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Funk


Funk for WINE DECODED refers to aromas and flavours that are a little more out there than fruit, oak, floral perfumes, earthiness and spice to name a few.
We use it in a positive light to refer to characters that add complexity, without dominating the wine and don’t sit in the mainstream array of aromas and flavours.

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Funk for WINE DECODED refers to aromas and flavours that are a little more out there than fruit, oak, florals, perfumes, earthiness and spice to name a few.

We use it in a positive light to refer to characters that add complexity, without dominating the wine and don’t sit in the mainstream array of aromas and flavours.

Characters that sit under funky include:

  • Wet wool or lanolin.
  • Wet dog.
  • Mushroom characters (not cork taints).
  • Characters from the use of solids in ferments and ageing, biscuity, cracked yeast notes and balanced complexing reduction.

We don’t use it to avoid reference to wine faults or off characters like moussiness or brettanomyces.

If a wine has those faults it won’t be on our list. If for some strange reason it is, we’ll declare it leaving no doubt that it is present.

 

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Feeling Thirsty?

Burgundy meets Côte-Rôtie
Côte-Rôtie is often compared to Burgundy for it's detailed vineyard breakdown. Like Burgundy we see dramatic differences in the wines from vineyard to vineyard. Stéphane has a great number of lieux-dits that he works with through the Côte-Blonde (southern part of Côte-Rôtie) and Côte-Brune (northern part of Côte-Rôtie). Stéphane makes wines of greater energy and vibrancy, always on the fresher end of the spectrum. La Belle Hélène from Côte Rozier, a parcel of Stéphane's oldes
$890
$870ea in any 3+
$850ea in any 6+

Fèlsina Chianti Classio Riserva DOCG ‘Rancia’ 2017

Sangiovese | Castelnuovo Berardenga, Italy

The 2017 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is incredibly polished and sophisticated. Silky tannins give the 2017 its racy, sleek personality. Over the last year, the 2017 has really settled into a gorgeous place. There is plenty of vintage 2017 intensity, but Rancia is distinctly medium in body and restrained. The wilder side of Sangiovese, one of the signatures of Rancia and Fèlsina more broadly, tastes a bit baked out. I can't wait to see how the 2017 develops over the coming years and decades.
$140
$135ea in any 3+
$130ea in any 6+

Paolo Scavino Barolo ‘Movigliero’ 2019

Nebbiolo | Verduno, Italy

This Cru is the jewel in the crown of the Commune of Verduno in Barolo! The 2019 Barolo Monvigliero is a gorgeous wine that marries the classicism of this site with the bright, forward fruit that is such a signature of the Scavino style. Freshly-cut roses, kirsch, mint, cinnamon and blood orange race across the palate, supported by vibrant acids and veins of sinewy tannin. This seems to call for at least a few years in bottle. Drink 2025-2039 Antonio Galloni, Vinous 95 Points Continuin
$219
$212ea in any 3+
$205ea in any 6+
There is enough reduction to suppress the underlying fruit though there is by contrast very good freshness and tension to the sleek, detailed and tautly muscular flavors that also conclude in a decidedly austere, compact and mildly warm finish. This powerful and vaguely rustic effort will also require ample patience to arrive at its full maturity.. Drink: 2036+ Outstanding ♥ Allen Meadows, Burghound 91-93 NM 93-95
$590
$570ea in any 3+
$550ea in any 6+