Bolgheri 2010 & 2011: panel tasting results

Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia, Bolgheri Sassicaia 2010
Decanter average score: 18.5/20pts (95/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: Ian D’Agata 18.5 Michael Garner 18.5 Emily O’Hare 18.5

Price: £114.40-£150 Armit Wines, Justerini & Brooks, Millésima, Secret Cellar, Swig, Oxford Wine Co, Private Cellar
Drink: 2015-2026
Alc 13.5% 

There is very little left to say about this extraordinary wine except to continue to extol its proverbial elegance and amazing consistency. Year in, year out Sassicaia captures the character of the vintage in all its positive aspects while avoiding the attendant pitfalls. It can be delicate without losing structure and ripe without losing freshness, all the while maintaining its own unmistakeable style. Winemaker and eminence grise of Sassicaia, Giacomo Tachis retired in 2010, his place taken by Graziana Grassini, with no perceptible change in style or quality. If there is anything new to add, it is the impression that in recent vintages, without losing any of its prodigious longevity, it has become a hint more approachable in its youth.
Ian D’Agata Extremely aromatic notes of red berries, sour red cherries, violet, white pepper and fresh herbs. Finishes very bright and fresh.
Michael Garner Scented berry fruit nose with good freshness. Ripe and full with fleshy fruit flavour and a hint of butterscotch. Good balance and length.
Emily O’Hare Memories of Côte-Rotie. This is supremely pretty, with lots of character and depth of flavour.


Ceralti, Alfeo, Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Decanter average score: 18.25/20pts (94/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 18.5 MG 18 EOH 18.5

Price: £35 Tuscanic
Drink: 2014-2020
Alc 14.5%

Fleshy and ripe with full berry fruit aromas. A very pure and lively wine. Lots of crunchy red berries, violets, sweet spices and a refined leafy nuance at the back. Balanced tannins and good length.


Collemassari, Grattamacco, Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Decanter average score: 18.25/20pts (94/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 18.5 MG 18.5 EOH 18

Price: £41 Decorum Vintners, Millésima, Uncorked
Drink: 2015-2020
Alc 14%

Very pretty Sangiovese florality and freshness to lift the rich aromas and flavours. Full, ripe and fleshy with forward, bramble fruit flavours. Great wine, with above-average clarity and cut.


Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia, Bolgheri Sassicaia 2011
Decanter average score: 18/20pts (93/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 18.25 MG 18 EOH 17.5 

Price: POA Armit Wines, Milésima, Secret Cellar, Swig
Drink: 2015-2020
Alc 13.5%

Pristine aromas and flavours of cassis, violet, cedar and minty aromatic herbs. Round and ripe with some freshness of acidity. Interesting breadth of flavour. Fleshy, ripe and very good.


Gaja, Ca’ Marcanda, Bolgheri 2010
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.25 MG 18 EOH 17 

Price: £69.99 Hedonism, Secret Cellar, Wholefoods
Drink: 2015-2026
Alc 14%

Aromas of coffee and chocolate and hints of garrigue. Ripe, round and juicy with plenty of fleshy, sweet fruit though balanced by decent acidity. Perfumed finish. Very good.


I Greppi, Greppicante, Bolgheri 2011
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.75 MG 17 EOH 17.5 

Price: £15.95 Swig
Drink: 2014-2018
Alc 13.5%

Purple flowers such as violet and lavender with savoury red berry and vanilla nuances. Balanced and long, with fair concentration of ripe fruit flavours. Haunting aromas of chocolate and plum.


Le Grascete, Bolgheri Superiore 2011
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.75 MG 16.5 EOH 18 

Price: N/A UK www.legrascete.com
Drink: 2014-2018
Alc 15%

Captivating aromas of small, dark berries, violet, red cherry jam and sweet spices. Quite complete on the palate, which is full of dried tobacco and fresh plum flavours. This is fleshy, spicy and needs time.



Le Macchiole, Bolgheri 2010
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.25 MG 17 EOH 18 

Price: £16.95-£18.95 Lea & Sandeman, Millésima, Vini Italiani
Drink: 2014-2020
Alc 14%

Fresh and vibrant aromas of red berries, aromatic herbs and orange peel. Bright and fresh on the palate with fair length. Very good overall.


Mulini di Segalari, Ai Confini del Bosco, Bolgheri 2010
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17 MG 17 EOH 18.5 

Price: N/A UK www.mulinidisegalari.it
Drink: 2014-2022
Alc 13%

Perfumed nose of fresh fruit and flowers; quite high-toned. This wine is different; fragrant and fresh, lively and clean. Good length and aroma. Very correct.


Cipriana, Scopaio, Bolgheri 2010
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 16.5 MG 18 EOH 17 

Price: N/A UK +39(0)565775568
Drink: 2014-2020
Alc 13%

Round and ripe with forward, blue and bramble fruit aromas. Fleshy with good depth of juicy berry flavours and a great spice character. Lovely balance and length.


Ornellaia, Bolgheri Superiore 2011
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.25 MG 17.5 EOH 17.25 

Price: POA Armit Wines, Secret Cellar, Oxford Wine Co
Drink: 2014-2017
Alc 14.5%

Big, ripe and burly: sweet bramble fruits with notes of molasses and chocolate. Full and very ripe with solid tannins; a real taste of Maremma.


Poggio al Tesoro, Sondraia, Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.5 MG 17.5 EOH 16.5 

Price: £31.99 Carruthers & Kent, D Byrne & Co, HarperWells, Harrods, Hedonism, The Good Wine Shop, Toscanaccio, Vallebona, Waples Wines, Wined Up Here
Drink: 2015-2018
Alc 14.5%

Blackberry, liquorice and cedar nose. Sweet spice, cherry cola flavours and smooth tannins. A crowd pleaser.


Serni Fulvio Luigi, Acciderba, Bolgheri 2010
Decanter average score: 17.25/20pts (90+/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 16.75 MG 17.5 EOH 17.5 

Price: £20 GIDA
Drink: 2015-2028
Alc 14%
 

Big, rich and dense but with lively acidity that lifts the ripe red fruit aromas and flavours. This has masses of fleshy berry fruit flavours with charcoal and gunpowder nuances. 

Banfi, Aska, Bolgheri 2011
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17.25 MG 17.5 EOH 16.5 

Price: £50 Bibendum
Drink: 2015-2018
Alc 14.5%

Mint and menthol complement blueberry and cassis on the floral nose. Big, round and juicy with good aromas of blue and black berries with some spicy overtones. Lively on the long, juicy finish.


Campo alla Sughera, Arnione, Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17 MG 16 EOH 18 

Price: £22.70-£25.95 (2007) Mondial Wine, Winedirect
Drink: 2015-2017
Alc 14%

Big, dense and suave. Ripe and chocolatey with pretty coffee and herbal notes with complicating hints of strawberry jam. This has a Côte-Rotie vibe: cool and pretty.


Cipriana, San Martino, Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 16.25 MG 18 EOH 17 

Price: N/A UK +39(0)565775568
Drink: 2016-2022
Alc 13.5%

Scented and ripe with notes of coffee and butterscotch. Balanced palate with broad, ripe berry fruit flavours and decent oak integration.


Mulini di Segalari, Bolgheri Superiore 2010
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)
Individual judges’ scores: IDA 17 MG 16 EOH 18 

Price: £16 www.mulinidisegalari.it 
Drink: 2014-2020
Alc 13%

Almost pungently floral with bright red berry fruit and oriental spices. Ripe, full and fleshy with decent berry fruit aromas. This has freshness and vibrancy.

Source: http://www.decanter.com/wine/labels/34483/slideshow/0/bolgheri-2010-2011-panel-tasting-results#slideshow

Ian D'Agata's top 10 Cannubi wines

Brezza, Cannubi 2010
Decanter average score: 18.5/20pts (95/100pts)

Price: £33 Fine & Rare
Drink: 2019-2030
Alc: 14.5%

A remarkable wine from a can’t-miss vintage: sleek, graceful, perfumed. Enzo Brezza produces an archetypal Cannubi each vintage.


Paolo Scavino, Cannubi 2010
Decanter average score: 18.5/20pts (95/100pts)

Price: £51 Fine & Rare
Drink: 2019-2030
Alc: 14.5%

As good as the Rocche dell’Annunziata Riserva is, Scavino’s Cannubi has become his best wine, blending grace and power as only Cannubi can do.

Cascina Bruciata, Cannubi Muscatel 2009
Decanter average score: 18/20pts (93/100pts)

Price: n/A UK www.cascinabruciata.it
Drink: 2015-2026
Alc: 14.5%

Very small production for a small gem: delicate aromas and supple flavours of small red berries, minerals and roses. Very silky; readier than most.


Ceretto, Cannubi San Lorenzo 2004
Decanter average score: 18/20pts (93/100pts)

Price: n/A UK www.ceretto.com
Drink: 2015-2030
Alc: 14.5%

A fantastic new wine by Ceretto (’03 was the first vintage). Pristine, refined notes of rosehips, sour red cherries and minerals. Cask samples of future vintages are even better.


E Pira & Figli, Chiara Boschis, Cannubi 2009
Decanter average score: 18/20pts (93/100pts)

Price: £42–£56 AG Wines, Berry Bros & Rudd, Exel, Fine & Rare, Lay & Wheeler, Swig
Drink: 2019-2030
Alc: 14.5%

Chiara Boschis’ wines seem less oaky than they used to be – a good thing. A very pure, floral rendition of Cannubi.


Virna, Cannubi Boschis 2004
Decanter average score: 18/20pts (93/100pts)

Price: £35 Colombier Vins Fins
Drink: 2015-2030
Alc: 14.5%

This up-and-coming estate has probably never made a better wine than the 2009 Cannubi Boschis, but this 2004 smartly showcases the power and flesh of the sub-zone.


Damilano, Cannubi 2005
Decanter average score: 17.75/20pts (91/100pts)

Price: £44 Mondial
Drink: 2016-2028
Alc: 14.5%

From an underrated vintage, red berries, roses and a hint of sweet spices in a slightly fleshier version of Cannubi; readier to drink than most.


Francesco Rinaldi, Cannubi 2009
Decanter average score: 17.75/20pts (92/100pts)

Price: £36-£43 AG Wines, Astrum, Fine & Rare
Drink: 2017-2029
Alc: 14.5%

Medium-bodied, with pure, precise red berry, tar and rose petal notes in a very well balanced, silky package.


Michele Chiarlo, Cannubi 2009
Decanter average score: 17.5/20pts (91/100pts)

Price: n/A UK www.michelechiarlo.it
Drink: 2019-2030
Alc: 14.5%

Chiarlo’s other Barolos are widely available, but the Cannubi is his best wine: more refined and perfumed, and less chewy than Cerequio, another very famous cru.


Serio e Battista Borgogno, Cannubi 2007
Decanter average score: 17/20pts (90/100pts)

Price: £70.67 Friarwood
Drink: 2015-2025
Alc: 14.5%

The 2007 is a warm year but this Cannubi performs admirably with fleshier, richer red fruit flavours than usual.


Source: http://www.decanter.com/wine/labels/34482/slideshow/1/ian-d-agata-s-top-10-cannubi-wines#slideshow

Some 80's Wine For You

Wine improve with age? Check out our list of wine from the 80's.

Baron Philippe De Rothschild Château Mouton Baronne Philippe 1982
Baron Philippe De Rothschild , Bordeaux, France
Rating: 4.5stars; 93points

Initial bottle stink wafts to deliver complex notes. Very interesting. Mint, leather, mature cassis and loads more.


Fieuzal Pessac-Léognan Blanc 1983
Château de Fieuza, Graves, France
Grape Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
Rating: 4.0stars; 91points

Bit shy but no hint of oxidation on nose. Palate long and youthful.


Taupenot-Merme Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru 1983
Domaine Taupenot-Merme, Bourgogne, France
Grape Varietals: Pinot Noir
Rating: 4.5stars; 94points

Initial burgundy stink slowly gives way to Complex aged pinot notes with brioche and spice. Later some floral notes.


Vega Sicilia Ribera Del Duero Unico 1986
Vega Sicilia s.a., Castilla y León, Spain
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Tempranillo
Rating: 4.5stars; 94points

Complex array of aromatic red fruit notes with some rustic leather like hints. Palate follows nose delivered on a bed of firmish tannins. Good length.


Fieuzal Pessac-Léognan Blanc 1987
Château de Fieuza, Graves, France
Grape Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
Rating: 4.0stars; 92points

Aromatic and very pretty and youthful nose. Palate very youthful but acid slightly apart.


Rausan-Segla Grand Cru Classé Margaux 1988
Château Rausan-Ségla, Bordeaux, France
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Rating: 3.5stars; 90points

Meaty and semi-dense with soft tannins. Old leather and forest floor notes dominate. Hint of mint and sweaty armpits too.


Fieuzal Péssac-Leognan Granc Cru Classé De Graves 1989
Château de Fieuza, Graves, France
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Rating: 4.5stars; 94points

Dark ruby garnet with a prominent brick rim. Immediately delivers serious wafts of tobacco, gravel and cigar box over cassis. Fresh, layered and complex. Evolution introduced lovely compot like secondary notes. Immensely enjoyable. This bottle bought at the cellar so provenance is prestine.


Bourillon Dorleans La Coulée D'Argent Vouvray Vieilles Vigne 1989
Domaine Bourillon Dorléans, Loire, France
Grape Varietals: Chenin Blanc
Rating: 4.0stars; 92points

Complex. Botrytised. youthful.


Georges Noëllat Vosne-Romanée 1989
Georges Noëllat, Bourgogne, France
Grape Varietals: Pinot Noir
Rating: 3.5stars; 90points

After a dismal performance by the GC from the same Village and Vintage, this one immediately launches itself at your nostrils with pinot perfume and a hint of spice. Quite short but very pleasing for a 24 year old village. Does fade rather quickly tho


Georges Noëllat Grands Echezeaux 1989
Georges Noëllat, Bourgogne, France
Grape Varietals: Pinot Noir
Rating: 3.5stars; 89points

4.2.14 tasting. Not oxidised but seems past its best. Complex genteel cherry like notes wrapped in mild sweet spice. 5.12.16.7=90 Dec 2013-This one showing heavy oxidative notes on opening. Cork also displays minimal exposure to wine hinting upright storage for prolonged period. Sad as this wine ever so often displays Vosne Romanee prowess and finesse. Could have been so much more.

The Year 2000 Series

Pichon-Longueville Pichon-Baron Pauillac 2000
Château Pichon-Longueville, Bordeaux, France
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Rating: 4.5stars; 94points

Good breadth and depth of flavours. Complex balanced and long. Great ageing potential (20yrs).


Leflaive Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2000
Domaine Leflaive, Bourgogne, France
Grape Varietals: Chardonnay
Rating: 4.5stars; 93points

Balanced long complex minerally citrus notes with a hint of butterscotch. Wonderfully textured mouthfeel


Pichon-Longueville Pauillac Réserve De La Comtesse 2000
Château Pichon-Longueville, Medoc, France
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Rating: 3.5stars; 90points

Elegant layered cassis with mocha dominating initially. Tasted blind reminded me of a Pichon Lallande but the mocha was overpowering. This tapered off to deliver a much more delightful offering.


Lascombes Margaux Grand Cru Classé 2000
Château Lascombes, Medoc, France
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Carmenérè
Rating: 4.0stars; 92points

Initial Bordeaux stink gives way to complex cassis with Bdx minerality and strong oak support. Fruit waning but balance still good. Dense and with soft tannins.


Alain Brumont Frimaire Pacherenc Du Vic Bilh 2000
Alain Brumont, Sud-Ouest, France
Grape Varietals: Petit Manseng
Rating: 3.5stars; 90points

Good balance and decent complexity


Teyssier Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2000
Château Teyssier, Bordeaux, France
Grape Varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Rating: 3.5stars; 90points

A hint of oxidation masking the lovely mature bordeaux notes. Suspect storage issues but still a delectable wine


Kanonkop Paul Sauer 2000
Kanonkop Estate, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Rating: 4.5stars; 93points

13 years on and still a baby. Deep, pungent and intense cassis dominate the long palate. Hints of tobacco and cedar with a touch of moccha provide complexity. A unique new world wine within grasp of perfection save for a lack of the harmony that exudes from pedigree old world wines. Easily 10 years in reserve.


Faustino Rioja I Gran Reserva 2000
Bodegas, La Rioja, Spain
Grape Varietals: Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano
Rating: 4.0stars; 91points

Initially nose brett. laden but this eases with time to reveal soft complex vanillin coated red cherries. Palate expressive complex and layered from onset and slowly opens a bit more with time.


Bachelet Vieilles Vigne Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru 2000
Domaine Bachelet, Côte de Nuits, France
Grape Varietals: Pinot Noir
Rating: 4.5stars; 93points

Clean and long complex pinot red cherry notes. Great purity


Pichon-Longueville Les Tourelles De Longueville Pauillac 2000
Château Pichon-Longueville, Bordeaux, France
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Rating: 3.0stars; 88points

Mocha on nose. Much lighter on palate. Drink soon.


Beaucastel Hommage A Jacques Perrin 2000
Château De Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France
Grape Varietals: Mourvedre, Shiraz/Syrah, Grenache Noir, Cinsault
Rating: 4.0stars; 91points

Brett.? On nose and palate. Wild bouquet of floral, raspberry and mushrooms. Bad bottle?


Ponsot Clos de La Roche Cuvée Vieilles Vigne 2000
Domaine Ponsot, Bourgogne, France
Grape Varietals: Pinot Noir
Rating: 4.5stars; 94points

Deep pinot strawberry/cherry greet on 1st pour. Great depth and complexity without the farmyard notes. Will go for another 10 years.


Cave De Nolay Chambolle-Musigny 2000
Cave De Nolay, Bourgogne, France
Grape Varietals: Pinot Noir
Rating: 3.5stars

Niced aged village burg. hint oxidative at start but not unpleasant. Hint of spice adds complexity


Seghesio Vigneto La Villa Barolo 2000
Aldo E Riccardo Seghesio, Langhe, Italy
Grape Varietals: Nebbiolo
Rating: 3.5stars; 89points

Mellow and balanced but lacks in character.


Lynch Bages Grand Cru Classé Pauillac 2000
Château Lynch Bages, Bordeaux, France
Grape Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Rating: 4.0stars; 91points

Complex cassis and tobacco notes. Good balance and length