Anna Maria ABBONA
2018 Dogliani Sorí dij But
Abonna is probably my favorite Dolcetto producer, and she really hit it with this wine. The wine is intense in nose and mouth with sensual dark fruits, a smooth texture, and moderate (but by no means deficient) acidity. This is about as good as Dolcetto gets -- don’t miss it if you come across it. 13.5% stated alcohol. Lot L.1915. 91/A
ALESSANDRIA Fratelli
One of my favorite Barolo producers.
2018 Verduno Pelaverga Speziale
Light color. Floral nose. Light on palate, smooth, floral, fresh. 88/A
2017 Barbera d’Alba Superiore Priora
Dense, powerful, intense, dark fruits, earthy, intense. 89/A
2015 Barolo Monvigliero
Dense and pure with chocolate flavors. Elegant, but intense. Balanced. A great wine. 95(+)/A+
BALGERA
2015 Rosso di Valtellina 450
Smooth, pure, dark fruits, long, balanced. 100% Nebbiolo, planted in 1960s, fermented in stainless steel. 90/A
2006 Valtellina Superiore Sassella Riserva
Dark fruits, ripe but balanced. Smooth texture, long. Slight oxidation adds to interest. Wine spends six years in cask. 91/A
2004 Valtellina Superiore Grumello Riserva
Slight oxidation here, too, again adding to complexity. Smooth texture, dark fruits, spicy. Soils here are sandier than for the Sassella. 92/A
BARALE Fratelli
2016 Barolo
An attractive wine with classic tar aromas and flavors, red cherry flavors, firmness, and a medium-weight body. This wine is drinkable now, and I imagine it being fully mature in 5-7 years. DIAM 10 closure. 14% stated alcohol. Lot L 353.19. 91/A-
BAVA
2011 Barolo Scarrone
Smooth texture, dark fruits, round sensual, a little minerality. 88/B
Francesco BRIGATTI
2018 Colline Novaresi Selvalunga Uva Rara
Brigatti is in the northern portion of Piedmont (Alto Piemonte), just south of Lago Maggiore. Uva Rara is a grape that normally is blended with Nebbiolo in the region, but here it is bottled separately. The grapes receive a short maceration (five days) and after alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the wine is raised in stainless steel for six month prior to bottling.13% stated alcohol. The wine is quite transparent with a red cherry color. It has complex aromas and flavors including violets and other flowers, some red cherries, and spices; and it is light on the palate. A good wine for spring, summer, and early autumn. Serve cool. 13% stated alcohol. Lot L.140. 91/A