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$17.95
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WS 90
WA 89
Italy
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Veneto
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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90 points and 'Top 100 Wine of 2011 (#60),' Wine Spectator: "[$20 list] This sleek, polished red offers juicy blackberry and black fruit flavors, backed by refined tannins and well-integrated acidity. Hard to stop sipping. Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Sangiovese. Drink now through 2020. (10/31/11)"
89 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$20 list] The 2008 Palazzo Della Torre is striking in this vintage. It shows remarkable harmony in a tense, mineral-infused expression of fruit. Hints of licorice, tobacco, mocha and spices develop in the glass, adding further complexity and nuance. All of the elements flow gracefully to a finish layered with the essence of crushed rocks and flowers. This is an absolutely delicious wine from Allegrini. Palazzo della Torre is made with a partial ripasso technique in which 30% of the fruit is dried Amarone-style, while the other 70% is picked and vinified conventionally. Once again, Palazzo della Torre is one of the very finest values in Italian wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. (Feb 2012)"
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$14.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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From Sardinia. Varietals: Cannonau (Grenache), Bovale Sardo, Carignan. Intense ruby red with garnet tinges. Intensely vinous aromas, typical of Cannonau. Warm, well-rounded, well-structured and excellently balanced.
2009 vintage rated 91 points by Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The estate’s 2009 Isola dei Nuraghi Costera flows from the glass with layers of exquisitely perfumed fruit buttressed by fine, silky tannins. There is an element of pure elegance and refinement that is hard to do justice to with words. This is another terrific red from Argiolas. Costera is a blend of 90% Cannonau, 5% Carignano and 5% Bovale Sardo. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014."
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$21.95
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WS 90
Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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90 points Wine Spectator: "[$25 list] A firm, compact red, featuring plenty of ripe wild cherry and blackberry notes that slowly reveal hints of pine, ash and tobacco. Displays the rugged nature of the region. Drink now through 2018. 2,500 cases made. (1/16/13)"
Jancis Robinson: "Bisceglia, Gudarrà 2008 Aglianico del Vulture is... made from another of my favourite grape varieties Aglianico and grown on the volcanic soils of Basilicata... It is also unusually mature for a wine in commercial circulation... Aglianico has a wonderful combination of structure and fruit, though it ripens late and can be grown only in relatively warm climates. The grapes for this wine were not picked until late October, and were picked by hand. After a 10-day fermentation, the wine was aged for 12 months in new barriques. Gudarrà, the name of their top bottling (which has won several three-glass awards in Italy), derives from a local word for 'enjoy', which chimes well with me... Alc 14.0%, TA 5.6g/l, pH 3.57, RS 2.0g/l... The 2008 is very dark and dramatic-looking and from the very first taste you know that a lot of that lovely summer sunshine is trapped in this bottle... this wine is already attractively mature and supple... I recommend that you take advantage of this well-priced wine that has a certain volcanic smokiness and real complexity about it. It carries its alcohol extremely well. A southern Italian for claret lovers? (6/22/12)"
Producer notes: "Gudarrà is deep ruby-red in color with enticing notes of red cherries, cassis, blackberries, sweet spice and a hint of licorice. This is an accessible, versatile red that pairs beautifully with southern Italian Pasta dishes, lamb, grilled or roasted game and ripe, flavorful cheeses."
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$24.95
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Italy
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Piedmont
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Other
In stock,
7
available
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Producer notes: "Color: Deep ruby red with light orange. Nose: Young, fresh with notes of mint. Taste: Fruity, fresh, full with good balance. Serving suggestions: With all red meat or pasta dishes. Alcohol 13.5%."
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$10.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock,
8
available
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This red wine is from two different vineyard sites: Collecorvino and Atri. Both are located in Loreto Aprutino in the Abruzzo region of Italy. The vineyards have a southeast exposure with a tuffaceous soil (a light, volcanic soil). The vines are approximately 8 years old at an elevation of 750 feet. The Sunnae is fermented in stainless steel tanks before bottling. Try with salami.
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$17.95
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Italy
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Campania
In stock,
1
available
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List $28.00
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Sandro Lonardo makes a tiny amount of a white wine called Grecomusc', which is made from a variety called Roviello Bianco, or Grecomusc' by the locals. The variety is indigenous to the town of Taurasi and the villages around Taurasi. Made from purchased fruit (some has also been planted at Lonardo's estate in Taurasi); the wine is fermented with the skins for a day or so to extract flavor, then fermented in stainless steel using indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged in used puncheons for four months, then in stainless steel, and bottled unfined and with only a coarse filtration. Lonardo's Grecomusc' is distinctive, excellent white wine, showing striking complexity in aroma and flavor, great length, and excellent fresh acidity; notes include almond, citrus skin and apple, as Sandro says, but also a beeswax note reminiscent of fine Chenin Blanc. Less than 200 cases produced.
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$21.95
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WA 93
IWC 92
JS 92
Italy
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Tuscany
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Chianti
In stock,
3
available
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93+ points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is one of the more slender wines in this line up, in keeping with the personality of the vintage. That is not a bad thing for readers who are cellaring some of the bigger, richer vintages that may take longer to mature. Silky tannins frame a core of black cherries, plums, licorice and tobacco through to the vibrant finish. The 2008 speaks of textural finesse and silkiness first and foremost. I will not be surprised if the 2008 blossoms further with more time in bottle. Today it is immensely beautiful. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. (Jun 2012)"
92 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "Bright, full red. Nuanced, scented nose combines raspberry, redcurrant, tobacco and sweet spices. Suave, juicy and complex, with harmonious acidity giving shape and freshness to the wine's concentrated plum, tobacco and herb flavors. Finishes savory and minerally, with substantial but smooth tannins and lovely lingering perfume. A big success for the vintage. (Jul 2012)"
92 points James Suckling: " juicy red with spices, berries and light toasted wood character. Full and velvety textured, with a long finish. Intense wine. But so good now. Drink now. (7/24/11)"
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$21.95
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Italy
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Tuscany
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Chianti
In stock, 12+ available
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Two Glasses, Gambero Rosso (2012).
2007 vintage rated '#1 Wine of the Year - The Enthusiasxt 100' and 93 points by Wine Enthusiast: "From Frescobaldi’s gorgeous Nipozzano estate, this Riserva Sangiovese (with small percentages of Malvasia Nera, Cabernet and Merlot for extra density and intensity) opens with impressive generosity and personality. It offers lingering flavors of cherry, chocolate and dark spice."
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$13.95
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IWC 88
Italy
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Other
In stock,
1
available
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88 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "Good bright ruby-red. Balsamic herbs, clove, and chocolate-covered cherries on the nose. Sweet and supple on entry, then rich and layered in the middle, with herbal dark cherry and sweet spice flavors given definition by lively acidity. Finishes long...with a restrained sweetness... (Mar/Apr 2011)"
Importer notes: "Aglianico is the best known 'big red' grape in southern Italy, and there are two places where it grows particularly well -- Taurasi in Campania and Monte Vulture in Basilicata. The areas are less than two hours from each other, both are volcanic in geology, and both produce magnificent red wines, amongst the most age-worthy in Italy (or anywhere else, for that matter). Grifalco is an excellent producer of Aglianico del Vulture, and is owned by the Piccin family, who were originally wine producers in Tuscany but decided that southern Italy, Basilicata in particular, was more promising. 'Gricos' is 100% Aglianico (vine age: 15 year) estate-grown in four different vineyards. Vinification: Destemming and soft crushing, fermentatin for 10-12 days in steel. Ageing: 50% aged in large Slavonian oak barrels for 12 months; the other 50% in steel. Certified Organic. Production: 2,500 cases."
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$19.95
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Italy
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Friuli-Venezia Giulia
In stock,
3
available
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Two Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "...an attractively fruity strawberry-themed... wine of character with a vein of balsam and spice... (2011)"
This fun and juicy red from a nearly extinct grape variety is bursting with ripe red raspberries and laced with peppery spice. Soft, fresh and medium bodied, a perfect pair with Italian meats and cheeses.
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$21.95
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WA 90
WS 90
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $29.00
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90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$29 list] The 2008 Bolgheri Greppicante (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) is a more serious, powerful red that could use another 6-12 months for the tannins to settle down. The generous warmth of the dark fruit shows wonderful depth leading to an articulate finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016. (Oct 2010)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$29 list] Blackberry and cassis aromas, as well as hints of toasty oak, lead to a full body, with very polished tannins and more light toasty oak. This shows lots of fruit and intensity. Best after 2013. (9/30/10)"
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$19.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
9
available
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List $30.00
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Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$30 list] The 2008 Weissburgunder Terlaner (Pinot Bianco) is wonderfully fresh and nuanced in its crisp, floral fruit. Medium in body, the mineral-driven Weissburgunder reveals notable elegance and a long, zesty finish. This is a classy effort from Niedrist. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. (Oct 2009)"
Some of the best white wines from the Alto Adige have been made from the Weissburgunder (Pinot Bianco) variety, the best examples of which are minerally, earthy wines that repay 3 - 5 years in the cellar. The Terlaner zone seems to produce particularly good examples. This wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel, with no contact with wood and no malolactic fermentation. Estate bottled. Tasting notes: Pale straw color; wet-stone aroma with hints of green apple and herbs; fresh, long and minerally on the palate. Drink now with seafood or vegetable appetizers, or age for up to 5 years.
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$17.95
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WS 90
WA 88
Italy
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Tuscany
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Chianti
In stock, 12+ available
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List $23.00
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90 points Wine Spectator: "[$23 list] This is fresh, with elegance and a firm tannic structure. Cherry and raspberry notes are pure and this shows harmony and fine length on the spicy aftertaste. Drink now through 2020. (9/30/12)"
88 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$23 list] The 2008 Chianti Classico is a very pretty wine with plenty of Sangiovese character and juiciness. Dark red berries, flowers, mint and tobacco are some of the nuances that flow from this tasty, pleasing Chianti Classico. The 2008 has the acidity and structure to drink well for a number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. (Jun 2012)"
Producer notes: "This beauty shows an ample bouquet of berries and violets that speak of the variety, and encompasses well integrated earthiness and spicy notes. It is a perfect example of the elegance, aromas and character of its unique soil: full, round, with silky tannins, good structure and lingering finish."
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$22.95
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WS 90
Italy
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Piedmont
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Barbera
In stock, 12+ available
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List $29.00
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90 points Wine Spectator: "[$29 list] Black currant and bilberry fruit signals this fresh, vivid Barbera. It has light tannins, but overall shows balance and harmony. Lingering finish. Drink now through 2015... (2/29/12)"
Producer notes: "Ruby red with purple reflections. Beautiful and complex aromas of cassis, dried cherry and Indian tea. Complex, vibrant, focused wine with refreshing acidity and ripe fruit."
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$11.95
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WS 87
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock,
7
available
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List $15.00
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87 points Wine Spectator: "[$15 list] Fruity and round, with berry and dried cherry character. Medium-bodied and straightforward. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best after 2011. (10/31/10)"
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$10.95
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WS 88
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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88 points Wine Spectator: "A sinewy, well-muscled red. Cherry and berry flavors are at its core and there's an underlying spiciness. It stays fresh, with a lingering finish. Drink now through 2014. (10/31/12)"
85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Producer notes: "Deep ruby in color, its bouquet of leather, earth, herbs, black cherries, licorice and plums is confirmed on the medium to full-bodied palate -- round, spicy, elegant, attractively fruity and extremely versatile with any fare from pasta or risotto, to meat, fowl and cheese."
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$21.95
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Italy
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Tuscany
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Chianti
In stock,
6
available
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80% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo, 5% Colorino. From a small family estate run by Silvio and Catalina Messana which embraces natural farming methods.
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$19.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock, 12+ available
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List $28.00
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Georg Mumelter's farm, Griesbauerhof, is situated outside Bolzano, the principal city of the Alto Adige. His tiny cellar is underneath the house, with the vineyards just outside. Mumelter is meticulous and quiet; his wines show great character and are exceedingly well-made. Isarcus is comprised of 94% Schiava and 6% Lagrein. The delicious Schiava varietal is Italy's answer to Beaujolais, and Lagrein is one of the great Italian red grapes and deserves to be much more well known. The best examples are deep purple in color, with aromas of blackberries and Assam tea.
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$17.95
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WA 88
WS 88
WE 88
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock,
1
available
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List $20.00
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88 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$20 list] The 2008 Mongrana (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) is an attractive, plump red with pretty red fruit and the warmth of Maremma that helps fill out the body. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. (Aug 2010)"
88 points Wine Spectator: "[$20 list] This attractive red features dried strawberry and light cedar aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins. Lovely now. Best from 2011 through 2015. (9/30/10)"
88 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$20 list] Sangiovese (50%) is enhanced by equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to deliver a richly concentrated and plump wine with good structure, fresh acidity and loads of black cherry. (Oct 2011)"
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$15.95
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WE 89
Italy
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Veneto
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Amarone
In stock, 12+ available
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89 points Wine Enthusiast: "Heavy oak tones of roasted nut or toasted bread give this wine a brawny, masculine feel. In fact, you’ll taste some of those new wood tannins in the mouth along with fresh notes of cherry and cassis. Give this Amarone two or three more years of bottle aging to soften up. 14.5%. (Dec 2011)"
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$21.95
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Italy
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Tuscany
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Chianti
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Intense ruby red. The nose immediately shows an outstanding elegance, characterized by particularly fragrant flowery and fruity notes. Violet, cherries, wild berries and plums meet with delicately spicy hints of tobacco and white pepper grains, followed by elegant scents of red roses and flint. Notes of fragrant fresh fruit are accompanied by steady yet gentle tannins, that exalt enjoyable spicy hints. The whole tasting sensation is enriched by a persistent finish, that is incredibly fresh and pleasantly mineral and presents an aftertaste with fascinating notes of rosemary. Alcohol 13.5%."
Not yet reviewed; 2007 vintage rated 92 points by James Suckling: "A wine with lots of dried fruits and raisins that turn to cedar and spices. Full and velvety. Juicy finish."
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$24.85
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WA 89
Italy
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Piedmont
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $55.00
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89 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$55 list] The 2008 Nebbiolo d’Alba Valmaggiore is the product of a challenging harvest. A soft, mid-weight wine, the Valmaggiore flows with the essence of dried fruit, flowers, sweet herbs and spices. This is a relatively easygoing Valmaggiore that doesn’t quite reach the summit of the finest years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015. (Dec 2010)"
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$13.95
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WA 89
Italy
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Umbria
In stock, 12+ available
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List $18.00
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89 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$18 list] 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. (Jun 2010)"
Two Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "The [2008] Assisi Rosso ... embodies the spirit of this Guide. Its constant high quality is astonishing ... It is an immediate wine having intriguing scents and combining fruity notes with delicate, spice flavors. The mouth is smooth and full, never banal or too heavy... Good as always, this sangiovese, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon blend has an incomparable price/quality ratio... (2010)"
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$16.95
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WA 92
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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92+ points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Campaccio is very, very beautiful. It comes across as quite subtle and delicate for this wine, yet the balance is beyond reproach. Dark red cherries, licorice, menthol, flowers, spices and a subtle hint of French oak add complexity on the finish. This is a very pretty vintage for the Campaccio. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. (Jun 2012)"
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$13.95
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WA 89
WE 89
Italy
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Tuscany
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Chianti
In stock,
10
available
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89 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Chianti Classico Scassino is an attractive wine blessed with gorgeous dark red fruit, vanilla and spiciness. The purity of the fruit is striking, but the oak seems a bit too much for the wine’s medium-bodied structure. Still, it is undoubtedly a delicious red with terrific length and lovely overall balance. Scassino is 97% Sangiovese and 3% Canaiolo. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015. (Oct 2010)"
89 points Wine & Spirits: "An earthy aroma contrasts the gentle, honeyed richness of fruit in this modern Chianti. Its rich, smooth tannins create a creamy texture to soften the peppery earth character underneath. Give this a year in bottle to evolve, then serve with a steak. (Apr 2012)"
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