The week that ended with IndyFest started auspiciously the Sunday before (3/6/11), with a belated birthday meal for me. I got this Brunello for a song, so I'm sad to say my wife probably won't let me celebrate this way every year. Also, my brother brought over Bogle's "Port," which I've been curious to try for a long time.
Tenute Silvio Nardi, Vigneto Manachiara, Brunello di Montalcino 2003
Impressive color: nearly opaque garnet. Excellent, deep, intense Montalcino nose. On the nose and palate, a personality of sour black cherry, blackberry, plum tomato, a hint of raisen, orange rind, herbs, and earth - those last three being Montalcino's unmistakable hallmark. Full bodied, deep and with intense concentration. An excellent Brunello, and a great pleasure to drink. Drinking well now, and should age nicely until 2025 or longer. **** [3/6/11]
Bogle, Petite Sirah Port, Clarksburg 2006
Nearly black red/purple. Good nose. Blackberry, raspberry, and chocolate initially, with perhaps a suggestion of minty undertone; as it opens a hint of blueberry, and raisen emerge as well, and as it settles, taking on some traditional Port character. Viscous, and quite sweet, but loaded with nice dark fruit, and a really pleasant wine to drink. The most successfull "port style" wine I've had, and the one that stands on its own stylistically, without the need to compare it to a true Port. Quite nice. Drink now until at least 2020, perhaps substantially longer. *** [3/6/11]
