3 January 2012: I recently was introduced to two wines, both in magnum format, which I thought did a wonderful job as the perfect party wine!
2003 Barbera d'Alba Riserva Vigneto Pozzo dell'Annunziata, Roberto Voerzio (in magnum): (Double-decanted before leaving in an open bottle for 6 hours before serving.) 14.5% alcohol. Deep ruby hue. Very ripe and bright black cherry fruit preserve, liquorice, minerals and toasty oak. Youthful, fresh and vibrant, intensity and complexity wrapped within a robust structure and full body. Weighty on the palate, smooth and ripe tannin, balanced by exhilarating acidity (which I love). A wine of complexity, concentration and length. A phenomenal effort for this often under-appreciated grape variety! Drink now with plenty of aeration and for the next 8 - 10 years while the vibrancy is upheld! Can't help noticing some stylistic similarity with an Amarone or a sturdy Valpolicella Superiore from a top name! 17.5/20
2001 Rosso Ca' del Merlo, Giuseppe Quintarelli: 15% alcohol. Traditional Valpolicella blend grapes from very old vines from a single hilltop vineyard. Late-harvested and partially made in the ripasso method. Ca' del Merlo is translated as 'House of the Blackbird'. This is an IGT Veneto wine from Giuseppe Quintarelli, dubbed the Master of Veneto. Herbal, plum, black cherry, earthy, liquorice and some leather. Harmonious and perfectly balanced (despite the high alcohol), with a velvety texture. Delicious with the wood-fired spring lamb! A mid-weight wine with character and a lovely finish. Drink at peak now and over next 4 - 5 years for best enjoyment. 16/20
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