notes/impressions from a taste of italy

[newsguy]

lisa: i've found the ruffino ducal bottlings (especially the tan label) to generally be disappointing. ruffino is a known name out there to the average wine consumer, and i think people go with a name that they know and are willing to pay for that "comfort." i've come across several chiantis that deliver more and cost less than the ruffino ducals. that said, i think the gold label is a pretty darn tasty wine. and in a great vintage like 97, even the tan label rocked. i am holding onto one 97 gold label (was a gift) and plan to drink sometime this year. i'd guess its ready to go. and i just really got into wine a little over four years ago. you have a lot of fun ahead learning what you like. and this board can help A LOT.

drew: i can't afford most of them, either. not that i would buy most of them even if i could. i'd rather drop the big bucks on a cali cab or even an aussie shiraz. for me, much more bang for the buck. but if i ever were going to drop $100 on an italian wine, that 97 Casanova di Neri Cerretalto Brunello di Montalcino might be the one. wow!

and the rest of youse guys: thanks. and it was my pleasure taking the notes [img]http://wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img], but a real bear typing them all in.

[This message has been edited by newsguy (edited 02-20-2004).]