WTN: Vrucara

Feudo Montoni, Sicilia IGT, Nero d'Avola, 'Vrucara', 2004
After having had this sit around for several years, I thought it ready to go, and ready it was. Bright darkish crimson colored. Meat-filled fried pirozhki aromas with a vague herbal subtext, like beef stewed in fresh oregano leaves. Sweet-tart red fruits, hawthorn, salted Chinese plums. This has a weird sensation of having a flat finish despite goodish acidity, clamping tannins and minerals. Interesting. This has the weight and feel like a middle-weight Northern Rhone syrah, but with a different feel to the minerality on the end. Wonder how this ages from here on out? 13% A-

[Jenise]

Weight and feel of a Northern Rhone? Jeepers, that's a whole different animal than any Nero d'Avola I've ever had. So far, not a fan of the grape.

I used to have a pretty low opinion of NdA, thinking most either overglossy/overripe/placeless or overly rustic, but the Vrucara is quite different- high altitude vineyards, old vines, obvious care. It's my favorite NdA (actually I only can think of 2 bottlings I've really liked- the Vrucara (2004 and 2005) and the regular Montoni.

[Jenise]

I used to have a pretty low opinion of NdA, thinking most either overglossy/overripe/placeless or overly rustic, but the Vrucara is quite different- high altitude vineyards, old vines, obvious care. It's my favorite NdA (actually I only can think of 2 bottlings I've really liked- the Vrucara (2004 and 2005) and the regular Montoni.

I'll keep an eye out for it, then. Love to have my mind changed, even if it's by an exception and not the rule.