Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/26650
earliest bud break in 75 years, and those with traditional pergola trellising systems (versus Guyot) fared better during the intense heat in July and August. Caobelli compared the balance of rainfall and heat in 2007 with 2005, which produced slightly higher yields. At pressing, sugars were a bit lower, resulting in finished wines that range from 14.2–17.4 percent alcohol, with little volatile acidity and high percentages of dry extract (29.9–38.3 g/l). Upon their release, young Amarones can be strikingly similar on the palate. Though differences in weight and texture are discern- able, what set them apart for this taster were tantalizing aromas, balance and the presence of minerality—all factors that indicate quality and bode well for potential development. Tasting older vintages from each producer—the 2004 vintage seems to be peaking now for many listed here—was a particularly useful illustration of how the wines will continue to develop in relation to the producers’ intention and style. While the 2007 wines are made available for evaluation, each producer establishes its own time line for commercial release. FIRST LOOK AT AMARONE 2007 Bertani – 16°, full-bodied savory cherry fruit, complex spice, clean, bright cherry finish. Released. PALM BAY INTERNATIONAL Cà La Bionda “Ravazzol” – 16°, lighter-bodied, overt berry aromas, bright, lively acidity; crisp finish. Available April 2011. IDEAL WINE AND SPIRITS COMPANY Cà Rugate – 14.5° medium-weight, ripe, bright berry fruit, saddle leather, tobacco, minerality; hybrid style. Released. WORLD WIDE CELLARS Latium “Campo Leon” – 16.5°, full-bodied, chocolate, sweet black cherry fruit mid-palate; oak-driven, very plush, sweet tannins. Available spring 2011. USA WINE IMPORTS Le Marognole “Campo Rocco” – 15.5°, medium-weight, aromati- cally complex, violet and brown spice; focused mid-palate, clean, bright and savory. Available April 2011. VINARIUM INC. Musella – 16°, full-bodied with fruit purity, orange zest; rich, round, bright, coating tannins, chocolate and berry-skin finish. Available November 2011. VINVINO WINE COMPANY Pasqua “Black Label” – 15°, full-bodied, clean, currants, blackber- ries and notes of vanilla; rich, silky tannins. Released. OWS—THE OTHER WINE AND SPIRITS Recchia “Enorama” – 15.5°, full-bodied, intense aromas of black- berry, precisely balanced, massive mid-palate; gripping tannins, very clean, touch of mint on finish. Released. SHAW-ROSS INTERNATIONAL IMPORTERS Roccolo Grassi – 16°, medium-bodied, bright, clean, concentrated; spicy, drying tannin, anise on long finish. Available October 2011. CHAMBERS & CHAMBERS San Felice – 15°, full-bodied, black cherry, plum, peppery spice; well-balanced fruit and acid with intensity, muscular tannins. Released. UNIQUE WINE CO. Speri – 15°, medium-bodied, elderflower, violet aromas, raisins, pomegranate; bright, savory minerality, drier tannins on finish. Available October 2011. EMPSON USA Tenuta Sant’Antonio – 14.5°, full-bodied, extracted black fruit, licorice, minerality, elegant. Available March 2011. INTERNATIONAL WINES Valentina Cubi “Morar” – 16°, medium-bodied, fleshy cassis, mulberry and spice, chocolate, rich, powerful. Available April 2012. SLOCUM & SONS march 201 1 / the tasting panel / 83