2008 Monastero Suore Cistercensi Vino da Tavola Bianco Coenobium
Good but not great. Love the blend of Trebbiano, Malvasia & Verdicchio. This does see some skin contact during fermentation and there was a touch of oxidation and grilled nuts. That said, I found this lacking acidity and verve, making the wine a bit clunky and fat. It did work better with food. We had a carrot, leek soup and grilled octopus with potatoes that paired rather well. I have enjoyed this in previous vintages and look forward to trying the 2009.
2000 Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo
My last bottle and it drank very well. No formal note here, just a beautiful expression of Sangiovese, with a memorable mid palate intensity and a lovely velvety texture. Really paired exceptionally well with various pork dishes and roast chicken. This wine is drinking at peak to me but is no danger of declining very soon. I imagine it should hold at this plateau for several more years. A great Garagiste value at $28.