2 Cal, 2 Ital

2009 Langhe Nebbiolo – Produttori Barbaresco – Intense aromas of black cherry and pepper, with just a hint of rose. Light and dry on the palate with red cherries and a hint of strawberry, again a hint of pepper. This is airy in texture, a very open lattice with brilliant acidity. A lovely, pure example of Nebbiolo, but overmatched by a Maine winter. Rated about 88, would be a point higher in warmer weather.

2009 Argiolas Perdera Monica – Now here’s winter weight. Big nose of black raspberries and black currants, along with a lot of earthiness. Brawny on the palate with pleasingly ripe but rough-grained tannins, more red fruit than black with a burly, rustic style that goes well with a pot roast on a cold night. Lacks finesse, but I don’t think that’s the point. Rated about 88.5.

2009 Haraszthy Zinfandel Amador – A throwback to what California wine used to be, both good and bad. This has a ripe, almost overripe aroma of plums and prunes. It is rich and soft on the palate with intense dark small fruits, a ton of earth and a good bit of mineral. OTOH it was just opened but already tastes a little old, not a good thing for a wine barely two years off the vine. Rated about 87.5, drink up while it’s nice and cold outside.

2003 Flowers Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – Beautiful black cherry aromas with a lot of spice and even more minerality. Solid and fresh on the palate with a reprise of the cherries accompanied by black raspberries, something stony and something coniferous. Beautiful texture, light in body but also rock solid. Very harmonious with a long finish. Rated about 92, drink up, I can’t imagine it will improve.

Dan Kravitz