Great notes on the Flacianello. A vertical tasting would be great as they seem to have been getting heaps of critical acclaim lately. I wonder if the older vintages are flying under the radar.
Philip, it was good to see you last night. I love that restaurant…they seem to have such a fun time running the place!
The Chave was terrific…I’m lucky enough to own a few. 2001 was the last vintage I purchased due to the ridiculous price increases over the prior couple of years and ESPECIALLY after the '03 got 100 points from you know who. I think it’s a spectacular under $100 bottle of wine, but not a nice $300 bottle. I’m glad I stocked up on the '95-'99 vintages which could all be purchased in the $55-$95 range.
I also love the '97 Flaccianello (the '04 is even better!)…That, along with Montevertine’s “Le Pergole Torte”, are two of my favorite 100% Sangiovese wines, and I purchase both in every solid vintage.
Great night again Phil, your tasting notes are spot on again, Claude was a trip, Nicole was gracious, like her wines. Pissed about the PLL, something very wrong with that bottle. It was interesting to hear Claude opine on the 96 vintage and the many other great stories he had. I like the Flacinello idea, maybe we do a vertical, i have 88 in mag and 90 and will look for more.
I have not had the Abiousness Pinots in some time, but Nicole’s Rose is a summer go-to for me. I had the 2007 and 2008, both of which I really liked. Looks like I will have to seek out the 2009 - the first ones I purchased were at the local supermarket. Thanks for the notes.