Marchesi Antinori Peppoli 2009

The 2009 vintage in Chianti region experiences cool and wet weather during winter which allowed the vines to recover fully.

Marchesi Antinori Peppoli 2009

To start with there is a mass of twigs and green herbs but after it is open for a while sweet plums, black currnats and spice take over. The light bodied palate works well with the tannin structure and flavour profile. I would leave this in the cellar for a bit just to let the herbal nature of the wine to reduce.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price:$25
Rated: 86
Drink: 2014 - 2019
Importer: Negociants Australia

Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio 2006

Barone Ricasoli has been through a few hand changes but it is now back in family hands and the wines they are turning out are either great value or jaw dropping in quality. This wine is both.

Barone Ricasoli Castello di Brolio 2006

This wine is not quite ready to drink as it took three days to fully open out and show it true colours. For a Tuscan wine this is full bodied with flavours of blackberry and dried daisies flowing from the glass. These flavours dangle in an alluring manner before my eyes and then they transform into balsamic vinegar and crushed earth which takes their place with a little spice adding interest on the back palate. The depth of flavour is specular and the textural component are magical, to say the least. I sat their with this wine marvelling at the quality and precision that has been etched into this vinious sculpture. Italy is leading the pack for top quality wines in the world with price tags that are stupidly low.


Alcohol: 14%
Price: $99
Rated: 96+
Drink: 2016 - 2028
Importer: Bibendum Wine Co.

Isole e Olena Cepparello 2007

Tuscan is rich in its cultural and gastronomic history.  In the 15 century the area was dominated by a group of wealthy families.  Due to the amount of money in the area and a love for all things beautiful, the arts and architecture began to flourish. During this period people like Dante, Da Vinci and Michelangelo produced their greatest works which we all can experience today.  Most of the traditional foods are still cooked today using the freshest local ingredients.

Isole e Olena Cepparello 2007

Pure gold resides within this wine.  The wine is a lot broodier than the 05 and 06 version but you still get the dark cherries rolled in dirt and spring flowers dipped in exotic Asian spices.  The palate seems to be more intense than usual but everything is in perfect balance.  The interplay between a riot of flavour and the rambunctious tannins is something to stand back and watch.  They both are melted together providing depth and spectacular length at the same time. If you want to see what a wine tastes like that I have given a score of 97 which sells for less than 100 bucks, go crack this tonight!

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $99
Rated: 97+
Drink: 2016 - 2030
Importer: Negociants

Isole e Olena Cepparello 2004

This fine estate is owned and run by Paolo De Marchi, who took over from his parents in 1976.  This wine is 100% Sangiovese and is one of the first of its kinds to focus totally on this grape variety.  Some people have said that there is a large bottle variation in these....well I must have been extremely lucky.


Isole e Olena Cepparello 2004

Right from the word go this screamed charm and elegance. There are sour notes mixed with earth and spice but it is the food friendly nature and the extreme length that got my juices going. I had this wine at my wedding and it was singing that night but today it has taken the quality level up two notches!!!! The tannin structure mesmerises you, taking you in for a long kiss good night.  Every other wine served on the night paled in comparison. Breath taking!

Alcohol: 14%
Price: $99
Rated: 97+ (the only thing holding me back from a 98 is my impression that this will get better)
Drink: 2015 - 2024
Importer: Negociants

Riecine Chianti Classico 2008

My love of Chianti started when I was travelling around the Italian country side eating regional food, mostly cooked by someones grandma, on a little table that had a candle jammed into an empty squat bottle that had been encased in straw.  I never knew what type of wine would have been served in straw but I wanted to find out.  I still haven't tried one so this beautiful Chianti will have to do.
 
Riecine Chianti Classico 2008

Welcome to tannin town! This could only be Italian as the chalky tannins envelop your mouth in a magnificent manner.  In needs an extra few years in the cellar but otherwise there is brightness and intrigue embossed all over the sophisticated liquid.  While those looking for full bodied enjoyment will have to look elsewhere, you get drink-ability galore in a food friendly manner.  I could see myself finishing the whole bottle by myself no worries, it’s that inviting.

Alcohol: 14%
Price: $40
Rated: 92
Drink: 2013 - 2022

Isole e Olena Vin Santo 2000

This beautiful wine is made from Malvasia and Trebbbiano and has been sitting in barrel for 7 years.   Antonio Galloni's (90 pt) bottling date is different to the one i have so im not sure what is going on. 

Isole e Olena Vin Santo 2000

Oh my god, this wine got me thinking about how I review wines.

Balance? does it have a balance between sugar, flavour, bitterness, intensity and acid? yes

Length? Does it have length both with its breath and width? Yes

Age ability? Well it already 11 year old so yes

The stand out feature is the insane length and complexity of the wine.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $85
Rated: 94
Drink: When ever you like!