TNs: Sottimano '08 Barbera & Roessler '06 SRH Pinot Noir

As far as the Sottimano '08 Pairolero, I liked it but didn’t love it. It was a fancier Barbera than most, yet delivered about what I’d expect. Not spoofy or anything, really balanced and well-made, just not bringing some wow factor I suppose.

The Roessler '06 Peregrine was as good as I’d hoped–I laid it down a few years back for mid-term cellaring based on lower ABV (13.8) and pH (~3.5) than most from the region. On the palate it was fairly Californian, though more acidic than average. Definitely more earthy-Burgundian aromatically–in fact very little fruit on the nose. Since I didn’t taste it young, I’m not sure what the progression has been.

  • 2008 Sottimano Barbera d’Alba Pairolero - Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d’Alba (1/22/2012)
    Typical Barbera, with maybe a bit more ripeness and oak than most. Damp earth, black cherry-berry, and menthol nose. Fresh, usual Barbera acidity with herby red and black fruits. Finish shows sweet oak tannin and iron. Nice texture and balance, though not really a great QPR play for me. (87 pts.)
  • 2006 Roessler Pinot Noir Peregrine - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills - Sta. Rita Hills (1/20/2012)
    Drinking well, but should go another several years at least. Showing a more earthy, herby side with some mushroomy funk. Fresh, med/high acidity on palate. Red fruits on the palate, though floral aromas are there as well. Mid-weight, nice finish showing some well-integrated oak. Thoroughly balanced and elegant. Cola flavor and a bit of heat do stick out a bit at times, but a minor nit on that. Needed about 30 minutes to open up with decant. (89 pts.)

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