Acclaim

“The 2012 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva packs a serious punch. Game, smoke, leather, cedar, licorice and incense all add to the wine’s wild, powerful feel. Sangiovese speaks with authority in this dark, brooding wine. Readers should be prepared to cellar the 2012 for at least another year or two, as the tannins remain quite forbidding. Even so, there is plenty to look forward to.” – Antonio Galloni, VInous, Apr. 20181

“Delicate alluring scents of citrus blossom, white stone fruit and bread dough float out of the glass along with a whiff of dried herb. On the palate, a refined mousse backs up white peach, yellow apple and toasted hazelnut.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Apr. 2018

“Enticing aromas of pressed wild flower, chamomile and white stone fruit lead the nose. The bright palate delivers ripe yellow apple, white peach and dried herb alongside an elegant, lively perlage. A lemon-drop note gives it a tangy finish.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Apr. 2018

“The best Franciacortas are brilliant, elegant and complex sparkling wines and Ferghettina is among the best producers in the appellation. Ferghettina’s 2010 Riserva 33 Pas Dosé is made from 100% Chardonnay grown in higher altitude sites and finished without any sweetener after disgorging (hence the Italian phrase, “Pas Dosé”). The bouquet is pure, clean and vibrant, with lemon, peach and green apple fruits interwoven with lovely floral, creamy and crusty bread nuances. The flavors reflect the promise of the nose, with layers of fresh apple, lemon, lime and peach fruits underscored by a rich and creamy texture. The finish is long and intriguing. This is a lovely sparkling that compares with any wine in its price range for quality, finesse and elegance.” -Wayne Belding, Wine Review Online

“Savory and vibrant, this bright polished sparkler delivers aromas and flavors of red cherry, crushed raspberry, Rennet apple, tangy nectarine and bread crust. Refreshing acidity and a lively, refined perlage lift the finish.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Apr. 2018

“Luminous red. High-pitched aromas of sour red cherry, raspberry, rose, stainless steel, white pepper and minerals. Dense and silky in texture but displays great juiciness, clarity and floral lift; the lively but harmonious acidity really lifts and frames the bright red and mineral flavors. Totally saturates the palate and yet comes off as virtually weightless. This hauntingly beautiful wine showcases everything Brunello can be when made from an ultra-competent producer farming Sangiovese vines that grow in what is a real grand cru section of the much too large Brunello di Montalcino denomination.” -Ian D’Agata, Vinous, Apr. 2018

“Bright saturated red. Deep, pure aromas of raspberry, licorice and minerals; a whiff of white pepper and aromatic herbs emerges with air. Sweet, dense, chewy and powerful, offering superb depth and nuance to the rich red cherry, licorice and potpourri flavors. Tactile, serious and extremely long on the fine-grained, lifted finish. Yet another great wine from Fuligni, and a knockout Brunello Riserva.” -Ian D’Agata, Vinous, Apr. 2018

“Very deep red. Flinty, floral red cherry and underbrush on the enticing, very pure, precise nose. Then silky and suave, with ripe red cherry, underbrush and savory spices lingering nicely on the long creamy finish. Another classic, outstanding Brunello from Costanti, who has made a few in his time.” -Ian D’Agata, Vinous, Apr. 2018

“Vivid deep red. Musky, deep, mineral-tinged aromas of red cherry, violet and crystallized orange peel. Sweet, lush and packed with red fruit, blood orange nectar and savory underbrush flavors; a step up in sheer size from Costanti’s 2013 Brunello. At once powerful and refined, this seriously saturates the palate with flavor, vibrant minerality and noble tannins. This is everything a great Brunello ought to be.” -Ian D’Agata, Vinous, Apr. 2018

“A very stylish wine with real swagger and presence on the nose from the get-go. Aromas of fresh earth and spiced wild cherries are framed in additional oak-derived spices. The palate has a succulent array of red and dark cherries, peppers and spices. Firm but supple tannins and a long, fluid finish. Try from 2022..” – James Suckling, Apr. 1, 2018