All of the reds are vintage 2000
Sassoalloro (Jacopo Biondi Santi)
This Sangiovese based wine smelled old world to me, with leather and tobacco, nice berry notes. It still carries structure and good mouth feel and I expect it would age easily a few more years.
Guado al Tasso (Antinori)
This screams new world style (but I liked it anyway
), with a very fruit forward cherry and berry nose, with hints of vanilla bean and coffee. Well balanced, I would not keep it much longer as it was terrific, but is easing towards a softness that might diminish the power of the wine. Tommasi Viticoltori Amarone
This did not carry classic raisin aromas but some nice plum and spice on the nose. It is dark and full bodied as you would expect, and has lots of life left. It was a bit much for the pizza but great with the roasted veg and mild sausage.
Paired with Stacy's spectacular home-made pizza and my soft polenta with roasted Italian sausage, peppers, sweet onion and eggplant.
For dessert a terrific 1988 Boscarelli Famille which has very limited release and was a lovely treat. It smelled strongly of hazelnuts and in the mouth was as rich as a nut pie. It had a hint of maple and more walnuts than hazelnuts in the mouth. Dark gold in colour and viscous as syrup it had just enough acidity. Nice with my home made gelato!