Acclaim

“The 2012 Barbaresco Rio Sordo shows the darker, riper side of this vineyard in Barbaresco. Black cherry, plum, smoke, tobacco and licorice notes are all pushed forward. Succulent, ripe and quite open, the 2012 appears to be built for near term drinking, once the tannins soften a touch. Tasted next to the Chiaramanti, the Rio Sordo has a bit more mid-palate depth” — Antonio Galloni, VInous, Dec. 2015

“Hauner’s 2013 Malvasia delle Lipari Passito (500 mililiter) opens to a luminous but saturated golden color with dried fruit aromas of apricot, raisin, acacia honey and poached pear. The wine shows elegant saline touches as well with oyster shell and crushed mineral. Herbal notes of sage and oregano arrive in a second wave. This is a delineated and solid dessert wine with good complexity and a generally straightforward style that does not overwhelm the palate.” — Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2015

“The 2012 Malvasia delle Lipari Passito Selezione Carlo Hauner (500 mililiter) is made in limited production numbers (counting just 3,000 bottles). The bouquet delivers a pure blast of honey with notes of candied fruit, apricot jelly and lemon custard at the back. There is a distant whiff of button mushroom that suggests hints of botrytis cinerea. This is a beautiful and profound dessert wine. ” — Monica Larner, WIne Advocate, Dec. 2015

“The 2013 Malvasia delle Lipari (500 mililiter) is initially bashful but opens quickly to pronounced tones of peach, honey, ripe pear, passion fruit and dried sage. This low key dessert wine is graceful, feminine and nuanced in equal measure. Unlike the more robust and openly sweet dessert wines made in other parts of Sicily, Malvasia delle Lipari offers a subdued and elegant expression.” — Monica Larner, WIne Advocate, Dec. 2015

“The 2011 Cannonau di Sardegna Noras represents a big jump forward in quality compared to past editions of this historic Cannonau from the sunny heart of the Mediterranean. The approach is elegant and streamlined, and the bouquet imparts careful aromas of black cherry, dried violets and sweet spice. The quality of the wine’s primary aromas are first rate. In the mouth, Noras delivers sweet richness and generous fruit layers. There’s nothing not to like here. ” — Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Dec. 2015

“A red with lots of dried berry, clove, green peppercorns and stones. Full-bodied, round and juicy. Lots of dark fruits. Flavorful finish. A stylish blend of nerello mascalese, nocera, nerello cappuccio and nero d’avola. Drink now.” -James Suckling, Nov. 2015

“A dense, rich red with dried-strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors. Full body with a soft, silky finish. Walnut and chocolate aftertaste. Delicious wine. Balanced style. Drink now.” -James Suckling, Nov. 2015

“Bright, dense and intense with chocolate dust, blackberry and fresh mushroom. Full-bodied, round and delicious. Drink now.” -James Suckling, Nov. 2015

“Rose, red berry, mint and anise aromas unfold in the glass. The firm palate offers wild cherry, crushed raspberry, clove, anisette and a mocha note framed in bracing tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2020–2031.” —Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Nov. 1, 2015

“Aromas of underbrush, charred earth and a hint of cedar lead the nose on this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. The extracted palate delivers mature black currant, dried blackberry, espresso and black pepper alongside dusty tannins.” —Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Nov. 1, 2015