87+ 2005 Argiolas Nuragus di Cagliari S’elegas 9/27/06 ($13)
Rich melon and pear with a touch of citrus. Its full body and ripe, round fruit is reminiscent of a Chardonnay from Monterey or Santa Barbara, but also has nuances of almonds and hazelnuts that add a touch of bitterness to the sweet fruit (bitter/sweet - a famous Italian combo). This has enough concentration and underlying nuances to improve with 1-3 years of bottle age, but very good now. Shows some similarity in style (particularly the ripe fruit) to their Vermentino Costamolino, but this has more concentration and is more complex.