Tried these two on Sun w/ John:
1. Unti Montepulciano DryCreekVlly (14.4%; 35% new Fr.oak for 13 mo.; 550 cs; Drk: 2/19-2/21: MU; www.UntiVineyards.com) 2013: Very dark/near black color; strong blackberry/plummy/very licorice light smokey/toasty/oak slight earthy/dusty bit rustic very interesting nose; fairly tart/tannic hard/rough/rustic strong blackberry/licorice light smokey/oak flavor w/ ample hard/rough tannins; very long rough/rustic/earthy tart/tangy strong blackberry.licorice some toasty/oak finish w/ ample hard tannins; a rather rough/rustic but clean Montepulciano that is much cleaner/purer than from Abruzzo; needs some age but hard to tell if it'll overcome the rough character. $34.00
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2. Harrington l'Avventura 67% Sangiovese/30% Montepulciano Calif (81 cs; Monte: GianelliVnyd/TuolumneCnty;
Sangio: SilettoVnyd/SanBenitoCnty; 14.1%) 2014: Med.dark color; very strong classic Sangio/cherry/bright slight earthy/plummy light oak quite attractive/fragrant nose; rather tart/tangy strong cherry/Sangio/bright/zippy bit earthy/blackberry/plummy light toasty/oak flavor w/ modest bracing/angular tannins; very long tart/tangy/bracing very bright cherry/Sangio/cherry cola some spicy/cinammon//oak slight earthy/blackberry finish w/ some tangy/bracing tannins; a rather good example of Calif Sangio w/ the Montepulciano giving it some bass notes; quite an interesting rather Tuscan-like blend that can use 3-6 yrs of age.$25.00
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A wee BloodyPulpit:
1. Montepulciano is a village in Tuscany that makes a VinoNobile di Montepulciano....from the Sangiovese grape, primarily. Montepulciano is a grape variety that is grown mostly in Abruzzo, and LeMarche. The wines are not to be confused.
Tom