Acclaim

“Bright full red. Aromas of crushed cherry and flowers accented by fresh herbs. Juicy, brisk and intense; much more pliant and rich than the Cannubi, with excellent lift to its black cherry flavor. Finishes juicy and long, with sweet tannins. Very nicely balanced for a graceful evolution in bottle.” -Stephen Tanzer, Mar. 2014

“Bright, dark red. Pungent, high-pitched aromas of bitter cherry, blackberry, mint, blood orange and white peach. Then dense, sweet and pliant yet penetrating thanks to terrific vibrant acidity. For a mediumbodied wine, this communicates an impression of strong dry extract. The firm tannins arrive late, allowing the wine’s finishing fruit to expand and stain the palate. Classic 2010 energy here.” -Stephen Tanzer, Mar. 2013

“Hailing from old vines, this delicious blend of 70% Montepulciano and 30% Sangiovese is concentrated but elegant. Aromas of tilled soil, ripe blackberry, black cherry, black pepper and a hint of vanilla take center stage. The palate shows juicy sour cherry, accented with balsamic herbs and a mineral note balanced by freshness and supple tannins.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Mar. 2014

Cellar Selection “From Verdicchio’s leading producer, this is the wine that started the denomination’s renaissance into Italy’s premier white. The ’09 is beautiful, with an intense perfume of yellow flowers and stone fruits. The palate delivers concentrated peach, apricot and creamy lemon flavors, layered with mineral and spice accents. It already has stunning depth, but hold for more complexity. Drink through 2024.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Mar. 2014

“This classic bottling opens with enticing floral aromas of Spanish broom, acacia and a whiff of flint. The palate delivers succulent yellow peach, citrus and almond along with mineral notes. It boasts impeccable balance and nice length.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Mar. 2014

“Good deep red. Sweet but subdued aromas of dark cherry and truffle. Silky and rich on the palate, showing lovely depth of red and darker fruit flavors complemented by nutty oak. Distinctly more vibrant than the Rapet. Finishes with a pungent note of fruity pepper, firm but fine tannins and lingering dark fruit flavors.” – Stephen Tanzer, Mar. 2013

“Beautifully fresh and ripe damson fruit with floral and spicy notes. Delightfully soft and spreading texture with fine balance. Long herbal-toned finish.” -Decanter, Feb. 2014

“A classic from a pioneer of modern winemaking at Montepulciano. Hot vintage nose of fig and carob but with impressive freshness and energy on the palate, with the sweet fruit balanced by a tangy mineral quality. Ripe grapey tannins and a long elegant finish.” -Decanter, Feb. 2014

“The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino is a polished, silky wine with bright berry highlights that are enhanced by balsam herb, cola, light spice, dried tobacco, smoky notes and crushed mineral. The vintage does not have the immediate complexity of other vintages at this young stage, but I’m willing to bet that this wine will steadily increase in layering and expressiveness as it evolves in the bottle. Drink: 2017-2023.” -Wine Advocate, Feb. 2014

“From the Colle al Matrichese location east of Montalcino’s city walls, the 2009 Brunello di Montalcino shows a rich fabric that is woven tight with evident strands of black fruit, mesquite smoke, crushed black pepper, licorice, rosemary oil and root beer. The wine leans away from the sweet side of Brunello to the savory side and that is ultimately what makes it so attractive. It is put together thanks to masculine and muscular touches with evocative shadings of smoke and mineral that shift and change as the wine opens in the glass. This bouquet is a moving target that keeps your fixed attention for as long as you have the wine in front of you. And, considering the general quality here compared to many of its peers, that won’t be very long at all. The mouthfeel feels a bit shorter than past vintages and that’s why this wine didn’t score higher.” -Wine Advocate, Feb. 2014