89 2008 Palmina Subida Tocai Friulano (Santa Ynez Valley) 4/17/10 ($19)
12.3% alc
Color: Medium orange gold. Slightly cloudy. (3.0) Bouquet: Concentrated litchi nut and papaya with a little hops. Lively with acidity. (3.0) Body: Solid middleweight plus with excellent acidity and very good fruit. Coats somewhat. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but less expressive fruit. Some oxidation and bitterness reminiscent of a Fino Sherry, but with tropical fruit flavors. (2.5) Finish: Parallels flavor. The ripe fruit lingers along with bitterness. (2.5)
Overall: Interesting and unique stuff, showing ripe, tropical fruit, but almost bone dry with slightly oxidized bitter flavors thrown-in, Fino Sherry-like. Aromatic litchi nut fruit is prevalent in the bouquet and lingers in the finish. Has a bitter hops nuance that somehow reminds me of an India Pale Ale. This is not for everyone, but I find it to be a very interesting sipper that goes well with salty food, say a salty cheese. The fresh, lively bouquet is its most intrigueing characteristic and find myself coming back for another sniff. (14)
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