90
points
F Principiano 1997 Sant'Anna Dolcetto (Dolcetto d'Alba)
-
$17
Complex and expansive aromas. The dense nose offers black cherries, violets, roses, coffee, prunes and spice. Rich and ripe flavors of cherry and licorice, with a pleasing, full mouthfeel. The flavors carry over on to the long finish, which has some tannins to shed.
— W.E.
(4/1/2000)
87
points
F Principiano 1996 La Romualda Barbera (Barbera d'Alba)
-
$36
Spicy and herbal upfront, with lots of toasted, almost burnt flavors of oak and coffee. The fruit shows up in a tart, chocolaty way, and the finish is long, if a bit disjointed. Overall, the fruit is overshadowed by the charred wood, or it would be even better.
— W.E.
(4/1/2000)