91
points
Marega 1994 Holbar Red (Friuli Venezia Giulia)
-
$20
Unusual and elegant, this red from northeastern Italy is mostly Merlot, blended with Cabernet Franc and a small amount of Gamay. The complex plum, ripe berry, herb and cedar notes of the noseopen to a medium-weight palate of dry cherry and earth flavors. It's quite alive and graceful at six years, and closes handsomely with even tannins on the finish.
— W.E.
(4/1/2001)
90
points
Marega 2003 Holbar Bianco White (Friuli)
Here’s an intense, slightly oxidized, 80-20 blend of Riesling and Chard that is redolent of apple, pear, pine nut, resin and maple syrup. The wine has loads of personality and complexity and is very unique in a non-commercial way. The word Holbar refers to the acacia wood casks used to age the wine.
— M.L.
(7/1/2008)
89
points
Marega 1995 Holbar White (Friuli Venezia Giulia)
-
$20
This Riesling-Chardonnay blend is named after and aged in Holbars, traditional acacia-wood casks. Nut, spice, lychee, honey and black pepper elements all vie for attention in the intense bouquet. Dry, very ripe melon, orange honey and spice flavors derive from the late-picked (but not late harvest designated) fruit, and (presumably) the acacia. This distinctive…
— W.E.
(4/1/2001)
87
points
Marega 1998 Holbar Red (Friuli Venezia Giulia)
-
$25
At 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet and 5% Gamay (of all things), this is clearly not your average Italian red wine. It’s got some raisin, spiced cherry and oak aromas, which are followed by baked apple and cinnamon flavors. It’s dry and woody, with developed but integrated tannins. Multifaceted and different, and definitely not New World in style. A bit too stretched and…
— M.S.
(12/15/2003)