by Ray Johnson | Jun 27, 2008 | Alsace, Alto Adige, California, France, Gewurztraminer, Italy, Riesling
Though often talked about in the same breath, these two grapes are quite dissimiliar. Esterlina Cole Ranch Dry Riesling 2006 Concentrated stone fruit wrapped in acidity – long, great, delicious. P&B in Healdsburg 13.8% $14.99 at Bottle Barn Esterlina Elena...
by Ray Johnson | May 20, 2008 | Italy, Primitivo, Puglia
A Mano Puglia Primitivo IGT 2005 Fine for the price – it shows some Zin-like jammy fruit and complexity probably from a bit of brett. The latest bottle sample in April ’08 was especially supple and Zin-like. Bot for Amano in Castellaneta, just above Taranto in...
by Ray Johnson | May 16, 2008 | Italy, Moscato d'Asti, Muscat, Piemonte, Sweet Sparkling
Michele Chiarlo Moscato d’Asti DOCG 2007 Perfect White Muscat smells of orange blossoms and a multitude of other flowers. In the mouth one feels like you’ve just popped a handful of flowers passed your lips, with sweetness and delicacy. P&B in...
by Ray Johnson | May 2, 2008 | Italy, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 2005 This has been a stalwart good value in a modern style, though the price has crept to the border of $20. The ’05 vintage is light-bodied, accessible and subtly laced with a bit of tannin. Estate bottled by Federico...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 22, 2008 | Chianti Classico, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Castellare Chianti Classico 2004 This estate has traditionally shown an Old World expression in their wines from Tuscany. This wine is spot-on again, showing the lean and acidic style of Sangiovese with a touch of green character. The grapes are mostly Sangiovese...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 17, 2008 | Italy, Pinot Noir
In the search for ever more affordable Pinot Noir, California producers are looking abroad. The 1.5 litre offering from Gallo’s Twin Valley line now sports an Italian origin. Gallo Twin Valley Provincia di Pavia Pinot Noir nv This...
