Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Another excellent vintage of this “Baby Brunello.” Dark garnet color with a ruby core. Aromas of red fruits, forest floor, dried rose petals and violets and smoky oak. Flavors of red cherry, raspberry and plum fruit, balsamic vinegar and baking spices. Long lasting mineral driven finish. Round tannins, medium bodied and zesty acidity. Bright, savory and plush. Rustically elegant and consistent from vintage to vintage. From a June 2026 KZ Tasting. — 23 days ago

Pooneet K

9.2

One of the best langhe nebbiolos I’ve had recently, especially for a relatively reasonable price on the list at Leon’s. And a great pairing with pork braciole as well. Lots of fruit, but still quite refined, with great texture and acid. Quite pretty and delicious. — 3 months ago

Jody Scharf

9.0

A bit light for me, but works well with spicy food.. — 7 months ago

Joaquin Martinez

8.9

Fantastic. A southeast brunello. Immediately dark cherry, touches of plums, spice, and the acidity and tannins integrated well. As it decanted, the tannins soften drastically with the acidity slightly overpowering, but nevertheless, the fruit stayed and lingered til the end. — 9 months ago

Matt Perlman

9.3

Small, family owned winery farmed organically by hand. The riserva has 3 years in oak and could use a little more time to integrate, but already it’s very elegant and aromatic. Beautiful and soulful wine showing very primary right now with raspberry, cherry, balsamic, a bit of leather and licorice with air — 2 years ago

Adam Kincaid

9.3

Incredibly complex. Wow… Where to even begin? Quite fragrant: waxed golden apple, green pear, pepper, and lots of lemon rind. The lemon and wax continue when drunk, but the apple turns to pear with intense acid, cream and vanilla and a touch of honey. This wine has no idea what it wants to be, and that makes it fun as hell. — 4 years ago

with Jillian

Raff

9.2

Pale yellow with a bit of haze. Smells exactly like those Italian pear nectars you have as a kid. Bit of lemon and white flowers on the nose also. Ripe Bartlett pear is the most dominant flavour, with green mango, and finishing on the slick oiliness of fried sage. Medium minus acidity, medium finish. Don't know what to pair it with, buts it's highly drinkable — 5 years ago

Adriana Fabbro

9.1

Had high hopes as this wine/vintage was an absolute stunner 7-8 years ago when I last had a bottle but this one was a bit shagged (as my newly minted MW friend likes to say). Hoping it’s just this bottle, but maybe it’s peak has long past. Slightly maderized and very little fruit left. Thin. — 2 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.5

An absolutely fantastic single vineyard Brunello. Dark ruby color with a slight brick colored fade on the rim. Fragrant aromas of red berries, tobacco, leather and purple flowers. Flavors of ripe red and black cherries, coffee, black licorice and minerals. Distinct note of forest floor on the long lasting and luxurious finish. Full bodied. Silky tannins and impeccable balance. Powerful, yet quite suave, polished and sophisticated. Aging beautifully and should continue to improve. Absolutely outstanding! Thank you Kase for the wonderful gift! — 3 months ago

carmen jeffery

10

incredible aroma like a resinous perfume - great tannins - dry and luxurious — 7 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Apologies for the soiled label. Pale Ruby with a tawny edge - almost transparent. Dusty earthy mushroom aromas. Oak is absorbed and so are the tannins. Barely medium weight, elegant in fact. Interesting for a Barolo / cherry notes on palate. Perfect to accompany food - in this case home made pizza. One of the lightest Barolos I’ve ever tried but very enjoyable. — a year ago

Vin d’Ottawa

8.9

Funky Bosc pair at the open and Muscat sweetness at the finish.

Would be great on a nice summer day. — 3 years ago

Joe Fischer

9.2

This is a really great Dolcetto!!! Red fruit, earthy, mild tannins. Bargain Price!!! — 4 years ago

John Malcolm

9.2

Very tannic and acidic even after a couple of hours of decanting. It needs several hours (about eight) in the decanter to calm down and open up. Earthy and smokey. Dried dark cherries, pomegranate, tar, cedar, leather, and spices. Powerful and dense. — 5 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.5

An absolutely incredible single vineyard Brunello from a landmark vintage. Dark ruby color with a slight brick rim. Aromas of forest floor, bramble fruit, tar and dried herbs. Flavors of black cherry, tobacco, black licorice and coffee. Long and luxurious finish and just enough velvety tannin to enhance and lengthen the experience. Medium-plus body and perfectly balanced acidity. Powerful, yet beautifully well structured. Still incredibly vibrant. Sangiovese at its finest! This wine has a personality all its own. Thanking Petey for making this incredible selection. Happy Birthday, Kase! — 2 months ago

Greg Koslosky

9.2

Lovely Barolo from a ripe vintage really showed well after being decanted for an hour. — 5 months ago

Ki Punwar

Owner, California Wine Republic

9.5

In a good place — 6 months ago

Eric L.

9.8

Among some wonderful 2008 Barolos, this Cicala was a standout. Excellent length and complexity. — 8 months ago

carmen

9.3

light, slightly fizzy chilled italian red with vibrant strawberry notes smoothed by a pear undertone. i had with white beans and bread but would do this again with a hearty pizza! — 3 years ago

Steven Heydemann

9.5

Lovely fully mature Barolo. The 85s are often on the decline, and this one may not be at peak, but wonderful balance, clear fruit, with a shorter finish than I recall from earlier bottles. 1 of 3 from a very nice dinner last night. — 4 years ago