2010  

95+ Ian Dagata - Vinous "Bright ruby. Precise, spicy aromas of ripe red berries, dark plum and violet accented by cumin and caraway seed. At once densely packed and broad but juicy and refined too, boasting terrific acid-fruit-tannin balance and penetrating red cherry, underbrush and sweet spice flavors. This lovely wine is suave and fine-grained and finishes very long. It would be prudent to decant this at least two-three hours ahead; one bottle I had was initially marred by almost unacceptable levels of funkiness, another was instead brilliantly pure and clean, so allowing this wine to breathe a little prior to serving is not a bad idea.

2009  

100% Montepulciano. A broad nose, deep, spicy & round flavors supported by a dusting of tannin. Aged in Slovenian cask 8-12 months. This is a moderately serious Montepulciano, obviously not at the level of Emidio Pepe, but certainly well above the usual everyday drinkers from Abruzzo. This wine, produced from the iconic grape of Abruzzo is named for the local vineyard named after Farro - the iconic grain of the region.

2001  Merlot

"The 2001 Montiano, 100% Merlot, offers the luxuriously sweet and expansive nose which has always characterized the wine. Full of plum, raspberry, and dark chocolate scents, along with a dense, deep, and velvety palate, it is full and round, with the super-polished tannins which make it one of Italy's touchstone Merlot bottlings. Drink: 2005-2018." -Wine Advocate

1999  Rosso Dell'Abate Chiarini

2009  

"The 2009 Fontalloro is 100% Sangiovese from three vineyards; Fontalloro in Chianti Classico and Casalino and Arcidossino, both in the Chianti Colli Senesi appellation. Here too, the vineyards are over 50 years old. Sweet red cherries, tobacco, flowers and spices meld together beautifully in this deep, resonant Fontalloro. This is a more immediate, round style than the Rancia. Ripe, silky tannins frame the long, polished finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024." - 93pts WA

2005  

100% Sangiovese. 90pts WA, 93pts WS, 3 Bicchiere GB.

2000  

100% Sangiovese. "The 2000 Fontalloro, as always, represents the estate’s best Sangiovese, from a vineyard which is partly inside and partly outside the appellation limits. A dark, deep ruby/garnet, its powerful nose of kirsch and plums is given additional complexity by the aromas of tobacco, damp earth, and underbrush which always characterize this wine. Rich in extract, firm and sustained in flavor, its tannins are more approachable than those of the two Riserva bottlings, but it will doubtlessly last longer as well, till the middle of the next decade if not longer." - 90pts WA, 91pts WS

1998  

100% Sangiovese.

2016  

Franz Gojer is a master of Schiava and Lagrein. These two varietals which find their homes in the northern reaches of the Alto Adige are about as far from the mainstream as you can get, but each is a truly unique and vibrant example of the best that this mountainous region can produce. Lagrein, on the other hand, is cut from a bigger and darker cloth. A cousin of Syrah, its deep brambly base notes and core of black fruit are all balanced by an underlying mountain acidity and minerality imparted by the soils and climate of the region. -- The Lagrein Granat is sourced from vineyards in the town of Ora, about 30 minutes south of Bolzano. The soil here is alluvial thought it has some porphyry as well. Aged in large botti, this is beautifully made, blanced Lagrein that is delicious on release but has the potential to improve over time as well. -- 13% alcohol.

2016  

Franz Gojer is a cult producer of limited production mineral-driven mountain reds & whites. This Sauvignon is sourced from Gojer’s Karneid vineyard. The Sauvignon parcel is fully southfacing. This Sauvignon has great aromatics but is more reserved and subtle than some other Sauvignons. Notes of white peach, tomato leaf and citrus. -- 13% alcohol.

2001  Riserva Castelgiocondo

Castelgiocondo is produced from an uncompromising selection of the finest Sangiovese grapes, in a vineyard whose ideal elevation, well-drained soils, and southwest-facing exposure yield all of the qualities that converge to produce the finest expression of this ancient grape variety. It is an elegant, well-balanced wine of magnificent structure.

1989