by Dale Williams » Thu Nov 15, 2012 3:10 pm
So our Bordeaux Group That Sometimes Does Other Things met at Il Corso last night for some wines from Tuscany. We were also joined by Tom Reddick from Austin. Fun group, I enjoyed my fettucine with white truffles and the pork-brontosaurus hybrid chop, and I enjoyed most of the wines.
There was a Champagne from Lilbert that I neglected to note details of, but enjoyed a lot- crisp, fine elegant mousse, nice biscuity finish. Never heard of Lilbert before but will keep eyes open now.
1979 Caparzo “La Casa”Brunello di Montalcino
Didn’t know what to expect, but I liked this- thanks Josh. Funky, meaty, old school, amazingly still a bit of tannin. Plenty of fruit, this isn’t tired at all. B+
1985 Montevertine Le Pergole Torte
Ah, so this is what this is supposed to taste like (my 2 previous tries have been one corked and one cooked). Beautiful, good acids, solid fruits, leathery notes, good length. A-
1988 Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Corked! Too bad, this can be a nice wine
1990 Altesino “Montosoli” Brunello
Full, ripe, a bit anonymous. B-/B
1995 Altesino “Montosoli” Brunello Riserva
Pretty modern, but holds it’s own, slightly glossy but with a nice core. A light bretty note. B
1997 Isole e Olena Cepparello
I didn’t write anything down for this one, but felt it was holding better (less hot, less pruney) than some ‘97 Tuscans I’ve had, nice structure. B
1997 Fattoria Le Pupille Saffredi
Ripe and full, but again without any roasted notes or heat, good length. B/B+
1998 Soldera Brunello di Montalcino
Beautiful nose, elegant wine, aromatic and exotic, pretty but with power underneath. A/A-
2005 Soldera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
POwerful, full, young. A-/B+
1998 Montevertine Le Pergole Torte
Classic, midbodied, floral with black cherry fruit. B+
2006 Montevertine Pergole Torte
There’s plenty of tannin but it’s surprisingly approachable, but best ahead. A-/B+
2008 Antinori Tignanello
I thought there was something strange/musty on nose,but it blew off. Big, young, powerful. B+/B
1995 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva
Pleasant enough soft generic red wine, probably better young. B-
Nice group,good to meet Tom and see everyone else.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.