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Check in 2/1/2021

This crisp, refreshing sparkler opens with delicate scents of white stone fruit, hawthorn and a whiff of nut. Reflecting the nose, the vibrant palate offers green apple, white peach and an almond note alongside a light perlage. It's a perfect sparkler to sip on the deck or by the pool. 

This has a subdued nose that eventually offers whiffs of toasted nut, honey and hints of yellow apple. The aromas follow over to the palate along with a note of candied lemon drop and bright acidity. 

The nose is initially subdued but eventually suggests acacia flower, almond and eucalyptus. The vibrant, linear palate offers mature apricot, ripe yellow pear and thyme alongside a honeyed note and crisp acidity.

Martoccia's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino brings forth some of the warmer characteristics of the vintage, thanks to its earthy and spicy aromas that lift gently from the bouquet. A second wave of plummy dark fruit and dried cherry is quick to follow. This wine would be a pleasant pairing with venison sausages now, but it's probably better to wait: This edition offers a good balance between fruit and oak, and although the tannins are tight, they should carry the wine forward over the next five years of aging. These are nice, classic results for this vintage of 16,000 bottles.

Martoccia's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino brings forth some of the warmer characteristics of the vintage, thanks to its earthy and spicy aromas that lift gently from the bouquet. A second wave of plummy dark fruit and dried cherry is quick to follow. This wine would be a pleasant pairing with venison sausages now, but it's probably better to wait: This edition offers a good balance between fruit and oak, and although the tannins are tight, they should carry the wine forward over the next five years of aging. These are nice, classic results for this vintage of 16,000 bottles.

This has subdued aromas suggesting mature black-skinned fruit, vanilla and espresso. The dense palate offers blackberry jam, licorice and dried sage alongside close-grained tannins. Drink after 2022.

From a warm vintage, Luca Brunelli’s 2012 Riserva feels dark and brooding, with flavors of black cherry and plum accented by notes of wet hay and soft green moss. Beneath those herbal, earthy flavors lies a black-rock minerality that lends a tense structure to the wine. Give this a few years in the cellar for the flavors to integrate and the tannins to soften.

I am impressed by this wine from Martoccia, a producer I was not previous familiar with. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcio Riserva opens to black fruit aromas with plum, blackberry and dried cherry. Perhaps the tannins are a bit dry (you feel that on the plate), otherwise this pretty wine has the natural acidity and freshness to pair with grilled sirloin or lamb. Only 5,000 bottles were made.

The Martoccia 2018 Rosso di Montalcino shows a tangy and slightly bitter touch of sour cherry and cassis. The wine warms in the glass to more expansive, albeit simple, aromas of earth, spice and potting soil. If you want a simple taste of Sangiovese from the cool Montalcino climate, this wine offers a little tease of authenticity. Some 25,000 bottles were produced, allowing for a moderately priced pairing with an authentic pappardelle and rabbit ragù.

Jasmine and citrus aromas lead the nose. The informal palate offers yellow apple and candied lemon, alongside crisp acidity and a soft mousse.

Here's a fun sparkler that boasts fruity aromas of wild berry that carry on to the palate along with pomegranate and pink grapefruit. Fresh acidity and lively bubbles provide the framework.

Black cherry is vivid on the nose and continues unabashed on the fruity, easy palate. There is a lovely, pervasive juiciness and freshness and lovely tone of cinnamon in the background. This will also work chilled in summer. 

A hint of zesty grapefruit streaks attractively across the nose. The palate then sashays in with ease, its light, juicy body brimming with lemon freshness. 

Very ripe juicy green pear on the nose is equally present on the very light palate. There is a little spritz to liven up this dry slender easy wine.

A friendly, ripe and appetizing tone of yellow pear dominates the nose and palate of this wine. It's fluid in its flavors, with a yeasty edge that adds some texture and a touch of saltiness that lasts all the way through the finish.

Notes of lightly cookied strawberries and olive-oil infused tomatoes here. Full-bodied adn spicy on teh palate and fruit-forward with dusty tannins.

Made with the help of consulting enologist Stefano Chioccioli, this beautiful Riserva boasts a direct approach with intense aromas of cherry, wild berry, vanilla bean and Spanish cedar. The mouthfeel is bright and well-toned with good crispness and pretty spice nuances on the close.

Dense and smoky, featuring cherry, leather, spice and licorice flavors. Complex and structured, with bright acidity and dusty tannins, ending on a lingering aftertaste of spice. Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 300 cases made. –BS

Deep ruby. Brooding, inky aromas of dark plum and flint are complicated by coffee and cocoa. Fresh and juicy on entry, then increasingly austere in the middle, finishing with chewy, rising tannins that will require patience. The powerful, lingering finish features rich dark cherry and plum notes.

Creamy with smooth, elegant, integrated falvors; ripe, toasty and complex with lovely texture and length.

Edi Simcic sources this chardonnay from 25-year-old vines in the village of Kozana, where his mother was born. Aged for ten months in oak barrels, the wine is rich and smoky, with notes of warm spice and toasted hazelnuts. Lively acidity cuts through those oak-driven tones, revealing precise flavors of crisp apple and quince. The combination brings to mind a warm breakfast pastry filled with lightly spiced apples in its delicacy and sumptuousness, yet the wine remains dry through the long finish. Delicious now, it will be even better after a year or two in the cellar.

Review pending publication

Smooth and lush, ripe and juicy with plum, cassis and spice; lush and complex with balance and a long, seamless finish. 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc.

Lifted blackberry and cherry aromas meld into flavors of ripe black-fruit, violet and black peppercorn this bold, beautiful Bordeaux-style blend.  It’s richly concentrated, with vibrant acidity and lush, furry tannins.  Generously spiced on the finish.

Smooth, mature and rich with soft tannins and spice; plum, cassis and nice integration; long and balanced. 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc.

There’s so much nuance to this multifaceted Chardonnay.  Sunny tangerine and apple flavors are accented by hints of smoke, salted butter and a beautiful crushed-stone minerality.  It is dry and full-bodied with rich texture and sprightly acidity.

Golden color; smooth, dense and showing toasty oak and ripe pear; creamy, lush and balanced; long and rich.

The 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico shows noble lines with measured tones of dried fruit and raisin. The winemaking is very traditional (botte grande is used for aging instead of smaller oak vessels) and the blend is 75% Corvina, 20% Rondinella and 5% Croatina. Endnotes of smoke and leather add a savory touch and there’s a bright spot of sour cherry or dried apricot as well. Drink 2014-2020.

With seven hectares of vineyard, Giuseppe Lonardi is a small, dynamic winery run by the Lonardi family. They also founded the L’Antica Osteria da Bepi, a colorful neighborhood eatery with country cooking.

A savory ripasso packed with dark fruit, this tastes as meaty as a juicy steak.  Black peppercorn scents add spice.  For grilled sirloin.

This outlier wine sparked much controversy at the Nebbiolo blind tastings because of the thickness of its extraction and the darkness of its appearance. Serracapelli is a beautifully rich wine that doesn’t necessarily highlight Barbaresco typicity. You’ll get opulent aromas of black cherry, spice, leather and moist tobacco. The mouthfeel is rich, round and velvety.

This has aromas of weedy underbrush, used leather and moist soil. The lean palate is already evolved, suggesting prune, blood orange and the barest hint of roasted coffee bean alongside grainy, fleeting tannins.

Bright dark garnet black color. Earthy, fresh aromas and flavors of mulberry compote, dried apricot, nougat, and marinated meat and mushroom with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a graceful, interesting, medium-length spiced apple, cherry and pear, nut, and grassy earth finish with fine, dusty tannins and light oak. A fun combination of fruit and earthy, meaty rusticity.

Bright dark garnet black color. Earthy, fresh aromas and flavors of mulberry compote, dried apricot, nougat, and marinated meat and mushroom with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a graceful, interesting, medium-length spiced apple, cherry and pear, nut, and grassy earth finish with fine, dusty tannins and light oak. A fun combination of fruit and earthy, meaty rusticity. - See more at: http://www.tastings.com/Wine-Review/La-Quercia-2014-Montepulciano-dAbruzzo-DOC-Italy-11-05-2016.aspx#sthash.VReGopKx.dpuf

2017 Best Buys, #21: Aromas of freshly mowed grass, lemon pith, and lemon grass open for mineral-driven flavors of Bartlett pear, lemon juice and green apple in the midpalate.

Underlying notes of vanilla soften the aromas of pineapple, grapefruit and lemon zest. Medium bodied with crisp acidity in the mouth, there are flavors of apple and lemon curd in the long finish.

Fresh and refined, this lovely wine boasts enticing scents of white spring flower, orchard fruit and a whiff of roasted herb. The bright palate offers nectarine zest, Bartlett pear and lively acidity while a mineral note closes the finish.

Subdued aromas of hawthorn, dried herb and apricot form the delicate nose. It's crisp and linear, offering grapefruit, yellow peach and almond alongside racy acidity.

Lightly honeyed, dry and tangy overall, this displays bright flavors of orange liqueur, macerated peach, wax, smoke, raw almond and subtle lemon curd. Elegant and mouthwatering, presenting an aromatic finish. Drink now through 2019. 300 cases imported. –AN

The 2011 Soave Classico Casette Foscarin shows slightly oxidized aromas of peach and melon that make for a more elaborate style. Aromas of crushed granite, exotic fruit and honeydew melon are major components of the bouquet. It would pair with tuna tartar or pesce crudo. Drink 2013-2016.

This Brunello offers interesting complexity in its cola and balsam notes. The wine has a big, bright intensity, with crisp acidity and a lean, compact mouthfeel that’s rather austere and stern. Ultimately the wine is more generous on the nose than in the mouth and finishes with lasting freshness.

Medium red. Dusty cherry, dried rose, mint and a whiff of leather on the scented nose. Smooth and lightly saline on the palate, with a crushed stone element perfuming the mouth and giving the wine a light touch. The slowly rising finish features fine but firm tannins. Still a bit youthfully bound-up but made in an elegant style.

This rich red exudes aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry, floral and light earth. Vibrant and harmonious, with a lingering finish of fruit and tea. Drink now through 2020. 1,650 cases made. –BS

Good deep red. Sappy aromas of cherry liqueur, mocha and violet are lifted by a mineral topnote. Very silky in the mouth, with lively floral and mineral elements giving tension to the red cherry and dark berry flavors. Finishes seamless and very long, with a fine dusting of tannins easily supported by the wine's excellent stuffing. Boasts plenty of energy and violet sangiovese perfume.

Good deep red.  Sappy aromas of cherry liqueur, mocha and violet are lifted by a mineral topnote.  Very silky in the mouth, with lively floral and mineral elements giving tension to the red cherry and dark berry flavors.  Finishes seamless and very long, with a fine dusting of tannins easily supported by the wine's excellent stuffing.  Boasts plenty of energy and violet sangiovese perfume.

The delicate and playful bouquet offers tight aromas of small berry fruit, ginger, cola, cedar and a touch of black tar or graphite.  The aromatic complexity is intriguing.  In the mouth however, the wine’s bright acidity is still a bit sharp and raw at this young stage.  Hold 5-10 years.  Cellar Selection —M.L. 

Ripe and chewy, this red sports cherry, raspberry and spice flavors matched to a dense structure. A modern style, with an echo of spice on the finish. Best from 2015 through 2028. 1,650 cases made. –BS

Bright and bursting with cherry and raspberry flavors, this picks up floral accents as it builds on the palate. Fresh and pure, with tobacco and briar notes emerging on the finish. Best from 2016 through 2028. 1,250 cases made. –BS

Luca Brunelli's 2009 Brunello di Montalcino is a very pleasing wine with a round and ripe approach that is softly enhanced by fine layers of baking spice and cigar box. Thanks to the general ripeness of the fruit (and 36 months of oak aging), the wine gives you more to chew on and offers good prospects for a steady aging evolution ahead. This is a very nice proposition from Montalcino. Drink: 2017-2023. (February 2014)

Bright red.  Enticing aromas of red berries, candied violet and red cherry syrup.  Sweet and fruity, offering knockout ripe red berry and cherry flavors that linger nicely on the smooth finish; just a trace of alcoholic heat at the back.  In a slightly warmer, riper style than other Brunellos but its impeccable balance and purity of fruit make this a standout in 2009.

Bright red. Enticing aromas of red berries, candied violet and red cherry syrup. Sweet and fruity, offering knockout ripe red berry and cherry flavors that linger nicely on the smooth finish; just a trace of alcoholic heat at the back. In a slightly warmer, riper style than other Brunellos but its impeccable balance and purity of fruit make this a standout in 2009.

This concentrated style shows cherry and raspberry fruit along with peppery greens such as arugula, mustard and shiso, graced with tobacco accents. The tannins leave a firm coating on the finish. Shows the potential for aging. Best from 2019 through 2032. 1,250 cases made.
–BS

Luca Brunelli harvests this from 12 acres growing on south-facing slopes just east of Montalcino. Aged three years in a mix of Slovenian and French oak casks, this feels elegant, capturing the richness of Brunello while maintaining an agile character. Fleshy black fruit flavors meld with notes of anise and dried thyme, cooled by orange-tinged acidity. This will get even better as the tannins soften, but it’s a delicious match now for roast pork and fennel.

This concentrated style shows cherry and raspberry fruit along with peppery greens such as arugula, mustard and shiso, graced with tobacco accents. The tannins leave a firm coating on the finish. Shows the potential for aging. Best from 2019 through 2032. 1,250 cases made

This concentrated style shows cherry and raspberry fruit along with the peppery greeens such as arugula, mustard and shiso, graced with tabacco accents. The tannins leave a firm coating on the finish. Shows potential for aging. Best from 2019 through 2032. 1250 cases made.

Ripe dark-skinned berry, forest floor and cooking spice aromas lead the nose along with a whiff of new leather. The chewy palate offers fleshy black cherry, cinnamon, vanilla and a hint of tobacco while polished tannins provide the framework. This is already accessible so no need to cellar it for years. Best through 2021.

This small winery of 15 hectares dedicates only 5 hectares to the product of Brunello di Montalcino. Brunelli estate is located in the southwestern section of the appellation at an altitude of 300 metres. Limited production of 10,000 bottles, the wine spends 36 mont in both Slvonian oak barrels and French oak barriques. BB: Medium-bodied and expressive, with aromas of meral and floral infused red fruit leading to the squeaky-clean palate boasting layered yet soft tannins, and sustaining to a long, fruit-driven finish. MG: Bright, flesh fruit aromas along with notes of woodsmoke and black pepper. Big, ripe and juicy palate, with smaly and spicy fruit iluminated by impressively fresh acidity, mobilising to a superbly long finish. SH: Complex leather, musky noswe welcomes juicy, dark cherry fruit on the palate, with bright acidity adding liveliness and freshness on a protracted finish. Drinking Window 2021-2029

Dark-skinned berry, underbrush and leather are some of the aromas you'll find in this juicy Brunello. The palate doles out fleshy black cherry, raspberry jam and clove flavors held together by fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Enjoy 2018–2023.

This is juicy and ripe, the brambly berry flavors buoyed by lively acidity and cool minerality. Notes of damp bark and forest floor lend an earthy component while muscular tannins impart a brawny rusticity. Decant it for double-cut pork chops.

This estates ful name is Martoccia di Brunelli Luca.  The 2013 Brunell di Montalcino shows dark fruit and a deep, inky garnet appearance.  This Tuscan Sangiovese offers dried fruit aromas with cassis and black curnat.  There is a point of astringency in terms of tannins, and the wine sticks firmly to the palate, thanks to its lastring structure and power. 

The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino offers immediate ripeness and soft fruit intensity. Despite the cool conditions of this growing season, some wines from this vintage actually appear very lush and fruit-forward. This is one fo them. The bouque is enhanced with dark berry aromas backed by spice, clove, leather and potting soil. In the mouth, the wine reveals a mid-weight approach with good lenth and bright acidity. Some 15,000 bottles were made.

The 201 Brunello di Montalcino offers immediate ripeness and soft fruit intensity. Despite the cool conditions of this growing season, some wines from this vintage actually appear very lush and fruit-forward. This is one fo them. The bouque is enhanced with dark berry aromas backed by spice, clove, leather and potting soil. In the mouth, the wine reveals a mid-weight approach with good lenth and bright acidity. Some 15,000 bottles were made.

Delicious nose with floral elements and hints of lavender, magnolia blossom, blue plums and blueberry juice. In the mouth a slight touch of grapefruit offers pleasantness.
Medium to full bodied, perfect extraction of sweet tannins; brilliant and juicy in the end. Best from 2021.

A compelling red, dense and substantial, yet showing a sense of harmony and poise. Cherry, licorice, spice and mineral aromas and flavors abound, and the texture is smooth and velvety. Everything comes together on the vibrant, energized aftertaste of pure cherry, tobacco and mineral. Best from 2014 through 2027. 1,600 cases made. –BS

Good full, bright red. Nuanced, mellow aromas of red cherry, spices, flowers, red licorice and leather. Silky and salty with extract; richer and deeper than the 2007 classico but more imploded today. The wine's subtle intensity carries through to the rather powerful finish, which spreads out nicely to coat the palate with red fruits and soil notes. Showing little in the way of easy sweetness but this really shimmers on the aftertaste.

Good full red.  Perfumed aromas of raspberry, minerals and flowers, plus a whiff of blackberry juice.  Juicy, concentrated and deep, offering supple yet energetic flavors of dark berries, flowers and flint.  Finishes with good grip, smooth tannins and lingering violet perfume.  Very impressive releases from by Luca Brunelli this year.

Good full red. Perfumed aromas of raspberry, minerals and flowers, plus a whiff of blackberry juice. Juicy, concentrated and deep, offering supple yet energetic flavors of dark berries, flowers and flint. Finishes with good grip, smooth tannins and lingering violet perfume. Very impressive releases from by Luca Brunelli this year.

This impressive Brunello Riserva opens with an inky, garnet color, gorgeous aromatic intensity and bright tones of red cherry, licorice, rum cake and menthol.  The wine feels tight and silky in the mouth with great purity and a long, polished feel.  The wine can be cellared or consumed in two to three years from now.  —M.L.

Round and smooth, exuding cherry and strawberry flavors, this red is both vibrant and firm. Shows fine harmony at this stage, with a long aftertaste of fruit and spice. Best from 2016 through 2032. 170 cases made. –BS

NA

A tangy and tight Brunello with blackberry, mineral and chalky aromas and flavors. Lemon rind dertones. Almost salty. Fresh and vibrant.
Drink now.

Cherry and strawberry candy highlight this elegant red, along with tobacco,
leather and leafy notes. Shows some grip underneath and plenty of traction on
the long, licorice- and spice-tinged finish. Delivers beautiful fruit, but this leans
toward the tannins in the end. Best from 2018 through 2033. 220 cases made.

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a bold and tightly layered wine that delivers an impressive performance. The bouquet is firmly stitched together and seamless although it also shows a powerful rush of red cherry, blackberry, spice, tar, cola and grilled herbs. There is a modern touch of cinnamon and toasted espresso bean that gives the wine an added sense of depth and lasting importance. In the mouth, this Riserva reveals tight structure and tangy acidity.

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino
Riserva is a bold and tightly layered
wine that delivers an impressive
performance. The bouquet is firmly
stitched together and seamless
although it also shows a powerful
rush of red cherry, blackberry, spice,
tar, cola and grilled herbs. There is a
modern touch of cinnamon and
toasted espresso bean that gives the
wine an added sense of depth and
lasting importance. In the mouth, this
Riserva reveals tight structure and
tangy acidity

Sweet berry, licorice, leather and almond aromas and flavors are maturing nicely in this expressive red. Mellowing, with dusty tannins lingering on the iron-tinged aftertaste. Best from 2018 through 2030. 180 cases made.2011 Brunello Riserva -  

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Luca Brunelli aged this wine in a mix of tonneaux and large oak casks for three years, yet the tannins still hold the fruit flavors in an inron grasp. They begin to relent with air, the wine growing vibrant in its notes of cherry, tart plum, tobacco and graphite. Lively acidity drives the flavors toward a long finish, picking up notes of orange zest and spice along the way.

Espresso, toasted oak and cooking spice form the nose. The ripe palate offers prune, roasted coffee bean and clove alongside assertive, drying tannins. Drink through 2025.

The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a dark and brooding expression with black fruit aromas followed by spice, leather and savory pipe tabacco. This Riserva packs a powerful punch. The pallate is treated to cherry and black currant. The mouthfeel is hardy, well structured and long in persistence.

Fresh and elegant, this red sports strawberry, raspberry and currant flavors on a vibrant, elegant frame. Well-structured and intense, with a lingering mineral aftertaste. Best from 2013 through 2018. 2,500 cases made. –BS

Bright ruby-red. Perfumed aromas of red cherry, strawberry and flint, complicated by subtle hints of underbrush and game. On the palate, very pure, refined flavors of flinty red cherry and blackcurrant offer an easy-drinking sweetness. The finish is smooth, bright and long. A knockout Rosso, but decant it an hour ahead.

Luca Brunelli’s 2015 Rosso is loaded with cherry flavors that push the furthest edge of ripeness. Notes of blood orange and mouthwatering acidity brighten the flavors while powerful tannins lend a raspy scrape to the finish. It’s a muscular Rosso that will benefit from a few years in the cellar.

Available in July 2019

Here's a terrific Tuscan red to drink with simple but hearty home-cooked meals like pasta or bean soup. The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino is packed tigh with blackberry and black currant. Those aromas are followed by mild spice, tar and moist chewing tabacco. The wine is both fruit and savory at the save time. You can drink this fun wine without a second thought. Some 30,000 bottle were made.

Wild-berry and camphor aromas mix with a hint of tobacco. Reflecting the nose, the taut medium-bodied palate offers ripe Marasca cherry, licorice and a hint of smoke. Polished tannins lend support. Drink through 2022.

Eucalyptus, sage, tar, cherry and leather flavors are saturated, while the vibrant structure puts them in relief. Balanced and long, with a savory aftertaste. Drink now through 2020. 18,000 cases made. –BS

Dull dark garnet color. Interesting, fruity, savory aromas and flavors of dried cherries and berries sprinkled with cocoa, floral honey roasted chestnuts, and beef and mushroom consommé with a silky, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long caramelized orange and pear, delicate spices, and vanilla cream finish with light oak. A spicy, savory sangiovese that will shine at the table.

Raspberry and bilberry aromas and flavors are the main themes, with supporting notes of spicem eartg and tabacco leaf. Lively tannins bristle under the finish.

This harmonious red sports cherry, floral, earth and sweet spice flavors matched to a bright profile.  Finishes with a pleasant astringency.  Sangiovese.  Drink now through 2018.  – B.S.

Black currant and bilberry flavors highlight this dense red, while hints of tobacco and black tea play around the fringes. Intense and balanced in a muscular way, revealing a long, spicy finish. Best from 2015 through 2025. –BS

A hefty, oak-tinged red, this exudes plum, cherry, clove and smoke flavors, with accents of leather and earth. The sweet fruit and opulent texture alleviate the grip on the long finish. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2020

A fifty-fifty blend of cabernet sauvignon and sangiovese, this takes time to open past its smoky oak to red fruit scents of currants and cranberries.  It’s a warm, toasty red, hinting at earthy mushroom scents in the finish.  For braised duck.

Appetizing crisp green apple and fresh Conference pear play on the nose of this wine. The palate is light, easy and fresh. Drink now, while the aromas are at their peak.

Very appetizing, immediate notes of both fresh green and ripe juicy yellow pear make for an aromatic opening. They follow through on the light dry palate where a sage-tinged savoriness is joined by bright lemon. It is ideal aperitif material with its refreshing mouthwatering lightness.

Exuberant notes of peardrop on the nose are accompanied by green hints of boxwood and passion fruit. The palate follows this with proper zing and freshness, twirling the passion fruit and lime zest notes into a refreshing, juicy, moreish vortex.

Notes of very ripe, luscious and juicy Comice pear are immediately apparent. These are tempered on the rounded palate by pithy phenolics and a lovely, textured dryness. The body is mild and mellow with a mouthwatering, long finish.

Bottled in the Fabre family's specially designed Gallé bottle, this wine is a classic. It has fine ripe, but crisp, fruit and delicious balanced acidity. With its fresh character, which is contrasted with the intense fruit, this is a real food friendly rosé.

This wine in a traditional Provence skittle bottle is designed to be drunk this summer. It is full of fruit and fresh acidity, with a bright red-berry aftertaste. Drink now.

Brilliant salmon skin color. Spice-accented red berry and citrus fruit aromas are complemented by a suave floral overtone. Silky in texture and well-concentrated, offering juicy strawberry, redcurrant and blood orange flavors that take a sweeter turn with air. Shows sharp delineation and strong persistence on the finish, which leaves a bitter orange pith note behind.

From one of the Fabre family's estates, this wine is ripe, peppery and full of young red fruits. Its texture and richness are still settling in but promise a wine with both density and freshness. Drink from late 2019.

Vivid orange pink. Vibrant and focused on the nose, displaying intense raspberry, white peach and tangerine scents that are complicated by suave floral and mineral flourishes. Shows impressive clarity and mineral cut to its juicy citrus and red fruit flavors, which deepen on the back half. The floral note comes back strong on an impressively long, penetrating finish that shows strong, stony lift.

This rich, ripe wine has great berry and red-currant flavors. Permeated by a tight mineral edge and lemon freshness, the wine delivers a spicy aftertaste. Drink from late 2020.

This delightful Etna red not only delivers loads of ripe flavors, but manages to be fresh and agile at the same time. Think granite, roasted chestnuts, scorched earth, dried strawberries and glazed red cherries. Full-bodied and quite structured with polished yet persistent tannins and grainy texture.

Dried almonds and cherry blossom, earl grey tea, toasted herbs and sesame seeds. Medium-to full-bodied with some serious tannin grip for a white, but lots of pretty acidity to keep it fresh and elegant.

Waxy lemons and lime cordial here give way to nutmeg and nougat. Full-bodied and dense with lots of ripe yet edgy pineapple and oranges. A flavorful, muscular white

Deep ruby. Nuances of spicy underbrush and graphite complicate deep plum and inky aromas. Rich and dense on the palate but not weighty, showing a fine-grained texture to the dark berry and tar flavors. Finishes smooth and bright, with lingering floral nuances and a repeating inky touch. Tastes much more expensive than it is.

Impenetrable purple-ruby. Saline nuances lift the plum and inky notes on the fresh nose. Then also fresh and lively in the mouth, with a juicy, lip-smacking freshness and plenty of lift to the flinty black fruit flavors. Finishes long and with a stony edge. Lovely medium-bodied red.

This wine's new leather forest floor, menthol, pressed rose and exotic spice scents emerge in the glass. Full-bodied and focused, the palate delivers layers of cherry, pomegranate, crushed herb, licorice and cinnamon flavors. Bright acidity and youthful tannins provide balance and an ageworthy structure. Drink 2023–2038.

This classically crafted Barolo has enticingly earthy aromas of forest floor, new leather, wild berry, violet and eucalyptus along with the merest whiff of game. The vibrant, savory palate doles out raspberry compote, crushed cherry, cinnamon and the same hint of game before a licorice finish. Tightly knit, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide support. Drink 2023–2030. 

Nadia curto in La Morra shows a sure touch in producing a wine modelled on the Arborina of her uncle Elio Altare, vinified in roto-fermenters and aged in barriques.  The oak is discreet on the nose, which features cherry and savoury aromas. Rich and forthright, it shows considerable opulence and generosity of ripe fruit in the mouht, and although the tannins are forceful now, they should soon integrate.  A long energetic finish.  Drinking Window 2020-2035

Truffle, new leather, pressed blue flower, menthol and a whiff of game lead the way. The aromas carry over to the ripe, full-bodied palate along with fleshy black cherry, steeped prune, cinnamon and star anise. Buffed tannins provide the framework. It's already accessible but will maintain well for the next several years. Drink through 2023.

Aromas of fragrant purple flower, dark-skinned berry, new leather and a whiff of crushed botanical herb float out of the glass. The savory, full-bodied palate doles out layers of juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, cinnamon and anise while polished, fine-grained tannins lend finesse and structure. Orange peel and an earthy hint of game lend depth. Drink 2019–2025.

This classically crafted Barolo has enticingly earthy aromas of forest floor, new leather, wild berry, violet and eucalyptus along with the merest whiff of game. The vibrant, savory palate doles out raspberry compote, crushed cherry, cinnamon and the same hint of game before a licorice finish. Tightly knit, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide support. Drink 2023–2030.

Underbrush, exotic spices, truffle, fragrant blue flowers and a whiff of botanical herbs mingle with whiffs of ripe, black-skinned berry. Full bodied and enveloping, the chewy, velvety palate doles out raspberry jam, fleshy Marasca cherry, licorice and cake spice alongside fine-grained tannins. It closes on a note of toasted hazelnut. Drink 2020–2027.

Underbrush, exotic spices, truffle, fragrant blue flowers and a whiff of botanical herbs mingle with whiffs of ripe, black-skinned berry. Full bodied and enveloping, the chewy, velvety palate doles out raspberry jam, fleshy Marasca cherry, licorice and cake spice alongside fine-grained tannins. It closes on a note of toasted hazelnut. Drink 2020–2027. 

Aromas of fragrant blue flower, steeped prune and exotic spice are front and center. Full bodied and densely concentrated, the palate delivers fleshy black cherry, raspberry jam, mocha and licorice alongside velvety tannins. You'll detect the warmth of alcohol but it's supported by the dense, ripe fruit. Drink 2022–2028.

Aromas of honeysuckle and white peach carry through to the fresh, no-frills palate along with lemon zest. It has bright acidity and a lively perlage.

Rich on the nose with notes of roasted peanut, peanut butter and caramel. Medium to full bodied, soft and mature tannins and balanced in the end.

A very pure-fruited and vibrant expression of Etna, singing with bright blueberries, black raspberries and tulips. Racy and finely chiseled in terms of tight tannins and tense acidity, which come together to sketch a detailed, filigreed red. D

Bright straw. Lime and green apple on the nose. Then sneaky concentration to the pomaceous orchard fruit and almond flavors. The finish is long, bright and juicy. Lovely entry-level Verdicchio wine.

Golden straw-yellow with faint green nuances. Rich, ripe and tropical on the nose, with hints of pineapple, orange jelly, and sweet spices complicated by a hint of honey. Dense and tactile, but with lovely balance to the opulent mouthfeel. Finishes long and suave; will appeal immensely to those who like their white wines ripe and spicy, but less to those who like them fresh and mineral. Outstanding Verdicchio wine made from late-harvested grapes.

Smooth and dusty with mineral and spice; elegant and rich with soft tannins, plum and raspberry; balanced and complex, juicy and long. 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc.

Deep golden color; round and smooth with fresh, dense style; rich with oak, spice and lovely texture; layered, lush and long.

Grassy herbal notes add a pungent kick to aromas of ripe yellow peach and melon on this gorgeously fruity, floral wine.  Full-bodied in style, it has a richly textured mouthfeel.

Richly spiced and finely knit, this balanced version is fresh and silky, offering creamed pear, star anise, melon and sweet butter notes. Hints of smoke and vanilla linger on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 500 cases imported. –AN

Vinous aromas of freshly pressed grapes mix with red berries and a whiff of cellar floor. The simple, light-bodied palate offers candied cherry and a hint of ground clove alongside fresh acidity and fleeting tannins.

Aromas of mocha, vanilla and baking spice emerge from the glass. The dense, straightforward palate offers prune, dried sage and toasted hazelnut alongside assertive, drying tannins.

This wine is light straw-colored with aromas of lemon zest and apple blossom. The palate expresses flavors of melon, apple and cantaloupe.

The 2019 Kozana Chardonnay was aged for 10 months in 25% new French oak. It comes in at 14.7% alcohol. Nicely done, this has plenty of concentration, as expected, but also a surprisingly lively demeanor at the outset. That said, make no mistake—this is all about the very ripe fruit. Overall, this is something that offers a lot...Hopefully, it will hold serve as it ages. In that regard, in this daunting price category, it has to be able to age and improve...For the moment, it is certainly something that will bring a smile to your face. Let's lean up, while being a bit conservative on the end-date drinking window. This is the winery's oldest single-vineyard wine, bottled for the first time in 2005. There were 1,700 bottles and 120 magnums produced from 31-year-old vines.

The 2019 Fojana Chardonnay was aged for 10 months in 25% new French barriques. It comes in at 14.43% alcohol. This is another fine—and very pricey—Chardonnay from the winery…It has fine depth, focus and precision. It handles the wood well, although there is certainly a bit of hazelnut showing. I loved the long finish…It has a good chance to age well and improve more. There were 1,700 bottles and some magnums produced from 29-year-old vines.

The 2019 Fojana Rebula was aged for 10 months in 15% new French barriques. It comes in at 13.1% alcohol. Solidly built, this seems reasonably deep, expressive and generally well crafted. There's a lingering and fresh finish, with the fruit always lifted and the oak always in control. It is impeccably balanced and lovely overall. It seems likely to hold throughout the rest of this decade, more or less. Whether it can also improve is another question, one that it needs to answer. Overall, though, it's a fine performance...

The 2019 Kozana Sauvignon was aged for 10 months in 25% new French oak and comes in at 14.8% alcohol. This is the first vintage of this single-vineyard Sauvignon from Kozana. Well, I thought the Fojana Sauvignon in this report was a Big Boy. This goes one step further. It is more powerful and deeper. The ripe fruit pretty much eliminates any Sauvignon green. That does not necessarily mean it is better. There are pros and cons. I very much appreciated the power here, the gripping finish...The Fojana is a safer and better balanced bet, but this has a higher upside...

This medium straw-colored white has aromas of canned peach and lemon curd. In the mouth, there is good acidity and flavors of bright lemon and grapefruit. The finish is clean and crisp.

Light, brilliant orange. Pungent, mineral-accented aromas of strawberry, cherry pit and blood orange, along with hints of smoky minerals and dried flowers. Gently chewy and expansive on the palate, offering spicy red fruit and citrus pith flavors that smoothly blend depth and vivacity. Clings impressively on the sharply focused finish, which echoes the mineral and blood orange notes.

A soft wine from this large estate, with a high proportion of Cinsault and Grenache giving red, spicy fruits and bright acidity. This is a floral wine that's fragrant and ready to drink.

Limpid orange-pink. Displays tightly focused red berry and citrus fruit quantities on the fragrant nose, along with a floral nuance that builds as the wine opens up. Juicy and tightly focused, offering strawberry, bitter cherry and blood orange flavors and a sweetening touch of honey. Finishes smooth and long and with some weight, with the floral note repeating.

A jewel of a wine (Gros Manseng with Petit Courbu and Arrufiac), so particular and distinctive, showing no ambition other than singing its origin. Aromas of apple and notes of vibrant peach, mirabelle plum, dried herbs and a suave enhancement of lees. Elegant and quite delicious with a finesse and fine spine of acidity.