45th Anniversary, La Rocca, made from 100% Garganega and aged for 15 months in large French and Slavonian barrels. Bright golden lemon yellow color with aromas of stone and tropical fruits, floral and oak notes, very rich and complex. On the palate flavors of pineapple, peach. melon and lemon zest with nutty vanilla flavors and lively acidity. Smooth and elegant the wine ends with toasty fruit, generous mineral notes and a bit of honey & spice. Nice! — a month ago
Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and no obvious signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of ripe and some dried fruits: bramble berries, slightly stewed black cherry, dried herbs, stony earth, baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. The alcohol is high.
Initial conclusions: this could be a Grenache-based blend, Corvina-based blend or Sangiovese-based blend from France or Italy. I felt the combination of slightly stewed cherry and spices ruled out what I would want from a Sangiovese blend. Which, left me to decide between Southern Rhône or Valpolicella. I liked this wine…the oak treatment was interesting. I was getting a French barrique. Hmmm…
So, for my final conclusion: I’m calling this a Grenache-based blend, from France, from Southern Rhône, from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2017, from a more modern leaning producer using a good portion of barrique. I’ll be damned! I don’t hate my call but I gotta get better at distinguishing these wines from Southern Rhône. I probably just need to drink more of both, lol. Tasty stuff! Drink now through 2039. — a month ago
This could probably benefit from some aging but drinking well now. Elegant aromas of dried cherries, fruit compote, spices, cocoa, and hints of exotic woods. — 5 days ago
It was ok, not as much fruit now. — 14 days ago
Very nice, dark color earthy forest notes into firm palate with a good bite and extending into finish — 3 days ago
2022 vintage. Very nice, especially for the price. A little too bitter for H, but I quite liked it. Best within first few hours of opening — 11 days ago
After pressing dried grapes from making Amarone, Valpolicella wine is passed over the still warm skins of Amarone for 2nd alcoholic fermentation, increasing the alcoholic content, aromas and color. Blend of 85% Corvina, 10% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta. Deep Ruby with aromas of sweet dried berry fruits and pepper spice. On the palate ripe blackberry, currants and sweet cherry with complex spice. Well balanced with acidity and alcohol, full-body with soft tannins on long finish. Nice value. — a month ago
Brian S
I love this producer whatever they make. So alive, fresh and beautiful. Could drink this all night! — 4 days ago