by Ray Johnson | Oct 16, 2008 | Dolcetto, Italy, Piemonte
Elio Altare, Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 2006 The density of this wine is of the inky variety. There’s tar and a sense of the forest in the nose. The mouth is amazing in that the tannin is there yet fully ripe, wrapping itself around a dense core of black fruit...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 16, 2008 | Alsace, Alto Adige, California, Italy, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Grigio
Cantina Terlano, Alto Adige DOC, Pinot Bianco 2007 This wine has been consistently fresh and aromatic and the ’07 is on form. Estate Bottled in Terlano 13% $19.99 at Traverso’s and $15.99 at Bottle Barn Terlano McManis Family Vineyards, California, Pinot...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 14, 2008 | Italy, Marsala, Sicilia
Duca di Castelmonte, Marsala DOC, Fine Sweet I.P. nv This is caramel and Christmas pudding in a warm glass. Bottled in Marsala 17% $10.99 at Traverso’s
by Ray Johnson | Oct 14, 2008 | Italy, Merlot, Nero d'Avola, Sicilia
Baglio di Pinaetto, Sicilia IGT, Cembali, Nero d’Avola 2004 Unfortunately this bottle was corked. The grapes were sourced from the Noto region of Sicilia. 14% $36 at Traverso’s Baglio di Pianetto Cusumano, Sicilia IGT Sagana 2005 There’s plenty of...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 14, 2008 | Italy, Mendocino County, Monica, Negroamaro, Sardegna
Argiolas, Isola dei Nuraghi IGT, Perdera 2006 There’s a sense of sweet oak and brown spices in the nose. There’s palpable acidity and red fruit flavors with a little bit of ripe tannin finishing the frame. The grapes are 90% Monica, 5% Carignano and 5%...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 14, 2008 | Grillo, Italy, Sardegna, Vermentino
Argiolas, Vermentino di Sardegna DOC, Costamolino 2007 The current vintage is just as vivaciously New World in appearance as the previous vintage. There’s plenty of perfume and citrus fruits with ample acidity to top it off. Notes from the ’06 vintages:...
