Jay Kline

9.4

La Ca’Növa is now under fifth generation leadership; they used to sell all their fruit to Gaja. Super traditional methods with a twist; they used botti made of Austrian oak instead of Salvonian. Vigna Bric Mentina is a sub cru of the Montefico MGA where the soils are relatively sandy.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two hours. The 2015 “Vigna Bric Mentina” pours a garnet color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity and no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe Morello cherry, raspberry, strawberry, roses with freshly cut stems, cedar chest, dried herbs and gravelly earth and minerals. There’s also a kiss of VA, just in case you needed a reminder that this is a traditional Italian wine, lol! On the palate, the wine is bone dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and slightly savory. This is absolutely baller. How did I sleep on this producer for so long? Oh yeah…I remember: access. I live in Omaha. Welp…now I have another producer to chase. Drink now with patience (enjoy the ride!) and through 2045. — 18 days ago

Andrew Keenan

9.7

Moores 2024. $25. Still the greatest. — 2 months ago

Baltar666

8.9

Drink this shit with pasta. Just buy a bunch of this shit, it's pretty good. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Ca’ del Bosco “Annamaria Clementi” Franciacorta 2016, Franciacorta DOCG, Lombardy, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Prestige cuvée Franciacorta from Ca’ del Bosco, crafted using the traditional method and aged extensively on lees. The blend includes Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco, the latter adding a distinctive Italian identity rarely seen in Champagne. The 2016 vintage shows exceptional balance and refinement, delivering the depth and elegance expected from one of Italy’s most iconic sparkling wines.

Aromas & Flavors
White peach, baked apple, citrus zest, toasted brioche, almond pastry, and delicate floral tones. Subtle hints of honey, lemon curd, and crushed stone emerge with air, giving the wine impressive aromatic complexity.

Mouthfeel
Ultra-fine mousse with a creamy yet energetic texture. Structured and layered with vibrant acidity supporting a deep mid-palate. Long, persistent finish with elegance and precision, prestige cuvée level balance that rivals top Champagne houses.

Food Pairings
Lobster or scallop crudo. Oysters with citrus mignonette. Truffle risotto. Branzino or Dover sole. Aged Parmigiano Reggiano

Verdict
A striking example of Franciacorta at its highest level, refined, expressive, and unmistakably luxurious. The structure and finesse easily evoke comparisons with tête de cuvée Champagne, yet the presence of Pinot Bianco adds a subtle Italian nuance that sets it apart.

Did You Know?
Franciacorta requires longer minimum lees aging than Champagne for vintage wines (at least 30 months for vintage expressions), contributing to the creamy texture and complexity found in prestige cuvées like Annamaria Clementi.

🍷 Personal Pick
Absolutely a “whoa factor” sparkling wine, each glass reveals depth and refinement comparable to top Champagne prestige cuvées, yet with a distinctive Italian signature.
— a month ago

Will Huntley

9.0

Candy strawberry — 2 months ago

JKT

9.0

Very nice, dark color earthy forest notes into firm palate with a good bite and extending into finish — 3 months ago

Robert Stackowiak

9.0

A nice blend with peach and a bit of almond on the palate. Lots of acidity. March 2026. — a month ago

Tom Casagrande

9.3

This is Garagiste’s private label. I’m guessing the producer is Icardi because that’s usually their go-to for Barbaresco and Barolo, but I can’t be sure. In any event, this is terrific wine and at its peak, in my view. Nose is classic with rose petals, beautiful dried cherry, mineral-flecked gravel, and some tertiary old library scents making an appearance. Soft, long, and balanced in the mouth. Really fine. Strangely, zero sediment. — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2018 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 30 mins. Light-medium/medium body. Oodles of power. Just starting to transition into adulthood. 2.20.26. — 2 months ago

Mark S.

9.0

Gernet, looks aged. Ample aroma Green tea Macha and Red tea. Raspberry blueberry Black currant, black cherry. Clove cinnamon nutmeg Leather Fe Dry herb. Fruitiness M Sweetness M+ Acidity M+ Tannin M++ silky? Later on, Floral and elegant. <300m facing south. Fontanafredda La Rosa Barolo 20 @24216, Mont, 251123 — 5 months ago