A Little BC - A Little Italy (British Columbia / Italy)
18 May 2015- Details
- Category: Uncorked Tonight
(February 4, 2015) ... A trip back to Toronto inspired these two bottles being opened. Bottle one, a Mission Hill 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, because mom and I went to BC a number of years ago and when I visit I like to bring a bottle from there, it makes her happy thinking of that trip and it always brings her back: this was not a bottle I got during that trip, but the memories are still there. Thirteen years from vintage date and the aromas are now forest floor, dried herbs, mocha, and licorice. Palate is smooth upon entry with a peppery finish that is wrapped in oak. As time in glass wore on some fruit nuances began to emerge amongst the peppery-oaky-spices, in the form of dried raspberry, freeze-dried strawberry, and black currant. While I found it an intriguing older wine, mom was not a fan, she isn't into the older wines as much, so I cracked, or popped, open a bottle of Torre Del Falco 2006 Nero di Troia, from the Torrevento area of Italy. Mom loves Italian wines and she's never tried Nero do Troia, and I'm not sure I readily have either (that I can remember). To start with this one stinks, it was incredibly unpleasant in the aroma department and it is a wonder I even sipped it, but the palate was inviting with mocha, black currant, and smoky notes along with some vanilla. Much better than it smelled and surprisingly this was the bottle that got finished in it entirety.
(January 31, 2015) ... Here's what I call "a base model" Zinfandel, not high priced, accessible and usually ready to drink, but what happens when you age a bottle like this? Tonight I was about to find out. The nose is full of spiced plum, vanilla, and smoked black cherry while the palate showed off vanilla, plum, and spiced black cherry; there's a sweetness to spice ratio that is quite appealing on the palate and that's a very welcome addition to the enjoyment; the finish changes a bit as time wears on to become more smoked plum. This Canyon Oaks has aged better than expected, there's a plum-prune finish with plenty of oak and spice, but it's ultimately quite drinkable. Those who question Zinfandel's age-ability should try a base model like this just to see where it will take you, you might be pleasantly surprised.
