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 up with the tannin for a full-flavored wine yearning for steak. Conterno’s Masante is all stainless and makes for a good budget-minded selection from a famous estate. P&B in Monforte d’Alba 14.5% $25 at Traverso’s Aldo Conterno
Vietti Barolo DOCG Castiglione 2003
The newer vintage of 2004 smells of brown spices and licorice cast on a very tannic frame that is balanced by acidity and extract. There’s lots of black licorice here as well in the 2003 and a similar palate where the acidity is right in time with the tannin – just a baby yet. 100% Nebbiolo from the municipality of Castiglione Falletto. Estate Bottled in Castiglione 14.5% $45 at Traverso’s Vietti
