u/0xMatt8302

Had this a few months ago and thought it was a good example of why I don't necessarily shy away from so-called "off vintages", especially when it comes to great producers.

Roberto Voerzio Cerequio 2014 – 95/100

Despite 2014 being a difficult vintage, Roberto Voerzio managed to make a stunning wine here. It's initially still pretty tight and high in acidity, but with some air it opens up to reveal a surprisingly chewy and concentrated core, supported by an immensely long finish. 95/100 for me, with potential for another 1–2 points with more age.

I've actually had pretty good experiences with lesser vintages from top producers. In many cases they seem to become approachable earlier than the highly rated years while still delivering most of what I'm looking for.

With Barolo in particular, I've found this quite useful. I'd often rather drink a great producer from a supposedly weaker vintage that's entering its window than open one of the great vintages while it's still completely shut down.

Curious what everyone else thinks. Do you actively look for off-vintage wines from great producers, or would you rather spend more and wait longer for the great vintages?

Had these two recently and came away with pretty different impressions.

Bibi Graetz Testamatta 2018 – 93/100
This needed some air but really came together after a while. Lots of acidity and tension, great aromatics and enough depth to keep it interesting. Definitely more on the elegant than powerful side. The only thing holding it back for me was the finish, which was good but not quite long enough to push it into the 94–95 range.

Poggio di Sotto Rosso di Montalcino 2020 – 90/100
This one disappointed me a little. The nose was beautiful and made me expect much more, but the palate never really followed through. Pretty light through the mid-palate and a short finish. As it warmed up I also started noticing the alcohol more.
Nothing wrong with it and still an elegant wine, but at the price I expected considerably more. Maybe an off bottle, but based on this one I wouldn’t buy again.

Testamatta was the clear winner for me.

Found this on a restaurant wine list on vacation in Austria for "only" 238 Euros. Usually retails for around 200 chf here in Switzerland (roughly 280$ for the US readers). So had to give it a whirl.

Now this is a Pinot that I can get behind. Tons of the usual red fruit but enough depth and power to keep things interesting. There's tension, there's complexity, silkiness and even some hints of smoke, truly an exceptional bottle of wine. 95/100

Pinot will probably never become my favorite style but this is definitely something I'll add to the cellar at the right price point.

DP 15
Belle Epoque 14
Billecart BdB Magnum
Pommery Cuvee Louise 04