The 2021 Dolcetto d'Alba Monte Aribaldo is fabulous. A burst of dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint and spice are all dialed up in this exuberant, fresh Dolcetto. Aging in steel keeps the flavors bright. This is beautifully done.
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The 2021 Dolcetto d'Alba Monte Aribaldo is fabulous. A burst of dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint and spice are all dialed up in this exuberant, fresh Dolcetto. Aging in steel keeps the flavors bright. This is beautifully done.
The 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova is darkly alluring yet perfumed, showing cedar and wild herbs giving way to crushed black cherries. This is elegant and refined, with polished red and blue berry fruits carried across a core of vibrant acidity as fine-grained tannins slowly mount toward the close. It leaves a slight balsamic tinge to linger while tapering off lightly structured and with medium length as echoes of licorice fade.
Made with fruit from old vines, the Tenuta Tascante 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova V.V. is powerful and delicate at the same time, and it strikes a careful balance between these two opposing forces. This is one of the biggest compliments you can give to a wine from Etna, one of the most dramatic and violent winemaking panoramas on Earth. This lovely Nerello Mascalese shows aromas of cherry and wild rose with toasted nut, scorched earth and lavender essence. The concentration and staying power from those old vines add considerably to the depth, tannic power and complexity of this age-worthy bottle.
A burst of crushed stone minerality combines with lime zest and freshly snipped mint as the 2019 Brut Rosé Oudeis blossoms in the glass. This is sharply focused and chiseled in feel, with savory spices and tart orchard fruits forming a crunchy sensation. The 2019 finishes with a salty flourish and slowly fading young peach notes. The 2019 takes Oudeis to a much spicier and savory place. Also of note is that this is listed as 100% Pinot Noir, whereas past vintages included a 20% dose of Chardonnay.
Very perfumed and pretty with sliced strawberries and citrus blossom. Plenty of forest berries, too. Medium to full body. Creamy tannins and a fresh finish. Fine texture and gorgeous. Vegan. Hard not to drink but will be even better in 2027.
Intense black pepper on the nose of this wine feels straight from the grinder, backed by cardamom pod, tree bark, cigar box, red berries, rose petals and finally chocolate.
The palate is spicy and peppery like the nose. Acid highlights the heat before darker fruit, spices and bitter chocolate come out. It's long, deep and harmonious.
Distinctly savory and spicy in the glass, the 2018 Brut Oudeis wafts up with notes of crushed stone, dusty sage, ground ginger and citrus zest. It's elegant and round on the palate, with saline minerals and brisk acidity enlivening the tart orchard fruits. This finishes with a balanced inner sweetness, and sour lemon hints add a lovely contrast. The 2018 Oudeis is a big step up from the 2017 tasted last year. It's a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay.
The 2019 Syrah La Monaca is dark and intense, with crushed black and hints of blue berries complemented by balsamic spices and hints of cocoa, yet it gains lift through a wave of mentholated herbs. This is silky and refined with medium-bodied weight, casting mineral-tinged black fruits and nuances of mocha and licorice across a core of brisk acidity that does a fantastic job of maintaining balance. The 2019 La Monaca finishes long and potent with sweet tannins that frame the expression well, as violet-tinged inner florals slowly fade. Another year or two of cellaring is recommended to help tame this sexy Sicilian Syrah.
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