Italian night

With cheeses and pate before dinner. All three wines were quite good, though the Jermann is a bit pricey for what it is. Nonetheless, all three wines showed very well, and we will likely seek out a couple more bottles of the Cervaro.

• 2007 Castello della Sala (Antinori) Umbria Cervaro della Sala 91 Points

  Italy, Umbria

  Yellow color. Opens with notes of apple and melon, which follow through on the palate. Has a nice soft toasty oak tone carrying the fruit through the finish. Nicely balanced, with a good finish.

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• 2007 Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio La Lot Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT 88 Points

  Italy, Trentino Alto-Adige / Veneto, Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT

  Pale color with terrific floral notes giving way to melon and apple qualities. Bright acidity keeps it lively and fresh. 88-89 pts.

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• 2006 Jermann Vintage Tunina Venezia Giulia IGT 92 Points

  Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Venezia Giulia IGT

  Deep yellow color. Notes of honey, apple and florals. After a couple of hours being open, the fruit developed a more tropical edge- pineapple. Has a thick, almost "waxy" Rhonish texture with plenty of fruit expanding across the palate. Finishes well. 92-93 pts.

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With Cris' fantastic braised short ribs and polenta.

• 1997 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT 93 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT

  Decanted briefly for sediment and then back into a decanter as soon as we arrived at our friends' house. Garnet core, but showing a little age at the edge. Notes of tobacco, cedar and leather, licorice and currants. Currant and red berry flavors dominate the palate. Well-balanced with fully integrated tannins and a nice, fruit driven finish. 93-94 pts.

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• 1999 Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  Our hosts' bottle, decanted though I am unsure how long. Opaque garnet core with aromas of licorice, meat, red currant and flowers. Medium-bodied, with fine-grained tannins. Flavors of red licorice, spice, red fruit and sandalwood progress across the palate and carry through the medium+ finish. I really enjoyed this.

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• 2003 Fattoria San Donato Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva Fede 90 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Colli Senesi

  Our hosts brought this back from Italy in their suitcase. The wine is named for one of the proprietor's daughters. Fairly deep color, with notes of plums, maybe prune too, dark fruit, leather and spice. Medium-bodied with lovely dark fruit flavors and fine tannins.

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With an assortment of mini desserts from the Cocoa Bean in Geneva.

• 1999 La Sala del Torriano Vin Santo 89 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Vin Santo

  Light caramel color with aromasa of roasted nuts, dried fruit and a hint of spice. Bright fruit and nut qualities on the palate.

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