Talked myself into opeing a few "older" bottles....after all, I was on vacation.....
2000 Chateau D'Armailhac, Pauillac, France
This is the first grand cru classe 2000 I have tried....Classic left-bank Bordeaux. Fine cool dark fruit, wine notes of cedar and tobacco. Still quit youthful, with plenty of structure left. I really enjoyed this now, superb with bbq-d steak. But, to me, no rush to drink this now if you have it, it should hold for several years. Unfortunately, my only bottle.
1999 Castello Banfi, Brunello di Montacino
I really don't understand this wine. Really dark red with some browing. Does Sangiovese really produce such dark wines? On the palate, seems simple' joylessm and lacking character. I'm sure that if I had tasted this blind, I never would had guessed Brunello...or even Italian for that matter. Not terrible, but I've had $15 reds recently with more character. Not the first ime a Banfi Brunello has disappointed me.
2001 Stratus Red, Niagara Peninsula, Niagara, Ontario
Bought from the winery several years ago, a blend of up to 7 varieties (I believe) including Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, Melot, and Syrah. Tasting this makes me wonder why I spent about $36 (or was it $38?). Some nice red berry fruit, along with the typical leafy/herbeceous flavours that accompany many Niagara reds. Simple, and pleasant. But at this price level and the hot vintage, I would have hoped for more...I have basically given up on Niagara reds from the later-ripening grapes, and will stick to whites and pinot noir (from only a few producers).
1997 Argiano Solengo, Tuscany, Italy
I had mixed expectations from this wine. I think Suckling rated it 98, which is why I bought it, but some notes on wine forums have been less impressive. A Cab Sauv-Merlot blend with Syrah and maybe Sangiovese (depending on who you listen to). Well, this was one seriously impressive wine. Huge concentration of dark fruit, with oak well in check. Long, long finish. I can imagine that this wine must have been something of a brute in its youth as it still has alot of tannin. But, to me, everything seems in fine balance and this is just a delicious wine to drink...almost justifies what I paid for it! Many years still ahead I would think.
Cheers,
Norm