MNSC dinner - 97 Super Tuscans

MNSC dinner at Grissini. Theme was 97 Super Tuascans.

1997 Ornellaia - this was clearly one of the stars of the night. Color was a dark purple. Nose of sweet berries, jammy, thick, with minerals and slight hint of coffee. It died after a while to reveal earthiness and smoke. But second glass game back strong and better. It was fairly tannic and with a short finish at first, became better later.

1997 Frescobaldi Lamaione - the nose was slightly musty and oaky. The fruit was less jammy and sweet. Notes of acetone and tobacco. Palate was pretty tannic and peppery at first. It was much improved with the second glass.

1997 Argiano Solengo - the sangiovese / cab / syrah blend. This was not so good. Initially a very chalky, musty nose with lots of minerals. Later on the core of sweet fruit emerged, along with a smokey nose. Again the palate was tannic, especially the finish.

1997 Antinori Solaia - Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year for 2000. I think the Solaia has shut down a bit, while some others thought it was one of the night's best. I really couldn't get much out of the Solaia, even with the second glass. There was a bit of sweet fruit but it needed a lot of coaxing. Tannins were smooth and round, light-bodied. Finish was pretty short. After 3 to 3½ hours, much better as it opened up, with the sweet fruit coming out.

1997 Sassicaia - this was really good. By now the wines have been open about 3 hours. The nose was very jammy and sweet, with a hint of smoke. Very open and delicious. Full-bodied. Wow!

1997 Petrolo Galatrona - another 100% merlot. Just as powerful as the Sassicaia. Again you have the amazing sweet, jammy fruit, really like new world wines. But this has slightly more finesse and not just pure punch. Really good stuff.

1997 Ornellaia Masseto - as expected it was sweet and very jammy. What else would you expect from a Michel Rolland wine. Good stuff, gotta have more.