Chateau Malescot St. Exupery 2006

Date of Tasting: 18 November 2016

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Bordeaux, France

Appellation: Margaux, Troisieme Grand Cru Classe

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR50

Web: http://www.malescot.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 91/100, AG - 91/100, WS - 92/100, WE - 92/100, JS - 93/100, FS - 92/100, ST - 90/100, JR - 16.5/20, DC - 90/100, CT - 91/100

Appearance: Dark red.

Aroma: Tobacco, cocoa, oak, plum, rose.

Palate: Fine but somewhat dense with medium-full bodied. Velvety tannins. Earthy. Dark cherry and bitter chocolate. Complex to the end.

Gear towards modern style but still feminine / elegant characters of Margaux. Delicious indeed. Ready now and good for another decade. Lamb shank to couple and you are good to go. Salute!!!

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou 2007

Date of Tasting: 16 April 2016

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Bordeaux, France

Appellation: Saint-Julien, Deuxieme Grand Cru Classe 1855

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR100

Web: http://www.chateau-ducru-beaucaillou.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 91/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 90/100, WS - 90/100, WE - 93/100, FS - 92/100, ST - 91/100, JR - 16.5/20, DC - 91/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Dark brick red.

Aroma: Fresh but ripe black fruits. Chocolate and spices.

Palate: Medium-full on the palate with firm but smooth tannins. Dark fruits and cherries seemed to nominate with secondary notes of earth. Fresh character. Rather short on the finish.

This is more on the elegant side in my view. A nice experience but not a wow one for me. It was fresh, it was smooth, and it was seductive. But it was not attractive. There are some missing elements and structure. Impressive effort and charm though. Accessible now and at least in the short term future.

Chateau Leoville Barton 2003

Date of Tasting: 26 March 2016

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Bordeaux, France

Appellation: Saint-Julien, Deuxieme Grand Cru Classe 1855

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR100

Web: http://www.leoville-barton.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 97/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 96/100, WS - 98/100, WE - 95/100, ST - 93/100, DC - 19.5/20, JR - 17/20, CT - 94/100

Appearance: Opaque and inky purple.

Aroma: Forest floor, mushroom, mild truffle, dark fruits, earth.

Palate: Rich, big, and powerful. Fine and smooth tannins. Wonderfully long in the mouth with black fruits and oak characters. 

Stunning is the only word for me with this red Bordeaux. It was Chateau Leoville Barton which brought me into the world of "God Blood" and it is still as fabulous. My kind of Bordeaux really. For this Leoville Barton 2003, it was just spectacular for a hot year. It at first stroke me hard with powerful bouquet of earth and spring which followed by concentrated fruits, and signed of mature Bordeaux. The spectacular lovely nose of truffle was what I admire. Silky on the palate too. Though it was big, elegance was as well another shining character. Entering its drinking period now but long life is ahead. Wish I had cases of this Saint Julien. Raise many more glasses, Bravo!!!

Kenzo Estate Asuka 2012 and Rindo 2012

Date of Tasting: 10 November 2015

Wine Type: Red

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Napa Valley
Web: http://www.kenzoestate.com/

Strolling around Roppongi Hills while waiting for the time to visit Tempura Yokota, surely girls would enjoy the shopping moment. However, one like me who seems to have only either food or wine in mind. With some googling research, I found that there is a wine bar of Kenzo Estate within Roppongi Hills. Hence, I did not hesitate to pop by for a few glasses before dinner.

Kenzo Estate is a winery in California which has been developed since the very beginning of 90's by inspirational Capcom founder, Kenzo Tsujimoto. The first vintage available was 2005 which consisted of Rindo, Ai, and Murasaki. For the shop in Roppongi Hills, wines definitely are shipped directly from the estate. On the 1st floor, it is more like wine bar with retail corner. Wines by glass are available for tasting from 11am until late night. While dining area on floor 2 is opened from 5pm. For my short visit, I did try 2 types from their range: Asuka 2012 and Rindo 2012.

Both wines are pretty similar in structure: USA cult wines. But they are delicious. Asuka range consists mainly of Cabernet Franc whilst Rindo is Bordeaux blend. They are rather ready for enjoying at this early stage but should age pretty nicely. Personally, I may enjoy Asuka more with its beautiful perfume. Nevertheless, pricing of Asuka is 3 folds of Rindo. QPR wise, Rindo represents much better value. For Rindo, it gives mouth coating structure with bold tannins. Earthy, leathery, and mocha too. Anyway, the charm of aroma of blue fruits from Asuka cannot really be ignored.

Well, I have to say I do like this bar of Kenzo Estate. If I do have time to visit Tokyo next time, I will surely pop by again. They may only present their range of wine but they are indeed a delicious range which is rare and can be experiencing. Cheers!!!

Kenzo Estate Asuka 2012

Grape Varieties: 94.1% Cabernet Franc, 5.9% Merlot

Alcohol: 14.8%

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR300

Chubby Appreciation: 94/100
Critics' Opinion: CT - 93/100

Kenzo Estate Rindo 2012

Grape Varieties: 53.0% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.8% Cabernet Franc, 17.5% Merlot, 13.7% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.8%

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR100

Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: CT - 93/100

Chateau le Puy Rose-Marie 2014

Date of Tasting: 28 October 2015

Wine Type: Rose

Grape Varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Cotes de Bordeaux Francs, France

Appellation: Cotes de Bordeaux

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR50

Web: http://www.chateau-le-puy.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: n.a.

Appearance: Dark pink but bright, almost ruby like red wine.

Aroma: Fresh garden/forest floor and earth with red berries aroma.

Palate: Smooth texture with medium-bodied compound. Bright and juicy. Clean cut acidity. Red berries note. Complex too.

Beautiful but unique. It has so much of distinct personality. Perhaps it is because of biodynamic and terrior thingy. Those forest floor and garden breeze seemed to hit the nose determinedly. Forget those others clairet you may have experienced. Oh....almost forgot, the word I had been looking for is cough medicine syrup. Surely you must have experienced this thing when you were young. Yes, it did have aroma and did taste a bit like cough medicine syrup but just barely though. Anyway, I had this along with seafood and it was enjoyable. Well, enjoy it within a few years upon released, I guess. Interesting rose wine as an experience and the blend too. Cheers!!!

Marchesi de Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castelgiocondo Lamaione 2008

Date of Tasting: 26 July 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Merlot

Alcohol: 15%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: Toscana IGT

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR60

Web: http://www.frescobaldi.it/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 92/100, JS - 93/100, CT - 90/100

Appearance: Dark purplish red.

Aroma: Sweet dark fruits and licorice with touches of herbs and smokiness. Breeze of cool mint.

Palate: Big and dense but velvety. Sweet and smooth tannins. Persistent flavour of fruit notes. Lingering but not complex.

Exciting? Might be not. Enjoyable? Oh, yes. To me, it is not a wow wine. It seems to lack characters but nice aroma and not overwhelmed with oak. Nevertheless, its silkiness and feminine side of this Merlot based red wine from Tuscany should make it a wonderful pair with rich dishes. Lamaione 2008 is now accessible. I did pop it up an hour before consumption and it was at satisfaction. Not much of acidity to support, hence, not over a decade to go perhaps for this one.

Chateau Batailley 2007

Date of Tasting: 29 June 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Bordeaux, France

Appellation: Pauillac AOC, Cinquieme Grand Cru Classe 1855

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR40

Web: http://www.batailley.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 88/100
Critics' Opinion: AG - 86/100, WS - 83/100, WE - 90/100, FS - 88/100, JR - 16/20, DC - 16/20, CT - 87/100

Appearance: Garnet.

Aroma: Touches of earth, cedar, and herbs with blackcurrant.

Palate: Medium-bodied on the structure with just sufficient fine tannins. Tend towards silky and soft. Extraction of sweet fruits. Lack of concentration and complexity perhaps.

Drank it from a half-bottle and it seemed to be on it declining phase already. Not the kind of classic full and rich as expected but more of purity. Good for experience. Drink now until the end of decade probably.

Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Red Wine 2009

Date of Tasting: 25 March 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec

Alcohol: 15.2%

Origin: Washington, USA

Appellation: Columbia Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR60

Web: http://www.quilcedacreek.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 94/100, ST - 91/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Deep crimson

Aroma: Herbs, smoke, cocoa, tobacco and black fruits

Palate: Full on the palate. Deep exotic spices. Sweet ripe berries, chocolate, graphite, and oakiness. Fine and smooth tannins.

Needless to say much. This second wine from Quilceda Creek is surely one of the top of New World wine from Washington. It is sexy and yet opulent. Ones will indeed enjoy a big punch of this bordeaux blend. It is ready now and should be fabulous at least 5 years ahead. Quilceda Creek Red Wine 2009 will surely be a perfect compliment with red meat and rich dishes. Raise the glass!!!!

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2005

Date of Tasting: 6 April 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: Bolgheri DOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR150

Web: http://www.ornellaia.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 95/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 93/100, AG - 93/100, WS - 95/100, WE - 97/100, FS - 95/100, JS - 95/100, JR - 18.5/20, DC - 18/20, CT - 93/100

Appearance: Dark violet ruby

Aroma: Sweet violet and currant, exotic spices, black tea leaves

Palate: Velvety tannins and structure. Opulent but feminine. Dark fruits note and complexity persists lengthily.

Beautiful wine, this Ornellaia 2005 is. It is drinking wonderfully now and perhaps a decade more. If you have one, do not hesitate to pop up now and enjoy with red meat dishes. This is not the kind of big and powerful Super Tuscan bordeaux blend. On the other hand, it exhibits more of mouthwatering silky structure and finesse. Ones would enjoy it with a meal and ones would even be happy to sip it alone slowly through the night. I would be one of the later kind in the case. Salute to this beautiful craft!!!

Shafer Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley 2010

Date of Tasting: 21 March 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec

Alcohol: 15.3%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Napa Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR50

Web: http://www.shafervineyards.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Professional Rating: WA - 93/100, WE - 91/100, WS - 90/100, CT - 91/100

Appearance: Dense purplish red

Aroma: Sweet black fruits and cherry. Mild floral and spices floor. 

Palate: On the texture, it is almost full, kind of big and jammy but beautifully soft. Exhibit licorice, chocolate, blackberry, and integrated vanilla, earthiness and spice touches. 

It is a merlot base blend that is showing tremendously now. I had it along with rib eye steak and it did compliment each other well. Sensational mouth feel and aroma, it has. Though, there are some cabernet sauvignon and malbec in the blend but they do not seem to overwhelm the characters of merlot. But they more like enhancing structure of this wine. Throughout the course of this bottle, it kept developing along. Perhaps gentle decanting would do for those who need immediate consumption. Personally, I may wait until the end of 2016 before accessing another bottle to see how it develops.

Chateau Rauzan Despagne Le Grand Vin Rouge 2010

Date of Tasting: 11 March 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 82% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: Bordeaux, France

Appellation: Bordeaux

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR30

Web: http://despagne.fr/
Chubby Appreciation: 90/100
Professional Rating: WE - 90/100, JS - 90/100

Appearance: Deep garnet

Aroma: Cherry, black currant, vanilla, and toasty spicy aroma

Palate: Deep and big with dry but supple tannins. Structured character. Black fruits note. Grippy and decent finish of complexity.

A pretty nice bordeaux of merlot base at decent price, it is. The charm of this Rauzan Despagne is fruity notes that play along with big and dry structure. Lovely integration between power and fruit. Nice table wine for drinking now. It should be gorgeous with lamb and beef steaks.

Craggy Range Sophia Gimblett Gravels 2008

Date of Tasting: 13 March 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Appellation: Gimblett Gravels

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR60

Web: http://www.craggyrange.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 95/100
Professional Rating: WA - 94/100, CT - 94/100

Appearance: Opulent garnet

Aroma: Persistent aroma of dark berries, spices, and floral

Palate: Firm and tannic kind of style with big bodied but yet subtlety. Sweet blackcurrant and cassis bursting out at the first sip. Rich and smooth texture. Vibrant acidity balanced the picture well. Apparent toasty oaky feel.

Pretty nice bottle of Merlot based wine in its own style. Rich in fruit. Elegant despite power. Somewhat fabulous with oakiness that did not overwhelm. It might, however, be a little plain for those who look for multi dimensions structure. Well, it is wonderful now for drinking. I enjoyed it with nice piece of medium-rare rib eye. Red meat dish that is not too complex should pair well. Cheers!!!

Dominus Estate Christian Moueix Napanook 1994

Date of Tasting: 2 January 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.1%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Napa Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR300

Web: http://www.dominusestate.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 98/100
Professional Rating: WA - 99/100, WS - 91/100, FS - 95/100, ST - 97/100, JR - 17/20, CT - 95/100

Appearance: dark hue that tends towards garnet

Aroma: tobacco and smoke, mushroom, spice scents, and some black fruits

Palate: Medium-full bodied with so fine texture, thanks to well integrated tannins. Particular splendid mouth-feel with great depth of flavour. Ripe cassis, sage, and spices. Persistent and elegant.

Such a precious bottle. It would be extremely difficult to keep hands off the cork of any remaining bottles once you have experienced it. Striking perfume caught on the nose of everyone right at decanting. At this point, I was already stunned. Tannins have mellowed down nice leaving so fine and so smooth texture on the palate: seamless structure. Don't feel like having those big and bold Napa Bordeaux blend at all but elegant Bordeaux instead. Such finesse, it possesses. Drink now if you have them in cellar whilst it still shows the sexiness that would blow off your mind. This piece of art rocks. Cheers!!!!!!

Chateau Talbot 2005

Date of Tasting: 8 December 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Bordeaux, France

Appellation: Saint Julien / Quatrieme Grand Cru

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: http://www.chateau-talbot.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Professional Rating: WA - 90/100, WS - 92/100, JS - 93/100, WE - 93/100, ST - 91/100, DC - 16.5/20, JR - 16.5/20, CT - 90/100

Appearance: nice deep purplish ruby

Aroma: nose of smoky oak / tobacco and violets

Palate: Medium-full with moderate integrated tannins. Fine texture. Ripe currants and herbs with a little touch of sweetness. Nice juicy finish.

A charming bottle at its readiness and peak. We popped and poured and it showed beautiful development through out. Not the kind of power but lean towards fresh and fine. Relatively forward. Sweet juice, fine texture, freshness, and attractive complexity integrate well to offer this classic and enjoyable bottle. Recommended Saint Julien for enjoying now.

La Cucina della Marianna @ Griante, Como, Italy

Cuisine: Italian

Map: La Cucina della Marianna @ Griante, Como, Italy

Price: EUR30 per person (what we paid for)

Visited: 4 October 2014

Food: 7/10

Atmosphere: 6/10

Value for money: 5/10

Services: 6/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

Visiting Lake Como can be a really good vacation with those beautiful view and landscape. However, it can be tedious sometimes to find proper non-tourist type restaurants. Here is one for you. La Cucina della Marianna, which is a part of Alberghetto della Marianna, is a local joint in Griante with good local food and friendliness. The alberghetto part is a kind of decent place to stay in which Paola, the owner, manages almost everything. On the other hand, the restaurant part is run by Chef Ty who is Paola's husband. It sounds more interesting when it comes to family run kind of place, right? By the way, both Paola and Ty are so lovely, friendly, funny, and helpful.

The place is not big but cosy and comfortable. There are probably around 10 tables only and during the night of our visit there were around 4 or 5 tables. Ty only serves 1 set of dish per day, meaning a choice of starter, first course, second course, and dessert per day. So you won't stand a chance to repeat the dish you may have on a previous day of the same week. Basically, there is no need to choose what to try and let Ty improvises for you. All you need to think is how full you would like to be.

La Cucina della Marianna @ Griante, Como, Italy

the family run hotel and restaurant

local and warmly welcome atmosphere

small dining room but with comfort

As mentioned, there is only one set of menu a day. However, you do not have to eat the all 4 courses. For us, we went for medium menu (EUR35) which comprised of first course and second course. Pricing seems high but if you are a guest of the alberghetto, you do get 25% off. As for the wine, there are a selection of decent list as well as wine by glass (all Italian of course). You may just tell Ty your preference and he can make suggestion. For me, Ty recommended La Brugherata Rosso di Alberico Merlot 2013 (88/100) which is a local wine in the Lombardy region. It has fruity character of Merlot but rather lively acidity and medium body. Good table wine to enjoy young.

bread basket

amuse bouche

La Brugherata Rosso di Alberico Merlot 2013

For the night of our meal, the first course was Chestnut Spatzli (7/10). This egg based soft pasta was so simple, so local, but so delicious. There are always some kinds of magic in good pasta dishes and this one was no exception. The soft and tender texture of pasta blended so well with natural sweetness of chestnut. With an addition of good grated cheese on top, this was delicious. For the second course, it was Mushrooms Pork Cheek (7/10). Ok, it was tender, it was juicy, and it was yummy. We liked the strong mushroom flavour of the sauce. The mash alongside was smooth and nice too. We were not disappointed at all.

Well, let me tell you one thing. If you are thinking to visit Lake Como during the next few years and would happen to be in Griante area, do not miss this place. There is a high chance that both Paola and Ty might retire in the next few years after their decades of services. Why not at all stay Alberghetto della Marianna and have a meal there if you really have a chance. Thank god we found this place.

Chestnut Spatzli

Mushrooms Pork Cheek

La Cucina della Marianna @ Griante, Como, Italy
57 Via Regina
Griante
Como, 22011
Italy

Open Hours: Sat to Sun for lunch 12:30pm - 02:00pm and Tue - Sun dinner 07:30pm - 09:30pm

Tel: +39 0344 43111
Web: http://www.lamarianna.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/la-Cucina-della-Marianna/138362439527105

Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno 2010

Date of Tasting: 9 September 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: ~ 45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: Toscana IGT

Expect to Pay: ~ THB2,000

Web: http://www.tenutasetteponti.it/
Chubby Score: 94/100
Value for money: 9/10
Professional Rating: WA - 96/100, WS - 94/100, JS - 96/100, CT - 93/100

Appearance: dark purplish ruby

Aroma: complex bouquet of ripe dark berries, black pepper, tobacco and graphite, and vinegar

Palate: exciting sweet red and black fruits and herbs. refined and supple. silky but masculine tannins and impressive length. 

Simply beautiful and gorgeous at excellent price comparing to many other Super Tuscan and Bordeaux. Wonderfully crafted. It was rich and structured. Sleek and sexy but enormous at the same time. Long live ahead so you better stock up. Salute!!!!!!

Chateau La Croix Saint Georges Pomerol 2008

Date of Tasting: 16 May 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 14%

Origin: Bordeaux, France

Appellation: Pomerol Controlee

Expect to Pay: ~ THB2,000

Web: http://www.josephjanoueix.com/
Chubby Score: 91/100
Value for money: 5/10
Professional Rating: RP - 93/100, WS - 91/100, JR - 16.5/20, DC - 16/20, CT - 90/100

Appearance: deep ruby

Aroma: perfume of plum, blackberry, raisins, coffee, spices, and oak

Palate: long and lingering black fruits on the palate. big and velvety tannins. a touch of sweetness and vanilla to finish. round and well balanced. minor touch of heat at the finish.

Simply said a well made wine with opulent and pureness by Jean-philippe Janoueix. It can be powerful but acidity plays its role to balance well. Long and deep. Pretty good food wine. Enjoy it for a decade or more. Cheers.

Fattoria Le Pupille Saffredi Maremma 2004

Date of Tasting: 24 March 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Alicante

Alcohol: 14.0%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)

Expect to Pay: ~ THB4,000

Web: http://www.fattorialepupille.it/
Chubby Score: 94/100
Value for money: 8/10
Professional Rating: WA - 96/100, AG - 96/100, WS - 97/100, WE - 95/100, JR - 18.5/20, CT - 94/100

Appearance: crimson red

Aroma: redcurrants in the aroma pool of spices, vanilla, and rose

Palate: meaty body of a big guy, strong and powerful. fine sweet and noticeable tannins. earth, tobacco, oak, and leather also present. elegant Super Tuscan. ripe red cherry and plum on the main palate. 

This is a beautiful wine. It possesses the power of cabernet sauvignon as well as the aroma of merlot. The sophisticated but yet subtle tannins are lively and dazzling. It is pretty much enjoyable but I suspect that a few more years of cellaring should do it a good job as grains of tannins are still there. It should live wonderfully for at least a decade to go. I shall return to this Saffredi next year to see how it develops.

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Ornellaia Bolgheri DOC Superiore 2006

Date of Tasting: 27 March 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 15.0%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata)

Expect to Pay: ~ THB6,000 - THB8,000

Web: http://www.ornellaia.com/
Chubby Score: 94/100
Value for money: 6/10
Professional Rating: WA - 97/100, AG - 97/100, WE - 97/100, FS - 95/100, WS - 95/100, JR - 18.5/20, CT - 94/100

Appearance: purple inky red

Aroma: ripe dark fruits and licorice, smoky with minimum floral and menthol

Palate: juicy, sweet, and dense. big and delicious but unlike the American style of big. elegant also lies within. dark berries with balanced acidity. long and thick jams with oak and spices followed by mocha. complexity lies within. it sings harmoniously with rich flavour.

Needless to say, this is a great quality bottle of super Tuscan that has probably just started to reveal its true value. It shall live a decade to go. Promising and exciting bottle. This is a food wine and shall compliment well with roasts and games.

Leviathan Red Wine 2008

Date of Tasting: 9 March 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 40% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Syrah, 14% Merlot

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: California

Expect to Pay: ~ THB2,000 - THB3,000

Web: http://www.leviathanwine.com/
Chubby Score: 94/100
Value for money: 8/10
Professional Rating: WS - 93/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: dark, deep, and dense red

Aroma: black fruits, licorice, caramel, and spices

Palate: big and bold with multi dimensions, so much black fruits and vanilla, dense on the palate, long finish, featuring smooth tannins

This is a big big new world style as its name "Leviathan". Simply said Leviathan features great red Bordeaux blend at reasonable price. First time to sip and it is another love at first sight. Grab it if you happen to come across. A beautiful bottle to enjoy during this decade. A food wine it is. Cheers!!!