Bacchus, the importer of Antinori wines in Manila held a wine dinner at Masseto featuring Antinori's Super Tuscans with Wine Ambassador for Asia Mr. Jacopo Pandolfini presenting the wines. For cocktails we had a red and a white:
Villa Antinori Toscana Bianco 2009 - A 5 grape blend but mostly Trebbiano. Floral nose and fresh and crisp on the palate. A straightforward, uncomplicated wine.
Peppoli Chianti Classico 2008 - Primarily raspberry with just a touch of chocolate. Rather high acidity makes food essential with this wine otherwise it could come across as somewhat shrill.
For dinner we had three Super Tuscans:
Tignanello 2003 - Still very dark. Leather on the nose. Sweet fruit with bittersweet cocoa. After some time in the glass, a little sweaty/dusty. This is very good now but I think still has a little bit of upside left. Should be excellent with another year or two in the bottle.
Guado al Tasso 2003 - Again, very dark and youthful. 50% Cabernet with the balance Merlot and Syrah. Jacopo told us starting with the 2007 vintage it would be a straight Bordeaux blend of Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Firm and fleshy ripe plums. Like the Tignanello, could possibly do with another year or two in bottle although it makes an attractive drink now.
Solaia 2000 - Dense and slightly jammy. Again the quality of the fruit is prominent as it is quite ripe and sweet although the finish is dry and savory. The tannins are still rather strong. This wine looks like it has a long life ahead of it.
Many thanks to Alex of Bacchus who insisted I attend this dinner and congratulations to Chef Tippi who prepared the best meal I've had so far at Masseto.