Picked this up on sale for $16 at Sam's a month or so ago and cracked it open tonight as an afterthought. Not decanted, but seemed tight overall so I tried to let it get some air in the glass over the course of about an hour.

Color is a youthful ruby. The nose is vanilla/cherry with some darker berry in there as well. On the palate I get more vanilla and dark berry. Tight, tannins still gritty but should balance out. Decent finish. I'm going to cork the half remaining and try it again tomorrow.

Overall, it seemed tight and non-descript. I've never had a VNdM that I'd rate at over 90, but I've had some a tad better than this. WS says 89, I'd put it more at 86/87; good but nothing that stands out. Maybe tomorrow it'll give more...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: gthom,

gthom,

Vintage?

If you can get your hands on the 1997 Cerro Vino Nobile Riserva, get some. Definitely a plus 90 in my book. Have had 4 or 5 and everyone was a winner. Only one left...

PH

Edit applied...don't know how I missed that.

I saw your note on the '97 Riserva, something I'll keep an eye out for. I haven't had any VNdM in a while, but we're going to be out there in a couple months so I'm trying to brush up on my Tuscan wines.

gthom,

There are a couple threads here related to recent visits to Italy. Check out comments from mwagner7700 and futronic. Other Vino Nobile I have found to be 90 or better: the 1997 Cerro Antica Chiusina (90) the 1999 Dei normale (90) and the 1997 Dei Riserva (91). Scores are mine.

PH