Tried these two new arrivals last night:
1. Matthiasson RibollaGialla BengierVnyd/NapaVlly (12.5%) Napa 2020: Pale yellow color; light herbal/spicy/bit peppery/RG very slight chalky rather pleasant nose; fairly tart/tangy slight steely/metallic bit rich/lush pleasant spicy/herbal/peppery/RG slight chalky bit simple flavor; med.long bit tart/tangy rather quiet/light some herbal/spicy/peppery/RG light chalky finish; a pleasant enough wine that speaks of RG with a whisper; not the minerality & interest of a Friuli RG; on the light/simple side but is likely to put on weight and develop into a more interesting RG w/ time. $44.00
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2. Matthiasson Refosco MatthiassonVnyd/NapaVlly (11.5%) 2020: Med.dark color; strong black cherry/blackberry/Refosco/bit plummy/licorice light pencilly/oak slight herbal/earthy fairly attractive Refosco nose; lightly tart slight metallic/tangy fairly strong Refosco/black herry/blackberry/bit licorice light pencilly/oak some lush slight herbal/dusty bit complex flavor w/ light tangy/metallic/drying tannins; very long bit tart/tangy fairly strong Refosco/black cherry/blackberry/slightly spicy light pencilly/oak finish w/ light tangy/bitey tannins;a rather pleasant Refosco w/ ample flavor for 11.5% but would like a bit more extract & intensity; needs some age & will likely put on weight. $54.00
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A wee BloodyPulpit:
1. I liked both of these Friulian varietals. They were varietally correct, lacked the minerality of Friulian examples, and would have liked a bit more impact. They were fresh off the boat & I suspect they will develop more interest w/ some age.
Tom