-
2008 Rivers-Marie Chardonnay B. Thieriot Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (4/12/2011)
Pours a very light gold with just a tinge of green on the rim. On the nose, big & bold aromas of tropical fruit (sweet coconut, roasted pineapple), lemon creme and toasty oak are prevalent. On the palate, though, it was surprisingly more restrained. A good acid profile is evident while the ripe fruit and oak notes come out in the midplate. With air, it improved noticeably. A bit more rest may tame the big aromas a bit. A very good Chardonnay, but not one that could be easily mistaken for a Burgundy. (90 pts.) -
1998 Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Campolongo di Torbe - Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (4/12/2011)
Poured into glass and set aside for 45 minutes. Color is an inky crimson, bordering on black. On the nose, huge aromas of plums, raisins & chocolate. On the palate, this is a bit of a brute with a very ripe (bordering on stewed) profile of black fruit marmalade, figs, raisins and bitter chocolate. Medium tannins, but well integrated; low to medium acidity; medium plus alcoholic mouthfeel. With more air, it showed a little more minerality with a dusty note and some wood flavors. A bit hot on the long finish (definitely shows its 16% AbV). Borders on Recioto level and probably seen better days. (87 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker