Acclaim

“Aromas of scorched earth, Mediterranean brush, ripe black-skinned berry and pipe tobacco shape the nose on this full-bodied red. Made with 95% Carignano and 5% Bovaleddu and aged in new barrique, the bold, brawny palate offers notes of licorice, dried mint and molten chocolate that accent prune and blackberry extract. Velvety, close-grained tannins provide the backbone. Drink through 2029. Abv: 15%” -Kerin O’Keefe November 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com

“The 2021 Rosso di Montalcino Vermiglio opens slowly in the glass, as swirling reveals dark autumnal spice, dried cherries, sage and cocoa. This is pure elegance, velvety yet lifted, with a creamy wave of mineral-laced red fruits carried across a core of saline-tinged acidity. It leaves the palate drenched in primary concentration along with a coating of fine-grained tannins, flexing its structural muscle as salted licorice notes fade. The 2020 Vermiglio is a beast in need of taming. Bury it deep.” -Eric Guido, Vinous

“Showing more depth than the straight Rosso and released a year later, the engaging 2020 Vermiglio from Costanti opens with lovely aromas of pine forest, underbrush, crushed rose, spice and new leather. Elegant and energized, the savory palate offers succulent Morello cherry, star anise, crushed mint and hints of almond liqueur alongside fresh acidity. Aged partly in tonneaux and partly in Slavonian casks, it has tightly woven, fine-grained tannins that provide seamless support. Like all the firm’s wines, it boasts the Costanti signature finesse. Drink 2025–2030. Abv: 14%” -Kerin O’Keefe November 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com

“Vibrant black cherry, raspberry preserves, cedar shavings and dusty earth form a wildly attractive bouquet as the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino opens in the glass. This is like pure velvet on the palate, yet spicy and intense, with a stern core of minerality and zesty acidity that adds a sense of boundless energy. This turns savory, nearly salty, finishing with a staining of licorice and spice as gently grippy tannins resonate. This is fantastic and built for medium-term cellaring.” – Eric Guadio, Vinous

“Cedar and mint hints complement depths of musky red currant and dried cherries as the darkly alluring 2016 Brunello di Montalcino smolders up from the glass. This is a model of purity, with textures of pure silk. It’s vibrant, verging on nervous acidity, mixing ripe strawberry with a tart cranberry crunch as orange traces add further depth toward the close. Still structured yet not aggressively so, the 2016 finishes long and staining. A gentle tug of fine tannins adds youthful poise as the cheeks pucker for another sip. This is already showing beautifully, yet patience is recommended. ” – Eric Guido, Vinous

“Organically grown, this Amarone opens with aromas of macerated black cherries, pressed violets, freshly roasted coffee and bittersweet chocolate all in tandem. The balanced palate offers plum and turned earth along with a lifted finish with notes of minerality and bright acidity. Drink now.” — Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of candied cherries, macerated raspberries, dried rose and forest floor all combine on the nose of this wine. An excellent example of the elegance of La Morra, the palate is lifted with superfine tannins that support the supple red fruit notes, mixed spices and mineral-driven finish. Drink now–2045. — Jeff Porter

“A certified organic wine, the 2021 Verdicchio Classico Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Bucci only sees stainless steel, and fruit is sourced from across 31 hectares of vines on limestone-clay soils. This pretty wine delivers terrific freshness and aromatic sharpness with grapefruit, exotic tones, saffron and white licorice. This vintage is especially intense and focused. This is a big production of 100,000 bottles.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Oct. 2023

“The organic Villa Bucci 2020 Verdicchio Classico Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Bucci is lovely and balanced with green apple, papaya, honey and crushed stone. The wine offers good equilibrium between the freshness of its primary flavors and its natural acidity. Annual production for this popular wine is under 100,000 bottles.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Oct. 2023

“A pretty red, evoking rose, cherry, strawberry and subtle herb aromas and flavors. Though elegant, this is firmly structured, with a hint of black pepper on the finish. Drink now through 2029. 1,800 cases made, 500 cases imported.” – Brune Sanderson, Wine Spectator, Oct. 2023