by Ray Johnson | Mar 31, 2009 | Barbaresco, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
Moccagatta, Barbaresco, Bric Balin 2004 There’s a classic sense of licorice in the nose burnished by the sweetness of oak. The structure is a whopper like you would expect yet the extract is there, keeping up with the structure – the wine is big and at the...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 20, 2009 | Barolo, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
Azelia, Barolo, Margheria 2004 In the nose there is black licorice, fresh black fruits and raisins. This highly structured wine is made to age yet the ripeness would allow you to drink it now with a dense chunk of cheese – delicious. Estate bottled di Luigi...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2008 | Chianti Classico, Italy, Langhe, Nebbiolo, Piemonte, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Vietti, Langhe DOC, Nebbiolo, Perbacco 2005 Spot on with black licorice and a wallop of tannin. Estate Bottled in Castiglione Falletto 13.5% $26.99 at Traverso’s Vietti Badia a Coltibuono, Chianti Classico DOCG 2005 There is a pleasant combo of earth, cherries...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 26, 2008 | Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
La Spinetta, Barbaresco DOCG, Vigneto Starderi 2004 The previous vintage was a concentrated, oaky heavyweight, still in its infancy when tasted in late ’07. This ’04 smells of sweet oak and New World fruit. Again we see a tannic monster that is caressed by...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 19, 2008 | Chianti Classico, Italy, Langhe, Nebbiolo, Piemonte, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Castello della Paneretta, Chianti Classico DOCG 2005 There’s loads of acidity and the taste of cherries. The grapes behind this wine are 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Estate bottled in Barberino val d’Elsa 13% $17.99 at Traverso’s Paneretta Andrea...
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...
