2005 San Vincenti Chianti Classico

This is a very nice chianti that we had with a braised pork shoulder. Aromas of cherries, sage, earth, spices, and some leather. A bit tight even after a few hours. Great with the pork; nice fruit, nice finish. Another K&L wine club wine. A-

2007 J. Hofstatter Pinot Nero Alto Adige

Had this at Lucques (which was AMAZING)...nice earthy, cherry fruit.
As it opened up there where some smoky notes. Tasty and was a great food wine...it went with lamb carpaccio, veal, halibut, and soft shell crab. It was 55$ at the restaurant so probably about 20$ retail. B

2002 La Velona Brunello di Montalcino

K&L wine club wine. 2002 was horrible for Brunello, but this wine rocks. Just goes to show that vintages are supposed to be taken with a grain of salt, because there are good wines in bad vintages. Nice cherry fruit, leather, tons of depth and structure.. Nice finish. Very compelling. A-

Condessa de Sarabella Calatayud 2007 Garnache

Insipid and boring. Tastes like cherry coke and not much else. New world, in a bad way. At least it was cheap (4$ from TJs). The other wines I've had from this producer have been decent...D

Santino 2004 Zinfandel

Simple cherry, vanilla, and clove flavors. Fairly rich. Not that exciting. C

2006 Domaine De La Guicharde Cotes du Rhone

Aromas of herbs, licorice, and cherries. Tasty and rich; a lot of structure. B very satisfying.

Monasteriolo Cava Brut Rose NV

Nice simple rose cava with strawberry and cherry flavors. Only 6$, so super cheap. C+

Domaine du Closel Chateau des Vaults 2005 Savennieres

Interesting wine. The vineyard is all organic and sits on 42 acres of schist. Tons of acid. Interesting nose of sandalwood, almonds, minerals and grapefruit. Suprisingly lush with lots of citrus and almost a hint of melon with a grapefruity finish. B