Vietti, Langhe DOC, Nebbiolo, Perbacco 2005 Spot on with black licorice and a wallop of tannin. Estate Bottled in Castiglione Falletto 13.5% $26.99 at Traverso’s Vietti
Badia a Coltibuono, Chianti Classico DOCG 2005 There is a pleasant combo of earth, cherries and a hint of varnish which adds to the complexity. The acidity is matched by [...]

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La Spinetta, Barbaresco DOCG, Vigneto Starderi 2004 The previous vintage was a concentrated, oaky heavyweight, still in its infancy when tasted in late ‘07. This ‘04 smells of sweet oak and New World fruit. Again we see a tannic monster that is caressed by oak in the mouth. There’s a balance of extract to keep [...]

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Castello della Paneretta, Chianti Classico DOCG 2005 There’s loads of acidity and the taste of cherries. The grapes behind this wine are 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Estate bottled in Barberino val d’Elsa 13% $17.99 at Traverso’s Paneretta
Andrea Oberto, Langhe, Nebbiolo DOC 2005
Recent bottles of this estate’s Dolcetto and Barbera have been well-made and affordable. [...]

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Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Grignolino 2005
Truly one of the ‘lightest of the light’ red wines and an aromatic charmer as well. P&B in St. Helena 12.5% $15.50 at Traverso’s Heitz
Poderi Aldo Conterno Langhe Dolcetto DOC Masante 2006
Quite dense and loaded with black fruit and the characteristic tannic backbone of Dolcetto. There’s enough extract to keep [...]

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Traditional appellation wine versus a modern blend from Piemonte.
Vietti Barolo DOCG Castiglione 2004
Brown spices and licorice on a very tannic frame that is balanced by acidity and extract. 100% Nebbiolo from the municipality of Castiglione Falletto. Estate Bottled in Castiglione 14% $38.99 at Bottle Barn Vietti
Braida Monferrato Rosso DOC Il Baciale 2005
Red and blackfruits, earthiness [...]

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Paolo Scavino Barolo DOCG 2003
The Scavino wines show a consistent polish. There’s loads of black licorice to smell and the tannins, while definitely present, have some ripeness that soften the hard edges of this youthful wine. There’s also a fair bit of acid providing balance and length. This is all Nebbiolo, vinified in stainless and [...]

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Fratelli Revello Barolo DOCG 2003
This is the Revello’s regional bottling and it’s no slouch. Tasted earlier in the year, I wrote: spot on for the price, with new world styling of chocolaty oak and ripe fruit along with massive tannin and classic licorice. Now in September this wine still shows its licorice in a very [...]

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Fratelli Revello Barolo DOCG 2003
This is the Revello’s regional bottling and it’s no slouch. Tasted earlier in the year, I wrote: spot on for the price, with new world styling of chocolaty oak and ripe fruit along with massive tannin and classic licorice. Now in September this wine still shows its licorice in a very [...]

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