Acclaim

Pretty fruit and freshness to this, with a medium body, fine tannins and dark cherry, blood orange and cedar undertones. This is closed now, but shows focus and brightness. Linear tannins run through the center. Drink after 2026.

A contemporary expression, using oak to compress stone fruit and tropical fruit accents nicely. A deep yellow hue, and it’s forward in the glass. One could argue that the salubrious oak is the essence of the wine, making it accessible to the New World chardonnay drinker as much as to the local seeking something different. It is well done and will drink well over the next five years or so. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

“From a screw-capped bottle, the Franz Haas 2021 Manna has crushed flint or struck match on first nose, but that hint of reduction often appears in this blend of 40% Riesling, 20% Chardonnay, 15% Gewürztraminer, 15% Kerner and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. The wine settles into a pretty linear pattern of underripe tropical tones, star fruit, crisp pear and grapefruit. A citrusy-grapefruit note plays a bigger role on the palate, with pithy or pulpy tones that dovetail into a streamlined but very fresh finish. This is an ample release of 50,000 bottles.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, April 2024

“The oak-aged Franz Haas 2021 Alto Adige Pinot Nero has an easy, classic bouquet with bright fruit, cassis, redcurrant and blue flower over a lean-bodied mouthfeel with a hint of sweetness. There are touches of cherry candy and Jolly Rancher. Drink this hot-vintage expression on the young side. An ample 90,000 bottles were made.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, April 2024

Exceptional Soave Classico. White pepper, gardenia and chamomile notes. Succulent, juicy and mid-weighted, with mouth-coating glycerol juxtaposed against salty freshness. While a very warm vintage, the freshness of 2023 is striking in contrast to the more phenolic 2022. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

“A captivating blend of autumnal spice, dried cherries, balsam herbs and ashen stone smolders up from the 2019 Etna Rosso Barbagalli. It’s silky and enveloping yet cool-toned, with shades of lavender and sage that give way to mineral-inflected red and black fruits. Brisk acidity maintains balance as grippy tannins settle in and a tart blackberry saturation lingers on.” -Eric Guido, Vinous, Mar. 2024

Opening with aromas of baked lemon, Fuji apple and a touch of cream, this mountain Chardonnay aims to please. A solid core of orchard fruit is balanced by a vibrant vein of acidity keeping the palate fresh and the wine electric with each sip. A good aperitivo or great with a fresh composed salad or grilled white fish.

“A tasty and creamy chardonnay showing almonds, apricots, salted biscuits and a touch of orange rind on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied and nutty but very fresh. Drink now.” – James Suckling, Apr. 2024

Aromas of prune, baking spice and pipe tobacco follow over to the bold palate along with liquor-soaked cherry, bitter orange, vanilla and licorice. Tightly woven tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework. Drink 2027–2033. Abv: 15% Kerin O’Keefe April 2024 ©kerinokeefe.com

Intensely floral aromas of iris and dog rose mingle with ripe berry and spice on the fragrant Lodali 2021 Rocche dei 7 Fratelli. Elegantly structured and showing racy tension, the savory palate features ripe Marasca cherry, cake spice and star anise accompanied by bright acidity and taut, fine-grained tannins. A stunning wine. Drink 2027–2036. Abv: 14% Kerin O’Keefe April 2024 ©kerinokeefe.com