E. Pira Chiara Boschis Via Nuova Barolo 2003
I picked this up for a song on auction. Very typical Barolo flavors, high acid with some old woody notes. Not heavy or sweet despite the vintage, instead elegant and approachable if a bit foursquare. Perhaps some age will bring out more in this wine, but for now, just decent. B
Roagna La Rocca e la Pira Barolo 1995
From half-bottle, showing some age with a browning rim. Decent bouquet of black tea. Wonderfully fresh, clean palate of cherries and tea, but fairly lean on the fruit. Still finishes with big, chalky, mouth-coating tannins. Despite the structure, I'd drink now while there's still fruit. I had the 1996 recently, and I slightly preferred it to the 1995. B/B+
Vietti Rocche Barolo 2000
This was young, but several pours through the Vinturi actually seemed to work! Very barolo, lean and rustic, yet cherried, aromatic and zesty. Again,this is more elegant and restrained than many wines these days. Still young and very good, but a little lean (and expensive) for me to go nuts over. B+/A-
Santa Duc Gigondas Tradition 2007
I have my doubts about the style of the 2007 southern Rhones (too ripe for me, perhaps), but this Gigondas is in a good place. Very black pepper-spicy, not overly big, heavy, extracted, or sweet like many 2007, but rather dry, fresh and balanced. Dark fruited for a grenache, with good concentration. Drinkable now but will hold/improve for 5+ years. B+/A-.
Ridge Petite Sirah Essence 2001
A tiny-production, late-harvest dessert wine with 25% Zinfandel and 10% R.S. This was delicious, very recieto in style, sweet but with classic Ridge balance. Filled with pure black fruit. Not a blockbuster, but very good and a nice change of pace. B+/A-