We tried these two reds this weekend:
1. Steiger-Kalena Passatella VinoRosso Molise (13%; Montepulciano + Aglianico/Tintilia; Kermit-Lynch/Berkeley) Casacalenda/Molise 2020: Very dark color; some black cherry/Sangio-like rather earthy/loamy quite rustic/coarse nose; lightly tart/tangy slightly off-dry fairly sour some black cherry/Montepulciano quite earthy/loamy/very rustic bit unclean rather coarse/unattractive flavor w/ light rustic tannins; med.long fiish that mirrors the flavor; some interesting black cherry characte but way too rustic/loamy/coarse for my tastes; disappointing for a Kermit-Lynch wine. $29.00/litre (KK)
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2. Garcia Georgieva Finca Guyarrales 100% Graciano Ribera del Duero (13.5%; LlauradorWines/Fairfax/CA; Viticultores: Goyo Garcia/Gumiel del Mercado/Espana 2016: Very dark color; rather earthy/plummy/Graciano lightly floral/violets/lilacs fairly clean not at all natty/funky fairly intense/interesting rather pleasant nose; slightly off-dty rather lush/rich slight metallic/tangy strong plummy/Graciano slight floral/lilacs some earthy/dusty/OV bit rustic flavor w/ modest tangy tannins; very long tangy/metallic bit rustic finish that mimics flavor; a fairly big/rich rustic Graciano & no signs of funky/Llaurador/natty character; way overpriced compared to the Verdad Graciano. $43.00 (KK)
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More fikkersplot from TheBloodyPulpit:
1. Molise: This is the 2'nd smallest wine region in Italy. I've only had a couple. Not wines I'd bother to seek out.
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2. Llaurador: I had very low expectations for this wine based on my experience w/ the Llaurador imports. Though nothing profound, it was much cleaner than I expected, if a bit rustic. Massively heavy btl.
Tom