Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso 2010

Date of Tasting: 13 May 2016

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: Toscana IGT

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR80

Web: http://www.lemacchiole.it/
Chubby Appreciation: 94/100
Critics' Opinion: JS - 95/100, FS - 95/100, WA - 96/100, WE - 97/100, AG - 97/100, WS - 93/100, CT - 93/100

Appearance: Dark ruby.

Aroma: Sweet oak, coffee, cassis, floral and spices.

Palate: Deep and full in the mouth. Sweet and smooth but somewhat rigid tannins with balance acidity. Notes of black berries and spices. 

Somewhat modern but lovely. It is accessible at this stage but more time in bottle should be a reward. Otherwise, pop up an hour before sipping. Its strong structure will support long aging. Accompany with rich food to enjoy. Cheers.

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.

Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2010

Date of Tasting: 3 June 2016

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Sangiovese

Alcohol: 14%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: http://www.valdicava.it/
Chubby Appreciation: 96/100
Critics' Opinion: JS - 99/100, WA - 93/100, AG - 94/100, WS - 96/100, CT - 94/100

Appearance: Bright and deep ruby.

Aroma: Orange peel, olive, dark cherry, earth and mushroom.

Palate: Medium-full bodied. Structured with silkily fine tannins. Vibrant acidity that balance out with time. Fruits and herbs. Long finish.

Definitely a gorgeous bottle of Brunello. This is something unique. Starting to be accessible but will live its life for long. Love the earthy tone while fruits and acidity still support its structure. Elegant one. It is hard indeed to keep my hands off. Grazie!!!

Terre Nere Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2013

Date of Tasting: 12 May 2016

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 98% Nerello Mascalese, 2% Nerello Cappuccio

Alcohol: 14%

Origin: Sicily, Italy

Appellation: Etna Rosso DOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR30

Web: http://www.tenutaterrenere.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: JS - 92/100, JR - 17/20, CT - 91/100

Appearance: Bright ruby.

Aroma: Spices. Powerful ripe red fruits. Some floral and leather.

Palate: Medium-full bodied with ripe and sweet tannins. Smooth. Complete and complex. Outstanding ripe cherry and plum notes. Bright but firm. Long lasting in the mouth.

A really good job for this Etna by Terre Nere. Pretty much aromatic like the Burgundian but ways lower price. It is even ready for enjoying at its early life. I personally would not mind stocking up as table wine at all. If you like your wine a bit of ripe and bright, this is a candidate for you.

Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto 2010

Date of Tasting: 18 December 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 14%

Origin: La Morra, Italy

Appellation: Barolo DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR45

Web: http://www.corderodimontezemolo.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: WE - 94/100, JS - 93/100, WA - 93/100, AG - 92/100, WS - 92/100, ST - 90/100, JR - 16.5/20, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Garnet.

Aroma: Rose petal, balsamic, herbs, berries, a bit of smoke and oak essences.

Palate: Full and rich. Cherry and red berries. Mild vanilla and cocoa. Smooth and structured with nice acidity. Well balanced.

Opulent bottle of Barolo that is ready for drinking since its early stage. Matured in various size of barrels. Not exactly modern nor traditional. I wouldn't say it is elegant but would be happy to consume this wine regularly. Nice work.

Coup de Foudre Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2009

Date of Tasting: 21 August 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 14.8%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Napa Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR100

Web: http://www.coupdefoudrewine.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: WS - 94/100, AG - 92/100, WE - 92/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Dark crimson.

Aroma: Oak essence. Sweet fruits aroma. Violet.  

Palate: Creamy, dense, and full. Smooth sweet tannins. Forward and fruity: ripe black fruits. A bit of spices. Long finish.

Surely Napa style of straight forward and flashy US cult Cabernet Sauvignon. Big, ripe, and sweet are the definition. So just pop now, why wait? Have something equally big to go along too. Roasted rack of lambs or venison will do, I suppose.

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!!!

Domaine de Montille Volnay 1er Cru en Champans 2011

Date of Tasting: 16 October 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 12.5%

Origin: Burgundy, France

Appellation: Volnay 1er Cru Controlee

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR90

Web: http://www.demontille.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: ST - 91/100, BH - 92/100

Appearance: Light ruby.

Aroma: Perfume of flower field enhanced with red fruits. Minerality.

Palate: Medium touch on the palate. Silkily smooth. Strawberry stands out. Complex with persistent finish.

Looking for masculine new world, you might just forget this one. This is pure and cool in style. Classic and elegant. Personally, love this style. Structure wise, it should live its age well in my humble opinion. Enjoyable now but cannot imagine how it would develop during the next decade.

Yalumba The Octavius 2004

Date of Tasting: 14 November 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Shiraz

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Barossa, Australia

Appellation: Barossa Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: https://www.yalumba.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 94/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 96/100, WE - 94/100, ST - 93/100, WS - 92/100, JR - 17.5/20, DC - 17.5/20, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Dark inky purple.

Aroma: Peppery, blueberry and raspberry. Mild eucalyptus and chocolate.

Palate: Velvety big boy but fine and smooth. Well structured. Long to the end. Concentrated fruits in the form of liqueur like. 

Pretty much adore this new world shiraz. It was big but also in the possession of elegance. I didn't feel much of the oozy chewy Australian shiraz here but fine yet powerful one. Such a privilege to enjoy this Yalumba now. Nice piece of rib eye and you are done.

Ca' del Baio Barbaresco Vallegrande 2011

Date of Tasting: 6 September 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Treiso, Italy

Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR30

Web: http://www.cadelbaio.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: AG - 91/100, JS - 92/100, JR - 16.5/20

Appearance: Bright garnet.

Aroma: Spice, red fruits, cherry, and dried flowers.

Palate: Medium-full character with bright acidity. Smooth but yet showing some power and warmth. Dry but silky tannins. Cherry notes. Freshness is the key.

Looking for good QPR nebbiolo based wine, this is one for you from Barbaresco. This lovely wine would likely be developing during the next 10 years. But why wait??? It is enjoyable now. Serving at the right temperature would surely be one of the key. Love the smoothness and its elegant of traditional style. Sexy perfume!!! Bring me some nice tenderloin or good quality parmesan and yeah.......Salute!!!

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

Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2006

Date of Tasting: 4 September 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Rhone, France

Appellation: Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR90

Web: http://www.closducaillou.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 94/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 95/100, WS - 95/100, ST - 94/100, JR - 18/20, CT - 94/100

Appearance: Ruby.

Aroma: Black fruits, spice aroma, earthy, and dark tea.

Palate: Plenty of length and depth. Rich but round. Rather full on the texture. Sweet berries and chocolate.

Powerful but delicious full bodied. Such an impressive big boy. Stunning now but it shall be interesting to see how it develops. Grab a piece or pieces of delicious steak to go along and it shall be wonderful.

Marqués de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Rioja Gran Reserva Especial Cosecha 2004

Date of Tasting: 19 October 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 93% Tempranillo, 7% Mazuelo

Alcohol: 14%

Origin: Rioja, Spain

Appellation: Rioja DOCa

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR80

Web: http://www.marquesdemurrieta.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 95/100, WS - 90/100, WE - 91/100, FS - 95/100, ST - 92/100, CT - 91/100

Appearance: Dark ruby.

Aroma: Ripe wild berries, plum, raisin, chocolate, mocha.

Palate: Juicy and velvety with soft tannins. Full bodied and a bit dense on the palate but somewhat fresh. Exotic dried fruits. Quite long on the finish.

Delicious Rioja. It is a powerful one but not broodingly masculine. Rather elegant in fact. I like the way ripe fruits character showed up smoothly and brightly. Ones would definitely enjoy this Gran Reserva with food more than on its own. Grilled or rich dishes will be excellent companion. Pretty lovely now.

Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino 2010

Date of Tasting: 15 August 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Sangiovese

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR40

Web: http://www.casanovadineri.it/
Chubby Appreciation: 94/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 96/100, JS - 96/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Bright deep red.

Aroma: Excellent nose of cherry and dried fruits. Saline. Rosemary. A bit of earth.

Palate: Bright acid with indicated red cherry and raspberry. Layers of spices. Rather full texture but fine tannins. Some of mineral. Velvety and long lasting.

Not as big and the Tenuta Nuova range but consist of elegance and finesse instead. Beautiful, vibrant, and lingering. Not so modern but still somewhat in between. Oak, yes a bit. Chocolate, umm....traceable. A few years more and it may be at its drinking window range. Not a bad idea at all to stock up this beauty. Sante!!!

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007

Date of Tasting: 10 July 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 15.9%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Napa Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR110

Web: http://www.robertmondaviwinery.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 95/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 95/100, WS - 95/100, WE - 95/100, ST - 94/100, JS - 91/100, DC - 16/20, CT - 93/100

Appearance: Dark crimson.

Aroma: Ripe currants, cassis, oak, smoke and herbs.

Palate: So big. So full. Monster. Yet it was dry and balance. Notes of black fruits. Very tannic definitely. Long lasting finish.

When my palate is seeking for softer kind of wine day by day, the big and broodingly bold Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon seems to be overwhelming. I wouldn't say I dislike this one. Of course, it is fabulously great. But it is just not my style. It is like a huge monster attacking. In fact, it is so powerful and almost like port. One would definitely need a good compliment dish to go along. It yields long aftertaste flavours. Still at least 10 more years to go for this Hulk.

Domaine de la Pousse d'Or Volnay 1er Cru Clos des 60 Ouvrees 2011

Date of Tasting: 18 June 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Burgundy, France

Appellation: Volnay 1er Cru AOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: http://www.lapoussedor.fr/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: ST - 92/100, BH - 93/100, JR - 16.5/20, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Dark and red.

Aroma: Seem complex but reduced at the moment. Dark fruits, spices, oak, and field of Provence.

Palate: Rather rich and structured. Fine and silky. Leaded by cassis and black fruits flavour. Minerality in the background. Quite long haul on the finish.

It was mid 2015 and this bottle of Volnay seemed to be closed and mute still. Dark fruit and subtle, yes. But its potential character and finesse are still sleeping. Structure and acidity were there though to support development. To savour its lingering pleasure, patience is required. Forget it for another 5 years, I guess.

Dry River Pinot Noir Martinborough 2008

Date of Tasting: 17 August 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 12.5%

Origin: Martinborough, New Zealand

Appellation: Martinborough

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: http://dryriver.co.nz/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 91/100, WE - 91/100, JR - 17.5/20, CT - 90/100

Appearance: Ruby in colour with hint of purple.

Aroma: Sweet red fruits and cherry mainly with forest floor on the background. Mild spices.

Palate: Exhibit layers of sweet fruits primarily: cherry, raspberry, and plum. Fresh and crisp. Medium-full on the structure. Fine tannins. Hint of vanilla and oak. 

Not quite the same in character as in other New Zealand pinot noir. Its fruit character stands out pretty nicely. But its sexiness comes when more dimension started showing out: spices, vanilla, flowers, earth, and etc. It is not quite old world in style nor masculine new world. Elegant and velvety are sure ones. Though it is not my style but I cannot disagree it is an enjoyable one.

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.

Domaine Jean Tardy et Fils Vosne-Romanee Vigneux 2012

Date of Tasting: 9 June 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Burgundy, France

Appellation: Vosne-Romanee AOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR60

Web: http://domainejeantardy.canalblog.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 89/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 93/100, JR - 16/20, BH - 91/100, CT - 89/100

Appearance: Bright ruby.

Aroma: Mild floral aroma. A bit of cherry and spices.

Palate: Medium-bodied structure. Fine and smooth on the touch. Ripe pinot fruits. A bit of oak. 

Good village Vosne-Romanee but rather pricey. Both bouquet and palate taste do not seem to reveal its potential much at the moment. Perhaps a couple of years more of sleeping shall awake its form up. Expect to see more of complexity, minerality, and aroma from this one.