2015 Cantina Terlano Pinot Bianco Vorberg Riserva

 In a beautiful spot with aeration and years of evolution ahead.  Elegant fruit up front gives way to signature spiciness and backbone of minerality that is, IMO, unique to the Vorberg cuvee.  I've not had other Pinot Bianco from Alto Adige that have this level of refinement. Paired nicely with chicken dijon followed by Tallegio cheese.

The oldest vintage of Vorberg I've had is 2014. Would love to try older vintages. 

2015 Momtazi and 2015 Maresh

 Two great Oregon producers and two different Oregon vineyards.

Kelly Fox's Momtazi comes thru with classic briar and rhubarb influence on a palate of red fruit supported with mouth watering acidity. Gossamer tannins in the background. Trademark elegance that reminds me of a young Dugat-Py.

The Arterberry-Maresh Maresh cru bottling has mellowed nicely and is in a great early drinking window. Tannic edges have been smoothed off, and the superb pedigree of Maresh vineyard fruit is on full display. Lovely stuff. 

Paired with baked salmon, broccoli salad and roasted corn.  I am partial to the Kelley Fox wines, but the grandness of the Maresh vineyard gives the Arterberry-Maresh wine the blue ribbon on this outing.

2006 Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici Riserva

 

Killer showing for this bottle from the epic 2006 Riserva vintage. Hitting on all cylinders from the get-go. Gorgeous wave of floral perfume and Herbsaint nuance upon popping the cork.

Gained serious presence over the course of several hours. What I call Campanian "garrigue" is found in spades here... a combination of sottobosco, herbs and tobacco accent unique to the Riserva cuvee.

Tannins are seamlessly resolved. Not an overpowering wine... very well balanced fruit giving way to a lengthy,  elegant finish. A Taurasi for Burgundy lovers.

https://www.vinous.com/articles/mastroberardino-defining-the-greatness-of-taurasi-1928-2006-dec-2013