NV FINE+RARE Showcase #1

Tasting notes

Vinfolio Tasting Note

2013 De Fieuzal Blanc: “Possibly the greatest Fieuzal since the legendary 1985, the 2013 boasts a light straw color with a greenish hue as well as a stunning perfume of tangerine oil, orange marmalade, citrus and honeysuckle. Surprisingly full, rich, exuberant and borderline flamboyant, this is a stunning white Graves to consume over the next 20+ years.” 94-96 points, Robert Parker, Aug 2014, www.robertparker.com 2005 Hermitage Tardieu Laurent: “Just one cuvee this year, sourced from two or three growers, Syrah aged between 60- to 80-years. A deep garnet core. An intense, very ripe nose of blueberry, white pepper and flint. Very tight on the palate, structured an uncompromising at the moment, like the Cote-Rotie, this will need a decade to mellow out. There is a decadent nature deep within this wine, but it needs considerable patience for this to emerge.” 95 points, Neal Martin, Oct 2006, www.robertparker.com 2013 Chassagne-Montrachet La Romanée Louis Jadot: “The 2013 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru la Romanee has the most exotic bouquet of the Chassagne premier cru wines and this despite a touch of reduction. Yet underneath are some enticing mango and dried-pineapple scents neatly intermingled with mineral tones. The palate is very well balanced with a spicy edge on the entry. Typically of this vineyard, there is superb depth and weight here, leading to a concentrated finish that is persistent and compelling. This represents one of Jadot's best 2013 whites.” 92-94 points, Neal Martin, Dec 2014, www.robertparker.com 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Cerbaiona: “The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino shows the signature sophistication this iconic estate is celebrated for. Sadly, Diego and Nora Molinari have announced their intention to sell Cerbaiona and we may soon be looking at new ownership. A dark appearance segues to brooding aromas of licorice, tar, cherry and spice that wrap around the long, polished finish.” 93 points, Monica Larner, Feb 2014, www.robertparker.com 2005 Hillside Shiraz Kay Brothers: “Deep garnet colored, the 2005 Hillside Shiraz reveals a wonderfully expressive, spicy nose with some notes of game, potpourri, dried cranberries and kirsch. It is a glorious, full-bodied wine packed with complex flavor layers, medium-firm velvety tannins and balanced acid. It finishes long. My visit at Kay Brothers included tastings of back vintages of the Hillside Shiraz and the Block 6 Shiraz as a demonstration of how these very special wines can age.” 96 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Feb 2014, www.robertparker.com 2015 Ange Domaine de l’Ecu: This is the wildcard of the selection, strictly for the adventurous. A beautifully packaged, biodynamic, amphorae-aged Pinot Noir from a Muscadet producer in the Loire. Yet to be scored by the critics, but it seriously impressed the FINE+RARE team. On 2015 Loire, Jancis Robinson said: "Pinot Noir reached full ripeness, and very promising quality." John Gilman praises "the superb heritage of great wines produced from this domaine."