De Forville Barbera d'Alba 2022
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of blackberry, bramble, and forest floor with supporting notes of black tea, cassis, and garrigue. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of boysenberry, slate, and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. $19 – 4 Stars – 92 points
De Forville Chardonnay Piemonte 2023
Brilliant, light pale straw color. The nose is moderately intense, offering scents of honeysuckle, green apple, and citrus zest with supporting notes of pear and green tea. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of star fruit, apricot stone, blanched almonds, and quince. The finish is crisp. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $19 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Valdo Valdo Marca Oro Brut Prosecco DOC NV
Pale straw color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is quite floral with notes of green apple, pear, and a hint of fresh bread. The palate echoes the nose while revealing a harmonious orchard fruit-driven core with bright, ripe apples and notes of citrus zest to offer contrast. Medium-bodied with a vibrant dose of acidity and trailing green fruit accents. $14.99 – 3.5 Stars – 87 points
Luciano Ercolino Le Grade Fiano di Avellino DOCG 2022
Brilliant, medium green/gold color. The nose is moderately intense, offering scents of apricot stone, pear, and blanched almonds with supporting notes of honey, spring flowers, and lemongrass. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, slate, and lemon curd. The finish is long and lingering. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $29 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Colpetrone Memoira Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2015
Brilliant, dark scarlet color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of blackberry, pomegranate, and garrigue with supporting notes of black tea, orange peel, forest floor, and five spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, dried fruits, dark chocolate, baking spices, and mineral. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture. $25 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Ricci Curbastro Brut Franciacorta DOCG NV
Brilliant, light straw color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense, offering scents of honeysuckle and brioche with supporting notes of blanched almonds and citrus zest. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, quince, and hints of Meyer lemon. The finish is crisp yet it lingers. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Blanc, and 10% Pinot Noir. $40 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Lucchetti Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2022
Brilliant, medium straw color. The nose is moderately intense, offering scents of honeysuckle, green melon, and lime with supporting notes of green apple and bees wax. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of guava, citrus zest, and slate. The finish is tart with trailing citrus notes. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $17 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Avignonesi Cantaloro IGT Toscano 2019
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense offering scents of red cherry,currants and forest floor with supporting notes of cocoa, oak, and violet. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of blueberry, red plum, and mineral and hints of wild mint. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. Made with a blend of 50.82% Sangiovese, 24.58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23.51% Merlot, 0.78% Syrah, and 0.30% Canaiolo. $14.99 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Peppucci Petroro 4 — Rosso Todi 2022
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry, raspberry, and mulberry with supporting notes of cigar box, and five spice. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruits-driven core with flavors of black plum, and wild berries. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture. Made with a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a bit of Sagrantino. $16 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Cantina Sociale Gattinara Vino Rosso Piemonte 2021
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of black plum, dried herbs, and black tea with supporting notes of leather, rose petals, rosemary, and cedar. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, clay, and raspberry. The finish is long and lingering with dry tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 60% Nebbiolo, 30% Barbera, 5% Vespolina, and 5% Uva Rara — a super value. $23 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
