Acclaim

“A lean, sinewy style, with black cherry, blackberry and earth flavors fused to a dusty, tannic backbone. Fine depth. Drink now through 2018. 2,000 cases made.” –AN, Wine Spectator, Nov. 2016

“This opens with aromas of menthol, chopped mint, ripe berry, leather, underbrush and a hint of toasted oak. On the firm palate, tightly wound tannins weave through Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and a balsamic note. Drink after 2020.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Oct. 2016

“Oak, roasted coffee bean and star anise aromas lead the nose. On the palate, notes of fennel, licorice, mocha and espresso lend depth to a core of dried cherry while firmly delineated tannins provide the framework. Drink after 2020.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Oct. 2016

“Aromas of oak, toast, espresso and a whiff of violet come together. The firmly structured palate offers dried black cherry, orange zest and licorice alongside bracing tannins.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Oct. 2016

“Iron and sanguine aromas complement cherry and underbrush flavors in this beefy, tightly wound red, which has severe tannins and a sinewy texture, yet ample fruit and a lingering finish. Be patient. Best from 2020 through 2035. 415 cases made.” -B.S. Wine Spectator Oct. 2016

“With air, this becomes round despite the solid tannic structure, revealing cherry, tobacco and tar flavors. Racy, with a long, stony finish. Best from 2019 through 2033. 330 cases made.” -B.S. Wine Spectator Oct. 2016

“Ripe berry, underbrush, scorched earth, menthol, baking spice and a hint of leather meld together on this. The ripe, delicious palate doles out crushed raspberry, juicy Marasca cherry, white pepper and espresso alongside a tannic backbone. A tobacco note wraps around the finish. Drink 2019–2027.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Oct. 2016

“This linear blend of Sangiovese and 15% Colorino, Canaiolo and Mammolo opens with a subtle fragrance of violet, red berry and licorice. The focused palate offers dried plum, ripe black cherry, leather and grilled herb alongside fine-grained tannins.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Oct. 2016

“Leather, underbrush, earth, iris and woodland berry are some of the scents you’ll discover on this structured wine. The concentrated palate delivers tart red cherry, licorice, cinnamon and sage before leading into a juicy finish. Firm tannins offer support. Drink 2018–2026.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Oct. 2016

“This is one of the best value buys you can make today. The 2015 Peloro is a fabulous blend of 65% Grillo and 35% Carricante that is aged on the lees in stainless steel. This white is beautiful to drink and speaks to the amazing potential of these two grapes. Tropical fruit, peach, citrus and crushed oyster shell emerge with fragrant intensity. The finish is extra zesty and fresh. It hits all the right spots. Gianfranco Sabbatino has suddenly appeared on the Sicilian wine scene like a comet that burns bright in the skies above. He came out of nowhere, but his strong personality has already left its mark. (Truth be told, Gianfranco has long worked behind the scenes at the Hauner estate on the island of Salina.) I had the opportunity to visit Le Casematte’s winery and vineyards and am absolutely impressed by the work underway in this hidden spot that overlooks the Straights of Messina. Consulting enologist Carlo Ferrini lends a hand, but Gianfranco’s loud and boisterous personality comes through in these bottles. The vineyards are planted to local varieties such as Nocera, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Nero d’Avola. Le Casematte (the “crazy houses”) is the name given to the two cement World War II bunkers that still stand among the vines today. This strategic position on the Straights between Sicily and the Italian mainland was obviously very important during war time. Those abandoned bunkers make for a very spooky presence if you happen to visit the property, as I did, after nightfall.” — Monica Larner, Wine Advocate Dec. 2016