Oro, Nero di Troia, Puglia IGT NV
My first experience with this grape, and I am impressed! A clear but deep ruby in color. Heady nose of black cherry, but with perfumey floral notes. On the palate, deep black cherry upfront, with perhaps a touch of blueberry/blackberry, and overtones of plum, followed by nectarine, orange rind and floral notes, before a generous finish of spice. Medium-full in body. Lovely stuff. Unique - almost like a cross of Syrah and Montepulciano (the grape) - it has some of Syrah's concentration, headiness, and structure, but overlayed with Montepulciano's gracefull, delightful, and high-toned fruit. This is just the sort of delightful little wine you might find at a cafe in Italy - very fruit friendly, with a softness to it but also a rich depth. In fact, this is a fair challenger for Chianti. [Oddly enough, I have had one other grape in some ways quite similar to this: a hybrid called St. Vincent, which is grown in the Midwest of the US.] Fantastic little table wine for everyday drinking with Italian food. And it's even good chilled. I got it on sale for $5 - what it goes for elsewhere I do not know, but by far the best wine I've ever had for the price. Excellent (87 - 90). [6/21/08]
