Italian Reds
2012 Vietti, Nebbiolo Perbacco
Langhe, Italy
Flat out gorgeous and essentially a de-classified Barolo. This offers up generous red fruit along with menthol, spices, roses and hard candy, showing notable intensity while retaining an essentially mid-weight style. Strong, intense and powerful with red berries, menthol, tobacco, tea, spice and tar. Long and intense through the finish.
$23 – 91 Points
2012 Cigliuti, Barbaresco Serraboella
Barbaresco DOCG, Italy
This wine is 100% Nebbiolo from Serraboella that was aged 26 months in Slovenian oak casks and French oak mid-sized casks.
Bursting with scents of fresh strawberry, cherry and floral bouquet, that come with white pepper, earth, leather tobacco and menthol.
An elegant and fresh wine that attacks palate with intense cherry, strawberry, raspberry and sweet floral notes that carry spice, cigar tobacco, leather, earth and menthol. Firm chewy tannins pull through the finish wish seems unending.
2010 Luce, Brunello di Montalcino
DOCG, Italy
Intense aromas show a bounty of scents including blackberry, coconut, dried cherry, vanilla, violets, forest floor, coffee beans, hibiscus and black tea with notes of iron and salt minerality, red meats, pepper, leather and mushroom.
On the palate you can taste the youth, the muscularity and the special quality of this wine. Everything is there, packed tight; beautiful structure moderate-plus acidity, firm, chewy, full tannins and moderate alcohol. Flavors deliver with great intensity and concentration. blackberry, plum and dried cherry notes are met swiftly with dark roast espresso grounds, dark chocolate, forest floor, black tea, dried hibiscus, char grilled game meats, tobacco, mineral and mushroom lingering through the powerful chewy finish on leathery notes. A classic in the making from a rock star vintage.
2009, Domenico Clerico, Barolo, Ciabot Mentin
DOCG, Italy
100% Nebbiolo from the Ginestra Cru area. 30 months in French Oak. (80% new).
This very young wine is in need of a good decant. Once in the glass this shows leather notes with dried cherry, brambly raspberry, and plum scents that incorporate black tea, fresh cut flowers, tar, and forest tree aromas with hints of eucalyptus, earth and mineral.
On the palate beautifully structured strutting high acidity, ripe, firm tannins and mouth watering flavors of dried cherry, plum, black tea, flowers, earth, leather, wood and goji with hints of mint, tar and graphite. Long through the grippy finish showing the dusty tannins playing against the juicy acidity. A great Barolo with a modern streak.
2012 Altesino, Brunello di Montalcino, 40th Harvest
DOCG, Italy
The newest, just released, Brunello from this modern style producer who is also celebrating their 40th harvest is young but a stunner! 2010 was a benchmark year, but look forward, with excitement, for the 2012’s; a hot vintage produced ripe, opulent and polished wines and this producer excels. Rich and bold this wine exhibits all the classical Brunello qualities with a bold, modern streak. Dark fruits, of plum, dark cherry and wild berry with smoke, grilled meats, wild herbs, exotic spice, earth, iron-laced minerality.
2013 Montepeluso, A Quo
Toscana IGT, Italy
A blend of Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese with small amounts of Marselan and Alicante Bouschet that is 100% destemmed. After fermentation the wine is aged 4 months in second use barriques.
The nose shows great notes of ripe dark cherry, plum and blackberry with oak, vanilla, baking spice, sweet tobacco, herbs and hints of earth and mocha. The palate shows rich fruit, firm structure and smooth textures. Flavors of plump cherries, plum, blackberries, herbs, tobacco, earth, smoke, vanilla, oak and bramble. The finish lingers with intensity.
2015 Tenuta Garetto, Barbera d’Asti Favà
Nizza DOCG, Italy
The Nizza Favà is produced from 100 % old vine Barbera grapes from a single southeast-facing vineyard on the Garetto estate. After fermentation, Favà is aged in concrete and oak cask for 22 months, followed by a few months in the bottle before being released.
Scents of cherry, pomegranate, wild strawberry and red apple skin weave seamlessly into notes of mineral, wet sidewalk, pencil box, dried florals, rooibos and bramble that show a feminine streak and are very appealing. The structured palate shows verve with high acidity and moderate-plus tannins. Flavors of dried goji and strawberry with cherry, pomegranate, red apple skin, bramble, dried flowers, rooibos and mineral. lingering through the finish.
2014 Fontanafredda
Barolo DOCG, Italy
The nose is striking with above moderate intensity to the scents of dried rose petal, turned earth, leather, dried cherries and cranberries with scents of goji and hints of menthol, tea and resin.
The palate has full-drying tannins that play against the high acidity. Overall light and lithe offering flavors of slightly dried red fruits, cherry, cranberry, goji and raspberry that come in stride with the notes of dried rose petal, leather, tobacco, earth, black tea and a hint eucalyptus.
The finish is long and lingers with intensity.
2016 La Ca'Növa
Barbaresco DOCG, Italy
Entirely hand-harvested from different vineyards in the DOCG area at 270-290 meters above sea level. Aged 16 months in 3000L oak casks, then aged 10 months in bottle. Limited production, but an absolute steal!
So very young at this stage and could use some amount of air to open. The nose is powerful and intense showing a mix of dried and ripe cherry, cranberry and goji that bring in notes of spice, lavender and dried rose petal with subtle hints of camphor and menthol before showing earth and tobacco. The palate is full revealing high acid and tannins that are both unyielding. Flavors of cherry fruit, cranberry and goji again come packed with notes of spice, floral, earth, tobacco and pine resin. The finish doesn’t seem to ever stop.
2015 Castello di Ama, Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione San Lorenzo
Chianti Classico DOCG, Italy
Sangiovese (80%), Malvasia Nera (7%), Merlot (13%)
This wine is made entirely by estate fruit, coming specifically from old vine systems and from vineyards of more than 10 years old. Gran Selezione stands on the top of the quality pyramid of Chianti Classico and it is a guarantee for the consumer, both in terms of origin and in terms of quality. The production regulation makes obligatory that the grapes are totally produced in the estate and that the wine is released in the market 30 months after the harvest.
Aromas show a loamy and rocky quality to the scents of dried flower petals, tobacco, black tea, pencil shavings, black cherry, plum, red apple, cocoa powder and dusty leather.
On the palate impressive structure is revealed with juicy acidity, chewy tannins and above moderate density. Youthful, but mature. Flavors follow suit from the nose with notes of black cherry, plum, red apple skin, black tea, dried rose, no. 2 pencil, leather, tobacco, turned earth, bitter cocoa and dust. The finish lingers highlighting the structure of this wine.
2012 Castello di Gabbiano, Chianti Classico ‘Bellezza’ Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico DOCG Italy
100% Sangiovese that sees 18 months in French oak barriques 50% new and 50% second passage and further time in bottle.
Aromatically showing complex notes of tobacco, leather, split cedar, and earth that show along side plush notes of vanilla, cherry, framboise, strawberry preserve, complex florals, dried sage, mint, spice and light hints of cocoa.
The palate is open and giving with a creamy, silky smooth core. Tannins are well integrated and structured, providing a chewiness. Flavors are almost rich with suede, tobacco and dried sage notes that combine with notes of plush cherry, strawberry and raspberry that also reveal, spice, dried flowers, vanilla, cocoa, wood, earth and coffee. The finish is long and pleasant.
2016 Montepeloso, Eneo
Toscana IGT, Italy
A blend of Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Alicante and Malvasia Nera aged in
2nd, 3rd & 4th passage barriques and tonneaux for 18 months.
Decanted. Dark garnet and opaque.
The nose shows rich, opulent scents of smashed blackberry, black cherry, plum, fig, and goji that bring in notes of bramble, cocoa, forest floor and mocha with floral and leather hints.
The full bodied palate is plush and structured with fine, expansive tannins and balanced acidity. Flavors are deep and penetrating and show notes of dark cherry, plum, blackberry and dried cranberry along with dried florals, bramble, earth, cocoa, vanilla, espresso and leather. The finish is open and plays on at length.
2014 Giuseppe E Figlio Mascarello, Scudetto, Barbera d'Alba Superiore
Barbera d'Alba, Italy
three years after the vintage.
Scents are moderate even with ample air time, but one can discern notes of the red cherry, cranberry, dried raspberry and goji notes that come laced with forest floor, briar, dried hibiscus and dried rose petal and light scents of leather, cured meats dust and dried mushroom.
The palate shows bright acids and firm drying tannins that gain in intensity through the finish. The wine shows earthy and musty flavors around a core of red cherry, dried raspberry, strawberry fruit leather and goji that incorporate notes of tea, dried florals, tobacco, dried mushroom, forest floor, briar, cured meats and leather. The dry and savory finish lingers with balance.
2016 Enzo Boglietti
Barbera d'Alba DOC, Italy
Aged in used French barrels for 9 months, then returned to tank for 30 days prior to bottling. Fruit sourced from Enzo’s holdings in Sinio, Roddino, and La Morra.
Aromas are classic Barbera and scream from the glass notes cherry, brambly raspberry, smashed cranberry, and pomegranate with delicate rose petal and potpourri scents that pull back to reveal dusty earth, sea spray and brine.
the palate is bright and racy with a laser beam of acidity. Great texture on the palate with fresh flavors of red cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, and cranberry sauce, orange zest, flower petals, wild herbs, saline and earth. The juicy finish plays on and on.
2010 Domenico Clerico, Barolo
‘Aeroplan Servaj’ Serralunga
Barolo DOCG, Italy
Only 500 cases produced. Labels feature 6 different artist drawings
Expressive and giving on the complex nose that shows notes of dusty leather, cigar tobacco, dried rose petal, balsam herbs, rooibos tea, dried cherry, dehydrated raspberry and goji that weave in notes of sous bois, cigar box and spice.
The palate is full and firm in both the structured high acidity and bold chewy tannins. Moderate alcohol and density. Flavors are harmonious and full with notes of dried cherry, dried raspberry, plum and apple skin, dried goji, dried rose petal, black tea, leather, tobacco, dusty earth, herbs and a slight oak spice. The finish bold and lengthy as the tannins and acidity play out at length.
60% Corvina & Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara and other varietals. Aged 17 months in 700-litre second-passage tonneaux of Styrian oak. 100% Estate fruit.
Aromas reveal rich notes of flambéed brandied cherries, strawberry preserves, holiday cranberry sauce, Framboise, orange peel, floral pastilles, baking spices, cinnamon stick and an underlying hint of camphor and menthol.
The palate shows great freshness and discreet alcohol considering this weighs in at 15.5%. Supple with velvety smooth texture, above moderate acidity and ripe, easy tannins. Flavors offer up brandied cherries, cranberry sauce, dried strawberry, Framboise, mulling spices, orange skin, floral pastilles, menthol and herbs. The finish hangs on.
2017 Fontodi, Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico DOCG, Italy
This is 100% Sangiovese that is aged in Troncais and Allier barrels for 18 months.
Once this wine opens up in the glass scents of cherry (slightly dried), goji, brambly raspberry, plum, rhubarb, leather, forest floor with hints of black pepper, rubbed herbs, dried rose, crushed rock and gravel.
Structured and full on the palate while showing finesse. Tannins are firm and dry while the acidity is bright and juicy. Deep and penetrating on the palate carrying deep flavors of cherry, cranberry sauce, goji, plum and rhubarb balanced by the notes of herbs, leather, dusty earth, dried florals and a touch of pepper. The finish is long and gripping. Delicious! cherry, wild raspberry and strawberry, cranberry sauce, orange zest, herbs, floral pastilles and rooibos that lead to the notes of toast, earth, smoke and spice that linger gracefully through the finish.
Elegant and balanced.
2016 Oddero, Barolo
Barolo DOCG, Italy
On the nose young, but expressive nevertheless. Aromas of slightly dried cherries, wild berry, herbs, tobacco, rose, earth, leather, tar, spice and an underlying menthol note. The palate, still tight, displays firm tannins and juicy acidity. A mx of cherry and wild berry fruit on the palate that is slightly dried in quality and brings in notes of rose, tobacco, herbs, dusty earth, leather, spice and menthol. The finish unpacks at length with a hint of orange peel.
2016 San Felice, Chianti Classico
80% Sangiovese, 10% Pugnitello, 10% Colorino.
The nose presents with moderate scents of cherry that has a slightly dried quality, wild berry, cranberry, spice, florals and rose hip that also have a slightly dried quality, earth, iron, graphite, leather and seasoned wood.
The palate has a nice pop of intensity upon entry and shows above moderate acidity along with firm, rustic and chewy tannins. Moderate mid-palate density. Flavors show spice accented notes of bitter cherry, cranberry and wild berries that come with notes of bramble, dried rose, earth, iron, leather and wood. The finish hangs in with chewy tannins.
2015 Valdicava
Aromas reveal dark cherry and plum both with dried and fresh qualities, leather, sweet herbs, tobacco, spice, menthol, dried rose and florals, oolong tea, earth, dried meats, dried porcini and sous bois.
The palate shows great structure; juicy above moderate acidity that quickly gives way to full throttle, masculine and chewy tannins. Alcohol perception is moderate and density across the mid-palate is balanced. Flavors at this young stage reveals dried cherry, dried cranberry and plum that weave in and out of notes of dried rose, tea, floral pastilles, herbs, sweet spice, tobacco, menthol, earth, leather and porcini. Complex through the finish. This wine has a very long life ahead of it.
2016 Rizzi, Barbaresco 'Rizzi'
Barbaresco DOCG, Italy
Nebbiolo within Piedmont, specifically in the areas of Barolo and Barbaresco had a benchmark year. One should note that the 2016's will do best with some years tucked away the cellar, as this vintage will be verry long lived. However, the '16s are enjoyable now if they are given some time to breathe and open. Wild berry, cranberry, slightly dried cherry, menthol, herbs, tobacco and leather aromas take center stage followed with notes of tea, mushroom and star anise. The tightly wound palate reflects the nose, showing red cherry, pomegranate, licorice and tobacco alongside fine-grained tannins and racy acidity that flow through to a firm finish.
2008 Giuseppe Quintarelli, Cabernet ‘Alzero’
This wine is a blend of 20% Merlot with the 80% (split evenly) of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This wine is produced in the same manner as Amarone, in the appassimento style. The wine is then aged in French barrels for three years, then racked into Slavonian oak barrels for four more years.
In the glass this wine is deep with a stunning Tyrian purple hue. Aromas show amazing complexity with notes of chocolate, bruised mint, tobacco, spice cake, plum, candied fruits, balsamic and hints of floral pastilles. The wine is smooth and velvety across the palate and the acidity keeps it from being overweight. The high level ABV is nicely tucked in and not a burner. All the flavors come with intensity and linger through the extremely long and unforgettable finish.
Absolutely stunning and unique.
Bursting with aromas once in the glass strutting notes of plum sauce, Luxardo cherries, cassis and balsamic that bring in notes of herbs, cigar box, leather, vanilla, floral pastilles, earth and hints of toasted anise.
The palate shows rich concentrated fruit with polished firm tannins and juicy above moderate acidity. Flavors on the palate show balsamic soaked dark cherries, plum sauce, cassis, black licorice, candied violets, vanilla, spice, oak spice, new leather, tobacco, sweet herbs, mineral and earth. Lots of tension on the still youthful palate.
2017 Rizzi, Barbaresco Pajoré
Barbaresco DOCG, Italy
The estate’s vineyard Pajorè, one of the historical and renowned Cru of the Langhe hills which sits at an altitude of 230–300 meter, not far from the town hall of Barbaresco.
The '17 is relatively accessible at this early stage and blossoms with airtime. An elegant and feminine style detailed with scents of rose petals, wild raspberry, cherry and red apple with hints of tar, tea, blood orange, anise and forest floor.
On the palate the wine is broad, with firm almost dusty tannins and structured acidity. Flavors coat the palate with ripe red fruits, rose, tea, red apple skin, star anise, spice, blood orange and hints of cedarwood, graphite and earth. Long through the elegant finish.
2018 San Giusto a Rentennano, Chianti Classico Riserva ‘Le Baroncole’
Chianti Classico DOCG, Italy
97% Sangiovese and 3% Canaiolo aged for 20 months in French oak (20% new) and another 6 months+ in bottle.
The nose shows alluring notes of cherry, raspberry and red currant that mix with rose hip, lavender, blood orange, balsam, spice and hints of herbs, earth and pencil eraser. The palate is bright and lively with vibrant acidity that is met with full polished tannins. Crunchy red fruit penetrate the palate and show notes of cherry, raspberry, fresh pomegranate that give way to notes of rose hip, lavender and potpourri like flavors before revealing balsam, blood orange, earth and herbs. Tannins build through the long finish.