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2009 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2009
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

Always a pleasure to try a mature Brunello.  Ruby in color, mostly clear and bright.  The nose has a bit of a stink to it but I enjoyed it.  Dust, barnyard, dried cherries, cherries and spice.  Medium to full bodied.  Light tannins.  Nice balance.  On the palate, this is about at peak.  Layers of cherries, tea leaves, and spice.  Good finish.  This is lovely and contemplative on its own but probably better with food.  It would work well with Pasta with sundried tomatoes in an aglio e olio sauce.  

2020 Contrade di Taurasi (Cantine Lonardo) Aglianico Irpinia, Italy, Campagna, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2020
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$26.00USD

100% Aglianico.  A couple of the tasters thought this bottle reminded them of an Amarone.  Of course, after they pointed that out, I agreed.  ;-)  Deep ruby and purple swirls, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, slight tobacco, char and a hint of mint(?).  Firm tannins.  Nice acidity.  Flavors of black cherries, slight sour cherries, earthiness with slight char.  Good finish.  This is nice on its own and will work with food.  A nice plate of a favorite pasta would be perfect.  Drink over the next seven to ten years.  

2020 Donnachiara Taurasi Riserva, Italy, Campania, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2020
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$57.00USD

100% Aglianico.  Ruby/purple in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is slightly dusty with black cherries, black raspberries and a touch of char.  Full bodied.  Thick tannins.  Good acidity.  On the palate, a softer texture.  Complex.  Flavors of black cherries, black raspberries with slight char.  Long finish.  This is drinking well but still on the younger side.  Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.  It is better with food.  Big flavors will work well.  This would go well with Brisket.  

2024 Colli di Lapio Irpinia Campi Taurasini Donna Chiara, Italy, Campania, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2024
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$22.00USD

100% Aglianico.  Inky purple in color with some ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is dusty with black cherries, raspberries, tar and slight smoke.  Medium to full bodied.  Firm but not over powering tannins.  On the palate, this is tasty if still young.  Flavors of  black cherries and black raspberries with slight char.  Long finish.  This could use a few years in the cellar or give it plenty of airr if drinking soon.  Drink over the next ten to twelve years.  It is very food friendly and will work with hearty meals.  Roasted Butternut Squash would go well.  Great value!

2016 Guastaferro Irpinia Memini, Italy, Campania, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2020
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$28.00USD

This is 100% Aglianico from Campania, Italy.  Purple in color with some ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with black cherries, black raspberries, slight anise and smoke/asphalt.  Full bodied.  Nice acidity.  Thick tannins.  On the palate, this is drinking nicely.  Flavors of black cherries, black raspberries with slight smokiness.  Not showing its age at all.  Long finish.  This is nice on its own but will be better with food.  This would work well with (vegetarian) Lasagna.  Drink over the next five to ten years.  Nice value.

2019 Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici, Italy, Campania, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2019
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$45.00USD

This is 100% Aglianico from Campania, Italy.  Purple and ruby swirls, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, ash, and slight anise.  Full bodied.  Softer texture than expected.  Complex.  Flavors of black cherries with some ash and anise.  Good acidity.  Long finish.  This is nice on its own but will be better with food.  This will work well with meat dishes but also eggplants.  Still not yet at peak so if drinking soon, give it some air.  Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.  

2024 Donnachiara Greco di Tufo, Italy, Campania, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2024
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$23.00USD

This is 100% Greco di Tufo from Campania, Italy.  Light silvery/gold in color, clear and bright.  The nose is tight at first but opens with some lemony notes that get joined by some lime/tangerine aromas.  Medium bodied.  Slightly oily texture.  On the palate, the lime/tangerine quality carries thru.  A slight pine quality on the long finish.  This drinks easy and well on its own but would be better with food.  It would go nicely with a fresh Caprese Salad.  Drink over the next few years.  

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