Long a flogger of French varietals, I figured exploring some Italian varietals, of which there are many, was long overdue. Tuscany well deserves some attention, and I think is pretty misunderstood. The food was kept rustic: game stew. Imo, there were 2 lovely wines, and two boring wines.

THE WINES
A: 2004 Talenti Pian di Conte Brunello di Montalcino, WA93, $65
Nice fruit, wood, clearly lovely, heavy on the strawberry jam. Anise and oak, dense and supple on the palate. 91-92.

2006 Tenuta del’Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove, WA94, $63
Metallic, blueberry, licorice, dill, cinnamon stick, green pepper on the nose. The palate showed cirtus, spice, pomegranate, with mouth coating tannins and a hefty acidity. Paired best with the food. 94+

2006 Monte Antico Toscana WS90, $17
Tight, a little stink, petrochemicaly, some dust. Tannic, acid on back end, with a blech finish. Way not a fan, very disappointed, and WAY don’t agree with the Wine Spectator score. 79

‘I forgot the vintage, but it doesn’t matter’ TorrediPisa
Wet fall slough, over and over, pennies, raisin. Generic and average on the palate, just squeaking into ‘good’ territory. This wine wins the ‘tackiest and most unnecessary packaging ever’ award. It’s lucky it was a blind tasting. 82