Questions on The Steading and a Dolcetto

Had a couple of bottles given to me recently and have a couple of questions for the board.

One is Torbreck The Steading 2005. My only experience with Torbreck wines has been the Woodcutter series. Am wondering if this wine needs more time or if I could drink it now.

The second is a bottle of Azienda Agricola Pecchenino Dogliani DOCG Sirì d'Jermu 2005 Dolcetto. I have no experience with this producer and very limited experience with Dolcetto. Any guidance on food matchings or drinking windows would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[David M. Bueker]

I am hardly objective (not an Aussie fan), but I find Torbreck wines better when released then at any time thereafter.

... Azienda Agricola Pecchenino Dogliani DOCG Sirì d'Jermu 2005 Dolcetto. I have no experience with this producer and very limited experience with Dolcetto. Any guidance on food matchings or drinking windows would be appreciated.

Bruce, i wrote a review of a Dogliani dolcetto within the last 6 months. Not sure if it was the Siru (I think so, but they make 3-4 different bottlings). Most dolcetto are simple affairs, and this was no exception, but it seemed to have sufficient stuffing to go 3-4 years from release. You don't want to cellar this grape beyond 5-6 years, and for only the best examples. Pair it as a pizza/pasta red. Simple fruit, lowish acid make for a wine you don't think about. Although some people say dolcetto is the 'Beaujolais of Italy', I'd rather call it the Baco Noir of the piedmont, or a lighter, purply, less acid version of barbera. Hope this helps.

many dolcetto that are exported are pretty serious stuff- often tannic and not ready. hard to tell till you get the thing open.

Not the greatest fan of The Steading (or indeed their "Juveniles" blend). I found it soupy and unstructured (unlike Torbreck's more pricey labels which are tighter and more interesting yet still very big). I wouldn't wait too long, but that's from someone who isn't a fan. FWIW aussie critic Jeremy Oliver suggests 2010-2013+.

regards

Ian