2004 Novy Sonoma County Syrah
Tasted from 375, I enjoy the Novy line of wines, solid QPRs and this wine is no exception. Somewhat primary nose, blackberry and spice on the palate with a nice lingering finish. For $10 you can't go wrong.
2005 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
I expected this wine to be bigger but it was more restrained than I remembered it to be, certainly not in the same mold as the Anthill Farms I had last night but it is what it is. Cherries pouring out of the nose, with a core of fruit and cola (which I tend to get more on the RRV bottlings than the SC) that leads to a nice light oaky finish. My tastes are trending away from Cali Pinots of this ilk but it is drinking well right now and this bottle straddles the line between too much and just enough for those who like this style.
2004 Sportoletti Rosso Villa Fidelia Umbria IGT
Wow. Did not know what to expect from this as I do not drink many Italian wines. This was a wine I won in our tasting groups annual NCAA Tourney Bracket wager. This is drinking so delicious right now if I had more i think I would have trouble cellaring them. Nose of strawberries, chocolate and pepper/spice. My wife describes it well, its like smelling a chili and chocolate bar. This wine was decanted and while the fruit diminished somewhat over time, it evolved nicely and presented a velvety, chocolately mouthfeel and a soft tannic finish with a hint of oak. There is no doubt this wine will age well, but it is drinking wonderfully right now. A nice bright spot on an otherwise rainy Friday.
cheers
Jeff