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$73.95
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JS 96
WS 92
WE 92
Italy
-
Veneto
-
Amarone
In stock,
11
available
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List $85.00
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96 points James Suckling: "Amazing in the nose, with hazelnut, walnuts, dark fruits and chocolate. Full body, with a rich and balanced palate and lovely length. Drinkable now but structured for aging. Harmonic. (12/9/12)"
Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso (2013).
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$85 list] Ripe, sweet fruit flavors of damson plum and black cherry mix with lively acidity and accents of date, spice box, mineral and fresh earth, while layered tannins add muscle to this elegant red. Drink now through 2025. (9/30/12)"
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$85 list] One of the founding members of the prestigious Amarone Families association who focus on safeguarding the unique winemaking traditions of Valpolicella, Allegrini sets the standard for a new generation of vintners. This opens with sweet tones of Indian spice, ripe fruit and tobacco. The mouthfeel is exceedingly rich, long lasting and intense. Alcohol 15.5%. (Nov 2012)"
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$124.95
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WS 95
WE 93
WA 92
Italy
-
Tuscany
-
Brunello di Montalcino
In stock,
1
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.) 95 points Wine Spectator: "[$135 list] Shows meat and blackberry on the nose, with hints of rose perfume. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, rich and flavorful finish. Love the cocoa, berry and light vanilla bean aftertaste. This is always classic in an outstanding year. Best from 2010 through 2015. 1,500 cases made. (2009)"
93 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$135 list] We preferred Altesino's base Brunello to its cru selection from the estate's special 10-acre vineyard--but only by the smallest of margins. Montosoli is a tremendous wine with impressive intensity and staying power that takes shape as cherry, tobacco, spice and bursting blueberry. Drink from 2010 through 2020. (Jun 2009)"
92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The estate’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is a big, strapping wine loaded with dark fruit, smoke, new leather and minerals. The Montosoli, from one of Montalcino’s top sites, shows considerable density and richness. The tannins build on the finish, rounding out a gorgeous Brunello that achieves a brilliant combination of power and elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022. (Jun 2009)"
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$112.95
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WE 98
JS 97
WA 94
Italy
-
Tuscany
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
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98 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "This is a landmark wine from a landmark vintage. The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, which results in a generous, striking and unforgettable product. The bouquet is elegant and toned, with aromas of dark fruit, tobacco and chocolate. The mouthfeel is tight and firm, and it boasts persistence and impressive balance. It has all of the qualities required for long-term aging, so keep this for 10 years or more. (Apr 2013)"
97 points James Suckling: "Best Guado al Tasso ever. Wonderful nose of crushed blackberries and cherries with hints of dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with soft and round tannins and a long, long finish. It goes on for minutes. Now just a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Better after 2015. (8/29/12)"
94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "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. (Jun 2012)"
Producer notes: "60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. On the nose the initial balsamic sensations are followed by aromas of ripe fruit and spices, on the palate is velvety, with soft tannins and much finesse. The finish and aftertaste are well supported by savory mineral notes and much length and persistence."
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$289.95
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WA 97
WS 94
IWC 94
Italy
-
Tuscany
-
Other
In stock,
4
available
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97 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2007 Solaia saturates the palate with a heady array of super-ripe black cherries, plums, cassis, mocha and sweet French oak. There is an exotic quality to the Solaia I find totally irresistible. Despite its considerable ripeness and opulence, the 2007 Solaia is never heavy, rather it impresses for its extraordinary finesse and balance. Minerals, graphite and crushed rocks frame a long, seductive finish. This is a wonderful Solaia loaded with vintage and vineyard character. The 2007 Solaia is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged in 100% new oak. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. (Oct 2010)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "A racy wine that offers so much currant and blackberry character. Full and very silky. Goes on and on. Fascinating. Best after 2012. (10/31/10)"
94 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "(14% alcohol) Fully saturated inky ruby. Knockout nose of blackcurrant, mocha, coffee and nutty oak, plus strong soil tones of tobacco and herbs. Wonderfully ripe and full but with a sappy menthol lift to the utterly pure, drop-dead gorgeous flavors of blackcurrant, tobacco and minerals. Compared to the 2007 Tignanello, which currently comes across as a baby Solaia, this has more of everything, especially including sweetness and flesh. One of the better versions of Solaia of the last decade: it offers plenty of upfront charm and fleshy creaminess, but it may not prove to be as long-lived as the 2004 or the 2006. (Sep/Oct 2010)"
Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "Three Glasses again for the Solaia. This blend, based on cabernet sauvignon and sangiovese with a dash of cabernet franc, offers echoes of currants and strawberries on the nose with subtly fresh, clean vegetal hints. The dynamic palate and already relaxed tannins reflect a style that favours elegance and allure, leading to a long, dry finish. (2011)"
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$625.00
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WE 97
WA 93
Italy
-
Tuscany
-
Other
In stock,
4
available
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97 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "Definitely on a top 10 list of Italian icons, Solaia affirms the massive potential of Italian winemaking, from vineyard to cantina to cellar and beyond. Superrich and polished, but never over the top, this gorgeous super Tuscan shows deep layers of chocolate, black cherry, rum cake and spice. The secret lies in its balance: Everything is in place, from intensity and complexity to persistency. (May 2012)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Solaia is richer and darker than the Tignanello, but it isn’t an appreciably more complex or complete wine. It shows gorgeous depth and textural richness to match an expressive core of blackberry jam, smoke, scorched earth, crushed rocks and cassis. This is a beautiful wine, but not as great as I had hoped. The 2008 Solaia is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged in 100% new oak. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. (Aug 2011)"
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$79.95
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WA 95
WS 92
IWC 91
Italy
-
Tuscany
-
Other
In stock,
4
available
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95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$99 list] Antinori’s 2007 Tignanello is wonderfully ripe and seductive in its dark cherries, flowers, spices, tobacco, sage, cedar, mint and minerals. This is as opulent a Tignanello as I have ever tasted but there is just enough acidity and structure from the Sangiovese to keep things from going over the top. The wine’s richness and warmth are such that in a blind tasting I mistook the 2007 Tignanello for a wine from Maremma! The dense, muscular fruit follows through to an impeccable finish with no hard edges and impossibly fine, silky tannins. Simply put, the 2007 is a magnificent Tignanello. The 2007 Tignanello is 80% Sangiovese aged in 300-liter French oak barrels (1/3 new), 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, both aged in 100% new 225-liter French oak barriques. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2027. (5/11/10)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$99 list] Displays sweet plum and berry aromas and flavors, with hints of toasty oak and cappuccino. Full-bodied, yet reserved and fine. Turns chewy and juicy. Best after 2012. (10/31/10)"
91 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "Bright, medium ruby-red. Musky black fruits, cedar, graphite and minerals on the cabernet-dominated nose. Broad and lush in the mouth, conveying a full-bodied, weighty impression but also plenty of energy to the flavors of blackcurrant, tobacco and cedar. Finishes very long and smooth, with extremely fine-grained tannins. (Sep/Oct 2010)"
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$53.95
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JS 96
WE 94
WA 92
Italy
-
Tuscany
-
Brunello di Montalcino
In stock, 12+ available
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List $85.00
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96 points and 'Top 100 Italian Wines in 2012,' James Suckling: "Aromas of ripe plums and berries and hints of tar. Full body, with velvety tannins and a lovely texture. Fruit and coffee character on the palate. Structured. Classy and powerful. Needs two or three years to soften. Better than 2006. (1/25/12)"
94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Named after one of the most beautiful stone castles in Europe, Poggio alle Mura is a dark and compelling wine that shows a clean quality, a fresh mouthfeel and excellent length. Beautiful fruit intensity with cherry, blackberry, spice, leather and tobacco describe the bouquet. Good aging potential. Alcohol 14.5%. (May 2012)"
92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura blasts across the palate with a heady array of black cherries, camphor, licorice and spices. The wine possesses gorgeous depth and inner sweetness in a plush, inviting style with plenty of early appeal. An explosive finish rounds things out in style. The Poggio alle Mura was aged in 350-liter barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. (Apr 2012)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "This lush red is full of sweet plum, cherry, cedar and tea notes, getting support from dense, ripe tannins. The result is a balanced combination of sweet fruit and spice elements on the prolonged finish. Best from 2014 through 2027. (9/30/12)"
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$83.95
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WA 97
WS 97
Italy
-
Tuscany
-
Other
In stock,
1
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
97 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2007 Sammarco is a showstopper. A dazzling bouquet leads to layers of rich dark fruit in this superb, racy wine. The tannins are all about finesse. This isn’t a blockbuster Sammarco, but rather it is a wine that impresses for its sexy personality and fabulous overall balance. The 2007 Sammarco is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. (Aug 2011)"
97 points Wine Spectator: "Intense aromas and flavors of black currant, cherry, cedar and licorice are reminiscent of a fine Bordeaux. Concentrated, yet stylish and elegant, with great breed and a lingering aftertaste of fruit, spice and mineral. Delicious now, yet still very young. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2014 through 2032. 250 cases imported. (10/15/11)"
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$54.95
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JS 96
WA 93
WS 92
Italy
-
Tuscany
-
Brunello di Montalcino
In stock, 12+ available
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List $70.00
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96 points and 'Top 100 Italian Wines in 2012,' James Suckling: "Complex aromas of red fruits, flowers and fresh mushrooms follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and intense fruit and bright acidity. Goes on for a long, long time. So juicy and fruity. Hints of bitter lemon rind. Give this two or three years more of bottle age. (1/25/12)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso is fresher, more floral and more delineated than the straight Brunello bottling. There is plenty of Ciacci depth and muscle in the glass. Layers of dark red fruit, crushed flowers, licorice and spices wrap around the intense, deep finish. This is a huge wine with tons of 2007 Castelnuovo character, but also with enough freshness to balance out the wine’s more extroverted leanings. The 2007 is a big improvement over the 2006, which remains an underachiever relative to Ciacci’s historical track record of excellence. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. (Apr 2012)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$76 list] A mix of cherry, strawberry, earth, iron and dried beef aromas and flavors make this complex in a lighter style. Balanced between the fruit, moderate acidity and tannins. Very elegant. Best from 2014 through 2028. (6/6/12)"
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$98.95
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IWC 96
WA 93
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Barolo
In stock, 12+ available
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List $130.00
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96 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Good deep red. Classic soil-driven Barolo aromas and flavors of cherry, dried rose, tobacco, camphor and underbrushy earth. At once silky and perfumed, with outstanding depth and 3-D texture for a 2006. The explosive back end shows superb tannic force and outstanding length. Should make a Barolo classic. (Oct/Nov 2011)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$130 list] The 2006 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj is a new Barolo from Clerico. The vineyard is in Badarina, just opposite Cascina Francia in Serralunga. This is the first opportunity readers will have to taste a Barolo from Serralunga by Clerico, a grower whose wines have always been virtually inseparable for their connection to Monforte. The Aeroplan Servaj is a beautiful, sensual wine graced with exquisite layers of dark, perfumed fruit. This is a decidedly elegant, feminine Barolo from Serralunga that, while beautiful, only captures a fraction of what this vineyard is ultimately capable of. Clerico and his team faced significant challenges when they took over the farming of the vineyard in 2006, down to being threatened at gunpoint by the owner when he saw how much fruit was being dropped in the vineyard! Based on the future vintages I have tasted in barrel, Aeroplan Servaj is a work in progress moving in the right direction. The wine’s colorful name, ‘wild airplane’ is a nickname given to the young, rambunctious Clerico by his father. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2026. (Feb 2011)"
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$61.95
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WA 96
WS 95
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Barolo
In stock, 12+ available
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List $100.00
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96 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$100 list] The 2005 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra emerges from the glass with endless layers of sweet spices, menthol, violets and dark fruit on a powerful, authoritative frame. This is a beautifully defined, sculpted wine of the very highest level. Tar, smoke and licorice linger on the finish. The tannins are massive at this stage, and the wine needs time, but the 2005 is undoubtedly one of the stars of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. (Apr 2009)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "Perfumed and aromatic, with fresh ripe strawberry and toasty oak. Full-bodied, with focused, chewy tannins and loads of wood and jammy fruit. Powerful. Needs time. Best after 2013. 1,500 cases made. (7/31/09)"
Three Glasses Gambero Rosso: "Once again, Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra '05, which comes from the long-standing Clerico plot, shows itself to be truly outstanding. It has complex, caressing aromas of flowers and peach. It's still a little tight on the palate because of its extreme youth. It needs a few more years but it promises great things. (2010)"
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$209.95
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WA 98
JS 95
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Barolo
In stock,
1
available
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98 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2007 Barolo Ciabot Mentin is one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted at this address. Deep, sensual layers of fruit flow from the glass as this full-throttle, intense Barolo reveals its profound, breathtaking personality. The 2007 shows tons of Ginestra nuance, but with extra dimensions to the fruit that literally covers every nook and cranny of the palate. Tasting this next to the 2006 is quite a comparison, as both wines are fabulous. Readers who can should be sure to own bottles of both. A side-by-side comparison is sure to be fascinating as the wines develop over the coming years. Astute readers will note the slight name change here, which is the result of new regulations that require the use of the historic vineyard name, in this case Ginestra, or a proprietary name. Call me nostalgic, but it is sad to see one of the iconic labels in Barolo disappear. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. (Feb 2011)"
95 points James Suckling: "Full bodied, with velvety tannins and milk chocolate, and nutmeg character, with hints of hazelnut. Balanced and attractive. Best after 2015. (5/6/11)"
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$96.95
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WA 98
JS 95
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Barolo
In stock, 12+ available
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98 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2007 Barolo Ciabot Mentin is one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted at this address. Deep, sensual layers of fruit flow from the glass as this full-throttle, intense Barolo reveals its profound, breathtaking personality. The 2007 shows tons of Ginestra nuance, but with extra dimensions to the fruit that literally covers every nook and cranny of the palate. Tasting this next to the 2006 is quite a comparison, as both wines are fabulous. Readers who can should be sure to own bottles of both. A side-by-side comparison is sure to be fascinating as the wines develop over the coming years. Astute readers will note the slight name change here, which is the result of new regulations that require the use of the historic vineyard name, in this case Ginestra, or a proprietary name. Call me nostalgic, but it is sad to see one of the iconic labels in Barolo disappear. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. (Feb 2011)"
95 points James Suckling: "Full bodied, with velvety tannins and milk chocolate, and nutmeg character, with hints of hazelnut. Balanced and attractive. Best after 2015. (5/6/11)"
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$59.95
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WA 95
WS 95
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Barolo
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $100.00
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95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$100 list] The 2005 Barolo Pajana is off the charts. This deeply scented, layered Barolo possesses a striking bouquet of spices, tobacco, graphite, dark cherries and new leather that come together in a breathtaking display of elegance and power that is hard to fully capture in words. The tannins are, as usual, quite broad but they are also remarkably fine. In 2005 the Pajana shows breathtaking balance and harmony with a long, sensual finish. This is a superb effort from Domenico Clerico, and his team led by the mega-talented Massimo Conterno. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. (Apr 2009)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "Delivers ripe fruit, with lots of raisin and red licorice character on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, offering chewy yet polished tannins and a vanilla, blackberry and cherry aftertaste, with coffee and toasty oak. A blockbuster wine. Best after 2014. 1,000 cases made. (7/31/09)"
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$84.95
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WA 96
IWC 93
WS 93
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Barolo
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $100.00
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
96 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$100 list] The 2006 Barolo Pajana reveals incredible aromatic complexity and intensity, something this particular site isn’t always capable of. There is lovely definition to be found as this classic feeling, mid-weight Pajana opens up in the glass. Layers of ripe dark fruit, spices, flowers, licorice and minerals develop seamlessly through to the close. I am floored by the wine’s volume, depth and length. Quite simply, this is a magnificent effort from Clerico. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. (Feb 2010)"
93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Good full red-ruby. Knockout nose offers dark cherry, strawberry, dried flowers, cedar, tobacco, leather and musky spices. Silky and sweet on entry, then powerful in the middle, with a firm spine of acidity giving lift and cut to the wine's red fruit, tobacco and dried flower flavors. Offers a compelling balance of stuffing and energy, and has the sheer fruit extract to buffer its ripe tannins. This really spreads out to saturate the palate, and is riper and more harmonious than the 2005 bottling. (Nov/Dec 2009)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "A rough and tumble red, full of cherry, floral, strawberry, menthol and spice flavors. The tannins are assertive, dominating the finish, but this shows persistence and a long, mineral aftertaste. Best from 2014 through 2032. 333 cases imported. (1/5/11)"
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$84.95
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JS 97
WA 96
WS 93
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Barolo
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $105.00
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97 points James Suckling: "This is amazing on the nose with roses, plums, raspberries and currants. Full bodied, with beautiful balance and finesse and depth. What gorgeous fruit and texture. Best in two or three years still. (5/6/11)"
96 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$105 list] The 2007 Barolo Pajana is a showstopper. Waves of intense, beautifully delineated fruit flow onto the palate as the wine opens up in the glass. Sumptuous and elegant through and through, the Pajana shows marvelous delineation and clean, minerally notes that underpin the opulence of the fruit. This is a marvelous, totally complete Pajana of the highest level. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. (Feb 2011)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "A tight-fisted, compact example, with cherry, menthol and spice flavors locked up by the stern structure. Stays fresh and energetic on the long finish, revealing its ultimate potential. Be patient. Best from 2015 through 2032. 680 cases made. (4/30/12)"
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$139.95
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WA 97
IWC 97
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Barolo
In stock, 12+ available
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97 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "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. (Feb 2010)"
97 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "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. (Nov/Dec 2009)"
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$144.95
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WS 95
WA 93
IWC 92
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Barolo
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $372.00
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95 points Wine Spectator: "Strawberry pie and cream aromas lead to a full-bodied palate. Very thick and powerful, with big, velvety tannins and masses of fruit. A blockbuster style. Best after 2013. 750 cases made. (7/31/09)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The estate’s 2005 Barolo Cicala is a transparent, mid-weight wine redolent of dark fruit, spices, minerals and licorice, all of which come together in the glass with superb elegance. Here the tannins are decidedly firmer and bigger than in the Colonello, even though the vineyards are just a few hundred meters apart! This powerful yet harmonious wine is simply radiant in its beauty. All that it needs is a little patience. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. (Apr 2009)"
92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[$186/750ml list; the first vintage for this wine since 2001, as this vineyard was hailed on in 2004) Good full medium red. Wild aromas of redcurrant, black cherry, tar and leather; this smells tannic but the fruit element expands impressively as the wine opens in the glass. Then large-scaled and firm in the mouth, with powerful acidity currently suppressing the wine's sweetness. There's a boatload of fruit here, but today the wine's mineral and gamey elements dominate. In a very traditional style, and completely different from the Colonnello: more backward and more masculine (Conterno refers to it as "our rude boy"). The serious tannins build with air and currently cut off the wine's finishing fruit. (Nov/Dec 2009)"
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$335.00
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WA 97
WN 95
IWC 91–94
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Barolo
In stock,
3
available
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Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "Barolo Cascina Francia 2004... has a generously spacious bouquet, combining austerity and fruit on the palate, and judiciously balancing the tannins with acidity to provide a flavoursome finish that reprises the aromas. (2009)"
97 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2004 Barolo Cascina Francia is an explosive wine that faithfully captures all of the promise it showed from barrel. This spectacularly rich, concentrated Barolo possesses striking perfume in its smoke, tar, spiced red fruits, licorice and flowers. The wine offers tremendous length and a finish that lasts forever. This is an especially dense, powerful Cascina Francia with a gorgeous core of perfumed sweet fruit that will require some time to fully emerge but is breathtakingly beautiful even at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2029. (Dec 2007)"
95 points Wine News: "Intense floral nose with earthy notes of mint and licorice. Rich flavors of mouthwatering strawberry and cherry, powerfully structured and neatly balanced with vibrant tannins. Closes on clean mineral note. Very impressive. Best after 2012. (Oct/Nov 2008)"
91-94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Good full red. Reduced, musky nose dominated by pungent dried herbs. Then suave and firm on the palate but silky, with a distinctly sappy quality to the dark fruit, mineral, floral and graphite flavors. The cooler herbal note carries through in the mouth, giving this young wine real lift. Lush in texture without being really fat, with the very pure finishing flavors mounting impressively. (Nov/Dec 2007)"
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$47.95
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JS 96
WS 93
WE 93
Italy
-
Tuscany
-
Brunello di Montalcino
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $80.00
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96 points James Suckling: "What a nose. The perfect nose of ripe black cherries, spices, toasted oak and flowers. Full body, with velvety tannins, and a berry, cherry and blue berry undertone. What a finish. This shows such beautiful fruit. Leave it for three or four years. Made from organic grapes. (1/15/11)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Sweet cherry, raspberry, tobacco and licorice aromas and flavors mark this opulent, supple-textured Brunello. This is very open and approachable now, yet there are some chewy tannins underneath. A bit pinched on the finish. Best from 2012 through 2024. (8/31/11)"
93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Here's an austere and sophisticated wine with dark notes of carob, exotic spice, cardamom pod, mesquite smoke and blackberry. The wine is soft, plush and chewy with firm tannins (that could use more time to soften) and a playful touch of acidity on the close. Cellar Selection. (Apr 2011)"
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$69.95
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JS 95
WA 92
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Barolo
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $91.00
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95 points and 'Top 100 Italian Wines in 2012,' James Suckling: "This is a big step up in quality for Damilano, who now controls the most vineyards in the great Cannubi -- about 11 hectares. Sensual aromas of dried flowers, sweet fruits and chocolate follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a delicious finish. Very fine indeed. Chewy. Better in 2015. (7/19/12)"
92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Barolo Cannubi emerges from the glass with freshly cut roses, sweet raspberries and spices, all supported by French oak. It is a very pretty, attractive wine with plenty of vineyard character and personality. The Cannubi is also the most feminine of the 2008s I tasted from Damilano. A silky, refined finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. (Apr 2012)"
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$37.95
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WE 95
WS 94
Italy
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Sicily
In stock, 12+ available
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Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso (2013).
95 points and 'Top 100 Wine of 2012 (#53),' Wine Enthusiast: "Ben Ryé is one of the 10 best dessert wines made in Italy. From the sun-drenched island of Pantelleria, this is made using Zibibbo grapes that are air-dried. It’s thickly extracted and syrupy sweet, with intense aromas of apricot, honey and marzipan. The kick of fresh acidity at the end is nothing short of brilliant. Alcohol 14.5%. (Dec 2012)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "An unctuous sweet wine, with melted Turkish apricot, candied orange zest and light, caramel-tinged date notes balanced on a full-bodied, cream-accented frame. The broad finish lingers with fruit and spice. Zibibbo. Drink now through 2025. 500 cases imported. (6/15/13)"
Producer notes: "Grapes: Zibibbo (Moscato d'Alessandria). Complex and ample sweet wine with an outstanding freshness. On the nose intense notes of apricot and peach follewed by sweet sensations of dried figs and honey, aromatic herbs and mineral notes. Food pairing: Its fragrant sweetness makes it a perfect partner for blue cheeses and foie gras. We also recommend it with ricotta-filled desserts or gianduia chocolate. Alcohol 14.5%."
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$38.95
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JS 95
WE 93
WS 91
Italy
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Tuscany
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Brunello di Montalcino
In stock, 12+ available
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List $70.00
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Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso (2013).
95 points James Suckling: "Aromas of blueberries and bacon and hints of wet earth. Full body, with velvety and round tannins and a juicy finish. Wonderful finish of fruit and meat. Opulent and soft. Better in 2014. Best Fanti since 2001. (1/25/12)"
93 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$70 list] This fine and delicate Brunello shows soft elegance and sophistication in the form of cassis, wild berry, white pepper, root beer, toasted nut and cigar tobacco. The mouthfeel is firm and clean, with elements of tannic structure and fresh acidity that work well together. The oak element still needs time to integrate. Alcohol 15.0%. (May 2012)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "A big, rich style, boasting plum, soy and tobacco aromas and flavors. Features good acidity and firm tannins that bode well for development, with just a touch of heat on the finish. Best from 2014 through 2028. 400 cases imported. (6/6/12)"
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$25.95
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IWC 96
WA 93
WS 92
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock,
7
available
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96 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "(100% sangiovese; 14% alcohol) Good full red with a palish rim. Pure, superripe aromas of red cherry, violet, iodine and nutmeg. Superrich, highly concentrated and seamless, with densely packed flavors of raspberry, dark plum and marzipan. Finishes creamy-rich and explosively long, with a pretty violet note. This was so good I really had trouble letting the glass go. It's also the only time I can remember Fontalloro outclassing Rancia (of which I am a huge fan) by such a wide margin, something I had noticed even when tasting barrel samples of these two wines in the estate's cellar two years ago. I'd wait a good five years on this one, then enjoy it for another two decades. Proof positive that sangiovese is one of the world's great grape varieties. (Jul/Aug 2010)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2007 Fontalloro is round, sweet and inviting, very much in keeping with the style of the vintage. The fruit tends towards the redder end of the spectrum vis-a-vis the Rancia and the Fontalloro seems to possess a touch more freshness. Floral, spiced notes add lift on the finish. As attractive as the 2007 Fontalloro is, and it is very pretty, the wine does not have a particularly bright track record of developing the noblest aromas and flavors in bottle. In my experience, it is better to err on the side of youth in deciding when to drink Fontalloro. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. (Oct 2010)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "There's blackberry and blueberry galore in this full-bodied wine, which has chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Juicy and wonderfully fruity. Best after 2011. (10/31/10)"
Three Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "The Fontalloro shows how these two areas, Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi can blend into a totally unique wine. For years, this pure Sangiovese has been exceptional and we think that the '07 vintage is one of the very best, a rare example of how body, power and warmth can be matched step by step by elegance, complexity and minerality. (2011)"
18.5/20 points Decanter: "Magnificent fragrance of violet, iris and black cherry, with hints of leather and spice. Mouthfuls of concentrated cherry, spice and liquorice. Perfect balance and fantastic length. Very compelling. Drink: 2017-2030. Alc: 14%."
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$47.95
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JS 95
WS 93
WE 93
Italy
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Tuscany
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Brunello di Montalcino
In stock, 12+ available
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List $72.00
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95 points James Suckling: "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. (1/15/11)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "This red starts out ripe and accessible, boasting plum, cherry and chocolate flavors, then turns firm and tight on the finish, where tobacco and mineral notes take over. I like the potential of this when it integrates more fully. Best from 2014 through 2024. (8/31/11)"
93 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$72 list] Castelgiocondo's Brunello aptly represents the new face of Montalcino with its plump, ell-extracted and modern style. The wine is packed with soft black cherry, chocolate and coffee aromas and shows a smooth, long-lasting finish. (Apr 2011)"
18.5/20 points Stephen Brook (The World of Fine Wine): "(13.5% ABV) Robust and ripe black-cherry-and-blackberry nose. Ripe and rounded, sumptuous in texture, yet there's no trace of jamminess. Tannic and spicy, yet the components, acidity included, seem in balance. A suave hedonistic style that's already accessible but clearly has the structure to age well. Hard to fault and has complexity and impressive length. (Issue #33; 2011)"
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