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. — a month ago

Big Wave Dave

9.3

Lived up to their reputation. Tannins were prominent but fine and integrated and not overbearing due to the fruit intensity. Balanced and long once it breathed for 1+ hr — 3 days ago

Samuel Tyndall

8.9

Cherry, acid, delicious! Great with anything red sauce and mild cheese. This is a party drink for good casual times. Barbecues, late night pizza, or 3rd bottle of wine for the night. This is a good bet. — a month ago

romo

9.3

Called blind Chianti from the leafy balsamic, then went Nebbiolo from the spice and florals. Super elegant. — 22 days ago

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. — 7 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! — 11 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.2

Nice vintage for this producer that is youthful showing cherry, berry fruit, dried herbs, leather, rose petal & tobacco — 18 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! — 11 days ago

Conrad Green

9.5

Great. Black cherry with some strawberry. Beautiful richness and clear fruit. Some leather and tangy woody orange. Very pure and intense. Excellent. From mag. — 2 days ago

with Tony and David

Andrea Watt

9.1

Fruity and lightly bubbly with sweet and a hint of tart, light and fresh. Notes of tangerine, green apple, and kiwi. — 2 months ago