Wine Review - October Edition

As October rolls in, I had the opportunity to sample a selection of wines that showcased the diversity and richness of flavors from various regions. This month, I tasted three standout bottles, each with its own unique profile: Howard's Folly Winemaker's Choice, Domaine Michel Noëllat Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Fattoria La Massa Giorgio Primo. Among them, Howard's Folly emerged as the top choice of my tastings. In this review, I'll share my impressions of each wine, highlighting what made them special and why they are worth considering.

1. Howard's Folly Winemaker's Choice 2013 $290

I rarely get the opportunity to sample wines from Portugal, so I was really looking forward to tasting this one. It certainly lived up to my expectations! The wine boasts a deep purple hue and offers a rich bouquet filled with aged red currants and raisins. On the palate, it reveals delightful notes of red fruit, earthiness, leather, and chocolate. The tannins are velvety, leading to a seamless finish. Considering its price, this is undoubtedly one of the finest wines I've enjoyed in recent months.

2. Domaine Michel Noëllat Nuits-Saint-Georges 2020 $600

We also sampled the Michel Noëllat Nuits-Saint-Georges 2019. This wine, characterized by its deep ruby hue, exhibits a medium-plus intensity and offers an appealing combination of black and red fruit flavors. Its complexity is further enriched by pronounced notes of cedar and cloves, leading to a youthful and dry finish. Notably, it possesses a surprisingly high acidity and a full body, particularly for a wine made entirely from Pinot Noir. Additionally, the alcohol content is elevated at 14.5%, yet it remains pleasantly inconspicuous. The palate reveals a medium-plus intensity, complemented by a smooth, medium-length finish, showcasing excellent structure, intricate details, and very fine tannins. Overall, it is quite an enjoyable wine.

3. Fattoria La Massa Giorgio Primo Toscana IGT 2017 $780

I had the chance to taste a 2017 wine last month, and it was really something special! The aromas were intriguing, with inviting notes of blackcurrant, plum, and cherry. There were also sweet hints of tobacco, vanilla, coffee, and a touch of balsamic that made it even more appealing.

On the palate, this blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon struck a nice balance. It had high tannins, which gave it a strong structure, but there was also a softness that made it enjoyable to drink. I appreciated the flavors of dark berries and plum, along with some dry herbs and mint adding depth.The finish was impressive—smooth, creamy, and lingering, which left a lovely aftertaste. Overall, this vintage felt really well put together, making it a memorable experience. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a complex and enjoyable wine!