Jarno Malmberg of Funky Wine Imports (l), Lee Greene of Cosimo Maria Masini (r)
- 2006 Cosimo Maria Masini Nicole - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Maremma Toscana IGT (6/1/2009)
100% Sangiovese, as opposed to 2005 which had 10% Cabernet Sauvignon mixed in. I think this 2006 is more pleasurable because of its purity of fruit. It smells of cherries and has a general sense of bright, unadulterated redness about it. As befits the vintage, the fruit is very ripe but it is in no way overdone. It is full bodied with 14% abv, but has wonderful grip and refreshing character. The aftertaste is long. It seems like a very "natural" wine. Very nice! - 2006 Cosimo Maria Masini Cosimo - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Maremma Toscana IGT (6/1/2009)
90% Sangiovese, 10% Buonamico from 50 yo vines; matures in big casks. The scent is dark and ripe but obviously Sangiovese with its cherry tang. The palate is also big and ripe (14% abv IIRC) but has refreshing tannins and tangy acidity. I don't often say this but this was very nice for such a big wine! - 2007 Cosimo Maria Masini Trebbiano Daphné Toscana IGT - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT (6/1/2009)
A lovely "orange" and "natural" wine! Earthy, herbaceous scent of copper pans and red berries - yes, it reads like a red wine and in some ways that is more what it reminded me of. Lovely if a bit low on acidity, but it does have good grip and a general sense of liveliness so the soft acidity is forgiven. An intriguing and very pleasurable wine. - 2001 Cosimo Maria Masini Vin Santo Fedardo - Italy, Tuscany, Vin Santo (6/1/2009)
Trebbiano-Malvasia Bianca of 50 yo vines. It smells of toffee and despite exuding some herbaceous aromas they don't really bring a refreshing lift to the sweetness. It tastes massive and thick and sweet, but does have fair structure. It just seems a bit monolithic now - probably just in need of age. Still, I do rather enjoy a super-sticky on occasion in small amounts, and this was indeed fun!