| 2022 |
Dancing Crow Vineyards |
Farmers Cuvee Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Lake County |
|
OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition |
97 |
 |
2021-07-17 |
| 2017 |
Rocca di Castagnoli |
Stielle Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione |
Ripe berries, dried flowers and orange peel with some smoke. Full-bodied with round, chewy tannins that provide lots of texture and structure. From organically grown grapes. Needs time to soften. Try after 2023. |
James Suckling |
95 |
 |
2021-07-16 |
| 2016 |
Mannucci Droandi |
Chianti Classico 'Ceppeto' |
Full, round and silky with persistent black fruit and dried flowers on the nose and palate. Nice envelope of well-integrated tannins. Long finish. Not overly complex, this is more about clarity of fruit and well balanced structure. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. |
James Suckling |
92 |
 |
2021-07-16 |
| 2017 |
Mannucci Droandi |
Chianti Classico 'Ceppeto' |
Currants and mixed berries on the nose with notes of purple flowers and earth. Medium-bodied with quite firm tannins and a clean bead of interlaced blackcurrant and oak. From organically grown grapes. Nicely done, but needs a bit more time to gain depth on the center palate. Best in 2022. |
James Suckling |
91 |
 |
2021-07-16 |
| 2020 |
Commanderie de la Bargemone |
Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rose |
This rosé shows an attractive perfume of flowers and red cherry skin. There’s good precision and balance on the palate with orchard fruit and subtle nuances of red fruit that build and linger on the finish. A blend of organically certified 45% Grenache, 21% Cinsault, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Syrah and 6% Sauvignon Blanc direct pressed with no maceration then vinified separately in stainless steel with no malo. Blended in December and bottled in January. Founded by the Templar knights in the 13th century and located just 16km from Aix-en-Provence, Bargemone, today the Commanderie has 120 ha of vines planted in 1968. 13 |
I-Wine Review |
90 |
 |
2021-07-15 |
| 2020 |
Clos Alivu |
Patrimonio Rose Niellucio |
Pale eye of the partridge color. On the nose there’s light red berries complicated by savory notes hinting of herbs and underbrush. Full in the mouth with a chalky mineral like texture and subtle fruit notes. Absolutely delicious, this is a serious rosé best paired with light summer cuisine. 100% Niellucio from 50+ year old vines planted on terraced slopes of calcareous limestone, clay and schist called Petra Bianca from the heart of Patrimonio; the grapes are destemmed and direct pressed with no malo. 13% alc. |
I-Wine Review |
91 |
 |
2021-07-15 |
| 2020 |
Di Giovanna |
Nerello Mascalese Rosato 'Vurria' |
This light amber tinged pink rosé made from the very special Nerello Mascalese grape grown on Mt Etna reveals minerals, dried cherry, pomegranate and light earthy/herbal notes on the nose. The flavors mirror the nose with chalky mineral notes on a light weight palate, finishing long with a hint of salinity. Doesn’t have the depth of the 2019 vintage. Made from organic grapes grown at Paradiso in Contessa Entelina from organically cultivated 30 year old vines at 1600’; given 3 hour skin contact and aged 6 months on the fine lees in stainless steel. 13% alc. |
I-Wine Review |
90 |
 |
2021-07-15 |
| 2019 |
La Fiorita |
Rosso di Montalcino |
Plum and orange aromas with hints of pine needles. It’s medium-bodied with light tannins and a bright finish. Drink now. |
James Suckling |
90 |
 |
2021-07-14 |
| 2019 |
Rocca di Castagnoli |
Chianti Classico |
Plum and sour cherry with some orange on the nose. Medium to full body, round and juicy tannins and a fluid, savory finish. Plenty of character. Drink now. |
James Suckling |
91 |
 |
2021-07-14 |
| 2013 |
Tezza |
Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena Riserva 'Brolo delle Giare' |
Opulent nose of rich strawberry and cassis seasoned by chocolate and cinnamon with fresh nuances of thyme and rosemary. Powerful body and tannins, incredible length. Gold Medal |
Decanter |
95 |
 |
2021-07-12 |