March 11, 2011 – 2009 Verget Chablis/ 2006 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco Tasting, Vintages, Belmont, MA
Thanks to the staff at Vintages for pouring this impressive lineup of wines last Friday. The 2006s from Cantina del Pino may even be better than the 2005s, which is saying something. (By the way, Cantina del Pino also makes a very interesting Freisa that is worth seeking out if you like frizzante reds.) I have also been a fan of Verget's Chablis and Mâconnais, and it seems like they did quite well in the former region in 2009.
2009 Maison Verget Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons
Moderate in weight, balanced, and ripe, with moderate acidity; very mineral, with citrus, apple, and spice notes. Very pleasant right now. $30.
2009 Maison Verget Chablis Grand Cru Blanchots
Moderate in weight, tightly structured, focused, nicely balanced, with good finesse; very mineral, with citrus and apple notes. Definitely one that will benefit from some time. Excellent. $72.
2009 Maison Verget Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Vieilles Vignes
A bit riper than the Blanchots, though still nicely balanced, with a bit more underlying acidity. Maybe not quite as tightly structured, though, or at least, more open right now. Floral/mineral nose; rich, nervy, concentrated, with more intense mineral-tinged apple notes. Excellent. $72.
2006 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco DOCG
The “basic” bottling, but basic only in the sense that it doesn’t come from a specific cru. Medium-bodied, tannic, fresh, with nice acidity and structure; red berry, rose, and tar notes. Excellent. $45.
2006 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco DOCG Ovello
Fuller and a bit rounder, very tannic, fresh and well balanced, with good underlying acidity. More mineral, with cherry, red berry, rose, and tar notes. Excellent. $60.
2006 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco DOCG Albesani
Full, round, tannic – though maybe a bit less tannic than the Ovello. Nicely balanced, fresh, with good underlying acidity; shows notes of red berries, roses, dark chocolate, and spices. Excellent. $60.