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Villa Puccini Super Tuscan Red 1997 - Italy |
CLUB: S / RO
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| Villa Puccini's 1997 Super Tuscan exhibits a complex
aroma of violets and cherries. This wine feels like velvet in the mouth,
showing off the benefit of a 12-month holiday in Slavonian oak. However,
none of the cherry, blackberry, or plum fruit inherent are lost nor are
the subtle traces of leather, spice, and pepper that will take over your
mouth and conclude in a lovely, lingering finish. It's all testimony to
the care given and the greatness of the 1997 Tuscany vintage. Simply put,
the 1997 Tuscany vintage should rank as one of the top three vintages in
the past century in Italy. It's absolutely ready to enjoy immediately but
will only improve over the next three years if you have the patience. |
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Freemark Abbey Johannisberg Reisling 1998 - California |
CLUB: S / WO
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One panel member commented, "This is the most delicious CA Riesling
we've ever reviewed!" And as a collective unit, our panel is generally
united in not particularly caring for Riesling as they tend to be too
sweet and for the most part, unbalanced. But one, we all liked very much
finding it bold and balanced. Certainly, the Freemark Abbey's 1998 Riesling
hardly resembles most CA versions of this noble varietal. Look for a golden-hued
robe and powerful flavors of succulent fruit which are nicely balanced
by natural acidity. We found the finish long and expressive. What moderates
the sweetness is the 12 % alcohol that lends power and body over ripe
pear, peach and apple flavors. We'd suggest drinking it moderately chilled.
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Boutari Kritikos Red 1998 - Greece |
CLUB: RO
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| The 1999 Boutari Kretikos Red was created on Crete, a small
Greek island with a substantial tradition of viticulture. The ruby red,
vibrant robe and spicy, lively, fruit-driven nose and flavors reflect the
Island's passion for creativity and life. Dry, smooth, and easy to drink,
we found it as balanced and appealing as a sunny summer day along the azure
coast! It's made entirely from indigenous grape varietals (Montilaria and
Kotsifali), The 1998 Boutari Kretikos is surely testimony to the individuality
and quality of native varietals, as well as to the obvious expertise of
the folks at Boutari. |
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Morgan Malvasia 1998 - California |
CLUB: WO
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| Morgan Vineyard's 1998 Malvasia Bianca sports a pale, slightly
golden robe and shows brilliant clarity. We found its nose very forward,
offering intense aromatic characteristics similar to Alsatian Gewurztraminer.
Look for dry Muscat like flavors and tangerine flavors that are balanced
nicely by slight hints of peach. We found it round and rich on the palate.
Note a bright citrus tanginess that reminds you that you are indeed enjoying
a dry wine, complete with all of the delicacy, finesse and subtlety of Malvasia.
True to Malvasia's Greek origins, you'll see that it offers a taste of ambrosia
- the heady wine of the gods! Enjoy! |
S = Standard Red & White Shipment RO = Reds Only Shipment
WO = Whites Only Shipment |