So our Bordeaux Group That Sometimes Does Other Things met at Il Corso last night for some wines from Tuscany. We were also joined by Tom Reddick from Austin (who used to post on AFW years ago, “Elpanrino”). Fun group, I enjoyed my fettucine with white truffles and the pork-brontosaurus hybrid chop, and I enjoyed most of the wines.

There was a Champagne from Lilbert that I neglected to note details of, but enjoyed a lot- crisp, fine elegant mousse, nice biscuity finish. Never heard of Lilbert before but will keep eyes open now.

1979 Caparzo “La Casa”.Brunello di Montalcino
Didn’t know what to expect, but I liked this- thanks Josh. Funky, meaty, old school, amazingly still a bit of tannin. Plenty of fruit, this isn’t tired at all. B+

1985 Montevertine Le Pergole Torte
Ah, so this is what this is supposed to taste like (my 2 previous tries have been one corked and one cooked). Beautiful, good acids, solid fruits, leathery notes, good length. A-

1988 Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Corked! Too bad, this can be a nice wine

1990 Altesino “Montosoli” Brunello
Full, ripe, a bit anonymous. B-/B

1995 Altesino “Montosoli” Brunello Riserva
Pretty modern, but holds it’s own, slightly glossy but with a nice core. A light bretty note. B

1997 Isole e Olena Cepparello
I didn’t write anything down for this one, but felt it was holding better (less hot, less pruney) than some ‘97 Tuscans I’ve had, nice structure. B

1997 Fattoria Le Pupille Saffredi
Ripe and full, but again without any roasted notes or heat, good length. B/B+

1998 Soldera Brunello di Montalcino
Beautiful nose, elegant wine, aromatic and exotic, pretty but with power underneath. A/A-

2005 Soldera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
POwerful, full, young. A-/B+

1998 Montevertine Le Pergole Torte
Classic, midbodied, floral with black cherry fruit. B+

2006 Montevertine Pergole Torte
There’s plenty of tannin but it’s surprisingly approachable, but best ahead. A-/B+

2008 Antinori Tignanello
I thought there was something strange/musty on nose,but it blew off. Big, young, powerful. B+/B

1995 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva
Pleasant enough soft generic red wine, probably better young. B-

Nice group,good to meet Tom and see everyone else.


Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.