ARPA DOCG 2007 Brunello DI Montalcino, $31.99-$60.99, 93 points, poured a deep ruby trending pomegranate red toward the still broad clear wine ring.
Red fruit and flowers on the nose were excellent.
Medium-bodied, silky smooth early palate, transitioned racy grainy tannin-laced mid and late palate, and mouth-watering acidity made for the red-wine drinker's quaffable delight.
Flavors of black cherry, tangy pomegranate, truffle, and subtle dry herbs trailed beautifully into the long finish of a warm 14.5% alcohol, soft oak notes, and warm spices.
Paired deliciously with my Portobello mushroom ravioli topped with parmesan cheese.
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Barone Fini Valdadige DOC 2015 Pinot Grigio, $9.34-$13.99, 89 points, was a light gold color tailing clear toward the glass edge.
Aromas were a pleasant blend of apple, tropical fruit, and melon.
Light-bodied with crisp acidity buoyed flavors of powerful pear with melon notes.
Finished long on melon, a touch of white pepper, and a well integrated 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Maryland crab cakes and asparagus in butter sauce.
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Cantina Zaccagnini 2015 Pinot Grigio (Colline Pescaresi IGT Abruzzo, Italy), $12.74-$18.99, 89 points, poured a light gold color transitioning clear at the glass bowl.
Subtle aromas of apple, fresh-cut hay, and lemon were outstanding.
The light body with good acidity carried distinctive flavors reflective of the nose.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a whisper of vanilla, lively ginger notes, and a well-integrated 12.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my veggie medley in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce.
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Fattoria Monsanto Fabrizio Bianchi 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva, $15.29-$19.99, 90 points, poured a bright ruby trending pomegranate red toward the broad clear wine ring at the leggy glass edge.
Aromatic cherries and flowers with a hint of marzipan were excellent.
Medium-plus bodied with good acidity and a supportive underlayment of tannin managed well the flavors of cherries, plum, truffle, licorice, and dried cooking herbs.
Finished long on warm spices, pomegranate, and a sweet-spot 14% alcohol.
Paired fine with my sauced cover baby-back ribs; dessert was milk and dark chocolates, of which I thought the milk was a better pairing.
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Tenuta Santa Maria Alla Pieve 'Lepia' 2014 Soave (Veneto, Italy), $13.59-$16.99, 88 points, poured a polished gold color with a green tinge.
The nose was mostly closed, but wet stone and a floral vibe were okay.
Light-bodied with good acidity and flavors of pear and lemon carried deep into the fair finish of excellent ginger notes, a hint of cement, and a balanced 12.5% alcohol.
Tenuta Santa Maria Alla Pieve 'Lepia' 2014 Soave was produced from the Garganega Varietal (100%).
Paired nicely with my North Atlantic fried haddock sandwich.
I bought this Soave at the Whole Foods in Bedford.
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Bertani Villa Novare DOC 2007 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripassa, $6.99-$20.99, 88 points, poured a deep ruby trending orange to brick red at the clear wine ring and leggy glass bowl.
Aromas of plum wine, raisins, and black olives with a hint of roses were quite good.
Near full-bodied with good acidity and smooth easy tannins carried flavors reflective of the aromas plus a bit of black licorice.
A long spicy finish added to the trailing palate plus a whisper of coriander and the 13.5% alcohol.
For those that like this style of wine, this is a great value (QPR).
Pair with traditional Italian cuisine.
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Fontanafredda Serralunga d'Alba DOCG 2008 Barolo (Italy), $14.99-$25.99 (500ml), 92 points, poured a dark ruby with some bricking toward the thin transparent wine ring.
Plum and caramel on the nose were interesting, though unnecessarily a bit disconcerting.
Near full-bodied with good acidity and a soft supportive underlayment of tannin managed a surprisingly delicious wine of intense black cherry, tar, and bourbon flavors.
Finished long on mint, black tea, mellow spices, and an appropriate 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Apricot roasted pork loin with Moroccan Cauliflower and Heirloom Tomato Ragu.
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