Suckling’s Great Wines Italy New York 2026

Published on by Bruno DonaggioLeave a comment

James Suckling is a wine critic/journalist with an online wine magazine that features articles about the people places and things in the industry. Of course, they also review wines using a 100-point scale.

In addition to the magazine Suckling hosts a couple of wine tastings in New York City, Wines World and Wines Italy.

Not surprisingly, Wines World showcased 90+ scoring wines from around the world, Bordeaux and Napa Valley were well represented at the last tasting. Wines Italy just focused on the 90+ scoring wines from Italy.

In a country with hundreds of wine varietals, it wasn’t difficult to find wines for the tasting. While “foreign” varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for instance are grown, it still possible to go to one of these tastings and sample a wine made from an obscure grape.

The event was held on September 10th at the Altman Building located at 135 West 18th Street in lower Manhattan and was open to both Trade and Consumer.

Some of what I sampled:

2024 Abbazia di Novacella Kerner (Alto Adige): 100% obscure Kerner varietal. Light gold, toasty peach on the nose, juicy and peachy with mouthwatering acidity.

2025 Fantinel Pinot Grigio (Friuli): Light gold, dirt nuts on the nose, juicy melon fruit with nice acidity.

***

2015 Bertani Amarone (Veneto): Clear medium brick, dusty, sweet prune on the nose, juicy with red leather notes on the fruit and bitter cherry notes on the finish with crisp acidity.

2019 Fattorria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (Tuscany): Clear light brick, toasted hazelnuts on the nose, tight, silky red fruit ending with firm tannin.

2020 Cignale Red Blend (Tuscany): Opaque dark red, saline and dirty tar on the nose, chewy black fruit with mint notes, silky tannin.

2020 Castelli dei Grevepesa Chianti Classico “Clemente VII” (Tuscany): Clear medium brick, tarry red leather on the nose, tight, silky red fruit, firm tannin.

2020 Cascina Bordino Barbaresco Riserva (Piedmont): Clear medium brick, closed nose of toasted hazelnuts, tight and tannic.

2021 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva (Tuscany): Clear medium brick, ripe red fruit and slate on the nose, chewy fruit with smoke and dirty tar on the finish, crisp acidity.

2023 Peter Zemmer Pinot Noir “Pinzon” (Alto Adige): Clear light purple, roast meat on the nose, juicy with a tight finish.

2023 Ville de Antane Valpolecella Ripsso (Veneto): Clear medium purple, cinnamon notes on the nose, juicy with dark chocolate notes ending with firm tannin and crisp acidty.

2024 Bertani Valpolicella Valpantena (Veneto): Clear light purple, spicy crushed berries on the nose, light bodied and juicy with green herb notes.

2024 Produttori di Manduria “Santa Gemma” (Puglia): 100% Primitivo. Clear medium purple, crushed sweet red fruit on the nose, juicy with stem notes, firm tannin.

Beautiful Bordeaux Grand Crus Classes Tasting NYC

Published on by Bruno DonaggioLeave a comment

The Autumn trade wine tasting season is upon us. That’s when the import/distributors and various trade associations host wine tastings for members of the restaurant/hotel industry.

Some of the tastings are small, intimate affairs, while some are mega tastings that feature triple digit number of wines poured at the tasting.

On September 9th, Baron Francois, one of the many distributors in the New York tri state area, held a trade only tasting of the Grand Crus Classe Bordeaux in their portfolio.

This was one of those small tastings, held at their offices at 11 Hanover Square in lower Manhattan.

There were about 25 Grand Cru wines to be sampled, many with some bottle age to them. I’m a sucker for a Bordeaux with some bottle age to them so I was looking forward to the tasting.

Some highlights:

2007 Chateau Leoville Las Cases (St. Julien): Opaque black, light brick rim, sweet perfume of dirty tar, concentrated and crunchy black fruit ending tight, with firm tannin.

2012 Chateau Pouget (Margaux): Opaque dark brick, brown rim, nice perfume of graphite and sweet tar, chewy and dusty black fruit with some smoke on the finish, crunchy tannin.

2015 Chateau Moulinet (Pomerol): Opaque dark brick, dirt, sweet tar and barnyard on the nose, chewy and silky black fruit, firm tannin with gun metal notes, long finish.

2016 Chateau de Ferrand (St. Emillion): Opaque black, purple rim, sweet slate and petroleum on the nose, chewy red fruit ending with dusty and firm tannin.

2018 Chateau Saint Pierre (St. Julien): Opaque black, sweet dirty tar and graphite on the nose, chewy and chunky black fruit with slate notes, chewy finish.

2018 Chateau Meyney (St. Estephe): Opaque black, brick rim, dried leaf notes on the nose, chewy black fruit ending with dusty and firm tannin.

2019 Chateau Le Gay (Pomerol): Opaque black, brick rim, graphite and dirty tar on the nose, chewy and silky red fruit with crushed rock notes on the finish, nice balance, long finish.

2019 La Reserve du Baron (St. Julien): Opaque black, brick rim, toast, coffee and dirty barnyard on the nose, concentrated black fruit with crushed stone notes, silky tannin.

2019 La Chapelle de Haut Bages Liberal (Pauillac): Opaque dark red, purple rim, closed nose of tar and dirt, chewy black fruit, tight tannin.

2019 L’Heritier de Grand Puy Ducasse (Pauillac): Opaque dark brick, mint, graphite and crushed black fruit on the nose, chewy fruit with mint notes ending with silky and firm tannin.

2020 Petit-Figeac (St. Emillion): Opaque dark red, purple rim, sweet cinnamon and crushed red berry on the nose, chewy black fruit ending with tart tannin.

Brooklyn Rum Fest 2026

Published on by Bruno DonaggioLeave a comment

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Rum “is a distilled alcoholic spirit made from sugarcane, usually molasses or sugarcane juice and typically fermented, distilled and sometimes age in barrels. It originated in the Caribbean in the 17th century”.

Most are made from molasses, a byproduct of sugarcane processing but some rums such as the agricole rums of the French West Indies and the Clarin rums of Haiti, use fresh sugarcane juice.

Rum come in white, gold, dark and flavored versions with various aging levels.

On August 15th I attended the 7th annual Brooklyn Rum Fest held at Bogart House event space located at 230 Bogart Street in Brooklyn.

Good rum is an underrated spirit, especially the aged versions. There are a lot of overly sweet, mediocre rums on the market but there are also many distinctive, high quality rums being produced.

I like a little character in my rums so I’m a big fan of the fresh sugarcane based agricole rums (or rhum) of the French West Indies and of the Clarin rums of Haiti. They are usually small production operations, and their rums have the aromas and flavors of the terroir from which the sugarcane was harvested from, with a lot of grassy, earthy and funky notes. I’ve been told the Haitian Clarin rums have the same flavor profiles of old time, heritage rums.

The Rum Fest was a consumer tasting with some very interesting rum poured with music and Caribbean entertainment.

Some of what I sampled:

Angastora 7 year (Trinidad): Sweet fruit on the nose, dry, clean with good balance.

Saint Benevolence White Rum (Haiti): A Clarin rum, nose of ripe mango, cut grass and funky barnyard, grassy finish.

Babencourt 15 year. (Haiti): From fresh cane juice and cane syrup but not a Clarin. Sweet oak notes on the nose, smooth with caramel notes.

Clement V.O. (Martinique): An agricole rum, saline and oak notes on the nose ending with big grassy notes.

Diplomatico Anejo “Ambassador” (Venezuela): Their flagship rum, fruity cloves on the nose, grassy with a long finish.

Diplomatico Single Vintage 2007 (Venezuela): Aged 12 year in a combination of ex sherry and ex bourbon casks. Notes of coffee, caramel and grass.

El Dorado 10 year High Ester PM/DHE (Guyana): Limited release rum, dark chocolate and grassy notes on the nose, chewy with caramel notes.

El Dorado 12 year Cask Strength Single Still 2009 “Versailles” (Guyana): Chewy dark chocolate notes with some heat.

El Dorado Cask Strength Single Still 2009 “Port Mourant” (Guyana): Notes of ripe mango and caramel on the nose with oak and herb notes on the finish.

Rhum J.M. Terroir Volcanique (Martinique): An agricole rum, forest floor and cut grass notes.

East Meets Pacific Northwest Tasting

Published on by Bruno DonaggioLeave a comment

On July 15th, I attended the East Meets Pacific Northwest portfolio wine tasting. The event, which was hosted by wine and spirits importer Winebow, promised to “explore the icons and innovators driving the future of the region”.

The regions they spoke of were the wines from Oregon and Washington State and the “East” in the tittle were members of the trade from the East coast.

In general, the wines from Oregon were Pinot Noir, a grape varietal they do very well, and Washington State showed wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The tasting was for members of the trade and was held at the Eventi Hotel located at 851 6th Avenue in midtown Manhattan.

Some of what I sampled:

2023 L’Ecole Semillon (Columbia Valley): Medium gold, toasty green apple on the nose, moderate fruit with lime notes on the crisp finish.

2022 Matthews Sauvignon Blanc Reserve (Columbia Valley): Medium gold, earth and ripe flowers on the nose, juicy with melon and nut notes, nice balance.

2022 Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley): Opaque medium red, roasted meat and crushed black fruit on the nose, chewy and chunky with slate and cola notes, firm grip, long finish.

2023 Abeja Merlot (Columbia Valley): Clear medium red, smoky crushed black berries and tar on the nose, chewy black fruit with a dusty finish and a nice grip at the end.

2021 Adelsheim Pinot Noir Ribbon Springs Vineyard (Ribbon Ridge): Clear light purple, tar, black licorice and green stem on the nose, silky red fruit, juicy finish, nice balance.

2017 Appasionata Andante Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley): Clear light brick, roast meat and tree bark on the nose, light fruit with black licorice notes, balanced tannin and acidity, easy drinking.

2023 Archery Summit Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills): Clear light red, dirty black fruit on the nose, juicy red fruit ending with a firm finish.

2023 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir “Laurene” (Dundee Hills): Clear medium red, spicy cinnamon, bacon and red candy on the nose, silky red fruit with cola notes, nice grip.

2024 Mark Ryan Cabernet Sauvignon “The Dissident” (Columbia Valley): Opaque dark red, tar and stinky black fruit on the nose, concentrated black fruit with toasty oak on the firm finish.

2023 RoseRock Pinot Noir “Zephirine” (Eola Amity Hills): Clear medium red, closed nose of green herbs and red leather, tight red fruit ending with bitter cherry notes.

Volcanic Wines Conference NYC 2026

Published on by Bruno DonaggioLeave a comment

On June 10th, Volcanic Wines International held a Volcanic Wine Conference. Their stated purpose is “to establish the volcanic wine movement and produce opportunities for volcanic wine producers in the world”.

It was an international tasting with wines from Italy, France, Hungary, Spain, Greece and the United States that were grown in the nutrient rich, mineral laden soils of ancient (and not so ancient as in the case of Mount Etna in Sicily) volcanos.

It was a walk around tasting and seminar for members of the trade and I attended both the walkaround and the seminar.

The tasting was held at Manhatta restaurant at 28 Liberty Street in lower Manhattan. The restaurant is on the 60th floor overlooking Manhattan harbor.

Seminar:

The Long Memory of the Earth: Volcanic Wines That Age

Presented by Suzanne Denevan-Brown

Pouring three single vineyard Soave and three Sicilian Reds

2024 Pieropan Calvarino: Light gold with greenish tints, ripe white flowers on the nose, chewy with tart lime notes, crisp acidiy.

2017 Pieropan Calvarino: Light gold with a greenish tint, tropical fruit and charcuterie on the nose, juicy with tart line notes ending with tongue coating acidity.

2013 Pieropan Calvarino: Light gold with a greenish tint, hazelnuts on the nose, juicy with sweet stone notes ending with nice acidity and balance.

***

2021 Tornatore Pietrarizzo Rosso: Clear light purple, sweet green olives and graphite on the nose, tight light fruit with red leather notes, tongue coating tannin and crisp acidity.

2019 Tornatore Pietrarizzo Rosso: Clear light purple, dirty milk chocolate on the nose, dusty red fruit with iron notes, dusty, firm finish with metal shavings notes.

2017 Tornatore Pietrarizo Rosso: Clear medium red, crushed raspberry, tar and pencil shavings on the nose, chewy with band aid and metallic notes, firm, dusty finish.

Chianti Classico Consorzio Grand Tasting NYC 2026

Published on by Bruno DonaggioLeave a comment

Chianti is probably the most recognized Italian wine in the world. The wines have come a long way since the flask/candle holder bottles of the past.

The wines are from the Tuscany region of Italy and are made primarily from the Sangiovese grape. At one time, the regulations mandated a proportion of white wine to the blend but in the modernization of the industry, they did away with that regulation and also permitted “foreign” varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Chianti DOCG consists of the seven subzones of Colli Arenti, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano, Ruffina, Montespertoli with the new subzone of Terre di Vinci added in 2026.

The most recognizable zone is Chianti Classico with its iconic black rooster (gallo nero) trademark and is a separate DOCG from the Chianti DOCG.

The wines are categorized by the aging classifications of Annata, Riserva and Gran Selezione. If those requirements aren’t’ enough, beginning in 2027 for the Gran Selezione they will add the UGA (additional geographical units) classification which will be sub districts within the sub districts.

On April 27th, the Consorizio Vino Chianti Classico, which was founded in 1927, sponsored a Grand Tasting of wines from the Classico region.

It was a walk around tasting for members of the trade of wines from over 35 wineries and was held at Ai Fiori restaurant at 400 5th Avenue in midtown Manhattan.

In addition to wine, they poured several extra virgin olive oils.

Some of what I sampled:

1990 Vigneti Le Selvanella Riserva: Clear medium brick, perfume of tar, graphite and white pepper, chewy red fruit with tart cherry notes on the finish.

2003 Castello Verrezzano Riserva: Cloudy medium brick, ripe red cherry and toasted nuts on the nose, chewy finish with lip smacking tannin.

2004 San Fabiano Calcinaia Riserva: Cloudy dark brick, sweet tar and fresh herbs on the nose, thick and chewy with a very chewy long finish, nice balance.

2005 Carparsa Riserva: Cloudy dark brick, saline, toast, graphite and barnyard on the nose, chewy fruit with gun metal notes, dusty, long finish.

2016 Monsanto Gran Selezione “Il Poggio”: Opaque medium brick, tarry, dirty red cherry on the nose, chewy red fruit with leather notes, fruit and firm finish.

2016 Felsina Berardenga Gran Selezione “Colonia”: Clear dark red, saline and barnyard on the nose, thick and chewy with walnut notes, chewy finish.

2019 Vigneti La Selvanella Riserva: Clear medium red, tar, graphite and crushed black fruit on the nose, chewy and dusty fruit ending with firm, chewy tannin.

2020 Monsanto Gran Selezione: Clear medium purple, dusty wood and black cherry on the nose, tight red cherry fruit with slate notes, firm acidity.

2020 La Salla del Torriano Gran Selezione: Opaque dark red, dark chocolate and fresh rosemary on the nose, dense and chewy fruit with dusty slate notes, firm, long finish.

2020 Poggio Rosso Gran Selezione: Opaque medium brick, toasty, sweet, tarry red fruit on the nose, chewy dark fruit, firm with a lingering finish.

2021 Carpineto Gran Selezione: Opaque dark red, sweet roast meat, saline and roasted cocoa on the nose, chewy dark chocolate fruit with saline and roasted nut notes, firm finish.

2021 San Fabiano Calcinaia Gran Selezione “Cellole”: Single Vineyard. Opaque medium red, graphite and sweet violet on the nose, silky red fruit with green herb notes and a nice grip on the finish.

2021 San Felice Gran Selezione “La Pieve”: Opaque medium purple, sweet dirty chocolate on the nose, chewy dark bright red fruit, tight red fruit on the finish.

2021 Carparsa Gran Selezione: Opaque medium red, perfume of tar and graphite, chewy and silky red fruit, firm grip, long finish.

2022 Frescobaldi Gran Selezione “Rialzi”: Opaque dark red, crushed red fruit and dirty chocolate on the nose, silky red fruit ending with firm acidity. Some heat.

Calvados: Apple Brandy In The Big Apple

Published on by Bruno DonaggioLeave a comment

Calvados is a brandy produced in the Normandy region of France.

Unlike its more famous cousins, Cognac and Armagnac which are distilled from grapes, Calvados is distilled from locally grown apples (with a small amount of pear juice) and since it’s made from fruit it’s considered an eau de vie.

It is an AOC (Appelation d”Origin Controlee) aged at least two years with aging categories similar to Cognac and Armagnac such as VS, Reserve, VSOP and XO.

I think these are underrated brandies, distilled dry with a hint of the apples they are made from. The younger brandies are good for mixers and there was a bartender on hand mixing Calvados based cocktails, while the brandies with some age to them are perfect to sip on their own.

On June 8th the organization that promotes the spirit held a tasting at Lillistar in the Moxy Hotel at 353 Bedford Avenue in trendy Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

There were a handful of producers at the event.

Busnel Distillery

Since 1820 poured several from Pays d”Auge

8yr XO aged in port barrels

8yr XO aged in whisky barrels

8yr XO aged in sauternes barrels.

12yr

“Hommage Georges Busnel” which is a 22yr Calvados, a very nice sipper

Boulard

Since 1825 poured a duo of their Pays d” Auge VSOP

VSOP

VSOP Rye Cask Finished

Domaine du Coquerel

Since 1935 poured

VS

VSOP

XO

Mannois Spring Portfolio Tasting NYC 2026

Published on by Bruno DonaggioLeave a comment

Mannois is one of the many importers/distributors of wine and spirits that service the hospitality industry in the tri state area of New York.

During the Spring and Autumn times of the year, these companies have tastings of the wines and spirits in their portfolios for members of the trade. On May 18th I attended their annual Spring portfolio tasting.

They have an international portfolio with a strong French presence. I focused on those French wines, with an emphasis on the wines of Burgundy.

The event was held at Manhatta restaurant which is perched sixty floors up at 28 Liberty Street with outstanding views of lower Manhattan harbor.

Some of what I sampled:

Old World

White

2024 Maison Champy Chablis (Burgundy): Light yellow in color, green herbs and tropical fruit and some toast on the nose, tight with lime notes and oak on the finish.

2020 Domaine Michehot Meursault “Elevage en Gres” (Burgundy): Light gold in color, perfume of floral stone and herbs, toasty moderate fruit with a chewy finish and firm acidity.

2021 Thomas Labille Chablis “Paradis” (Burgundy): Clear light gold, green tropical fruit on the nose, moderate fruit with green herbs and lime notes on the grip at the end.

2023 Alain et Adrien Gautherin Chablis Grand Cru “Grenouilles” (Burgundy): Light yellow color, earthy, floral nose, moderate fruit with earth notes on the finish, nice balance.

2023 Alain et Adrien Gautherin Chablis Grand Cru “Les Clos” (Burgundy): Light yellow in color, ripe flowers on the nose, chewy fruit, good grip, long meaty finish.

Red

2016 L’Oratoire des Pape Chateauneuf du Pape “Les Choregies” (Rhone): Opaque medium red, closed nose of chopped chocolate, dense and chewy fruit with a tarry finish, chewy tannin.

2016 Chateau Pavie Grand Cru (St. Emillion): Opaque black, purple rim, tree bark and sour pickle on the nose, tight and dense red fruit with stone notes, good grip.

2018 Chateau Monbousquet Grand Cru (St. Emillion): Opaque dark red, purple rim, violets and gun metal on the nose, tight and dense with sour cherry notes on the firm finish.

2008 Maison Champy Clos Vougeot Grand Cru (Burgundy): Cloudy medium brick, eucalyptus, petroleum and cooked fruit on the nose, tight and tannic.

2022 Jean Pierre Maldant Cote d”Or Bourgogne Rouge (Burgundy): Clear light purple, milk chocolate on the nose, chewy, moderate light fruit with green herb notes, moderate tannin and acidity.

2022 Jean Pierre Maldant Corton Charlamagne Grand Cru (Burgundy): Clear light purple, perfume of dirt, tar and red leather, chewy red fruit with bitter almond notes, dusty grip.

2022 Maison Champy Beaune Vieilles Vignes (Burgundy): Clear light purple, toasty tar and graphite on the nose, silky bright red fruit with bitter cherry notes, nice mouthfeel.

2022 Maison Champy Corton Charlamagne Grand Cru (Burgundy): Clear medium purple, closed nose of white pepper and milk chocolate, tight red fruit, mouth filling tannin.

New World

2019 Larry Hyde Vineyards Merlot Estate (Carneros): Opaque medium brick, ripe black fruit on the nose, chewy fruit with dark chocolate and herb notes, chewy finish, good grip.

2021 Darms Lane Cabernet Sauvignon “Darms Lane Fortune” (Napa Valley): Opaque black, purple rim, crushed sweet berries and black pepper on the nose, concentrated and chewy with slate notes on the firm finish.

2022 Whistler Estate Pinot Noir “Whistler Vineyard” (Sonoma Coast): Clear light brick, sour cherry on the nose, tight with dried herb notes, firm, chewy finish with black pepper notes.

2022 Whistler Pinot Noir “Wilson Vineyard” (Sonoma Coast): Clear light brick, warm barnyard on the nose, chewy and tight with leather notes, good grip.

Vinous Icons Italy NYC 2026

Published on by Bruno DonaggioLeave a comment

Vinous is an online wine magazine that “explores all things wine”. It is published by wine writer and wine critic, Antonio Galloni.

As with other wine magazines, they feature articles on wine regions, wine personalities and of course, wine reviews and ratings by their wine writers.

A couple of times a year they host their “Icons” series of tastings which feature iconic wines as determined by the writers at the magazine.

In New York City this past February they hosted the Iconic wines of the world tasting and on May 14-16 hosted Vinous Icons: Italy.

Both of them were massive tastings featuring 100+ high-quality wines and were open to both Trade and Consumer.

Italy is one big vineyard with over 370 native grape varieties, so it wasn’t difficult to fill out the room with wine and most of the regions were represented at the tasting.

The event was held at the event space Hall des Lumieres at 49 Chambers Street, a couple of blocks from the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan.

Hall des Lumieres is a Beaux Arts landmarked building that was the former Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank. The former bank and now event space is a cavernous, cathedral like building with soaring ceilings and was constructed at a time when banks were built to impress customers.

With dark, moody lighting and video splashed on the walls, it made for a sexy venue for a wine tasting but it also made it difficult for people in my age bracket to read notes, but I did my best.

Some of what I sampled:

2010 Cantine del Notaio Aglianico del Vulture “La Firma” (Basilicata): Clear light brick, petroleum and varnish on the nose, chewy crushed cocoa fruit, silky and chewy finish with a good grip.

2016 Montemercurio Vino Nobile di Montalcino “Domo” (Tuscany): Opaque dark red, brick rim, roast meat, barnyard and varnish on the nose, concentrated red fruit with slate and bitter cherry notes on the finish.

2018 Brancaia “Ilatraia” (Tuscany): Bordeaux blend. Opaque medium red, brick rim, tar, white and stinky chocolate on the nose, chewy fruit with chocolate notes, firm tannin.

2019 Masi Amarone Classico Riserva “Costasera” (Veneto): Clear medium brick, Crushed dark chocolate, tar and crushed red fruit on the nose, juicy and chewy with milk chocolate notes, good grip.

2020 Tolaini “Perlui” (Tuscany): Cabernet Franc. Clear medium purple, sweet tar, graphite and black cherry on the nose, silky red fruit with red leather notes, firm tannin.

2020 Ampeleia “16 File” (Tuscany): Cabernet Franc. Cloudy medium brick, closed nose of tar, graphite and sour barnyard, chewy fruit with a chewy and dusty finish with slate notes.

2020 Gian Luca Mazzella Taurasi Riserva “Paterico” (Campania): Opaque medium brick, smoke and tar on the nose, thick and tarry with dark chocolate notes, good grip.

2021 Donnafugata “Mille e Una Notte” (Sicily): Opaque black, purple rim, slate and crushed black fruit on the nose, tight and concentrated with crushed rock notes, dusty finish.

2021 Fattoria Le Pupille Syrah “Le Pupile” (Tuscany): Clear medium red, dirty red cherry on the nose, chewy and silky fruit, dusty finish, good grip.

2021 Querciabella Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Radda (Tuscany): Clear light brick, sweet black fruit on the nose, chewy and tarry fruit with black cherry notes on the firm finish.

2023 Argiano “Solengo” (Tuscany): Bordeaux blend. Opaque dark red, purple rim, crushed plum on the nose, dense and chewy red fruit with a dusty, firm finish.

Bordeaux Rendez-Vous

Published on by Bruno DonaggioLeave a comment

There are wine tastings, and then there are wine tastings.

There are many trade/professional wine tasting events in New York City since this city is one of the largest markets for fine wines and spirits.

All the distributors/importers and various trade organizations are here to market and sell their products to the people and businesses that sell to the public.

Sometimes a distributor will showcase their whole product line which would be a massive tasting with triple digit bottles to be sampled while the trade associations will showcase the wines of a particular country.

The best consumer tastings are the ones that are run by wine magazines such as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and Decanter.

Sometimes those distributors will show only a part of their portfolio at a smaller tasting. The trade organizations will have a smaller tasting promoting a particular wine region.

On May 13th I attended one of those smaller, more intimate tasting.

Masion Barriere manages the operations of Grands Millesimes de Framce, which has been offering a curated selection “of the finest Bordeaux wine and wines from around the world”.

Bordeaux Rendez-Vous began in 2012 as a marketing arm of 10 Grands Crus Classes Chateaux. These Chateaux were represented at this small, intimate tasting.

There was a little over a dozen Chateau at the tasting. Along with their Grand Cru wines, many poured their second and third label wines which are a good way to drink good Bordeaux at a more approachable price point than the Grand Cru wines.

More importantly, along with the second and third label wines, they poured older vintages from their Grand Cru wines, good Bordeaux needs some time in the bottle to open up, and there was some very nice wine to be sampled.

The tasting was held at the Suntory offices at 11 Madison Avenue, across from Madison Square Park in Manhattan.

Saint-Estephe

2010 Chateau Cos d”Estournel: Opaque dark red, brick rim, cherry tar and crushed black fruit on the nose, chewy dark fruit, silky tannin, nice grip.

2012 Chateau Cos d’Estournel: Opaque black, brick rim, smokey and dirty dark chocolate on the nose, silky dark fruit ending with firm and silky tannin.

Pessac-Leognan

2014 Domaine de Chevalier “L’Esprit de Chevalier”: Opaque black, purple rim, closed nose of tar and black cherry, chewy and chunky dark fruit with great balance.

2019 Domaine de Chevalier: Opaque black, purple rim, slate and forest floor on the nose, darkly concentrated with a chewy finish, great balance.

2022 Chateau Malartic Lagraviere: Opaque dark red, purple rim, dirty tar and black cherry on the nose, chewy, firm fruit ending with crisp acidity.

Pomerol

2016 Chateau Rouget: Opaque black, purple rim, graphite and cooked fruit on the nose, chewy black fruit ending with firm tannin and acidity.

2018 Chateau Rouget: Opaque dark red, purple rim, closed nose of milk chocolate and graphite, silky red fruit, firm finish.

Saint-Emilion

2016 Chateau Grand Mayne: Opaque dark red, brick rim, tar, saline and red cherry on the nose, chewy dark fruit, nice grip.

2018 Chateau Grand Mayne: Opaque dark red, purple rim, dusty sweet dark chocolate and crushed black fruit on the nose, chewy, silky and dusty fruit with slate notes, long, firm grip.

2018 Chateau Troplong Mondot: Opaque black, purple rim, closed nose of cocoa and pickle juice. chewy and dense black fruit, firm finish.

Haut-Medoc

2018 Chateau Cantermerle: Opaque dark red, purple rim, tar, chocolate, mint and toast on the nose, chewy black fruit with a firm and long finish.

2020 Chateau Cantermerle: Opaque black, purple rim, white pepper, tar and milk chocolate on the nose, dense red fruit, firm finish.

2022 Chateau Beychevelle “Brulieres de Beychevelle”: Opaque medium purple, closed nose of stone and tar, silky dark fruit with gun metal notes, silky tannin, great balance.

Margaux

2016 Chateau Marquis d’Alesme: Opaque black, purple rim, crushed chocolate and black cherry on the nose, chewy dark fruit with gun metal notes on the firm finish.

2016 Chateau D’Issan: Opaque dark red, brick rim, dark chocolate and crushed red fruit on the nose, chewy dark fruit, great balance.

2019 Chateau D’Issan: Opaque dark red, purple rim, toast and petroleum on the nose, silky red fruit with chocolate notes on the finish, good grip.

2020 Chateau D’Issan: Opaque dark red, purple rim, saline, red fruit and milk chocolate on the nose, tight red fruit, firm finish.

Saint-Julien

2005 Chateau Lagrange: Opaque medium red, brick rim, perfume of dirty tar and roasted nuts on the nose, concentrated, chewy and silky fruit, good grip.

2019 Chateau Beychevelle: Opaque dark red, purple rim, closed nose of sweet tar and pencil shavings, silky red fruit with good balance.

2020 Chateau Beychevelle: Opaque dark red, purple rim, tar, sweet graphite and forest floor on the nose, chewy dark fruit, silky and dusty tannin, nice grip.

2020 Chateau Beychevelle “Amiral de Beychevelle”: Opaque dark red, purple rim, saline, tar and graphite on the nose, silky dark fruit, chewy grip, good balance.

Pauillac

2018 Chateau Pichon Baron: Opaque black, purple rim, saline, smoke and ripe cherry on the nose, chewy dark fruit, good balance.

2020 Chateau Pichon Baron: Opaque dark red, purple rim, graphite, dirty tar and crushed dark fruit on the nose, chewy dark fruit with gun metal notes, good grip.