Albino Rocca Rossa di Rocca (2009) Piemonte

A fantastic wine from Albino Rocca, a 15 hectare estate that was established in 1960 by Giacomo Rocca. Now run by grandson Angelo, the estate produces about 100,000 bottles of wine a year; about half Nebbiolo, and the half split between Barbera, Dolcetto, Chardonnay, and Cortese. The 2009 Rossa di Rocca is a blend of 80% Nebbiolo, 10% Barbera, and 10% Cabernet Franc. A new wine in the Rocca line-up, the Rossa di Rocca is so young and fresh that it's not aged at all, but bottled as soon as it's stable. Ruby-red/purplish in color. Beautiful nose. Smooth on the palate. A terrific wine that's priced for everyday drinking. Albeisa bottle.

Fattoria Le Terrazze Rosso Conero (2008) Marche

A meh Italian red from Fattoria Le Terrazze, a small (produces less than 100,000 bottles annually) Marchesian winery that has been owned by the Terni family since 1882. The 20 hectare estate grows mostly Montepulciano, along with a bit of Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah. La Terrazze is most famous for their "Planet Waves" wine, a blend of Montepulciano and Syrah that was created following a special request from Bob Dylan. Rosso Conero has been produced in its appellation (the central part of the Marche) since the Roman days. Rosso Conero must have be least 85% Montepulciano, with the rest usually Sangiovese. Le Terrazze's 2008 Rosso Conero is 100% Montepulciano that has been macerated with the skins for ten days in stainless steel vats then aged in medium capacity oak casks for twelve months. The wine is finished for another six months in the bottle prior to its release. Nice ruby-red color. Intense, dark fruit nose. Full-bodied; almost hot. Gasoline-like on the palate. Good with grilled red meat. Not a sipping wine by any means.

Cantina Del Taburno Greco (2009) Campania

A jewel from Cantina del Taburno, a consortium of small Campanian grape growers who produce mainly indigenous varieties such as Aglianico, Greco, Fiano, Falanghina, Coda di Volpe, and Piedirosso. The 2009 Greco is 100% Greco, a grape of Greek origin that may be the ancestor of other southern Italian whites. Intense straw yellow in color. Beautiful, fruity nose of apricot, citrus, and a bit of minerality. Crisp acidity. A fantastic Italian white that will hopefully make those who try it put down their damned Pinot Grigio. That's right, I said damned.

Fratelli Revello Dolcetto d' Alba (2009) Piemonte

A delicious Dolcetto from Fratelli Revello, a family owned winery that was founded in 1976 (a great vintage for Barolo, BTW). Brothers Carlo and Lorenzo took over running the winery in the mid 1980's, and in the early nineties, with the help of Elio Altare, greatly improved and transformed the vineyard. With about 12 hectares under vine, the brothers produce a single vineyard Barolo along with some Barbera and Dolcetto. The 2009 Dolcetto is a very deep purple in color with a strong nose of fruity blueberry. Fresh tasting. Fresh and plush at the same time. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Very enjoyable.