Dinner party Friday night, paired the following two Cal-Itals with veal scaloppine in a gorgonzola sauce:
2017 Ferrari-Carano Siena Sonoma County Sangiovese Blend, Sangiovese
Bright fruit, easy drinking, fun.
2019 Ruth Lewandowski Wines Sangiovese l. stone Fox Hill Vineyard Sonoma County
180 degrees opposite the prior review on CT which complained about candied flavors: acidity to the max, very little fruit. Undrinkable when opened first night even after two hour decant; second night, still taut and screechy, unacceptable without food. This is not what I want from wine let alone sangiovese--from anywhere. So harsh we immediately had guests pour theirs back in the decanter, and instead I served:
2013 Mount Eden Vineyards Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains
Much better than the blah bottle two months ago. Bright complex fruit, exciting minerality, everything one hopes for from this producer.
After dinner wines:
2020 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, South Africa
First night: high acid, reluctant fruit. Second night: now we have a party. Bright, fresh strawberry fruit with mild savory notes, like parsley. Incredible $4 find at Grocery Outlet.
2015 Long Shadows Wineries Pirouette Columbia Valley Red Bordeaux Blend
One of my guests asked for a big wine, so I brought this out. Bad choice. Needs time and/or decanting, but it doesn't work for a pop and pour.