Fuligni, Brunello di Montalcino, 2005
Cedary tobacco and bright cherry, delicious and drinking well now. A-/B+
Do Ferreiro, Rias Baixas, Albarino, 'Cepas Velhas', 2007
Time has been kind to this ad given it a new dimension. The briny oyster and saline sea breeze is there in the nose, with wonderful acidity shining through, but now this has taken on a smoky quality in the finish, almost like smoked Asian guava, all backed by a lemony bite. Very nice at 7 years of age. 13.5% A-
Field Recordings, Petite Sirah, Edna Valley, Jesperen Vineyard, 2011
A perfumed nose of camphor and black fruits, there are very smooth tannins here. Rich and savory, boysenberry pie, delicious, with a wonderful mouthfeel (none of the usual aggressiveness of PS). 14.6% A-
Romeo del Castello, Etna Rosso, 'Vigo', 2008
Stewy alcohol and candy straws on the nose. Slight hint of VA, light tannins on the end, this has chewy cherry pits and savory herbs, but is a bit foursquare. 14% B+
Clos Cibonne, Cotes de Provence, 2012
This is the pure Tibouren cuvee, the red, not rose. Exotic nose, with plum, a salty note, peat notes on the finish. Very little tannin here, quite earthy, but in a different way than mourvedre. 13% Doesn't hold up well the 2nd day. Probably not one to age. B/B+
2 Lads, Sparkling Pinot Grigio, Old Mission Penninsula, 2011
A quite austere version, bone dry and acidic, with not a lot of character. This could use a little residual sugar and more depth (riper grapes?) to achieve better balance. B 12.5%