From the Cellar

Just because I started a website called OntarioWineReview.com doesn't mean it's All-Ontario-All-the-Time. When I kick back at night my mood (and sometimes my curiosity) decides my wine of choice. And the title should read, "Uncorked and Un-Screwed Tonight" ... but that just sounds wrong.

Ferzo 2016 Montepulchiano D'Abruzzo

06 Aug 2023

I remember when I first received this wine from @nikki_zolis @awsmont , I thought it was brilliant back then - time to try it again.

Opens easily with no issues - wasn't really expecting any; cork is still in great shape. Ferzo 2016

Aromas ... Aromas are cassis and blackberry, took a few swirls of glass to really get them to come alive; but now that they are, they are really in your face (no pun intended).

Taste ... Palate follows that fruit from the nose: lots of dark fruits, acidity and subtle spices. Seems a little lean on the mid-palate, but based on what is going on around it I have high hopes.

1 hr open ... Now this wine has really come into its own ... Juicy and super smooth with lots of blackberry, there's even some nice acid punch that balances out that sweet fruit.

2+ hrs open ... That was a quick turnaround, it's starting to fade, the acidity is starting to take over and the fruit is dropping off. It is losing that juiciness from the 1 hour mark.

➡️ Bottom Line ... There was a point, when I thought this wine was going to last five more years. But I don't think it has that kind of longevity to it; maybe another two or three at most. But if you drink it now, consume during that first hour after being open and you've got a super juicy wine that's just so palate pleasing - chug-a-lug.

 

Tenuta Monteti 2016 Toscana (Maremma)

11 Apr 2023

Monteti

 

A Maremma (Tuscany) wine that is Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon with 18 months in French oak.

Opens easily - it's not that old, so I have high hopes

NOSE: pencil shavings, pretty smoked-cherry and subtle cedar

TASTE: mocha, coffee, dry, cinnamon, smoke with good acidity and a long finish..

1.5 - 2 hrs later ...
notes of cherry and spice, it is slowly smoothing out, the fruit is darkening

24 hrs later ...
Oh boy ... what a gorgeous wine - even better than the first day ... smooth and silky with a touch of smoke and a touch of tannins.

Bottom Line ...
Fruit has emerged with smoky notes, the tannins have dropped way down and there is lovely clean acidity. This is a silky wine. Beauty.

 

 

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