Very gradually wading through a long backlog of notes taken over the past several months . . .
Antoniolo 1995 Gattinara Vigneto Castelle, $24
Outstanding. Incredibly smooth, balanced and harmonious with delightful Nebbiolo aromas and flavors with tar, earth and smoke accents to the cherry fruit, good acidity and structure, some tannins. Reminded me of a Burgundy in its weight and silkiness. Outstanding match with a grilled eggplant/pepper/goat cheese casserole. Importer: Bacchus.
Bruno Giacosa, 1999 Nebbiolo d'Alba, $17
Nice nose with bright red cherry fruit, some roses and earth. On the palate, there is more bright red cherry fruit, very precise, with earth and spice accents. Plenty of tannins are still evident, but they are more in the background, providing structure without dominating, along with good acidity. Really enjoyable wine and an excellent match with pesto. Over the next two days, it remains excellent with a briary, earthy, minerally tannic flavor and textural thing going on I like very much.
Monte Degli Angeli 2005 Monferrato Pinot Noir, $9
I’ve never had a Piedmont Pinot Noir before, but this is very nice with bright strawberry/cherry fruit on the nose and palate, accented with floral aromas and earthy tastes. The finish has a bit of bitterness to it, but not too much. The overall impact is like a cross between a gamay and a pinot, very refreshing and enjoyable. Excellent match with homemade tomato/pesto/fresh mozzarella pizza and a really good value. Importer: Monsieur Touton.
Michele Chiarlo 2004 Barbera d'Asti Superiore Le Orme, $13
This is a delightful Barbera. Briary but bright cherry fruit accented by herbs and earth with a light touch of smoke. Nicely structured, strong but balanced acidity. Excellent match with tortellini in tomato sauce.
Frescobaldi 1999 Chianti Rufina Riserva Nipozzano, $16
There is cardboard on the nose at first; is this corked? After a little while, though, that seems to blow off to reveal pleasant cherry, floral and earth aromas. The palate starts out rather earthy and even a little bitter but with some time, some mellow but bright cherry fruit emerges accented by plenty of dark earth and minerals and a slight touch of herbs. Smooth, balanced, pleasant acidity, refreshing. Excellent match with garlic top pesto.