Randy Fuller

9.1

This wine is dark and offers up a nose of black cherry, cassis, licorice and a chalky, dusty note of earth. On the palate, the tannins bite a bit but the flavor is there. Dark red fruit leads the way with oak spice playing a minor role. There is a tingly acidity and the spicy finish is medium long. It is a serviceable wine, if not one to ruminate on very long. — 10 months ago

Vanessa

9.1

Amarone della Valpolicella is known as a deeply-hued, intense, dry (to off-dry) wine produced via the ‘appassimento’ method in Valpolicella region of Veneto, Italy, whereby the grapes are laid out to dry indoors for weeks to months following harvest.

As the grapes dry, they begin to shrivel due to the evaporation of water from within. This concentrates other components of the grape (such as the sugar and aromas / flavors) and increases the % of skin relative to remaining pulp (skin primarily contributes color, tannin, aroma/flavor).

The partly-shriveled grapes are gently pressed and slowly fermented. The resulting wine is matured at least 2 years in oak before release.

Why do winemakers do this? Primarily to enhance complexity, color / aromatic concentration, body, and produce an overall higher-octane wine.

This particular wine comes from the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico subzone, which is known for producing more elegant and aromatic expressions. We’re definitely picking up on that with this beauty! It’s made with the Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara varieties.

This wine is deep ruby. It has ripe, juicy aromas and flavors of black cherry, black currant, stewed plum, violet, anise, resin, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark chocolate, espresso, sweet tobacco, and leather. It’s structured and offers a long finish. The fruit, acidity, alcohol, and tannins strike a wonderful balance. Yum!

Masi, Costasera, Amarone Classico, Vintage 2015, ABV 15%. — 2 years ago

with Deked1

Michelle M

9.1

So this wasn’t TOO heavy on the extraction and oakiness. Pretty nice blend of fresh and developing red and black fruit, relatively restrained oak notes (at least compared to the last Napa red I had). But personally I feel like Napa winemakers in general rely too much on over-toasted oak. Finish was shorter than I expected but overall not bad. Might be better with a little more bottle aging — 3 years ago

Lisa McKinnon

8.9

A little thin at first but opened up well. Mostly black cherries, plum, currants. Not heavy on the tannins. Enjoyed with filet. — 2 years ago

Brandon Boesch

9.4

This wine is expressive. I read a kids book series called “a year in brambly hedge” to my children and this tastes like the pictures of mushrooms, blackberries, cherries, in their stores under the hedge. There’s also a game/olive component in the background. I like it! — 2 years ago

Ron from VA

9.0

Evidence of a slightly warmer southern Monticello Ava aspect/terroir…from a generally cool/dry vintage. After seven years it has concentrated a bit in bottle/callar and finding velvety texture with plush tannins. Plenty of compote/black cherry energy drives a framed herbally-sweet attack. Above average effort compared to their peers… One of the more overlooked/under appreciated vineyard sites and winemakers in the region. — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

For more than 75 years, the Martini family winemakers have crafted wines from Sonoma and Napa counties. Michael Martini, 3rd generation carries on the tradition. 100% Cab, aged in French oak (75% new) for over 2 years. Deep Ruby, aromas of red/black fruit, complex spice with smoky notes. Flavors of blackberry and currants with an earthy character adding a array of spices. Fine tannins, opening nicely, long finish, ending with notes of fruit, cacao & tobacco. Still has room to age. — 3 years ago

Daniel P. Drake

9.3

This wine I opened was the 2020 Penley Estate Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon. This is from Coonawarra, Australia from winemakers Kate Goodman & Lauren Hansen.

On the nose there is cherry, nkackberry, plum, green bell papper, herbal notes, currant candy and dark rich soil.

On the palate is black cherry, nlackberry, black currant, green bell pepper, spice, herbaceous, graphite,cassis, minerality and earth.

This is a full bodied wine with a velvety mouthfeel medium,+ acidity and medium + fine grippy tanninsthat move easily into a long black fruit graphite finish. A bery nice easy to drink with loads of appeal. Fall seems to be upon us and the leaves have started changing quickly. Have a great weekend and get outside and enjoy the change of the seasons. Please stay safe and healthy. Nostrovia! 🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 2 years ago

Vanessa

9.0

Artesana is a small production, low intervention, terroir-driven producer of beautiful Uruguayan wines. 🙌🙌 🇺🇾

This wine was made from grapes grown on estate vineyards, harvested by hand, with sustainable farming practices. 🍇🍇

It is a deep ruby hue, offering concentrated aromas and flavors of tart black cherry, black currant, plum, nutmeg, cedar, anise, pepper, vegetal and green notes, alongside meaty characteristics.

It is balanced with good fruit concentration, refreshing acidity, high alcohol (14%), and soft tannins.

It’s comprised of Cabernet Franc (55%) and Merlot (45%) from the region of Canelones, Uruguay.

Acclaimed female winemakers Analía Lazaneo and Valentina Gatti have left us inspired and excited to try more from Artesana.

@Delectable Wine This is the Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend. 🙏🙏 — 2 years ago

with Deked1

Ely Cohn

9.1

When winemakers devote themselves to the mastery of one grape, every bottling from top to bottom tends to be exceptional.

Such is the case with Raul Perez and his consistent ability to make Mencia bloom.

Vico is aromatically rich and complex. Cedar, new leather, blackberry, black currant, cinnamon, cocoa, coffee.



— 3 years ago