Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

My, at times snobbish, old world biased palate has been schooled lately...
Of all the places Australia, a wine country I`ve admitedly had quite a bit of prejudice against, has provided many pleasant surprises recently.
Well, I guess taste changes... Wine is a journey, like life, just have to enjoy the ride...


 



















Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon
2012
13,5%
21€ Wine-Searcher average price

This is lovely!
Aromatically explosive: blackcurrant, blueberries, mint, vanilla, sweet tobacco, pine needles and a hint of smoke.
Cool and fresh on the palate; fresh blueberry/blackcurrant jam, mint tea, vanilla cream, herbaceousness. Supple and lively, with strong tannins and acidity leading the high pitched and delicious fruit seamlessly to a lifting finish and a long and drying, a bit herbal aftertaste. Oak gives just a nice finishing spice to the mix, nothing more. Alcohol is totally integrated.
Nice elegance and balance here. What can I say, this Aussie Cab delivers big time!
92

Brezza - Barolo Bricco Sarmassa 2009

Had a chess match with a friend the other day, and this wine fitted perfectly the rather contemplative mood.

Brezza - Barolo Bricco Sarmassa
2009
14,5%
47€ Wine-Searcher average price

Grapes come from the Sarmassa vineyard in Barolo commune, and this Bricco Sarmassa is made only from a small and high-lying portion separately from the normal Sarmassa, and is not bottled every year.

An intoxicating and thought provoking aromas: jellied raspberries, virginian pipe tobacco, chipotle chilies(interesting!), rose petals, leather, a bit mossy earthy notes and crushed rocks. Also a nose that evolves; after coming back to it there seems to be happening always something new.
Quite silky and smooth on the palate; rose petals, bright raspberries/strawberries, liquorice, smoke and tar. Strongish acidity, and powerfull, but already a bit polished tannins.
The pure and intense fruit is upfront at first, but finishes quite savory and earthy.
Despite the dryness and almost saltyness, there`s a kind of "inner sweetness" here, which gives a nice balancing touch. The beauty and power of the finishing lift just makes me smile.
Has a minutes long, ashy aftertaste of cuban cigar, dried strawberies/raspberries, liquorice and tar.
A home run Barolo from a challenging vintage.
93

One of those childhood idols.. :)