Secoli 2021 Valpolicella Ripasso

 

Secoli 2021 Valpolicella Ripasso, $11.42-$29.99, 86 points, poured a deep ruby red with orange highlights and bleeding thin meniscus.
Aromas were dominated by funk notes (slightly faulted wine) with subtle cinnamon, raisin, and perfumed black fruit.
This close-out Valpolicella suffered a bit early on, but after two days actually improved sufficiently to pair just fine with my Texas burger.
Full-bodied, showed good acidity, plank of firm tannin, and rebounding flavors reflective of the aromas with mint and cayenne pepper.
Finished long on the fading palate, a bit tart, and with a well-balanced 14% alcohol. 

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Bersano 'Nirvasco' 2019 Barolo (DOCG)

 

Bersano 'Nirvasco' 2019 Barolo (DOCG), $23.79-$48.99, 90 points, poured a burnt orange color with a cloudy meniscus and copious stained legs.
Aromas of shoe polish, black tea, and ripe red raspberry were pleasant.
This 2019 Barolo was light-medium-bodied, brightly acidic, showed fine-grainy tannins, and flavors of red cherry, oak notes, and cayenne infused Crème Brûlée.
Finished long on the trailing palate, cinnamon, iron, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spaghetti and meatballs.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG)

 

Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG), $25.49-$31.99, 90 points, poured pomegranate red with a broad clear wine ring and a neckless of hanging legs.
Fist whiff showed a bit of funk followed by a cornucopia of red fruit and died cooking herbs.
This 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva was a bone-dry, near full-bodied, modestly tannic, brightly acidic red wine (Sangiovese), with a spicy flavor profile accented with black tea, strawberries, mint, and an underlayment of wood.
Finished long on the trailing palate, iron notes, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired fine with my sausage, green peppers, and red onion pizza.
This was my eighth vintage of this wine, and though a good Chianti, I keep hoping for a "very good year."

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Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Scagliola Primobacio 2023 Moscato D' Asti DOCG

 

Scagliola Primobacio 2023 Moscato D' Asti DOCG, $10.19-$21.99, 90 points, poured a handsomely frizzante effervescence, a light yellow/gold color, and a very broad graying penumbra.

Aromas quickly dissipated leaving me mute with just a hint of lemon and dusty vanilla.
This Moscato D' Asti was light-bodied, showed good acidity, and delivered delicious flavors of rock candy, green melon rind, and orange marmalade.
Finished long on the rock candy and a well-balanced 6.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spicy crabcakes.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Neal Rutherford Dust Family Vineyard Napa Valley 2023 Zinfandel

 

Neal Rutherford Dust Family Vineyard Napa Valley 2023 Zinfandel, $38.54-$44.99, 93 points, poured a deep ruby red with slightly unfiltered maroon highlights, a clear meniscus, and copious-fat stained legs.
The lovely earthy aromas were escorted by perfumed warm briar fruit.
Neal Family has given me (us) a near full-bodied dry red wine with good acidity, soft round tannins, and a silky delicious rendition of the aromas on the palate.
Finished long on the trailing palate, juicy ripe mulberry, anise, a hint of spearmint, and a perfect 14.2% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my shepherd's pie.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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Domaine Alain Et Adrien Gautherin Premier Cru Grand Vin De Bourgogne 2021 Chablis

 

Domaine Alain Et Adrien Gautherin Premier Cru Grand Vin De Bourgogne 2021 Chablis, $40.79-$49.99, 94 points, was a dark straw-yellow color with a broad gray meniscus.
The lovely aromas were floral, crisp mountain stream-minerality, white-grapy, and nuanced with lemon zest.
A medium-bodied dry Chablis (Chardonnay), rich, robust, and stone fruity with floral/citrus flavors.
Finished long, tangy, and fresh with a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my broiled Icelandic cod loin.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

Copyright 2010-2025, all rights reserved, Dennis Tsiorbas

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Alta Classe Montepulciano 2022 D'Abruzzo DOC

 

Alta Classe Montepulciano 2022 D'Abruzzo DOC, $7.64-$19.99, 90 points, poured a light cranberry red with a broad clear meniscus and light legs.
Lively red fruit aromas nuanced with sweet-dried herbs were pleasant if a bit thin.
This Montepulciano D'Abruzzo was light-bodied more than medium-bodied, showed bright acidity, easy very grainy tannins, and delicious flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished long on earth notes, red pepper, fig, iron, and a welcome 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Nadeau's spiced steak and cheese sub.
A light, delicious, and under $10 red wine, who could ask for anything more.

INDEX of REVIEWED WINES

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