Ruffino Nero del Tondo

Ruffino Nero del Tondo

Ruffino Nero del Tondo 1990, think about that for a minute, Ruffino Nero del Tondo 1990, in front of me I have an 18 year old bottle of wine. As Twin Peaks began its run, Italy won the World Cup, Russia becomes a Republic, Navratilova puffs her way to her last Wimbledon title, the first Gulf War begins, Germany unifies and the New Kids are Hangin Tough, somewhere in a corner of Tuscany, Ruffino are handling a 5 star vintage, Pinot Noir. Pinot Nero as we should say! 18 years on and you expect changes right? Especially in a wine. Ok, so Italy are still World Cup Champions, and oh yes, ok, Gulf War II (this time it's personal) and I wouldn't put down too many bills against Martina winning Wimbledon if she tried BUT things do change and evolve and this wine has changed, evolved and aged beautiful. It is a prom queen, it is the ugly duckling finally realising its potential, 18 years on the Ruffino Nero del Tondo is a stunner!

I really should have cleaned that cabinet table but there you have it, in all its glory. Today I got a package from another wine company containing all the Pinot's I'd promised to review and this wine looked a mess. The bottle was dirty, the cork was stained and I was beginning to think it was an expensive mistake but as probably one of the better Pinot's in central Italy I had to try it and I'm thrilled with it. I've awarded this wine 93 points, which is way higher than the critics I've read who have bothered to touch an Italian Pinot Nero but who cares, I can tell you now, if you want a wine that has many levels, if you enjoy complexity in a wine and want to try something different out of Italy and have that benefit of age but without the price tag then this is a really interesting wine. Do I want to drink it while watching a movie, no, but the wine is a discussion point and so sweet actually could be served as a dessert wine, in fact, this is wine for Tiramasu, certainly, it even tastes a bit like the goop you get at the bottom of a Tiramisu container. I say container because no one has ever made for me a home made Tiramasu, I am badly treated.

So what is next this week? I've been in contact with Big Yellow Storage about their new facility in Fulham so write that up for you. See the photo and take a note on how NOT to store your wines, mix up the Mr Muscle with the Merlot and it's a trip to the ospedale for you.

This weekend I go to London and will be trying a wine flight at the 2 michelin star, 600 vino carrying, fancy pants restaurant, Pied a Terre which I am properly excited about. 10 wines, roughly half and half red/white from California, Italy, France, South Africa and Greece so a chance to broaden my palate with a little Gewurztraminer and Sherry. This restaurant really does look amazing and is on the same street, get this, the same street as my halls of residence where I used to go to University in London!

Ruffino Nero del Tondo 1990 - BUY - €40

Clear and intense garnet red/orange in the glass, orange hues. Super sweet nectar nose, a little honeyed and floral, a little medicinal but the overriding nature is just sweet, sweet, licquor like red fruit esp strawberries, a touch of coffee in there too, really intense, aromas pouring out of the bottle from the instant I opened it. On the palate the wine is very complex, hardly any tannins, almost like a grape juice feel because there seems to be no alcohol, smooth as you're going to see, medium bodied and complete. I was worried this was too old but I think I got it at the height of its curve. No precendant for such a high score for a Ruffino Pinot but im going 93 points. Fruity medicinal, little cough syrup on the finish. Its got that Italian acidity that you might not have expected from a Pinot Noir - 93 Points

Where can I buy this wine?

Europeans - Piero Constantini - €40

Americans - Um, nowhere!

Brits - Fine and Rare - £31.50

Not a bad price for Brits, usually we get scr&wed for Italian imports, nice job Fine and Rare.

Question of the Day?

What was 1990 like for you?

And no comments about which idiot would keep fine wines in a cleaning cupboard, cos, like, that idiot is a good er, friend of mine and I just wouldn't want to hurt her feelings.