Monte Del Castello

Castello di Monsanto

Riserva Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend 2020

Really tasty. Full bodied with medium acidity and medium/high tannins. Plums with hints of blueberry are joined by interesting herbal notes of thyme and sage. Also has a nice earthiness that veers into a touch of just-ground coffee beans accompanying the fruit and herbal flavors on the finish. Really good, and went well with meatball, ricotta, and mushroom pizza. — 4 days ago

Tegan, Tom and 6 others liked this
Joel Lara

Joel Lara

@Dave I really enjoyed it. Looking to explore more CC. Didn’t have good experiences in the past with Chianti, but I didn’t know that classico was the subregion to get.
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Of the other subregions, there are some really good producers of Chianti Rufina.
Joel Lara

Joel Lara

Thanks @Tom Casagrande for the insights. Looking forward to exploring.

Castello di Volpaia

Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend 2022

An OK Chianti. Widely available. — 23 days ago

Zach liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1997

One of my absolute favorite California wines. The California Latour. ‘97 is superb—vividly detailed and complex with both power and elegance. A masterful balance of fruit, tertiary character and cooling acidity with a silky palate and melting tannins. Hard to beat for a Wagyu pairing. — 2 months ago

Paul, Tom and 6 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

1000th wine by delectable 🥳. Controlled power...deep flavours that are starting to integrate nicely. Have wanted to try this for a long time and wasnt let down. Heres to the next 1000 🥂 — 16 days ago

Somm, Austin and 16 others liked this
Anthony De Blasi

Anthony De Blasi

Congratulations! I just bought the Petit Sirah and Pagani Ranch 🤩

Castello di Monsanto

Il Poggio Riserva Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend 2000

Vintage 2000 | Cellaring rewarded the wine :-) bottled elegance, light footed sangiovese with good structure, dances in the glass — 17 days ago

Jay, Dave and 12 others liked this
Jay Kline

Jay Kline Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Dave same. I have access…but I ridiculous prices, especially when you consider how great the Riserva is.
Jan de Weerd

Jan de Weerd

Wow 😳 2000!!!

Castello di Ama

San Lorenzo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Sangiovese Blend 2021

Mein erster San Lorenzo und ich wurde nicht enttäuscht. — 2 months ago

Peter, Tom and 6 others liked this

Castello di Gabbiano

Chianti Classico Sangiovese 2023

Mary H
8.9

Simple and classic chianti but that’s about it. Cherry red fruit and light oakiness. — 2 months ago

Ira liked this

Marchesi Antinori

Castello della Sala Cervaro della Sala Umbria Chardonnay Grechetto 2023

Somm David T
9.3

Served a bit warm today but still really nice Italian white.

Had it with the Kale Salad and I am not the biggest fan of kale and it was amazing. Had two.
— 5 days ago

Sagee, Tom and 11 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2019

Second & last of my bottles. Wonderful, while ready to drink still has plenty of years ahead of it. — 9 days ago

Speri

Monte Sant'Urbano Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Corvina Blend 2020

Sant’Urbano, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2020, Veneto, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Produced by Speri in the historic hills of Valpolicella Classico, the Sant’Urbano Amarone is one of the estate’s flagship wines and a benchmark expression of the style. Crafted from the traditional Amarone blend, primarily Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, the grapes undergo the classic appassimento drying process for several months before fermentation, concentrating flavors and structure. The 2020 vintage shows remarkable balance between richness and freshness, delivering depth while maintaining precision and lift.

Aromas & Flavors
Subtle yet expressive layers of dried raisin, marmalade, and dark fruit compote emerge alongside notes of ripe cherry, fig, and delicate spice. The aromatic profile reveals the classic Amarone character without becoming overly heavy, allowing fruit purity and complexity to remain in focus.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet remarkably lively, the wine moves across the palate with impressive energy. Structured tannins and vibrant acidity provide a firm backbone, giving the wine lift and elegance. The texture is rich but polished, and the finish is long, layered, and persistent, suggesting a wine that will continue to evolve and climb with further aging.

Food Pairings
This Amarone pairs beautifully with slow-braised meats, roasted lamb, venison, and rich game dishes where its concentration and acidity complement savory depth. It also shines alongside aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino, where the wine’s structure and lingering finish enhance the richness of the pairing.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced Amarone that combines power with finesse. Structured, energetic, and elegant, it delivers both immediate pleasure and strong aging potential.

Did You Know?
The Sant’Urbano vineyard from which this wine takes its name is one of Speri’s historic crus in Valpolicella Classico and is considered among the estate’s most important sites for producing Amarone with both structure and longevity.

🍷 Personal Pick
An Amarone that truly danced across the palate, rich yet vibrant, with subtle dried fruit, marmalade, and compote supported by strong structure and acidity. Delicious now, but clearly a wine that still has room to climb.
— a month ago

Tom, Bob and 3 others liked this