Acclaim

“The nose is herbaceous, metallic and slightly earthy, with notes of pepper, pencil shavings, fennel, balsamic and soil shining above a fruity undertone. On the palate, cherry, plum and orange trees sprout from a continued earthiness, which is emphasized by dusty tannins, while lightly crackling acid provides balance.” — Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast

“Dusty and floral, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a perfumed blend of dried roses,  cherries, mint and lavender candies. It’s elegant and seamlessly silky on the palate, enveloping the senses with ripe red berry fruits contrasted by a bitter clove tinge. A core of brisk acidity maintains a lovely balance as a web of fine tannins saturates the palate, and a pleasantly chewy sensation remains. The 2019 is classic to the core. ” -Eric Gaudio, Vinous

“The nose is a succulent balance of fruit and meat, with dark chocolate tying notes of black cherry and blackberry to savory undertones of pepper and graphite. On the palate, flintiness, bright acid and taut, dusty tannins frame the enduring dark fruit and dark chocolate.” — Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast

“Made with old vine Carricante that are between 100-120 years old and situated 850m above sea level, the 2022 Pietradolce Archineri Bianco is all about elegance. It opens with delicate, alluring scents recalling lychee, Spanish broom and white stone fruit. On the vibrant palate, tangy saline mineral notes accompany ripe yellow pear and peach pit. Drink through 2028. Abv: 13%” -Kerin O’Keefe December 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com

“The 2019 Brut Franciacorta Milledì is smoky and mineral in style, blending stone dust with savory herb and young peach aromas. It sweeps across the palate with a massaging bead of fine bubbles as ripe orchard fruits swirl across a stream of brisk acidity. Pretty inner florals resonate as the 2019 finishes with admirable length and youthful tension, leaving suggestions of citrus-tinge nectarine to fade slowly. Frankly stated, this over-delivers.” -Eric Gudio

“Aromas of star anise, small red berry and culinary spice waft out of the glass on the 2019 Archineri Rosso. Made with 100% Nerello Mascalese, it’s smooth, savory and racy, delivering flavors recalling strawberry, blood orange and white pepper alongside fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Drink through 2029. Abv: 14.5%” -Kerin O’Keefe December 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com

“Linear and firm, Pietradolce’s elegantly structured 2019 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito features aromas and flavors of red berry, Mediterranean brush, exotic brown spice, licorice and saline. Bright acidity lends racy tension while taut, close-grained tannins provide support. Drink 2025–2031. Abv: 13%” -Kerin O’Keefe December 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com

“The 2019 Rampante from Pietradolce, a 100% Nerello Mascalese, opens with enticing aromas of Mediterranean scrub, star anise and wet stone. Vibrant and loaded with finesse, the palate features juicy raspberry, licorice and saline alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and energized. Drink through 2029. Abv: 14.5%” -Kerin O’Keefe December 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com

“Good deep red. Strawberry, tobacco, myrtle, sea breeze, smoke and underbrush on the nose. Nicely concentrated and vibrant, with a somewhat cool, crisp quality to the flavors of red fruits, herbs, licorice and orange peel. Builds nicely on the back end, with the tannins nicely buffered by mid-palate material and its flavours complicated by hints of powdered rocks. Aged ten to twelve months in new and once-used oak casks. This wine has long been the best traditionally-made Carignano wine of Sardinia. Drinking window: 2026-2034.” -Ian D’Agata

“With dark fruit balanced out by savory notes of tobacco leaf or cigar ash, the Fuligni 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is rich and beautifully concentrated. In little time, the bouquet reveals a floral interlude with dried rose petal and a tropical note of hibiscus. This wine shows a lot of angles, all very pleasant, that work together. The tannins are dusty and finely textured with a hint of powdery cocoa to close. Production is 33,000 bottles.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate