By: AJ McClellan
I was introduced to La Spinetta early in 2009 and since then I have been impressed every time I have tried their wines. We had Tamer Harpke, the regional sales manager for Indigenous Imports, and with him a lineup of great Italian wines.
2009 La Spinetta Vermintino – Mello melon with light floral notes and a easy going acidity. A pleasant minerality and nice long finish.
2008 Rocca del Principe Fiano di Avellino – Little funk on the nose with white summer flowers and a lemon zest. There is a note of ocean spray on the finish with a nice minerality. The palate is very pleasant with tropical fruits and well balanced acidity.
NV Bianca Vigna Prosecco Brut – Daffodil on the nose with subtle spice and a hint of star fruit. The palate was nice and creamy with a mild effervescence.
2007 La Spinetta Ca di Pian Barbera d’ Asti – Sour cherry on the nose with some forest floor funk and light hints of chocolate. The palate was very nice with excellent balance and length.
2007 La Spinetta Langhe Nebbiolo – Sweet plum and dark chocolate with black cherries and subtle sandal wood. The palate shows great fruit with chocolate block and pleasant earth. Hints of mushroom and roasted blueberry with great earth on the finish.
2007 La Spinetta Pin – An interesting blend of 65% Nebbiolo and 35% Barbera. The nose is very fresh with ripe blue fruit and blooming floral notes. Almost Gamay like with its freshness and bright fruit but a great depth and acidity that makes this a very complete wine. Almost candy like finish.
2007 Rocca del Principe Taurasi – 100% Aglianico, and boy this is a block buster. The nose shows cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice, mushrooms, plums, lavender, and old gym sock. The palate is massive with tight tannins and a background of Italy funk. This bottle has the stuffings to go for another 20 years easily.
2003 Coclto Barbaresco Baluchin Riserva – The nose blossoms with roses and red cherries followed by old leather and cedar notes. There is a distinct wood spice floating in the background. The palate shows big tannins but with the surprisingly light mouth feel that Nebbiolo will give you. Very nice bottle of wine…
2010 La Spinetta Bricco Quaglia Moscato d’Asti – I love Moscato d’Asti! A fresh clean nose of tropical fruits with sweet summer flowers and overripe melons. The palate was refreshing and clean with a hint of sweetness.