David Samples

10

Beyond beautiful! Immediately soft upon opening—had planned to decant for 4-6 hours but decided against. Open and had small taste with Maggie Harrison around noon. Decided to re-cork it and decanted at 4PM.
At noon I got (very unexpected) cranberry notes on the nose and the palate was considerably more gentle than expected.

After two hour decant: Soft (cat tongue), integrated tannins, pomegranate, black cherry begins to emerge. Herbs, smoky/meaty notes emerge


Tasted: 5.20.26
Attendees: Mark Cerimele, Maggie Harrison, Steve Pfancuff, Lorne McClelland, Andy McCray, Denise Casino, Randy Nelson — 4 hours ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.1

4 bottles within a week. Corks are in trouble they all seeped. Their top bottling in 2009 one barrel made / 60 year old vines / clone no idea? Still quite tannic. Needs 1 hour to open up before that flat/dull. Raspberries, tart cherry, red currant, chalky. Less complicated compared to 5 years ago some bottle variation. My strong advice - drink now (I re-corked 2 for 2029 for science). But honestly this is beyond its prime! OK gains significant elegance and pose after 2 hours of air. So yes still good but tough to figure out - and recommendation still the same drink up! May be folks luck out on the upside. — 3 months ago

Diana Sabo

9.2

Enjoyed 2021 vintage on December 6, 2025 — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Piaggia Carmignano Riserva 2021
Carmignano DOCG – Tuscany – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A compelling Tuscan blend composed primarily of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, crafted by Piaggia, one of Carmignano’s benchmark estates, recognized for low yields, concentration, and precision-driven winemaking while preserving regional identity. The 2021 vintage beautifully captures the structured, terroir-focused soul of Carmignano without leaning into excessive ripeness or modern exaggeration.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, ripe plum, dried herbs, tobacco leaf, cedar, earthy undertones, and subtle graphite unfold with remarkable balance and restraint. Dark fruit remains fresh and vibrant rather than jammy, allowing savory and mineral nuances to shine through.

Mouthfeel
Medium+ bodied with elevated tension, polished yet firm tannins, and beautifully integrated acidity. Structured and intentional, carrying both power and elegance through a long, refined finish.

Food Pairings
Excellent with bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, wild boar ragù, roasted meats, or aged cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Verdict
A serious and historically compelling Tuscan red that feels refreshingly authentic in a world often dominated by overhyped “Super Tuscans.” Piaggia delivers structure, terroir expression, and sophistication without sacrificing regional character. This is Tuscany speaking fluently through discipline and balance rather than sheer opulence.

Did You Know?
Long before the “Super Tuscan” movement emerged, Carmignano producers were already legally blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon as far back as the 1700s, after Cabernet vines were introduced to Tuscany under the Medici family. In many ways, Carmignano quietly pioneered the concept centuries earlier.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is exactly the kind of under-the-radar Tuscan wine that rewards drinkers looking beyond prestige labels and chasing authenticity, structure, and historical soul instead. Cheers! — 13 days ago

Daniel Clarke

9.0

Merry Xmas — 5 months ago

with Sara

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.1

Not what I was hoping for,
Gave it some air but not too much so that we didn’t lose the sweet spot. Didn’t touch the Shafer until this was finished. Just a typical older Bordeaux blend from Napa but very ordinary considering the price point. Secondary market purchase so who knows prior storage. — 3 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2021 vintage. Last tasted 1.9.25 (9.3). Did indeed pick up extra for the resto and down to 1-2 bottles left. PNP. Still beyond solid for the price. It you find this vintage retail and it is $50 or below, you'd better pick it up or I'll call the federales/gendarmes/polizia/po po myself. — 2 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Interesting blend of mostly Chardonnay adding Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, medium vibrant lemon yellow color, with aromas of complex fruits, nutty and floral notes. On the palate flavors of pineapple, apricot and citrus with cinnamon, honey and floral spice. Long finish ending creamy with juicy fruit, almonds, citrus and mineral notes. Will age a bit, but nice now! — 2 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Always finish the tasting with something older. This works.

It has hit just beyond its precipice. Older, not quite stewy; blackberries, black cherries, plum, sandalwood, dry twig-leaves, nice acidity-roundness and well balanced finish. — 3 months ago

Martinez

9.1

Maison Leroy’s entry-level white, 100% Chardonnay sourced from different vineyards in Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Savigny-lès-Beaune. Subtle, aromatic nose with white fruits, citrus, floral notes and hints of vanilla. Fresh, mineral, great texture. No ordinary Buegundy — 2 years ago