La Spinetta (Rivetti) Terre di Pisa Il Nero di Casanova

ENGLISH: Nose: Damp leather and some wet, damp cellar, cranberries, subtle freshness like sage and some minerality Taste: Wet grasses, oak, cranberries, damp leather, very polished oak, tart raspberries Comment: Unfortunately much more interesting on the nose than in the mouth, exciting accents, in the mouth simply a very smooth fruit bomb with minimal spice and leather. Still great for those who want a fruit-focused Italian with their meal, with some minerality. ORIGINAL (GERMAN): Nose: Feuchtes Leder und feuchter Keller …

Herb on the nose and with some cherry. On day two a little bit tired out on the fruit but not too bad.

Tannins are still there, but more refined. This is basically Tuscany in a glass. Italian herbs, balsamico, quite nice on the nose. Great Sangiovese for the price.

New DOC and very costal. And calcium rich soils. Has the salted sage thing on the nose. And crisp and tart in a pure Sangiovese way. Andrew notes pine and balsamic. Works it out at $18 or so.

Really pleasant and outperforming Sangiovese. Beautiful nose strong on fresh cut grass, blackberry and cherry, raw wood. Palate had blackberry and cherry, spearmint, sweet spice. Pleasantly bright acidity. I did not find this particularly rustic. It had a more sophisticated tension than I expected. Check me off as a fan of the house style. Score: 90-91. Relative to expectations: ++

Ermitage

Nice rustic Sangiovese, chewy tannins which evens out with some air. Good wine for the price!

At Tastings in Indy. Soft berry nose, the palate has cherries and berries, hits of oak, acid. Nice and simple.

Relatively light and balanced. Hint of melon.

Too sour.

Great pizza pasta wine

Smells super pretty. And tastes linear and direct. That's good stuff. Joe says tomato leaf and herbal but I don't get that. I think its just super pretty.

Not as aromatic as I was told to expect, but loads of grit and structure. Solidly made from a good producer. 100% Sangiovese. Dark, brooding and ripe. Modern - ish style.

On day two still smelling amazing. On day two dried herb and still with fruit. Works it out at $18.

Touch of savory herb on the nose along with full bodied cherry. Andrew notes its really aromatic. Lots of tart cherry on the palate as well. That is drinking great. Great vintage for this wine.

Terre di Pisa! Never had this appellation. Medium nose shows light earth, dried red fruits, fresh herbal notes, pretty style. Palate is nicely expressive with restraint, mushroom, forest, dried raspberry, light spice. Fresh version of Chianti. Solid stuff.