February 24, 2018
Winter in Italy!
1. 2013 Rancia Chianti Classico Riserva
Fèlsina's 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia bristles with energy, with veins of underlying acidity that give the wine its focus and drive. Dark red cherry, plum, rose petal, herb and licorice are some of the signatures. Most of the Fèlsina Chianti Classicos are defined by their dark fruit and savory notes, but the Rancia is also wonderfully bright and lifted from start to finish while staying very much true to the house style. Today, the Rancia gives the impression it will unwind at a glacial pace. I imagine most bottles of the 2013 will be drunk before the wine truly enters its prime. Rating: 96+ The Wine Advocate
2. 2013 Cantine del Notaio "IL Repertorio" Aglianco del Vulture
"The Cantine del Notaio 2013 Aglianico del Vulture Il Repertorio is a fabulous wine that possesses the depth and noble sophistication that you should expect from this small, quality wine denomination in the deep south of Italy. The bouquet is beautifully embellished with blackberry preserves, tobacco, bitter chocolate and smoky granite. The presentation is tight and seamless with a firm tannic nature that pulls the wine together in terms of substance and length. This excellent wine should flesh out further with more aging." Rated 93 The WINE ADVOCATE
3. 2013 Masi Brolo Campfiorin Oro
A good value wine, the 2013 Brolo Campofiorin Oro opens to a velvety dark appearance and shows thick layers of dried fruit, prune, spice and leather. The intensity is strong, yet it remains a clear step below Amarone in terms of power and muscle. This vintage offers good structure at the back with light touches of sweet and sun-dried fruit. This is a great wine to pair with barbecued meat. Rated 91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
4. 2013 Azeinda Orlando Abrigo Dolcetto D'Alba Dell'Erto
Intense raspberry and dark cherry aromas soar from the glass. Broad and chocolatey with firm tannins and lovely texture and vibrancy. A very typical Dolcetto with a good finish. Rated 90 Decanter Magazine
5. 2014 Olianas Cannonau di Sardegna
A Cannonau mixed with 10 per cent Tintillu and amphora-fermented before being aged in both amphora and older barriques. Classy, refined, settled aromas and pure, drinkable, fine-grained flavours mark this mid-weight wine with a wider allusive repertoire than some of its peers (seaweed and blood orange). Rated 90 Decanter Magazine
6. 2012 Zenato "Alanera" Rosso Veronese IGT
The 2012 Alanera is a new edition to the Zenato portfolio and pays tribute to the family patron who developed the estate's vineyards. the label depicts three swallows that are symbols of the three main hills that dominate this corner of Valpolicella. This IGT blend is composed of 55% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 10% Corvinone and 10% other grapes that are aged in part in oak, and in part in stainless steel. The bouquet shows good intensity with bright layers of spice, dark fruit and prune. Rated 90 The Wine Advocate
7. 2009 Fontemorsi Spazzavento Montescudaio Rosso Poderi
"Color is intense ruby red with a fragrant nose that recalls red fruits followd by more complex spices. To the mouth it is pleasant, soft and velvety with good persistence." Winery
8. 2014 Collezione Di Paolo Chianti DOCG
An excellent value for a modestly priced Chianti, this wine shows aromas of black cherry, chocolate and marzipan. In the mouth, the bright red fruit flavors accompany those subtle notes of almond and cocoa with a minerally finish. A go-to match with any pasta with red sauce, it will work nicely with roasted chicken and risotto dishes as well! All Star Wines