Sicily, Italy

Arianna Occhipinti

Sicilia Il Frappato 2020

Delectable Wine
9.3

More like a spiced herbal tea than wine in the glass, the 2020 Il Frappato wafts up with a smoky mix of dusty rose, sage, allspice and crushed ashen stone. This is pure and delicate in feel, with a salty flourish up front that gives way to citrus-tinged wild berries and red plums. It leaves the palate completely refreshed, tapering off with a staining of liquid inner florals and licorice nuances. While I don’t see the 2020 making old bones, it would benefit from a short stay in the cellar to help unlock more of its aromatic profile. It’s an understated beauty. (Eric Guido, Vinous, September 2023)
— 14 days ago

Azienda Agricola Fontodi

Flaccianello della Pieve Colli Toscana Centrale Sangiovese 2009

This rendition was a bit tighter and more closed than previous bottles. The inward experience was still very good. Lots of subtle oomph here but the fruit was overwhelmed. Solid showing though. — 4 days ago

Tom, Ron and 16 others liked this

Montevertine

Le Pergole Torte Sangiovese 2009

Powerful wine. Medium weight beautiful color. Slight silt on decant. The cherry is pronounced but the terroir is also evident and balances it nicely with earthy elements and roundness. Slightly puckering but only to give the wine breadth. It complimented the salty veal saltimbocca and I look forward to the next bottle. — 13 days ago

Tom, Ted and 12 others liked this

Arianna Occhipinti

SP68 Bianco Terre Siciliane Albanello Muscat of Alexandria 2022

Delectable Wine
9.0

Pungent florals, ground ginger and grapefruit form a zesty bouquet as the 2022 Bianco SP68 opens in the glass. It’s soft and round. Juicy acidity and tropical citrus tones enliven its tart orchard fruits. This finishes surprisingly long, leaving exotic inner florals and sour melon notes to fade slowly. What a treat. The SP68 Bianco is a blend of Albana and Zibibbo. (Eric Guido, Vinous, September 2023)
— 14 days ago

Marchesi Antinori

Tignanello Toscana Super Tuscan Blend 2019

The Antinori family, one of the world's oldest and most distinguished wine producers, lived in Tuscany since the 14th century. Blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cab Sauv & 5% Cab Franc, less maceration than prior vintages. Deep Ruby, aromas of black berry fruit aromas with herb, mint and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cherry with cacao, vanilla and tobacco spice. Fine tannins, long finish, well balanced, ending with oak, juicy fruit and earthy mineral tones. Very Nice! — 12 days ago

Andrew, DD and 12 others liked this

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

Le Volte Toscana Sangiovese Blend 2016

Vintage 2016 | spicyness in smell, red fruit and good balance in taste | paired with tunafish and stewed chicory. — 11 days ago

Doug, Paul and 16 others liked this

Arianna Occhipinti

SP68 Terre Siciliane Nero d'Avola Frappato

Yet another fine mineral, herbal, sea element set of qualities from the Queen of Sicilian winemaking — 20 days ago

Tenuta delle Terre Nere

Etna Rosso Nerello Mascalese Blend 2021

Quite nice Etna Rosso with Pat’s lasagna ($27) — 12 days ago

Marchesi Antinori

Solaia Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2018

A blend of 75% Cab Sauv, 18% Sangiovese & 7% Cab Franc, dark Ruby with aromas of ripe berry fruits, floral spice and flinty notes. On the palate flavors of jammy blackberry, cherry and plum with cacao and herbs with slight minty edge. Soft tannins, well balanced with acidity, long finish ending with fruit, cedar and earthy tobacco. Very nice! Drinking well but will improve over next decade. — 12 days ago

Alex, Andrew and 10 others liked this

Cantina Bartolo Mascarello

Barolo Nebbiolo 2005

Awesome. More soon. ….Drinking this wine is like sitting on the sofa with a big bar of dark chocolate. Very port like. Roses, leather, classic. Very dry dried figs. Plenty of tannins left. Could run for 10 more years with ease. 400$ now. Just drank a second and last bottle. One of the best Barolo’s money can buy. — 6 days ago

Lyle, Ira and 3 others liked this
vinokeeno

vinokeeno

Oh hell yes.