| Abruzzo |
| Red Wine |
LA VALENTINA BINOMIO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2003
DOC |
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670356 (XD) 750 mL $59  |
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| TASTING NOTE: La Valentina's 2003 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Binomio shimmers on the palate where it reveals beautiful ripe dark fruit, earthiness, herbs and sweet toasted oak. This soft, supple beauty offers superb balance as well as clarity. It should continue to drink well for another decade. Drink 2008-2018. Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2008) |
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MASCIARELLI MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO VILLA GEMMA 2003
DOC |
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| 65136 (XD) 750 mL $79 |
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TASTING NOTE: We witnessed a superb performance from Muntepulciano d'Abruzzo Villa Gemma '03. Always magnificent and powerful, in this edition the wine benefits from spicy nuances that add special richness. Score -  (out of 3). (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2007) |
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| Alto Adige/Trentino |
| Red Wine |
FORADORI GRANATO 2004
IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti |
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| 74864 (XD) 750 mL $63 |
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| TASTING NOTE: No need to underline its one-of-a-kind character for this is a textbook Teroldego. The colour enchants, as do the equally ravishing nose and palate. Vigorous on entry, the palate progresses assertively unveiling a powerful tannic weave and a finish that expands on sensations of blackberry, raspberry and ripe pomegranate seeds. To call it splendid is an understatement. Score - (out of 3). Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2007) |
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| Campania |
| Red Wine |
MASTERBERARDINO RADICI TAURASI RISERVA 2001
DOCG |
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| 75473 (XD) 750 mL $62 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Mastroberardino's 2001 Taurasi Riserva is a very pretty wine. Notes of smoke, ash, cracked pepper, earthiness, dark cherries and cured meats flow from its medium-bodied, classically-styled frame. The tannins are quite firm and today the wine comes across as tightly wound, with plenty of structure in reserve. It offers notable purity and poise, but will need at least several years in bottle before it reveals its full potential. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2026. Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2008) |
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MASTERBERARDINO RADICI TAURASI RISERVA 2000
DOCG |
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| 75499 (XD) 750 mL $49 |
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| TASTING NOTE: The 2000 Taurasi Riserva naturally shows more advanced leather, tar, smoke, spice and dark fruit aromas and flavors. Made in a full-bodied, yet restrained style, it offer notable persistence on the palate, well-integrated tannins and an approachable personality. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2008) |
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MASTROBERARDINO RADICI TAURASI RISERVA 1999
DOCG |
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| 683615 (XD) 750 mL $47 |
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TASTING NOTE: How long ago it seems when we felt we had to retrace the rebirth of Irpinian wine when talking about Mastroberardino. The history of glories is there, and no one can gainsay it, but now what grabs attention is the qualitative upturn that has taken the winery right back to the top of the national tree in a couple of years [...]Radici Riserva '99 is history perpetuated and advanced: a proudly austere and juicily acidic glass of wine.
Score - (out of 3). Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2006) |
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| Piedmont |
| Red Wine |
ALDO CONTERNO BARBERA D'ALBA CONCA TRE PILE 2004
DOC |
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| 52654 (XD) 750 mL $46 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Medium red-ruby. Very ripe nose combines an almost medicinal quality with notes of chocolate liqueur, violet, truffle and oak. Juicy, saline and powerful on the palate, with a flavor of cherry-and-chocolate truffle. Conveys an impression of sappy energy and really scrapes the palate clean. Firmly structured and very long and fresh on the aftertaste. This very pure but youthfully austere wine needs to be served with fatty meat-or cellared for another couple of years. Franco describes this as "a real Piemonte style in its body and acidity, and not necessarily for international tastes. Some people preferred the more open 2003." Score - 91(+?). (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec. 2007) |
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PAOLO MANZONE SERRALUNGA BAROLO 2003
DOCG |
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| 596072 (D) 750 mL $46 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Medium-deep red. Rich, concentrated nose offers intense black pepper, redcurrant, red cherry and plum aromas; extremely inviting for its depth and sweetness. The palate shows more viscous sweetness, with a chewy depth to the red cherry, plum and currant flavors. A sound acid/tannin balance and plenty of fruit make this wine an absolute winner for the vintage, although it shows very good rather than outstanding length (it's made from the younger nebbiolo vines of the estate). Improves greatly in the glass with air. Score - 89. (Ian D'Agata, International Wine Cellar, Oct. 2007) |
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PIO CESARE BAROLO ORNATO 2003
DOCG |
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| 974956 (XD) 750 mL $98.20 |
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| TASTING NOTE: The 2003 Barolo Ornato, from a vineyard in Serralunga, is a big, brooding wine loaded with scorched earth, smoke, dark fruit and plenty of toasted oak. Made in full-bodied, super-ripe style, the wine possesses outstanding depth with a note of alcoholic warmth on the finish. While not the most subtle Barolo out there, this is a very strong effort from Pio Cesare. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2023. Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007) |
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GIACOMO MARENGO ARMIRE LANGHE ROSSO 2001
DOC |
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| 69468 (XD) 750 mL $72 |
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| A Gold Medal winner at the 2007 Mediterranean International Wine & Spirit Competition. This wine is made with 100% Merlot grapes and is aged in new French barriques for approximately 24 months. The bouquet displays lovely aromas of rose, chocolate, red fruits and vanilla leading to a full body with sweet tannins and a complex, long-lasting finish. |
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GIACOMO MARENGO BAROLO CEREQUIO 2001
DOCG |
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| 69682 (XD) 750 mL $72 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Delicate aromas of cedar, dried porcini and fruit follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fruity finish. Shows some class. Best after 2007. Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2006) |
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ALDO CONTERNO GRANBUSSIA BAROLO RISERVA 2000
DOCG |
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| 50989 (XD) 750 mL $239 |
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| TASTING NOTE: The 2000 Barolo Riserva Granbussia is unquestionably a great effort. It presents a gorgeous, spiced nose followed by layers of sweet red fruit that open onto the palate with notable concentration and length, all while maintaining a restrained sense of balance for the vintage, with soft tannins that make it a highly attractive wine even at this young age. It should be at its finest between ages 8 and 20. Whereas the Riserva at many estates is the most powerful wine, at Aldo Conterno the Riserva is the most elegant. It is made from a blend of fruit sourced from the Romirasco (70%) Cicala (15%) and Colonnello (15%) vineyards. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020. Score - 93. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2006) |
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| Tuscany |
| Red Wine |
CAMPO ALLA SUGHERA BOLGHERI ADEO ROSSO 2004
DOC |
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| 65318 (XD) 750 mL $35 |
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| TASTING NOTE: The house's entry level bottling, the 2004 Bolgheri Adeo, captures the essence of the 2004 vintage in its nuanced aromatics and vibrant layers of ripe fruit, crushed flowers, spice and toasted oak notes. It shows an attractive juiciness to the fruit, as well as outstanding overall balance. It is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and aged in used barriques. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2007) |
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CASTELLO DEL TERRICCIO 2004
IGT Toscana |
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| 75135 (XD) 750 mL $119 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Intense aromas of meat and berry, with hints of roasted coffee. Full-bodied, layered and rich, with round tannins and a long finish. Very beautiful. Syrah, Petit Verdot and others. Best after 2009. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007) |
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LUPICAIA ROSSO 2004
IGT Toscana |
| (G.A. Rossi di Medelana) |
75747 (XD) 750 mL $149 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Currant, mineral and hints of new wood on the nose. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins, yet balanced and long. A rich, fruity, structured young red. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best after 2010. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007) |
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FATTORIA LE PUPILLE SAFFREDI MAREMMA ROSSO 2004
IGT Toscana |
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| 74435 (D) 750 mL $109 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Shows a very ripe nose, with rose, berry and hints of meat. Full-bodied and powerful, with chewy tannins and a long, long finish. Massive yet balanced. What a wine. The greatest Saffredi ever made. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Alicante. Better than previously reviewed. Best after 2012. Score - 97. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007) |
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TENUTA VITANZA QUADRIMENDO 2004
IGT Toscana |
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| 73619 (XD) 750 mL $39 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Gorgeous aromas of mineral, spearmint, licorice and blackberry. Full and very long, with loads of fruit and supersilky tannins. Very good value. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best after 2010. Score - 93. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007) |
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LE CINCIOLE CAMALAIONE 2003
IGT Toscana |
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| 65862 (D) 750 mL $94 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Dark in color, with masses of crushed ripe fruit. Currant and blackberry galore. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Loads going on. An exciting new wine from this producer. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Best after 2008. Score - 95. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2006) |
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RICASOLI CASALFERRO 2003
IGT Toscana |
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| 469692 (XD) 750 mL $45 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Aromas of crushed blackberry and light vanilla follow through to a full-bodied palate, with superfine tannins and a long finish. Slightly rough now. Needs to come together. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best after 2008. Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2006) |
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BRIZIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 2001
DOCG |
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| 74419 (XD) 750 mL $99 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Plenty of bright blackberry and hints of cedar follow through to a full-bodied palate, with very fine tannins and a fresh, crisp, lively finish. Long and exciting. Best after 2010. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2007) |
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LUPICAIA ROSSO 2001
IGT Toscana |
| (G.A. Rossi di Medelana) |
75770 (XD) 750 mL $149 |
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| TASTING NOTE: The 2001 Lupicaia, which uses the estate's best Cabernet and Merlot, is an impenetrable ruby in color, and the powerful, expansive flavors of berry fruit, eucalyptus, and coconut, the dense and shapely palate, and the rich, sensual finish are the attributes of a wine of superior class and caliber. The wine will drink well for another decade and a half. Score - 93. (Daniel Thomases, www.erobertparker.com, April 2006) |
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IL PALAZZONE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 2001
DOCG |
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| 21063 (XD) 750 mL $109 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Il Palazzone's 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is an outstanding effort. Full-bodied and intense, it presents an exciting array of sweet dark fruit, smoke, tar, licorice and toasted oak, with notable persistence and an engaging, generous personality. The sweetness carries through to the finish, where an inviting note of freshness rounds out the close. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007) |
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SAN FELICE POGGIO ROSSO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2001
DOCG |
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| 965665 (XD) 750 mL $52 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Riserva Poggio Rosso '01, which made it into the national taste-offs, proffers a wonderful medley of aromatic herbs and Mediterranean scrub melding with dark cherry, among other fruit, and subtle notes of spice. Smooth, nicely integrated tannins enrich a concentrated and succulent mid palate. It unleashes a finale notable for the smoothness of its fruit. Score - (out of 3). Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2006) |
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SOLARIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2001
DOCG |
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| 65482 (XD) 750 mL $67 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Beautiful aromas of strawberry, Indian spices and vanilla follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fruity finish. This is refined and long. Best after 2010. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2006) |
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ROSSO DI CLAUSURA 2000
IGT Toscana |
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| 70532 (XD) 750 mL $50 |
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| Rosso di Clausura translates as "Cloister Red', and it's made from Sangiovese with a small amount of Merlot added for grace and balance. The wine's aromas are anything but cloistered with rich spices and juicy fruit leaping from the glass. Impeccably balanced with terrific structure provided by the vibrant fruit, refreshing acids and ripening tannins. |
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TERRALSOLE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2000
DOCG |
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| 65847 (XD) 750 mL $67 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Beautiful aromas of very ripe fruit, with fresh-cut flowers, strawberry and cherry. Full-bodied and very silky, with plenty of fruit and a caressing finish. Very good indeed. Better than previously reviewed. Best after 2006. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2006) |
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CASANUOVA DELLE CERBAIE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 1999
DOCG |
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| 62893 (XD) 750 mL $119 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Very pretty with cherries, blackberries and hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a vanilla and berry aftertaste. Excellent. Long and refined. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2012. Score - 91. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2005) |
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SAN FELICE IL CAMPOGIOVANNI QUERCIONE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 1999
DOCG |
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| 62703 (XD) 750 mL $137 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Very complex on the nose, with prune, cedar and cigar box character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a fresh, clean finish. Caressing. Lovely. Drink now. Score - 92. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, May 15, 2005) |
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| Veneto |
| Red Wine |
ZENATO CRESASSO 2004
IGT |
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| 69484 (D) 750 mL $50 |
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| The 2004 is the premier vintage of this, the latest creation from Sergio Zenato. Cresasso is made from 100% Corvina Veronese grapes grown in Sant'Ambrogio, in the Valpolicella zone within the province of Verona. Dense purple-red and very viscous in the glass, it offers enticing aromas of cherry and blackberry initially, evolving into rich notes of sweet prunes and cherry preserves. True to Zenato's famous style, the Cresasso displays a silky smooth texture and soft, round tannins. On the palate, it exhibits rich fruit flavours with a touch of almond on the lengthy finish. |
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ZENATO SANSONINA 2004
IGT Rosso Veronese |
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| 69492 (XD) 750 mL $60 |
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| TASTING NOTE: The black fruit, lamb roast, fresh herb and olive paste aromas come out with air. Full- to medium-bodied, this is refined, with well-poised, mineral-coated tannins and a long, focused finish. Pure Merlot. Best after 2009. Score - 91. (Jo Cooke, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2008) |
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SERGIO ZENATO AMARONE CLASSICO DELLA VALPOLICELLA RISERVA 2003
DOC |
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| 928036 (D) 750 mL $95 |
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| TASTING NOTE: Very nutty and floral on the nose, with crushed black fruit and notes of violet and fresh herbs. Full-bodied and fresh, with lots of dried fruit and floral character, fine, firm tannins and a long, mineral finish. Tightly packed and refined. Needs some time in bottle. Best after 2009. Score - 91. (Jo Cooke, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2008) |
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QUINTARELLI ALZERO 1998
IGT Veneto |
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| 716423 (XD) 750 mL $495 |
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| Legendary artisanal winemaker Giuseppe Quintarelli is renowned for crafting wines of outstanding character and class. He often keeps the wines in his cellar for years before determining, on an individual basis, when each wine is ready for release. The 1997 vintage of the Alzero received a score of 97 from Robert Parker in October 2007, and this recently released vintages promises to live up to that high standard. Made from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and produced in the appassimento style of an Amarone, the unique Alzero is ultra-rich and dense, teeming with stewed fruit, chocolate, licorice and dark-roasted coffee. |
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| Veneto |
| White Wines |
PIEROPAN LE COLOMBARE RECIOTO DI SOAVE 2003
DOCG |
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| 63230 (S) 500 mL $39 |
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| TASTING NOTE: The 2003 Recioto di Soave Le Colombare is a Recioto made from the estate's best Garganega fruit. Made in a full-bodied, opulent style, it opens with a huge, expressive nose that leads to honeyed apricots, spices and white truffles. This luscious, long dessert wine should drink well for another few years. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2011. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobSertparker.com, Oct. 2007) |
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ANTONIO RONCOLATO RECIOTO DI SOAVE IL FIORE 2001
DOCG |
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| 62802 (S) 500 mL $26 |
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| This rich after-dinner wine is a specialty of Veneto. Soave's traditional grapes, Garganega and Trebbiano, are dried on mats before they are pressed. Aged in oak, this sweet nectar is bursting with honey and floral notes. |
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