by Daniel Rogov » Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:55 pm
Eli, Hi....
Following are my tasting notes for several of the Italian Barbera based wines tasted or re-tasted in my blind tasting today together with the Galil Mountain release and several that were tasted within the last 2 months. The wines you specifically asked about are included....
Best
Rogov
Cascina Orsolina, Barbera d'Asti Superiore, Bricco dei Cappuccini, Piedmont, 2004: Dark garnet, with orange and purple reflections, full-bodied, and with soft, gently mouth-coating tannins. A big wine in every way, showing forward berry, plum and cassis fruits on a background that hints nicely of orange-flavored chocolate mousse. Drink now-2010. Score 90.
Francesco Rinaldi & Figli, Barbera d'Alba, Piedmont, 2006: Garnet red, medium bodied, soft, round, and oh so fruity, showing forward berry, cherry and floral notes. Not complex but very appealing, especially if served just a bit chilled. Drink now. Score 88.
Domenico Clerico, Barbera d'Alba, Trevigne, Piedmont, 2004: A very nice Barbera, showing medium- to full-bodied, with generous soft tannins well balanced by acidity and fruits. On the nose and palate raspberries and strawberries, those with appealing overlays of licorice and lightly spicy wood. As the acidity rises a bit look for a long citrus-like finish. Drink now. Score 90.
Negro Giuseppe, Barbera d'Alba, Piedmont, 2004: Dark ruby towards garnet, medium- to full-bodied, with tempting black- and blueberry fruits on first attack, those yielding to licorice and mint on the long, mouthfilling and firmly tannic finish. Drink now-2009. Score 89.
Michele Chiarlo, Barbera d'Asti Superiore, Cipresse della Court, Piedmont, 2004: Michele Chiarlo makes some fine Barberas and, reflecting a fine vintage, this may be one of the best he has ever done. Dark cherry red, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins already itegrated nicely with a light spicy oak nature. On first attack violets and vanilla, those going to blackberries, plums and minerals, all leading to a generously fruity finish Drink now-2009. Score 91
Renato Ratti, Barbera d'Alba, Torriglione, Piedmont, 2005: Medium-bodied, with soft tannins and gentle hints of smoky and spicy oak and cedar. On the nose and palate appealing red currant and wild berry fruits. Not complex and not for long term cellaring but a very good match to small cuts of beef or mutton. Drink now-2009.
Vietti, Barbera d'Alba, Scarrone, Vigna Vecchia, Piedmont, 2005: Almost as good as the very, very good 1998 wine. Full bodied, still firmly tannic at this stage but with fine balance and structure that bode well for the future. Opens to reveal cherries, raspberries and purple plums on the nose and palate, those complemented by hints of baking chocolate and vanilla. On the long finish hints of red licorice. Best 2009-2014. Score 91.
Vietti, Barbera d'Alba, Scarrone, Vigna Vecchia, Piedmont, 1998: With its once searing tannins now integrated nicely with spicy wood and finally showing its inherent elegance. Opens with purple plums and licorice, those yielding to red cherry, citrus peel and vanilla and finally, on the long finish an appealing hint of raisins. Drinking beautifully now but don't hesitate to cellar until 2011. Score 93
Michele Chiarlo, Barbera d'Asti Superiore, La Corte, Piedmont, 2004: Youthful dark royal purple in color, medium-bodied, with soft tannins, a light spicy element imparted from oak-aging made as always it is from 100% Barbera and showing fine balance. Opens to show an appealing array of red berries, cassis, and red licorice and, on the long finish a hint of dark chocolate. Drink now-2013. Score 90.
Michele Chiarlo, Barbera d'Asti Superiore, Cipresse della Court, Piedmont, 2004: Michele Chiarlo makes some fine Barberas and, reflecting a fine vintage, this may be one of the best he has ever done. Dark cherry red, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins already itegrated nicely with a light spicy oak nature. On first attack violets and vanilla, those going to blackberries, plums and minerals, all leading to a generously fruity finish Drink now-2009. Score 91