TN: Pinots, Noir and Grigio

With vegetarian tacos (guacamole, cheese, lettuce, tomato, salsa, etc.) the 2002 Ca Montini "L'Aristocratico" Pinot Grigio (Veneto). Hey, really unusual bottle. Kind of pyramid shaped. This is a gift from a friend. But what's IN the bottle? Let's see. Hmm, first impression is decent green apple fruit with a citrus (lemon-orange) twist, but the finish in on the short side. There is good crisp acidity and just a hint of mineral, but as I sip more it seems that there's a bit of dilution there. I know 2002 wasn't the easiest vintage in many parts of Italy, unsure re Veneto. This is ok, no more. B-

Last night we had one of those odd 21st century combined family dinner. Our guests were David's dad Joey (aka Betsy's ex), his wife, and David's 2 half-brothers, plus David's paternal grandmother. The little boys were remarkably good in English, and enthralled with Lucy the Bbuttet. Betsy made pasta with a mint-mushroom sauce, along with garlic bread and salad. David's grandmother Kikue brought some Hawaiian ribs. The wine was the 2001 Vincent Girardin "Cuvee St. Vincent" Bourgogne rouge. Good concentration, rather new-world styled. Lots of oak on the nose, a little less obtrusive on the palate. Ripe black cherry fruit, good acidity, nice finish. The oak kept me from being thrilled with this wine, but really a pretty good deal in $14 pinot. B-B+

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency Dale

Dale Williams Drop "damnspam" to reply