It's only wine but I like it

Lealtanza Reserva 2005, Doca Rioja

What a revelation, a Rioja that isn't like touring a saw-cutting mill. So much going on here: red cherry fruit, herbs, earth, perfectly judged oak and super length. While exceedingly enjoyable now, this could stand another couple of years on the bottle and should keep through the end of the decade, Excellent. Tasted August 2012.

Lionello Marchesi Coldisole Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, Docg

A very good BdM that is neither traditional or modern, embracing both worlds. Certainly, vermouth-y flavours, dried cherry fruit and oxidative notes are more traditional Brunello. Yet, there is a significant dose of vanilla from the ageing in small oak barrels. While not up with the superior (and ore expensive) reds of the region, this mis-mash of styles works. Tannin seems quite mellow. I'd say that there is no benefit in ageing further, this seems to be at or near its peak. Tasted Feb 2017.

Alvaro Castro Red 2008, Doc Dão

Medium bodied, with ripe red fruit, along with notes of smoke and spice. I actually found the wine a bit lacking in the middle palate and the finish is only good. It's a good wine for sure, and fairly priced, just not 90+ to my taste. Drinking now or can hold a few years. Tasted July 2012.

Pinino Brunello Di Montalcino 2006, Docg

Fully mature in my view, with notes of dried sour cherries, leather, and cedar. Still some tannin which in no way detracts from the enjoyment of the wine. Long finish with the acidity one would expect from Sangiovese. Old school Brunello for sure, thank heavens! Fine stuff indeed. Drink now or over the next couple or three years i should think. Tasted August 2014.

Domaine De La Côte De L'ange Châteauneuf Du Pape 2010, Ac

I must confess that I often find Chateauneuf de Papes a little underwhelming, often overly alcoholic and over ripe. This '10 CdP, though, despite the hefty 15.5% alcohol, has good balance. Yes, plenty of ripeness, but not over the top and just a bit of heat on the finish. I appreciate the concentrated dark fruit, supported by herbs and spice and a solid structure. Seems to be in a really nice place now, but no rush at all, this should keep at least another few years. Wish all moderately priced CdP's were this good. Tasted March 2017.

Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2005

As JS notes, quite mature aromas, with notes of dried fruit, earth and forest. Tasting it reveals a much younger wine, full of red fruits, fine acidity and some still firm tannin. I'll disagree with Mr Szabo and Mr Lawrason, I think this wine will not only will age well, but needs another couple of years to reach its peak. This is a lovely, authetic Brunello, but do decant if drinking now. At $40, this is quite reasonably priced by Brunello standards. Tasted Oct 2012.

Giacosa Basarin Vigna Gianmaté Barbaresco 2007, Docg

I believe this producer (Giacosa Fratelli) is completely separate from famed Bruno Giacosa (no obvious relationship I could find). This Barbaresco is modern leaning, with its ageing in small oak barrels (noted in the sheen of vanilla), yet tries to maintain the character of nebbiolo. For the most part, this merging of styles is a success. The oak, while noted, is not obtrusive and the red fruit and perfumed floral elements shine through. Noted (but pleasant) acidity and firm tannin on the finish. Drinking now, but no rush, this should keep. Nicely done. Tasted Dec 31,2015.

Vieil Armand Médaille Gewurztraminer 2010, Ac Alsace

Golden yellow in colour, and viscous when swirled in the glass. Very fragrant, with notes of spring flowers and spices. On the palate, intense notes of sweet apricots, oranges and spices. Quite a bit of residual sweetness, though not quite to late harvest status. To my taste, this calls to my Riesling as much as it does Gewurz. Whatever, an excellent white for near term drinking. Tasted Dec 2012.

Socré Barbaresco 2008, Docg

Re-tasted July 2017.
A further (nearly) 4 years of ageing has softened this wine, but still enough structure to hold a bit more. Taking on some more interesting nuances (dried fruit, faded roses). Really interesting mature Barbaresco. Upped score a point to 91.

A slightly more approachable Barbaresco than the norm. Nicely fragant. this is a medium-bodied red, with red fruit, firm (but not astringent) tannin and a long finish with a hint of pleasant tartness. Nice to drink now, but I think another year or two would benefit this wine. Should hold through 2020. Tasted Sept 2013

La Pieve Barolo 2008, Docg

To my taste, this Barolo is a bit modern leaning, with noted flavours of sweet oak amidst the red fruit (sour cherries, cranberry). Luckily, the oak does not overwhelm the character of the nebbiolo. Tannin is softening, making this wine quite enjoyable to drink now or to hold another 3-5 years. $28.95 on release was decent value (subsequently reduced to a stellar $21.25). Tasted OCt 2014.