Two Amarone

DUE TORRI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2008

 A fantastic Amarone!

On the nose chocolate, cherry, raisins, coffee. 

On the palate dry, with hint of sweetness, rich aromas replays  on the palate. Very intense. Tannins are soft and the acidity is nicely balanced. Full bodied with long and fruity finish

 We had in another glass of

 

  

Giacomo Montresor Fondatore Amarone della Valpolicella 2008

 

 Also it was very nice. And it was very interesting! Same year, but different wine. Even in the glass it wasn't as rich as previous one.

Dark ruby-red color, floral, dried fruit  cherry, chocolate and cedar aromas and flavours.

On the palate dry, full bodied, with balanced acidity but more pronounced. Firm tannins and good length.

A little minerality, pomegranate, floral notes and mint. Little less intensity than Duetorri. 

Both wines were wonderful, subtle and delicious, but the first one was softer, jucier. Different cheeses tasted opposite with those two wines.

 

Wolf Blass wine tasting with Natalie MacLean

I had a great chance to taste wonderful wines, meet famous wine maker, and talk to amazing Natalie MacLean. Got her new book signed by her and Wolf Blass! That evening was unforgettable and magical!
We had 7 very interesting wines and beautiful and tasty dishes.

At first we had 5 wines to taste.

First was

Wolf Blass Gold Label Riesling 2011

In the glass bright, light straw color with little bit of green on the rim.On the nose apple,  mineral, petrol.On the palate dry, mineral, lovely fresh citrus notes and apple. Some petrol.Medium finish with grapefruit aromas.

Next wine was

 Wolf Blass Yellow Label Pinot Noir 2010, Victoria, Southeastern Australia

Light cherry color, clean, clear.

Nose is very fruity, sweet cherry, berry pie, strawberry, caramel.

On the palate dry, medium to light body, cherry, whiff of nuts.

Medium finish with touch of sour cherry flavour.

Then it was Shiraz. it was wonderful!

  Wolf Blass Gold Label Shiraz 2008

In the glass deep red-garnet color, opaque.On the nose stewed berries, black berries, spices.On the palate dry, medium to full body, nice crisp acidity, firm tannins, lots of black fruit, vanilla, plum.Long finish with lots of cherries. 

Another great wine was

 Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz Cabernet 2009, Robe / Mt. Benson 

In the glass dark ruby color, semi opaque, pink watery rim.On the nose cassis, black berries, allspice. On the palate medium bodied,  dry, juicy, cassis, vanilla, very good balance.

 and

 

Wolf Blass Black Label Cabernet Shiraz Malbec 2007, Langhorne Creek/Mclaren Vale

 Deep garnet red in the glass, semi opaque, pink on the rim.On the nose spices, tobacco, very complex aromas.On the palate dry, very rich and spicy, high tannins, lots of wood, dark fruits, leather. Medium finish with hint of tobacco. Still can age a few years more. Very interesting wine.

Wine was getting cold, so I couldn't really appreciate the last one.

During the wine tasting Wolf was answering some of Natalie's questions and told  interesting and funny stories! 

Then we had the most amazing food! There is some of it!

 

With the food we had

Wolf Blass Yellow Label Chardonnay 2011

Straw color, on the nose oak, tropical fruit, citrus.

On the palate a little frizzi, dry, oaked, buttery. Very refreshing with vanilla and melon notes.

Medium finish with touch of minerality. Loved its nicely balanced oak. 

And the last one

 

Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, South Australia

Deep red purple color, semi opaque.Nose dark berries, cassis, plum.On the palate dry, very good balanced tannins and acidity,  dark fruit, blackberry.Long juicy finish with hint of eucalyptus. 

 

But that was not the end of the great evening! I met Natalie, got her book and she and Wolf signed it for me!

 

 After that I went home feeling great!

Hawkes Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

 What can i say?! Very interesting experience! I felt a little sorry, that we opened this 9 year old! It still can age a few years more. But! I was also glad, that we've tasted it. Very amusing wine.
Color is dark but semi opaque, magenta on the rim. No sighn of aging in the color yet.
On the nose, first alcohol. But it was my mistake, we didn't let this wine reach room temperature. After a while, nose got richer but still subtle with black fruit and chocolate aromas. Then leather and spice.
On the palate dry, medium bodied, acidity and tannins are balaced, but bright. Very good structure, all tells me that this wine can age.
Palate is rich with blackberry notes, herb, black currant, then cocoa, little bit of mint and vanilla.
Good, long, rich finish.
Now I'm really curious, how this wine will change with time!

Michele Chiarlo Le Marne Gavi 2011, Docg

Piedmont, Italy.
$14.95 in LCBO
Light straw color it the glass.
On the nose soft aromas of peaches, floral notes.
On the palate dry, fresh acidity, fruity, with mineral notes.
Nice citrusy,  lengthy finish.
Very refreshing, would be great with seafood.

Folie À Deux Ménage À Trois Red 2010

Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
I loved this blend!
In the glass dark cherry color, semi opaque.
On the nose there are very bright aromas of berries, berry pie, chocolate, vanilla.
On the palate dry, juicy, each grape variety brings taste to harmony.
Very fruit forward, lots of jam-like fruit,  spicy and soft, delicious trio. Rich flavours and tannins of Cab give this wine nice backbone.
Very rich finish with raspberry and blackberry flavors.

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