2006 Luce della Vite Brunello di Montalcino

92 Points

Dark red color and surprisingly muted nose of dry brush, dried cranberry and tobacco. Decanted and let sit for an hour, but still closed on the nose. Even after two hours it still had not opened up fully.

The flavor is quite a contrast.

Plum and more cranberry rush out and then are followed by more traditional Brunello tightness of dirt and slight tannin bite through a long finish. It is a very classic Brunello and drinking quite well now, but I can imagine it lasting several more years quite nicely.

I rate this a 96. James Suckling noted wine writer with a focus on Italian wine gave it the knock out score of 100.

Excellent with a spicy Indian meal. Very nice to enjoy after the meal. 

WR

2006 Santa Margherita Chianti Classico

Went to a local italian restaurant on Friday night. The food is usually very good, it is close by and the staff are very strong. So, it is a spot we go every now and then. The Santa Margherita Chianti was suggested, and since I have long been a fan of their Pinot Grigio I thought why not.

Pros, the wine is fresh and sturdy. Cons, the wine is fresh and sturdy. What?

This wine is too young. The Italian's used to be pretty tough on bottle age for the chianti classico. It needs some time to mature. It will be good I think, except the whole sturdy part. One of the things that I like about a chianti is the fresh fruit, but lighter style that predominates. This one is a bit more structured. I think it will end up loosening up and turning into a nice pleasant food wine, but it will need some of the structure to fall back.

We shall see.

Link to the Winery.

WR

2006 Terredora Falanghina

A great afternoon or evening sip, especially on the very hot days we have had in NorCal the last couple of days. It is sweet, refreshing and fruity. Pear, citrus and apple combine for a very agreeable wine. Also, the price for this is very reasonable at under $20. I bought it awhile ago so I am not sure where. Highly recommended as a way to cool down on a hot day.


Back in awhile.

leh