1997 Super Tuscan Tasting at Wine Watch

"Woke up this morning with a wine glass in my hand,
whose wine? what wine? where the hell did I dine!"

Do You Feel Like I Do by Peter Frampton

This was one of the most highly touted vintages of the decade of the 1990's as the Wine Spectator and The Wine Advocate both sang the praises of these forward and seductive wines that also had tremendous structure.

Even though Tuscany's top wine Brunello Di Montalcino is required by law to be released 5 years after the vintage, in great vintages like 1997 the top wines still require an additional 5-10 years or more of cellaring before they reach their peak and can last for decades beyond that if you like older vintage wines. 

I have a shipment of 1993 Pieve di Santa Restituta Brunello Sugarille Brunello di Montalcino coming in a week or so and this is not even considered a great vintage but this wine is still drinking beautifully and it is cheaper than the current release!!!   Keep an eye out for this offering….

Many wine lovers have been disenchanted with their 1997's, there are some that think these wines are now over the hill and I have heard reports of people trying to unload their wines at very reasonable prices because they have lost faith in this vintage.  Don’t sell your 1997’s just yet!! Or call me if you want to sell them because the best wines from this vintage will be good for years to come and that is why we are having this tasting to test drive a few of the vintages top wines and to see first-hand just how well these 1997's are doing at the ripe old age of 15.

Wine Watch Catering's Toni Lampasone will be making a few small courses to accompany the tasting wines and the fee for this tasting is $95 + tax.  This is a sit down tasting and we are limited to 15 guests, for reservations call 954-523-9463.

1997 Tuscan Tasting at Wine Watch
Friday, May 25th
7pm

Tasting Line-up:

1997 Castello Di Ama Chianti Classico

(91 Points)  A well-crafted, superb Chianti Classico. Totally fruit-driven. Beautiful aromas of plum, leaf and cherry. Medium- to full-bodied, with medium, fine tannins and a silky mouthfeel. Best from 2001 through 2004. 13,200 cases made. –JS  Wine Spectator Issue: Nov 30, 1999

1997 Tenuta San Giusto a Rentennano Chianti Classico Riserva

(92 Points)  The spectacular, saturated ruby/purple-colored 1997 Chianti Classico Riserva reveals intense aromas of smoked meats as well as jammy black cherries, raspberries, and over-ripe plums. Opulent and full-bodied, with extraordinary power, richness, and concentration, this is a decadently intense, rich, voluptuous Chianti that must be tasted to be believed. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.  Wine Advocate #130
Aug 2000

1997 Col D'Orcia Brunello Di Montalcino

(87 Points)  Good drink here. Aromas of dried cherries, tobacco and cedar follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Drink now. 24,200 cases made. –JS  Wine Spectator Issue: Jun 30, 2002

1997 Poggio Antico Brunello Di Montalcino

(93 Points)  Pretty aromas of plums, berries and cherries follow through to a full-bodied palate, with a lovely balance of ripe fruit and refined tannins. Long and caressing finish. Drink now. 5,380 cases made. –JS  Wine Spectator Issue: Jun 30, 2002

1997 Poggio Antico Brunello Di Montalcino Altero          

(94 Points)  Dark ruby-garnet. Rich aromas of dried fruits, mushroom and meat follow through to a full body, with superrich fruit and a long, long finish. Big and rich, like an Amarone. Where's the game?--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Drink now. 1,105 cases made. –JS  Wine Spectator Issue: Web Only - 2007

1997 Falesco Montiano

(95 Points)  Proprietor Riccardo Cotarella's 1997 Montiano vino da tavola (100% Merlot, bottled unfined and unfiltered after spending 12 months in new French oak) is fabulous. It displays multiple layers that build in the mouth, exploding at the back of the palate. From its opaque purple color, the huge sweet notes of chocolate, smoke, black fruits, and toast satiate the olfactory senses, yet please the mind's intellectual yearnings. Pure and powerful, yet brilliantly knit together with no hard edges and no sense of high alcohol or heaviness, this sensational wine is one of the finest Merlots made in Italy. Production was 1,000 cases. Anticipated maturity: now-2014.  Wine Advocate #124, Aug 1999

1997 Castella Di Rampolla Sammarco    

(95 Points)  Rich aromas of blackberry and raspberry jam, with hints of licorice. Full-bodied, with soft, round tannins and a clean, fresh finish. Balanced and refined. Perfect now, but will improve.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Drink now through 2014. 3,500 cases made. –JS  Wine Spectator Issue: Web Only - 2007

1997 Tenuta San Giusto a Rentennano Percarlo

(98 Points)  The dense ruby/purple-colored 1997 Percarlo is compelling. Enormous in aromas, flavors, and persistence on the palate, it exhibits profound levels of concentration as well as unbelievably dense, black currant, blackberry liqueur notes infused with new saddle leather, licorice, truffles, and toasty oak. Enormously thick and viscous, with low acidity, and mouth coating levels of extract, this wine's tannin level is high, but largely obscured by the wealth of fruit, glycerin, and extract. It is an amazing accomplishment! Anticipated maturity: now-2020.   Wine Advocate #130, Aug 2000

Menu

Selection of Cheese:  Beemster Gouda, Aged Cheddar and Reggiano Parmesan

Duck and Mozzarella Mousse Ravioli finished with Brown Butter Sundried tomatoes and fresh basil and reggiano Parmesan

Seared NY strip with Gremolata Shoestring Frites