Two Nebbiolo

[Florida Jim]

With cheese and crackers:

1998 Nino Negri, Valtellina Superiore “Inferno”:

Slightly brown edges with tar, roses and red fruit on the nose with a touch of smoke; the flavors follow the nose with a somewhat watery texture, decent structure, light weight and good sustain.

There is a whisper if vinegar under the fruit and aromas that, in combination with the watered feel of the palate, will stop me from buying another, even at $12, retail; imported by Prestige Wine Imports.

With salmon cakes with a caper, cream sauce:

1996 Zacchetti, Gattinara:

Similar in appearance and smell (maybe a little darker) to the preceding wine but much more concentrated and texturally denser, more complex as well, with black fruit and truffle elements accenting the tar, roses and red fruit, some tannins evident and a long, slightly drying finish.

Better wine with more in common with Barbaresco or Barolo. Remarkably good with the fish cakes and cream sauce. About $17.50 retail, imported by Interwine, Fairfield, CT.

Best, Jim

[Alberto]

Excellent TNs again, Jim!

Only one side note...Inferno is actually one of the crus of Valtellina Superiore DOCG (the others being Valgella, Sassella, Grumello and Maroggia) so maybe it's not correct to put the word between quotes.

Alberto