Gran Conti

Conti Costanti

Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2012

Previous tasting note here was for October 2022. Aromas of menthol , plum skins and friable soil. Medium bodied palate showing a strangely sweet chocolate character amongst the savouriness. A few years left in the drinking window. Have the last one in 2+ years. — 6 days ago

Pooneet, Ray and 20 others liked this

Bodegas y Viñedos Vega Sicilia

Unico Gran Reserva Especial Ribera del Duero Tempranillo Blend

Stunning Gran Reserva. In a league of it's own — 13 days ago

Ira liked this

La Rioja Alta

Gran Reserva 904 Rioja Tempranillo Graciano 2015

So much better then my first one 8 years ago — a month ago

Lyle, Andrew and 7 others liked this

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC)

Romanée-St. Vivant Pinot Noir 2011

As Rhône or Nôwhere 2.0 concluded, our heads were spinning. Spinning not only due to the consumption but from the out-of-this-world lineup. As we tried to gather ourselves, a bottle of 2011 DRC Romanée St. Vivant was generously opened to toast the evening’s frivolities. I mean, wow. The 2011 R-S-V pours a bright but deep ruby with no signs of age. It’s dark fruited and slightly green, probably still needing another decade+ to flesh out. There is some beautiful use of oak with gorgeous baking spices. Way more closed than the 2011 DRC Echezeaux we enjoyed a couple years back. Clearly amazing. Clearly a baby still. Afterwards, a friend with more experience than (in respects to DRC) mentioned that Echezeaux usually shows well when young while R-S-V typically needs the most time. Something that I’ll keep in mind. To my palate, this will be best after 2030 and should be excellent through 2050+. It’s got that kind of guts and balance.
— a month ago

Severn, Ira and 9 others liked this
Ira Schwartz

Ira Schwartz Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Severn Goodwin I’m not optimistic about the green going away.
Jay Kline

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@Ira Schwartz I guess it depends on what you mean by “going away”. On the one hand, it’s characteristic of the vintage so we’re stuck with it. On the other hand, as the wine evolves with age, there is chance it could integrate a little more and be less obvious. Only time will really tell.

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

A friend brought this wine to me, what a gift! A new favorite when it comes to red wine. The vibrant color was astonishing, and the red fruit notes were pleasant. Very rich & dry, yet smooth & balanced at the same time — 13 days ago

Bodegas LAN

Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2015

For those who love Riojas, this is excellent. Tobacco, vanilla, and cherry are my favorites. — a month ago

Marqués de Murrieta

Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011

This Marques de Murrieta Gran Reserva is temporanillo led blend cherry pie like taste and a long finish. Beautiful wine just entering a nice long drinking window. — a month ago

David, Eric and 10 others liked this

Viña Real (CVNE)

Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2007

18-. Very sophisticated wine. Smooth, deep, long. The epitome of serious Rioja. Not spectacular, but give me more. — a month ago

C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España)

Imperial Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 1982

Stunning. Graphite, cherry leather, plum, fall leaves. Beautiful structure to this wine.
— 21 days ago

Ruffino

Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Sangiovese 2019

Deep Ruby color with aromas of dark fruits, spice and toasty oak. On the palate flavors of cherry, blackberry and plum with spice, herbs, cacao, tobacco and toasty tones from 18 months of oak aging. Full ripe tannins you can bite into, long finish ending with fruit and an earthy toasty spice character. Nice! Will age! — a month ago

Juan, Jake and 7 others liked this