Planeta is one of the key Sicilian wine houses, and I have had the chance to taste a number of their cuvees. Tonight's wine was probably the best I have tasted yet.
After tasting the Planeta Syrah at a recent tasting, I expected the 2002 Planeta Merlot to have explosive aromatics, but that was not the case. Somewhat pruney and uncomplex at first, it developed nice, but subtle, aromas over the evening - some blueberry, cedar, mint, musk, pepper and smoke. On the palate this wine was rich and chocolatey, with a big, velvety, tannic kick. Well balanced with nice, but perhaps overripe, fruit. The tannins, fruit and the persistency are there, so this wine should age nicely.
Overall, a very hefty and substantial merlot, with a racy Italian edge. I like this. Went very well with a Greek lamb stew. Score 17.5/20, cost: est. $40-ish (gift)
After tasting the Planeta Syrah at a recent tasting, I expected the 2002 Planeta Merlot to have explosive aromatics, but that was not the case. Somewhat pruney and uncomplex at first, it developed nice, but subtle, aromas over the evening - some blueberry, cedar, mint, musk, pepper and smoke. On the palate this wine was rich and chocolatey, with a big, velvety, tannic kick. Well balanced with nice, but perhaps overripe, fruit. The tannins, fruit and the persistency are there, so this wine should age nicely.
Overall, a very hefty and substantial merlot, with a racy Italian edge. I like this. Went very well with a Greek lamb stew. Score 17.5/20, cost: est. $40-ish (gift)
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7 comments:
Hey, I'm in a lamb mood too!
Joe, I missed this post from Saturday and am just reading it now as I return to the SAQ...
I *just* bought the Planeta Syrah last night, thinking it was biodynamic, but I can't find any indication of this now so I'm going to exchange it for a Domaine des Béates. That aside, your notes make it sound good. But I think I'd like to save up a bit for a bigger purchase like this one. (The only reason I buying now is the WBW event this week.)
I sometimes backdate the posts to when I drank the wine - it was posted last night. Planeta is not biodynamic, as far as I know.
I apologize for the ignorance, but WBW is Wine Blogging Wednesday, correct? I found a link to Fork and Bottle that is sponsoring this Wednesday's event, so that must be what you are referring to. Let me know how it goes.
I can understand you backdating. Wineblogs routinely face this kind of posting conundrum. Blogger should come out with a new tool just to address this issue.
Because, like you, I want a journalized take of what I've been tasting, I actually wait and post my notes one month to the day after. Originally I thought this would allow me to better research the wine and edit my prose as well as indicate the date I uncorked it. Now I'm not so sure...
Yes, you guessed right about WBW. I've posted. But not on Planeta. I took it back and got biodynamic wines from Domaine Les Béates and a Clos de la Briderie.
My blog actually began in May of this year, so my older comments are my notes from my tasting group's formal events over the past 3 1/2 years. For me, the delay in posting a tasting note is usually a reflection of trying to find a few free minutes away from work and the kids! I saw your post on the biodynamic wine, and I will try to taste one of those someday. How does one get involved with WBW - do I have to ask someone for permission? Is it Lenn who posts a notice for these?
No permission needed. You just send your details to the monthly organizer -- in this case it was Jack hosting and his site had the theme/rules. I am supposed to be organizing one in May (I had asked Lenn last year). I should get up to speed on that! Thanks for reminding me.
how do I find the organizer? Who is "the keeper of the schedule"? Is it Lenn?
I just wait to hear it announced shortly before the event... Lenn, Vinography and bunch of others usually give it plenty of exposure so people don't forget.
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