Tuscan blind tasting dinner.

2004 Agrapart & Fils Extra Brut Grand Cru Champagne ‘Mineral’ – this
was so young and relatively simple that I took it for a Prosecco!
Clean with tons of acidity and mineral, but little complexity or
flavour differentiation at this point.

1995 Selvapiana Chianti Rufina Reserva ‘Bucerchiale’ – an earthy nose
with hints of roses, warm entry with soft tannins, smooth and long,
opened with time in the glass. V. good.

2001 Cecchi Spargolo IGT – lighter nose with some nice cherry, this
100% sangio wine had similar weight and tannin to the older
Selvapiana. Very nice and no rush.

2004 Castelgiocondo Brunello – good colour, and nice nose, riper than
the previous ones, a lively acidity on palate and good length. No
rush.

2001 La Poderina Brunello – nose a bit restrained at first, but later
showing tar and fruit, and a hint of capsicum, darker in colour and
with mellow tannins and good weight.

2001 Fuligni Brunello – interesting slightly Rhonish funky nose, dark
wine, some nice fruit on palate, lighter than the previous wine but
tastier.

1997 Antinori Brunello Pian delle Vigne – fairly ripe, slightly sweet
nose, smooth and elegant if not quite typically Brunello.

2001 Caparzo Brunello Riserva – nice nose of cherry and smokiness,
with a hint of dirt, lots of soft tannin and very good length. More
of everything including complexity, than the following wine.

2001 Caparzo Brunello – a little more funk to this nose and some
typical cherry, with medium body and softer tannin, but a nice
juiciness in midpalate, it lacked nothing but an element of complexity
compared to the Riserva.