Category Archives: Italy

Cavallotto Barbera d’Alba Bricco Boschis Vigna del Cuculo 2004

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Lincoln

This has been sitting in the cellar for a few years. And since I have high humidity it was covered with all sorts of growths. God knows what they are. A bit of stink, which ebbed with time. Earthy cherries … Continue reading →

Posted in $20 to $50, Barbera, Italy, Notes, Piedmont, Price, Varietal/Style | Leave a comment

Taylors Jaraman Shiraz 2009

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Lincoln

A blend of Clare Valley and McLaren Vale fruit. Plum jam, mocha and vanilla. Quite domineering really. On the palate, plums and coconut oak, mint, and tangy raspberry acid. To be honest, almost painfully rich on the palate. Finishes with … Continue reading →

Posted in $20 to $50, Australia, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, Notes, Piedmont, Price, Shiraz, Varietal/Style | Leave a comment

Traversa Starderi Barbaresco 2007

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Lincoln

From Mondo Imports. And I should add that this is not the right label; it is something I dragged off the net – it will have to do; Traversa doesn’t seem to have a high profile on the www. Anyway, … Continue reading →

Posted in $50 to $100, Italy, Nebbiolo, Notes, Piedmont, Price, Varietal/Style | 7 Comments

Vietti Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne 2005

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Lincoln

A clear red. Initially a bit volatile on the nose and bland and tannic on the palate. But a hour or so later it had opened up nicely and was very easy drinking. Aromas of cherries and dried meats, nougat … Continue reading →

Posted in $20 to $50, Barbera, Italy, Notes, Piedmont, Price, Varietal/Style | Leave a comment

Isole e Olena Cepparello 2001

Posted on August 20, 2011 by Lincoln

Gnocchi for dinner, so it had to be something Italian. Initially dull and savoury red fruits with a bit of stink and varnish; just not that impressive. Four hours later richer fruits emerged, sour cherries and soft raspberries, liquorice, leather, … Continue reading →

Posted in $50 to $100, Italy, Notes, Price, Sangiovese, Tuscany, Varietal/Style | 1 Comment

Poliziano “Le Stanze del Poliziano” 2004

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Lincoln

An orphan in the cellar. Neglected. Now my Italian is pretty rusty, but from the back label this looks like a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. And was supposedly inspired by the classic blend from Bordeaux, but made to … Continue reading →

Posted in $20 to $50, Cabernet Sauvignon, Italy, Notes, Price, Tuscany, Varietal/Style | Leave a comment

Benevelli Piero Langhe Nebbiolo 2008

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Lincoln

I have had a few bottles of this wine so far, and it is lovely. Better than the 2009 I think (which is the current release), though it is always difficult to compare wines from different vintages at the same … Continue reading →

Posted in $20 to $50, Italy, Nebbiolo, Notes, Piedmont, Price, Varietal/Style | Leave a comment

Elio Altare Barbera d’Alba 2005

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Lincoln

Very nice packaging, not that that should be the reason for buying a particular bottle of wine, but it is a consideration. Straight from the bottle it seemed a bit rustic, but got better and better with time. Minerals, dried … Continue reading →

Posted in $20 to $50, Barbera, Italy, Notes, Piedmont, Price, Varietal/Style | Leave a comment

Castello di Ama Chianti Classico 2004

Posted on March 20, 2011 by Lincoln

A lazy Sunday lunch with ciabatta, cured meats, cheeses, olives, artichokes, tomato, avocado and Primo Estate olive oil. First bottle from a purchase three years ago. 13% abv, but seemed a bit stronger. Sealed under cork. Some browning but only … Continue reading →

Posted in $50 to $100, Italy, Notes, Price, Sangiovese, Tuscany, Varietal/Style | Leave a comment

Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2004

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Lincoln

Picked a bottle of something I hadn’t ever tried before from the racks last night, and as I was extracting a long and high quality cork from the neck of it, I prayed I wasn’t committing vinocide. An intriguing nose: … Continue reading →

Posted in $50 to $100, Italy, Notes, Price, Sangiovese, Tuscany, Varietal/Style | 5 Comments