Acclaim
Search the reviews of Empson & Co.'s wines.
| Producer | Wine | Vintage | Publication | Date | Score | Detail | |||||
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| Conti Costanti | Brunello di Montalcino DOCG | 2019 | Kerin O'Keefe | 30/11/2023 | 100 | ||||||
Verbiage“The 2019 Brunello from Costanti is breathtakingly gorgeous. Combining the intensity of the vintage and the hallmark finesse that defines the wines of this historic estate, this is a wine Brunello lovers will want in their cellars. It opens with heady aromas of fragrant blue flower, woodland berry, forest floor and new leather that on the palate segue into juicy Marasca cherry, wild raspberry, blood orange, menthol and baking spice. Firm, ultra-refined tannins offer support while bright acidity keeps it beautifully balanced and vibrant. What. A. Stunner. Drink 202-20224. ” -Kerin O’Keefe November 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com |
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| Conti Costanti | Brunello di Montalcino DOCG | 2019 | Decanter | 30/11/2023 | 100 | ||||||
Verbiage“I remember tasting Costanti’s 2019 Rosso di Montalcino in 2021 and thinking how Brunello-esque it was: the sturdy structure was almost uncharacteristic, yet it certainly boded well for the Brunello. Simply gloriously sculpted, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is indeed statuesque and stately. While it doesn’t give everything up all at once, it is gracious in its presentation. From chestnut forest and sweet earth, to anise and orange extract, the aromas are visceral, and boundless depths of wild red berries suffuse the palate. It vibrates with scintillating acidity and long, tactile tannins which stretch out leisurely. I bet that Rosso has hit its stride now – if you have some, it’s what you’ll want to drink while waiting for this captivatingly beautiful Brunello. I can’t help but imagine what next year’s Riserva release has in store.” -Michaela Morris, Decanter, Nov. 2023 |
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| Fuligni | Brunello di Montalcino DOCG | 2019 | Decanter | 30/11/2023 | 97 | ||||||
Verbiage“This historic, unwaveringly reliable estate does not disappoint in 2019. Graciously expressive rather than austere, it will nevertheless reveal more with time; yet the aromas – a striking fusion of chestnut forest and polished wood with fennel and spiced plum – are just so tempting now. It fills the mouth with lustrous red berries and pressed violets and, after an initial caress, tightly woven tannins amplify across the palate, remaining poised in their volume. An intricate and detailed wie with profound depths. Matures in 20- to 30-hectolitre Slavonian oak casks with a small percentage in French tonneaux.” – Michaela Morris, Decanter |
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| Conti Costanti | Brunello di Montalcino DOCG | 2019 | Vinous | 30/11/2023 | 95 | ||||||
Verbiage“The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is impossible to ignore. Clove and a dusting of savory spice complicate a beguiling crushed black cherry and strawberry bouquet. This presents textures of pure silk, ushering in ripe red fruits and inner florals that stain the palate in youthful concentration. The 2019 tapers off dramatically, leaving a bed of grippy tannins to grumble on as licorice and orange hints slowly fade. ” -Eric Guido, Vinous |
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| Balerìn | Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG | 2018 | James Suckling | 23/11/2023 | 92 | ||||||
VerbiageRich, chocolatey character here with notes of raisined berries, plum skins, walnuts and charred bark. Full-bodied and broad with fine, nicely polished tannins and deep core of fruit. Lingering finish. Drink or hold. |
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| Cascina Bongiovanni | Barolo “Pernanno” DOCG | 2020 | Vinous | 23/11/2023 | 94 | ||||||
VerbiageThe 2020 Barolo Pernanno offers up hints of plum, cinnamon, menthol, licorice, sage, dried herbs and a kiss of French oak. Dark and brooding in feel, the 2020 retains terrific energy and plenty of nuance. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of balsamic inflections to round things out. |
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| Cascina Bongiovanni | Barolo DOCG | 2020 | Vinous | 23/11/2023 | 91 | ||||||
VerbiageThe 2020 Barolo is a gorgeous, beguiling Barolo. Macerated cherry, kirsch, spice, new leather and orange peel give this mid-weight Barolo tons of exoticism. Best of all, the 2020 can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. |
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| Massimago | Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG | 2017 | James Suckling | 16/11/2023 | 92 | ||||||
VerbiageDark berries, ripe plums, black licorice, charred bark and wet earth on the nose. Full-bodied, intense and deep with a powdery texture to the tannins and plush fruit. Chocolatey and luscious. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. |
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| Massimago | “Conte Gastone” Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG BIO | 2019 | James Suckling | 16/11/2023 | 92 | ||||||
VerbiageThis offers attractive notes of dark fruit, raisins, chocolate and dried flowers. Full-bodied, creamy and velvety with compact tannins and delicious fruit. Restrained and harmonious. Long finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. |
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| Pietradolce | Contrada Santo Spirito Etna Rosso DOC | 2019 | Wine & Sprits | 15/11/2023 | 94 and top 100 wines | ||||||
VerbiageThis pale, floral-scented wine is the most ethereal and linear Etna Rosso among Pietradolce’s current releases. Made with fruit from 90-year-old alberello vines that rise to an altitude of close to 3,000 feet on Etna’s northern slope, the wine’s tangy red-plum fl avors ride on nervy acidity, gaining notes of orange peel and cranberry tea along with hints of white smoke and a pleasant nut-skin savor. “Prettily volcanic” is the way one taster described it, and although it will age well, the wine is irresistible today for its verve and brightness. |
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