Roagna, Langhe Rosso, 2010
Sappy rich black cherry, bark, pits, and all. Good depth, bit of orange peel on the finish. B&B in all but name. Seems firmer now than when it first came out around 2016. A-
Guimaro, Ribera Sacra, 'B1P', 2008
Purplish russet red colored. Green tobacco and savory notes on the nose, which appear in the mouth as well as nicotine, ripe cranberry, pomegranate, slightly spicy finish. Still a bit of tannins, either from wood or the grape. At 12 years of age, this mencia is holding it's own but I cannot say if it is improving. At $40-50, it may be overpriced...but think of the steep hillsides where this is grown and at what cost to bring these hillsides back to life? Can age indefinitely. Around B+/A-, A-/B+. If it was an earnest student, I'd give her the benefit of the doubt. 14%
Cigliuti, Barbaresco, 'Vigne Erte', 2004
There is some slight bricking of color toward the rim. Firm in the mouth, with tart sour cherry, green dandelion roots, and bitter greens. Definitely needs FOOD. With airing, dirt and potting soil come up. Like Pearl Buck, I'm getting a lot of bitter earth, and I should have known better: looking back on my notes I see I had this identical wine in 2013 with the same conclusion. Days later it doesn't do much of anything, but is great cooking wine for beef short ribs. B
Clos de la Roilette, Fleurie, 'Griffe du Marquis', 2010
Sandalwood nose when inhaling the neck after the cork pops up. Spicy, savory nose, red fruited. Nice pillowy mouthfeel, soft, and much better than a bottle from a year back. Nice and comfortable. A-
Giacomo Grimaldi, Barolo, 'Sotto Castello di Novello', 2009
Browning toward rim, but otherwise the color is quite dark. Dark flavors of cherry and a little licorice, tasting of oak gloss. Rather broad, simple, and unfocused. Not going anywhere with further ado. Drink up. 14.5% generous B
Rhys, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, 'Bearwallow Vineyard', 2011
Red fruited nose with orange spice tea. Goji berry, sour cherry, and ripe cranberry on the palate. Good, although never really seems to open up full throttle, falling a little flat. This could be better in 5-7 years, if the wood could be integrated better and the body fills out. B+
Rhys, Chardonnay, Anderson Valley, 'Bearwallow Vineyard', 2015
Very light pale gold colored. Light spice notes and fresh lime zest on the nose. Light and delicate, lime, bright acidity, with some melon-flavored soy drink the second day opened. Very nice. Probably should have kept it (or bought 2 more), but nice to try. 12.6% A-