Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.6

2018 vintage. Last tasted 04.08.23 (9.5), 12.01.22 from a 375ml (9.5) and upon release 06.07.21 (9.5). Decanted and tasted after 45 minutes. Mysterious, dark-fruited and dusty nose. Medium body with excellent darkness of night color. Previous baby-fat overtures approximately 90% gonzo. Slimming down and getting more toned. In a state of transition with undeniable tension that can easily be misconstrued as underperforming. Last wine I tasted that was under this sort of metamorphosis at this level was the 1996 Pichon-Lalande about 1.5 years ago. Such a privilege to experience world-class wines in such a vulnerable moment. Everything is laid out bare/naked before you and you can see where the wine is headed and whether it will be following a trajectory that agrees with you. Definitely unusual to find this occurring in a wine this youthful but the 21st Century is smashing the old 20th Century clay tablets and digitizing. For most wine enthusiasts sampling this wine now, expecting some disappointment in the scoring. For myself, this is currently in the perfect symmetry of past, present and future. Will it show critically better in the future according to the accepted trials, palates, judges and juries? Probably. Will they experience the potential, doubts, insecurities and questions? Doubtful. This kid stays in this exact picture for another 2-4 years imho before striking another pose and I would love to taste this again during that time frame. An above and beyond thank you to FLB (Friday Lunch Boys) regular Todd. 08.15.25. — 7 days ago

Dave

9.0

This is nice. Don't know what I paid for it. Strong dark fruit presence with gripping tannins and a little minerality. I'm drinking it without food, and it would be much better with a bit of grilled something. But it's nice, I'll say it again.
Listening to Alabama Shakes. — a month ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2021 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 45 mins. Chunky and decently power-laden. Hints of finesse here and there. Much too much too early obvs but time, space and the FLB (Friday Lunch Boys) demanded a sacrificial lamb. The oracle at Delphi was on a lunch break apparently so no tea leaves or entrails read but this needs at least 3-4 years to divine the future. 08.15.25. — 7 days ago

Donald Williams

9.5

Nice complement for both the chicken Marsala and the ribeye. — 15 days ago

with Bonnie

Kristen Bolter

9.1

Age around the rim; black cherry; a little peppery — a month ago

with Hal

ESF

9.1

bit shy, needed some time in the decanter - translucent ruby colored, lots of violets and spice, sour cherry and bing cherry, rhubarb, tar, sweet soil, really complex on nose, med weight w/firm tannic grip, flavors from nose on mid palate, nice finish. paired with smoked ribs and it really worked - Father's day treat. i have another of these, believe this is in the pocket right now. *more Barbaresco than Brunello — 2 months ago

Kay Mills

9.1

Ed’s Fine Wine #2 in the reds for Cashiers. We liked it. — 4 days ago

Seth Masterson

9.0

Has Vermentino fallen out of favour with Italians and is being replaced by a taste for Chardonnay?
Maybe but I don't want to believe it yet.
On hot summer days there is not much more refreshing than a well chilled glass of Vermentino. Chilled is a must - it still has enough oomph in the nose to release its floral essence. Once it comes up to room temp it can be overwhelmingly perfumey IMHO. Good acid balance.
I'm pretty convinced that you can trust anything from Fontori to be a solid choice. — 7 days ago

Scott E. Becker

9.0

[Tasted on July 15, 2025 at Home]

Cherry, plum and pomegranate fruit, with iron, graphite and herbal notes. Good QPR. — 4 months ago

Sean Burke

9.2

Love it. Little bit of grechetto, dry, amazing, Novita in NYC — 2 months ago