Darren Dittrich

9.4

Delicious light red, chilled. Almost a Rosé… bright cherry flavors, high acid, yummy. Reminds me of Grignolino, but more accessible. — 3 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.0

Monster Barbaresco, perhaps with heavy oak aging influence (?).... but after 8 years, becoming more integrated. A crowd favorite, due to some ripeness and rich red fruit and leather notes... this is not your feminine subtle Barbaresco. — 23 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.1

From the lower part of the Lazzarito, a traditionally-produced Barolo from an under-the-radar winemaker. The ‘14 could appreciate 5-10 more years in bottle, but I’m impatient. Big leather and anise, with some herbal notes.... almost a “meaty” wine, but the florals come to dominate after some air. Should be perfect with your rich N. Italia foods. Looking forward to visiting this winery on our next Piemonte trip. — a month ago

Darren Dittrich

9.4

Lovely, complex, strawberry-rhubarb richer-style rosé from 55+ year old Montepulciano vines in Abruzzo. High acid, tannins (even from just 20 minute maceration), and big fruit make this a great food pairing wine. For us, it was Sicilian-style seafood risotto; a lighter white may have wilted. Tavel fans will find a new home here. — 4 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.2

Lovely dark cherry monster. Needs lots of air. 15% ABV, but balancing acid. Could be amazing with some bottle age. — 25 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.0

Lovely light melon notes, with balancing lemon pith. This is a slightly richer white grape than the other neighborhood white (Arneis), with no trailing bitter notes, but still not “tropical” in my book. It’s just good stuff, minimal oak, easy-drinking. Eataly Dallas — a month ago

Darren Dittrich

9.1

Solid Barbaresco from a great producer. — a month ago

Darren Dittrich

8.9

Better with air…some oak components. Decent but perhaps not worth the money. — 9 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.3

Saturated dark-cherry notes, reminiscent of a ripe Burgundy vintage (2015?), Tannins are there, though... but balanced for me. Color on this Langhe is darker than most. Another great Conterno effort. — 22 days ago

Darren Dittrich

8.0

Lovely small organic producer (thanks, Anna!) The 2015 vintage is a bit softer, as you would expect, but has some green leaf notes that most would not expect from Barbaresco. After some air, many of the normal Nebbiolo notes begin to be noticeable... but this is a bit of a one-note Barbaresco currently. I look forward to what this family can do in the future. Sadly, on a follow up pouring, I can identify the problem: this wine is corked. Not in a big way, just enough to flatten out any flavor. — a month ago