The Montreal Moving Company and other members of the Montreal group got together at Restaurant Christophe last night for a blind tasting of some Tuscan IGT and DOC wines. Food was excellent and the wines were surprising. Two corked bottles out of eleven was bad enough, but the corked ones should have been some of the better ones. My notes in order of tasting.

2001 Cecchi, Spargolo

Earth, oak and black fruit on the nose. Full bodied wine with ripe plum and black cherry flavours and a sweet finish. Good acidity to keep it balanced. The earthiness blew off after a while in the glass. 92 pts.

2003 Barone Ricasoli, Casalferro

Dark reddish-purple wine with a big nose of black cherry, vanilla and floral notes. Full bodied with juicy red fruit up front, but a little short on the finish. 88 pts.

2006 La Massa

Ruby red colour, barely translucent with a floral, red cherry and plum aromas. Medium-full bodied with a very silky mouthfeel. Cherry, vanilla and spice flavours on a long finish. Very well balanced wine. 94 pts, my #2 WOTN and the group's #3 WOTN. After uncovering the wines we were told this one was decanted for several hours and poured back into the bottle. This really helped the young wine imo as it showed even better than the bottle I had a few weeks ago. At $27 back up the truck. After last night I decided the 2 bottles I have in my cellar are not enough.

1997 Castell'in Villa, Santa Croce

Ruby red colour, slightly translucent with earth, red cherry and some secondary aromas. Medium bodied wine, well balanced with cherry, and currant flavours on a very good finish. 91 pts and I correctly guessed this was the wine I brought. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

2001 Antinori, Tignanello

Corked.

2003 Tenimenti Luigi D'Alessandro, Il Bosco

Dark crimson red with cassis, black cherry and vanilla on the nose. Full bodied, modern styled wine with black currant flavours on a slightly hot, short and effervescent (?) finish. 87 pts. This was disappointing, but I've had this one a couple times before and it was much better. Either an off-bottle or in a dumb phase, but I'll hold mine for a few more years before opening.

2000 Capezzana, Ghiaie Della Furba

Another disappointment. I've had this one a couple of times before and it was excellent. This bottle was funky and vegetal with a slightly chemical taste. Something not right, so not rated.

2003 Brancaia, Ilatraia

Corked.

1997 Castelli del Grevepesa, Gualdo Al Luco

Immediately obvious from the nose this one had more age on it than some of the other wines. Full bodied, beautifully balanced with good plum flavours on a long, delicious finish. Drink or hold. 93 pts, my #3 WOTN and the group's #2 WOTN.

2001 Poggio Scalette, Il Carbonaione

Dark reddish-purple colour. Closed in every sense. Not rated. I kept a little in the glass until almost the end of the night and it was just starting to show something. I had this upon release and maybe a year or so after and it was excellent both times. Leave these sleeping in your cellar.

2003 Il Borro

Big nose of cherry and caramel. Full bodied, mouth watering gob-full of red fruit and vanilla and a super long finish. Wow. Me likes, and I wasn't alone. 95 pts, mine and the group's #1 WOTN. Apparently the 2004 is better and it's on our shelves right now, so I'm off to do some shopping.

Oh, we did finish the night with 3 sweeties, which I didn't take notes on, but

Inniskillin Sparkling Vidal Icewine. I can't remember the vintage, but it was interesting, and very good.

2005 Doisy-Vedrines, Sauternes. Very tasty, but not a blockbuster sauternes.

2001 Delesvaux, CdL, SGN. I can't even remember how many times I've had this excellent wine, but it didn't do it for me last night. I think I'm going to bury my last 2 bottles for several years to see what happens.

Thanks for the notes. I made a note to look for some of the Massa and Borro when cool weather shipping opens back up for Texas. Surprised the Casalferro didn't show better.

La Massa must be available somewhere in Dallas?

Perhaps. Haven't noticed it though. Either way, you know how bad our Italian prices are around here. A lot of times you can order out of state and pay shipping and still come out money ahead.

must be to early for Kevin and Mimik to post...lol

My WOTN in their order of preference

2003 Il Borro (KSC95)
1997 Castelli del Grevepesa, Gualdo Al Luco (KSC94)
1997 Castell'in Villa, Santa Croce (KSC93)
2006 La Massa (KSC93)

Blind tastings are great to humble and discover what one might otherwise pass on. Agree on your notes, steve8 (inserting MY points, or course).

Agree on the La Massa. GREAT QPR. WOW
If you'll recall, we tried the '04 Il Borro at the Salon de Vin and picked one up. I was high on it and you guys snubbed your nose at it. Just sayin'.... After last night, however, I agree that this is a good one.

I WILL go out today to pick up a few La Massa and a couple more Il Borro

WIML: FWIW, I picked up a case of the 1997 Gualdo al Luco from Goody Goody, in Dallas a couple of years ago. The had the best price and, but for 2 corked bottles, this has been driking consistantly well. I believe I paid $35(ish) at the time.

quote:

Originally posted by wineismylife:
Thanks for the notes. I made a note to look for some of the Massa and Borro when cool weather shipping opens back up for Texas. Surprised the Casalferro didn't show better.

WIML, if it ever is cool enough in Texas, PJ's in NYC has the '06 La Massa for $21.99, $19.79 with mixed case discount.

Great to see everyone there last night and great wines were poured. Thanks to my comedic relief, we all had a good time. Hats off to Christophe, a amazing chef who prepared an excellent meal for all of us at his BYOB restaurant, Chez Christophe, one of the very best in Montreal.

Wines:
2004 Pur Sang Dagueneau tribute

Lemony, fresh citrus notes and grapefruit with similar tangy replays on the palate. Solid. Got more complex over time. 91 points.

2001 Cecchi, Spargolo

Dark nose of dark cherries, tobacco and vanilla with hints of toasted oak. Palate is tannic with more dark fruits. Tannic wine. Huge contradiction between the nose which hints at an aged wine and the palate which was young. 91(92 nose, 90 palate)

2003 Barone Ricasoli, Casalferro

Nose of green olives, cherries, dark plums and some spice(clove). Palate is tannic but very rich in fruit and well balanced. Elegant wine-medium short finish. But tasty. 93 points

2006 La Massa

Nose of licorice and blackberry. Lots of licorice and blackberry replays on a rather simplistic medium bodied wine with a short finish. Not impressed but maybe very young. 88+ for now.

1997 Castell'in Villa, Santa Croce

Nose of cherries, cassis and caramel. Elegant,well structured and a very smooth and silky mouthfeel. High pedigree, this wine. Nice morello cherry finish. Long and elegant. 93-94 points.

2001 Antinori, Tignanello

Very obviously corked. No argument there.

2003 Tenimenti Luigi D'Alessandro, Il Bosco

Smelly feet with a meat and blood like nose. Palate lush with cherry, red plum and licorice notes. Tannic but very fine. Caramel on the nose after 1 hour in the glass. 93 points.

2000 Capezzana, Ghiaie Della Furba

Bell green peper, vegetal notes all thoughout. Not good unless you like green bell peppers. Not displeasing but not interesting either. Completely different than previous bottles.NR.

2003 Brancaia, Ilatraia

This was obviously NOT corked to any taster with any experience or credibility. Clearly, the last two attributes were temporaneously lacking from some of the attendees. This was muted wine with vegetable notes but showed black fruits underneath. Probably an off bottle. Not rated. When the bag was lifted, this bottle seemed to show extremely poorly from the last time I had it where it was stunning.

1997 Castelli del Grevepesa, Gualdo Al Luco

Wow. Nose of old tobacco,dried cherries and smoke. Palate is suave, smooth and so velvety. Lots of age on this one. Long tobacco and dried cherry finish. Stunning and my WOTN. 95 points.

2001 Poggio Scalette, Il Carbonaione

Dark licorice and cherry and a brooding nose. Well structured wine but rather closed but still succulent with a vibrant core of acidity and excellent minerality. Elegant but still modern. 92 points. Needs time.(my bottle)

2003 Il Borro

Nose of cherries, white chalk with some nuances of caramel. More of the same on the palate with a long tannic finish. Very nice. 94 points.

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

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:
2001 Delesvaux, CdL, SGN. I can't even remember how many times I've had this excellent wine, but it didn't do it for me last night. I think I'm going to bury my last 2 bottles for several years to see what happens.

Really?! I'm surprised, as I have never been anything but blown away by this wine ('99, '00, and '01 vintages so far). I'm a little afraid to open one now; thanks for the warning. Over-all, thanks for the notes; 'much appreciated.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman:

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:
2001 Delesvaux, CdL, SGN. I can't even remember how many times I've had this excellent wine, but it didn't do it for me last night. I think I'm going to bury my last 2 bottles for several years to see what happens.

Really?! I'm surprised, as I have never been anything but blown away by this wine ('99, '00, and '01 vintages so far). I'm a little afraid to open one now; thanks for the warning. Over-all, thanks for the notes; 'much appreciated.

I agree, Stickman. This is an excellent wine and it showed pretty well on Saturday. I guess the Delesvaux was pretty much wasted on Steve8.

quote:

Originally posted by Mimik:

I agree, Stickman. This is an excellent wine and it showed pretty well on Saturday. I guess the Delesvaux was pretty much wasted on Steve8.

Yeah stuff your face with popcorn. You're the guy who rated the Ilatraia an 86 when everyone else in the room, including those at the next table, could tell it was corked.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman:

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:
2001 Delesvaux, CdL, SGN. I can't even remember how many times I've had this excellent wine, but it didn't do it for me last night. I think I'm going to bury my last 2 bottles for several years to see what happens.

Really?! I'm surprised, as I have never been anything but blown away by this wine ('99, '00, and '01 vintages so far). I'm a little afraid to open one now; thanks for the warning. Over-all, thanks for the notes; 'much appreciated.

Don't let steve8's comments scare you away. Personally, I felt that it was drinking typical of others I've had prior to this. Possibly a little palate fatigue on steve's part, as it was the last wine of the night. However, it drank beautifully IMO. A great wine to finish the evening.

And Mimik's reputation for not appreciating the Delesvaux proceeds him.
It's encouraging to see that his taste in wine is beginning to show some improvement.

quote:

Originally posted by steve8:

quote:

Originally posted by Mimik:

I agree, Stickman. This is an excellent wine and it showed pretty well on Saturday. I guess the Delesvaux was pretty much wasted on Steve8.

Yeah stuff your face with popcorn. You're the guy who rated the Ilatraia an 86 when everyone else in the room, including those at the next table, could tell it was corked.

Hell, I was in Toronto, and I could tell it was corked. I have a very sensitive nose.

Hope that whole IGT vs Bolgheri DOC thing got straightened out. To whom should I address the invoice?

quote:

Originally posted by futronic:
To whom should I address the invoice?

Need you ask?
There was only one who was unclear about the IGT and DOC difference and felt compeled to call you...

quote:

Originally posted by Vinaigre:

quote:

Originally posted by futronic:
To whom should I address the invoice?

Need you ask?
There was only one who was unclear about the IGT and DOC difference and felt compeled to call you...

Actually, this isssue was between Dr. C. and Steve8. In any case, it was not clear as I know nothing about IGTs but the issue was whether an IGT can also be a DOC-Bolgheri and I believe the answer was yes, technically but it does not happen. I believe if the wine is sold DOC-bolgheri, it would make more money than if it were to be classified as an IGT?

quote:

Originally posted by Vinaigre:

quote:

Originally posted by futronic:
To whom should I address the invoice?

Need you ask?
There was only one who was unclear about the IGT and DOC difference and felt compeled to call you...

Good point. He's used to sending over-inflated invoices, so it'll be interesting to see what happens when he receives one for a change.