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This wine spent 6 whole years developing in the winery before it was ever released for consumption. 21 days of maceration before 2 years in large oak barrels before another 4 years in bottle. The maturation is present on the palate in the wine’s more developed fruit flavors. The taste is not of fresh cherries, but cherries stewed and simmered with anise and sage. There’s a scent of freshly laid asphalt, and flavors of autumn leaves, smoke, and something akin to blood sausage. As the wine develops in the glass, baker’s chocolate and rounder tones emerge. The finish is long, and it lingers.

To say this wine is simply delicious doesn’t do justice — Graham’s bottles hit all the marks for me. Aromatically, it's subtle, but the palate is assertive, with an energetic lift that promises summer ahead. Graham’s wines are all about balance — even this high-acid ripper made of Italian varieties grown on hills that look like Tuscany if you squint your eyes.

True to the Sangiovese in the blend, the nose is tumble of dried herbs and dried citrus, with a slight feral energy floating just out of sight. Tart, sour-cherry acidity, laced through a juicy summer watermelon, with a smooth and integrated acidity. The clean, vibrant red fruit character, picks up a bit of spice from the oak (cinnamon and wasabi) which lead to a long, satisfying finish. A blend of Dolcetto and Sangiovese, partially destemed and partially macerated with skins before resting in used oak for a year. Serve chilled. 12.2%. [Matthew Hawkins, 2/25/21]

La Vecchia Posta is a small—just 3-hectare-large—farm tucked into the Tortonesi Hills in the Piedmontese province of Alessandria. A family-run operation, they have been working organically for the past 27 years, as well as hand-harvesting and, more recently, vinifying without sulfites. The Teraforta vineyard is located 400 meters above sea level, with dense, clay-rich soils that are particularly well-suited to Dolcetto. With just 6 days of skin maceration, and 6 months of aging in stainless steel prior to bottling, this is a decidedly young and fresh wine—meant for immediate consumption and enjoyment.

A bright and candied cherry flavor greets the nose upon pouring a glass. On the palate, however, that fruit is tightly reigned in by the wine’s tannin and a bolt of acidity. Spiced notes of mace and cinnamon mingle amongst a tart, cranberry-like fruit. A remarkably refreshing expression of Dolcetto, there is a thirst-quenching character here that one might not expect.