Short notes from a tasting given by Philippine Wine Merchants for the new lines of Italian wines they are carrying.
Poggio Bonelli Chianti Classico 2005 - Earthy. The initial impression is quite dry but there is a sweetness underneath. Chalky tannins, a bit hollow,leathery, decent length, good and ready to go.
Poggio Bonelli Chianti Classico Riserva 2003 - Very good fruity nose. Good sweet fruit. Ready to drink. Good length. Very good.
Chigi Saracini Poggiassai Toscana IGT 2003 - Very dark, sweet, cough syrup taste but in a good way. Medium bodied. Finishes long, dry and tannic. Modern and needs time to calm down but very good. 85% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18 months in new French barriques.
Chigi Saracini Chianti Classico 2005 - Light, acidic, classic, slightly sweet, very easy. Nice.
Poggio Bonelli Tramonto d'Oca IGT 2004 - 85% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot. Good nose, slightly hot. Mint, tobacco. Quite complex. Very long and tannic. Very good but expensive.
Next, we tried some Oz wine samples.
Calabria Private Bin Shiraz/Viognier 2006 - From Riverina. Oaky, Cherry Coke nose. Dry, sour, slightly green note on the finish. Not good.
Richland Westend Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - Good nose. Quite sweet but well balanced. Medium bodied. A bit candyish on the finish. An easy drink. Not bad.
Westend 3 Bridges Durif 2006 - Mocha, chocolate on the nose. Sweet, tannic, full. Dry finish. Good Durif.
Westend 3 Bridges Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - Not much on the nose. Sweetish, then lacks depth of flavor. Some acidity on the finish. Not for me.
Westend 3 Bridges Golden Mist Botrytis 2005 - There sisn't seem to be any indication as to what grapes went into this but probably Semillon. Extremely sweet, cloying. Zero acidity. Ugh.
Caroso Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004 - Dried fruits, sour cherry, bitter finish. Pleasant, easy.