by Ray Johnson | Apr 23, 2010 | Chianti, Chianti Classico, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Badia a Coltibuono, Chianti Classico 2007 The nose sports cherries and caramel with some raisins – clean and inviting. In the mouth the acidity is vibrant, the tannins are there yet ripe and there is a creaminess as well – very nice. While the wine is made...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 23, 2010 | Italy, San Gimignano, Tuscany, Vernaccia, Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Il Poderi del Paradiso, Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2008 Unfortunately this wine is aging prematurely, featuring a golden color and the smell of ethyl acetate. We’ll try another bottle soon to see if this was a failure of the seal on this bottle. Paradiso has...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 23, 2010 | Alto Adige, Italy, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Valle Isarco
Cantina Valle Isarco, Alto Adige, Valle Isarco, Pinot Grigio 2008 The nose features straw, sweet flowers and candied fruit. In the mouth the citrus fruit is vibrant yet it is muted a bit by a hint of the alcohol. Bottled way up the mountain in Chiusa 13.5% $14.99 at...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 23, 2010 | Italy
Tonight in the SRJC Wines of California and Europe class we’ll be exploring some of the key regions in Italy and the wines that made them famous. Check back later for the reviews. Cheers!
by Ray Johnson | Apr 19, 2010 | Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Italy, Piemonte
Michele Chiarlo, Barbera d’Asti, Superiore, Le Orme 2007 This vintage features a fair amount of black fruit interspersed with some horse blanket. In the mouth it is mildly oaky and rich, supple and sparked by acidity – nice. 13.5% $12.69 at Bottle Barn Michele...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 14, 2010 | Barbaresco, Barolo, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
Moccagatta, Barbaresco, Basarin 2004 The nose features plenty of black licorice and a blush of vanilla. In the mouth this young Barbaresco is approachable, with ripe yet present tannins – another winner from Moccagatta with great length. The grapes are by...
