Monday, December 31, 2007

2007 - Best wines I had

Last year was definately a Barolo year for me. It started with a 2 parts Barolo 1997 tastings I arranged , and continued with a short but unforgetable trip to the north Italy , including the Langhe area.
My best wines this year were:
1. Roberto Voerzio - Barolo, Sarmassa di Barolo 2004 - had it during my trip to italy at the winery from Alluminium tank. I didn't write any notes but I remember the feeling. dark colour, great nose of red and black fruites combined with roses , spices and some tar. full bodied with smooth tannins and a huge and long aftertaste. this is going to be a 100 wine. Unfortunately available only in magnums. I wish I could afford to buy a bottle next year.
2. Roberto Voerzio - Barolo brunate 1997, 2004 - Had the 1997 in the Barolo 1997 tasting, still young and tannic (who said 1997 can't age) but simply a huge wine , full bodied , rich, smooth and long. very close to perfect. The 2004 was tasted at the winery and was very close to the Sarmassa. This wine is going to be in my refrigerator next year!!!
3. Aldo Conterno - Barolo Granbussia 1997 - This wine was the star of the first part of the 1997 tasting (Which included also - Gaja sperss, Giacose- Rocche del falleto, Sandrone Cannubi boschis & Le vigne , Clerico-Ciavot mentin ginestra). Red Barrique colour. and explosive nose of red fruits especially cherries, roses, fungi, earth ,spices , tar and more, full bodied with chewy tannins, vibrand acidity and long and graet aftertaste. scored - 98-99. Bought another bottle in my trip to Italy later.
4. Sandrone - Cannubi Boschis 1997 - I also liked the Le Vigne 1997 a lot but the Cannubi Boschis was simply gorgeous, with great perfomed nose of black and red fruits, roses, tar, full bodied and exteremly smooth and long. score - 97 . I also bought another bottle in Italy.
5. Paolo Scavino - all crus from 1997 - The second part of the Barolo 1997 , included all 3 crus of Scavino - Cannubi, Bric del Fiasc and Rocche del Anninziata and also the Carobric. all were terrific but in my opinion the Bric del fiasc and Rocche stood out. while the Bric del Fiasc was mature and great , the Rocche was still a bit young, but very promising.

More wines that impressed me last year :
Clerico - Ciabot Mentin Ginestra & Per-Cristina 1997 - both score 97
Gaja - Sperss 1997 - scores 96
Aldo Conterno - Cicala 2001 & Granbussia 2000 both 95-96
Pio Cesare - Barolo Ornato 2001 - score 95-96
Joseph Roty - Charmes Chamberin Tres 2003 - score 95-96
Pichon Baron - 2000 - score 96-97
Girardin - Le Montrachet 2004 - score 95
Noon - Eclipse 2005 - score 95
Kalleske - Shiraz Johann Georg 2003 / Old Vine Grenache 2004 - score 95
Vieux Telegraphe - CdP Le Crau 2004 - score 94
Cos d'Estournel 2000 & 2001 - score 94-95
Olivier Leflaive - Corton Charlemagne 2004 - score 94
Smith Haut Lafitte - 2003 (red) - score 93

Happy new year