Wines from the last two days at Cafe Ysabel.
Cordero di Montezemolo Barbera d'Alba Superiore Funtani 2004 - Ripe and sweet. Very vibrant. Raspberry. Juicy. A little bitter in the long finish. Soft tannins but bright acidity for structure. Very good.but
Ruffino Tenuta Greppone Mazzi Brunello di Montalcino 1999 - Dried fruit and herbs, cherry liqueur. Very elegant and understated. Soft, ready and at peak now.
Alvaro Palacios Camins Priorat 2007 - As I understand it, from the younger vines of the Palacios vineyard in Priorat. Just a little musty. Fruit forward, sweet and juicy, but with requisite acidity. Lots of flavor but no heaviness. Some baking spices. Good wine for current drinking.
Fontanafredda Coste Rubin Barbaresco 2004 - Smoked meat and dried cherries. Sweet and modern with a lot of fruit on the palate. Good length. Rather forward and ready. Good.
Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico 2005 - Musty, woody, cocoa and leather. Barnyard finish. Soft tannins. A little sour. Just ok by itself but a great match with Taleggio cheese.
Ruffino Romitorio di Santedame IGT 2001 - Deep, very sweet nose. Violets. Rich, velvety, soft. Good hit of acidity for structure. A little spicy and some prune as well. Probably at peak now. Very good.