Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2003

Name: Marchese Antinori Riserva

Colour: Red

Country: Italy

Region: Chianti Classico

Year: 2003

Producer: Antinori

Grape Varieties: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and selected others

Alcohol: 13.5%

Purchase Price: EUR 47.99 (posh restaurant)

Notes:

Maker’s notes – Intense ruby red colour with light garnet hues. Vibrant aromas of citrus marmalade, dried fruit and sultanas. Full-bodied, solidly structured lingering palate with a pleasantly tannic finish. Hints of liquorice in the aftertaste.

Somnambulist's verdict: Super-smooth with rich fruits that somehow captured that scorching '03 Tuscan summer in a glass. Brilliant. A real heavyweight that needs meaty foods or cheese (in my case a wonderful veal lasagne!).

Gran Condal Reserva 2003

Name: Gran Condal Reserva

Colour: Red

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Year: 2003

Producer: Bodegas Rioja Santiago, S.A.

Grape Varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha

Alcohol: 13%

.

Purchase Price: EUR 8.99

.

Notes:

.

Maker’s notes – A red wine with an intense ruby red colour, deep aroma, round and velvety on the palate. Full and balanced aftertaste. Very select. The wine is aged for more than three years, at least one of which is spent in American oak barrels.

.

Somnambulist's verdict: Not a bad regular drinking wine, but I didn't find it as 'round and velvety' as the maker claims (a bit edgy if not given a bit of time to breathe). Misses the smooth yet complex combo of my favourite Rioja's.

Knipser Cuvee X 2003

Name: Cuvee X
Colour: Red
Country: Germany
Region: Pfalz
Year: 2003
Producer: Weingut Knipser
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet France, Merlot
Alcohol: 13.5%

Purchase Price: ca. EUR 38.00

Notes:

Maker’s notes – Very herbal aromas from black currant, tobacco, coffee and cedar.

Somnambulist's verdict: Complex, velvety smooth, a fabulous winter red. I have not found many German reds that I like but this is spectacular.