Muga Blanco 2014

 


I`ve had a bit ambivalent relationship with Spanish white wines. I`ve enjoyed some in the past,
but had also many many disappointments. As going out side of my comfort zone in white wines seems to be my theme at the moment, why not give Spain a change.

Muga Blanco 2014
13,0 %
13e (Wine-Searcher)

Silky smooth on the palate but, with a strong underlying structure and minerality. Starts actually really kind of shy, but like a diesel motor slowly starts to roll, and finishes with substantial power; leaving a beautifully lingering aftertaste of candied orange peel, lemon, and some spicyness.
A good value!
89

Bellingham Grenache Blanc Viognier 2014

Bellingham The Bernard Series Whole Bunch Grenache Blanc Viognier 2014
14.00%
20e (Wine-Searcher)

This is beautiful!
Fascinating aromas: peaches, lime, almost a hint of botrytis, toasty caramel, smoke, burnt wood and marshmallow.
The palate is full bodied, slightly oily, tropical and seductive. Also a touch smoky and savory. On the backgorund appears only a hint of oak and toastiness. Acidity, and chalky/mineral undertones gives energy and depth.
Has a lingering and nutty aftertaste with interesting, high pitched and bright lime/lime zest element emerging. The 14% Alcohol is impressively under control.
Big, bold and hedonistic, but at the same time surprisingly fresh and lively. Quite complex.
90

Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga d`Alba 2010

After having some kind of identity crisis and a couple decades of decline, the Historical Barolo house of Fontanafredda seems to be experiencing a new renaissance, and is slowly gaining back it`s position as one of the great Barolo makers. With the house style leaning more on the classical side.


Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga d`Alba 2010
14,0%
33e (Wine-Searcher

Shy aromas: ripe dark berries, leather, nutmeg.
Medium bodied, almost a bit thin. Big, and somewhat harsh tannins.
Delicious, smoky and spicy fruit on the mid palate, but turns abruptly very dusty and earthy, and in the finish/aftertaste, almost bitter. This wine needs a looooooong decanting. After 5 hours it developed more body and the bitterness and austerity gave space for the fruit to shine.
Good, structured Barolo, but needs many years to reach it`s full potential.
89

DeMorgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc 2014

DeMorgenzon Reserve Chenin Blanc 2014
14,0%
23e (Wine-Searcher)


So, my white wine season has been opened.. Spring is finally here, fuck yeah!

South African whites haven`t been admittedly too much in my wine repertoire.
Made a promise to myself that this year I will start to explore white wine categories/styles out side of my comfort zone. In other words, probably more towards New World, and modern style...
This wine was given to me as a present, and was definitely a good start...

Aromatically a bit tight: some funk, bee wax, florality, lemon.
Electric first attack with a good weight, at first almost overwhelming; full of tropical fruits, ripe lychee, pears, lime, with a good amount of chalky minerality, and in the background a hint of  toasty caramel and creaminess. Full bodied, yet not too heavy at all, almost refreshing. 14% alc. feels only as a slight warmer.
Somewhat piercing acidity dominates a bit in the finish, and promises a good aging potential. Intriguingly long and profound aftertaste.
A gorgeous Chenin Blanc!
92

Caprili Brunello di Montalcino 2010

This was drunk during a work meeting, and chess match.
Thanks for the wine Ilkka!

Caprili Brunello di Montalcino 2010
DOCG
15,5%
37e(Wine-Searcher)

Young, yes. Delicious, hell yeah!
Warm aromas; ripe cherries, liquorice, Christmas spices, smoke.
Intense first attack with a good weight and delicious ripe dark fruit. Becomes more and more broad and explosive towards the finish, and to be honest, goes a bit over the top, with waves of tannins dominating. Nevertheless shows a wonderfully delicate, smoky and spicy aftertaste. Impressive how well the 15,5% Alc. is hidden.
Such a restless and nervous wine, yet fascinating, and highly delicious.
Nice potential, no doubt.
91

Château Tour Peyronneau 2012

Value Bordeaux? An Oxymoron?
Well, this was delish...

Château Tour Peyronneau 2012
AC Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
13%
25e (Wine-Searcher)


Slightly tight but elegant aromas; ripe blackberries, cedar box, vanilla, manor.
On the palate solid, almost sweet, fruit. Some oak, earth, vegetal elements, hint of acidity and some tannins.
Best part is definitely on the midpalate, where there`s a focused, delicious, bursting fruit. Finishing with a hint of Cherry cola. Turns more vegetal and tad bitter and earthy in the drying aftertaste.
Immediately appealing, yet not too shallow, or easy-going.
Will be better after few years. Still somewhat nervy.
89