Acclaim

“The 2014 Etna Bianco is all Carricante from younger vines in the Contrada Rampante. The wine shows a light straw color and brilliant luminosity. It is vinified in stainless steel. Like all of Pietradolce’s wines, this white delivers a great sense of etched definition with detailed fruit, floral and mineral nuances. It boasts tight contours and small details that add to an overall sense of complexity and fullness. Pietradolce is my new Etna darling. This estate has always been on my radar, but the wines have never tasted as good as they do now. Michele Faro and his team (winemaker Carlo Ferrini is a consultant) have made impressive leaps and bounds in quality – from the stunning historic vineyards they own to the immaculately designed gravity winery that is coated with slabs of volcanic stone. Construction was almost done when I visited the estate this spring. Located in Solicchiata on the northern side of the volcano, Pietradolce boasts some of the most beautiful vineyards I have ever seen. I cannot exaggerate this point. The Vigna Barbagalli is located a steep 900 meters on the volcano’s flank. Once you climb up there, you are treated to a panorama of ancient, knotted pre-phylloxera vines hidden in a little amphitheater of volcanic rock.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Sept. 2015

“Michele Faro has the Etna rosé formula down pat. In fact, when some of my favorite Etna producers (Pietradolce, Graci and Girolamo Russo) started releasing their first Rosatos, I became immediately convinced that Italy’s best rosés were being made on Etna. I still believe this to be true. The 2014 Etna Rosato opens to a pale pink color like the delicate color of the inside of an onion. The nose reveals beautiful definition with cranberry, wild sage and violets. Gorgeous mineral definition adds sharpness and focus. Pietradolce is my new Etna darling. This estate has always been on my radar, but the wines have never tasted as good as they do now. Michele Faro and his team (winemaker Carlo Ferrini is a consultant) have made impressive leaps and bounds in quality – from the stunning historic vineyards they own to the immaculately designed gravity winery that is coated with slabs of volcanic stone. Construction was almost done when I visited the estate this spring. Located in Solicchiata on the northern side of the volcano, Pietradolce boasts some of the most beautiful vineyards I have ever seen. I cannot exaggerate this point. The Vigna Barbagalli is located a steep 900 meters on the volcano’s flank. Once you climb up there, you are treated to a panorama of ancient, knotted pre-phylloxera vines hidden in a little amphitheater of volcanic rock. ” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Sept. 2015

“Lots of violets and dark fruits on the nose. Complex and beautiful. Full body with spicy, peppery and rich fruit on the palate. Long and flavorful. The best Toscolo ever from here? Drink or hold.” James Suckling, Aug 2015

“Very floral and beautiful with hints of dark fruit, blackcurrants and dried flowers such as violets. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh and bright finish. Lots of dried citrus undertones. A little hard but very impressive. A standard-bearer for Super Tuscans. It’s a cabernet sauvignon and merlot blend. Better in 2017.” -James Suckling, Aug. 5, 2015

“This is real Tuscan wine at an excellent price. It’s fresh and bright with dried cherry and citrus fruit aromas and flavors. Long and vivid finish. Drink and enjoy. Screw cap.” -James Suckling, Aug. 5, 2015

“The 2011 Barolo Cannubi performs very nicely, but generally speaking I am not as impressed by wines made from this historic vineyard in the hot 2011 vintage. The wine delivers soft complexity and a subdued personality without the verve and bursting energy you get in cooler years. It expresses itself with simple, less nuanced vocabulary. ” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Jun 1, 2015

“The 2011 Barolo Terlo Vigna Costa Grimaldi is a tightly wound ball of muscle, power and determination. I love the masculine intensity offered by this wine. It also shows inner harmony and a delightful level of complexity with an exciting assembly of spicy fruit and balsam herb aromas. The tannins are firm and polished but still need time to soften.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Jun 1, 2015

“The 2010 Langhe Luigi Einaudi is a blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Nebbiolo, 20% Barbera and 20% Merlot (aged in botte grande for 18 months). The wine presents a thick consistency with a chewy, dark personality. The aromas are sweet and round with bright accents of cinnamon, black cherry and vanilla. Overall, the wine is softly contoured and rich. You can drink it now or set it aside in your cellar for five more years.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Jul 1, 2015

“This offers pretty aromas of perfumed dark berry, cake spice, leather, toast and a balsamic note. The full-bodied palate offers young red cherry, mint, oak, espresso and sage. Firm but velvety tannins and bright acidity provide the framework while a mocha note closes the finish.” —Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Jul. 1, 2015

“Underbrush, leather, spice and savory herb aromas lead the nose. The smooth palate offers juicy dark cherry, mint, tobacco and licorice alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2018.” —Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Jul. 1, 2015