Sooo seems 2010 Northern Rhône is ready! After a stunning 2010 Jamet in recent weeks I was inspired to try ‘10 Allemand. A multi-hour decant has it simply rocking, wafting distinctive, captivating Allemand aromatics of deep dark fruit, olive tapenade, charcuterie, violets and a liquid rock minerality. It’s at the point where fresh primary fruit meets the cusp of secondary, tertiary character. The palate is silky, vibrant and mineral with its structured tannins beginning to soften. I wonder how 2010 Reynard would compare. But Chaillot, with air, is most certainly ready, but of course only entering its prime drinking window. Love these wines! — a year ago
So long since I’ve had a Rockpile wine and loved this!! Black and green pepper along with dark berries (raspberry and blackberry). An excellent jam flavor that just fits so well with bbq ribs. — 4 years ago
A fantastic bottle of Brunello we had in Florence. Deep red and full bodied. Great depths of flavor, cherry, vanilla, tobacco, and lightly floral. — a month ago
Wow, lovely and so drinkable. (Florence) — a year ago
Enjoyed this one at small restaurant near Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence. — 3 years ago
Founded at end of 1800 when Lavinio Franceschi, Florence land owner, visited the area. Over a century later, Tenuta covers an area of 530 hectares (140 planted with vines; 50 with olive trees). Aged in French oak for 36 months, 100% Sangiovese hand picked from 20-year old vines. A Gem! Deep Ruby. rich berry fruit aromas with complex spice. Palate has rich berry fruit flavors, baked cherry, with tobacco, cacao & subtle spice. Soft tannins, long finish ending with seductive earthy tones. Nice, aged well! — 4 years ago
Always a treat with its perfumed aromatics, balanced dark cherry, berry fruits, spice, mineral, graphite, iron, olive, pepper & violets — 6 months ago
Estate dates back to Crusades & Scottish navigator, George Smith, owner in the 18th century. Followed by M. Duffour-Dubergier, Mayor of Bordeaux, then Louis Eschenauer, a famous wine shipper. In 1990, Daniel & Florence Cathiard now own estate. Blend of 60% Cab Sauv & 40% Merlot, dark berry aromas, herbs and earthy spice. On the complex palate flavors of cherry and currant with pepper, tobacco and cacao notes. Soft ripe tannins, long finish ending with an earthy mineral character. — 9 months ago
With Allison, Terry and Jane on Penn Stare trip to Florence. — 4 years ago
Bob McDonald
I bought this bottle in Florence around 2019. I later found out the shop was owned by Antinori - the producer of the wine. An excellent Super Tuscan from Bolgheri. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Dark Ruby with a tawny rim starting to develop. Classic Bordeaux descriptors of Cassis, herbs, tobacco and hints of cocoa with oak totally integrated. A rich and mouth filling palate such that it could have been from a new world vineyard in a good vintage. This is comparable in quality to a good Super Second. Interestingly the 2007 had the major change of Syrah being eliminated from the blend in favour of Cabernet Franc. An outstanding Bordeaux blend which exceeded expectations. I should keep an eye out for more bottles. — 8 days ago