Bonnie Chu

9.1

Slow wine 🇮🇹 tasting! More classic — a month ago

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. — 2 months ago

Brandon Thiessen

9.3

Turkish delight, rose water. Dried apricot, bright, acetic, lots of VA, acetone. — 6 months ago

Inseon Hwang

9.3

Tart minerals, sea salt and smoke. Subtle oak finish. — 2 months ago

Audrey Whiting

8.9

Lightly effervescent orange (skin contact) — 4 months ago

Sally Neal

9.1

Delightful and delicious - another great suggestion from the guys at Crush! May have had it a bit early but was anxious to try it. — 4 months ago

Kristine Salm

9.1

Crystal clear amber color strong tannins — 6 months ago

Tree Kilpatrick

8.9

Very old white wine. Golden hue. Smells a bit like golden delicious apples, Bartlett pear, honey and sweetened lemon. Flavors are hint oxidized, but still tart and bright. Plenty of citrus. Lots of tannin. This is adventurous and delicious white. Wonder what it was like closer to 2014. At this stage it’s a bit like my favorite kind of Chardonnay. Smooth and round, but zippy too. — 2 months ago

Hajime Kawasaki

9.3

ナチューレワイン、
手長海老のリゾットと合う
独特の芳香と酸味。やや乳酸味。 — 4 months ago

Aloke Mukherjee

9.2

With Barbara, Karen, Mark and William Dec. 2023 — 5 months ago