Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Mid 20th century fashionable country resort, popular with Hollywood due to 1892 stone Manor House & historic gardens. Blend of Cab Sauv, Merlot, Malbec, rest other Rhone varieties, aged 20 months in 37% new French oak. Dark Ruby, aromas of ripe berry fruits, herbs & spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and black currant with vanilla oak and earthy notes. Well balanced, fine tannins long finish ending with fruit, espresso notes and sweet spice! Nice now and will drink well over next decade. — 2 months ago

Robert Stackowiak

9.0

Cabernet Sauvignon at 37 percent, 36 percent Cabernet Franc, the rest Merlot in this vintage so less Cab Sauv and Tannins dominated. Good balance and easy drinking. March 2024. — a year ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

In 1877, Illario and Leopoldo Ruffino laid the foundations of their dream to make Italian wines from the heart of Tuscany. Medium Ruby red color with aromas of dark berry fruit and earthy spice, blend of 80% Sangiovese with rest Merlot and Cab Sauv. On the palate flavors of black cherry and plum with tobacco, pepper and earthy cedar notes. Full-bodied, well balanced soft drying tannins on a smooth medium+ finish. Grab some Italian food and enjoy the great value wine. Consistent quality, a Fav!! — a year ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Pale golden color, complex aging, 34% new French oak-15 months, 30% stainless-4 months; 18% in Foudre for 9 months; rest concrete egg for 14 months. Aromas of stone fruits, oak, nuts, floral and spice. On the palate flavors of peach and pear with honeysuckle, integrated toasty oak and nice citrus tang. Long finish, ending with a wet stone mineral character. Outstanding! Will age well! — 6 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga Martínez, now run by Manuel, Isabel & Isaac Muga Caño. Deep Ruby, aromas of sweet red and black fruits with pepper spice, unmistakable Muga. 4 grape blend from the Haro district (70% Tempranillo, rest Garnacha, Mazuelo & Graciano), palate shows cherry and currant flavors with espresso, vanilla & toasty oak tones. Soft full tannins, lively acidity on a medium+ finish ending with an earthy mineral character. Nice value! Great vintage! — a year ago

Bob McDonald

8.9

I was expecting more from this reputable producer of Chianti. The bottom line is that this is too young to be drinking now, especially for such a long living wine. The mid palate needs to fill out to catch up with the tannic finish which means the wine finishes with some astringency. Needs to rest in a cool cellar for 5 to 10 years at least. — 2 years ago

with Hugh and Georgina

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Medium lemon color, aromas of stone and citrus fruits with floral and mineral notes,
aged for 15 months in 64% new oak, rest in neutral oak. On the palate flavors of apple and pear with citrus wrapped in a nutty texture. Medium+ finish, lively acidity, ending with fruit, spice and savory citrus character. — 9 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Blend of about 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest Merlot & Cabernet Franc, aged in new oak, deep Ruby with aromas of berry fruit, spice, floral and vanilla notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and currants with cedar, vanilla and cacao, nice mouthfeel. Fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, oak and sweet spicy mineral notes. Very nice, great value! — 10 months ago

Scott E. Becker

9.2

[Tasted on November 3, 2023 at Home]

The Kite’s Rest estate vineyard is located in Anderson Valley, 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Cherry and dried red currant, with licorice, smoke, stony minerality and spice. — a year ago

Jim Wagonfeld

9.2

Sangiovese from some of the oldest vines in Tuscany. The personal estate of Victorio Fiore and his son. Very dark and opaque. Nose is floral,earthy and dusty. Plum, black cherry, licorice and dark chocolate flavors. Still tannic and ++ acidity. Quite dense even after a hours long decant and open 2 days. Needs more time to rest. — 2 years ago

with Judy