Alexander Powell

Domaine Rapet Père & Fils Le Corton Grand Cru 2006

Upon opening there's little to mull over other than oak spice and light vanilla; and it dominated the palate as well. However,after 30 mins in the ol' decant, the beauty really lifts her veil...She begins with mushrooms and soil, orange peel and dreamy sappy cherries, sage and green onion; and still a boatload of tannin. Another 20 mins, and the stoney minerality bursts to the fore; the once abundant oak is but a irreplaceable backup singer. The palate turns to silk, the tannins give way; the acid molds the two. The land bellows, with a finish that simply takes you far away...Yes!!

Manzone Gramolere Barolo 2007, Docg

Deep, rich, and highly aromatic, this barolo represents a ripe vintage in a fashion that is balanced, not overdone, and classic. A complex choir of a field of violets, sweet cherries, ripe cranberry and caramelized orange peel seasoned with turpentine and cinnamon soars from the glass. Finely concentrated palate of cherry and orange tones, bright acidity, hefty but warm-hearted tannin and a savoury, mineral finish seals the deal; and it opens even more on day 2. Superbly balanced, and well worth the price.

Tenute Cisa Asinari Barbaresco Riserva Docg Camp Gros 2005

Domaine Bachey Legros Vieilles Vignes Chassagne Montrachet Morgeot Premier Cru 2010

A solid bottle of white burgundy, and relatively well-priced at that. The nose displays sensual pear and yellow apple, with some flowers and flint, mild vanilla and clove from the wood; and just a touch of buttered toast. on the palate it is really compact, big power in a small package; loaded with pear and creme fraiche; with a zesty, fllinty long finish. I chose to decant this wine, and found it best after 2 hours in there; when the slight bitterness on the finish dissipates; and the palate reaches it's apex harmony. Good stuff.

Château Olivier Blanc 2009, Ac Pessac Léognan

Lovely precision and remarkable expressiveness on the nose. Wafts of zesty lime, ruby grapefruit and not-quite-ripe pineapple; with just a pinch of grandmas' custard entomb the nasal sensory. Voluptuous on the palate, but still amply fresh with acidic bite. Splendidly balanced, with a lively cream texture. Full of flavor, though heat does show through after a few swigs. Excellent length, and fine minerality on the finish. This wine becomes a touch plusher on day 2, but doesn't lose any appeal. Delicious! (August 2013)

Antolini Ca' Coato Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2008, Doc

The nose opens up with pungent medicinal mint, sappy, sugar-laden black cherries, licorice, green pepper, 5-spice and mushroom. Lively and sappy, this wine boasts a glycerol-rich, mouth-coating and velvety palate of spicy, minty, and candied black cherries; lively acidity and absolutely no shortage of fire in the back end. A bit overblown at 16.5 alc, and still with sweetness at that, but a decadent mouthful all the same. Not a chocolate monster, it's as vegetal as it is candied - interesting and delicious.

Coto De Imaz Gran Reserva 2001

Finally, a solid traditional example!

a complex, subtle perfume of coconut oil, dried strawberries, musk, clay earth, dusty raspberry and light leather. Light and sensual on the palate, with plenty of dried strawberry, earth and musk. Mellow and easy-drinking, with well-integrated acid, tannin and oak.

The wine isn't trying to be too much, and so it's just right.

Quintarelli Rosso Ca' Del Merlo 2003, Igt Veneto

Z Zinfandel 2010, Massoni Ranch, Amador County

Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2011, Mendoza

This is a great malbec, and an impressive value at the currently reduced price of 24.95. A real pie full of blueberry, black plum and concord grape on the nose, combined with aggressive violet and medicinal notes. On the palate is it indeed very suave, well-woven and complete; swathed in dark fruit pie and purple flowers, with a graceful texture, smooth acids; and something of a minerality!? Drinking now perhaps its best on day 3; and after attending the Chilean wine show last night, my first thought was that they all could learn a thing or two from this wine.