tastes of - Vintages

DISCOVER OUR LATEST • SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
ITALY – RED WINE CONT’D
SICILY
NICOSIA FONDO FILARA NERELLO
MASCALESE 2008
IGT Sicilia
Nicosia was founded in the 19th century. To this
day, its best vineyards are on terraced slopes at the
foot of Mount Etna. The Nerello Mascalese variety
is indigenous to Sicily (or is believed to be). This
wine was aged in a combination of stainless steel
and barriques to both retain the freshness of the
variety plus add depth of flavour. The resulting
wine is both racy and rich with a good combination
of black fruits and minerality. Enjoy with meatbased
pastas.
222653 (XD) 750 mL $14.95 2
TUSCANY
CASALVENTO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2007
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: A generous and fruity red, with
plum, berry and raspberry character. This is
polished and very beautiful, with a silky texture.
Best after 2010. Score: 90 (James Suckling,
winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2010)
244210 (D) 750 mL $19.95 2
LA VELONA
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2005
DOCG
(Monade)
TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino
is a relatively forward, open wine laced with
floral red fruit, tobacco, licorice, spices and subtle
earthiness, all of which come together on a
medium-bodied frame. With time in the glass, the
inner sweetness and warmth of the fruit emerges,
adding layers of richness to the texture. Some
slightly unpolished elements remain, particularly on
the finish but this is nevertheless a strong effort.
The wine improved markedly with air and is best
opened a good 30-60 minutes prior to being
served. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Score: 92
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2010)
181321 (XD) 750 mL $42.95 2
38 VINTAGES SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
MONTARO
ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2006
DOC, Blend No. 136
TASTING NOTE: This Rosso is wearing its
burgeoning maturity very well. Medium ruby-garnet
in colour, with complex notions of ripe strawberry,
red cherry, sandalwood, red licorice and menthol.
Dry, medium bodied, with a spicy red-fruit core.
Shows a flavour intensity that seems to transcend
what should be possible given the elegance of
the wine, but all to very pleasing effect. Balanced
tannins provide fine structure en route to a long
finish. This will evolve favourably for 2+ years, but
why wait? Enjoy it now with braised meats.
(VINTAGES panel, June 2011)
237297 (XD) 750 mL $17.95 2
PETRA ZINGARI 2008
IGT Toscana
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Zingari is a blend
of equal parts Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah and Petit
Verdot aged entirely in stainless steel. It is an
absolutely fabulous entry-level red from Maremma.
Smoke, underbrush, licorice and truffles add
complexity to the generous, dark fruit. Medium in
body yet wonderfully intense, the Zingari impresses
for its sheer richness and density. There is enough
freshness for the Zingari to drink well for a
number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014.
Score: 90 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
Aug. 2010)
244228 (D) 750 mL $16.95 2
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE
CHIANTI RISERVA 2006
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva
is a big, super-ripe wine loaded with black
cherries, blueberries, French oak and spices.
Stylistically, this is a concentrated, voluminous
Riserva with terrific persistence and balance. It is
one of the finest wines I have tasted here in
some time. The Riserva spent 24 months in French
oak. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Score: 90
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2010)
111641 (XD) 750 mL $15.95 3