Hi all -
Picked up this gem from K&L in California recently. Wondering if anyone has cracked one recently and what your experience was.
Can’t wait! Thanks in advance.
Not 1997, but 1999.
- 1999 Tenimenti d'Alessandro Syrah Cortona Il Bosco - Italy, Tuscany, Cortona (20.7.2022)
A blend Syrah of (90%; planted in 1988, 1993, 1995, 1997) and Sangiovese (10%, planted in 1994), macerated for 30 days with the skins, then aged for 12 months in small barriques. 13% alcohol. Total production 5,500 cases. Tasted blind.
Almost fully opaque, dense and somewhat evolved blackish-red color. There are also some very fine particles - careful decanting recommended. The nose feels very smoky and somewhat pungent with aromas of struck match and dry campfire smoke, some tertiary notes of soy sauce, a little bit of charred sausage, light gamey tones, a hint of ripe dark plums, a touch of fresh blackcurrants and a faint whiff of alcohol. The wine is evolved, somewhat smoky and quite tertiary on the palate with a rather full body and developed, moderately umami-driven flavors of meat stew and tar, some notes of old furniture and leather, a little bit of savory wood spice, light fruity notes of ripe blackcurrant, a hint of wizened red plums and a sweeter touch of dried dates. The texture feels silky yet firm and moderately structured, thanks to the rather high acidity and medium tannins that still pack some grip. The finish is long, evolved and savory with complex flavors of game and meaty umami, some beef consommé, a little bit of wizened red plums and dried dates, light raspberry tones, a hint of old leather and a woody touch of savory oak spice.
A nice and tasty old wine where the fruit sector has started to give up and veer towards that tertiary anonymity, but the wine still retains great intensity, complexity and sense of structure. Due to its rather generic "old wine" feel, it was quite impossible to pinpoint it anywhere accurately, but it still is a thoroughly enjoyable wine all the same. I heartily recommend drinking any remaining bottles sooner than later; I get a feeling that time is now working against the wine. (89 points)
Posted from CellarTracker
As 1997 was a better vintage than 1999 in Tuscany, it is entirely possible that you bottle will be in a better shape.