Acclaim

“Ironically, I liked the 2014 Vermentino di Gallura better than the 2013 edition of this same wine despite the fact the latter hails from what is widely regarded as a superior vintage. This wine delivers two-pronged intensity with a sweet floral side that is successfully offset against a zesty citrus fruit side. The wine offers a united front with exotic fruit, blanched almond, pine nut and fresh basil. The palate is kept refreshed thanks to the wine’s crisp acidity. Jankara was founded in 2006 by Renato and Angela Spanu. They purchased eight hectares of land and planted a good part to Vermentino vineyards. Chef Angelo Elia (of the Casa D’Angelo Restaurants in South Florida) and his wife Denise later became business partners.” — Monica Larner, Vinous, Dec. 2015

“The 2014 Peloro is a blend of two white grapes that are popular in Sicily: Grillo and Caricante (spelled with one “r” in the case of this winery). The wine is fresh and snappy with crisp lines and sharp focus. This pretty white wine from the steep vineyards of northern Sicily would make a great companion to fish baked in a crust of sea salt. Distant tones of mineral, dried mint and chopped caper appear on the finish. ” — Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2015

“Rich, fragrant and structured, this generous wine opens with alluring scents of crushed violet, plum cake and exotic spice. The luscious, enveloping palate doles out ripe blackberry, black cherry compote, raisin, licorice and tobacco supported by round, velvety tannins. Drink 2016–2021.” —Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Dec. 1, 2015

“A blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nocera, the 2013 Peloro is very characteristic of the two grapes used in the blend. The Nerello Mascalese side offers power and elegance with tighter aromas and more pointed tannins. The Nocera grape, on the other hand, shows fleshy ripeness and dark concentration. As a blend, the wine reveals dark berry aromas with black olive and Mediterranean herb. ” — Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2015

“Le Casematte’s 2013 Faro represents a blend of Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Nocera and Nero d’Avola from the far north of Sicily overlooking the Straights of Messina. The bouquet shows the rustic aromas that are often associated with these grapes. You get wild berry, black currant, olive and wet earth. This expression delivers those aromas with an elegant sense of intensity that leaves its mark without feeling pungent or too sharp. The careful balance achieved here is the wine’s strongest suit. ” — Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2015

“The 2014 Barbera d’Alba Vignota is soft, supple and tasty. Hints of leather, sage, tobacco and cedar give the 2014 a bit more of a savory edge than is the norm, but then again, this is 2014 we are talking about. Here, too, Conterno-Fantino has put out a solid wine in a tough year.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015

“The 2014 Dolcetto d’Alba Bricco Bastia is bright, focused and energetic, with plenty of varietal character expressed in the midweight, acid-driven style of the year. A host of lavender, sage, mint and licorice notes add nuance throughout. This is about as good as it gets in 2014 Dolcetto.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015

“The 2014 Langhe Nebbiolo Ginestrino is a big boy. Perhaps not quite as refined as it can be in the best years, the 2014 nevertheless possesses superb depth, intensity, and, above all else, character. Firm, incisive tannins support expressive pine, black cherry and spice notes” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015

“The 2012 Barbera d’Asti Il Bergantino is deep, intense and verging on the edge of overripeness. Lavender, cloves, new leather and dark jammy fruit all flesh out in the glass. The 2012 will appeal most to readers who enjoy huge, powerful Barberas. I would like to see a little more finesse, but the 2012 is nevertheless nicely done, in its style.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015

“A rich, exuberant wine, the 2013 Barbera del Monferrato Superiore once again shows just how compelling Barbera can be in Monferrato. Juicy, plump and expressive, the 2013 offers superb density in its black cherry jam, blackberry, smoke, violet and spice notes. This is another absolutely delicious wine from Bricco Mondalino.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015