Enobytes

We started out our dinner plans with a couple of friends last night and decided to go with an Italian theme.  After the menu was planned, I went downstairs to find out what we had that might be appropriate for our three savory courses. 2007 San Leonino Chianti Classico First up was a Caprese salad—very [...]

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This varietal is often overlooked in the United States and what a shame because it is a beautiful expression of one of the better white wine grapes coming out of Italy these days. This wine is fermented 100% in stainless tanks where it spent 3 months in contact with the lees. It is bracing in [...]

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I have always enjoyed the wines from this producer and I keep going back to them especially if I have recently tasted homogenized versions of Italian varietals that make me gasp and wonder what the hell happened here. I have never even come close to that response with the many vintages and varieties I have [...]

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If you are looking to try something new, the white grape variety Grechetto from the Italian producer Arnaldo-Caprai is a good example of what this grape can produce. Primarily grown in central Italy, its generally blended with Trebbiano, Verdello and Malvasia but this producer prefers to forgo the blending and make a 100% Grechetto. What [...]

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The 2004 Castello Banfi Sant’Antimo Colvecchio Syrah is dark brick in color; aromas of black currant and clove with flavors of blackberry, plum and spice. It’s a full-bodied wine with nice tannins and structure with a long, dry, fruit forward finish. Overall, a beautifully well-structured big red that delivers a spectrum of unique flavors from [...]

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The 2003 Castello Banfi Excelsus is made of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot; deep dark ruby in color; wonderful floral nose of cherry and blackberry; palate showing a soft entry of ripe cassis and cherry fruit-forward flavors with a hint of spice; full-bodied and rich; beautiful mid-palette, lingering finish. Big tannins yet well proportioned [...]

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