Jay Kline

9.5

Brought to V. Mertz from my cellar. Cascina Fontana is an ultra-traditional producer located in the commune of Castiglione Falletto; just across the border from Monforte d’Alba. The bulk of their holdings are western-facing parcels within the Mariondino MGA that were formerly part of the “Valletti Zone”. However, as an ultra-traditionalist, they only produce two Barolos and both are blends of fruit from different MGAs. One is labeled simply "Barolo" (which is a blend of fruit sourced from their holdings in both Castiglione Falletto and La Morra) and this wine, labeled under the “del Commune di Castiglione Falletto” designation. It is a blend fruit from Mariondino and the neighboring Villero MGA. Their holdings in Villero don’t suck either. Their parcels reside next to those of Vietti and Giacomo Fenocchio.

The 2016 Cascina Fontana pours a bright garnet with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity and no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous aromas of Morello cherry, bruised strawberry, pink and white roses with freshly cut stems, crushed rock and some tar. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and savory. The texture? Simply divine. A debonair Barolo from Castiglione Falletto that paired well with Morgan Ranch wagyu tartar. Because it’s 2016 (and with a little Villero), you can drink now with patience and through…well…probably 2066. No cap. — 10 months ago

Craig Williams

9.4

Suave and debonair. A fine bubble and refinement of reserve wines that makes for a very compelling wine. — 6 years ago

Nate Miles

9.1

Sonoma Coast journey continues...let's keep goin. Subtle, balanced fruit and earth. Debonair. — 7 years ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.4

Sweet lime, liquid minerals, so debonair, so elegant and ripe but energetic and tense. Always classy. — a year ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.1

Under $20 pink sparklers... what a category. This is the most debonair of them all. — 6 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.0

Straightforward, but pure strawberry, citrus, licorice, and rock woven together with flowers. While simple, its posture is debonair. More than compelling for the price and a no-brainer at $13. — 7 years ago

LM Segal

9.3

Debonair, even a bit sexy. Masculine. Needs 10 years to work itself out but the cocoa, graphite, vanilla and oaky tannins will resolve to an even higher score. — 8 years ago

J&K Muniz

9.1

I enjoyed it! Light and refreshing when it first hits the palate, with a buttery finish. — 3 years ago

LM Segal

9.8

Next level Napa cab. If this were a movie star, it would be Humphrey Bogart; smooth but intense, smokey and debonair. Totally resolved this had an incredibly long finish…I think I can still taste it. Outstanding. — 4 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.3

Æolus was the Greek god of wind and the namesake for the Eola Hills. Founded in 1977 Bethel Heights was one of the first vineyards planted in the Eola Hills. In 1984 the winery was built and the first estate wine was created. Their Æolian is sourced from their most wind-affected vines which were planted in the 90’s. Rich, but sleek black cherry, anise, and herbal tea are revealed, with subtle nuances of forest floor and vanilla. The purity of fruit and its debonair balance are what set this apart. — 7 years ago