Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Gary Walsh reviews Castello Monsanto Chianti Classico 2006



It’s a big one all right, and as I’m not familiar with either the vintage or the producer (as yet) I can’t tell you exactly who (or what) is responsible. It smells excellent though - dark cherries, burnt wood, dried herbs and licorice all feature and then a strongly fruited and grippily tannic palate follows on.. There’s a bit of spice, plenty of flavour and a lot of interest. Chunky but absolutely delicious. I won’t rate it higher, but I’d like to. Love it. Drink : 2009 - 2014 90 Points Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

St Urbans-Hof Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett 2007

The village of Piesport was already an important harbour for trade in the Roman era and the reputation of the Goldtröpfchen, chronicled millennia past in the Roman poet Ausonius’ poem ‘Mosella’, continues today as St. Urbans-Hof’s most famous vineyard site–the shining star of the Weis firmament. ‘Goldtröpfchen’ translates from German into ‘little golden drops’, a fitting name for such legendary wines.

Our Piesporter Goldtröpfchen property is of ancient, unreconstructed origin located close to the slate Mosel Loreley cliffs. These parcels are located in a poorly accessible section of the vineyard which has forced, unlike most of this famous vineyard, an inability to have its orientation altered by modern methods. Only a narrow path allows access.

Its ungrafted vines are of unknown age but we are sure they’re at least 80 years old. The highly decomposed slate soil has a high water retentive capacity and the large slate cliffs absorb the heat of the sun only to release it in the dark of night like a thermal battery."

And there you have it! Remarkable. All this can be yours for under $40 but first I’m putting away a few for my son (a 2007er)..I’ll drink a couple while he’s not looking and save the rest for his 18th and 21st (and drink them while he’s not looking). Importer : Mondo Imports

Some sulphur, but not much, then juicy golden apple, citrus and some tropical fruits. It combines explosive sweet fruit with dry minerality and the acidity is perfectly pitched. Balance and length with a dry mouthwatering finish. What a top wine - I could drink gallons of it. Drink : 2008 - 2027+ 95 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front

St Urbans-Hof Riesling QBA 2007 listed in Wine Spectator's Top 100 wines

WINE SPECTATOR TOP 100 WINES FOR 2008

Number 56 90 points $15 St.-Urbans-Hof Riesling QbA Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2007

One of the best value rieslings on the planet?


Review: Needs a little air to reveal its floral, apricot and slate aromas and flavors. Beautifully integrated, with a lingering, stony, savory finish. Drink now through 2018. Match: Asian Food, Mexican 90 pts. Wine Spectator - # 56 Wine Spectator Top 100 2008

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Castello Monsanto Monrosso Chianti 2006 now bottled under DIAM


The 2006 vintage of Monrosso has been bottled under DIAM which is a major step forward for Chianti producers. The great entry level Chianti ($22 a bottle retail) is great for everyday drinking and is from the much lauded 2006 vintage.

'Stay-at-home pasta or pizza dinners call out for a simple but solid Chianti, and Monrosso fits the bill beautifully. The ruby-colored wine (80 per-cent Sangiovese with smaller components of Canaiolo and Merlot) is fermented in steel and aged six months in oak casks for fresh, fruitforward results. It is redolent of cherry, plum, milk chocolate and has distant hints of spice and licorice. Its lightweight consistency and subtle tannins make it an excellent, no-brainer match for most foods'.

Friday, July 25, 2008

The offical logo of Mondo Imports


Mondo Imports - Bringing the best of Europe to your door.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Jancis Robinson selects St Urbans-Hof in her top 30 recommended producers for the 2007 wines


Anyone keen to buy into the 2007 vintage but less than enthusiastic about bordeaux should think seriously about Germany’s exceptional 2007 vintage. Europe’s weird weather pattern last summer may have made life difficult for vintners growing red wine grapes on the Atlantic coast but played nicely into the hands of those growing Riesling on the banks of the Mosel and Rhine. The 2007s are – glory be - wines to enjoy drinking rather than wines to notch up ripeness and auction records. Jancis Robinson

Stefano and Domenico due back from Italy 2nd August


Stefano and Domenico have been travelling around Europe trying to see if they can discover some gems for Mondo to Import into Australia. It will be interesting to see what they find.