TASTING NOTE: I love the balance of fruit and tannins in this wine. It shows wonder- ful aromas and flavors of vanilla, flowers and berries throughout, plus plenty of tar. Wow. That's Nebbiolo. Full and racy with a long finish. It's all there. Classic quality. (James Suckling,
Wine Spectator Blog,
May 22, 2007)
GAJA COSTA RUSSI BARBARESCO 2004 DOCG
705491
(XD) 750 mL $554.30 745976 (XD) 1500 mL $1218.60
This is truly a wine befitting celebrations of the highest order. The eleven-acre Costa Russi vineyard was acquired by the Gaja family in 1950 and today produces this universally-acclaimed, single vineyard Nebbiolo. Aged for 12 months in barriques and then 12 months in large oak casks, this wine offers a refined nose with well-integrated aromas of blackberries, violets and roasted coffee beans. Elegance and crystal purity characterize this extremely complex and densely woven wine with an ageing potential of decades.
GAJA SORÌ SAN LORENZO 2004 DOC Langhe
971093
(XD) 750 mL $554.30 746222 (XD) 1500 mL $1218.60
It is common knowledge in the world of wine that Angelo Gaja is a perfectionist. Parker's website has awarded this meticulously crafted, Nebbiolo-based wine scores in the 90s for the last eight consecutive vintages. Past vintages can also lay claim to that rarefied achievement of Three Glasses from Italy's wine bible, Gambero Rosso. Gaja's Sorì San Lorenzo is typically the most powerful and austere of Gaja's five single-vineyard wines, requiring a longer time to fully develop. It exhibits captivating aromatics of highly concentrated currant and black cherry fruit with a hint of coffee, in addition to notes of fine herbs, minerals and exotic spices. It's a very rich, focused wine with a long, lingering finish and refined tannins. The old adage 'patience is a virtue' is appropriate as this formidable wine clearly demonstrates excellent ageing potential.
GAJA SORÌ TILDIN 2004 DOC Langhe
705665
(XD) 750 mL $554.30 745851 (XD) 1500 mL $1218.60
The word Sorì means a hilltop with a southern exposure. Tildìn was the nickname of Angelo Gaja's grandmother, Clothilde Rey. She was a visionary who was instrumental in acquiring some of the choicest parcels for the Gaja Estate, as well as being the inspiration behind Angelo's continuous quest to innovate. The exquisite Sorì Tildin, like Gaja's other Barbaresco crus, earns critical acclaim consistently each year. Its bouquet is detailed, nuanced and layered with aromas of toast, minerals, sour cherries, cedar and spices. Its rich body, subtle texture and fine, ripe tannins are a quintessential expression of the land and the Nebbiolo grape. While there were no reviews available for this recent release, wine critic heavyweights (Robert Parker Jr., Stephen Tanzer, and Wine Spectator) have all consistently awarded the Sorì Tilden scores in the mid-90s over the last several vintages. While this wine has extraordinary ageing potential, it would make an utterly magnificent wine to build a formal dinner around in the short term.
PAOLO SCAVINO BAROLO BRIC DEL FIASC 2003 DOCG
51342
(XD) 750 mL $123.95
TASTING NOTE: The Bric del Fiasc is noticeably deeper and richer, with notes of sweet dark fruit, tar and scorched earth. Made in a big, bold style, this is a powerhouse of a wine that has enough fruit to balance the tannins, although it is not for the faint of heart. "As opposed to Cannubi which has loosely packed, sandy soils, at Bric del Fiasc the soils are more compact and thus retain water better, which helps give this wine a little more freshness," says [Enrico] Scavino. Score - (90-93).
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Jan. 2006)
GAJA CONTEISA 2001 DOC Langhe
971192
(XD) 750 mL $233.05
TASTING NOTE: The medium-bodied 2001 Conteisa is the more accessible of Gaja's wines from the Barolo zone. It shows plenty of La Morra's famed elegance and finesse, with a delicate nose of flowers and spices followed by rich flavors of sweet red fruit, dried flowers, roasted coffee beans, new oak and a long, caressing finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2021. Score - 92.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
GAJA SPERSS 2001 DOC Langhe
715359
(XD) 750 mL $252.85
TASTING NOTE: More muscular than the Conteisa, the dark and brooding 2001 Sperss displays much Serralunga character in its complex nose of tar, licorice, underbrush and new oak. Superbly well-balanced, it offers tremendous length and purity in its sweet dark fruit, plum, prune and cassis flavors, closing with a very long, fresh finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2031.
Score - 95.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
PAOLO SCAVINO BAROLO ROCCHE DELL'ANNUNZIATA RISERVA 2001 DOCG
50815
(XD) 750 mL $227.10
TASTING NOTE: ... The 2001 presents a multitude of aromas and flavors including roses, minerals, smoke, tar and sweet red fruit in a stunning display of sensual elegance. Today it comes across as open-knit and incredibly expressive. It is hard to say if it will shut down at some point or continue to offer the broad window of drinkability that is the hallmark of many wines from this vineyard. Regardless, it is a great privilege to get a glimpse of this monumental wine at such an early stage ... Score - 96.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2006)
PAOLO SCAVINO BAROLO ROCCHE DELL'ANNUNZIATA RISERVA 2000 DOCG
50831
(XD) 750 mL $227.10
TASTING NOTE: Saturated ruby. Intense nose of ripe to over-ripe fruit. Beautiful round and soft palate of jammy red fruit, minerals, cocoa and licorice. Very refined and elegant, this is already drinking well. A shade less complex than the superb 1999. Score - 92.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
April 2005)
COSTA DI BUSSIA BAROLO RISERVA 1999 DOCG
38133
(D) 750 mL $54.55
Winner of the Regional Italy Piedmont over £10 Trophy at the 2006 Decanter World Wine Awards.
GAJA SPERSS 1999 DOC Langhe
997635
(XD) 1500 mL $524.55
TASTING NOTE: Dark ruby. The 1999 Sperrs displays much Serralunga character in its licorice, asphalt, herb, and sweet dark fruit flavors, with notable persistence on the palate and a potent personality. A rising of menthol beautifully frames the big, tannic finish. A wine that kept developing in the glass, this Sperss offers outstanding potential for those who are patient enough to wait at least a few years. It should drink well until at least age 25. Score - 95.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
May 2006)
PAOLO SCAVINO BAROLO ROCCHE DELL'ANNUNZIATA RISERVA 1998 DOCG
50823
(XD) 750 mL $227.10
TASTING NOTE: The 1998 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata is the best of the series, very complete in its presentation of the classic range of anisette, rose petal, iris, and red fruit sensations, ample, round, and fresh in flavor, minty and lingering on the close, caressing but solid in texture. It will last another dozen years. Score - 93.
(Daniel Thomases,
www.erobertparker.com,
Aug. 2005)
SILVIO GRASSO BAROLO CIABOT MANZONI 1998 DOCG
50708
(XD) 750 mL $88.25
TASTING NOTE: The dark ruby-colored 1998 Barolo Ciabot Manzoni offers a beautiful bouquet of sweet black cherry fruit intermixed with rose petals, tar, and new oak. It possesses fine ripeness, a fresh, lively, high-toned style, and lovely flavors. With sweet tannin, decent acidity, and a seamless style, it can be consumed now and over the next 10-15 years.
Score - (90-91).
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2001)
TASTING NOTE: Merlot (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%). Cortona Merlot Desiderio shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas that start with hints of black cherry, black currant and plum followed by aromas of blueberry, violet, vanilla, tobacco, licorice, sandal wood, cocoa, cinnamon and menthol. The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and pleasing roundness, however balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors. The finish is persistent with flavors of black cherry, black currant and plum. A well made wine. Cortona Merlot Desiderio ages for 18 months in barrique followed by 12 months of aging in bottle.
Score - **** (out of 5).
(www.diwinetaste.com,
April 2007)
CASTELLO DI AMA VIGNETO LA CASUCCIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2004 DOCG
979278
(XD) 750 mL $205.25 959676 (XD) 1500 mL $494.80
TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Chianti Classico La Casuccia (80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot) is a massive, powerful wine. It presents an open-knit, super-ripe nose followed by layers of ripe dark blueberries, violets, licorice and toasted oak flavors on a big, structured frame, with outstanding length and a lingering suggestion of sweetness on the finish. It is the more accessible of the estate's top two selections in 2004. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.
Score - 92.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
June 2007)
TUA RITA GIUSTO DI NOTRI ROSSO 2004 IGT Toscana
14886
(XD) 750 mL $96.20
TASTING NOTE: Stunning nose of rose petal, berries, sandalwood and licorice. Full-bodied, with ripe, rich tannins and a long, long finish. All there, and very exciting. 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 percent Merlot, 15 percent Cabernet Franc and 5 percent Petit Verdot. Best after 2007. Score - 94.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 31, 2006)
TUA RITA REDIGAFFI ROSSO 2004 IGT Toscana
14852
(XD) 750 mL $213.20
TASTING NOTE: Very complex yet subtle aromas of licorice, dark chocolate, violet and raspberry. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long, long finish. Harmonious and wonderful. Reminds me of the great 1997; even better. Merlot. Best after 2008. Score - 98.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 31, 2006)
ANTINORI GUADO AL TASSO 2003 DOC Bolgheri Superiore
986562
(XD) 1500 mL $197.35
TASTING NOTE: Beautiful aromas of blackberry, meat and light toasty oak follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a rich, decadent aftertaste. Opulent and stylish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and others. Best after 2007. Score - 91.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 31, 2006)
FELSINA FONTALLORO 2003 IGT Toscana
902866
(XD) 750 mL $58.50
TASTING NOTE: Very pretty blackberry and vanilla aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a mineral and berry aftertaste. Structured. Sangiovese. Best after 2008. Score - 90.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 31, 2006)
PETROLO GALATRONA 2003 IGT Toscana
21998
(XD) 750 mL $95.20
TASTING NOTE: Fantastic aromas of black olives, meat and berries with hints of violets. Complex. Full-bodied, velvety and long. Gorgeous and powerful Merlot. Blockbuster. This could be the wine of the vintage. Best after 2008.
Score - 96.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 31, 2005)
BIONDI-SANTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA Greppo 2001 DOCG
51979
(XD) 750 mL $471
TASTING NOTE: Medium light, bright ruby. Captivating aromas of underripe red cherry, redcurrant, orange zest, tobacco and leather, all lifted by a lovely floral twist. Lean and penetrating on entry, then fleshier in the middle and concentrated, with enticing sour red cherry, almond and plum flavors. Bright, almost shrill acids give the flavors laser-like precision and a very clean, pure quality on the extremely long, fine-grained finish. Paradigmatic old-school Brunello but with a degree of flesh and concentration not always apparent here in recent vintages. Given my experience with these Brunellos (I recently had the 1970, 1964, and 1955, all still in fine form), I'd say this one will be around longer than you or I will. Score - 94.
(Ian D'Agata,
International Wine Cellar,
June 2007)
CARPINETO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO RISERVA 2001 DOCG
47134
(XD) 750 mL $30.75
TASTING NOTE: Despite an initial touch of coconut, the nose is seductive, especially when the leather and cedar elements take over. Fine fruit carries the palate, with an emphasis on blackberry, cherry and plum flavors. Rich and internationally styled, with soft tannins and impeccable mouthfeel. Drinkable now through 2010. Score - 90.
(Michael Schachner,
Wine Enthusiast,
July 2005)
MASTROJANNI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO SCHIENA D'ASINO 2001 DOCG
46920
(XD) 750 mL $72.40
TASTING NOTE: Medium-deep red. The beautiful, textbook Brunello aromas of violet, sour red cherry, licorice and tea leaf soar from the glass. Much more plush and silky in texture than usual from this producer, with none of the rustic notes of other vintages, this shows ripe flavors of black cherry, porcini, tar and nutmeg with noteworthy energy and vibrancy and a surprisingly round texture. Firm tannins rear their head on the long, pure finish, providing needed clarity and backbone. Cellar this for five or six years, then enjoy it for another 20 after that. Score - 93.
(Ian D'Agata,
International Wine Cellar,
June 2007)
POGGIO SALVI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 2001 DOCG
51995
(XD) 750 mL $98.20
The Poggio Salvi is produced by the venerable Italian estate, Biondi Santi. Aged for 40 months in Slavonian oak barrels, this Riserva displays an intense ruby red colour with garnet tones. The bouquet is complex, with notes of cherries, sweet tobacco and tar. Full-bodied, well-structured with silky tannins, this will drink beautifully now or will reward cellaring.
SILVIO NARDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO MANACHIARA 2001 DOCG
47381
(XD) 750 mL $84.30 47399 (XD) 1500 mL $178.50
TASTING NOTE: Readers who enjoy a full-throttle style of Brunello will delight in the 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Manachiara, the estate's top selection. Boasting a deep, intense color along with expressive, plush layers of jammy dark fruit, spice, chocolate and sweet toasted oak, it is a beautifully balanced Brunello. Expansive on the palate, it displays outstanding concentration, an engaging personality and broad, yet fine tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Score - 92.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2006)
BIONDI-SANTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO GREPPO 1999 DOCG
51961
(XD) 750 mL $157.70
TASTING NOTE: Silky, with prune, cedar and fresh tobacco aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a clean finish. Very good length. One of the best in a long time from here. Best after 2007. Score - 90.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 15, 2004)
BIONDI-SANTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCIO RISERVA GREPPO 1999 DOCG
955948
(XD) 750 mL $653.45
TASTING NOTE: Aromas of cedar, berry and meat follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a leather and berry aftertaste. Slightly hard now, but should develop nicely. Solid, traditional and well-made. Best after 2006. Score - 90.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
May 31, 2005)
MASTROJANNI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO SCHIENA D'ASINO 1999 DOCG
46912
(XD) 750 mL $78.35
TASTING NOTE: Wonderfully rich aromas of Christmas cake and ripe raspberry, with just a hint of spice and wood. Full-bodied, with a solid tannin structure and a very good core of fruit. Just slightly short. Needs bottle age to come together. Best after 2006. Score - 89.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
May 15, 2005)
CARPINETO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO RISERVA 1995 DOCG
47142
(XD) 750 mL $56.55
TASTING NOTE: From another Tuscan modernist comes a surprisingly unevolved, fruit driven yet taut and exciting 1995. Deep youthful ruby-purple colour. Fragrant blackberry, lavender, cedar aromas with just a little bit of leather and nougat that speaks more to Tuscan origin. Taut acidity and tannin of Vino Nobile makes it feel slim and blunt on the finish, yet quite dense fruit is packed in. Very good to excellent length. Best 2003 to 2010. Score - 89.
(www.wineaccess.ca)
CARPINETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 1990 DOCG
358689
(XD) 750 mL $108.10
TASTING NOTE: Still dark in color, albeit with some bricking evident, and still a bit tannic on the finish. Still, this is very good, combining earth and tobacco with plums and cherries. Big in the mouth, with a velvety feel, but also a touch of warmth from alcohol. Drink now or hold.
Score - 89.
Wine Enthusiast,
Aug. 1, 2006)
CARPINETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 1988 DOCG
47126
(XD) 750 mL $113.05
TASTING NOTE: Carpineto ages their Riserva wines from 6 to 12 months longer than the minimum required by DOCG rules. Carpineto, a partnership between winemakers Giovanni Sacchet and Antonio Zaccheo, concentrates on red wine production. Founded in 1967, the winery has been part of the revolution in Chianti, bringing modern viticultural techniques to a traditional winemaking process. The results are stunning. Try a mini-vertical tasting of Carpineto's Riserva by comparing this 1988 with the 1990, also in this catalogue. Score - (out of 3). (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines,
1999)
CARPINETO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO RISERVA 1988 DOCG
47175
(XD) 750 mL $111.10
TASTING NOTE: Of the wines tasted, this is the one to drink now. It still shows some chewiness to its texture, but melds that with a smooth, satiny finish and flavors of earth, tobacco and soy. Just enough cherry fruit remains, but this needs to be drunk up. Score - 90.
(Wine Enthusiast,
Aug. 2006)
TASTING NOTE: The Valpolicella Superiore is built on the same lines [as the Amarone] and has rarely been so good. Again, it needs to free itself of oakiness but then proceeds with class and determination, clearly defined fruit melding with mint and dried flowers to close with a long taut finish.
Score - (out of 3).
(Gambero Rosso Italian Wines,
2007)
DAL FORNO AMARONE 2001 DOC
711440
(D) 750 mL $385.70
TASTING NOTE: A bottle that needs to be opened well before tasting to free itself of oak-derived notes and liberate the fruit. Red, indeed black, it is ripe and appetizing on the seemingly endless nose in a frame of spices and minerality. The rigid palate slowly melts into a mouthfillingly confident flavour and our Three Glasses were a for- mality.
Score - (out of 3).
(Gambero Rosso Italian Wines,
2007)
DAL FORNO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 1999 DOC
47274
(D) 1500 mL $266.75
TASTING NOTE: Fantastic nose, with ripe, earthy fruit and loads of smoke and grilled meat. Full-bodied, with rich fruit and violets on the palate, soft, velvety tannins and a long, long fruit and mineral finish. Very polished, with a subtle use of new French oak barrels. Best after 2004.
Score - 91.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
June 30, 2004)
TASTING NOTE: The nose is perfectly clean and surprisingly lively, despite the sultry year, and it first gives small wild berry fruits before becoming more citrus-like and then developing cloves-and-cinnamon spiciness. A creamy, warm palate follows that is anything but dull and has all sorts of touches of personality. The wine is so good that it risks overshadowing its stablemates.
Score - (out of 3).
(Gambero Rosso Italian Wines,
2006)
