TN: 2003 Falesco Lazio Montiano

2003 Falesco Lazio Montiano - I somehow managed to ignore this in the cellar since purchase - not necessarily a good thing as it is 100% merlot so one doesn't expect particularly long life. Still quite dark in colour and a very decent nose of plum and hints of cocoa and licorice, a smooth mouth feel and well softened tannins. I was surprised at how well it drank! If I drank it blind I would have found it hard to believe that it was all merlot. A pleasant surprise!

[David M. Bueker]

Oh my! I remember when that wine was the bee’s knees. People bought cases of it.

Yes, I think it got some good reviews and was snapped up. So glad that I didn't forget about it for too long - it would have been shame to miss out on it. And it was very reasonably priced. It isn't a Masseto (now over $1,000 a bottle up here) but it was great value for money.

[Jenise]

I remember a bottle at one of your lunches about ten years ago. Not sure who brought it (wasn't you), but it showed more new world than Italian.

Now that you mention it I do recall that. I think that the wine likely became more 'Italianate' as it shed the early wood and fresh fruit.