Tasting Notes - Tenuta San Leonardo Merlot 2000 (Recommended)

Region: Trentino (Avio)

Started off quite fruit shy but did evolve over time to bring out some savoury notes. Not simple or upfront - a thinking man's wine perhaps? Most impressive was the texture; amazingly slippery smooth and velverty - just glided down the throat.

(EuR 22.0 at a great restaurant in Padova)

Tasting Notes - Cesconi Merlot 2000 (Recommended)

Region: Lavis (Trentino)

Seems to fit the text book merlot definition well - drinks easy in a medium bodied style - with a leafy herbacious thread that reminds clearly of cabernet based wines. No coarse notes here, very smooth and a light, friendly tannin structure. Essentially fruit driven, has good weight, and is pretty classy. One of the better merlots I've drunk in some time.

(EuR 12.00)

Outram Estate Verdelho 2000 (Recommended)

A little fruit shy on the nose at first but some rich and slightly oaky notes vapour up over time. More richness in the mouth with very in your face fruit and some heat. Ripeness and oak (100% new French) build a very powerful wine. Wine finishes long and coats the throat with some heat. Quite a unique feel for a verdelho, almost a bit like a high powered chard. Holding up beautifully for a 4 year old and certainly has a few years left. Very enjoyable.

Tasting Notes - Green Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2000

Our favourite small producer from Margaret River. The 2000 cab is the first of the Keith Mugford productions. Slightly stewed nose shows some power. Palate is a tough one to call; primary fruit sees a little subdued, perhaps a bit wound up (at this stage) in what appears to be a very classy structure. Good tannins run right throught the palate, along with some noticeable oak. A touch varnishy - a little volatie? Nevertheless an ok wine.