Tried these three over the weekend:
1. Yura Ad'OC: Jurancon Sec (12.5%; 60% GrosManseng/40% PetitManseng; GrapeExpectations/Richmond/CA) LesVignerons de Yura 2023: Pale gold color; fairly stony/chalky lightly floral/dandelions some mineral bit rustic pleasant nose; very tart/tangy/acidic some metallic quite stony/chalky light floral/dandelions bit zinnias/herbal some savory/briney/austere flavor; long very tart/acidic finish that mimics flavor; a quite savory/stony what that needs food but not much pleasant on its own. $20.00 (SFW&S)
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2. St.Giorgio Vino Liquoroso SantoVino (16%; SarantyImports/Stamford/CT) CastellaniFamily/Pontedera NV : PaleDeep gold color; lightly earthy some alcoholic very ripe/grapy/bit raisened/passito slight resinous bit orangey/herbal bit dusty bit raisened somewhat honeyed classic passito nose; soft bit herbal/earthy/orangey/honeyed quite sweet bit alcoholic quite passito flavor; very long/lingering quite sweet/honeyed finish that mocks flavor; a rather ordinary passito but not very interesting dessert wine. $19.00/500ml (TW)
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3. G.D.Vajra Barbera/Freisa DOC: Piemonte (13.5%; 55% Barbera/45% Freisa; Vajara/USA/Manhassett/NY) G.D.Vajara/Barolo 2023: Very dark color; very strong Barbera/spicy/Italian herbs rather fragrant/floral/strawberry/Freisa lovely complex nose; quite tart/tangy very strong/Barbera/spicy/Italian sausage bit earthy classic Vajra/lush some floral/strawberry/perfumed very rich/lush/structured flavor w/ ample chewey tannins; ; very long/lingering structured finish that mimics flavor; a beautiful example of a very spicy Barbera w/ structure & perfume from the Freisa; a beautiful Vajra red at a very good price; can use 3-7 yrs of age; the Freisa gives the Barbera more of a high-toned character; aanother great wine from Vajra. $29.00 (KK)
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More fistlefart from TheBloodyPulpit:
1. I was bottom-feeding at Total Wines on Sat. I will occasionally find a good dessert wine at TW at a very fair price. Such was not the case here w/ the St.Giorgio. This appears to be a Sicilian or Tuscan Vin Santo. Doesn't have much going for it other than the sweetness. Not a very exciting example of a passito.
Vajra: I'd never done/did seen a Barbera/Freisa blend from this producer or any in Piemonte. Co-fermented for 30 days in SS & barrel aged. This is a serious/ageable red at a very fair price. I was mightly impressed.
Tom