How could one not sample wine named Il Bastardo and La Bastarda

Let's start with three quick housekeeping notes. 1. Hold your nose and vote for the scoundrel of your choice on Tuesday. 2. After reading the entire paper ads and all, go here to read a fun Snooth article on wine that compliments candy: http://www.snooth.com/articles/its-not-too-late-for-wine-and-candy-pairings/ I'm sure you still have some hanging around from Monday. We were really disappointed this year as so few children trick-or-treaters showed up. I guess folks have finally been so frightened by all the hobgoblin media warnings that they won't let their kids have fun anymore. 3. Go to sposatofamilyvineyards.com, view their schedule of events, and pay a visit to Nassau Valley Vineyards to sample their lovely wines. Support these local winos. They are doing a great job.

This is a tale of two bastards from Italy. How could one not sample wine named Il Bastardo and La Bastarda. The Sangiovese pictures a large guy in a suit, riding a Vespa; the Pinot Grigio a pinup model, circa 1950. Don't gasp, she's wearing a bathing suit. Paolo Masi, the third generation winemaker, at Renzo Masi Winery, is the Bastardo fortunato in charge. I love their motto. "Big enough to be broad minded; small enough to care about details." Both are modestly priced and are very food friendly. Il Bastardo is 100 percent Sangiovese and can be found priced under $90/case. A nice little entry level pizza, pasta, burger and fava bean wine for the barbarians and little "wine thievin’ bastards" who dwell in your cellar. La Bastarda Pinot Grigio made a brilliant label change in my opinion. Formerly they had the same large Vespa rider in ballerina slippers, a tutu and a jacket and tie. A bit much for me. You can find these priced under $95/case. They were recommended with eggplant caponata. You regulars know I love eggplant. I whipped up some caponata. They were complimentary.

Les Dauphins, Cotes du Rhone Reserve Rouge, 2014 from the Southern Rhone Valley is a red wine to enjoy now. They are ruby red with nice fruit forward bouquet of black currant and spice. Good structure with fruit and more spice flavors, soft, integrated tannin and acidity cleans up a medium finish, with some herbal undertones; 86 points; buy under $95. I found the 2015 to be a better wine and rate it 87 plus one price point. if you buy them under $120/case, pay up for the 2015.

If you want to up your ante on Chianti, take a look around for Fattoria Rodano, Chianti Classico, 2011 or 12. These are one of the highest rated Sangiovese that are in the $17 price category, at 90 points. Wonderfully typical cherry and strawberry aromas. On the palate more cherries and earth notes. These are juicy with fine tannins, good structure and a long juicy finish; 11 ready now; 2012 ready next year. Vina Almaviva is a collaboration between Concha y Toro and Ch. Mouton that began in the ‘90s. These are Bordeaux blends that recently have come on the market around $100 and in most vintages have added a great deal of value after adequate cellaring. The 2010 released in 2012 came in at $99 now selling for $153. A better buy is the 2013. Following the outrageous fluff over the 2009, 2010 and 11. One of my gurus, Jancis Robinson, an expert on Bordeaux style, wrote them at 18/20 and Suckling said 97 points. Parker 94. They came in at $147, held until the hoo-ha dropped off, then slid to $99. Best of all there are half bottles out there. Buy one of those and if you like it bargain for a case of fulls. These will be wonderful by 2020 and cellar for 20 more years. I think you could buy a case at about $96/bottle.