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!!!

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!!!

Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo 2009

Date of Tasting: 15 April 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR50

Web: http://www.fontodi.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 94/100, AG - 95/100, WS - 90/100, JS - 95/100, FS - 93/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Dense red

Aroma: Tobacco, tar, oak, spices, and mild red berries

Palate: Rich and full. Fine dusty but sweet and velvety tannins. Notes of ripe fruits. Hint of vanilla, tea, and mushroom. Fresh acidity.

Fresh but energetic at the same time. Flaccianello range of Fontodi may be great but Chianti Classico Vigna del Sorbo, on the other hand, cannot be overlooked. It is almost as impressive with complexity but more reasonable priced. However, the overall structure is more like hybrid: not traditional nor modern. Enjoy with rich dishes now and 10 years to go.

Podere Forte Wine Dinner @ Enoteca Italiana Bangkok

Cuisine: Italian

Map: Podere Forte Wine Dinner @ Enoteca Italiana Bangkok

Charged Price: THB3,500 per person

Visited: 21 April 2015

Food: 6/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Value for money: 5/10

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

It's another night of wine dinner and again at Enoteca Italiana Bangkok. It had been Valdicava wine dinner back in November 2014 and this time was Podere Forte wine dinner. The night started with Champagne from Larmandier-Bernier as aperitif, followed by Petruccino, Petrucci, and finished with vertical of Guardiavigna 2008 - 2010. They were all fantastic and delightful. Here are brief notes:

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Latitude NV (91/100): Excellent champagne with good qpr. At the price around EUR30 a bottle, it's awesome. This is Blanc de Blancs aka chardonnay. Larmandier-Bernier Latitude is an example of pure and elegant style. It is creamy and it is full. But yet complexity and smoothness lie within. Aroma of pear, anise, and orchard. Full on the palate with minerality, lemon, and stone. Mild honey and almond. Lovely aperitif to enjoy within a few years of release. (~ EUR30)

Podere Forte Petruccino 2012 (90/100): This is a lovely sangiovese-merlot blend (70:30). It is drinking beautifully now. Exhibit cherry and raspberry flavour. Mild spices and mint on the secondary note. Attractive aroma of red fruits and floral. Fine finish. Medium-full structure. Modern. (~ EUR30)

Podere Forte Petrucci 2010 (95/100): It's WOTN for me. Still a little young but accessible. Sexy bouquet of cherry and raspberry jumped out aggressively followed by flowers and spices. Savoury sangiovese fruits on the palate. Medium bodied and fine tannins. Outstanding texture and acidity integrated well. Gentleman of the night, it was. 100% Sangiovese. (~ EUR100)

Podere Forte Guardiavigna 2008 (93/100), 2009 (92/100), 2010 (94/100): Guardiavigna is bordeaux blend with cabernet franc and merlot as the key grapes and petit verdot as the final touch. Three of them were nice but presented totally different characters. In common, they showed bouquet of cassis, black currants, eucalyptus, spices, and hint of tobacco and earth. All of them have full structure with oakiness especially 2009 vintage which was broodingly chewy too. To me, 2010 vintage is more of finesse and elegant, whilst 2009 vintage is about power and muscle. As for 2008 vintage, it might not be as as beauty as vintage 2010 but the opulent style of 2008 clicked with my sense more. These are fine wines but they come with some price tag as well. (~ EUR80)

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Latitude NV

Podere Forte Petruccino 2012

Podere Forte Petrucci 2010

Podere Forte Guardiavigna 2008

Podere Forte Guardiavigna 2009

Podere Forte Guardiavigna 2010

Podere Forte Wine Dinner @ Enoteca Italiana Bangkok
39 Soi Sukhumvit 27
Sukhumvit Road
Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana
Bangkok 10110

Thailand

Open Hours: daily from 06:00pm - midnight

Tel: +66 (0) 2258 4386
Web: http://www.enotecabangkok.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/EnotecaBangkok

Enoteca Italiana Bangkok @ Sukhumvit, Bangkok - ร้านอาหารอิตาเลี่ยน อีโนติก้า @ สุขุมวิท กรุงเทพฯ

Cuisine: Italian

Map: Enoteca Italiana Bangkok @ Sukhumvit, Bangkok - ร้านอาหารอิตาเลี่ยน อีโนติก้า @ สุขุมวิท กรุงเทพฯ

Price: THB4,400 per person (what we paid for)

Visited: 28 November 2014

Food: 6/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Value for money: 3/10

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

Enoteca Italiana is a charming Italian restaurant hidden in a small alley of Soi Sukhumvit 27. The place is a house converted into restaurant: beautiful and spacious. It is another nice alternative when seeking a place to hang out with friends. The dining room is also decorated resembling Italian atmosphere. Along the wall, you can see range of Italian wine. One of the thing that worth mentioning here is the range of wine. Not many restaurant in Thailand represents good range of wine but here is one with Italian range. Nico, the owner, is a lovely and helpful guy. In the kitchen, Chef Stefano Merlo, who used to head the kitchen of Rossini's until mid 2013, leads the team for the second time after working for 2 years here between 2008 and 2010.

Enoteca Italiana Bangkok @ Sukhumvit, Bangkok

cosy dining room

another corner of cosy and friendly place

bread basket

I have to admit that it was a while back when I visited Enoteca during a wine dinner of Valdicava. All I could mention is the food was nice but not great. Here is the brief description:

White Truffle Cyber Egg (6/10): Tasted nice with aromatic white truffle scent with creamy structure. Creative but too difficult to eat honestly: need to pop the wrap with stick and then such the content inside. Personally, I am not really a fan of those molecular or fancy cuisine.

Pigeon Pate, Vin Santo Gelatine and Flowers (5/10): Pate was nice with senses of flower. But smoother touch would be better. In addition, vin santo gelatine needed to be more flavourful to balance the pate.

Spaghetti with Saffron and Bone Marrow (6/10): Nice creamy touch with al dente spaghetti in unique scent of saffron. But that was it. Not really sure what the missing piece of charm was.

Risotto with Berries and Foie Gras (6/10): Delicious little plate of risotto. Just need more of the berries to balance foie gras.

Grilled Fiorentina Steak (6/10): Flavour was there. But tenderness was not up to the level. Still some toughness there. Not sure whether it was intended to serve this way.

White Truffle Cyber Egg

Pigeon Pate, Vin Santo Gelatine and Flowers

Spaghetti with Saffron and Bone Marrow

Risotto with Berries and Foie Gras

Grilled Fiorentina Steak

Pecorino di Pienza DOP Cheese

As mentioned, the dinner was Valdicava wine dinner with Vincenzo Abbruzzese and daughter Sofia presented the wine themselves. The range of wine was impeccable: each one speaks of itself. Nice and traditional brunello with aromatic structure. The night began with Valdicava Rosso di Montalcino 2012 as the aperitif. Then Brunello di Montalcino and Madonna del Piano ranges were served pairing with the food in the following order:

Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2006
Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2004
Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 1999
Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano 2007
Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano 2004
Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano 1999

To me, Brunello di Montalcino 2004 and Madonna del Piano 1999 rocked the night. I was fortunate to get a chance to try such wonderful range. Honestly, if you see these wines, do not hesitate but stock up. All were wonderful and each speaks of its character that resemble vintage and terrior.

Overall, the night was wonderful. I have to admit that the wine outshone the food by far. The food range comparing to the price tag, I would say this is not so valuable. Thanks to the wine that makes it memorable. 

Valdicava Rosso di Montalcino 2012 (91pts)

Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2006 (95pts)

Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2004 (97pts)

Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 1999 (94pts)

Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano 2007 (96pts)

Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano 2004 (97pts)

Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano 1999 (97pts)

Enoteca Italiana Bangkok @ Sukhumvit, Bangkok - ร้านอาหารอิตาเลี่ยน อีโนติก้า @ สุขุมวิท กรุงเทพฯ
39 Soi Sukhumvit 27
Sukhumvit Road
Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana
Bangkok 10110

Thailand

Open Hours: daily from 06:00pm - midnight

Tel: +66 (0) 2258 4386
Web: http://www.enotecabangkok.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/EnotecaBangkok

Marchesi Antinori Tignanello Toscana IGT 2006

Date of Tasting: 7 November 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: Toscana IGT

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: http://www.antinori.it/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Professional Rating: WA - 92/100, AG - 92/100, WS - 93/100, WE - 94/100, FS - 92/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: ruby red

Aroma: red fruits, rosemary and spices with mild floral aromas

Palate: Somewhat rich and dense on the texture. Sweet ripe red fruits and mild citrus notes of sangiovese. Crisp with racy acidity. Earthy and oaky incorporated. Fine tannins.

A nice bottle of well-known producer that is currently drinking nicely and should live a decade more. Pairing this with lamb or even tomato based pasta would compliment each other well. Not so much of elegant but vibrant and powerful. A blend with cabernet sauvignon and a touch of cabernet franc seem to play its role remarkably. Kind of like the volume and complexity of aroma there. However, the price tag is a questionable one. Anyway, it is still a good experience. Salute!!!!

Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve IGT 2005

Date of Tasting: 26 April 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Sangiovese

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)

Expect to Pay: ~ THB3,000

Web: http://www.fontodi.com/
Chubby Score: 92/100
Value for money: 5/10
Professional Rating: WA - 93/100, AG - 94/100, WS - 94/100, JR - 17.5/20, CT - 93/100

Appearance: dark ruby

Aroma: complex forest floor of cedar, spices, and black fruits

Palate: medium-full bodied with beautiful and lingering finish. integrate tannins. it exhibits class and depth. on the palate, it shows integrated cherries, oak, and dried spices. notable acid.

This is a nice bottle that drinks well right now and a decade to go. It possesses some generous perfume of fruits and profound elegance. Not so much of the power. The 2005 is not quite my style but it shows superb with pizza and non-cream based pasta.

Tua Rita Rosso dei Notri IGT 2011

Date of Tasting: 11 January 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)

Expect to Pay: ~ THB750 - THB1,000

Web: http://www.tuarita.it/
Chubby Score: 90/100
Value for money: 8/10
Professional Rating: WA - 89/100, WE - 90/100, JS - 89/100, CT - 88/100

Appearance: dark ruby

Aroma: currants and forest floor

Palate: sweet cherry with quite dense palate touch but maintaining silkiness. also shows sweet spices as well as little touch of herbs, florals, and cinnamon. soft tannins and quite well structured acidity and balance. medium length on the finish.

Not a particular touchy wine but this is a good one for table wine for me. It should go pretty well with flavourful dishes and should be enjoyable during the next few years. A good value for money indeed.

Felsina Fontalloro IGT 2007

Date of Tasting: 7 December 2013

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Sangiovese

Alcohol: 14%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)

Expect to Pay: ~ THB1,750 - THB2,500

Web: http://www.felsina.it/
Chubby Score: 94/100
Value for money: 9/10
Professional Rating: WA - 93/100, WS - 92/100, FS - 93/100, ST - 96/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: rich ruby

Aroma: herbs, tobacco, black fruits, and soft aroma of tea, balsamic, and cinnamon

Palate: ripe and dark violet with packed flavours of blueberry, prune, and raspberry, rich and long with silky and refined tannins, medium-full bodied style, elegant, fine, and fresh, balance and crisp acidity

We decanted Felsina Fontalloro 2007 for 3 hours before serving. Just by the aroma, I have already fallen in love with this wine. It was so wonderful. Different bouquets came one after one. So complex and stylish. The sweetness and silkiness were all there. We had this along with creamy base pasta and we did not regret at all. This is an outstanding wine that would live another decade. Enjoy it now. Really good food companion, it is. Raise many more glasses, I should!!!!!!!

Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova 2006

Date of Tasting: 12 June 2013

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Sangiovese

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)

Expect to Pay: THB3,000 - 4,500 (retail price in Thailand)

Web: http://www.casanovadineri.it/
Chubby Score: 95/100
Value for money: 9/10
Professional Rating: WA - 95/100, WS - 95/100, JS - 100/100, WE - 97/100

Appearance: dark ruby/garnet

Aroma: explosive notes of spiciness, cherry, and cinnamon

Palate: depth and length are so long, smooth and silky touches, dry tannins with so much strength, mild acidity, medium-full bodied style, loads of massive ripen cherry and plum flavours, complex and elegant after-taste, tobacco and herbs and licorice.

Such a powerful bottle of Brunello di Montalcino. They are all there in one bottle: elegant, complexity, sensational and yet stunningly powerful. A wonderful bottle that ones should not miss. Lucky that I have more in stock. The very best of Sangiovese grapes can be found in this bottle of Casanova di Neri. If you see it, don't miss the opportunity to grab some. It is now soon to shaking off its shyness and revealing its true potential. So can be enjoy now and the next decade or so. Many many glasses should be raised!!!!!

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico 2010

Date of Tasting: 29 March 2013

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 80% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, 5% Syrah

Alcohol: 14%

Origin: Tuscany, Italy

Appellation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)

Expect to Pay: THB900 – 1,400 (retail price in Thailand)

Web: n.a.
Chubby Score: 92/100
Value for money: 8/10
Professional Rating: DC - 96/100, JR - 16.5/20.0, JS - 90/100

Appearance: crimson red

Aroma: mixed berries bouquet and spices

Palate: structured with fine tannins, medium bodied with vibrant acidity, long and lingering finish, sweet red fruits with deliciously charming complexity

This is not an ordinary wine give quality to price ratio. It is just adorable. Though I am normally a fan of Sangiovese, this is an extraordinary one. I particularly like the silky touch of it. The life span may not be so long, say 5 years or so but drinking well now too. Cheers.

La Carraia Sangiovese Umbria IGP 2010

To find a good table wine with degree of satisfaction while pocket is still kept safe can be really difficult. Sangiovese is a type of wine that offers such bright acidity. I am personally a fan of it. Well La Carraia Sangiovese 2010 is what I find rather promising.

Date of Tasting: 20 March 2013

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Sangiovese

Alcohol: 13.0%

Origin: Umbria, Italy

Appellation: Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP)

Expect to Pay: THB300 – 600 (retail price in Thailand)

Web: http://www.lacarraia.it/

Chubby Score: 90/100
Value for money: 9/10

Professional Rating: WA - 86/100

Appearance: brightening ruby (O.o)

Aroma: fresh red berries and strawberry, and mocha

Palate: rich texture with sweet spices, full and rich with ripe tannins, fruity in fact, not complex, fresh acidity. dry but smooth character.

La Carraia Sangiovese 2010 is indeed one that compromises in term of drinking joy and price. It is sure an easy drinking one but complexity is a doubt. If Sangiovese is your type of wine and you do not mind to drink delightful but less complex wine at reasonable price,  This can guarantee you a certain satisfaction. Perfect for pasta and pizza. A wine to enjoy now.