Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel Old Vine 2003 Sonoma 15,3% abv 33,50€
The nose is very dark toned and plummy, toasty and oaky, but with a ripe, sweet berryness. Unfortunately the alcohol is very obvious. The palate is very full bodied, berried, sweet and dark - the most attractive feature is upright structure. This is a vast improvement over my previous taste, but despite some attractive aromas, it is still spoiled by huge alcohol. The calvados (40% abv) I had after this was more balanced in alcohol than this wine (15,3% abv) was.
Vietti Barbera d'Asti La Crena 2004 Piemonte 14,5% 33,90€
Very dark, almost black. A brambly, dark toned nose, but lifted and refreshing despite much oak. The oak doesn't disguise the Barbera aromatics underneath. Big, ripe, extracted, oaky palate, yet with the tanginess I hope to find in the grape. I always feel a little ashamed admitting it, but though this is spoofulated, I still find it enjoyable (as I do the other Vietti Barberas).
Bodegas Argüeso Moscatel NV Sanlúcar de Barrameda 17% 8,5€/½ bottle
Quite a delight! This is sweet and floral, true to the grape in its obvious aromatics, but nice minerality also. It is lifted and refreshing despite being sweet and orange-like. Very attractive!
Williams & Humbert Rare Old Dry Amontillado Solera Especial Jalifa Aged 30 Years NV Xérès 19,5% 34,70€
Orange. The nose is nutty, rancioed and chalky - just like an Amontillado should, but there is a depth and complexity and intensity that I guess age has brought. Dry, but deep and rich, orange-like and waxy on the finish. This is very intense. Very nice. These elderly sherries are very satisfying drinks.
-Otto