Acclaim

“The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Conte Gastone entices with a rich mix of crushed black cherries, blood orange and clove, lifted by suggestions of shaved cedar. This flows across the palate in juicy textural waves of ripe wild berry fruits and spices, all enlivened by vibrant acidity. The 2019 finishes crisp and lightly structured, leaving rosy inner florals and hints of lavender to resonate. The Conte Gastone aims to please.” -Eric Guido, Vinous

“Dusty violets, shavings of cedar and mentholated herbs form a spicy bouquet as the 2021 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Marchesa Mariabella unfurls in the glass. This opens with a lovely inner sweetness and crisp blackberry fruit, while tactile mineral tones add a crunchy sensation toward the close. It finishes remarkably fresh and with admirable length, leaving a coating of grippy tannins offset by a bump of zesty acidity.” -Eric Guido, Vinous

“The 2021 Cabernet Franc PoggioRaso is a popular choice from coastal Tuscany thanks to the generous texture of the wine and its spicy fruit flavors. There is black fruit, dark cherry, a touch of charred eggplant, spent ember and dusty mineral that square nicely with the easy chalkiness of the accessible tannins.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate

“The 2022 Etna Rosso lifts from the glass with a bouquet that mixes savory and sweet: woodland berries, cloves, grilled herbs and wet concrete. This is fruit-focused, with masses of ripe black cherries accentuated by hints of sweet spice as a gentle staining of tannins forms toward the close. The 2022 finishes remarkably fresh, enlivened by a bump of juicy acidity as rosy inner florals gradually taper off. This makes for an excellent introduction to the Pietradolce style.” -Eric Guido, Vinous, Mar. 2024

“Ripe plum and clafoutis aromas lead to good fruit concentration, initially austere but promising to open beautifully. Fresh floral notes blend with savoury complexity, showcasing dark fruit richness, finely textured with balanced tannins and freshness. A Cate Blanchett-like elegance, followed by a firm, substantial finish.” – Decanter, Anthony Rose, Susan Hulme, Jason Millar

“An evolutionary nose with dried rose, fig, and baked plum leads to a palate of vibrant acidity, a rosewater hint. Exotic, bazaar-like aromas, rich exotic fruit minerality and charming floral fruitiness. Gentle smoke, rounded texture, fine tannins, with a juicy bitter cherry finish. Slightly austere.” –  Decanter, Anthony Rose, Susan Hulme, Jason Millar, Feb 2024

“Mahogany hue, floral and herbal aromas, with aromatic lavender and chestnut-like oxidation. Cherry-plum flavours, fine tannins, and vibrant acidity lead to a sleek structure with terracotta and dried orange hints. Balanced, subtle and well-weighted.” – Decanter, Anthony Rose, Susan Hulme, Jason Millar

“Blackberry and black plum on the nose combined with iron, toasted spices and orange rind. It’s full-bodied but with excellent freshness on the palate. Firm, fine tannins that are a little woody, but they melt nicely into the wine. Drink or hold.” – James Suckling

“The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino from Costanti is a spice box on the nose, wafting up with cinnamon, clove, incense and dried flowers before evolving further with hints of mint and dried black cherry. While silky and textural, it’s full of zesty energy, with a wave of vibrant acidity and notes of citrus that enliven its core of tart, wild berry fruit. The 2013 finishes structured yet vibrant, with a salted licorice flourish and fine tannins that tug at the palate but don’t get in the way. This high-energy, mineral-driven example of top-level Montalcino Sangiovese is sultry and full of character. Consider me a fan. ”  -Erico Gudio, Vinous