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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“Soft and fruity with a pretty balance of plum, chocolate and walnuts, following through to a medium to full body with soft tannins and a delicious finish. Drink or hold.” -James Suckling, Mar. 2014

“This is all finesse, with sweet strawberry and hints of citrus fruit. Full body, refined tannins and a silky-textured finish. Very fine indeed. One of my favorite producers, as always. Better in 2015.” _James Suckling, Mar, 2014

“Fermented with only wild yeasts and aged in large Slavonian casks, this is a bold and delicious wine, delivering earthy aromas of tilled soil, spice and berry. The palate delivers layers of blackberry, dark cherry, cinnamon, white pepper and licorice alongside bracing but ripe tannins. This will age well and develop complexity. Drink 2019–2029.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Feb. 2014

“Aromas of blackberries with hints of spices and dried fruits. Full body, chewy tannins and a delicious finish. Better after 2015.” -James Suckling, Jan. 2014