1998 Paolo Bea Sagrantino di Montefalco Secco- Italy, Umbria, Montefalco, Sagrantino di Montefalco (2/12/2010)
Wow. Paolo Bea wines never disappoint for me. Explosive, warm, rich and intoxicating. Dry dusty red fruit, leather, baked earth, hints of sauvage and raw meat. Long, powerful, sustaining finish. The power and presence and palate weight of great Barolo but with the warmth, charm and delight of the south. Fully ripe but no raisins, no sweetness, just a dry, austere finish with plenty of tannin remaining for this one to continue to age gracefully for many years. Still, very rewarding today.
1998 Paolo Scavino Barolo Riserva Rocche dell’Annunziata- Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (2/12/2010)
Even after extended (5+ hr) air time, still just wound up and unyielding. Deep darkness, some lifted florals, hints of anise and menthol, moderate finish that is graceful but soon clamps down with ample acidity. Plenty drinkable, but basically just closed and in need of a good stretch of time to really open and reward. I guess 5+ years are necessary. A shame to open today, but I am confident this will reward amply in the future.
I have a bottle of '04 Bea Sagrantino in the cellar that I figure will be ready in, oh, about two decades. But recently Randall Graham wrote that he had seen Bea Sagrantino go from something unique and fascinating to being plagued by VA. Anyone else experience this?
I’ve had a half dozen bottles from 98-01 and I have yet to have a bad bottle, for what that data point is worth. I’ve got some 04 as well but wasn’t planning on opening any anytime soon.
I was also surprised Ken. I figured it was a safe bet. I think that wine will be singing in 10 years. Lately the 99 Carobric and 01 normale have both been much more giving.