Notes from lunch at the Polo Club. Although everyone brought wines, Jojo again insisted that his bottles be opened. Arnie was able to have his Cote Rotie opened as he arrived before Jojo showed up.
Sartarelli Balciana Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2007 - Yellow/orange color. Looks like a dessert wine. A little funky on the nose. Overripe fruit and touch of sulfur. Very rich, oily, dessert wine texture. Reminds me of a ripe Alsatian Pinot Gris although the wine is quite dry. Very interesting but I couldn't drink too much as it was a rather fat wine.
Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfaletto 1997 - Unfortunately served too warm. A little bricking on the rim. Woodsy, good fruit, cherry and raspberry. Good but could probably have been better if it were cooler and if it were decanted for some time.
Vins de Vienne Cote Rotie Les Essartailes 2002 - Promising on the nose but very acidic. No one liked this.
Elena Fucci Titolo Aglianico del Vulture 2005 - Dark, tannic, full-bodied. Needs food and possibly a bit more bottle age but I thought is was quite good.
Serego Alighieri Vaio Amaron Amarone 1995 - Figs and chocolate. Rich but not as sweet as other Amarones I've had so still a good match for the roast chicken and pasta. Probably at peak now.
Elio Perrone Clarte Moscato d'Asti 2006 - Grapey, green apples, honey, refreshing acidity and the fizz cuts the sweetness well. A rather rich Moscato d'Asti. Good with all the desserts ( apple tart, chocolate cake and nutella and banana napoleon), I thought.