Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts

The day was so hectic for both adults and kids that we opted for delivered pizza. We drank

2004 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino. “Worst Banfin Brunello I have tasted,” hisses stefanJr. Same for me. The nose is OK except for oxidation and the taste is too flat. Better than a Dago red or cheap Chianti but not what you expect from Banfi. I trust it was the oxidation that lessened this bottle. stefan 85. Irena 86. stefanJr 86. Lucie “ugh”.

2006 Azelia Barolo. Still developing, but further along than most ’06 Barolos. The nose is nice and there is enough fruit to counteract the strong tannins. It will be a pleasure to drink when mature. s 89+. L 90. I 88. sJr 90.

2001 Coutet. The Coutet is beginning to emerge from its awkward adolescent phase and is well past its unrestrained childhood. All the elements are there for a great Coutet in 10 years: bitter entry, citrus laced honey that is not too sweet, and a lingering finish. Now it would be outstanding with a lightly sugared lemon or persimmon tart. It is awfully good by itself, thought. s 90++.

Stefan, the last 2001 Coutet I opened was in 2008. It was showing more youthful exuberance with more honey and less bitter back then. Sounds like it is developing very nicely. You've tempted me to open one tomorrow but the 89 Sauternes are calling as Amanda will be joining us and it's her birth year.

Yes, '01 Coutet has changed a lot in the last 7 years, David. Its best days for my taste is still probably a decade away.

Would you say that 1996 is a template for 2006 Barolo Bill? I have invested a bit in this vintage, which I have high hopes for.

Some 01 Sauternes seem on a fast evolutionary track.

Ian, I have not drunk enough '96 Barolo to make the comparison. In general, the '96s are concentrated, tannic, and made for the long haul. Most are really nice, but I also love the more approachable '07 Barolo, which qualitatively is as good, IMO.

It's been a pretty happy run for Barolo/Barbaresco lovers vintage wise, even since 2003, but certainly since 2004. A lot of the 2011s are approachable albeit it was a pretty hot vintage. Each vintage has its own appeal. A golden era for Barolo lovers. Likewise I have been drinking a lot of 2007s - they are quite fat-bottomed, but in a voluptuous rather than flabby sense.

Comte Flaneur wrote:It's been a pretty happy run for Barolo/Barbaresco lovers vintage wise, even since 2003, but certainly since 2004. A lot of the 2011s are approachable albeit it was a pretty hot vintage. Each vintage has its own appeal. A golden era for Barolo lovers. Likewise I have been drinking a lot of 2007s - they are quite fat-bottomed, but in a voluptuous rather than flabby sense.

I agree, an embarrassment of riches in Piedmont, but I just can't find many Barolo/Barbaresco from 2004-2010 that really seem "ready". Even many 2001 are nowhere near maturity. Case in point was a recent bottle of the Produttori del Barbaresco normale 2005-- delicious someday, but still pretty rough going for one who prefers his wines more integrated. That's okay, but I am adjusting my drinking windows longer for Nebbiolo.