Umberto Cesari
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Umberto Cesari 1999 Liano
is named for a little village in the Emilia-Romagna region.
This is a "Super Tuscan" style wine at a fraction of the cost.
The bend is 70% sangiovese and 30% cabernet sauvignon.
The nose is earthy with a touch of ripe wild cherry.
On the palate, this wine has a smooth presence, yet is very, very structured.
Liano has notes of black cherries, pomegranate, cassis, and green bean.
The use of older, large oak barrels gives this wine a smooth flavor,
yet does not impart any oak flavor, which is a nice touch.
The acidity and tannins are very balanced against the ample fruit as the
wine finishes with a hint of cherry hard-candy.
To drink this wine today would be a pleasure, to hang onto a few bottles would be a reward of its own.
Retail price is $20. Tasted September 2, 2003. Quality and price land this wine two  .
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Umbeto Cesari 1999 Sangiovese Di Romagna Riserva
is 85% sangiovese and 15% cabernet sauvignon.
This sultry blend has roses and violets on the nose.
The wine has great structure; the acidity and tannins are a perfect match for the
the big ripe fruit.
On the palate the ripe wild cherries are greeted by some earth and white and black pepper on the finish.
The fruit carries thought to the finish.
This is an excellent example of how great an inexpensive sangiovese, cabernet blend can be.
Retail price is $12. Tasted September 2, 2003. A great pick in its price range with two .
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Umbeto Cesari Poggio 2001 Rubicone Estate Sangiovese
Traditional style Chiani with its spicy, racy acidity and tannins.
The structure in this wine is very balanced with ripe fruit off-setting acidity and tannins.
There is a creamy, smoothness that comes from aging the wine in older, large oak vats.
The palate has black cherry, green bean, and black pepper.
I've tried many, many inexpensive Italian wines over the years and I must admit that this little
bottle of wine was a surprise for the money.
Not too much acidity, not too tannic, and very ripe fruit to keep the whole thing interesting.
Retail price $9. Tasted September 2, 2003. A solid bottle of wine for the money with one  .
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