Ef_

90

points Drink: 2015-2022 2011 Fattoria Casa di Terra Poggio Querciolo

92

points Drink: 2015-2025 2010 Fattoria Casa di Terra Bolgheri Rosso Maronea

A blend of mostly Syrah with a smaller component of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2011 Poggio Querciolo is a very interesting wine with a unique set of aromatic characteristics. There’s a huge cola presence here with balsam herb and dried blueberry and menthol shadings at the back. Licorice and sweet spice are also fitted into the ensemble. Poggio Querciolo feels dense and structured on the palate with some ripe, chewy fruit on the finish.

The 2010 Bolgheri Rosso Maronea (mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a smaller percent of Cabernet Franc) is a pleasurable and hedonistic wine that oozes dark concentration and deep fruit intensity. The oak tones play a big role in its appeal, although they still need time to integrate further. Soft tannins, solid structure and a spot of fresh acidity give the wine a great sense of balance.

Importer(s): Superior Wines LLC, 6 Commerce Dr, Cranford, NJ 07016, (908) 276-8826, www.superiorwineselections.com

91

points Drink: 2015-2025 2011 Giovanni Chiappini Bolgheri Rosso Guado dei Gemoli

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot (aged in new and used oak), the 2011 Bolgheri Superiore Guado dei Gemoli does not soar to the same heights of past vintages. Although the fruit is nicely integrated against soft layers of Indian spice, the wine delivers less energy and excitement than the 2009 and 2010 editions that showed such beautiful and pristine mineral definition. The heat and flatter fruit nuances of 2011 are apparent. The wine shows good extraction and smooth textural richness, but it also exhibits raw notes of soy or teriyaki that give it a rustic edge. Following a duo of knockout vintages, Giovanni’s Chiappini’s newest releases are less remarkable. The brightest pupil in the classroom is the Cabernet Franc Lienà. It shows a promising evolution and a somewhat quirky quality that gives it a unique personality among its Bolgheri peers. Importer(s): Lyra Wine, www.lyrawine.com

92

points Drink: 2015-2028 2011 Giovanni Chiappini Liena Cabernet Franc

The 2011 Lienà Cabernet Franc is loaded heavy with oak spice that builds the wine to towering aromatic aspirations. It’s almost too much of a good thing with Middle-Eastern spice rack, waxed Indian furniture, plum cake, dried prune and barbecue smoke. It must also be said that the wine possesses a good center of gravity and definition with linear shades of crushed mineral or polished stone that give it definition. Of Chiappini’s newest releases, this is the standout wine. It will appeal to those looking for the proverbial “big boy” Tuscan red. It should age nicely too. Following a duo of knockout vintages, Giovanni’s Chiappini’s newest releases are less remarkable. The brightest pupil in the classroom is the Cabernet Franc Lienà. It shows a promising evolution and a somewhat quirky quality that gives it a unique personality among its Bolgheri peers.

91-93 points

Drink: 2015-2028 2012 Donne Fittipaldi Bolgheri Superiore

Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2012 Bolgheri Superiore bursts open with enormous fruit vitality. This young wine shows immediate fruit with Morello cherries, blackberry and kirsch. Budding secondary aromas of tar, licorice and tilled earth add interesting complexity. The blend sees Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot – basically the same grapes as the Bolgheri Rosso minus the Sangiovese. It offers a rich, chewy finish with ripe, slightly sweet tannins. I’m a big fan of the wines of Donne Fittipaldi, and this set of new releases does not disappoint. Founded in 1992, the estate flaunts a deep sense of style and precision that is evident in the quality of the wines and their aesthetic presentation.

91

points Drink: 2014-2020 2012 Donne Fittipaldi Bolgheri

The 2012 Bolgheri Propretary Blend is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese. The wine reveals a core of dark fruit and spice with supporting aromas of spice and tobacco. It stands out for the generous fullness of the mouthfeel that is generous and rich without feeling too heavy. Caressing oak tannins give it traction on the finish. I’m a big fan of the wines of Donne Fittipaldi, and this set of new releases does not disappoint. Founded in 1992, the estate flaunts a deep sense of style and precision that is evident in the quality of the wines and their aesthetic presentation. Importer(s): Lyra Wine, www.lyrawine.com

Importer(s): Lyra Wine, www.lyrawine.com

92

points Drink: 2015-2028 2011 Giovanni Chiappini Liena Cabernet Sauvignon

Immensely full and rich, the 2011 Lienà Cabernet Sauvignon packs a powerful punch with generous tones of black fruit and exotic spice. It spends two years in French barrique and the oak nuances take a firm hold on both the bouquet and the mouthfeel. There’s a touch of sourness on the tannins with soft, sweet tones of blackberry and plum. Following a duo of knockout vintages, Giovanni’s Chiappini’s newest releases are less remarkable. The brightest pupil in the classroom is the Cabernet Franc Lienà. It shows a promising evolution and a somewhat quirky quality that gives it a unique personality among its Bolgheri peers. Importer(s): Lyra Wine, www.lyrawine.com

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook