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Grape Observer

Grape Observer

A fine wine review focussing on wines from Australia and France (c)

  • Blinding tasting cortese

    Cortese is a difficult wine in blind tastings due to its generic “white wine” attributes. In practice

    Sean Mitchell

    May 8, 2022
    Blind Tasting, Wine Reviews
    Cortese, Gavi, Italy
  • Dirupi Rosso di Valtellina Nebbiolo 2018

    From Valtellina in the far north of Lombardy and varietally labelled as nebbiolo. It’s a “Rosso”, so in theory an earlier drinking wine. It proves to be a very good nebbiolo after initially not appearing it had plans to amount to much. Aromas of strawberry compote and even raisined fruit blew off, showing a true […]

    Sean Mitchell

    April 19, 2022
    Wine Reviews
    Italy, Nebbiolo, Valtellina
  • Blind tasting nebbiolo

    This tasting is of two nebbiolos blind, the only clue being “two wines from the same region“. Tasted: March 2022.

    Sean Mitchell

    March 25, 2022
    Blind Tasting, Wine Reviews
    Barolo, Italy, Langhe, Nebbiolo
  • La Val Dei Preti Roero Riserva 2017

    From Roero in the north of Piedmont in Italy, this is a good nebbiolo from La Val dei Preti. It has aromas of herbs and camphor. The palate is dry and its primary features are its high (but not very high) acidity and chalky medium-high tannins. The alcohol is 14.5, there is medium length and […]

    Sean Mitchell

    February 26, 2022
    Wine Reviews
    Italy, Nebbiolo, Roero
  • Castellari Bergaglio Fornaci Gavi 2019 Wine Review

    This wine review is of Castellari Bergaglio’s Fornaci 2019 Gavi.  I taste few Gavi, so my expertise is modest on this wine style made from the white cortese grape variety in Piedmont.  It resembles its textbook descriptions, perhaps being slightly more aromatic than some, with aromas of florals and green apple.  The palate is dry, […]

    Sean Mitchell

    December 3, 2021
    Wine Reviews
    Cortese, Gavi, Italy, Piedmont
  • Brezza Dolcetto d’Alba 2019

    Bottled with an unusual glass stopper and a very short capsule, this dolcetto d’Alba from Brezza is a joyous wine that opens to aromas of fresh raspberries and savoury cherries.  Medium to firm tannins add texture and interest to the palate, and the alcohol is a modest 12.5.  This is a delicious dolcetto that is […]

    Sean Mitchell

    August 29, 2020
    Wine Reviews
    Dolcetto, Dolcetto d’Alba, Italy, Piemonte
  • K. Martini & Sohn Südtirol Alto Adige Sauvignon 2016

    This is a sound sauvignon blanc from Alto Adige in far northern Italy. It has a restrained aroma, for sauvignon blanc, of minerals and green capsicum. The acidity is the principal feature of the palate, presenting as high and razor like. The wine weighs in at 13.5abv, which its medium body does not give away. […]

    Sean Mitchell

    August 24, 2020
    Wine Reviews
    Alto Adige, Italy, Sauvignon Blanc
  • Figli Luigi Oddero Rombone Barberesco 2014

    The Rombone vineyard is within the Treiso subregion of Barbaresco in Piemonte. Here’s a link to a map that goes into exquisite detail. Treiso is a cooler subregion of Barbaresco with an average altitude of around 350 metres according to the producer, and together with Pajoré, Rombone is of one of its best vineyards. 2014 […]

    Sean Mitchell

    July 11, 2020
    Wine Reviews
    Barbaresco, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
  • San Filippo Lo Scorno Rosso di Montalcino 2017

    This sangiovese, a Rosso di Montalcino, has aromas of earth, cherry and a slight funkiness.  The palate is full bodied and approachable now.  Overall, this presented as a modest if pleasant wine, certainly with no angles, but I expected more depth and complexity at this price.   Rating: Acceptable.  Price: $50s. Abv: NA. Website: https://www.sanfilippomontalcino.com/estate.html. […]

    Sean Mitchell

    June 5, 2020
    Wine Reviews
    Italy, Rosso di Montalcino, Sangiovese, Tuscany
  • Felsina Chianti Classico 2017

    This is an orthodox expression of Chianti Classico that would be a good choice for a blinding tasting.  It has a refined aroma of licorice and earth.  The palate has high acidity, medium tannins and medium length.  Perhaps lacking some stuffing, but elegant and pleasant.  Ready to drink now and over the next 5 years.  […]

    Sean Mitchell

    May 22, 2020
    Wine Reviews
    Chianti Classico, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany
  • Luccarelli Negroamoro 2018

    A negroamoro from Puglia in southern Italy, this wine opens to an extravagantly rich nose of spices, garrigue and pepper.  The palate is full bodied and the fruit savoury, with medium tannins.  Raisin and currants emerge with air.  Suitable for current drinking and good value at $15.  Rating: Good.  Abv: NA. Price:  $15 .  Website: […]

    Sean Mitchell

    May 22, 2020
    Wine Reviews
    Italy, Negroamoro, Puglia
  • Pira Margheria Barolo 2011

    This is an excellent Barolo from Pira and the 2011 vintage.  It opens to attractive aromas of licorice and earth,  The palate is full bodied, the tannins very firm and the finish is long with attractive sour cherry characters.  Yes.  Approachable now or over the next decade or more.  Rating: Very Good.  Abv: 14.5.  Price:  […]

    Sean Mitchell

    May 15, 2020
    Wine Reviews
    Barolo, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
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