Brazil Nuts

Our eldest daughter and her hubby returned from 5 weeks!! in Brazil.....she claims they lived mostly from rice & beans. She needed some 'good' food....so the four of us visited one of our regular favourites. I took along the Valduero...and we tried two from the restaurant list. Just have to mention...the food...my choices..were perfect. We are rarely disappointed here...but this was one of those nights where everything just clicked. My starter was cold Foie Gras with marinated Artichokes..followed by Ravioli with white Truffle filling...and some Lamb-Carré in mustard sauce rounded it all off.
Feudi San Gregorio
Fiano di Avellino 2008
Campania, Italy
Apricots, peaches and pears..a real fruit bowl...a balance of spiciness counteracts the ripe fruit...light mineral smell...never a heavyweight..this is good...and a wine that will develop...
Points 16.25
Braida di Giacomo Bologna
Barbera d'Asti Bricco dell Uccellone 2006 Piemonte, Italy
Complex aromas...cherry and liquorice...a delicious feel of lively acidity...earthy...peppery...a really delicious bottle.
Points 16.5

The Valduero I had asked to be decanted...2 hours of airing. You have to smile when the bottle is sold with the Parker points around it's neck. The points alone worry me..as he tends towards blockbusters....my worries were not founded.
Valduero Reserva 2000
Ribera del Duero, Spain
The nine years have reduced any fear of head-banger liquid. Real eye-opener of a nose....elegant oak...vanilla..this reminded me of the Spanish wine Monasterio...blue berries...smoke and leather. A lovely weight to it....ready...but no way heading downhill. A pleasant surprise...and shows how wonderful Tempranillo matures...
Points 17.5