Sips and Samples #3 – for better and for worst

The last two weeks have offered some very nice wine from the area outside our normal wine districts. Some were – surprisingly – good, while one proved to be one of the most awfull wines I have ever tasted.

For better

Starting with the positive stuff – two Italian wines worth mentioning! Giacomo Conterno 1996 Barolo Cascina Francia, and the impressive 1999 Roagna Cricet Paja Barberesco.

Giacomo Conterno, Barolo Cascine Francia 1996
Quite open in the bouquet with tarr and roses, still one can sence the 1996 acidity and structure even in the nose. On the palate very structured with a high and quite dominant acidity. Still good fruit and a very fine length. Not very developed in the taste, but will it ever soften? Have tasted quite a few old Giacomo Conterno wines with high acidity and almodt no fruit, and one could fear the 1996 will end it’s days like one of these acid monsters. Drinking well now and a fine effort from G. Conterno. (Fine – tasted 16/11/2011)

Roagna, Barberesco Crichet Paje 1999 MG
The Barberesco Cricket Paje from Roagna was however wonderful … and a good reason why Magnum are needed. The bouquet was youthfull, charming and quite open, with sweet fruit, leather and a slight tarr note. The palate was even more charming, with lush Nebbiolo flavors a very good length and a exceptional balance. Really a beauty – a very charming wine indeed. Still very young .. but drinking well – salute! (Very Fine – tasted 09/11/2011 from Magnum)

For worst

Sadly this week also included what is the worst wine I have ever tasted. To be fair it was a Danish red wine .. so what could one really expect?!

Radstedhus Vin 2009 (Danish red wine)
The bouquet was very chemical with some yeast notes. The palate was sweet .. very sweet … with some cassis flavors. No real wine flavors, but only some quite chemical sweet notes .. mainly of creme de cassis – and almost as sweet. Frankly an awfull wine – and just confirming that red wines should not be made in Denmark. (Avoid – tasted 16/11/2011)

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