Here are a few new wines that rolled into the shop the past couple of weeks. There is everything from a marked down Pinot Gris, to an unusual Slovenian Red, to some high scoring Barbaresco from Cantina del Pino (of which we get a very limited allocation). In between them all there is a sure match for our changing Spring weather.
2017 Livon, Braide Grande Pinot Grigio $20
Highbrow single vineyard Pinot Grigio from Friuli The wine has a bouquet of spices and flowers; on the palate it is dry, full-bodied, almost rough with an aftertaste with a note of nutmeg. Was $32 now $20
2019 Domaine de l’Arfentière Mâcon Uchizy $15
Chardonnay
From the Macon village of Uchizy in southern Burgundy. It is a fresh and juicy unoaked Chardonnay, with layers of apple, citrus and earth. Crisp and clean with a refreshing finish.
2019 Corte Giacobbe Pinot Griggio Ramatto 15
From Veneto, this Pinot Grigio, picks up its color from 12 hours maceration of it skins. It is aged 3 months on its leas. The wine has notes of tropical fruit, such as pineapple and heightened by subtle floral notes of spring wildflowers. Elegant and silky smooth on the palate. Is it a rosé? Is it an Orange Wine? Is it both?
2019 Domaine Alexandre Cady Anjou Rouge $18
Cabernet Franc
Here is a satisfying Loire red designed for the summer. It has bright aromas recalling freshly picked, ripe red fruits. This is a juicy, supple wine, which could be enjoyed gently chilled. Organic
2019 Krasno Goriska Brda Red $15
40% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
From Slovenia, this blend is a distinctly mineral authentic wine with a character only found in the Goriška Brda region. Notes of bramble and red cherries followed by a grassy note. the taste is medium-bodied, boasts a gentle texture and a quite long finish.
2018 G.D. Vajra Langhe Rosso $17
Predominately Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto with smaller quantities of Freisa, Albarossa, Pinot Noir.
Intense and rich on the nose, it is both concentrated and harmonious: flowers and fruits to give way to hay, tobacco, spices. Bright summer berries on the palate with graphite veins lead to the discovery of a series of sensations.
2018 Bettini Rosso di Valtellina $17
Nebbiolo
A great value from Upper Piedmont. This Neb has a light dusty nose of well-aged red fruit followed by a medium palate of cherry, earth and touches of dried flowers. The refreshing finish shows balanced acids, grainy tannins, and light tar notes. Definitely a wine for Pinot lovers!
2016 Cantina del Pino, Barbaresco $40
Nebbiolo
The 2016 Barbaresco is a knock-out. And it is, for lack of a better word, the entry-level wine in this range. Freshly cut flowers, mint, cinnamon, red berry fruit and orange zest are some of the notes that lift from a Barbaresco that is all class. There is plenty of structure, but the purity of the fruit is so striking that the tannins are not especially noticeable. The 2016 is a stunning wine, –95pts Vinous.
2016 Cantina del Pino, Orvello Barbaresco $55
Nebbiolo
Their single-vineyard Cru, the Orvello is rich and sumptuous, even in aroma. Cherry, raspberry, currant and rose flavors abound, shaded by iron, tobacco and hints of wild juniper and thyme. Balanced and firmly structured, with a long, detailed and mouthwatering finish. Best from 2023 through 2040. — 96pts Wine Spectator