October 2009 Wine Salon

The usual crowd gathered chez Brian's on October 18 to explore Italian wines with an emphasis on Piedmont. Many wines posted and the opinions seemed to be a lot more varied than usual. Of course, the food was sensational as always. The liver duck mousse in particular was so good, I can practically still taste it. Here are the wines. I kept the notes very short.

Palate Whetter

• 2006 J. Hofstätter Pinot Nero Alto Adige - Südtirol Meczan - Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Alto Adige, Alto Adige - Südtirol
  Simple, earthy, funky, sour cherry, light bodied, decent cheap quaffer

Palate Bruiser

• 2000 Mastroberardino Irpinia Naturalis Historia - Italy, Campania, Irpinia
  Big, muscular, tannic, dark chocolate, coffee, blackberry, leather, very multifaceted, very good

Interesting Barbera

• 2003 Elio Altare Langhe Barbera Vigna Larigi - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC
  100% Barbera, very sweet, very modern, candied, cherries, too much oak, not a fan

Barbarescos

• 1996 Poderi Colla Barbaresco Roncaglie - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco
  Fresh, earthy, light-medium body, mushrooms, autumnal, tannic, focused


• 1999 Paitin di Pasquero-Elia Barbaresco Sori Paitin - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco
  Tannic, more modern style, slightly raisiny, slightly stewy, muddled


• 2003 Albino Rocca Barbaresco Vigneto Brich Ronchi - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco
  Most tannic of trio, mushrooms, rose petals, plum, baking soda, dark, almost Barolo-like in style

Barolos

• 2001 Mauro Veglio Barolo Castelletto - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
  Modern style, wood, tar, roasted coffee, plum, dark berry, still very primary


• 2001 Marchesi di Barolo Barolo Cannubi - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
  Primary, Black and blue berries, licorice, roses, traditional style. Very good.


• 2001 Vigna Rionda - Massolino Barolo - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
  Fresh, seems high alc, thin fruit, better on its own than with food

Old Barolo

• 1978 Pio Cesare Barolo Riserva - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo
  Lovely palate. Wet autumn leaves, forest floor, mushrooms, still amazingly vibrant fruit, perfect balance, nose was off, told that smell dissipated.

Thanks to Brian and all those who generously brought food. I unfortunately missed the flight with old Gattinara's (1965 and 1968), but there's always a next time.