Bordeaux, Nebbiolo, Brunello suggestions

John_Morris · January 29, 2020, 4:19am

It’s not made to be an ager. That’s Nebbiolo for early consumption.

John_Morris · January 29, 2020, 4:23am

Maybe because the OP began:

Fred_Davis · January 29, 2020, 5:42am

I have this dilemma with affordable Barbarescos. For instance, the Vite Colte Casa in Collina 2015. I normally wouldn’t open such a young Barbaresco, but it’s under $20 so I don’t feel bad doing so. I have no idea how this would age, but I might try it with a bottle or two.

Joseph_Grassa · January 29, 2020, 12:40pm

Thanks for the tip. Heavily considering going with one of these.

Joseph_Grassa · January 29, 2020, 12:47pm

As to what I like, I’m more into Brunellos than Nebbiolos but love both. I love Tempranillos, more so from Ribera del Duero than Rioja, but also love both. When it comes to Bordeaux I lean more toward dark fruit than red fruits.

After hundreds of Spanish wines, I can’t say I’ve ever encountered a dumb phase in the wine, just in myself. And if you like Brunello, that makes sense because Sangiovese and Tempranillo can be surprisingly similar after 30 years. But neither is like Bordeaux. And Nebbiolo is also its own thing. I think you’re more likely to find dumb phases in wines based on Cab/Merlot than in the others, and you’ll find some younger Nebbiolos to be less than entirely enjoyable.

My suggestion is to buy a few bottles of different wines that are ten and twenty and perhaps thirty years apart, and try those with some friends. And I’m a little curious as to what wines from Ribera del Duero you like and what wines from Rioja you’ve had.

I have never seen a dumb phase in any Spanish wines either, but didnt know if it was just my lack of experience there.

These are 3 bottles Spanish bottles I love.
2010 Conde Neo
2006 R. López de Heredia Rioja Reserva Viña Tondonia
2005 Escudero Arvum

I dont own enough Ribera del Duero though. I’ve been eyeing 2016 Aalto for a few weeks and think I am going to grab a few of those. Ever had any Aalto?

Pat_Burton · January 29, 2020, 1:07pm

Although the OP didn’t ask for Rioja, LdH referenced above does come in 375s and 750s. I think maybe only the Tondonia has 375s widely available in the US. The 2001 Tondonia had a dumb phase about five years ago. Not sure if that is specific to that vintage though.

Robert.A.Jr · January 29, 2020, 1:17pm

B21 Wine has the 2006 Tondonia in all three formats, but you are paying a premium above 750. They have the 2007 Bosco as well. They have over two cases each in 750 available for sale. These are excellent wines and would seem to fit the OP’s preferences. I had the 2006 Tondonia this past weekend and about three months ago. Really solid.

Robert.A.Jr · January 29, 2020, 1:21pm

What are thoughts these days on Chasse Spleen? Was always a fan of this wine but then fell off purchasing it but don’t know why. Just grabbed some 375s of the 2016 out of curiosity. Unless the estate has changed stylistically to a more modern profile, perhaps this fits the bill as well.

Edit: just checked Leve’s website, like what I read here:

Quite bright, this medium/full bodied, fresh, sharp, crisp, cassis and cranberry filled wine is made for lovers of older, classically styled Bordeaux. The wine leans to the cedar, tobacco leaf and piquant red fruit oriented side of the style range.
Read more at:> Learn about Chasse Spleen Haut Medoc Moulis, Complete Guide

Joseph_Grassa · January 29, 2020, 1:58pm

Only problem with LDH is that it is released so late that I would miss so many years of changes to monitor.

Jozef.P · February 11, 2020, 10:47am

OP -

I’m like a broken record on these two Bordeaux, but I don’t think we have interfaced before on a thread:

Both Sociando Mallet and Lanessan can and do age gracefully for long periods, and in big years like 2010, 2005, etc, go through a closed period. Both are very affordable. The most recent vintage that I went long on was 2014, with my average price on Sociando ranged from $26-30 and my average on Lanessan was $17-20. I will start drinking them regularly by 2024, but based on vintages that I have had from both recently from the 1980s, especially Sociando, these can go 20-25+. I would put Cantemerle in this mix as well.

PS. Lanessan brought in Bouard for the 2015 through recent vintages, so there is a change there. I cannot prognosticate on what that does to your longevity window.

PPS. I regularly see all bottle size formats for these wines. Total Wine carries Lanessan in large quantities and has 750s and often 1.5s.

Robert, have you already had the Sociando Mallet 2016 or 2017? The 2016 is substantially more expensive (50 USD). Can also get the 2014, which you seem to like but different in flavor profile I guess?

Howard_Cooper · February 11, 2020, 12:13pm

Rather than buying new wines and having to wait 20-30 years for an answer, why not buy wines of various ages and do a vertical. Chambers Street in NYC often has Italian wines going back a good ways (often Produttori) and could help you put together a couple of verticals of 4-5 wines where you can get some understanding now rather than in 20 years.

ChristopherSK · February 26, 2020, 12:11am

Lanessan. Recently picked up 5 bottles of 1996 Lanessan at auction, and look forward to giving them a try. Want to let the first bottle sit for a few months after it has been jostled, so I will pop the first in May. Haven’t had a Lanessan with this amount of bottle age.