The '08 Tignanello is more linear than the richer '07. Toast, graphite, morello cherry, humus, cassis, mocha and a slight herbal edge are supported by Sangiovese’s acidity and Cabernet Sauvignon’s tannins. It will age well for a decade.
A 50/50 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon with a gamey, black fruit nose and touches of liquorice, tar, vanilla toast and oak. It’s concentrated and nicely balanced in the mouth with ripe tannins, meaty/earthy notes and blackberry, plum and currant fruits. Needs to further integrate in the bottle to reach its peak performance.
Le Volte is what you might call an entry level Super Tuscan and a smart buy in the category. It’s a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon with cherry, raspberry and wild berry fruits on the nose with soft, integrated spice and herbs. It’s rich on the palate but not overly saturated with lovely fruit-spice balance and an even-handed approach in the use of oak.
This CC from Ama offers a significant nose of humus, cherries, cassis, raspberries, mocha, liquorice and coffee. Medium to full bodied, the firm tannins and fresh acid ensure at least 15 years of longevity.
Il Bruciato is Guado al Tasso’s second wine but, trust me, there is nothing second-class about it. This black wine, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Syrah is complex, with layers of plums, black cherries, blackcurrants, vanilla, cinnamon and mocha. Full bodied and hearty, the finish just carries on. It will drink well over the next decade. Charred T-bone steaks or beef carpaccio are the best matches.
Multi-layered and complex with brilliant blackberry, blueberry, floral, mint and spice aromas that follow through to the palate with racy, firm yet silky tannins, incredible depth and balance and a long, long finish. Amazing now after being decanted for several hours, but will just get better with 5 more years to evolve. A bargain for Barbaresco.
This single-vineyard Classico is a rustic, old-style wine that is simply enthralling with roasted meats, game, super-charged dark fruits, spice and funk on the nose. It is beautifully balanced in the mouth with all those interesting and intense fruits linked harmoniously to an array of spice, oak and firm tannins. A throwback style of Chianti that is refreshing to taste. Serve with braised meats or dishes made with savoury sauces.