Ascheri 2004 Langhe Montalupa Viognier (Piedmont) Already fraying at the edges a bit. Its varietally true, in that theres sticky-floral apricot with hints of dry honey, but with more clay-like minerality showing through than this heady, often lurid grape will usually allow. But its a bit gauzy, and youll want to drink it a few months ago. (12/08)
Pojer & Sandri 2006 Nosiola (Trentino) Very fragrant, but not lurid like muscat; its a perfume that seduces rather than assaults. And theres an edgy, tactile zing that reminds me of txakolina in its more aggressive form. An exclamation point of a wine. (12/08)
Les Crtes 2005 Pinot Noir Vigne la tour (Valle dAosta) Subtly beautifulbut it holds something back, Garbo-like. Soft earth tones and gentle red fruit drift and glide, never quite alighting. Very long, confident, and supple. Lovely. (12/08)
Bressan 2002 Pinot Nero (Friuli) Despite a rather forceful initial impression, full of spice and edge-filed fruit zing, this is a breezy wine, with plenty of breathing space amongst the elements. Like many fine pinots, it rises and falls in response to the demands of the moment, and the accompanying food, but its preference is rather blatantly to cause the repetitive refilling of glasses. And thats a good thing. (12/08)
Pojer & Sandri 2006 Nosiola (Trentino) Very fragrant, but not lurid like muscat; its a perfume that seduces rather than assaults. And theres an edgy, tactile zing that reminds me of txakolina in its more aggressive form. An exclamation point of a wine. (12/08)
Les Crtes 2005 Pinot Noir Vigne la tour (Valle dAosta) Subtly beautifulbut it holds something back, Garbo-like. Soft earth tones and gentle red fruit drift and glide, never quite alighting. Very long, confident, and supple. Lovely. (12/08)
Bressan 2002 Pinot Nero (Friuli) Despite a rather forceful initial impression, full of spice and edge-filed fruit zing, this is a breezy wine, with plenty of breathing space amongst the elements. Like many fine pinots, it rises and falls in response to the demands of the moment, and the accompanying food, but its preference is rather blatantly to cause the repetitive refilling of glasses. And thats a good thing. (12/08)