Ciao,
- 2008 Casata Monticello, Nebbiolo d’Alba. $11 net in DE.
A very nice Nebbiolo d’Alba for a nice price. Color is garnet already, mature but healthy. Very floral nose of red rose, violet, red raspberry fruit, some earthiness. On the palate good acidity, no tannin, red cherry/raspberry fruit, some spice, delivers more than expected. High QPR. Grade: solid B.
- 2010 Peirano Estate Vineyards, Zinfandel, “The Immortal”. Brought over by a friend. About $10-15 retail, depending upon where you get it.
From very old vines grown in Lodi, CA. Over 100 years old according to the back label. A big, in your face “14.8%” alcohol Zin that is loaded with spicy, plummy Zin fruits, spice, some sort of wood influence although I can’t imagine at that price it is new French oak (staves or chips maybe?), big on the palate as well, full, rich, spicy black fruit, wood… pretty much what you would expect in this style, which although I would never buy it for myself, I can enjoy drinking now and then. We had it with chicken hearts and gizzards simmered in tomato sauce, so it was a good choice for that dish. It was more enjoyable chilled down a bit. Grade: B.
- 2009 Cecchi, “Bonizio”, Maremma Sangiovese. About $10 or so in MD.
I liked this wine a lot, especially the next day after opening. It is basically a simple but delicious and fun Sangiovese, no oak, spicy red cherry fruit, juicy acidity, made for everyday meals, pretty cherry red color. Would be interested to see what if anything happens with a little age. Grade: solid B.