Ruffino Greppone Mazzi Brunello di Montalcino 1999 - A bit of brick on the rim but still a vibrant color although pale. Fantastic nose. Very ripe black fruit, verging on overripe but not quite there yet. On the palate, sweet, ripe plums, black cherry, and blueberry, truffle, rich mouthfeel. Grainy tannins at first but faded quickly in the glass. Just the slightest hint of oxidation. Perhaps a bit past peak and should be drunk now but certainly very enjoyable at this stage. Delicious!
Domenico Clerico Trevigne Barbera d'Alba 2010 - Youthful, dark purple. Black fruit on the nose. Plum, and blackberry. Almost stewed fruit. character. On the palate, mix of black and blueberry. Coffee and cocoa. Rather elevated alcohol. Quite dry initially with a pronounced acidity and bitterness on the back end. The acidity makes this very food friendly. Tannins a little strong straight out of the bottle but softened after about 30 minutes in the glass. Fruit sweetness also came out after about 30 minutes. Medium length. Good now, especially with food, but I think has a bit of room for improvement. Maybe try again in another year.
