Tom Casagrande

9.0

Another big boi from this producer. Obviously uses at least a significant proportion of partially dried grapes. Fairly saturated color. Nose is rather subdued, reluctantly giving up scents of leather, underbrush, crushed rock, and dark cherry underneath all of that non-fruit stuff. In the mouth, it’s big, with initial slightly bitter, extracted notes. Tannic. Dissimilar from straight Valpos in its size and austerity. Dissimilar from Ripasso-style Valpos in that the fruit is not especially ripe or sweetish. It will go well with our stuffed shells in red sauce, but is a little challenging on its own. It occurs to me that this might fit in well in a tasting of 2017s from the left bank in Bordeaux. In other words, very atypical for a Valpo. Still, it’s pretty good, as long as you don’t harbor any expectations of typicity.

UPDATE: two nights later (using a vacuum closure), this has actually improved. Kind of amazing for a Valpo of this age. The fruit has moved closer to front-and-center, and it seem a bit more Calpo-like, though it’s still pretty large-framed. Upping score from 8.8 to 9.0. — 21 days ago

Katie Dooley

9.0

Lots of minerality, smells of petrol. Interesting yeasty undertones. Great for sipping, be cautious pairing with foods — 17 days ago

Virginia De Diaz

9.5

Soft, dry, sweet notes, Smokey and nice for grilled meet. Nothing better for a rainy Firenze afternoon — a month ago

Danny O'Brien

9.5

Really beautiful Brielle that shows so much complexity and character, very perfumy nose that developed and opened up over time and a great balance of fruit, floral/cedar notes and tannin on the palate. Tannins were very delicate but present and structured, really beautiful wine — 15 days ago

Jennifer G

9.1

2013 vintage. Needed an hour and a half to open. Light, juicy, unripe dark red fruits, black pepper, excellent with spicy homemade pizzas. — a month ago

Ronald LaMascus

9.0

Very good Rosso di Montalcino! Especially with hard cheese and Italian bread! Would also be great with pasta, grilled meats, etc al. Just okay as a sipping wine but comes alive with food!Cherries, brambley fruits, low tannins, good qpr especially as compared to Brunello! — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2020 vintage. 01.09.25. — 23 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

This has all the traits that make Etna Reds so attractive. Medium bodied , red fruited with pronounced minerality. Vines planted on the pure Ellittico lava flow terroir. Predominantly Nerello Mascalese. As many tasters previously have said of Etna Rosso, a hypothetical blend of Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir. I will leave my last bottle for a couple of years. — 14 days ago

Lyle

9.2

Light, jammy front with a smooth, lightly earthy finish. — a month ago

Brian Lenich

9.2

Friday night with Amy at 3411 — 2 months ago