Acclaim

“Moderately saturated ruby. Deep, rich, dense aromas and flavors of red cherry, dark plum and licorice. Very clean, precise and long, offering no easy sweetness to the serious, austere mouthfeel. Lovely Montepulciano wine that is richer and riper than the more refined and restrained Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Ursonia bottling of the same vintage by Feuduccio. Each will have its fans.” -Ian D’Agata, Vinous Sept. 2018

“Dark red. An initial whiff offers herbs and underbrush, then ripe red cherry aromas. Then more ripe red cherry, leather and herbs on an austere, structured palate that features serious tannins and some alcohol-derived warmth. The finish is long, savory and rich. Perhaps not the last word in refinement, but this big wine will be unbeatable with steaks.” -Ian D’Agata, Vinous Sept. 2018

“Deep purple-ruby. Refined, fresh aromas of botanical herbs, minerals and blackberry. Then delicately minerally and herbal in the mouth too, along with ripe blue and black fruit flavors that linger nicely on the juicy, suave finish.” Ian D’Agata, Vinous, Sept. 2018

“Dark straw. Honey, apple, pear and a touch of sweet spice on the nose. Then a hint of gingery bite in the mouth, where honeyed nuances also complement the apple and pear flavors. Clean and refined, this lovely wine boasts a welcome restrained quality on the long finish.” -Ian D’Agata, Vinous, Sept. 2018

“You gotta love the little spider depicted on the front label of this wine. It refers to the mystical cult of Tarantism practiced in this part of Southern Italy in which a tarantula bite is believed to send women (mostly) into an all-night frenzy. Tarantism is revived and widely popular today as a rave-like dance craze. The 2015 Aglianico del Vulture Piano del Cerro is packaged in a very heavy glass bottle. It pours out slowly to reveal dried blackberry, spice, Spanish cedar and campfire ash. This Aglianico is virtually impenetrable in appearance. The oak-driven tannins are sweet and spicy. This is a big wine with a capital B.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Aug. 31, 2018

“The 2017 Rosato Pipoli opens to a loud pink color with neon highlights. The bouquet shows tangy berry aromas backed by mint, wild sage and dusty mineral. This is a fresh, fruit-forward rosé to drink with friends on the back porch. Bottle production tops 100,000 units. You get excellent value here.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Aug. 31, 2018

“Beautifully fragrant, exuding incense, exotic spice and wild herb aromas, this graceful version shows focus and complexity without excessive weight, layering the fine-grained tannins and poached black cherry, leather and mineral flavors on a bright, medium-bodied frame. Drink now through 2027.-” -A.N, Wine Spectator, Aug. 29, 2018

“The 2014 Barolo Cannubi is a fragile and elegant wine that drinks beautifully even now, straight out of the gate. You get all that distinct Barolo austerity in a slightly more accessible, immediate and streamlined vintage. Blue flowers and wild berry are framed by tobacco, crushed river stone and licorice root. Following a strictly classic and traditional approach, this wine goes into large oak casks for 30 long months to integrate and flesh out.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Aug. 31, 2018

“This is just a terrific wine that shows classic lines with bright fruit intensity that should remain intact for years to come. The 2013 Barolo Cannubi is an age-worthy interpretation with wild berry fruit, grilled herb, licorice and dark spice. The ensemble is elegant and compact with potential to gain in volume and length. There is steady firmness here spread over finely textured tannins.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Aug. 31, 2018

“This is a new wine that has never previously been produced. It represents a blend of Nebbiolo from Terlo (in Barolo) and Bussia (in Monforte d’Alba) sites. The 2014 Barolo Ludo does a very nice job in a difficult vintage. This is a bright and shapely Barolo with plenty of fruit, spice and licorice spread over a mid-weight mouthfeel and moderate finish. The wine plays its best cards in terms of elegance and finesse. The finish is long and silky, showing delicate touches of fruit and spice along the way. ” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Aug. 31, 2018