Acclaim

The 2017 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Feuduccio is dark and rich with an inviting display of crushed black cherries, sweet tobacco and hints of cocoa. This is silky in texture, contrasted by tart black fruits, savory herbs and minerals, as fine tannins form toward the close. Hints of custard, plum and balsamic spice linger long over a subtle coating of fine tannin. The Feuduccio is certainly an extroverted expression of Montepulciano, yet it maintains pleasant balance throughout.  – Eric Guido, Vinous, Apr. 2021

The 2016 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Ursonia has a bit of an exotic flair, as spiced orange gives way to crushed blackberries complemented by a hint of sweet vanilla cream. This is velvety in texture yet not weighty, as brisk acids add vibrancy, and a pure display of ripe wild berries and cooling herbal tones soothe the palate. Tension builds through a combination of grippy wood tannins and tart black fruits, while this tapers off youthfully poised and structured. This fine effort needs a couple of years to integrate its lingering presence of oak.” – Eric Guido, Vinous, Apr. 2021

The 2013 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Ursonia is on a wonderful path of evolution with a seductive display of crushed blackberries, blueberries, brown spices, hints of cacao and tobacco. It’s soft and enveloping, complemented by juicy acidity with a sweet-and-sour display of wild berries and salty mineral tones. Adolescent tannin and hints of tart citrus tug at the senses, leaving hints of sous-bois linger long. I wouldn’t cellar the 2013 for much longer, as it’s starting to show a bit of its maturity. That said, it’s drinking nicely and should continue to do so over the next three or four years.  – Eric Guido, Vinous, Apr. 2021

The 2020 Pecorino wafts up with dusty florals, zests of lime and sweet melon, creating a spicy display of contrasts. It’s silky and round, almost oily in texture with ripe orchard fruits, gaining traction toward the close as saline-minerality comes forward. Then it tapers off long with sweet herbs and hints of candied citrus lingering. – Eric Guido, Vinous, Apr. 2021

EDITORS” CHOICE    Fragrant and supple, this young red has enticing aromas of wild dark-skinned berry, blue flower and dark spice. It’s vibrant, savory and easy-drinking, doling out juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry and baking spice set against lithe tannins. It’s made to be enjoyed young so drink soon.” – Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Apr. 2021

Menthol, ripe blackskinned berry, iris and oak-driven spice aromas take shape in the glass. The full-bodied, elegantly structured palate showcases ripe Morello cherry, orange zest and licorice before closing on a note of roasted coffee bean. Tightly knit, fine-grained tannins provide firm support while surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage keeps it balanced. Drink 2023–2029. Empson USA Ltd.  -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Apr. 2021