Tasting Notes Friday 4/11/14

NCWC TOP SHELF TASTING, 4/11/14

FONTODI FLACCIANELLO 2010
97+ points Wine Advocate: “This superstar of Italian enology will take your breath away. This is a seriously beautiful wine with the kind of intensity and aromatic purity you only experience every 1,000 wines or so. There’s a lot to say here. First, the wine’s beautiful appearance shows dark garnet colors with highlights of ruby and purple gemstone. The bouquet delivers a steady and seductive evolution with dark cherry, chocolate, spice, tobacco and sweet almond all seamlessly balanced one against the other. Its texture and inner fabric is rich, velvety and firm. There’s a brilliant spot of acidity that hits you at the back of the mouth and helps the wine from feeling too heavy or dense. In fact, outstanding elegance is what ultimately sets it apart. Anticipated maturity 2015-2035. $129.97 FRIDAY ONLY (regular $139.97)

COL SOLARE 2008
93 points Wine Advocate: “From an extended vintage that saw solid hang time, the 2008 Col Solare (67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Syrah) shows a cool, elegant profile with black currant, mineral, smoke, wild herbs and graphite along with a medium to full-bodied, fresh and pure palate. Featuring clean, integrated acidity and a layered, pure profile, it has the structure to continue evolving gracefully for another decade or more. Drink now-2023.” $39.97

CHATEAU ST. JEAN CINQ CEPAGES 2010
93 points Wine Spectator: “An authentic Bordeaux-style expression from Sonoma. Firm, dense and muscular, with a tight core of vivid blackberry, spice, cedar, loamy earth, black olive and cigar box notes, framed by tight, ripe, gripping tannins that extend the flavors. The finish impresses with purity, focus and complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Drink now through 2026.” $59.97

ALTAMURA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
94 points Wine Spectator: “Combines very ripe, spicy dark berry fruit that’s even a touch racy, with a firm backbone and a well-structured mix of acidity and tannins. The fruit is potent and concentrated, yet also shows a suppleness and measure of grace. Should only get better. Drink now through 2024. 3,000 cases made.” $79.97

GROTH RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
93 points Wine Enthusiast: “From the winery’s estate vineyard, on the eastern side of the Oakville appellation, this Cab is incredibly lush and delicious. It dazzles with rich blackberry, cherry pie, currant and cassis liqueur flavors, perfectly accented by sweet, smoky oak. It’s soft in tannins, yet ageworthy.” $89.97