Three good ones from Roberto

[joeyz6]

As promised, here are some notes on the wines that Roberto has sent me as part of my Italian wine course:

1999 Elena Welch Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva
Beautiful dark mahogany color, a smoky aroma, like smoked or grilled meat but also like burning rubber or white-out. Juicy, round, dark fruit with something interesting mid-palate, like licorice. Long, dry finish with a bit of bitterness. Medium-plus body with smooth tannins.

1999 Granato Pomodori (DOC Teroldego Rotaliano)
Unusual, exotic nose, with black truffle and cheesy notes. A bit earthy and smoky as well. Some deep fruit behind that, and spice: nutmeg, cinnamon. Maybe some chocolate too. Medium body, not much tannin, very nice mouthfeel. Mineral notes, along with dried cherry and chocolate on the tongue.

2000 Pichieri Primitivo di Manduria
A very dark red, a bit cloudy, lively red fruit and apricot aroma along with mushroom and herbs. Bright berry fruit on the tongue, jammy and jazzy, adequate acid, a balancing aftertaste of Earth. Soft, full tannins and quite full-bodied (16% alcohol). Interestingly rustic, and bold at the same time.