Tenuta Argentiera, Bolgheri DOC Poggio Al Ginepri 2006 There’s a light earthiness and a sense of brambles in the nose. The mouth is soft and easy drinking with leather, a moderate amount of tannic grip and acidity. Estate bottled in Castagneto Carducci 14% $25.95 at Traverso’s Argentiera
Casanova della Spinetta (La Spinetta), Toscana IGT, Il Nero di Casanova, Sangiovese 2005 There’s a bit of black licorice in the nose and the mouth is full of New World fruitiness and a soft but apparent structure. Estate bottled in Terricciola 13.5% $26.95 at Traverso’s La Spinetta
La Rasina, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2003 There’s cheese rind, earth and a little volatility in the nose – Old World in styling. It took about 30 minutes for the fruit to surface. The mouth is dense and quite tannic, one to lay down for a good decade. This wine goes on a long time. Estate bottled by Marco Mantengoli in Montalcino 14.5% $49.99 at Bottle Barn La Rasina