~$20US, 100% Nebbiolo, Langhe, Piedmont,  Italy

Vibrant ruby color, with some transparency. Lively aromas after about an hour of breathing - yielding black cherry, roses, violets and some wet-stone aromatics. Fairly tannic and upright on the palate, bright and fresh but astringent towards the end. More black cherries and black tea, with a strange latex-balloon component that seemed to come out over time. Medium bodied - (the fruit probaby comes from younger vines and saw very little oak) but a handsome food partner with heftier pastas, veal, or pork.

When this wine was on, it was on - long and effortless. But on day 2, it started to pull apart a bit - the fruit softening a little while the tannins remained firm and separate. A baby Barolo. Drink this wine on the younger side, and with food, and it will bring serious enjoyment.