Castellani, Cinque Stelle (5 star), Monte Cristi, Amarone 1997

Deep, slightly dull, red.

Smoke, dried herbs, charcoal, A1 steak sauce, truffle/earth, grilled meat and a deep, primal, black fruit character on the nose. Smells incredibly deep, slight suggestion of alcohol. Now red fruit ...

Round, creamy impression in the mouth. Grainy, just like the Allegrini, but suaver, flows better. Probably because there is no new oak here. Again, this is like "dry" cherry jam in the mouth. The concentration in both wines is remarkable for dry red wine. In fact, they seem like red versions of the Marcassin Chardonnay. How can dry wine be this packed and still dance?

A certain friend of mine, Albert K., loves this wine, and has consumed far more than his fair share when a bottle is within his reach. One reason why I have so few bottles left.

Day 4 - More of a whole meal on the nose now - slow-roasted meat, sauteed onion/mushroom, cherry jam ...



$36 (believe it or not) on release