Acclaim

“Rich, fragrant and structured, this generous wine opens with alluring scents of crushed violet, plum cake and exotic spice. The luscious, enveloping palate doles out ripe blackberry, black cherry compote, raisin, licorice and tobacco supported by round, velvety tannins. Drink 2016–2021.” —Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Dec. 1, 2015

“A blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nocera, the 2013 Peloro is very characteristic of the two grapes used in the blend. The Nerello Mascalese side offers power and elegance with tighter aromas and more pointed tannins. The Nocera grape, on the other hand, shows fleshy ripeness and dark concentration. As a blend, the wine reveals dark berry aromas with black olive and Mediterranean herb. ” — Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2015

“Le Casematte’s 2013 Faro represents a blend of Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Nocera and Nero d’Avola from the far north of Sicily overlooking the Straights of Messina. The bouquet shows the rustic aromas that are often associated with these grapes. You get wild berry, black currant, olive and wet earth. This expression delivers those aromas with an elegant sense of intensity that leaves its mark without feeling pungent or too sharp. The careful balance achieved here is the wine’s strongest suit. ” — Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2015

“The 2014 Barbera d’Alba Vignota is soft, supple and tasty. Hints of leather, sage, tobacco and cedar give the 2014 a bit more of a savory edge than is the norm, but then again, this is 2014 we are talking about. Here, too, Conterno-Fantino has put out a solid wine in a tough year.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015

“The 2014 Dolcetto d’Alba Bricco Bastia is bright, focused and energetic, with plenty of varietal character expressed in the midweight, acid-driven style of the year. A host of lavender, sage, mint and licorice notes add nuance throughout. This is about as good as it gets in 2014 Dolcetto.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015

“The 2014 Langhe Nebbiolo Ginestrino is a big boy. Perhaps not quite as refined as it can be in the best years, the 2014 nevertheless possesses superb depth, intensity, and, above all else, character. Firm, incisive tannins support expressive pine, black cherry and spice notes” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015

“The 2012 Barbera d’Asti Il Bergantino is deep, intense and verging on the edge of overripeness. Lavender, cloves, new leather and dark jammy fruit all flesh out in the glass. The 2012 will appeal most to readers who enjoy huge, powerful Barberas. I would like to see a little more finesse, but the 2012 is nevertheless nicely done, in its style.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015

“A rich, exuberant wine, the 2013 Barbera del Monferrato Superiore once again shows just how compelling Barbera can be in Monferrato. Juicy, plump and expressive, the 2013 offers superb density in its black cherry jam, blackberry, smoke, violet and spice notes. This is another absolutely delicious wine from Bricco Mondalino.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015

“The Ca’ Rome’ 2012 Chiaramanti is forward, supple and juicy, all of which make it an excellent choice for near-term drinking. Dried red cherries, tobacco, menthol, crushed flowers and cedar add nuance as this attractive, mid-weight Barbaresco shows off its radiant, yet delicate undeniably appealing personality.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015

“The 2012 Barbaresco Maria di Brun, the estate’s top selection, offers plenty of depth, but isn’t materially different from the other wines in the range. A host of savory herbs, iron, smoke and dark red cherry are all nicely delineated throughout. The 2012 is ripe, deep and intense, but also a bit alcoholic. My sense is that the fruit will dry out before the tannins fully soften, but we will see, as the wine held up very nicely after having been opened for a day.” — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec. 2015