With a couple of vegetarian kids as houseguests for a couple of
nights, Betsy decided to go with a pasta dish last night- an eggplant/
tomato sauce recipe by Giuliano Hazan as reinterpretted by Robin Garr.
Recipe seemed more Southern Italian to me, so thought it was a good
time for the
2004 Feudo Montoni Nero d’Avola. I like Montoni because it doesn't
seem as "international" as many NdA, without apparent wood and with
good acidity for the south. Black and red cherries, a hint of cocoa, a
little flinty note. Gets more floral with time. Not especially
complex, but quite satisfying. About $13. Will get more. B+

Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent
wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't
drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no
promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.