The Astounding Magic Box Wines

Paolo Scavino

Monvigliero Barolo Nebbiolo 2020

Mention “Monvigliero” around any Barolo nut and there is a better than good chance you might witness the following behavior: waxing poetic in hushed tones, sighing, swooning…possibly fainting. Monvigliero truly is the zeitgeist. For over 40 years, Comm. G.B. Burlotto (and Fratelli Alessandria before them), have quietly been making great single-vineyard Monvigliero and it was only in the last 10-15 years that the world started to catch on to the magic that was happening in Verduno. In the last handful of years alone, there have been a flurry of producers with holdings in Monvigliero that have released their own single-vineyard expression. However, what many may not realize is that Enrico Scavino and his daughters have been producing a “Monvigliero” since 2007, making them one of the first half dozen to do so. I’m only suggesting that the Scavino’s knew there was something special there well before the hype train came to the station.

Popped and poured; enjoyed with dinner and over the course of a couple hours. The 2020 “Monvigliero” pours a deep garnet color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. The nose is gorgeous; seemingly darker fruited with blackberry, pomegranate, black cherry lozenges, roses and spice box. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin (though friendly) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and lithe. An elegant wine and downright delicious. I think Paolo Scavino did a fabulous job of capturing the synergy of what Mother Nature gave in the 2020 vintage and the source of their fruit in the heart of the Monvigliero MGA. These are very early days for this wine but it’s already a joy to drink now but I expect this will continue a lovely evolution through 2038, easy.
— 2 months ago

Julie, Shay and 8 others liked this

Château La Mission Haut-Brion

Pessac-Léognan Red Bordeaux Blend 1966

This was my favorite wine today that seemed to just keep building in the glass showing the classic LMHB magic. Black fruits, soy, graphite, cedar, leather, licorice, mineral, cigar box & violet. A magical vintage for me that I have had many times & never disappoints! — 3 years ago

Byron, Shay and 20 others liked this

The Astounding Magic Box Wines

Spectacular Shiraz

Loved, hints of plum, full bodied, would buy again — 4 years ago

Magic Box Wines

Pinot Noir 2021

Good neutral Pinot. Light — a year ago

Dr. Loosen

(BA) Beerenauslese Riesling 2017

Astounding how fresh a wine this sweet can be. And there’s a magic prickle to it that no matter the sugared feel is mitigated through green aromatics and guavas and zing-tastic acidity. — 2 years ago

Matt, Juan and 13 others liked this

Magic Box Wines

Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Very nice. Slightly fizzy. Citrusy, a little apple flavor, too. Light and perfect for back porch sitting after a long day. I'm hoping coming years are as nice as the 2020.

Weird thing I noticed...the bottle is super heavy. Twice as heavy as other wines. Not that this has to do with the wine, but with reducing waste and recycling such a hot topic these days... conserving the resource of glass would make sense
— 3 years ago

Tamara and Chris liked this
Chris A

Chris A

Funny you mention that as I was pouring the last of this and just realized it was the bottle and not the liquid weight I was holding! Pro level thumb notch at the bottom of this bad boy for pouring control!

Magic Box Wines

Red Blend

Had pilot noise but not an option I'm app. Dangerous wine, smooth and tasty. — 2 years ago

Château Cassat

Puisseguin-St. Émilion 1994

Astounding! Damp earth, cedar box, and lots of leather on the nose. Incredibly smooth in the mouth, and quite light. Long spicy finish. It’s changing as I drink it. I love it — 3 years ago

Magic Box Wines

Chardonnay 2020

Very good. Need another bottle. — 3 years ago

Peju Province Winery

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Tony and his wife Herta purchased 30 acres of land in the Napa Valley with the magic ingredient - location. With a splash of Malbec added, aromas of dark berry fruit and cigar box spice. On the palate flavors of black cherry and raspberry with cacao, licorice and herb notes. Fine tannins, nice acidity, good balance on long finish ending with fruit and cedar notes. Drinking well now! — 4 years ago

Juan, Alex and 2 others liked this