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Candace and Ferenc Máté
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We will be taking your orders for the specially priced 2008 Brunello di Montalcino from Máté Wines to the LCBO this Friday, November 15th. At just $44 the bottle, this is a wonderful price for a first rate wine.
Máté Wines – Montalcino, Tuscany
 At Máté Wines the Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grow contentedly in their own separate plots, 3,000 vines per acre crammed together in the finest part of the Montalcino appellation. Yields are kept extremely low by means of three annual green prunings to concentrate the flavours. Then the grapes are hand picked at fullest maturity and fermented in small temperature-controlled stainless steel vats or new wooden barrels. The grapes are punched down by hand to extract colour and tannins while the must is kept cool to maintain the rich aromas of fruits and spices. The wines are aged for up to thirty months in Allier oak barriques and tonneaux. Whether in the vineyards or the winery, Ferenc and Candace are fanatical about every aspect of the creation of their wines. As a result, their wines exhibit great refinement, depth and an abundance of unforgettable flavours.
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2008 Brunello di Montalcino – 15.0% Alc./Vol. $44/$264 six-bottle case
 This outstanding Brunello di Montalcino is made from 100% Sangiovese that rested 30 months in two, three and four year old Allier oak. It then remained eighteen months in the bottle before release. Here’s what the ‘experts’ say about it:
The Wine Spectator: Full of eucalyptus and balsamic notes, this red boasts a core of cherry and raspberry fruit, with tobacco and leather flavors. Firm and well-proportioned, delivering a lingering aftertaste. Very approachable and harmonious. Best from 2014 though 2028. 93/100
James Suckling on jamessuckling.com: Lots of sweet berry fruit with hints of prunes. Full body, with dried fruits and velvety tannins. It’s long and pretty. Drink or hold 91/100.
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  : A raw note of spice and tobacco give this Brunello a brawny, masculine personality. Cherry cola, licorice, savory spice, smoked bacon and black currant hint at the many years of cellar aging that have shaped the evolution. Those flavors also add to the overall finesse and silkiness of the finish.90/100
Tom Hyland: Pale young garnet; dried morel cherry, paprika and thyme aromas. Medium-full with very good concentration. Generous mid-palate; lengthy finish with notable persistence. Very good acidity, refined tannins and subtle spice notes in the finish. I have liked this producer’s previous examples of Brunello, but this is a step up, as there is a more developed mid-palate and the wine overall is a more complete example; I applaud the style and quality of this 2008. Best in 12-15 years – perhaps longer.
KYLE PHILLIPS’ Italian Wine Review: Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with smoky cedary notes mingled with some hardwod ash and tart berry fruit and citric acidity. On the palate it’s bright, with lively sour cherry fruit supported by tart berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are smooth and flow into a clean sour cherry finish. Pleasant, and will already drink nicely with succulent red meats, though it also has the capacity to age nicely for a numer of years. 2 stars (highest score)
John M. Fedora – Tuscan Vines: Nestled in a small corner of Montalcino, the Mate winery is a tiny, artisan endeavor but is quickly garnering attention, especially among the local Montalcinese. The 2008 Mate Brunello is a vibrant violet color with a deep ruby core. The wonderful aromatics leap from the glass. There's a large frame of crushed red fruits supported by comfortable broken-in leather, sweet pipe tobacco, and flowers. On the palate the wine displays impressive concentration with a monstrous core of rich, ripe berry fruit, tobacco and savory Tuscan herbs. This is so delicious. Wonderful balance, and although only moderately tannic, the acids create a lively, mouth watering sensation. This is great wine. 93 points.
What more can I say? Order your tantalizing Tuscan treat now.
Please note that the above price includes a small handling fee.
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Coming Next from Arthur’s Cellar – Superb Southern Rhônes from Domaine Palon
They’ll be back once again, the oh so elegant Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Côtes du Rhône from Domaine Palon.
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Sébastien Palon and your tireless tippler around 10:00AM near Gigondas!
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