Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

A property Sofia and I visited in 2017.

If Italy has a technical Champagne region, it would be Franciacorta near Lake Garda in Northern Italy. This producer one of the region’s very best!

Lemon, lime profile, Bosc pear, bruised red apple, some white spice, volcanics, light yeast, limestone, caramel, yellow flowers, nice acidity and a nicely balanced, elegant finish that lasts a minute.

@RisoranteSapori Interlaken — a month ago

Jacob Onufrychuk

9.3

Brownish red color. Earth, strawberry, and cherry. Acidic with softer tannins. Like a Chianti with some of the idiosyncrasies smoothed out. Good, but not transcendent especially given the price. Brunellos really lend themselves to aging, so maybe 8 years old isn’t enough time to reveal what is going on. Also, I think this is my first Brunello, so I’m still getting to know the style. EDIT - later this wine started to take on a really lovely, silky quality that I really like. I think I’ve turned the corner. — 2 years ago

Frank Gresik

9.3

Great wine full of complex flavors. Maybe a bit past it’s prime. Still a wonderful wine to complement a memorable dinner. I had it with White Truffle tagliatelle. 😊 — 4 years ago

Bob Yoon

9.4

Remember the scene in Downton Abbey when Lady Mary Crawley has to jump in and save her pigs? That’s this wine. Bold, feisty, rich and strong. Won’t hesitate to get down and dirty when working. Will still have enough energy to cook you an omelette afterwards. I have no fucking clue if I’m making any sense… — a year ago

Taber

9.0

Great white wine - crispy, some floral notes. Pairs great with food. I hope I find it imported here in the states sometime. 2022 vintage brought in Manarola. — 2 years ago

Daniel Bloom

9.1

N: Smells like an old, broken In leather couch, plenty of dirt, frutti di bosco.
P. Nice acidity and tarry goodness, tobacco, some plum.
I believe these guys are next to Uccelaria*(sp)
Not bad for a bargain bottle. Many years ahead as well.
— 3 years ago

Ben Gunning

9.4

Pretty Nebbiolo colour of course - maybe a little darker than normal? Maybe the room is too dim! Lots going on for me on the nose. Floral, perfumy stuff, a bit of cedar, got orange peel for a sec but also softer stuff (is candle wax too creative?) I taste cherry and maybe almond liqueur…. Smooth finish with nice medium tannins - great structure. To me this is a complex and rewarding wine. — 4 years ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.4

When you say chardonnay in Italy is tricky
But when we think what they grow in Franciacorta for their sparkling it is all about quality
And the side "surprise" is how their non sparkling Chardonnay show
Marvellous mineral
Great balance
Amazing zingy and persi aftertaste
Bellavista isn't just anyone
They definitely know what they're doing
IMO one of the best Italian Chardonnay at the moment
I had memory of the ca del bosco one being great but this one sits just on his side.
The bonus was having it at sunset on a hill over Byron Bay, Bangalow to be precise.
One of those wine that gets stuck with the memory. — a year ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.1

Extra point for value. If you love earthy flavors and tannins this is for you. Quite tight on opening - took a couple of hours of slow ox to be approachable. Then - nose of forest floor and anise. Palate was of dense rhubarb/dark cherry with dried autumn leaves and a hint of pine needles and bark and a lingering but refreshing mineral finish that was surprisingly mouthwatering sweet at the very end. I’m glad I have a few more bottles to save for when I want to take another flavor journey. — 3 years ago

Michael Miller

8.9

2015 is a Really solid Rosso and a good value. A bigger red than I usually enjoy but it has an elegance about it. — 4 years ago