Rioja Gran Reserva 1998 – Sierra Cantabria – Alc. 13.5%. The Egurens seem to be virtuoso wine-makers. They make some very nice modern styled Rioja like San Vicente and Coleccion Privada and this GR made by more traditional methods is very good too. Deeper in colour than some GRs, the nose shows typically Riojan sweet cherry laced with vanilla with a touch greater refulgence than often. Likewise the body was quite full, mouth-feel was smooth and fruit round with quite firm tannins (wood enhanced?) towards the finish. Not yet the same ethereal experience as some 20 year+ GRs and Rs but it may get there; 16.5/20.
The next two were bought during last Autumn's trip to Italy, now a distant memory after a long winter and cold Spring.
Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore Riserva “Pruno” 2005 – Drei Donà – Tenuta La Palzza – Alc. 14% -bottled unfiltered after 18 month. This is an altogether more ambitious wine than the nice entry level Notturno. It shows rich, generous, fruit and full body with thicker texture, more perfume and with less acidity, tang and class than equivalent Tuscan Sangiovese. The wood ageing has been well handled and there was ripe tannic structure; 15.5/20+++.
IGT Umbria Rosso “Gaudio” 2005 – Tenuta Le Velette – Alc. 13% - (€11 at the estate), made from Merlot and barrel aged for 12 months. I’m not usually a big fan of Merlot from outside Bordeaux but this one is very attractive. It showed dark colour, expressive aromas, quite full body, rich supple fruit with enough fresh acidity to avoid jamminess and a nice touch of leather together with some firm tannic support for the finish; 16/20+++ QPR!