2011 Montalbera, Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG “Laccento” Piedmonte, Italy.
The rare and beautiful Ruche grape produces one of the most perfumed red wines in the world, and the Montalbera is especially aromatic with layers of flowers and incense leading to a medium bodied palate of cherry, strawberry and bitter dark chocolate with hints of anise, pepper and candied fruits. The nose is like bathing in rose oil while rose petals shower you like the poster from American Beauty while a touch of mineral and truffle play in the background. This sexy wine shines in this vintage with heightened acidity that gives focus and detail to this joyous red that is one of Piedmonte’s rarest wines. Montalbera continues to make one of the finest examples of Ruche and this is the third vintage in a row to impress me with it’s delights and quality.
($24 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
Avail at www.sfwtc.com ($19.95)