Cantine Matrone Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso

I really wanted to like this wine but just couldn’t unfortunately. Nose is very Smokey - more like a campfire vs ashtray, but the smokiness is dense and crowds out the fruit (though there is some plum, cassis, and black cherry). Palate is a bit odd. There is touch of carbonation when you sip - I noticed there were a few bubbles when the wine sat in the glass, but didn’t think much of it. Unfortunately the carbonation lends a …

Store Pick 'em Blind Tasting (Grapes & Grains, Temecula, CA) : Tasted blind. No guess taken. Blend of 90% Piedirosso and 10% Aglianico. Opened two bottles, both flawed with Brett spoilage. The first bottle showed musty, dirty diaper on the nose and excessive effervescence on the palate. The second bottle was very similar to the first on the nose but no real palate. Foul!