Bucci, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, 2004 Better than the 2003 vintage. back to form with linseed and lime blossom aromas, linden flowers & lime and a refreshing stony finish. Good alternative for those looking beyond chardonnay and pinot grigio.
Terre del Principe, IGT Terre del Volturno, Pallagrello bianco, 2003
From the Italian southland. Color is a medium glistening gold with an exhuberant nose of oregano, honeydew, cantelope Lifesavers® along with citrus zest. A slightly honeyed wax and spring flower thing going on in the palate, with a finish of lime curd and chalk. Delicious and refreshing, and, annointed Most Excellent.
la Ragose, Amarone della Valpolicella, 1995 Very slight lightening of the maroonish red toward the rims, but otherwise looking a young middle-age. Basket straw and spring tree fruit blossom on the initially muted nose. Dried cherry leather, rosehip,...sipping through a dried basket straw. Light textured and elegant, like a more powerful ripasso than an Amarone. Very nice.
Pio Cesare, Barolo, 1998
Clean, bright ruby red colored. Camphor, menthol and red fruits on the nose. Lots of chewy sweet menthol, cherry pits, and dusty ash on the finish. Medium-to-light in dimension, feels almost ready to go now. A little more expressive the second day. Keep or drink. Nothing thrilling here, but a good drink at a good price (think I paid $30 for this).
Gramona, Penedes, 'Gessami', 2005
A blend of muscat and...something else. Color is light grey-gold. Lime blossom and lemon pith aromas. This is spritzy lemon-lime soda with a simple calcium finish. Light and delicate, well made, but ultimately simple, and a pass at $18 retail. Cool braille label, tho... 11.5%
Stolpman, Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley, 2003 Deep purplish crimson red. Plum and black olive nose. Tight plums, slightly sour cherry, light black olive and parsley tapanade, with the easygoing warmth that radiates California. Fairly soft tannins here, but this has a refreshing light acid base, so I'm going out on a limb to say this might be better with even more age on it. Delicious. And for $23, a suitable replacement for ripe year Crozes Hermitage. 14.5%