WTN: inexpensive 08 Dolcetto

With lamb chops with a Calabrese pepper sauce, pasta with pesto, and broccoli rabe, the 2008 Stefano Farina Dolcetto di Diano d'Alba (I've had Dolcetto d'Alba before, not sure if di Diano is a subset or neighbor). Fruit driven, with black cherries and plums, a little anise-y herb note, solid tannins. OK acidity (about as much could expect with Dolcetto), tannins stand up to the chops, pleasant if unexciting wine. B/B-

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.  

"Pleasant if unexciting" is how I'd qualify the Farina wines I've had so far. Haven't tried the dolcetto yet though.

I recently had a Marengo Dolcetto '08 - now THAT was nice! A bottle that had it all - nice dolcetto fruit, good tannins, well-balanced acidity, and the lot in perfect balance. Quite a bit of alcohol, but not noticeable on the palate. A good example of how nice dolcetto should/can be IMO. Now I still have to try the Sebaste...

Dale,

Diano d'Alba is an appellation specialising in Dolcetto, like Dogliani. The best examples are said to be ageworthy, although I've never had much luck aging Dolcetto. Never had Farina's bottling and it looks like you've saved us the trouble of tasting it...I love good Dolcetto, though.