Jay Kline

9.3

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and no obvious signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of ripe and some dried fruits: bramble berries, slightly stewed black cherry, dried herbs, stony earth, baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. The alcohol is high.

Initial conclusions: this could be a Grenache-based blend, Corvina-based blend or Sangiovese-based blend from France or Italy. I felt the combination of slightly stewed cherry and spices ruled out what I would want from a Sangiovese blend. Which, left me to decide between Southern Rhône or Valpolicella. I liked this wine…the oak treatment was interesting. I was getting a French barrique. Hmmm…

So, for my final conclusion: I’m calling this a Grenache-based blend, from France, from Southern Rhône, from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2017, from a more modern leaning producer using a good portion of barrique. I’ll be damned! I don’t hate my call but I gotta get better at distinguishing these wines from Southern Rhône. I probably just need to drink more of both, lol. Tasty stuff! Drink now through 2039. — 10 hours ago

Jeanette Bangs

9.2

Jammy! 🇮🇹 Yummy 😋 — 2 months ago

Tyler Felous

9.4

Took a flyer buying this from Benchmark. Bottle was in perfect condition, but sadly past its peak. Nose was outstanding - huge - chocolate, spice box. Had lost any acidity to balance the huge fruit. And at 17%, it kicked our ass. Would love to try a slightly younger rendition. — 3 months ago

carmen jeffery

10

incredible aroma like a resinous perfume - great tannins - dry and luxurious — a month ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.0

Deep purple in color; on the nose, it's clean with pronounced intensity primary and secondary aromas of blackberries, dried herbs, and vanilla; on the palate, it's dry, with high acidity, high tannins, medium alcohol, full body, and pronounced primary and secondary flavors of plum, baking spices, a hint of black pepper, and crushed gravel with a long finish. This wine is intense and balanced, but it's difficult to differentiate the flavors. Overall, I rate this wine as very good. — 2 months ago

Brian Lenich

9.2

Jeff Mark Yaz and Brian — 3 months ago

Ana Bumgardner

9.0

2021 vintage at Tratoria with Italian. Yum! 10/23/25 — 2 months ago

Brad Jensen

9.2

Light to medium bodied wine, pale burgundy with amber hues to the edges. Barnyard funky nose, hay, muddy earth, with hints of black cherry, fermented black plum, and some velvety vanilla notes, maybe even some beach dried seaweed. Palate is VERY fruit forward, silky, with ripe fresh strawberry all over, some wild funkiness, slight brandy hints, with some angelfood cake crust like flavors, olive oil, black olives and tar, really complex, loooong and different. — 2 months ago

Lars

8.9

Better the 2nd day, best the 3rd! Long finish — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Tenuta Montecchiesi – Toscana IGT Vermentino / Chardonnay 2022
Central Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
An intriguing white blend of 60% Vermentino and 40% Chardonnay, grown in the heart of Tuscany. This bottling showcases both the Mediterranean freshness of Vermentino and the richness of Chardonnay, striking a beautiful balance between crispness and layered texture.

Aromas & Flavors
On the nose, notes of mandarin orange zest, white flowers, and orchard fruits mingle with a touch of tropical hints. The palate brings citrus, ripe pear, and a faint herbal edge, all wrapped in a mineral-driven backbone.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, lively, and refreshing, with bright acidity. It carries a slight roundness from the Chardonnay, which softens the edges of Vermentino’s sharpness. The finish is clean, mineral, and persistent.

Winemaking Notes
Produced under the Toscana IGT classification, this blend reflects Montecchiesi’s experimental spirit. Stainless steel fermentation preserves freshness and aromatics, while a short maturation adds finesse and balance.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with grilled sea bass, linguine alle vongole, fried calamari, or Caprese salad. Also a great aperitivo option with light cheeses and bruschetta.

Verdict
A versatile, well-balanced Tuscan white blend that merges freshness with elegance. A crowd-pleasing summer wine that brings both character and charm to the table. — 4 months ago