Quick Notes
Feudi di San Gregorio Aglianico Rubrato, Campania 2005: Black cherries and tea on the nose. Linear - starting velvety on the palate, transitioning to a firm, dry finish. Young. Dried herbs emerged with time. A sleeper value.
Clos Du Prieur, Coteaux de Languedoc , 2003: Devilishly drinkable, with massive wild berries jumping from the glass. Subtle White pepper and balsam supporting. Acidic lift balances things just right. Still sturdy enough for 2-3 more years of upside. Simply one of the finest sub-$20 red wines I’ve had from the region.
François Chidaine, Les Tuffeaux, Montlouis-sur-Loire, 2005: Chenin Blanc. Lush and tropical nose, complex with shiitake mushrooms lurking beneath. Wild honey, lemon and a toasty bitterness on the palate that meshed really nicely with the bright acidity and tad of residual sugar. Long and minerally. Very little impression of sweetness - just a deliciously balanced white wine with many years ahead of it.
Salomon Undhof Hochterrassen Gruner Veltliner, Kremstal, 2007: Perfumed nose, with floral and melon notes dancing. Sharp acidity but disappointingly thin on the palate. ~Eh~ now, but maybe apt to improve if it fattens up with age.
Moccagatta Langhe Nebbiolo, Langhe, 2005: Firm and rustic, but juicy up-front. A medium-bodied and fresh expression of Nebbiolo bringing the classic violet and cherries. A perfect introduction to the varietal and the Piedmont region for weeknight drinking.