Acclaim

“The 2010 Barolo Vigna Cerretta is a wine of enormous intensity and textural richness. Compact, heavier soils result in a bold, velvety quality of fruit with lingering tones of dark plum and prune over spice and leather. This Barolo delivers most of its brawn on the bouquet: The mouthfeel is light handed and delicate. Drink: 2016-2028.” -Wine Advocate, Jul. 2014

“The full bodied 2010 Barolo Rapet shows an impressive degree of layering and aromatic dimension with sweet cherry and exotic spice followed by dried herb, rosemary and rosebud. There’s a significant mineral contribution as well with rusty notes of wet soil and terracotta. The tannins show a spot of firm astringency that is common in the wines of Serralunga d’Alba. Drink: 2017-2028.” -Wine Advocate, Jul. 2014

“Cherry, balsamic, leather and underbrush aromas and flavors highlight this medium-bodied, intense red. Leans slightly toward the tannins, but turns silky and finishes long. Best from 2016 through 2026. 1,834 cases made.” —B.S., Wine Spectator, Jun. 2014

“A ripe, almost exotic style, offering cherry jam, raspberry coulis and floral aromas and flavors. Supple and balanced, if in a more fruity, up-front way. Fine length. Best from 2016 through 2028. 5,000 cases made.” —B.S., Wine Spectator, Jun. 2014

“The 2012 Etna Bianco Archineri is 100% Carricante from pre-phylloxera, 125-year-old vines planted in mineral-rich volcanic soils. This is a gorgeous white with loads of citric and flinty intensity. It also shows substance with a thicker, broader approach in the mouth and ripe flavors of peach and Golden Delicious apple. Drink 2014-2018.” -Wine Advocate, May. 2014

“Made from grapes farmed on the highly volcanic island of Vulcano (with steaming sulfur fumaroles and beaches made of pumice stone), the 2012 Hiera is a wine that stands apart from the rest. The blend is 60% Alicante, 30% Nocera and 10% Nero d’Avola, and the quality of fruit is immediately apparent and bright. Hiera opens to a deep dark color with ripe notes of raspberry jam and cassis. Indeed, that ripeness of fruit is very wellmanaged; there’s a fullness and generosity on hand that never feels sticky or heavy. Bright veins of acidity are woven within the thick texture of the wine. Of course I also need to acknowledge the beauty of the label design. A stunning work of modern art depicts a bright red lava flow against a darkened background. Drink 2014-2018. Carlo Hauner (1927-1996) lived a dream common to us all. In the early 1960s, he vacationed on the verdant island of Salina in the Aeolian Archipelago off the northern coast of Sicily. He immediately fell in love with the enchanting, rustic surroundings and decided to leave northern Italy and live permanently on Salina. This legendary figure is credited with bringing winemaking legitimacy to Salina and the Malvasia delle Lipari appellation. Today, his son Carlo Hauner Jr. continues work at the winery with the same level of enthusiasm and dedication. Despite his tall frame, light eyes and blond hair, Carlo is the figure most identified with the wines of Salina. I had the chance to visit with him recently. We crisscrossed the island in his old Jeep (picking up hitchhikers along the way because that’s the custom on an island with poor public bus service) to scope out his favorite vineyard sites. Caper bushes grow between the cracks in the dry walls separating vineyard parcels and prickly pears line the perimeters. Clouds passed quickly overhead and the skies were dotted with sky-gliders who launch from the island’s tallest peaks. There is no exaggerating the beauty of this magical place.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate May 2014

“The 2010 Malvasia delle Lipari Passito Selezione Carlo Hauner will blow you away. This is a tremendous effort that is bursting with honey, chestnut, candied fruit, dried apricot and almond paste. It is fermented and aged in barrique. The wine is literally dripping with beautiful honey sensations and the mouthfeel is immensely rich and decadent. Drink 2015-2025.” -Wine Advocate, May. 2014

“Hauner’s specialty is dessert wine and the 2011 Malvasia delle Lipari is a case in point. A blend of 95% Malvasia delle Lipari and 5% Corinto Nero (this is the traditional formula used in this denomination), this delicate dessert wine opens to a light golden color and brilliant luminosity. This wine is not in-your-face the way Passito di Pantelleria (made with fragrant Zibibbo grapes) is. Instead, it moves in small steps with tones of white flower, honey and Golden Delicious apple. Drink 2014-2019.” -Wine Advocate, May 2014

“Red fruit flavors coast through this wine’s rustic, iron bound tannins, feeling substantial, meaty and clean. The tannins will meld into the charry grizzles of a steak.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, May 2014

“Aged for 24 months in new wood, this opens with aromas of toasted oak, black cherry and coffee bean. The rich palate offers up juicy sour cherry, vanilla, mocha and sweet oak alongside firm but supple tannins.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, May 2014