Assertively oaky on the nose, with strong aromas of charred wood and cedar. But there’s sufficient fruit to back it up, lending tart cherries and a lingering finish to the harmonious, medium-weight whole.
— J.C.
(11/15/2004)
A brilliant semisparkler with persistent bubbles, lush grassy notes, citrus, kiwi, lavender, honey and peach. You can really taste the Moscato grape in the glass. The wine also delivers sweet lime pie, cream and a medium finish. Tenute dei Vallarino is part of Fratelli Gancia, one of the grandfather companies of Italian sparkling wines. Imported by Cannon Wines Limited.
— M.L.
(12/15/2005)
A step above your basic Barbera d’Asti, this interpretation of the Piedmont indigenous grape offers extra layers of complexity in the form of spice and tobacco notes that sit firmly behind a massive bouquet of fresh fruit. The wine is crisp, polished with good density on the finish.
— M.L.
(9/1/2010)
There are fresh, almost raw, berry notes here followed by sophisticated tones of pipe tobacco and exotic spice. The wine is chewy and fresh and there’s a touch of bitter fruit and almond on the finish.
— M.L.
(9/1/2010)
Smells like vanilla extract alongside liquid smoke, yet has enough fruit to get by. Flavors of tobacco and cedar are wrapped around a bright core of lemony acids.
— J.C.
(11/15/2004)
This microproduction (275 cases) blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Barbera, 10% Nebbiolo and 5% Merlot is lean and lemony at its core, surrounded by a thick blanket of cedar, cinnamon and coffee flavors.
— J.C.
(11/15/2004)