2009 Palmina Santa Barbara County Nebbiolo

Showing consistently with the review a few years ago, Clifton's entry-level 2009 Nebbiolo is fully mature on the nose and reveals lots of tobacco leaf, spice-box, licorice, dusty pebble and savory Nebbiolo fruit. It lacks a touch of freshness on the nose, but has solid depth and density on the palate, with bright acidity, the tannic grip of the variety and a good finish. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. At the price, it's well worth checking out. Palmina is Steve Clifton‰۪s label focusing on Italian varieties grown in California. He has released a number of interesting and noteworthy blends in 2012 and 2013. As I commented in 2013, I think his value-priced wines give you the most bang for the buck, but he certainly produces the best example of Nebbiolo I have tasted outside of Italy.