Tidings Magazine

Capezzana Ghiaie della Furba IGT 2001, Tuscany ($68)

Rich and thick, with wonderfully complex aromas of dark berry, vanilla and flowers, and full, harmonious flavours of plums, dark berries and cassis, with a complement of finely polished yet velvety tannins. The long, concentrated, fruity finish has currant and toasted oak. A classic that will continue to develop over the next ten years.

Fabiano Vajo IGT 2003, Veneto ($50)

Smooth and ripe blend of dried Corvina, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with an elegant range of plum, prune, spice and vanilla aromas and flavours. The finish is soft and delicate, but has enough intensity of flavour, length and velvety tannins to suggest stashing some in your cellar and following its continued improvement through 2012. Great elegance and balance.

Coffele Recioto di Soave ‘Le Sponde’ DOCG 2003, Veneto ($55/500 ml)

A stunning wine packed with honey, dried apricots and nectarines. It’s smooth, layered and has so much complexity. Great balance between sweetness and acidity. Length, length and length ... your lips will be smacking long after you’ve polished off the last drop. Try it with some Toma cheese drizzled with honey and finely ground espresso.

Nada Seifile Langhe Rosso DOC 2003, Piedmont ($105)

Incredibly yummy! Full-bodied, hedonistically rich and so ripe. Bursts with clean, pure and vibrant plum, raspberry, cherry and spice accented by deftly dosed toasted oak and attractive earthy notes. Very youthful on the superharmonious, smooth and fruity finish. The quality matches the reputation of this tiny producer. Bravo! 

Tenuta Bonzara Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Bonzarone’ DOC 2001, Emilia-Romagna ($62)

Very aromatic and pretty on the nose ... more like an Amarone than a Cabernet, but in the mouth, this is all Cab. Dark blackberries, cassis, coffee and chocolate combine seamlessly with firm and luscious tannins in this multi-layered, elegant and amazing wine.

La Tribuleira Moscato d’Asti DOCG 2005, Piedmont ($20)

I’m not sure who the current king of Moscato is (Ceretto?), but young Mauro Gallo is certainly the prince and heir apparent. An absolutely beautiful wine. Soft, intense and fragrant exuding peaches, apples and pear aromas and flavours. Fills the mouth with clean, fine bubbles and loads of penetrating fruit. It’s nearly impossible to stop drinking, as every Moscato d’Asti should be. Pair with dark chocolate and you have a classic match made in heaven.

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