TN: One bottle

[Jeff Grossman]

G. Mascarello 2004 Barbera d'Alba "Codana" - I have two bottles of this, identical except for slightly different stamps in the foil and that one was brought in by Polaner and the other by Rare Wine Co. I chose to open the Polaner one (I think I got it earlier, at Astor, for $5 less). The wine is dark, slightly tannic, highly acidic, and it is as if time has stood still. This is not a 9-year-old wine, this is a barrel sample. It is also totally shut down. I stuffed the cork back in and left it with the cellar guys... and I suggested they try it again on Wednesday.

 

[MarkS]

Shut-down barbera? Hmmm...
Has anybody done tastings where they compare different importers wines? Could be revelatory...

 

[Jeff Grossman]

originally posted by MarkS:
Shut-down barbera? Hmmm...
Has anybody done tastings where they compare different importers wines? Could be revelatory...

I was alone so I felt silly opening two bottles. If only I'd had a henchman....

 

[kirk wallace]

It's pronounced "eye-gore".

 

[Levi Dalton]

It is common practice at the winery to serve tasting pours from bottles that have been open for 2, 3, or maybe even 6 days.

 

[Steve Edmunds]

Levi, really? At Mascarello? Interesting...

 

[Levi Dalton]

originally posted by Steve Edmunds:
Levi, really? At Mascarello? Interesting...

Yes, at Giuseppe Mascarello it is the standard practice. Mauro writes the day he opened the bottle on the label, so it is pretty easy to discern. You can see an example in the first picture of my write up here http://soyouwanttobeasommelier.blogspot.com/2012/05/giuseppe-mascarello-bonum-vinum.html