Gae Saccoccio - NdC

9.0

Ampeleia, beyond this winery in the heart of Maremma (Tuscany) there was a swiss couple: Erica and Peter Max Suter, they bought an abandoned piece of land which since 2002 has been reorganized under the protection of Elisbetta Foradori. Roccatederighi's the ancient town nearby that spread over the Metalliferous Hills. All the Ampeleia wines bear names that recall ancestral ideas and profound concepts taken from ancient Greek culture: Kepos, Empatia, Ampeleia. Biggest enemy in the wine region is an excess heat and too much sun exposure of the vines which could provides too mushy wines or some dispreferred overipe. How does Marco Tait in the vineyards first then in the cellar, fight against such an adversary? Altitude, actually three different altitudes! Ampeleia di Sopra is where they've got vineyards between 450 and 600 m.a.s.l., here's for instance, the main reason why this vintage 2004, a blend of Cab Franc, Sangiovese and four others Mediterranean grape varieties despite his twelve years behind it is still that vibrating, breezy, unbroken and savory! http://www.ampeleia.it/ — 9 years ago

Christine Havens

9.3

We paired this with country ribs drenched in a smoky BBQ sauce. And while I've never made ribs nor tasted this wine, all I can say is...I was transported to scenes From House of Cards, where Kevin Spacey plays the excellent, if slightly sociopathic character of Frank Underwood, Democratic Majority Whip. This wine is brazen, ballsy and complex, with notes of eucalyptus, smoke, preserved meat, asphalt, ox blood, grit and conspiracy. Rich, brooding and as well-developed as a riveting story, the Cimicky will suck you in. — 11 years ago

Angel R

9.4

Yummy, affordable Cava. Light and delish. Mix a can of blood orange pelligrino and you can drink it from brunch til dinner! — 11 years ago

Michael Horkay

9.2

This wine is always special. From a plot of land that sits low and tucked away in a corner the first sun dies not touch the vines until 10am. Mineral driven and the most chablis like of Paul's wines this bottling is all meyer lemon and minerality. Rock on. — 9 years ago

Gigi Pan

9.0

Pinot noir from Oregon keeps surprising me. Very floral and fruity, mid body and a good sense of sweetness, like a little taste of love. 😊 — 10 years ago

with Alan

Mark Bright

Partner/Wine Director Saison Restaurant

9.2

Clean and pure Chardonnay from Chablis is literally part of my blood. — 11 years ago

Christine Havens

10

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to taste the three La La's from the 1999 vintage side by side last night. La Turque was, by far, the most concentrated and frankly, massive of the three. Impressive aromas of dust, earth, iron, game, spice, damp clay, blood, meat and bone. Sculpted layers of flavor, depth and sheer power continue in the mouth with brooding black fruit, mouth-coating, yet balanced tannins, a compelling animal quality, savory notes, dollops of spice. This wine is an amazing, bordering on spiritual journey. — 11 years ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.3

On a big #Sicily kick of late, this is a step or two up from yesterday in complexity and class. Another steal at $22-25 this is also a blend of Nero di Avola and Frappato. The nose started out reduced, but the palate was clean. The nose grew leaps and bounds after an hour to a fresh mix of red fruit perfume ala Burgundy, fresh cut flowers, and a little wet stone funk. The palate is light as a feather, fresh and consistent with bursts of blood orange, cherry, subtle spice. The finish streams on with excellent acidity and fine, though quite firm, youthful tannin.
#occhipinti #sicily #frappato #NeroDiAvola — 9 years ago

Christine Havens

9.1

One of the more serious Cava's I've had the pleasure of tasting. In part, due to calcareous soils and a long, long tenure of the land. Raventos estate vineyards have been tended by the same family since the late 1400s. Aside from the gorgeous pink hue and lively bubbles, the nose is pure fruit. Wild strawberries, honeydew melon and charming floral notes. The prettiness of the nose is slightly deceptive, on the palate, serious minerally shines through a firm acid backbone, making this a food friendly Cava. — 10 years ago

Daniel Bloom

9.1

Beautiful Sangiovese from a difficult year. Iron, cherries, a bit of blood and earth. Mildly drying tannins. — 11 years ago