January 1, 2016 - Fruity, but still off-dry, and nicely balanced. A nice wine.
July 12, 2010 - Popped and poured. Slightly raisiny on the nose, with some plum. Tart blackberry. Thinner body with somewhat syrupy finish that evened out with air. Much more enjoyable with food.
January 14, 2010 - I really liked this. A bit earthy with some interesting mineral and dark fruit notes. Nice acidic balance and a decent finish as well. Very little tannins. This is for drinking young.
September 25, 2009 - I was afraid this bottle would be oxidized due to the cork coming out by a milimeter, but colour was still a bright ruby/purple. I opens with a far away note of oak, then raspberry and blackeberry in a cherry jam. Little bit of dried herbs. Well balance, though tannins are starting to fade. Must drink soon.
August 4, 2009 - This lovely (and affordable) wine from the region made famous by Francis Mayes (Tuscany) is a sexy, subtle show-stopper. Kind of like a girl in Venice who drops her glove in front of a potential suitor as she glides by in a gondola...that kind of wine.
This wine is a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet. In order of my fav grapes, Sangiovese would be a close thrid behind Malbec and Tempranillo...yummy! On the nose I got significant cherry and ripe raspberry flavors. On the palate I could really taste the toasted oak from barrell aging, ripe plums and cigar box notes. The finish was fleeting but nice, kind of like a polite, but quick, good-bye that wasn't dragged out. I really like this wine.
I also find Italian wines hard to get a handle on, like France, they have been making wine for so long that they have become masters of the craft. It is easy to pick up a bottle of Yellow Tail or Lulu B and get big fruit flavors BUT not so with this wine, it makes you work harder and I (for one) like that. Thanks to Rodney for the invite and for sharing.
Davidson Rating Scale: 9.0
Cost: 18.99
July 8, 2009 - Not much to really say. This was a good dry red table wine that went very well with red sauce and pasta. Cherries, Black Berries, oak and tannin, hint of coffee, and black pepper...
May 6, 2009 - One-dimensional Sangiovese at it's most boring. A super-Tuscan for $9 should set off red flags. Spend a few more bucks on a well-known Chianti and enjoy your dinner.
April 4, 2009 - Good again
February 25, 2009 - perfumed with a bit of stink, good balance of acid, and body, lively cherry flavors, dry wood and wet soil, dry finish, with mossy hints, minerals, green tea, easy drinking,very dry, better than I thought it was going to be, nice table wine
December 10, 2008 - Same as the previous bottle. Probably won't purchase again.