Diversion tactics.
Wine 1 of the Wineknot dinner with Kevin and Jenny.
When Kevin decided to bring the Torbreck Runrig I had some decisions to make about what to bring. I had nothing of similar value, which was fine, I would just bring two wines. My real issue was what could sit next to a Barossa Shiraz as big and powerful as the Runrig?
Best not to even try. I went with an elegant Barbaresco to start.
I am liking this trend toward single-vineyard Barolo and Barbaresco. Although I do not like the label ‘Gran Cru’. The complex Cru system of Burgundy where the term is borrowed from has been around for some time. It is etched in stone and cannot be changed. Guarded by a set of rigid guidelines and regulations, there is no ambiguity with Burgundy.
Not the case in Piedmont, where the label is more loosely applied. Regardless, the move to single-vineyard wines that express a unique terroir is a good thing. In time Piedmont will find a way to regulate the label and already expensive Gran Cru’s will become even more so.
I have had a good run with the Michele Chiarlo wines. I had read good things about the Reyna and was confident it could provide a contrasting start to the night. I initially thought Reyna was a vineyard and the wine was a Piedmont Cru. This is not the case.
For my mind, it was a solid choice to start the evening. It presented classic Barbaresco characteristics and in no way attempted to compete with the monolith that is Runrig.
Not decanted.
Pale to medium garnet. It first presented a little closed. Mostly black tea and some red berry notes. After a few minutes in the glass, it opened up nicely. Sour cranberries dominate the palate. In the background, lovely floral notes and the black tea has settled into pleasantness. Classic Barbaresco nose. On the palate, it is youthful with medium acid. The cranberries dominate the palate. The wine has a long lingering finish. I was impressed by this wine because it was so obviously Barbaresco. A good start to the evening.
Drink now – 2025.
92 pts.
