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| ~ Her family wines are as charming as she ~ |
Cristina Oddero’s family has a long, proud tradition in the Langhe and that tradition of excellence extends to the Oddero wines we’ve reported on here at Tuscan Vines.
The trio of wines below were tasted in various settings – two of which were during a Chef’s tasting menu. One “By the Glass” and the other decanted by the Sommelier and removed from our table. Thus, no photos. However, below are brief impressions from memory. Oddero is on a roll right now.
2009 Oddero Nebbiolo d’Alba: A generous pour by the glass. This rustic looking red displays a deep ruby color with some brick highlights. Generous aromas of cherry, fennel and spices are discernible. In the mouth the wine is classy and well balanced. It retains that air of rusticity but manages not to lose that elegance. Medium bodied with only moderate tannins, the wine has ample cherry fruit, slight olive and earth on the finish. Overall, very nice. The Sommelier told me they decant the wine before serving it by the glass. Paired very well with the Chef’s offbeat “high brow” take of “Ramen Noodles”. Killer dish. 88 points, about $20 retail.
2009 Oddero Barolo “Villero”: Deeper ruby in the glass; brighter with some violet reflections. The aromas are slightly reticent at first. This was served in a large, wide based decanter. Ripe, full bodied flavors of wild cherry, tobacco and tea leaf are persistent. This is tannic and will clearly benefit from some time in the cellar. The pan roasted squab that accompanied this bottle was a great pairing. 92 points, about $50-$60 retail.
2010 Barbera d’Alba: I tried this wine last May and was very pleased, so when I saw more recently, I grabbed some. This time, it drank very differently and I’m not sure why. This Barbera is a dark violet in the glass. Aromas are faint, but aggressive “swirlitude” brings forth notes of cherries, leather and herbs. In the mouth, the wine is light to medium bodied, with barely midweight to the fruit and a seeming lack of vibrancy. The wine doesn’t seem flawed, but it’s much less exuberant than my earlier tasting. 84 points, about $15.
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| ~ A slight misstep or bottle variation? ~ |
Salute!
March 14, 2014
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