$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.
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$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.
The 2021 Sauvignon Collio from Russiz Superiore shows the dimension the region can produce in the variety. The wine has a great balance of fruit, herbs, and minerals — less racy and “grassy” than Sauvignon from New Zealand and more like some of those from France’s Loire Valley. Flavors of green apple, apricot, and lemon-lime are accented by touches of flinty mineralogy and herbs like sage and thyme. There’s a bit of creamy softness on the long finish, a reflection of aging on the lees and a small percentage of the grapes fermented in oak barrels. Aging takes place in stainless steel tanks. It is a highly versatile wine that can be enjoyed with lots of simple fish and shellfish dishes, roast chicken, and vegetable-based risottos and pastas. it’s more expensive than many of the countless Sauvignons you’ll find from just about every corner of the wine world. But the price is offset by the fact that this is a singular Sauvignon Blanc that’s among the world’s best.
Another pale ruby Barolo, the 2019 Barolo Lazzarito is from a 2.5-hectare parcel of the cru and reveals a hint of purple flowers, with a mix of red and blue fruit berries. It has more expansiveness on the palate, with more broadness, although it is not weighted. It offers a light balsamic tone, with rosemary and fresh herbs, and is persistent on the long finish. This will benefit from more time in bottle and drink 2026-2046.
Creme de cassis, berries, mushrooms and some herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Balanced and flavorful with bright acidity and a focused finish with excellent length. Nebbiolo. Drink or hold.
Beautiful nose of white peaches, mangoes, jasmine, waxed grapefruit, thyme and hints of salted sourdough. Distinct salty, ashy minerality. It’s medium-bodied, vibrant and textured. Stony and crisp, yet creamy and flavorful throughout. Serious Soave. The second vintage from an old-vine selection from the historic, volcanic Monte Foscarino vineyards. Drink now or hold.
One of the palest and most perfumed Barolos from Vietti with a transparent, ruby-orange hue. This is a super nuanced, elegant, expressive and ethereal Monvigliero that grows on me, with enchanting notes of grilled grapefruit, thyme, frozen raspberries and mineral. A subtle splash of white pepper and mezcal-like smokiness. Really refined and transparent, with some citrus and mineral tensions that are closely knit with the fine, crumbled tannins. So much finesse and detail here, and its complexity will continue to unwind. Really composed, soulful and mind-blowing! An otherworldly, idiosyncratic Barolo that actually reminded me of the finest Gredo garnacha. A big wow that deserves attention. Vegan. Best with a Burgundy glass. Can drink now or from 2027.
Bricks and Bing cherries and an almost ethereal aroma of orange blossom on top of crushed rock and graphite are on the nose, with more savory notes of leather and spice developing on the palate, emphasized by the austerity of chalky tannins.
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