- Saturday Night Syrah and CabernetOM, New York, NYUSD 36.00
As I continue to try and find wines that go with Indian food, I thought I would try 1 dry Riesling, 2 Syrahs and 2 Cabernet Sauvignons, at this 8 person event. We will be dining at OM Indian Restaurant.
OM is located at 1531 York Ave, Corner of 81st Street. They do charge a small corkage fee, which is included in the price of the event. PLEASE NOTE the 6:30pm start time for this dinner. Do not sign up unless you can be at the restaurant by 6:30.
NOTE: Meetup charges a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It comes to approximately $3 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. Sorry! NOTE: Meetup+ members are exempt.
Here is a link to their menu:
OM Menu - Om Indian Restaurant (omindianfood.com)Just a reminder of our usual rules:
* The cost of this event is $36 and is for the cost of the wines and corkage only. You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert) for your dinner.Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!
Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). There is also a $4 service charge for cancellations.
The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):
2019 Loersch Trittenheimer Apotheke Jungheld Riesling Holzfass ($45) - CT 93, ""The 2019er Trittenheimer Apotheke Jungheld Holzfass, as it is referred to on the central part of the label, is a bone-dry wine (with 3 g/l of residual sugar) made from 80-120-year-old un-grafted vines in this prime south-west-facing sector of the Apotheke and which was fermented and aged in an acacia cask. This lightly yellow-colored wine offers a slightly ample and creamy nose made of pear, grapefruit, cardamom, earthy spices, and floral notes. The wine proves subtly creamy and ample on the palate (without however being overpowering) and leaves a slate-infused touch in the hugely creamy, spicy, and mineral finish. 2024-2034" 92 Mosel Fine Wines"2011 Piers Saffran Red Mountain ($25) - This is one of Garagiste's own private label wines. This one is a Bordeaux blend from WA state's Red Mountain. All the Cellar Tracker reviews from 2022 on are over 92 points. Outside of that, I can't tell you anything about this wine because I don't know! I will say that Garagiste's Private label wines tend to over deliver for the price.
2008 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Syrah In the Rocks ($32) - From WA State and the Walla Walla Valley. The reviews, while all over 90 points from various reviewers range from 90 to 95, but all the comments are similar, here is Sean Sullivan's 4* review (where he bumped it up a star from 5 months earlier), "Outrageous aromatics of jerky, black olive juice, earth, and high-toned floral notes. An intense - extremely intense - flavor profile with a richly textured mouthfeel. Capped off by an extremely long finish. A huge leap forward from last year’s offering. 92% Syrah co-fermented with 6.5% Viognier and 1.5% Marsanne. 13.2% alcohol. "
2022 Domaine Parpette Côtes du Rhône Bertholon ($28) - An everyday Syrah from the Cotes du Rhone that over delivers for the price. No reviews and the only notes on Cellar Tracker are mine!
2017 Lewelling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena ($60)- CT 92.4, JD 95 points, " The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is a big winner in the vintage, offering a plushness and sexiness that’s hard to find. Loaded with notions of cassis, tobacco, and truffly earth, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a wonderfully pure, balanced, seamless texture, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. Winemaker Haley Wight continues to fashion a balanced yet opulent style of Cabernet that I absolutely love. Drink this beauty any time over the coming 15-20 years. (Drink between 2020-2035)"
- A Return to One Fifth!Trattoria One Fifth, New York, NYUSD 56.00
We recently dined at One Fifth for their Whole Pig Dinner, and I was so impressed with the "other" items on their menu that I just have to go back for a regular, order off the menu wine night.
This will be an 8 person dinner, there will be one CA Chardonnay and 2 red Bordeaux and 2 red new world Pinot Noirs.
The cost for this event is $56, which is for the wine, and the corkage.
Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $6 service fee. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the event will be subject to a $10 service fee.
Here is a link to the menu....
One Fifth Dinner MenuPLUS a reminder of our usual rules:
NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It comes to approximately $8 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. MEETUP+ members are exempt from this charge.
Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!
The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):
2014 Knights Bridge Chardonnay Pont de Chevalier ($40) - CT 92.6. This might be a little old for Sonoma County, CA Chardonnay, but lets find out!
2015 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir Seven Springs Vineyard ($35) - CT 91.5, From Oregon's Willamette Valley.
2013 Kistler Pinot Noir Cuvée Natalie Silver Belt ($120) - CT 93.5, WA 95+
2005 Château Lascombes ($85) - CT 92.2, WA 95, "A gorgeous example of Lascombes, the 2005, a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, continues the remarkable turn-around in quality that began five years ago. A stunningly opulent wine with a dense purple color, the 2005 possesses a beautiful perfume of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, creosote, and graphite, full body, silky but noticeable tannins, a layered mouthfeel, and a stunning, 45+-second finish. This is a brilliant, modern-styled Margaux that should age for 30-35 years."
2006 Château Léoville Poyferré ($80) - CT 91.2, WA 92, "Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château Léoville Poyferré has one of the most harmonious and complete bouquets from Saint Julien: very well-defined blackberry, briary and chalky scents, real focus and delivery here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, ripe tannin matched with well-judged acidity. Like the 2006 Léoville-Barton, it is stubborn and backward, but there is clearly harmony and focus on the finish, the new oak deftly assimilated in the fabric of the wine. This is a lovely wine from Didier Cuvelier. Tasted January 2016."
- Let's Ruché and Roll (Lesser Known Piedmont)83 1/2, New York, NYUSD 32.00
Piedmont offers an incredible array of grape varieties, some of which are quite well-known. Our focus is on the ones lurking in the background, much like an actor waiting for a star turn on Law & Order.
Fortunately, our group member Irene, a regular visitor to Piedmont, has shared both her knowledge and some hard-to-find bottles from her travels and hours-long winery visits, and the four grape varieties on show tonight are: timorasso, slarina, vespolina, and ruché.
We will be dining at 83 1/2, a small Italian restaurant just west of the corner of E. 83rd and 1st Ave. It is easy to miss, but it is right next to Gino's Pizza. Here is a link to their menu
Just a reminder of our usual rules:
** The cost of this event is $32 and is for the wines only.
NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that comes to approximately $3 more for each RSVP. Sorry!
You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert) for your dinner.
Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $10 service fee.
Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!
White
2022 Vigneti Massa Derthona (Timorasso)
Not your typical light and simply refreshing Italian aperitivo white wine. It’s got substance and structure and deserves substantial food, such as richer fish, poultry, and pork dishes.
From the Colli Tortonesi in south-eastern Piemonte, 'Derthona' is the ancient name for Tortona and is home to where winemaker Walter Massa rediscovered the Timorasso grape.
Known for its honeyed minerality and acidity, structure and depth, this is a great alternative to Austrian or Alsace dry Riesling
Reds
2018 Enrico Druetto Vino Rosso Rovej (Slarina)
Rovej 2018 is a full-bodied red with excellent structure for aging. Druetto's passion for the recovery of native vines emerges once again with Slarina, a difficult grape, very tannic and "bitter". It was considered an "improving" grape, to be cut and combined with Barbera.
The result is a very particular wine, with great personality, a wine that is very intriguing and above all long-lived.
2022 Rovellotti "Ronco al Maso" Colline Novaresi (Vespolina)
Vespolina usually plays the primary supporting role to the great Nebbiolo-based wines of the Alto Piemonte, however, here you have a 100% expression of the varietal.
Hailing from a 1 acre southern exposed plot in Ghemme, this wine is vinified in stainless steel to preserve its zesty, fresh, wild berry fruits. Added complexity comes from three months in large 'botti' (massive barrels) and is then bottled the spring following harvest. Chill it slightly and enjoy!
2023 Ferraris Vigna del Parroco Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato (Ruché)
The grapes used for this wine come from the first vineyard ever planted entirely with Ruchè. This wine captivates for its brightness, with shades of ruby and hints of purple on the rim.
Deep purple in color, this pretty wine has aromas of sour cherry, raspberry, and intense floral notes. The palate is vibrant and fresh with notes of game and strawberry fruit leather finishing with soft tannins and a persistent intensity of both savory and fruit-driven flavors.
- Washington State CabernetsBobby Van's 230Park, New York, NYUSD 38.00
I'm such a big fan of Washington State wines, that I thought I would do a tasting of Cabernet Sauvignons from there. We will have 1 white wine starter, followed by 4 Cabernet Sauvignons, all from different WA State producers.
We will be dining at Bobby Van's on Park. Located on the corner of Park Avenue and 46th Street.
Here is a link to their menu...
Bobby Van's on Park MenuJust a reminder of our usual rules:
** The cost of this event is $38 and is for the cost of the wines only.
NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. Sorry!
You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert) for your dinner. There are very few restaurants that allow us to bring our own wine for a Zero corkage fee. We must be good guests to encourage the restaurant to continue to be generous to us.
Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $5 service fee.
Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!
The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):
2022 JM Cellars Viognier ($26) - From the winemaker, "Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA consistently produces some of the finest fruit in our state and the ’22 vintage was no exception. Our Viognier arrived in early October bursting with flavor and wonderful acidity. After fermenting exclusively in stainless steel, the Viognier was bottled in February and is now ready to delight the palate with flavors of peach and honeysuckle accompanied by a creamy richness characteristic of this Northern Rhone varietal. This full-bodied white pairs well with fresh salmon, market salads, and aromatic rice dishes."2013 DeLille Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags ($54) - CT 92.5, JD 95 points, "the inky colored 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags comes from four separate vineyards (Klipsun, Grand Ciel, Ciel du Cheval and Upchurch) and exhibits classic Red Mountain characteristics of black fruit, smoked herbs, licorice, graphite and dusty minerality on the nose. Possessing serious intensity, full-bodied richness, ripe, yet present tannin and a fabulous finish, it needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years, and it will drink beautifully through 2038. (drink 2020-2038)"
2012 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon Force Majeure Vineyard ($75) - CT 93.1, JD 95+, "The 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the estate vineyard located high up on Red Mountain. It offers a perfumed, masculine and mineral-laced bouquet of crushed violets, blueberries, plums and wild herbs to go with a full-bodied, rich, structured style on the palate. While there's plenty of upfront fruit, it has building tannin, tons of minerality, and a great finish, all suggesting it needs short term cellaring. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 15-20 years. (Drink between 2020-2040)"
2016 Januik Cabernet Sauvignon Champoux Vineyard ($57) - CT 91.8, WA 91+ points, "The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Champoux Vineyard displays ripe dark fruits, a floral dustiness and herbal undercurrent on the nose, with added complexity from the pleasingly subtle yet defined oak tones. Full-bodied, the palate has a rich and ripe core of fruit with a dusty herbal edge and is balanced and complex, with a layered and structured expression across the mid-palate. The wine is focused, with energetic acidity and enlivening, firm supporting tannins, finishing long. Wow, this is simply delicious. I’m going to steal away another sip."
2010 Andrew Will Sorella Champoux Vineyard ($65) - CT 92, JD 94 points, "The top wine of the estate, the 2010 Sorella (meaning “sister” in Italian and made to honor Chris’ sister) is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc that spent the standard 21 months in barrel. Loaded with promise, it has a decidedly pure, classy and detailed bouquet of black currant, graphite, licorice, roasted meats and singed herbs. Rich and medium to full-bodied, it still holds onto the overall elegance and finesse driven style of the estate and delivers a seamless texture, chewy tannin and serious minerality on the finish. As with Chris’ other 2010s, short-term cellaring is warranted here and upwards of two decades of longevity should be expected. Drink 2015-2030. (drink 2015-2030)"
- Argentinan Wines with Live Jazz in HarlemBill's Place, New York, NYUSD 72.00
I'm thrilled that Stephen has given me this opportunity to present a new option for BYO, with live jazz!
Bill's Place is a tiny narrow jazz bar and jazz landmark in Harlem at 133rd Street, hosted by world-famous saxophonist Bill Saxton.
The experience is a bit different from our typical wine dinner, so please read the following to be sure this is for you:
- The venue is all about the music and there is no service: It's BYO everything (BYO beverage, BYO wine glass, BYO food). You can learn more via this video and their website.
- No frills: It's great value that we can BYO wine and food with no fees. Keep in mind that service and decor are quite simple.
- Please bring your own wine glass, as they don't have glasses.
- Note that we'll be sitting on bar stools around a tall table. We'll have 30-40 minutes before the music starts for conversation and wine discussions. Once the music starts, it's quite loud. (Music set is 1.5 hours, no intermission.)
If this event is full and you want to attend, please message me (Dana) because we may have options for a few more people to join.
The cost of this event is $72 and includes the following:
- Pre-purchased tickets to venue (important as they sell out every show) - $36 per person
- The wines listed below - $19 per person
- Meat and cheese board provided by Dana: Crusty French olive bread, Intense Brie, Taleggio, Goat Gouda and dark rum salami - $17 per person
- Not included: We ask that you tip the band at least $15 per person. Think of this as in lieu of corkage and service tip - we are lucky to have small venues like this and want to be good supporters.
NOTE: Meetup charges a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It comes to approximately $6 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your RSVP and pay for the event.
Just a reminder of the usual rules:
- Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take a spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $5 service fee.
- Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!
THE WINES:
Producer: Susana Balbo Wines
Susana Balbo was the first female winemaker in Argentina and has a back story of difficulties that would break many people. You can read about her journey to today's success in this articleCrios de Susana Balbo Torrontes 2022 $14.99
Crisp, refreshing and aromatic, with a bouquet of citrus fruits, passion fruit, lychee and white flowers. Lively acidity, a hint of creaminess and a long, mineral finish add depth and balance to the palate. Susana Balbo transformed Torrontés from a common blending grape to Argentina’s star white wine. Her first vintage broke the mold and proved Torronté’s premium character, defined by it’s crisp notes of white flower, peach, and pearSusana Balbo Signature Brioso White Blend 2023 $25.99
This new version of Balbo's White Blend is 38% Semillon, 34% Sauvignon Blanc, and 28% Torrontés. It spent five months in barrels, 60% of them new oak, and it’s a delight of flowers and citrus fruits. The high-altitude Torrontés imposes its presence with all that battery of floral aromas and limes, while the Semillon adds body and density to a wine for shrimp curry.Producer: El Enemigo
The wines of El Enemigo are a tribute to those internal battles that make us who we are, brought to fruition by a winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, and a historian, Adrianna Catena who share a love of wine and reach back in time to capture the era when European immigrants first settled in Argentina.El Enemigo Malbec 2020 RP92 $23.99
The 2020 Malbec also includes 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, sourced from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley. It was aged for 15 months in foudres, resulting in a purple color. The nose presents plums, violets, sage and bitter orange. Dry and juicy on the palate, it moves with a nimble flow lifted by balanced acidity. The apparent absence of tannins contributes to its voluminous and weightless mouthfeel.El Enemigo Bonarda 2020 RP91 $26.99
Winemaker Alejandro Vigil added a dash of Cabernet Franc to this 85% Bonarda. The result is a full-bodied red that offers concentrated notes of berry jam and licorice on the nose and palate. The wine’s fruit-forward character includes red berries mixed with subtle notes of thyme alongside good acidity. - New Spanish Restaurant Tryout DinnerEl Pote Español, New York, NYUSD 39.00
Long time group member Mihaela (Mika on Meetup) has found a Spanish restaurant with a great looking menu. Join Mihaela and myself as we try out El Pote Espanol. They are located at 718 2nd Avenue, between 38th and 39th Street.
Here is their menu:
Menu for El Porte EspanolThis will be a six person event and feature 1 white from Spain, and 3 reds. The reds will be one Spain, WA State and California.
Just a reminder of our usual rules:
** The cost of this event is $39 and is for the cost of the wines and corkage.
NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that comes to approximately $3 more for each RSVP. Sorry!
You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). AND order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert) for your dinner. Our discounted corkage fee is based on EVERYONE ordering two courses.
Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $5 service fee.
Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!
The Wine List - Notes will be provided at dinner
2020 Alvaredos-Hobbs Godello Ribeira Sacra ($35) - CT 89.7, WE 94 points, "Medium yellow to the eye, this wine has a bouquet of lemon, pear and river rock. A wave of acidity washes across the palate bearing grapefruit, lemon zest and white peach flavors alongside notes of butterscotch, dried thyme and a hint of oyster shell that lingers into the vivid finish."2021 Ridge Evangelho ($41) – CT 92, 12.8% alcohol. Owen Bargreen 95 points. “One of the truly unique wines in California, the 2021 ‘Evangelho’ is a knockout blend of 58% Carignane with 22% Zinfandel and the reminder Mataro all coming from the Contra Costa County. Stored in only 20% new American oak barrels, this offers beautiful verve and weight on the palate. Creme de violette, tar, crushed mint, and suggestions of coffee grounds all combine on the palate. Loaded with mouth-watering acidity and showing an exceedingly long finish. Drink 2024-2038” *We had this at the November Ridge night & loved it.
2020 Familia Nin-Ortiz Priorat Planetes Classic ($45) – CT 91.7, WA 96 points, “The superb 2020 Planetes de Nin Clàssic is very elegant and ethereal, the finest vintage for this cuvée from four hectares in Porrera, which in 2020, the year of mildew, was 69% Garnacha Tinta, 12% Garnacha Peluda and 19% Cariñena. The grapes fermented with full clusters and stems with indigenous yeasts in 3,200-liter oak foudres, where the wine matured for 18 months”
2022 JM Cellars Carménère Bramble Bump Carmenere Margaret's Vineyard & Seven Hills Vineyard ($45) – A rare Carmenere from WA state! I was fortunate enough to try it straight from the tank a year before its release! I was able to buy a few bottles and have already drank one and loved it! - Friday Night Italian Wines !Donna Margherita, New York, NYUSD 49.00
Please join me for this Friday night dinner at Donna Margherita. We have been there a few times recently and have always enjoyed it. We will have 1 white and 4 red wines at this 8 person event. The wines will be a selection of different Italian wine varietals.
Donna Margherita, has great personal sized pizzas and a nice variety of Pastas. They do charge a corkage fee, which is included in the event cost. Check out their menu here:
https://www.donnamargheritany.com
Just a reminder of our usual rules:
** The cost of this event is $49 and is for the cost of the wines, plus corkage only.NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $3 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. Sorry!
You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert) for your dinner. There are very few restaurants that allow us to bring our own wine. We must be good guests to encourage the restaurant to continue to be generous to us.
Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $5 service fee.
Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!
The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):
2021 La Parrina Vermentino Parrina ($18) - CT 90.4 " Antonio Galloni, 92 points, “Fattoria La Parrina - The 2021 Vermentino is a wine of real distinction, and that's not something I can say often about Vermentino. Bright and sculpted, with terrific energy, the 2021 is loaded with varietal orchard fruit and floral character. There is so much to like."2011 Fattoria Galardi Terra di Lavoro ($60) - CT 91.1, WA 92, "From a hot vintage, the 2011 Roccamonfina Terra di Lavoro is a soft, round wine with a large presence of dark cherry fruit and blackberry. This wine has broader shoulders compared to 2010 and 2012. Dark fruit, prune, plum and dried cherry lift heavily from the bouquet. Those more obvious aromas are followed by ethereal touches of ash, licorice and plenty of balsam herb. The wine's volcanic personality shines through, although with slightly less intensity. This edition of Terra di Lavoro shows soft tannins and a long finish. It's a beautiful wine that reflects the warm year."
2015 Paolo Scavino Barolo Prapò ($60) - CT 92.8, WA 95 points, "coming from less than a hectare in the Prapò vineyards, from which only five producers draw their fruit. It's a beautiful plot at about 1,000 feet in altitude and with a full southern exposure, producing some very meaty fruit with a high phenolic presence, as the color is darker and there is more perfume. The 2015 Barolo Prapò is a distinctive vintage of a wine that is one to watch, for sure. The vineyard makes the difference, with brown and orange sandy soils, along with marlstone and veins of soils more typical of the area. The Scavino family bought this plot in 2008 and let the land rest for two years before they replanted. The goal, they said, was to steer away from more productive clones in favor of those that wouldn't take away too much from the quality. They took wood from the mothership vineyards in Bricco Ambrogio for this experiment, grafting them onto the rootstocks they carefully selected. The result is a soft and delicate Barolo with a lot of personality to go along with its firmness and power. This is an easy cru to recognize. Enrico Scavino said they could have waited longer for this experimental harvest, but they felt the time was right, explaining that "this work is all about feelings and instincts." (drink 2022-2045)"
2015 Bibbiano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Capannino ($30) - CT 91.7, WS 96, WA 93 points, "This is another plump and intense expression from the folks at Bibbiano. The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Capannino is a bold and contemporary wine with dried blackberry and ripe cherry aromas that are followed closely by spice, tar, leather and moist chewing tobacco. The wine offers sweet softness, especially when it comes to the quality of the tannins, with lasting fruit flavors. This wine should continue its evolution over the next 10 years. (drink 2018-2030)"
2020 Foradori Granato ($68) - CT 92. No WA review for the 2020, but here is their 94 point review for the 2019, "This is a beautiful organic and biodynamic wine from Trentino in the far north of Italy. A pure expression of the native Teroldego grape, the Foradori 2019 Granato opens to an inky dark appearance with little light penetration. The bouquet takes a few moments before it fully opens, but once it does, you get dark plum and blackberry followed by cola, licorice and black rose. This richly concentrated red offers great depth and momentum."
