Rose petals and hibiscus are followed by graphite and flint and then finally strawberries and cranberries on the nose that come out again on the palate, combining with more stony, metallic notes and vibrant acid.
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Rose petals and hibiscus are followed by graphite and flint and then finally strawberries and cranberries on the nose that come out again on the palate, combining with more stony, metallic notes and vibrant acid.
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.
Perfumed yet understated, the 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario opens with a pretty mix of dried strawberries, roses and dusty stone. It's texturally deep, with a silken wave of tart wild berry fruits and citrus tones guided by brisk acidity. This finishes lightly structured with a cheek-puckering sour tinge and a bit coy, leaving only hints of mineral-tinged dried cherries to fade gradually.
The 2017 Carmignano Villa di Capezzana takes its time opening in the glass, at first dusty with dried cherries and only a hint of dusty rose. Yet this is worth the wait, as its berry fruit transforms into crushed plums and raspberries, complemented by sweet herbs, hints of animal musk and flowery undergrowth. It washes dark elegant waves of mineral-tinged blackberries across the palate, offset by a twang of sour citrus, as hints of cocoa and tobacco build toward the close. This is structured and noble in feel, yet with enough primary concentration to nearly mask its grippy tannins, as touches of mint and dark chocolate linger through the medium-length finale. The balance that Capezzana has culled from this torridly hot and dry vintage is remarkable. That said, the 2017 is already drinking beautifully today after a good decant. This is a blend of 80% Sangiovese to 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Impressive depth of color and brightness from this Cerequio that comes with so much fruit. So fragrant and complex. Fresh brambly raspberries, red cherries, grapefruit and mineral. Pure, ripe and racy, with fully resolved tannins and a tense, compact finish. Expressive and impressive! Vegan. Already approachable for the depth of fruit, but better from 2027 for additional complexity.
$25 AND UNDER STEALS
Absolutely delicious and stunning for the price. Loads of cherry/blueberry fruit, plus a streak of spiciness, and terrific structure. Mouth-filling and long.
This Alta Langa opens with a mix of lemon and orange peel mixed with baked apples, yellow flowers and pastry dough. The palate is round with a vinous note highlighting the Pinot Noir character, giving cherry and flowers and finishing with a mineral edge.
The 2023 Grillo Mozia is youthfully coy yet bursting at the seams, revealing a delicate blend of chamomile, green melon and hints of candied lime. This blends savory and sweet, with ripe orchard fruits and silky textures offset by a stream of zesty acidity. Sweet herbal tones emerge toward the close. This tapers off with tremendous length and a salty tinge, leaving a green citrus resonance to gradually recede. The Mozia hails from albarello-trained vines growing in sandy soils, at and slightly below sea level. This is one of the most characterful Grillos produced in Italy today.
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