Vinsrare.com - Italy

2009 Fontodi Flaccianello Della Pieve - $79.99

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:50:05 UTC

The 2009 Flaccianello della Pieve is a bit of a shock to the palate after 20+ older vintages. Still, it is impossible to miss the wine's striking purity and finesse. Today the 2009 is a bit of a brute, but it should mellow out over the next 5-7 years as the tannins start to soften. Firm tannins frame layers of ripe, juicy fruit in this young, extroverted Flaccianello. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. Wine Advocate 94

2008 Giacosa Barbaresco Asili - $69.99

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:48:58 UTC

2008 Giacosa Barbaresco Asili - $69.99

2006 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova - $95.00

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:03 UTC

So much ripe fruit here with currants and sultanas, yet fresh and very clean. Dark berries too. Incredible ripe Sangiovese character. Full body, with masses of fruit and chewy tan nins. Plus, there's black licorice and dried berries. Give it time to soften. What a bottle. Will it ultimately be better than 2001 Tenuta Nuova? Yes. Best after 2013. $$ JS - 100 Points

2007 Casanova di Neri Brunello Tenuta Nuova - $62.99

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:22:12 UTC

The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova saturates the palate with masses of super-ripe dark fruit, tar, licorice and new leather. The Tenuta Nuova is an especially full-bodied, seamless Sangiovese deeply influenced by the Mediterranean climate of this warm site in the south of Montalcino. Layers of fruit build to an effortless, resonant finish laced with considerable aromatic nuance. This is another terrific showing from Giacomo Neri and his talented team. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. Wine Advocate 95+

2008 Feudi San Gregorio Serpico - $31.99

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:45:24 UTC

($90)The 2008 Serpico (Aglianico) is dark, powerful and intense. Black cherries, tar, asphalt and menthol are some of the nuances that emerge from this vibrant, tightly coiled Serpico. The 2008 will require cellaring, but the wine has a brilliant track record of repaying patience. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Wine Advocate 92+

2001 Roberto Voerzio Barolo Rocche dell Annunziata Torriglione - $189.99

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:23:56 UTC

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Nov/Dev 04 ($220) Good medium red. Exotic aromas of redcurrant liqueur, flowers, minerals, brown spices and mint. Silky and suave on entry, then bright and fine-grained in the middle, with terrific energy. Velvety-smooth but not quite thick. The longest of these 2001s today, building inexorably, with the very fine tannins spreading out horizontally to saturate the palate. A wonderfully elegant, sweet La Morra Barolo in the making. (The 2001 Sarmassa di Barolo was completely mute on the nose and impenetrable in the middle palate, with its huge tannins currently overshadowing its raspberry fruit. I will wait to taste this wine in its finished form.) Other Recommended Barolos and Barbarescos: 95(+?) points

2003 Feudi San Gregorio Serpico - $49.99

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:20:59 UTC

Wine Spectator, July 2006
($90) A sturdy, chewy Aglianico, with bright berry fruit, mingled with floral, mineral and sweet tobacco notes. Medium- to full-bodied, with an intense bead of fruit, firm young tannins and a long, ultraclean mineral finish. Slightly less opulent than years past but excellent. Needs time. Best after 2008. 7,000 cases made. 90 points

Daniel Thomas writing in the Veronelli Guide
Bold, spicy and extremely full-bodied, Feudi's 2003 Serpico has more in common with a top growth Bordeaux than it does a Super Tuscan. Mineral scents, toasty oak and black fruits are prominent in the fragrant bouquet. Superbly concentrated with ripe black cherries, anise, crushed minerals green tea, and cigar box notes caress the palate with intensity and great length. This is a big wine with plenty of structure; 30 years of life is not out of the question. 98 points

(Daniel Thomases, Italian wine correspondent and former wine critic for Robert Parker Jr.'s Wine Advocate, currently tastes and writes about wine for the famed Veronelli Guide in Italy, another independent wine review journal.)

2004 Feudi San Gregorio Serpico - $54.99

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:06:01 UTC

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Aug 2010
($85) The 2004 Serpico is an excellent choice for readers who want to enjoy an Aglianico with quite a bit of tertiary character. Wild cherries, game, earthiness, tobacco and licorice flow from this burly, somewhat rustic Serpico. The French oak has added a measure of richness, but is now nicely integrated. Menthol, dried flowers and leather add the final layers of complexity on the building finish. This is a firm, hearty Serpico that needs to be opened at least several hours in advance. Relative to Campania's other heavy hitters, Serpico lacks a measure of elegance and finesse that many other wines were able to achieve in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. 91 points.

The famed Veronelli Guide, Italy's leading guide to wine, has given the 2004 Serpico (100% Aglianico) the vaunted "I Super Tre Stelle" (the Super Three Star) rating and 96 points.

2004 Casanova di Neri Brunello Tenuta Nuova - $69.99

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:53:31 UTC

($81)Offers crushed berries, with flowers and sandalwood. The nose is reserved, but interesting. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Very tight and stylish. Racy and powerful. Needs time. Best after 2011. 6,750 cases made. â€"JS Spectator 96

The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova reveals layers of dark perfumed fruit intermingled with French oak, spices, minerals, violets and licorice. The Tenuta Nuova is impressive mostly for its textural richness and sheer depth, both qualities it has in spades. The finish is long, sweet and pure. Here, too, the wine will need at least a few years in bottle before its full range of aromas and flavors emerges. Neri gave the Tenuta Nuova 30 months in medium-sized French oak tonneaux. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024. Wine Advocate 93

Giacomo Neri is one of Montalcino's more gregarious producers. His passion clearly comes through in these wines, which are characterized by an emphasis on fruit and opulence. Neri's Brunellos also make a great case study in the different microclimates of Montalcino. His straight Brunello di Montalcino is made from vineyards ranging from 350-480 meters in altitude located in the northeastern quadrant of the region. The Tenuta Nuova is made from a densely-planted vineyard located roughly in between Sant'Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell'Abate, in the southern part of the zone. The vines in the north typically flower three weeks later than those in the south, and naturally ripen later as well, which serves to highlight some of the differences between Montalcino's various microclimates. Neri's 2004 Brunellos are immensely successful. I look forward with great anticipation to the 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto, which should be released some time next year.

2005 Silvio Grasso Barolo Pi Vigne - $36.99

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:52:39 UTC

2005 Silvio Grasso Barolo Pi Vigne - $36.99

2006 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino - $64.99

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:48:30 UTC

This is so structured. Stunning. Decadent aromas of plum and roasted meat, then turns to toffee, follows through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a mineral, dried flower undertone. Tannic. Lots of dried fruits on the palate. This needs some bottle age to soften. Very powerful and structured. Amazing. Best after 2015 - Suckling 96 points

2006 Talenti Brunello di Montalcino - $49.99

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:47:45 UTC

This is absolutely delicious with dried fruits, Christmas cake and light sultanas with some Indian spices. Full body, with soft and silky tannins and a long, long finish. It lasts and lasts. Intense a nd balanced. Best after 2012. $$ JS - 95

2006 Sportoletti Villa Fidelia Rosso - $32.99

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:47:07 UTC

2006 Sportoletti Villa Fidelia Rosso - $32.99

2006 Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino - $84.99

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:40:49 UTC

Wine Spectator, July 2011
An iron streak runs through the middle of this firmly structured Brunello, leading to core flavors of black cherry, tobacco and wild herbs. This stays taut and racy through the finish, but needs time to soften its tannins. Best from 2013 through 2025. 2,500 cases made. Â 95 points & Collectibles Designation.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, May 2011
The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino saturates the palate with deep layers of dark red fruit, violets, new leather and spices. The aromas and flavors grow beautifully with air, showing remarkable intensity all the way through to the expansive, textured finish. This is a brilliant effort from Giancarlo Pacenti. The Brunello saw 18-20 days on the skins, followed by malolactic fermentation and aging in French oak barrels, of which roughly 80% were new. The vineyard sources are approximately 4.5 hectares in Sant'Angelo and Piancornello (in the south of Montalcino) and 5 hectares in Pelagrilli (in the north). Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Â 96 points.

James Suckling, February 2011
I can't believe how the nose changes from white truffle to berry and black cherry and then goes blueberries and citrus fruits. Full and soft and velvety. It is layered and massive with so much going on. Now sweet tobacco and berries. A wine that is in evolution every moment. Try it in 2014. $$ JSÂ 97 points.

2006 Fanti Brunello di Montalcino - $56.99

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:34:04 UTC

Plenty of plum jam aromas and flavors with lots of citrus fruit and chocolate character. Full body, soft and fresh. I like the juicy finish. Best to drink after 2014. $$ JS - 93

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino marks a significant change of direction from past vintages. The dark, heavy style has been replaced by a much more finessed, elegant expression of fruit. Sweet red cherries, crushed flowers, mint and licorice are woven together beautifully in this silky, multi-dimensional, graceful Brunello. Sweet notes from the oak are intermingled with floral overtones on the silky finish. The 2006 is the most interesting wine I have tasted from Fanti in quite a few years. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. WA: 93

2007 Mascarello Barolo Monprivato - $89.99

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 23:21:56 UTC

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2011

This is a stellar showing from Mauro and Giuseppe Mascarello. The 2007 Baroli are stunning now that they are in bottle... As always, the style is very traditional, but in 2007 the steady warmth of the vintage has given the wines an extra dimension of fleshiness. The 2007 Monprivato in particular is shaping up to be another legendary Barolo from Mascarello.

The 2007 Barolo Monprivato is stunningly beautiful. Monprivato is seldom this rich when it is young. It is most often intensely aromatic, mid-weight and frequently out of balance, especially right after bottling. The 2007 is none of those things. It is a rich, dramatic wine endowed with tons of fruit and a sweeping, enveloping personality. It is also primary and at the beginning of what is likely to be a long, long life. Despite its seeming fragility, Monprivato is one of the most long-lived of all Baroli, even in its weakest vintages. The 2007 is spectacular, but it is very, very young and in need of significant cellaring to shed some its baby fat. Purists may prefer the 2006. I have not tasted both wines side by side from bottle, but 10 years from now it won't matter. Readers will be thrilled to own either. In 2007 Mascarello opted not to bottle his Riserva Ca' d'Morissio as he didn't think there was a huge difference between the Riserva and the straight Monprivato. I guess we will never know for sure, although my barrel tastings have always suggested otherwise. In any event, savvy readers know what happens when there is no Ca' d'Morissio in a good to great vintage. Recent examples include the 1999 and 2005. By now, its pretty clear the direction those wines have taken. Barolo lovers will not want to be without the 2007 Monprivato. It is a stratospheric Barolo in the making. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2037. 97 points

2010 Galardi Terra di Lavoro - $69.99

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:16:45 UTC

($90)I hope one day to have another chance to taste a vertical of Roccamonfina Terra di Lavoro because I have a strong feeling the 2010 will occupy a place among the very finest vintages produced on this tiny vineyard on the slopes of the Roccamonfina volcano. An exotic melange of tar, smoke, graphite, blackberry jam and savory herbs explode from the glass. The 2010 is intense and full-bodied, yet also incredibly elegant. A big, breathtaking wine, the 2010 continues to build all the way through to a deeply resonant, expressive finish. I would choose to leave this uttterly beguiling Campanian red alone for the better part of a decade, but readers are going to have a very hard time excercising that patience. This is a fabulous effort from proprietors Arturo and Dora Celentano, and their long-time winemaker Riccardo Cotarella. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040. Wine Advocate 97+

2008 Mascarello Barolo Monprivato - $89.99

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:04:44 UTC

The 2008 Barolo Monprivato is understated, classy and very pretty. It comes across as seamless and pure, although it will be quite a few years before the wine is ready. The 2008 is mostly remarkable for its textural finesse and sheer delicateness. Crushed flowers, spices and licorice wrap around the eternal finish. I expect the 2008 will firm up once it is in bottle, but if this sneak preview is any indication, the wine is shaping up beautifully. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038. Advocate 93-95+

2008 Elio Grasso Barolo Gavarini Chiniera - $79.99

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:09:00 UTC

The 2008 Barolo Gavarini Vigna Chiniera is flat-out great. Sweet roses, spices, mint, flowers and red berries are some of the notes that emerge from this profound, utterly moving Barolo. The 2008 possesses dazzling inner perfume, endless layers of bright red fruit and stunning overall balance. Fine, silky tannins frame the extraordinarily elegant finish. This is a fabulous wine from Gianluca Grasso and his family. Chalky notes frame an energetic, brilliant finish sprinkled with shades of the 1989. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033. Advocate 97+

I could feel my heart racing as I tasted Gianluca Grasso's 2008s. Both 2008 Baroli are drop-dead gorgeous wines that capture the purest essence of hillside Monforte brilliance. The 2008s have begun to shut down since I first tasted them from bottle in November, 2011. The focus, length and sheer pedigree, however, have always been on full display. My advice? Buy the 2008s and forget about them for a good decade-plus. Two decades would be better. These remain some of the most fairly priced, ageworthy wines on the planet. Congratulations to the Grasso family for two monumental wines that embody everything that makes Barolo so magnificent. These are both must-have wines.

2007 Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino San Felice - $32.99

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:27:31 UTC

The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Campogiovanni is a huge wine bursting with dark red cherries, plums, licorice, new leather and spices. This is an especially big, voluminous style built on extroverted fruit and sheer richness, but it all works. The weight of the vintage comes through in the wine's glycerin. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Wine Advocate 92

2007 Antinori Guado al Tasso - $69.99

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:21:18 UTC

($102; a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot; 14.5% alcohol) Dark ruby. Complex nose offers lively aromas of cassis, dry herbs and tobacco, nicely complicated by vanilla and sexy oak. Lush and sweet on entry, but with extremely good definition and lift to the flavors of spicy blackberry, coffee, black pepper and mocha. The juicy, complex, extremely long finish features smooth, sweet tannins that expand with air. An extremely impressive wine that may not be as long-lived as some previous vintages, but is, for my money, the best Guado al Tasso ever. Very well done. Tanzer 95

The 2007 Guado al Tasso screams of Bolgheri. Sweet grilled herbs, mocha, spices and black cherry jam are woven into a generous, expansive frame. There is a wonderful sense of richness and warmth to the fruit that carries through to the round harmonious finish, where clean, minerally notes add freshness. This is simply gorgeous today, but it is young, and the oak needs to integrate. Still, it is impossible not to admire the 2007 Guado al Tasso. In 2007 Guado al Tasso is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The late ripening Cabernet Franc, used in place of Syrah for the first time in 2007, adds a measure of freshness that had often been missing in previous vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. Wine Advocate 94

2008 Antinori Guado al Tasso - $69.99

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:20:06 UTC

The 2008 Guado al Tasso is once again fabulous. In fact, it may be Tuscany?s most improved wine over the last few years. Firm, vibrant tannins support expressive layers of dark fruit, plums, cherries, sage, espresso and mocha. The wine shows fabulous detail and nuance in a translucent, totally seductive style, with tons of focus, drive and verve. It is a striking wine that will be a joy to follow over the coming years. The 2008 Guado al Tasso is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028. Wine Advocate 95

2007 Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino - $39.99

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:50:46 UTC

2007 Ciacci Piccolomini Brunello di Montalcino - $39.99

2008 Sportoletti Villa Fidelia Rosso - $34.00

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:38:31 UTC

The Villa Fidelia is the flagship wine from Sportoletti and for the past several years has been one of our best sellers. I offered it back in Nov on Pre Arrival and quickly blew threw my allocation. Its a ripe style Bordeaux Blend that appeals to those looking for a full bodied wine that is well balanced and easy to drink. I pour it as my house wine and guests are always amazed when I tell them the price. Its one of the Best Wine Values I have ever come across.

The Importer called me on Friday and asked if I had any interest in more - I told him I'd take everything he had! Turns out it was only 187 bottles but I thought that was better than nothing. This a tremendous wine at a tremendous price! If you missed it last time this is your chance to catch one of the best wine deals we have ever offered.

For those of you that ordered this on Pre Arrival - Please contact us to arrange shipping

2009 Antinori Guado al Tasso - $74.99

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:36:00 UTC

($120)The 2009 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso impresses for its richness and sheer power. Mocha, sweet spices, plums, blackberries and herbs wrap around the palate as this intense wine shows off its pedigree. Layers of flavor build to the deep, intensely satisfying finish. The 2009 is complete and harmonious from the very first taste. In 2009 the blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. Wine Advocate 94

Bright medium ruby. Complex aromatic nose of blackberry, mocha, nutmeg, clove and tar lifted by a violet note. Lush, dense and seamless, with impressive volume nicely leavened by adequate acidity, which gives this big boy an element of finesse. Finishes powerful and very long, with a lingering chocolatey nuance and tannins that are quite suave and fine. Tanzer 93

2008 Sportoletti Assisi Rosso - $14.99

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:29:58 UTC

Sportoletti's Assisi Rosso is one of the great values in Italian wine, and the 2008 is another in a long line of gorgeous wines. Ripe red cherries, tobacco, sweet herbs and spices are some of the nuances that emerge from this juicy, plump offering. The 2008 is a touch more lithe than some previous vintages but it is nevertheless outstanding for its overall balance and sense of harmony. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. Wine Advocate 89

Its a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Merlot (30%) Cabernet Sauvignon (20%).Â We were knocked out by the quality and texture of this beautiful wine - plenty of ripe red fruits with hints of herb and tobacco that work nicely with the spice that comes from the Sangiovese.Â This is another in a string of excellent wines being produced from Sportoletti.Â A great table wine that offers plenty of bang for the Buck.Â Vins Rare 90 points - Excellent Value!

2008 E. Pira - Chiara Boschis Barolo Cannubi - $61.99

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:09:15 UTC

The 2008 Barolo Cannubi sweeps across the palate with layers of dark red fruit, flowers, subtle French oak, mint, licorice and spices. This is an especially pliant, generous 2008 laced with expressive fruit and fabulous overall balance. The south-facing Cannubi yields a juicier more fruit-driven style than Via Nuova. The 2008 impresses for its inner perfume and overall sense of harmony. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. Wine Advocate 95

2007 Le Pupille Saffredi - $59.99

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:16:08 UTC

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2010
($115) The 2007 Saffredi is drop-dead gorgeous. Roasted coffee beans, grilled herbs, mocha and dark fruit emerge from this beautiful, textured wine. The richness of the fruit radiates through to the long, polished finish. The 2007 Saffredi impresses for its fabulous balance and soft, enveloping personality. It is another superb effort from proprietor Elisabetta Geppetti. Saffredi is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Alicante. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027. Â 95 points.

Wine Spectator, Oct 31, 2010
($140) Soft and fruity, with plenty of cherry and raspberry character. Full-bodied, with polished tannins and a long, pretty aftertaste. Best after 2013. 2,085 cases made. Â 92 points.

2009 Isole Olena Cepparello - $64.99

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 11:25:08 UTC

The 2009 Cepparello is gorgeous. It brings together the radiance and ripeness of a warmer year with the medium-bodied structure of a cooler vintage. Today the 2009 is a bit reticent and appears headed for a period of dormancy. From time to time hints of its ultimate potential come through in attractive layers of dark red fruit. The rich, textured finish bodes well for the future. Paolo De Marchi describes 2009 as a year with a cold spring and a hot summer that also brought hail in early August. The 2009 Cepparello is clearly one of the wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034. Wine Advocate 95

2010 Guidalberto Tenuta San Guido - $32.99

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 18:09:16 UTC

The 2010 Guidalberto comes across as cool and inward in this vintage. Most recent Guidalbertos have been delicious upon release, but this is a wine that will need another year or two before it starts opening up. There is plenty of energy and vitality in the glass, but readers will need to be patient. Dark red cherries, flowers, licorice and a hint of tobacco are layered into the firm, structured finish. In 2010 the blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. Wine Advocate 90

2007 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia - $119.99

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:06:34 UTC

"The Barolos of Giacomo Conterno are among the most beautiful wines in the world: gorgeously pure and packed with flavors that feel almost three-dimensional. Despite the intensity, the texture is sheer, almost delicate, like silken threads that can suspend bridges...."
Eric Asimov, New York Times Wine Critic
Conterno Article in NYT.

"Few properties are so closely linked with a single site as Giacomo Conterno. Since 1978 the Cascina Francia vineyard in Serralunga, a monopole holding, has been the source of all of the estate's wines, including the Baroli Cascina Francia and Monfortino, rightly considered by most observers as among the most profound wines in the world..."
Antonio Galloni, Italian Wine Critic for the Wine Advocate.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2011.
The 2007 Barolo Cascina Francia is an unusual version of this benchmark wine. In 2007 Conterno decided against bottling his Monfortino. Conterno believes Nebbiolo can handle rain and humidity (hence his decision to make Monfortino in rainy years such as 1987 and 2002), but not drought. The result is a Cascina Francia that is unusually dark, rich and powerful. The floral, herbal notes that are typical in young Cascina Francia have been replaced by deeper notes of tar, smoke and licorice to match the layers of intense dark fruit. The 2007 is powerful and imposing from start to finish. It is going to be a fascinating Barolo to follow over the coming years and decades. Cascina Francia is often accessible for the first year or two after it has been bottled. That has not been my experience with the 2007. It seems already headed for a period of dormancy. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2037. 96+ points.

2007 Giacosa Barolo Falletto - $155.00

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:43:57 UTC

(white label) The 2007 Barolo Falletto is an overachieving wine, even at this high level. The bouquet has a level of delineation, sweetness, inner perfume and nuance generally only found in Giacosa's Red Label Riservas. The Falletto impresses for the intensity of its dark fruit and superb overall balance. The extroverted personality of the vintage is quite evident, especially as the wine sits in the glass. Menthol, flowers and licorice add the final notes of complexity on the finish. This is an especially racy Barolo from Bruno Giacosa, but the trademark elegance is there. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. Wine Advocate 94+

(white label): Good deep red. Perfumed, complex nose melds plum, red cherry, mocha, tobacco, wild herbs and spices. Sweet, silky and seamless, with almost painful intensity to its fruit if not yet as complex in the mouth as on the nose. Healthy acidity accentuates the wine's perfume. Finishes with very suave tannins and outstanding floral persistence. Said Dante Scaglione: "I thought 2007 in Serralunga would be great from the moment of the harvest." Steve Tanzer 95

2009 Giacosa Barbaresco Asili - $99.99

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:39:08 UTC

(white label): Medium red. High-pitched, rather cool aromas of cherry, raspberry, white tobacco, medicinal herbs, minerals and menthol. Then Quite dry and backward on the palate, with mint and herb flavor dominating. Almost Barolo-like in its medicinal character. Very young and backward Asili, displaying terrific fruit through the retronasal passage. Steve Tanzer 92

2009 Giacosa Barbaresco Santo Stefano - $99.99

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:37:37 UTC

(white label): Medium red. Very ripe strawberry on the expressive, forward nose. Elegant and penetrating, with very good grip to the cherry and strawberry flavors. Not especially fleshy for the year; in fact, this went into a shell in the glass. Finishes with edgy tannins and lovely lift. This suave wine should harmonize with five or six years of cellaring. Steve Tanzer 91

2008 Parusso Barolo Bussia - $59.99

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:59:41 UTC

The 2008 Barolo Bussia is striking. Layers of super-ripe dark fruit, violets, minerals, menthol and spices flow from the glass. The Bussia is deep, textured and dazzling. Spiced, mentholated notes develop in the glass, lending a distinctly balsamic air to the Bussia. The 2008 boasts superb depth through to the dazzling finish. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. Wine Advocate 95

2004 Clerico Barolo Percristina - $134.99

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:04:07 UTC

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Feb 2010.
The 2004 Barolo Percristina sweeps across the palate with masses of silky, dense fruit framed by firm, yet almost impossibly elegant tannins. This is an utterly captivating Barolo for its sheer power, richness and opulence. Despite the wine's size, there is plenty of detail and nuance to explore in this utterly sensual, captivating Percristina. Readers lucky enough to find the 2004 Percristina should not hesitate, it is superb! Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. 97 points.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, November/December 2009
Good deep red. Knockout nose combines red fruits, rose petal, brown spices and camphor, with a slight medicinal reserve. Pure, silky and sweet, offering incredible subtle intensity of flavor. This coats every millimeter of the palate without leaving any impression of weight, thanks to a steely spine that gives it great energy and snap. Wonderfully juicy, imploded wine with a broad, suave, extremely long finish. The locals prize the 2001 version of this wine (rated 95+?), but I give the edge to this vintage for its sheer verve. 97 points.

2006 Lisini Brunello di Montalcino - $49.99

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:31:26 UTC

2006 Lisini Brunello di Montalcino - $49.99

2007 Lisini Bruenllo di Montalcino - $45.00

Mon, 21 May 2012 17:43:01 UTC

The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is very beautiful in this vintage. Sweet dark cherries, flowers, mint and licorice take shape as the wine opens up in the glass. This is an especially voluminous wine endowed with tons of richness and nuance. A finessed, seamless finish laced with sweet hints of tobacco and wild flowers rounds things out in style. This is a terrific showing. Lisini gave the Brunello three years in cask. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. Wine Advocate 94

2006 Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino Riserva - $79.99

Sat, 12 May 2012 15:04:11 UTC

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva wafts from the glass with sweet red cherries, dried flowers, licorice and tobacco. It shows lovely energy on the mid-palate to match its understated, refined personality. Silky tannins support the expressive, nuanced finish. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Wine Advocate 94

2004 Rocca, Albino Barbaresco Brich Ronchi - $79.99

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:14:22 UTC

Wine Spectator, Dec 2007
Has very focused, intense aromas of crushed blackberry, with freshly sliced mushroom. A full-bodied, massive wine, with supersilky tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Yet this is balanced and classy. Very impressive. Maybe another 2000. 94 points

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Dec 2007
The 2004 Barbaresco Bric Ronchi reveals a deep, dark color and a full-bodied, weighty expression of ripe fruit. Long and sweet on the palate, this fat, ripe Barbaresco offers outstanding length and plenty of style. It was aged 70% in French oak (80% new) and 30% cask. 92 points

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Sep/Oct 06
Moderately saturated red-ruby. Less open on the nose than the Loreto, hinting at camphor and black cherry. Juicy, pure and tightly wound, with dark cherry and sweet, spicy oak flavors given thrust by firm underlying minerality. A distinctly sharper style of wine, with building tannins, but the finish is nonetheless long, sweet and perfumed. And the tannins are even finer than those of the '05. 92(+?) points

2004 Giacosa Barbaresco Santo Stefano - $199.99

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:57:34 UTC

Giacosa's 2004 Barbaresco Santo Stefano is a superb wine. Sweet, floral, mentholated aromatics meld into an expressive core of ripe fruit, with superb length and elegant tannins to round out the finish. Made in a more linear style than the Asili and Rabaja, it doesn-t possess the expansiveness of those two wines, but it does reveal tremendous depth, harmony and balance. This pure, sweet, long Barbaresco is the best Santo Stefano in years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. Wine Advocate 95

2004 Giacosa Barbaresco Rabaja - $199.99

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:57:00 UTC

The 2004 Barbaresco Rabaja is off the charts. It boasts phenomenal richness and complexity in its dark, brooding aromatics and powerful structure, with suggestions of roses, tar, menthol, coffee beans and baking spices that emerge from the glass in an endless display of elegance married to sheer force. Although the Rabaja will be released as a white label non-Riserva, it is very close to Riserva-level quality. From barrel it revealed just a little less length than the Asili, It will be interesting to see how the Asili and Rabaja develop in bottle. I would not be surprised to see the Rabaja merit a higher score in another year or two. This magnificent wine will especially appeal to readers who enjoy a structured style of Barbaresco. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. Wine Advocate 97

At a time in life when many of his colleagues have begun to slow down, Bruno Giacosa continues to make stunning wines of the highest level. Of course Giacosa has the good fortune of having the services of long-time oenologist Dante Scaglione, who is one of the most prodigiously talented winemakers in Italy. Although age has slowed Giacosa down somewhat, he was in fine form during the several hours we spent tasting his 2004, 2005 and 2006 Barolos and Barbarescos from barrel earlier this year. Simply put, 2004 will go down as one of the all-time great Giacosa vintages for both Barolo and Barbaresco. The Red Label Riservas are the Barbaresco Asili and the Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto, but his other wines aren't too far behind in terms of quality. From cask, the Barolos revealed slightly more promise, but that may be splitting hairs at this level. In 2004 Giacosa also fulfilled a long-standing dream by making his first Barolo from La Morra, the Barolo Croera, which will be released next year. The Croera is made from a newly-acquired vineyard in the Serradenari district of La Morra, an area best known for its Dolcettos. So far Giacosa's 2005s appear to be well-balanced, yet smaller-scaled wines that will likely drink well relatively early, while the 2006s are decidedly bigger and more powerful. I also noted a marked improvement in the quality of the Barbaresco Santo Stefano, which is the only single-vineyard wine the estate still makes from purchased fruit. Our tasting ended with the 1967 Barbaresco Riserva Asili. It was, in a word...sublime. The world will have to wait for the 2004 Barolos and Barbarescos to be released, in the meantime readers will find no shortage of compelling offerings among this set of new releases from Bruno Giacosa. The 2006 Dolcettos are excellent to outstanding, while the 2005 Barberas reflect the more modest qualities of that vintage. Giacosa is among the producers whose views on the 2003 vintage for Barolo and Barbaresco have changed dramatically in recent years. While many producers draw comparisons with 1947, Giacosa is one of the very few who can speak from personal experience. At first pessimistic, he initially thought he might not bottle any of his top wines but as time has passed his stance has changed, and today he is much more enthusiastic about the vintage.

2004 Fanti Brunello di Montalcino - $49.99

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:45:02 UTC

($75)Shows blackberries and dried flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with lots of ripe berry and cream character. Rich and flavorful. Long and beautiful. It's layered and velvety. Seductive. Drink now. 5,610 cases made. â€"JS Spectator 94

2001 E. Pira Barolo Cannubi - $79.99

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:44:32 UTC

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Nov/Dev 04
Bright red-ruby. Musky, complex nose combines mocha, menthol, espresso and brown spices, with sexy oak tones. Quite lush and suave on the palate, with raspberry, brown spice and gamey flavors conveying an enticing, subtle sweetness. Very silky Barolo, finishing firmly tannic and impressively long. 92 points.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate #167, Oct 2006
($96) Chiara Boschis makes two very elegant Barolos from her holdings in the center of town (I did not taste the 2001 Via Nuova). Although Boschis prefers to age her Barolos in 100% new oak, the wines are always well-balanced. While some of the aromas and flavors are those of the modern school, the wine's medium weight and structure are decidedly classic. The 2001 Barolo Cannubi, a rich ruby, presents a complex, multi-dimensional nose of flowers, sweet fruit and toasted oak. The beautiful 2001 version is classic in every way, revealing layers of sweet fruit, licorice, tar, mineral and toasted oak flavors, with great length and freshness on the finish. It is a wine of great class and elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. 93 points.

Wine Spectator, Oct 2005
($90) Wild and funky with an exotic undertone. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Gorgeous and seductive. Best after 2006. 850 cases made. 91 points.

2006 Ciacci Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso - $51.99

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:27:23 UTC

James Suckling, January 2011
This is a very rich Sangiovese on the nose with dried black cherries and strawberries. Lots of dark chocolate too. Loads of black chocolate cake and dried coffee cake character. Full and very powerful. Lots of ripe tannins. Goes on for minutes. Better in 2014. 96 points.

Wine Spectator, August 31, 2011
Silky and elegant, offering cherry, raspberry, currant and violet aromas and flavors. Detailed and firmly structured, with refined tannins and a lingering aftertaste of red fruits. A Brunello of finesse and harmony. Best from 2012 through 2028. 2,900 cases made. 95 points and Collectibles Designation.

2009 Sette Ponti Oreno - $69.99

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:32:47 UTC

The 2009 Oreno is stunning. Layers of soft, well-articulated fruit caress the palate in this sweeping, dramatic wine. There is tons of depth, freshness and vitality in the glass, not to mention terrific overall balance. Sweet flowers, spices and licorice wrap around the seamless, captivating finish. Oreno is one of Italy's most improved wines. The 2009, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, represents another move in the right direction. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. Wine Advocate 94+

2006 Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino - $47.99

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:57:06 UTC

Frescobaldi's Brunello always delivers great quality in just about any vintage. Gorgeous nose of ripe berries and slice plums with an almost peach undertone. Full bodied, with a solid core of gorgeously clean and clear dark fruits. Dense and integrated tannins on the finish. So long and fascinating. Best after 2013. JS - 95

2006 Castellare Brunello di Montalcino - $43.99

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:07:53 UTC

A decadent and ultra-rich red, with plum tart, prunes, cooked meat and berries. Full bodied, with soft and silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. An aromatically beautiful wine. Best after 2012. $$ JS - 94

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino from Poggio Il Castellare is a dark, inward wine imbued with dark cherries, plums, tar, smoke, licorice and new leather, all of which come together on a powerful, incisive frame. This burly, somewhat rough around the edges Brunello shows plenty of length and richness, even if the tannins might benefit from a measure of added polish. Still, I see this working well with boldly flavored dishes. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. WA: 93

2008 Le Pupille Saffredi - $59.99

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:25:42 UTC

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
($125) Love the aromas of blackberries, licorice and lightly toasted oak. Full bodied, with velvety tannins and a rich finish. Ripe tannins with a beautiful polished. Vanilla. Will come together with bottle age. Very serious as always. Such class and complexity. Best after 2014. Â 96 points.

2007 Cerbaiona Rosso di Montalcino - $37.99

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:31:04 UTC

"If I had to put together a short list of the most privileged spots in Montalcino for Sangiovese, Cerbaiona would be near or at the top of that list. These white, poor soils encourage the vines to develop deep root systems and yield wines of notable structure. In top vintages the wines are nothing short of spectacular. Production remains tiny, at around 7,000 bottles for the Brunello, which I was reminded of as I negotiated the cramped cellars while tasting through a number of wines with proprietor Diego Molinari. Readers in search of the finest artisan wines in Tuscany will find much to admire here."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, May 2011
($67) The 2007 Rosso di Montalcino is plump, juicy and utterly irresistible. Sweet red cherries lead to violets, spices and tobacco as this graceful, elegant, mid-weight wine opens up in the glass. A lovely vein of minerality frames the long, generous finish. This is another impeccable and classy wine from Cerbaiona. Though not inexpensive, the estate's Rosso does offer a compelling glimpse into the genius of one of Montalcino's most inspired producers. Occasionally the Rosso can be found at favorable pricing, and it is a must-buy. 91 points.