2000 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo
- another incredible wine found on the list at Taverna Pane e Vino, and priced in a way that I just couldn't pass it up. Mascarello produces what is possibly my favorite barolo (at the very least one of my top 3). I have experienced only a few vintages, but this includes the 1957 which was inspiring. Mary and I visited the cantina several years ago, and the wine is just filled with so much tradition and passion. 2000 is an incredible vintage, and to me is drinking so beautifully now. Filled with perfumes of lavender, this wine just rocks. Also enjoyed sharing this with a number of students, watching their eyes roll back in their heads as they enjoyed their glasses.
Castello di Bossi Wine Dinner
- the fantastic Enoteca Molesini hosts amazing wine dinners in Cortona each week at different restaurants around town. This was the first time I have been able to attend one, and it was sensational. As I was flying solo this time, I got placed at the table of people without family/spouses, etc - meaning I sat with a group of Australian guys on holiday and also, Marco and Paolo (the enoteca owners) and Stefano - the winemaker for Castello di Bossi and Ranieri. I think I got a pretty good table! Plus - the dinner was at Pozzo Antico, one of my favorite spots in Cortona. The wines:
1997 Corbaia
- this was a treat that came to our table because of the wine maker and wine shop guys. A delicious Super-Tuscan (Sangiovese/Cab Sauv) that was young and powerful despite nearly 20 years in bottle.
2001 Girolamo
- this Super-Tuscan is 100% Merlot and is an example of why I think Italy does the best Merlot outside of Pomerol (and when you factor in price it has to be considered the best for the $). Usually found younger in retail stores, this wine needs the time and age to really express, and 15 years seems about right!
2013 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico
- a simply DELICIOUS traditional chianti classico made in Castelnuovo Berardenga - my favorite chianti classico region. The winery sits adjacent to Castell'in Villa with each property's hills meeting on the valley floor. Love this wine.
2012 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Riserva
- I was not as big a fan of the riserva, although it was still delicious. The riserva is aged a bit in barriques, producing a bit more of the oak/wood flavors and tannins than I tend to dig in my favorite wines. It was a very tasteful version of this style, though, and was a big hit with most in the room
Salvioni - 2012, 2013, 2014 from botte
For the past 4 summers now, I have enjoyed the opportunity to visit the SMALL (one room) cellar of the Salvioni family for a tasting from barrel with Alessia Salvioni. This year, I was privileged to taste the 2012, 2013, and 2014 vintages, each at different times in their evolution. This was the 3rd time I have been able to taste the 2012 in this way, and it has been an amazing process to watch it evolve into the monster brunello it will be when released. Masculine and powerful, the 2012 is going to be one to watch. The 2013 was elegant and filled with incredible structure. A different kind of monster is brewing there - a beautiful one! 2014 is much lighter. They aren't sure if they will make brunello yet for this vintage. I love this place!