16 Oct 2011: Earlier this month, we were treated to a very special dinner, where a double-magnum (3-litre) of 1995 Giuseppe Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva was served - such a treat! (I think the wine was decanted a couple of hours before it was served.) This was a wine of heroic proportions in every aspect: concentration and quality of fruit, intensity and complexity of aromas and flavours, density and weight on the palate, the lingering finish that would last as long as the time it took for the next sip. Aromatically, the complex bouquet showed dark chocolate, blackberry compote, dried fruit and raisins, leather, liquorice, toffee, pungent tobacco and slightly medicinal. The finish went on and on, with a lingering sweet-bitter taste. A sensational wine, that although drinking now, I suspect would be even more impressive in 8 - 10 years' time.
We also had on the same evening a 2001 Gaia & Rey Chardonnay, which impressed by its freshness balancing a very rich, rounded character. White peach, herbal, slightly spicy, with minerality. Quite rich and viscous, rather high in alcohol.....I personally found the alcohol level a little disturbing. Drink now and for next 3 - 4 year (?).
The 2001 Barolo Riserva Gran Bussia, Poderi Aldo Conterno delighted us with its bright red cherry fruit, earthy/minerally and rose petal pot pourri notes. Not a blockbuster wine, but entirely refreshing and focused, very approachable and drinking beautifully now. Drink now and for next 4 - 5 years.
The 2001 Tua Rita Syrah in magnum reminded me of a Barossa Shiraz. Blackberry jam, chocolate, spicy and quite a bit of sweet coconut and vanilla. Big fruit, velvety texture, spicy finish. Drink now and for next 4 -5 years.
It was a very special evening and a big thank you to our generous hosts for sharing with us the 1995 Quintarelli which was definitely a highlight and an eye-opener for me!
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