Time to get these up here before the onslaught of New Year's revelries.

Firriato, Sicilia, "Santagostino" Baglio Soria, 2000
(a 50-50 blend of Nero d'Avola & Syrah)
Petite sirah colored black-red. Black fruits with clove on the nose, this
has tons of blueberry juice, pomegranites, along with spices, with a tautness
on the finish that gives a leather-cedar dimension to the fruit on the
finish. Sweet with low acidity, this is very internationally styled but
oh-so-good. Excellent and yummy and worth the $20US pricetag, something that
can't be said for many of the wines I've had this past year. A- / 90

Donnafugata, Sicilia, "Anthilia", 2002
(blend of Ansonica & Catarratto)
A Sicilian white. Some lightish sweet, floral, green peppercorn, and
herbal aromas. Finding grassy herbs and some light lemon-lime flavors to this,
but otherwise nondescript. At least there is acid to balance this out, but
still maintains a dull metallic quality on the finish that I find in some
Southern Rhone grenache blanc blends. Okay if you can get this for $8-10,
but not worth the $15 price. B / 85

Mauro Veglio, Barbera d'Alba, "Cascina Nuova", 1998
Deeply colored new style barbera, smooth briary and black fruits, black
cherry-cola spice with appreciable oak that does integrate well into the
wine, perhaps due to the good acidity in this. Could age a few more years.
This becomes a little hot with airing andafter warming up. 14.5% alcohol.
B+ / 88

Happy New Year to all!


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