Silvio Nardi Brunello Di Montalcino 2008
The Nardi Brunello Di Montalciano 2008 evokes a warm, still afternoon in a deciduous forest, the sort where you can hear twigs snapping under your feet. Splendid, woodsy aromas of forest floor, brambles, dried leaves, mushrooms, and dried black cherries. Silky and voluptuous on the palate, with firm, polished tannins that plunge into the substrata—densely […]
Saint-Chamant Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2005
Crisp and lively, With a sort of Mott’s apple sauce nose. Slightly creamy, with bright acidity and a medium finish. Doesn’t get my pulse racing, would make for a fine brunch wine. Sample 8.8 Points
Tir Na N’og Old Vines Grenache 2008
I couldn’t find any evidence that Tir Na N’Og is still in existence, it would seem that the last vintage on the market is the 2008. At any rate, its developed nicely, with a juicy pop of red fruit—strawberries, raspberries and lovely secondary notes of Asian spice, sandalwood, and incense. Lightly-styled and rather sleek despite […]
Denner Teresa Paso Robles 2012
Denner’s Teresa Paso Robles 2012 is a blend of 50% Roussanne, 25% Grenache Blanc, 20% Picpoul and 5% Marsanne that forms a charming quintet. Lilting notes of melon, guava, lemon drop, banana cream pie, and honeycomb tumble forth with melodic cadence. Aged partly in stainless, concrete and French oak puncheons, it’s leaner than expected, yet […]
Füleky Aszú Pallas Tokaji Late Harvest Furmint 2012
The Fuleky Pallas Tokaji 2012 is a modern, late harvest Tokaji whose grapes have not been affected by botrytis (or Noble Rot). While enjoyable, I found myself wanting more complexity from both the nose and palate. It has light floral accents tinged with spiced pear and honey, and a moderate level of acidity and is […]
J & J Eger Eged-Hegy Dülö Kékfrankos 2009
Kékfrankos is better known as Blaufränkisch, which is certainly gaining in popularity in Burgenland. This Hungarian offering from J&J Eger is the work of two brothers, and it shines. It is also the one wine I purchased from the tasting, not only because I enjoyed it, but because the it was suggested as a great […]
Eszterbauer Nagyapám Szekszárd Kadarka 2013
Yet another relatively unknown grape, Kadarka traces it’s origins to the Szekszárd region of Hungary. For me, it’s somewhat reminiscent of Blaufränkisch, which, interestingly also originates from Szekszárd. Ruby-hued and aromatic, ebullient notes of red fruit, roses and subtle spice tumble forth. It’s equally generous on the palate with low tannins, balanced by a nice […]
Fekete Pince Somlovasarhely Nagy-Somló Somlói Juhfark 2011
From an obscure, nearly extinct grape variety, Juhfark translated literally means “sheep’s tail” so named because tightly clustered bunches have a distinctive curve at the tip. Found only in the Somló region of Hungary, this non-aromatic variety is typically aged in large oak barriques. Meyer lemon zest, cling peaches, chamomile, and white flowers round out […]
Gere Attila Kopár Villányi Cuvée 2009
Interesting to find an international blend of 50% Cabernet Franc; 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is the top cuvée from Gere Attilla, I was intrigued to read that the soil composition in the vineyards is primarily windblown loess, the same soil type that was in my former vineyard. It’s big-boned and densely packed […]
Château Grand-Puy Ducasse 2006
I didn’t have time to take notes on this wine. We drank it in the home of Daniel della Cruz, one of Manila’s most prominent artists. Within the sanctuary of his walls, where tropical plants served as an organic backdrop to every sculpture and painting—the wine blended effortlessly into that rare and sacred space and […]