Friday after work I dropped the Basset at a friend's home for a sleepover (test run to see how she might fare there while I'm on vacation), and spent evening staining back steps. Was too pooped and too hot to cook, grabbed takeout chicken marsala and a cavatelli/broc- rabe side. Wanted Italian, not too big, and went with the 2001 Sella Lessona. It was just what I needed- bright nose of cherries and violets, just a hint of tar. Lighter and less tannic than most Big B nebbiolos, refreshing red fruit with good acidity and nice length. The surprise came when I revisited an hour or two later. I've certainly seen reds put on weight with air before, but this was a remarkable transition. Deeper riper fruit, seemingly much more body, a nice balance of fruit, tannin, and acidity. Develops more earth/soil notes on the nose. Interesting transition, I'm going to cellar a couple of these to see where they go. Excellent value in low $20s. A-
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.