Darioush Napa Valley 2013 Cabernet Franc, $50.99-$59.99, 93 points, poured core black grading a robust ruby toward the clear wine ring and heavily draped glass bowl.
Profusely aromatic with spices, pepper, sandalwood, truffle, and loads of smoky black fruit.
Full-bodied with mouthwatering acidity and firm grainy tannins managed a rich panoply of black fruit accented by clove, cinnamon, cedar, and a floral component.
The slightly chalky finish was amazingly long and marked by intense cayenne pepper, cigar, plum and a potent 14.8% alcohol.
Varietals were 84% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
We drank this Cab-Franc alone; best I've tasted.
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Planeta 2015 La Segreta (Sicilia DOC), $7.64-$8.99, 86 points, Poured a glossy gold color.
Fresh-cut hay aroma was accented with hazel nut and kiwi,
The light-plus body carried good acidity with flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, citrus, a touch of ginger, and a balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired fine and unobtrusive with my Maine lobster in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce with vegetables.
Varietals were 50% Grecanico, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Viognier, and 10% Fiano.
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Conti Zecca "Donna Marzia" 2013 Primitivo,
$14.39-$15.99, 86 points, appeared a lovely deep maroon with a thin clear wine ring.
There was very little going on with the nose, having just a hint of fresh laundered linen and a bit of purple grape smells.
Medium-bodied with good acidity a sufficient underlayment of tannin, and a fruity flavor profile consisting of plum, mulberry, and blackberry accented by excellent warm spices.
Finished fair on the trailing palate and a Primitivo-typical 13.5% alcohol.
Paired okay with my beef lasagna.
In New Hampshire, it's always a surprise to find a 'new' Primitivo (I call them Italian Zinfandels), but yesterday I found Two.
I bought this Italian Zinfandel at the Whole Foods of Bedford.
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Fantini Farnese 2012 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Red Wine (D.O.C.), $9.34-$13.99, 88 points, appeared a deep ruby grading a lighter pomegranate red toward the very broad clear wine ring and leggy glass bowl.
Fragrant aromas of lavender, black olives, and cherries were excellent.
Medium bodied with good acidity and firm drying tannins managed flavors reflective of the aromas.
Finished a bit short on a restrained 12.5% alcohol, easy warm spices, and plum notes.
Paired fine with our Italian-styled pizza and green salad with Kalamata olives; consider what an excellent red table wine for a remarkable price.
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Think Italy!
Tasca d'Almerita Tenuta Regaleali Grillo Cavallo Delle Fate 2014 White Wine (Sicily, Italy), D.O.C., $15.99-$19.99, 90 points, poured a lovely bright gold color.
Smells of tangerine and honeysuckle were excellent.
Light, mouth-wateringly acidic, and filled with gossamer flavors of citrus and tropical fruit instantly won my affections.
Finished long on hints juniper, tangerine, ginger, and a sweet-spot 13% alcohol.
Varietals were Moscato and Catarratto, and paired perfectly with my Maine steamed lobster in melted butter.
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Marchesi Di Barolo Zagara 2014 Moscato D'Asti (DOCG), $9.49-$17.99, 89 points, opened with a bit of 'smoke', poured with a gentle fizz and a glossy gold color.
Aromatic caramel was delightful.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and lovely flavors of tangerine and crème brûlée were excellent.
The texture was silky smooth throughout and aided the fair finish marked by the trailing palate, a persistent refreshing sweetness, and an unnoticeable 5% alcohol.
Paired better than any other wine I've paired with a warm pecan pie, and was phenomenal with our French bread French toast and crisp bacon.
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Casa Girelli Lamura Organico 2015 Cataratto Bianco Sicilia (IGT), Sicily, Italy, $8.99-$14.99, 84 points, was a light brass color throughout.
Soft tangerine smells were just okay.
This was a rather thin serviceable white table wine, light-bodied, appropriately acidic, but a one dimensional, slightly citrus-tart, off-dry white wine.
Finished fair with a hint of petrol, ginger, a touch of pineapple, and a restrained 12.5% alcohol.
Made from 100% organically grown Cataratto grapes.
Paired fine with my fried Captain's cut Icelandic cod.
I bought this wine at the Whole Foods of Bedford.
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