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.

2001  Castelgiocondo Riserva 'Ripe al Convento'

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.

1998  

2016  Barbera d'Alba

Barbera d'Alba (No Barolo is being released from this vintage) - "Conterno's 2016 Barbera d'Alba Francia is a wine of extreme finesse and nuance. It is also dark, inward and mysterious in that it is nowhere near ready to show all of its cards. In most vintages, Francia is a bit more floral and mineral, but in 2016 it is the purity of the fruit that is most striking. I imagine the typical Francia nuances will develop with a few more years in bottle." - 94pts Vinous

2013  Single Vineyard Montelpulciano d' Abruzzo

Single Vineyard Montelpulciano d' Abruzzo

2012  Bricco Faset

Bricco Faset -- "The 2012 Barbaresco Bricco Fasét hits the palate with a burst of sweet dark cherry, plum, tobacco, licorice, leather and smoke. Burly and virile in style, the 2012 offers plenty of depth and intensity. I would prefer to give this strapping Barbaresco another few years in bottle to shed some tannin. The Barbaresco Bricco Fasét is a classic La Spinona wine." - 92pts Vinous

2013  Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino

"Bright red. Perfumed, precise aromas of raspberry, strawberry, espresso, minerals and violet. Penetrating, linear and youthfully juicy and fresh, featuring raspberry and bitter cherry fruit flavors given clarity by firm but harmonious acidity and a pronounced mineral component that is very Le Ragnaie-like. This very floral, pristine Brunello has an almost Pinot Noir-like primary quality and superb inner-mouth tension. The finish is extremely bright, long and clean." - 93pts Vinous

2013  Le Ragnaie Brunello di Montalcino Fornace

"Le Ragnaie's 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Fornace is a slightly more robust and structured expression. It has a sturdier vinous exoskeleton, so to speak. For this reason, it needs longer to age and will undoubtedly benefit from more years in your cellar. In fact, I tasted this wine several times over the course of many hours and was delighted by the steady and positive evolution it showed. Given time, the wine gives wild berry and earthy tones that come together with encouraging symmetry." - 94pts WA

2015  Le Ragnaie Troncone Toscana IGT

the wine is bony and taught. It offers generosity in concentration of aroma and flavor but not the aroma or flavor in itself. Aromas of cranberry and cherry abound with laurel leaves and wet stones. The palate extends with bright red fruit continuing to be layered over a frail skeletal structure.

2015  

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia combines the Mediterranean expression of opulence and generosity with structure and complexity. The approachable style of Le Volte dell’Ornellaia, a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, reflects the philosophy and savoir-faire of Ornellaia. -- "2015 was one those years that every winemaker dreams of having at least once in his career. The balanced season with a warm and sunny summer, but with a cool, dry weather during the harvest produced wines that perfectly denote the seasonal trend. Rarely do we find a perfect balance between the various components of the wine, from the deep ruby colour, to the crisp and fresh fruity hints with an ideally meaty texture, supported by silky, smooth tannins, devoid of any harsh edge." -Axel Heinz

2013  Rosso di Montalcino

2015  Sangiovese