Sicily, Italy

Arianna Occhipinti

Sicilia Il Frappato 2020

Delectable Wine
9.3

More like a spiced herbal tea than wine in the glass, the 2020 Il Frappato wafts up with a smoky mix of dusty rose, sage, allspice and crushed ashen stone. This is pure and delicate in feel, with a salty flourish up front that gives way to citrus-tinged wild berries and red plums. It leaves the palate completely refreshed, tapering off with a staining of liquid inner florals and licorice nuances. While I don’t see the 2020 making old bones, it would benefit from a short stay in the cellar to help unlock more of its aromatic profile. It’s an understated beauty. (Eric Guido, Vinous, September 2023)
— 17 days ago

Marchesi Antinori

Tignanello Toscana Super Tuscan Blend 2019

The Antinori family, one of the world's oldest and most distinguished wine producers, lived in Tuscany since the 14th century. Blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cab Sauv & 5% Cab Franc, less maceration than prior vintages. Deep Ruby, aromas of black berry fruit aromas with herb, mint and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cherry with cacao, vanilla and tobacco spice. Fine tannins, long finish, well balanced, ending with oak, juicy fruit and earthy mineral tones. Very Nice! — 15 days ago

Andrew, DD and 12 others liked this

Castello di Monsanto

Riserva Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend 2019

Another vintage, another lovely Chianti Classico Riserva from Castello di Monsanto which continues to be a benchmark for wines from San Donato in Poggio. Popped and poured; enjoyed over two days and consistent over both. The 2019 Monsanto CCR pours a deep ruby color with a translucent core. Medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears and no signs of sediment. On the nose, baked mixed berries, dried green herbs, red carnations, dried gravely earth. On the palate, the wine is dry. Medium+ tannin and Medium+ acid. Confirming the notes on the nose. The finish is medium+. A lovely pairing with almost any red sauce dish. Drinking well now and I expect it will continue to do so through 2034. — 2 days ago

Daniel, Andrew and 11 others liked this
Peter van den Besselaar

Peter van den Besselaar Influencer Badge

Appetizing picture, fine description
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

It all looks yummy!

Arianna Occhipinti

SP68 Bianco Terre Siciliane Albanello Muscat of Alexandria 2022

Delectable Wine
9.0

Pungent florals, ground ginger and grapefruit form a zesty bouquet as the 2022 Bianco SP68 opens in the glass. It’s soft and round. Juicy acidity and tropical citrus tones enliven its tart orchard fruits. This finishes surprisingly long, leaving exotic inner florals and sour melon notes to fade slowly. What a treat. The SP68 Bianco is a blend of Albana and Zibibbo. (Eric Guido, Vinous, September 2023)
— 17 days ago

Azienda Agricola Fontodi

Flaccianello della Pieve Colli Toscana Centrale Sangiovese 2019

My favourite italian wine. Cherries and leather with the perfect balance between power and acidity. Already amazing and this is a 2019!!! One to watch over the coming years — 10 hours ago

Lyle, Tom and 4 others liked this
ESF

ESF

Classic year in / year out

Montevertine

Le Pergole Torte Sangiovese 2009

Powerful wine. Medium weight beautiful color. Slight silt on decant. The cherry is pronounced but the terroir is also evident and balances it nicely with earthy elements and roundness. Slightly puckering but only to give the wine breadth. It complimented the salty veal saltimbocca and I look forward to the next bottle. — 16 days ago

Tom, Ted and 12 others liked this

Arianna Occhipinti

SP68 Terre Siciliane Nero d'Avola Frappato

Yet another fine mineral, herbal, sea element set of qualities from the Queen of Sicilian winemaking — 23 days ago

Tenuta delle Terre Nere

Etna Rosso Nerello Mascalese Blend 2021

Quite nice Etna Rosso with Pat’s lasagna ($27) — 15 days ago

Marchesi Antinori

Solaia Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2018

A blend of 75% Cab Sauv, 18% Sangiovese & 7% Cab Franc, dark Ruby with aromas of ripe berry fruits, floral spice and flinty notes. On the palate flavors of jammy blackberry, cherry and plum with cacao and herbs with slight minty edge. Soft tannins, well balanced with acidity, long finish ending with fruit, cedar and earthy tobacco. Very nice! Drinking well but will improve over next decade. — 15 days ago

Alex, Andrew and 10 others liked this

Marchesi Antinori

Tenuta Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato Bolgheri Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2020

A blend of Cab Sauv, Merlot and Syrah. Deep Ruby with aromas of black and red fruits and floral spice aromas. On the palate black cherry and blackberry flavors with licorice, espresso and sweet oak spice. Smooth and refined tannins, long ending with fruit and sweet earthy tones. Consistent quality and good value. — 9 days ago

Ted, Byron and 7 others liked this