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Producer Wine Vintage Publication Date Score Detail
Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019 Decanter 30/11/2023 97
Verbiage

“This historic, unwaveringly reliable estate does not disappoint in 2019. Graciously expressive rather than austere, it will nevertheless reveal more with time; yet the aromas – a striking fusion of chestnut forest and polished wood with fennel and spiced plum – are just so tempting now. It fills the mouth with lustrous red berries and pressed violets and, after an initial caress, tightly woven tannins amplify across the palate, remaining poised in their volume. An intricate and detailed wie with profound depths. Matures in 20- to 30-hectolitre Slavonian oak casks with a small percentage in French tonneaux.” – Michaela Morris, Decanter

Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019 Vinous 30/11/2023 95
Verbiage

“The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is impossible to ignore. Clove and a dusting of savory spice complicate a beguiling crushed black cherry and strawberry bouquet. This presents textures of pure silk, ushering in ripe red fruits and inner florals that stain the palate in youthful concentration. The 2019 tapers off dramatically, leaving a bed of grippy tannins to grumble on as licorice and orange hints slowly fade.  ” -Eric Guido, Vinous

Balerìn Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2018 James Suckling 23/11/2023 92
Verbiage

Rich, chocolatey character here with notes of raisined berries, plum skins, walnuts and charred bark. Full-bodied and broad with fine, nicely polished tannins and deep core of fruit. Lingering finish. Drink or hold.

Cascina Bongiovanni Barolo “Pernanno” DOCG 2020 Vinous 23/11/2023 94
Verbiage

The 2020 Barolo Pernanno offers up hints of plum, cinnamon, menthol, licorice, sage, dried herbs and a kiss of French oak. Dark and brooding in feel, the 2020 retains terrific energy and plenty of nuance. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of balsamic inflections to round things out.
– By Antonio Galloni

Cascina Bongiovanni Barolo DOCG 2020 Vinous 23/11/2023 91
Verbiage

The 2020 Barolo is a gorgeous, beguiling Barolo. Macerated cherry, kirsch, spice, new leather and orange peel give this mid-weight Barolo tons of exoticism. Best of all, the 2020 can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring.
– By Antonio Galloni

Massimago Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2017 James Suckling 16/11/2023 92
Verbiage

Dark berries, ripe plums, black licorice, charred bark and wet earth on the nose. Full-bodied, intense and deep with a powdery texture to the tannins and plush fruit. Chocolatey and luscious. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Massimago “Conte Gastone” Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG BIO 2019 James Suckling 16/11/2023 92
Verbiage

This offers attractive notes of dark fruit, raisins, chocolate and dried flowers. Full-bodied, creamy and velvety with compact tannins and delicious fruit. Restrained and harmonious. Long finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Pietradolce Contrada Santo Spirito Etna Rosso DOC 2019 Wine & Sprits 15/11/2023 94 and top 100 wines
Verbiage

This pale, floral-scented wine is the most ethereal and linear Etna Rosso among Pietradolce’s current releases. Made with fruit from 90-year-old alberello vines that rise to an altitude of close to 3,000 feet on Etna’s northern slope, the wine’s tangy red-plum fl avors ride on nervy acidity, gaining notes of orange peel and cranberry tea along with hints of white smoke and a pleasant nut-skin savor. “Prettily volcanic” is the way one taster described it, and although it will age well, the wine is irresistible today for its verve and brightness.

Pietradolce Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante DOC 2019 Wine and Spirits 15/11/2023 94
Verbiage

Rampante feels more earthbound than the hightoned Santo Spirito; its dense, meaty tannins encase tangy plum and raspberry flavors, releasing them after a few hours in the glass. Those red fruit tones take on a pristine freshness over time, suggesting this will benefit from several years of cellaring.

Pietradolce Archineri Etna Bianco DOC 2021 Wine and Spirits 15/11/2023 93
Verbiage

This is a taut and linear Etna Bianco—carricante from century-old vines on Etna’s eastern slope, near the village of Milo. It opens with scents of yellow flowers and wisps of smoke that accent pure flavors of Meyer lemon and crisp green apple. Lively acidity is seamlessly woven into the bright fruit flavors, propelling them forward into the long, saline finish.

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