Acclaim

Some wines just make you smile. This brings that kind of simple joy, where elderflower delicacy meets green apple brightness over steely mountain freshness. The palate keeps that happy energy flowing, matching aromatic charm with vibrant precision. When a wine delivers exactly what you want, why ask for more?  Jeff Porter.

When Franz first made this five-grape tribute to his wife Maria Luisa in 1995, he created something special. Today, Riesling leads while Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and Kerner add their voices, bringing quince and elderflower notes that dance with citrus lift. The kind of wine that proves great blends, like great marriages, get better with time. Jeff Porter.

Floral aromas of iris and violet mingle with woodland berry and botanical herb on the wonderfully fragrant 2023 Barbaresco Giacone Lorens from Lodali. Polished and enveloping, the elegant, full-bodied palate doles out Morello cherry, raspberry compote, blood orange and nutmeg before a minty finish. It’s well balanced, with velvety tannins and fresh acidity.

Cherry, raspberry, menthol, iron and tobacco flavors are aligned with a solid line of tannins in this smooth yet firmly structured red. Shows the potential to develop over time, with ample fruit, harmony and a long, mineral-infused aftertaste. Best from 2029 through 2048. -BS

A smooth, juicy style, this red displays black cherry, blackberry and plum fruit framed by licorice, white pepper and mineral flavors. Firm, with present tannins, yet feels elegant, harmonious and long. The fruit lingers on the finish. Best from 2029 through 2046. -BS

Black cherry, blackberry and plum flavors abound in this medium-bodied red. Mediterranean scrub and menthol notes add savory depth as this tightens up on the dusty finish. Overall, this is vibrant and exudes finesse but will need time to show all of its facets. Best from 2029 through 2048. -BS

Focused on its cherry and blackberry core of fruit, this red is generous, vibrant and expressive. Dense tannins add lift, while the finish picks up woodsy, underbrush notes. Balanced and open for the vintage, this should be approachable soon. Best from 2028 through 2045. -BS

Spicy with a lot of licorice, smoky wood, watermelon and strawberries. Medium-bodied and savory with weight on the palate, offering blood-orange peel, velvety tannins and a refreshing finish. Very well-handled in this vintage. Drink or hold.

Crushed raspberries meet Mediterranean herbs, exotic spice and hints of wet stone as the 2024 Rosso di Montalcino evolves in the glass. It’s round and soft-textured with brisk acidity and pretty red berry fruits. The refreshing finish displays admirable length and lingering inflections of licorice and lavender. –Eric Guido

The 2023 Rosso di Montalcino Vermiglio slowly evolves with grilled herbs, crushed black cherries and complexities of clove and ashen stone. The palate is elegant and silky with polished red berry fruits, tantalizing acidity and a stern mineral inflection toward the close. Hints of sour citrus maintain a lovely tension on the structured, long and spicy finale. -Eric Guido