Acclaim

“A blend of 85% old-vine Carignano and 15% Syrah, the 2012 Shardana is a well-made wine that was born as a vinous joint venture between Cantina Santadi and its importer Empson USA. It shows a dark and richly saturated appearance, and the wine opens to penetrating aromas of black fruit, spice, tar, licorice and savory tobacco. Perhaps the bouquet in this warm vintage is not as exceedingly sharp or focused as previous editions. The finish is structured, concentrated and powerful. Some 20,000 bottles were made.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2017

“The 2011 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Il Nocio is a local benchmark. This expression from a warm vintage shows lots of balsam and medicinal herb that add a veil of mysterious complexity to the fruit-forward ensemble. This wine excels in terms of mouthfeel, thanks to a polished and focused feel that makes a direct and lasting impact on the palate. This wine offers a fascinating and convincing window onto Sangiovese’s (from Montepulciano) aging trajectory.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2017

“Stylistically speaking, this wine stands apart from its peers. It shows a deep inner core of dark fruit that is solid and compact. The 2014 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from Boscarelli is recommended to anyone curious to taste this historic Tuscan appellation. The fruit here is bright and vibrant. The wine offers ample depth and volume.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2017

“The 2012 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva Sotto Casa exhibits pretty concentration and a well-structured consistency, yet the wine does not tread too far from its territorial roots. This is an evolved expression of Sangiovese, yet the bouquet is authentic and true to the grape. You get forest fruit, spice, lilac and candied cherry. Fruit is sourced from a historic parcel located among tall trees between the estate’s residence and the boutique winery.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2017

“The 2014 Carignano del Sulcis Riserva Rocca Rubia opens to a dark garnet color and a firm, mid-weight style. The bouquet allows for neat and linear fruit tones with dried cherry and black currant. You also get a good dose of balsam or medicinal herb and cola. This wine is broad and long in terms of mouthfeel, and its structure has been enhanced by 12 months of aging in neutral oak barrels. The mouthfeel evenly blankets the entire palate.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2017

“The 2013 Carignano del Sulcis Superiore Terre Brune (95% Carignano and 5% Bovaleddu) is a distinctive and beautifully intense red wine. The aromas are bright and vertical in this balanced vintage, to the point of being penetrating and pungent (in a positive way). It offers compelling aromas of candied cherry, kirsch and dark plum. Spice, tar and leather are introduced with seamless integration. It sees 18 months of oak. The wine is firm and lasting in terms of mouthfeel, but its texture is never too thick or heavy. This is one one of the highest expressions of Sardinian vinous elegance. It should easily age over the next decade. Some 90,000 bottles were produced.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2017

“A juicy, medium-bodied red, with a hint of tarry mineral underscoring the creamy flavors of dried strawberry and fig fruit, herb and orange peel. Shows fine balance and a lightly spiced finish. Drink now through 2020.” — A.N., Wine Spectator Dec. 15, 2017

“Light-bodied and zippy, this minerally white offers well-meshed flavors of kiwifruit, slivered almond and spring blossom. Lithe and citrusy on the racy finish. Drink now through 2022.” -A.N., Wine Spectator Dec. 15, 2017

“Tarry on the nose at first, but then opening into a lovely range of dried mint, tea rose, sun-dried cherry and red licorice notes, with a frame of light, sculpted tannins. Bright and lithe, showing spice and graphite hints on the finish. Drink now through 2022.” -A.N., Wine Spectator Dec. 15, 2017

“Made with organic grapes, this opens with aromas of black-skinned berry, porcini mushroom and a hint of nutmeg. The juicy, mouthwatering palate delivers fleshy black cherry, licorice and white pepper alongside velvety tannins. Enjoy through 2020.” – Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 2017