Bottled with an unusual glass stopper and a very short capsule, this dolcetto d’Alba from Brezza is a joyous wine that opens to aromas of fresh raspberries and savoury cherries. Medium to firm tannins add texture and interest to the palate, and the alcohol is a modest 12.5. This is a delicious dolcetto that is…Continue readingBrezza Dolcetto d’Alba 2019
The Rombone vineyard is within the Treiso subregion of Barbaresco in Piemonte. Here’s a link to a map that goes into exquisite detail. Treiso is a cooler subregion of Barbaresco with an average altitude of around 350 metres according to the producer, and together with Pajoré, Rombone is of one of its best vineyards. 2014…Continue readingFigli Luigi Oddero Rombone Barberesco 2014
This is an excellent Barolo from Pira and the 2011 vintage. It opens to attractive aromas of licorice and earth, The palate is full bodied, the tannins very firm and the finish is long with attractive sour cherry characters. Yes. Approachable now or over the next decade or more. Rating: Very Good. Abv: 14.5. Price: …Continue readingPira Margheria Barolo 2011
A surprise find under screw cap, this Langhe Rosso from G.D. Vajra and the 2017 vintage presents in a regional style. It’s actually a blend of nebbiolo, barbera and dolcetto, with a few others too. There are aromas of cherry and firm, chalky acidity and structure. This wine can be approached now, but it will…Continue readingG.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso 2017
This is a rather delicious Barolo from Mauro Veglio. Aired for at least an hour, it opens to powerful aromatics of licorice and florals. The palate has firm acidity, very firm tannins and great length on the finish. This wine can be approached now, but will be best in a decade or more. Rating: Very…Continue readingMauro Veglio Barolo 2014
This is a good Langhe nebbiolo from Benevelli, particularly at $28. An aroma of sour cherry, chalk and potpourri. Fruity, for nebbiolo. The palate has good length, firm acidity and a youthful spritz. A quibble: one bottle corked (four tasted). Rating: Good to Very Good. Abv: 14%. Price: $28. Website: n/a.Continue readingBenevelli Piero Langhe Nebbiolo 2016
From the highly regarded Bruno Giacosa, the newly arrived 2015 vintage of the Nebbiolo d’Alba is a very good wine. The knowledgeable team at East End Cellars in Adelaide put me in this wine’s direction. In the glass, there are sour cherry and earthy aromas. The palate has grippy tannins softened by an edge of…Continue readingBruno Giacosa Nebbiolo d’Alba 2015
This is a very good Barbaresco from La Ca Nova. The 2014 vintage has rose and floral aromatics. The palate has great length, towards a full body and fresh acidity. I could drink this all day. With a price in the $60s, it’s great value too for the appellation. (Alc: 14%, Region: Barbaresco, Piemonte, Italy,…Continue readingLa Ca Nova Barbaresco 2014
This is a sound Barbera D’Alba from Conterno Fantino. Barbera seems capable of so many styles, it is difficult to generalise. This one is in the fresh and racy style, and hasn’t seen oak lavished on it. In fact, only second fill French oak barrels are used. It shows. Aromas of plum, olive, chocolate and…Continue readingConterno Fantino Vignota Barbera D’Alba 2014
This is a well made Barolo from Boroli in Piemonte. My texts do not reveal much on this producer, although you can fossick around on their website at the link below. The 2010 vintage, a great one in the region, tasted here has typical nebbiolo aromatics of roses, dried roses and sour cherry. The palate…Continue readingWell priced Barolo; Boroli Barolo 2010
I am developing a bit of an interest in the wines of Barolo. This cannot be viewed as anything other than unfortunate development for my bank balance! I dutifully looked up this producer – Mauro Molino – in my newly purchased Barolo and Barbaresco reference book, The King and Queen of Italian Wine by Kerin O’Keefe…Continue readingViticoltore Mauro Molino Barolo 2011
This is an impressive Barbaresco from Produttori del Barbaresco. Fashioned from the nebbiolo grape in Piemonte in north western Italy, the wine is sourced from Asili, one of the best vineyards in the Barbaresco subregion. In its drinking prime, the 2001 tasted here has classic nebbiolo aromatics of tar and roses. The palate has fine…Continue readingProduttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Asili 2001