by Ray Johnson | Jul 15, 2008 | Cava, Italy, Prosecco, Spain, Sparkling Lightly Sweet, Veneto
Cristalino, Cava, Extra Dry nv This wine isn’t amazing but it has a hint of RS, it truly is methode champenoise and it’s cheap. The grapes are Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo, traditionally grown in the Penedes for Cava. Produced by Jaume Serra in Vilanova...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 8, 2008 | Barbera, Barolo, California, Dolcetto, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
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...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 2, 2008 | Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Italy, Montalcino, Sangiovese, Tuscany
2 great producers and 2 classic wines. Fonterutoli Chianti Classico DOCG 2004 There’s some appropriate barnyard notes tied into the tart cherry and lightly tannic palate. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 2% Malvasia Nera and 2% Colorino, aged for one year in small oak...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 2, 2008 | Corvina, Italy, Valpolicella, Veneto
Corteforte Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripassato 2004 The smell of raisins is definitely there in a silky, sweet-appearing palate. The wine is dry but the fruit is amped up so that it appears sweet, unless there is a touch of sub-threshold RS. In April ’09...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 2, 2008 | Garganega, Italy, Soave, Veneto
Pieropan Soave Classico DOC Estate Grown & Bottled 2006 In previous vintages this wine has been quite fresh and clean. Again it is this vintage with sweet floral and perfume and a light-bodied, dry palate. The grapes are 90% Garganega and 10% Trebbiano and the...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 27, 2008 | Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Italy, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Piemonte, Pinot Noir
Traditional appellation wine versus a modern blend from Piemonte. Vietti, Barolo DOCG, Castiglione 2004 In June of ’08 I noted brown spices and licorice on a very tannic frame that is balanced by acidity and extract. In April of ’09, this wine is...
