Loacker Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2009
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, mineral, and leather with supporting notes of cured meat and cocoa. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, five spice, and red cherry. The finish is long and lingering with aggressive tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. This Brunello is drinking well now through 2022. $60 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Villa Spinosa Amarone della Valpolicella 2008
Brilliant, deep crimson color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black plum and black currant with supporting notes of black tea, mocha, cigar box, and vanilla. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits and truffle. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. This Amarone was in perfect condition and it is still very youthful — it will drink well for another decade plus. $85 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Biondi Santi Sassoalloro Sangiovese Toscana IGT 2016
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black fruits and baking spices with supporting notes of black tea, forest floor, and cedar. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, five spice, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. $36 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Livia Antica Greco di Tufo DOCG 2018
Brilliant, light pale straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of green melon and kiwi with supporting notes of citrus zest, orange peel, and honeysuckle. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of red grapefruit and apricot. The finish is crisp. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. $15 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Forchir Brut Ribolla Gialla IGP Venezia Giulia NV
Brilliant, light green/yellow color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of spring flowers and apple with supporting notes of citrus zest and pineapple. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of lemon curd and mineral. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. This lovely bubbly proves that all tank-method sparkling wines are the same. This wine rested 12 months on it's lees in tank giving a strong classic-method impression. $ – 4 Stars – 90 points
Roccafiore Il Sangiovese Umbria IGP 2016
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of red currant and forest floor with supporting notes of baking spices and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a velvety texture. $14 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Casale della Ioria Cesanese del Piglio DOCG 2017
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of boysenberry and cranberry with supporting notes of cigar box, balsamic, and earth. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of red cherry, star anise, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a rich texture. $23 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Vezzoli Brut Franciacorta DOCG NV
Brilliant, medium straw color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of spring flowers and citrus zest with supporting notes of pineapple and pear. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, honeysuckle, and bread dough. The finish is crisp. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. $ – 4 Stars – 90 points
Produttori Barbaresco Nebbiolo Langhe Rosso 2018
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of red cherry and baking spices with supporting notes of raspberry, black tea, and wet stones. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red currant and violet. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple yet vibrant texture. $ – 4 Stars – 90 points
SoloUva Brut Franciacorta DOCG NV
Brilliant, light pale straw color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of peach and citrus zest with supporting notes of pear and guava. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of orange peel, blanched almonds, and slate. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. A crisp and refreshing aperitif style. $27 – 4 Stars – 90 points
