2015 Vigne Mastrodomenico Aglianico del Vulture Likos, Italy, Basilicata, Wine Review
This wine is not for everyone. It is rustic, rough and decidedly not a fruit bomb.
This wine is not for everyone. It is rustic, rough and decidedly not a fruit bomb.
This wine, first introduced in 2002, is always a popular wine with those who enjoy full throttle wines that have plenty of fruit. But, it is more than just a lush fruit bomb. The vines producing fruit range from 40 to 70 years old. Purple in color with some ruby hues. The nose has black cherries, cinnamon, and baking spices. On the palate, this has juicy cherries and black cherries with some underlying char and earthiness. Plenty of depth. There is a fair amount of oak showing on this, but if one prefers, lay this down in a good cellar for ten years and it should integrate nicely. Ah,
By.Ott is a third line of wines from Domaines Ott, the venerable producer of wines in southern France. These are a tad less expensive but still on the pricier side of Provence rosé's. The blend is 60% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 10% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. Pale pink in color, shimmering bright and clear. The nose is very pretty with cherries, strawberries, minerals and slight grapefruit. Light bodied. Very refreshing. Easy drinking. The cherries and citrus carry thru to the palate. This should be consumed in the next couple of years to enjoy its freshness. This drinks well on its own
This is a lovely white from the Adriatic coast in central Italy. Light golden in color. The nose is very nice with minerality, apples, slight oak and some pear. Medium bodied. On the palate, this is plenty of depth. Rounder but enough acidity to bring it all together. Pears and minerals on the palate. Nice finish. This is one of those white wines that could use a bit of time. This should improve with some short term cellaring. It should be good for another five to seven years after that. Drinks well on its own and will work well with pasta dishes in a cream or oil sauce or soft c
If you don't know this grape and/or this producer, you should.
This is a proprietary red from Napa made from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 1% each of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Tasted from two bottles, and one bottle was good, the other one great. At age 18, that is to be expected. Purple/ruby in color. The nose is great with black cherries, black raspberries, gravel and roasted meat and herbs. On the palate, this is complex as the layers start to unwind in the glass. Black cherries dominate over a nice dry earthiness. Light tannins. Great balance. Nice finish. This drinks nicely on its own but will be even better with
A lovely wine. Light golden in color. The nose is gorgeous with honey, quince, slight orange peel. On the palate, this is viscous. Sweet not cloying. Lots of depth with enough acidity to keep things lively. The honey and quince carry thru to the palate. A very long finish. This is delicious but also contemplative. It drinks great on its own and would work with less sweet desserts. This should continue to evolve and drink well for the next thirty years. A real treat.
Always a great value in Cal Cabs and very consistent over the years. Inky purple in color. The nose has cassis and smoke. On the palate, this is very smooth. Nice cassis fruit. Very solid. Nice finish. Drink this over the next five years. It will work great with grilled foods.
A nice showing for this Cab which is drinking well but may yet improve. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is dusty with nice cassis fruit and some baking spice. On the palate, it presents as black cherry candy. Delicious. Medium tannins. Nice finish. This should drink well for the next ten to twelve years. A nice wine with chili.
A consistent good value Cab from Sonoma. Inky purple in color. The nose has sweet cassis fruit. On the palate, this is drinking easy and well. Tasty. Juicy cassis. Very clean. Nice finish. This should be drunk over the next few years. It will go well with burgers off the grill.