Friday, December 20, 2013

1990's Italian Wines 'Ova Here

As you all must know by now, we are fond of wines with some bottle age. Generally, I like the 10 year marker for a good majority of age-worthy wines but when you can get perfectly stored 15(+) years, now you're talking. 
 
We have sourced some impeccable selections in this category. Here are our five favorite selections at the moment. Prices range from $45 to $140. In the big picture for aged wines of this stature, not bad. Doesn't it make you want to splurge on a bottle or two for New Year's?? There is nothing like it; good food, aged red wine, good friends. Come on…
 
 
1999 Fattoria Paradiso Mito Emilia-Romagna $44.99
A luscious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Intense aromas of black cherry, cherry, blueberry, licorice and plum. As it is 14 years old the wine is still very fresh but well-integrated. Silky smooth. Well balanced. Good grip. Vibrant. Entirely impressive.

1997 Terreno Chianti Classico Riserva Tuscany $46.99
The Riserva is made of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo Nero. Harvested by hand, the must was cool fermented on its skins for 12 days to maximize flavour extraction and freshness of the fruit. Sinfully aromatic with deep black cherry and spice notes. On palate excellent depth of dark fruit with an earthiness that is tinged by tobacco leaf. Incredibly supple, with a finish that recedes gracefully in the distance. The winemaking was led by Franco Bernabei (who makes wine at Felsina and Fontodi among others).

1994 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva Tuscany $59.99
(90 Points: Wine Spectator) "A serious red with superfine tannins and condensed fruit and earth aromas and flavors. Full to medium in body, with a medium finish. Needs time to open. Better after 1998." -- Having tasting this wine on multiple occasions recently this wine is fantastic. Remarkably fresh. Still plenty of silken cherry fruit and an elegance that only comes with age.

1995 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany $89.99
(91 Points: International Wine Cellar) "Full deep red. Captivating aromas of redcurrant, dried flowers and roasted chestnut. Silky and pliant in the mouth, with excellent depth of flavor and plenty of underlying structure. Quite backward despite its obvious richness. Finishes long, with slightly dry tannins that will require patience."

1998 Fontodi Flaccianello Tuscany $139.99 Italy
(93 Points: Wine Advocate) "The 1998 Flaccianello della Pieve reveals an exotic, intriguing bouquet redolent of flowers, spices and mint. This is one of the more delicate Flaccianellos in this tasting. Everything simply works. Raspberries, flowers, mint and spices are all woven into the highly expressive finish. The 1998 can be enjoyed today, but it also has the pedigree to age well for a number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023."

Rosso Wine Shop
3459 1/2 N Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208
818-330-9130