Pinots Meet Italians

Wines are in drinking order.



•1997 Domaine Joseph Roty Charmes-Chambertin Très Vieilles Vignes - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru (1/30/2011)
Rasberry and strawberry with some woodsy undertones combine with flint and chalk. This is an elegant yet powerful wine. Palate is deep and finish is long and sophisticated. (94 pts.)
•2008 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Old Vines Summa - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/30/2011)
This wine was the second wine of the night. It followed the Josepgh Roty Charmes Chambertin. Not an easy slot in the drinking mix. I liked this wine much more than the rest of the crowd. It was a bright light red color that oozed freshness. Nose was all cherry with a touch of blueberry behind it. The rap from the group was that it lacked a finish. I would descirbe it as a thin. Very pure fruit with a a violet/spring flower bouquet. Extremely well balanced. May not be a long term ager but awfully good right now. (92 pts.)
•2006 Rhys Pinot Noir Swan Terrace Alpine Vineyard - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (1/30/2011)
I absolutely adored this wine. It is so different than the Cali style of brawn and alcohol. This wine had power but finesse. Like a Ferrari, not a muscle car. Upon opening, it was a little restrained. Extremely well structured. Fruit was red cherry, pomegranate and some rasberry in the mix. The fruit was powerful but not in your face. This is very young and I am committing to hiding these for3- 5 years to see how they develop. Hopefully some secondary flavors will emerge. I thin k this wine may be on the verge of greatness in the future. (95 pts.)
•1988 Gaja Barolo Sperss - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (1/30/2011)
Bummer but this wine was corked. No doubt about it. NR (flawed)
•1996 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Sperss - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC (1/30/2011)
Everyone else like this a lot more than me. It started out with a great body in entry but I found it thin in the mid palate. There was plenty of red fruit but it was non-distinct. Also caught some blueberry and rosemary on the finish. As night went on it became more floral but did not stand up to its 1997 brother. (88 pts.)
•1997 Gaja Langhe Nebbiolo Sperss - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC (1/30/2011)
WOTN: Huge mouth full of fruit. Incredible dark berries and blue fruits. Perfect match with the short ribs. One of the best Italian wines I have had in some time. Stong, stiff finish. Forest dirt and aromas float past the mid palate. (97 pts.)
•2004 La Spinetta (Rivetti) Barbaresco Vürsù Vigneto Gallina - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (1/30/2011)
Now this is good stuff. Explosion of bright cherry fruit in your mouth. Lighter in style but had great acidity that brought depth and complexity. Minute long finish. (95 pts.)
•2000 Monte Faustino Amarone della Valpolicella Classico - Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (1/30/2011)
Paired amazingly with dessert. Raisins and dried plums were the dominate flavors. Not as unctuaous as I remember, a bit lighter on its feet. Excellent wine. (91 pts.)
•1996 Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo del Chianti Classico - Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Vin Santo del Chianti Classico (1/30/2011)
I has my dbouts that we could outdo the Amarone after dessert. But this delivered. I would compare it to a Tokaji light. QAlmonds, citrus, creme brulee. Awesome fruity mouthfeel. Finished with a wonderful acidic kick. Nice carmel color. Didn't feel the heat. (93 pts.)