The first four wines were tasted by the glass at Wein & Co.

Gaja Toscana Magari 2000
Would have mistaken this Merlot/Cab blend for a Sangiovese based wine with its lovely, well defined cherry nose. Flavors of black cherry with toasty and tarry aspects and hints of red and black berries as well. Agree with WS, 90 points. Now if this wouldn’t carry the Gaja label and cost €50 (on sale now for €35) it could be wonderful QPR for, say, €20.

Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2000
I tried this Merlot blend at the New World Wine Experience 3 months ago and this confirmed my impressions. Very restrained nose of – actually what? Equally closed down on the palate, with great difficulty you can get the varietals herbal plummy fruit. At WS 94 points, there seems to be something about this wine I don’t get. 88 points. A not-buy at €55.

Avignonesi Desiderio 1999
Also pretty much closed for business, but unlike the Clos Apalta I see room for development here, as promised by the very well integrated tannins. 90+ points. (WS 93, €50)

Paul Achs Pannobile 2000
Pannobiles are predominately Blaufränkisch/Zweigelt blends with some Cab and/or Merlot and marketed under that generic name (like “Meritage”). This example from the Neusiedlersee area had an enticing nose of currant and elderberries whereas the palate was dominated by red currant which yielded a nice contrast. 90 points. (€25)

Chateau St. Martin Bronzinelle 1999
This Languedoc GSM blend has been discussed here dozens of times. For me it’s yet another example for KM overrating ALL wines consistently by 5 points minimum. Earthy cherry aromas and flavors. 87 points. (WS 94)

Bellevue Tumara 2000
This Stellenbosch based winery was supposedly founded in the early 18th century (according to the label) and hence would be one of South Africa's oldest wineries. Some of their wines have been reviewed for the first time in one of the more recent WS Weeklies.
The Tumara is a 75% Cab, 15% Merlot, 10% Malbec blend. I tasted this blind (once again with the help of Mrs Phyll) and was in for a surprise. On first smell in the decanter I was sure this was either Rhône or Languedoc with its funky, earthy blackberry fruit. The funk blew off soon and this red evolved beautifully, shifting into leather and plum later with hints of eukalyptus and mint. However this is not a keeper, drink now to 2005. No professional ratings known, 91 points from me. (€18)

Bulfon Piculit Neri Barrique 2000
I mentioned this wine in the “Most obscure varietal” thread already. Piculit Neri is an ancient varietal supposedly grown solely by this winery in the North-Eastern Italian region of Friuli. Interesting aromas of strawberries and raspberries and more of the same and some yummy chocolate on the palate. The oak is not perfectly integrated, but this could be sorted out with a few years cellaring. Could turn into an outstanding wine. 89+ points. (€21)

I must have been a root louse in a past life....

[This message was edited by phylloxera on Feb 10, 2003 at 05:15 AM.]

Wow, what an assorted bunch, was there a theme, like... unrelatedness? My weekend was also much more experimentation than consistency, but then, that's supposed to be the fun of it all...

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Free Winona!

Interesting wines Phyll. I'll try the Magari sooner or later too, I'm very curious. I had a better impression of Clos Apalta. Possibly shut down now?

Wine & Co is actually quite a cool place! It was a bit overcrowed when we were there, but they have a great choice of wines by the glasses and some really good crostini-snacks.

Anche Dio è di-vino

I love the story behind Desiderio - that it was named after a particularly virile Bull... hmm.

Great notes!

Thanks, all. Well, the theme was "whatever is on the Wein & Co BTG list"

My feelings towards them (W&C) are mixed however. Actually they helped me (and a lot of other people) getting into fine wine. Their pricing sometimes is ridiculous. As a rule of thumb, they take the "fair" price and add 20%. Then again they have sales with a certain region 20% off --> you pay the "fair" price . And some prices are just.... Take Solaia 1999 for €150, where I can get it around every corner for €100... And then again they have a very nice selection and sell bottles at their bars @ shop prices...

So it's really an up and down with them.

Oh, and the Bronzinelle was chosen to go with some stuff I brought from Savoy. They have lovely sausages filled with hazelnuts or blueberries or mushrooms. I just love them. And the "Terrine aux lapin et myrtilles" was excellent too!

I must have been a root louse in a past life....