by Ray Johnson | Apr 23, 2010 | Barolo, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
Silvio Grasso, Barolo, Ciabot Manzoni 2004 This is a very ripe Nebbiolo, giving a sense of New World fruitiness intertwined with new oak and traditional black licorice. In the mouth it is tannic for sure, yet not austere, actually approachable now. That said, I would...
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...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 14, 2010 | Barbera, Barbera d'Alba, Italy, Piemonte
Vietti, Barbera d’Alba, Tre Vigne 2006 This is Barbara with structure, quite formidable and begging for red meat. I swear that there is a compelling sense of black licorice and green herbs in this wine. The flavors carry for a long time – very nice. Estate...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 6, 2010 | Moscato d'Asti, Muscat, Piemonte, Sparkling sweet
La Caudrina, Moscato d’Asti 2008 There’s a lovely sense of orange blossoms in the nose while the mouth is sweet and ethereal – very nice. Estate bottled in Castiglione Tinella 5.5% purchased for $15.99 at Bottle Barn
by Ray Johnson | Feb 8, 2010 | Barbera, Barbera d'Alba, Italy, Piemonte
Andrea Oberto, Barbera d’Alba DOC 2008 The nose features tar as well as some bound up sulfur. In the mouth it is immensely tart, screaming with acidity and a little leaner than hoped for. This wine doesn’t show nearly as nice as previous vintages; let’s...
