Jay Kline

9.5

Poured into a decanter immediately prior to service. Not only was this 43 year old willing, it was positively singing right out of the gates! The 1981 Fontanafredda Barolo (classico) shows good color: a deep garnet with a transparent core and significant rim variation; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. There is some light sediment but most was decanted off. On the nose, the wine is vinous with gorgeous notes of ripe and desiccated dark cherries, pomegranate, old leather-bound books, truffle, earth and exotic spices. On the palate the wine is dry. The tannins are integrated but still pretty firm and acid is medium+. Confirming the notes on the nose. The finish is long and savory. Wow, what a remarkable bottle of Fontanafredda; arguably the best I’ve had. Perhaps I’ve aged as well? One would certainly hope. If you are also 43 years old or holding onto any of these 81’s from Fontanafredda, drink now. However, if this bottle is representative of well cellared examples, it could easily drink well through 2031. — 3 hours ago

romo

9.3

Called blind Chianti from the leafy balsamic, then went Nebbiolo from the spice and florals. Super elegant. — 15 days ago

Cate Hatch

9.1

Really lovely Arneis. Love this grape however this is a more layered and complex expression. Retains levity while delivering length and finish. Drinking well right now. — 10 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured; enjoyed over three days and showed very well throughout. The 2012 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core and some browning towards the rim; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with secondary characteristics just starting to show themselves. Also, the solar nature of 2012 is showing through with loads of truffles and overripe and desiccated red and black fruits: tartufo bianco d’Alba, dried cherry, bruised raspberries, red roses, leather, Fig Newtons, dried herbs, and some dusty and gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, drying and savory. I’ve been a vocal fan of the 2012 vintage of Produttori since release and this might be the best showing yet. This is my last 750mL. My remaining bottles are magnums and I’ll look forward to enjoying those over the next 10-15 years. No rush, but this is a fun time to drink these as the truffle character is starting to peak through. — 10 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.2

Nice vintage for this producer that is youthful showing cherry, berry fruit, dried herbs, leather, rose petal & tobacco — 11 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Medium Ruby with aromas of fresh berry fruits, floral and sweet spice. On the palate this medium body wine shows flavors of juicy blueberry and blackberry with notes of herbs and vanilla spice. Dusty tannin structure, lively acidity, medium ending with crisp fruit finish. Nice value. Drink now, consistent, no aging benefit. — 22 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Fruit sourced from five vineyards, Brunate, Liste, Cerequio, Cannubi and Raviole. Medium Ruby red color with aromas of red fruit, earthy spices, floral and cedar. On the palate flavors of sour cherry and raspberry with notes of floral, smoky tobacco, vanilla and oak. Long finish, nice balance with fine soft tannins, ending with an earthy character. Good now, a few bottle years will benefit! — 4 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Bright Ruby with aromas of dark fruits, spices, oak and floral notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and plum with notes of herb pepper, tobacco, cedar and cacao. Long finish, nice balance with fine soft tannins, ending with oak and earthy notes. Good now but a few more years in the bottle will not hurt! — 4 days ago

Brent Clayton

9.4

Antithetical great bottle. Dark and brooding but it opened up nicely. Muscular but balanced. — 15 days ago

with Eric

Mandi Speidel

City Territory Chicago, Maverick Wine Company

9.0

Happy Mother’s Day!!! — 5 days ago