Some Italians and a Saxum

Last night, may wife and I had two couples over for dinner. 3/4 of them were from Italy, so I though I would open some non-standard Italian wines. I liked most of the wines more than the group who determined they liked bigger, fruitier wines. That is why I added the Saxum. Although they protested it was too big, the bottle was gone before I could get a second pour. Anyway, it was another great evening of wine, food and conversation (in two languages). As for the wines:

• 2012 Cantina Terlan Chardonnay Terlano Kreuth 89 Points

  Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Alto Adige, Terlano

  Very solid Chardonnay. The nose has lemon chiffon and vanilla. Slightly oily texture. There is some oak on the palate, but within reason. Nice lemony acidity too. This drinks easy and works with food too. International in style, but quite nice.

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• 2007 Ciù Ciù Oppîdum Marche IGT 92 Points

  Italy, Marche, Marche IGT

  Huge hit with the group. I believe this is Montepulciano. Deep purple in color. The nose has black cherries, dust, slight herbal notes. Full bodied. This is a big wine with lots of fruit. Nice acidity. Black cherries, some black licorice and a bit of coffee. Worked great with a spicy Hungarian vegetable soup.

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• 2005 Passopisciaro Passopisciaro 91 Points

  Italy, Sicily, Sicilia

  I liked this far more than the crowd who liked bigger, bolder wines. This is in a nice place. It drinks more like a Pinot Noir. Light ruby in color. The nose is nice with cherries, minerals, perhaps some anise. On the palate, it is showing some layering. Nice cherry fruit. Nice balance.

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• 1999 Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici Riserva 93 Points

  Italy, Campania, Taurasi DOCG

  Loved this wine. Drinking like an older Bordeaux. Ruby/purple in color. The nose has cigar box, cherries, plums and dust. On the palate, this is in a great place. Plenty of cherry fruit but also layers of complexity. This was slow-oxed for three hours. Nice balance. Long finish. Food friendly. No hurry but no reason not to open either.

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• 2008 Saxum Bone Rock James Berry Vineyard 94 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

  So, the crowd was talking about liking bigger wines. We were thru with dinner, so I went downstairs and opened this. It could have used some air, but, oh well. Purple in color. The nose is huge with black raspberries, leather, roaster meat and pepper. On the palate, this is noticeably sweet. Perhaps just ripe fruit, or maybe a hint of residual sugar. Smooth and easy to drink. The alcohol is noticeable but not over bearing or a detraction. Everyone drained their glass quickly and the bottle was gone. Delicious.

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