Darren Dittrich

9.1

Intense... could be confused with a Barolo if not for slightly rounder tannins, less oak influence, and fruit intensity. This is not a feminine Barbaresco.... the’14 needs a lot of time in bottle, or at least a long decant. SommSelect . Update: 2 days later and after a 90-minute decant, this thing is starting to come alive. Much better now with some rich Italian food. Hold until 2022+ — 3 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.2

Reserved, dark cherry cola. Typical Meo, but with more reserved notes, thanks to 2014. — 11 days ago

Darren Dittrich

8.9

Very Rustic alpine Nebbiolo. My 2011 is ready to drink in 2019... a brittle cork may have contributed. Terrific producer, softer Nebbiolo with white mushroom, slightly stewed red cherry, light oak and roses... smells like a winery in production (could be a good thing, or not, for you). — a month ago

Darren Dittrich

8.9

For the ABC crowd... a lovely unoaked white we enjoyed during our summer stay in Piedmont. White peach, lemon curd, honeysuckle, and mineral with plenty of acidity. An easy drinker with a high QPR. Arneis can run from a lighter pale yellow style (most common) to a more full-bodied tropical golden style (Bruno Giacosa). — 10 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.3

Big tannins, high acid, violets and roses, sour black cherry, rhubarb... all the hallmarks of a great Barolo. At this age it’s got some leather, but there will be more tertiary notes at year 10. A Barolo this big should be good for the long haul. No faults, traditionally produced, delicious... drinking now with the fruit of 2013. — 15 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.5

Approachable now with 2013’s riper red cherry notes. If it were less expensive, I’d fill up my cellar with this stuff. Certainly can age, but this is a balanced and elegant Nebbiolo that you can decant and enjoy now. — a month ago

Darren Dittrich

9.5

Stunning 2015 Gevrey in our Old world vs New world blind tasting... attempting to replicate the Somm3 Blind tasting. This may have the favorite of the evening, closely followed by a Meo-Camuzet (2014 vintage, so not a fair comparison). SommSelect — 10 days ago

Darren Dittrich

8.9

Massive Pinot... needs 10+ years in bottle. 3 hour decant was not enough for our tasting. High acid, huge floral component... unique and not everyone’s cup of tea. — 11 days ago

Darren Dittrich

9.0

Alpine clarity... roses, bright cherry, rustic notes of forest floor and mushrooms. Perfect with rich Northern Italian food. Vintage charts are generally different than Piemonte... would love to try the 2011. — a month ago

Darren Dittrich

9.3

Expensive ($60-90ish depending on your location) but worth it. Young at 6 years after harvest, but better the 2nd day. Not even the slightest perceptible flaw, this is a bright sour cherry Barolo that will certainly improve with time in bottle. Changes in the glass over time, this is a balanced traditionally-produced bottle. — a month ago