It’s January - the statistically proven least popular month of the year. For many this means staying dry – although whether you interpret this as abstaining from alcohol or just staying inside out of the rain with a nice bottle is up to you. If you have opted for the latter, and bravo to you if you have, you probably would like something nice to drink. Burgundy En Primeur is in full swing, and the vintage is certainly something to look forward to, but not much good if you are thirsty now. You may have seen our offer of a selection of mature Italian bottles, many of which are in stock and ready to go, but we would like to call your attention to a few other interesting titbits coming your way.
Petrolo’s Galatrona 2013 was a runaway success last year. Receiving a stellar 98 points from James Suckling while remaining under £250/case, this producer shows time and time again that they care much more about the wine than about pushing the price up. I visited in September last year and was really struck by the humble and passionate nature of Luca Sanjust, despite the pure Merlot Galatrona being one of the top traded wines of 2015 and all the hype surrounding the estate. Compared to other ‘Supertuscans’, the simplicity of the winery and the affordable nature of the wines make Petrolo truly stand out. We have another parcel arriving soon, so elbows at the ready!
We also have a couple of exciting parcels of more mature stock arriving soon. A good-sized parcel of Sette Ponti Oreno 2008 is particularly exciting – priced at only £162/6 IB, this wine received 96 points across the board from Parker, Suckling, Galloni and Wine Spectator and is now firmly in its drinking window. A Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Suavignon and Petit Verdot, this flagship wine from Tenuta Sette Ponti is pure class and is seductively drinkable. The next parcel is perhaps lesser known, but it is also a stone-cold bargain. Il Paradiso di Frassina Brunello di Montalcino 2006 is another 96-pointer from James Suckling, and the powerful, highly sought after Brunelli from the 2006 vintage are now starting to drink beautifully. Do as the musically-minded producer suggests and put some Mozart on the stereo while enjoying - harmony for all of the senses.
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"Put some Mozart on the stereo while enjoying - harmony for all of the senses."
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And finally, for further instant gratification, we have now in stock some delicious 2011 Barolos and will be running a SALE very soon. When in the right hands, the vintage produced some deliciously fleshy and perfumed wines for near to medium term consumption. My own wine rack has been fast filling up with these as memories of tasting last year keep popping in to my head, and I am compelled to keep buying more! Nebbiolo perfume is such a thing of beauty, but normally we need to wait so long for the tannins to soften that the beguiling primary aromas have largely gone, but not so with 2011. Well worth snapping up a bargain on these in the sale.
Happy drinking and may your January move swiftly.
