2016 was a terrific year in Tuscany for some

I’ve examined several wines this week, so let’s jump right in. Black Stallion Napa Cab, produced at Delicato Family Vineyards in Oak Knoll subregion of Napa: 2015 89 McD, 2016 91 McD and 2017 90 McD are good buys under $30. The 2018 missed my 87-point target. I was surprised because they source grapes or juice from many terroirs, providing winemaker Ralf Holdenried and his team the opportunity to blend to his palate each vintage. They have been a consistent 90 or better since I started following them in 2009, with the exception of an 87 in 2012 These folks are best known for a red blend named Bucephalus (Alexander the great’s horse) 2015, 97 McD $170, which just entered its window and good thru 2040.The Barrel Reserve Cab 2015, 94 McD, under $130 is lovely. Look for a bouquet of blackberry jam and pie spices On the palate black currant, toffee and more pie spice. Color, fruit, acidity and plenty of tannic grip says “I’ll keep at least 20 years.”

 2016 was a terrific year in Tuscany for some, and not so good for others. Cool, damp spring and wet summer made things difficult, Massimo Ferragamo of Castiglion del Bosco delivered a beautiful 95-point McD Brunello di Montalcino 2016, most recent release, for around $55. Ready next year. The 2015, 93 McD, can be found under $50, ready now. If you enjoy BdiM and can afford a case, I’m guessing you could get a decent discount on six of each. The 2016 shows raspberry, lavender, violet and faint anise aromas. Great structure supports black cherry, plum and spice flavors with a mineral acidity and fine tannins. I think I detected some black tea and orange zest in the finish. The 2015 notes read “Tobacco, leather, violet and pie spice aromas palate shows dried cherry, licorice and ground clove, round, full supported by fine-grained tannins and proper acidity. These notes are more cryptic, but I translated for your ease of reading. Actually read: 10,9,10,9,9,9,9,10,8,10 10 tob,le,vi,ps-dr ch lc, g cl balanced fine. Nowadays I talk to my hand. At a tasting in New Jersey, one of my kiddies poked me in the ribs and said, “You look like a mook. Use your phone” And I asked “Please show me how.” I had just learned it wasn’t you-ber. ” Folks, if the price seems a bit steep, keep in mind, wine like these are properly aged in an appropriate environment for about five years before hitting the market. I’m guessing the usurers are grabbing at least 6 percent or more, for the cash this requires, and the ever-friendly electric company cooling those “caves” are probably as avaricious as ours

Will Rogers at Donna White PR sent me a piece with some very valuable advice on pairing. Although I have written of some of these in the past, I thought, with the holidays imminent the ideas were worth repeating. “What grows together, goes together.” His example was an Italian meal. For antipasti, Prosecco to compliment the sweet, salty cheese flavors.  A Primo, first course, Pinot Grigio, usually pasta or risotto. Baron Montalto, Sicily is $11. 2019 was hot in Sicily and their dry PG is excellent. Il Secondo, second, Barbaresco. This is usually chicken or fish and many Barbaresco will support either. Finally Dolce, dessert, recommends Asti Spumante with this a good note. “Tiramisu and its chocolate and coffee will overpower the fruit of many other dessert wines.” Dell’ Acquesi Asti, DOCG,NV, McD 92, around $15 is a top value. Pale yellow color, lovely perlage. Aromas of honey, peach and a touch of citrus. The flavors repeat the nose. This is quite sweet and goes well with pastries and cream. White Santo di Montepulciano Passito; (made of desiccated grapes, process is named appassimento in Italian) Recioto di Soave; Torcolato types and Brachetto d’Acqui Sparkling are also fine choices. Visciolato, high class tart cherry kool aid and Montefalco Sangrantino Passito are red dessert wine for the Tiramisu. I enjoyed the format from Will and may do another ethnic holiday run down in the future. Is the saying, “We drink no wine before it’s or its time’ or both?