Italian Wine

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Decanter 97 Points | A captivating perfume of dark cherry and berry fruit with smatterings of minty herbs propped up by a spine of capacious oak. Complex and weighty with absorbing tannins and a tremor of mouth-watering acidity. Outstanding.

Winemaker Description 

A deep, luminous ruby red in colour; concentrated and refined. The nose is a triumph of blackberry jam and blueberries–typical of the variety–with attractive and intense notes of cherries in brandy, carob and rose petals. Its traditionally-styled profile is further enhanced by liquorice and chocolate notes. This wine has a distinct creaminess on the palate, along with very powerful, mellow fruit. The finish is long and persistent, with precisely defined tannins of rare finesse, elegance and gentleness.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This beefy red relies on its dense texture, concentrated flavors of black cherry and blackberry fruit, and muscular tannins to get its message across. Wild herb, iron and earth notes add depth, while the finish is long and spicy.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | The nose is savory and umami, with aromas of leather, graphite, underbrush, crushed rocks, bitter herbs and citrus swirling in the glass. Those earthy, bitter notes remain on the palate, but sweet cherries and wild strawberries pop overhead, while charged with powerful tannins and acid.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description 

This Chilean Chardonnay gives you loads of tropical fruits over a soft, clean palate. Take down refreshing, easy-drinking flavors of pineapple, melon, lemon meringue, and starfruit.

Expert Notes - Vintage 2022 

James Suckling writes:  Attractive notes of cherries, dried blood oranges, cocoa and hints of hibiscus and licorice. Bright and savory on the palate, with dusty tannins and lively acidity. Medium-bodied. It’s very pretty and refreshing, with savory nuances at the end. Drink now.  - James Suckling 91

Winemaker Description 

Is the result of the union between Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon (85% Sangiovese & 15% Cabernet Sauvignon): it gives the idea of a young red, significant but with easy drinkability and is linked to the characteristics of its native territory, with an unforgettable Casanova di Neri stamp.

Winemaker Description 

Full-bodied red wine from Montepulciano grapes grown in the Abruzzo region. Deep color with raspberry notes, robust flavor, slightly tannic palate balanced with a smooth finish.

Montepulciano D'Abruzzo is a quintessentially food-friendly Italian red, with a pleasantly dry acidity that makes it the perfect pairing for classic Italian dishes, tomato-based pasta dishes, spicy sausages, and everyone's favorite: cheesy, tangy pizza.

Winemaker Description

Wife & Husband Winemaker 

The Rose delle Casasse is likely, the only Barbaresco made from Nebbiolo Rose. Some believe Nebbiolo Rose to be a clone of Nebbiolo though in Ian d'Agata's book, "The Grapes of Italy," he writes that it has been proven that Nebbiolo Rose is genetically different from Nebbiolo, though related. 

Expert Reviews 

Vinous 94 Points | The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rose delle Casasse is a fine follow up to the stellar 2015. A bit more austere than its older sibling, the 2016 presents a distinctly savory profile redolent of crushed flowers, herbs, mint, spice, leather and tobacco, while the fruit is pushed into the background. Naturally, it will be interesting to see if some of that inner sweetness emerges in time. A few months separating two tastings suggest that may very well happen. This is such a gorgeous wine. 

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rose Delle Casasse is made entirely from the Rose clone of Nebbiolo and is fresh with wild raspberry, pine, and dark earth. Carrying to the palate with medium body and good concentration, it offers fine tannins and a good finish, with peppery spice and red cherry. Perfectly pairing with salumi and hard cheese, it is refreshing and cleanses the palate nicely. 

Winemaker Description

The soils are of marine origin from the Tertiary era, characterized by bluish marl (at a depth ranging from 1 to 3 meters), calcareous, compact structure. The stratification is dense and varied, rich in mineral salts and natural springs.

Barbaresco Rio Sordo receives careful grape selection in the vineyard – 100% Nebbiolo. The immediately noticeable characteristics are the considerable complexity and depth, accompanied by elegance and finesse.

Expert Review

Robert Parker Wine Advocate 94+ Monica Larner | A release of about 3,000 bottles, the 2018 Barbaresco Rio Sordo shows the finesse and delicate fruit that is so well expressed by this estate. The bouquet is redolent of rose hip and crushed flowers, and you get cassis, wild cherry and dried pomegranate as well. There is a giant layer of minty herb, and then the wine finally relaxes with polished tones of crushed stone and white licorice. Cascina delle Rose makes a fine bottle of Barbaresco. 

Winemaker Description

Calcareous limestone with sand. No herbicides (only manual) and they only use a minimal amount of copper and sulfur in the vineyard - aiming towards as minimal an environmental impact as possible. Fermented with skins for three weeks with remontage.  Aged in Slavonian botti of 10-20HL for 18 months followed by time in the bottle before release. No clarification or filtering before bottling. 

Expert Review

Wine Advocate 94 Points | Compared to the Rio Sordo, the Cascina delle Rose 2018 Barbaresco Tre Stelle is slightly more robust and open-knit. This wine shows a more overt concentration that comes across with blackberry and wild cherry. To the palate, it shows a smooth but nicely elaborate texture. There are light touches of crushed stone and even some tobacco on the close. 

Producer Description 

Barbera, along with Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, is widely planted throughout Piemonte. Many Barolo and Barbaresco producers will also make a Barbera mainly because the aging requirement is far shorter allowing them to see a profit from the harvest earlier. In the commune of Nizza, the Barbera grape steps into the spotlight and takes center stage. This is where Barbera reaches its heights of glory.

The wine presents itself with an intense garnet red hue, complemented by alluring purple reflections. Its bouquet is both deep and intricate, revealing a delightful combination of fruity aromas dominated by cherry and plum, while subtle undertones of chocolate add an intriguing layer of complexity. Upon tasting, the wine showcases a full-bodied and harmonious profile, where the luscious flavors of red fruits intertwine seamlessly with almond-like notes. This captivating blend culminates in a pleasantly harmonious and enduring finish, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Decanter Michaela Morris, 91 Points | Produced since 1979, Castellare’s annata sees its usual dollop of Canaiolo Nero as well as a brief passage in small French oak barrels. It is slightly confected to begin, then comes into focus with pure, fresh dark raspberry. Intense floral nuances of violet and rose join in, carrying over on the palate. It is concentrated in flavour with a light dusting of chalky tannins, while intrinsic juiciness keeps it agile. Admirable depth and length for the category. -Michaela Morris,

Winemaker Description

An authentic expression of Chianti Classico. Only native grapes, to maintain the most typical formula of the most famous of Italian wines, respecting tradition and the territory, enhancing the beautiful ruby red of Sangioveto. A wine which with its typical characteristics strives to achieve maximum elegance.

Bright ruby red, the color of Sangiovese.  The nose is fragrant and fresh with pleasant hints of red fruit, licorice, black currant and a hint of vanilla. Expresses a pleasant sweetness on the palate, it is round, soft and fruity. Acidity and persistence characterize a very elegant aftertaste.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | An elegant red, boasting cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Firm, with a dry edge to its tannins as this builds to the long finish. Overall, there's fine balance, and the lasting impression is of ripe fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2030.

Winemaker Description 

A sweet sparkling wine with light ruby red nuances with a lively and persistent perlage. Both at the nose and in the mouth, all the aromatic peculiarities of the vine are best expressed; intense aromas of Bulgarian rose and berries accompanied by a sweet aftertaste balanced by a good acidity.

A perfect dessert wine paired with fresh strawberries, fruit salads, fruit pies and small pastries.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

Vinous 89 Points | The 2021 Montecucco Rosso Rigoleto is dark and spicy, with suggestions of clove and cinnamon givig way to rich cherry sauce and hints of sweet sage. This is silky in feel, with juicy acidity and ripe red fruits that flow effortlessly across the palate. It leaves a licorice tinge to linger under violet inner florals, finishing fresh, youthfully tense and with medium length. 

Winemaker Description 

A love for Tuscany and a strong passion for wines led Claudio Tipa and his sister Maria Iris Bertarelli to Montecucco’s hills, where in 1999 they acquired and restored the ColleMassari castle, a fortress from the 13th century that was originally homestead of area nobility, along with its vineyards. Today the estate has a total surface of 1.200 hectares, of which 120 hectares are vineyards and nearly 90 hectares of olive groves (three trees are even more than 900 years old). 

The vines on the Montecucco hill are the oldest Sangiovese vines of the DOCG. A smooth and charming wine, this Sangiovese blend has delightful red berries notes and a delicate spicy touch of black pepper. Ready to drink wine with an easy approach, this is a ripe and very well balanced expression of this special part of the South of Tuscany.

A blend of organically grown Sangiovese, Viliegiolo and Montepulciano.

Winemaker Notes 

"Bright ruby in color. The bouquet on the nose is intense, with rich cherry and red berry aromas and leafy undertones. On the palate it is silky, balanced, with medium body, refined tanning and a long flavorful finish of blackberry and chocolate. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot."

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous Media 92 Points | The 2022 Chianti Classico is fruity, supple and very easy to drink. Succulent dark red fruit, plum, leather, spice and a kick of blood
orange are front and center. Medium in body and forward, with fine balance, the 2022 is full of charm. The warm vintage yielded an especially succulent Chianti Classico that is quite appealing. Antonio Galloni

Wine Spectator 90 Points | This is rich and exudes cherry and raspberry fruit. Iron, leafy underbrush and spice accents add detail as this winds down alongside a light dusting of tannins. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through
2035. 3,000 cases made, 525 cases imported. -Bruce Sanderson

Winemaker Description 

Castello dei Rampolla d'Alceo is a premium, proprietary blend of Cabernet and Petit Verdot grapes exclusively from the renowned Panzano in Chianti region of Tuscany. This organic and biodynamic red is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its complex bouquet and flavor profile.

Expert Reviews - VIntage 2009

Vinous 96 Points | The 2009 d'Alceo comes across as much more classic in style and structure than the 2008. According to Luca di Napoli, the trick to 2009 was harvesting on the early side. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, plums, mint and licorice all take shape in the glass Over the last few months, the 2009 d'Alceo has softened a bit, releasing expressive, floral aromatics, brighter shades of fruit and striking inner perfume, but it remains quite vibrant in the context of a vintage in which so many wines are quite a bit riper in style. The 2009 is a wonderfully deep, resonant d'Alceo that should offer a wide drinking window starting in a few years. It certainly looks like Rampolla nailed the vintage.  Drinking 2019 - 2039.

Antonio Galloni, 96+ | My absolute favorite wine of 2022 was a bottle of the Castello dei Rampolla 2006 d'Alceo that I had the good fortune to drink at dinner during a work event in Tuscany last year. I remember the wine vividly, and if I were to review it again, it would certainly merit a perfect score. With that profound inspiration in mind, I feel especially optimistic toward this outstanding group of new releases from Maurizia di Napoli and her talented team. This historic estate has farmed according to organic and biodynamic methods since 1994, making it one of the first in Italy to do so. In truth, I have found some inconsistencies along the way over the many years I have reviewed and adored these wines. Such is the magic of artisanal winemaking. But thanks to that memory of that 2006 d'Alceo, I remain in awe of Castello dei Rampolla today. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | A waft of roasted nut on the nose enriches the palate's lively range of steeped apricot, Mandarin orange peel, pastry cream and chamomile notes. Racy acidity gives the complex profile fine definition and carries this on the well-spiced finish. Drink now through 2033.

Decanter 91 Points | This Umbrian Chardonnay from Antinori's estate is vinified and aged partly in stainless steel and partly in wood. The 2023 is toasty and slightly tropical, with a mineral, stony quality which runs through the core, and lovely bright acidity. It finishes with some zesty lemon peel and Mediterranean herbs. Nicely balanced and very fresh.

Winemaker Description - Vintage 2023

Bramìto della Sala has an intense and bright straw yellow color. The nose is dominated by notes of white flowers and light hints of chamomile accompanied by Golden Delicious apple and delicate vanilla aromas. Fresh and pleasant on the palate with full expression of the varietal character. 

James Suckling: 94 Points, The fresh and floral nature of this wine is more than evident, with black cherry and orange undertones. The palate is medium-bodied and refined, with silky tannins and mineral highlights. Tangy and crisp at the end.

Wine Spectator: 91 Points Cherry, raspberry, leather, earth and tobacco flavors converge in this broad, savory red. Tightens up, with the sinewy tannins leaving their mark on the finish. The fruit returns, so give this a little time. Sangiovese and Merlot.

Vinous: 91 Points The 2022 Chianti Classico Ama opens with a burst of dark red cherry/plum fruit. Vibrant and generous, with bright acids, the Ama is an absolute delight. Its forward personality and impeccable balance make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. 

Winemaker Notes

• Region: Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy.
• Flavor Profile: Blackberry, plum, raspberry, earthy notes, licorice, tobacco, leather, herbs, often with floral hints like rose.
• Texture: Rich, broad, velvety, firm tannins, medium to full-bodied.
• Aging: Recommended for cellaring for a few years to develop further, with potential to age well.
• Producer: Castello di Ama, a respected producer known for quality Chianti.
• Tasting Notes Summary:

#9 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025 - this is truly one of the great wines from Tuscany you can purchase this year.  And highly sought after! 

95 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: This wine represents a selection of the best Sangiovese sourced from various plots with a tiny addition of Merlot and Malvasia Nera. The Castello di Ama 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo takes a few extra moments to open in the glass, but unlike the La Casuccia that holds back, this wine comes into full view quickly enough. The wine's flavor profile is a little meatier and fuller, and this could be linked to the warm vintage conditions. San Lorenzo is a generous wine, and it is a bottle you can enjoy in the medium or long term.

95 Points Wine Spectator : Deep, dark and densely wrought, featuring black cherry, blackberry, violet, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Its sinewy tannins are enhanced by the vivid acidity. Everything comes together on the crystalline aftertaste, which echoes the fruit and floral elements. Power meets finesse. Sangiovese and Merlot.

95 Points Decanter A clever bridge between the entire Castello di Ama stable, San Lorenzo is a selection of older vines from key estate vineyards. It also includes both Merlot and Malvasia Nera, which contribute to the identity of the cru bottlings. In 2021, this flagbearer is a brilliant balance of fruit and territorial expression with deftly integrated oak. Tobacco, iron and nutmeg infuse dark plum and cherry. There is great flow and length, with tangy, mouth-cleansing acidity. Articulate aromas and flavours along with finessed tannins give a sense of readiness – but that authoritative structure has the last word.

99 Points James Suckling: This is really perfumed and gorgeous, with black cherries, blackcurrants and violets. Full-bodied with totally integrated tannins and a palate presence that is pretty spectacular. Wonderful finish. Give this three or four years.

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description 

Straw yellow with green highlights. In true Pinot Grigio style, this wine shows delightful aromas of fresh citrus, green apple, orange blossom, and tropical fruit, with a floral hint. Medium-bodied and well-balanced, flavors of fresh tropical fruit are complemented by hints of almond.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate 90 Points | The organic Volpaia 2020 Balifico is an IGT blend of 65% Sangiovese and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Sauvignon is impossible to miss, as this wine is very driven by aromas of blackberry, bitter chocolate and garden herb that are linked to that varietal. This is a medium to full-bodied red blend that also delivers the dusty crushed stone aromas that I associate with Chianti Classico.

James Suckling 93 Points | Very pretty and floral aromas with orange blossom and currant character. Very attractive purity of fruit. It’s medium-bodied with polished and fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Tangy acidity. From organically grown grapes. Give it a year or two more but already gorgeous. Drink or hold.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Loaded with black cherry, blackberry and floral aromas and flavors, this red is also firmly structured. Shows persistent fruit through the lingering aftertaste, where elements of earth and Tuscan scrub emerge. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2033.

Winemaker Description 

The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with hints of cherry. This is a well-structured wine with a fruity finish. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 Points | A delicious, well-rounded and velvety Chianti Classico with aromas of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and texture. Juicy and velvety with elegance and a pure character. Fresh and delicious finish. July 2024

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Chianti Classico is a lovely wine from Volpaia. Aromatic, light on its feet and gracious, the Chianti Classico here is a consistently fine example of Radda. Clean mineral notes shape this bright, taut offering. A burst of red fruit, chalk, white pepper and mint lingers on the finish.

Wine Spectator : Offering textbook Sangiovese flavors of cherry, bitter almond, iron and earth, with a hint of eucalyptus, this is dry, with a light burr of tannins and adequate acidity for balance. Fine length. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2037. 15,000 cases made, 13,500 cases imported.

Winemaker Description

The Chianti Classico Riserva has a ruby red hue with a trace of garnet. The nose is elegant, displaying hints of spice and fruit. This is a well-structured wine with smooth tannins and a long finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

James Suckling 94 Points | Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.(2020). 

Robert Parker 93 Points | In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum. (2020).

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | A rich ruby color, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is a selection from the best vineyards, aged for two years. The nose opens to ripe and polished aromas of toasted cedar, cherry lozenge, menthol, and spiced orange peel. Medium-bodied, it offers ripe tannins that fold into a more mineral texture, with mouthwatering stony earth and a rather long, clean finish.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | A juicy yet firmly structured red highlighted by bright cherry and blackberry fruit. Reveals dense tannins that inform the finish, where accents of earth and mineral linger. Balanced in a youthful, exuberant way. Best from 2025 through 2039.

Winemaker Description 

Ruby-garnet color. Very vibrant, well-balanced aromas with hints of Mediterranean scrubland and eucalyptus, and nuances of black berry fruit and pipe tobacco. The palate shows full, tangy, mineral flavor, velvety though, rounded and beautifully structured.

Perfect with stewed horsemeat in sauce; highly recommended with pasta (sagne ‘ncannulate), meatballs with sauce, chick pea soup, roasted or stewed red meats (lamb and goat).

Winemaker Description

Broad, ripe black fruit and spice aromas, with notes of pepper, toasty vanilla and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, the wine has a robust, concentrated character, a firm structure, and small black fruit and licorice notes on the aftertaste.

“Piluna” translates into “pot of clay” or an ancient container used to store water or wine.
Terroir: This 100% Primitivo is grown from vineyards surrounding the ancient Castello Monaci estate. Soils are a blend of dry clay, volcanic gravel and limestone. Vines are forced deep in search of water, leading to low yields and rich, fragrant wines.

Vinification: Harvest is done by hand prior to dawn to preserve sugar levels and avoid the hot sunlight. The grapes are vinified in small stainless steel tanks prior to 6 months of aging in 75% stainless steel and 25% 2nd and 3rd use French oak. 300,000 bottles produced. 

Expert Rating - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 90 Points | Sour cherries, sultanas, dried oranges and sweet spices on the nose, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, jammy and lightly sweet-sour palate. Ripe tannins. 

Expert Review

Eric Guido writes:  The 2023 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Malandrino entices with its mineral-drenched bouquet of crushed rock and smoke giving way to herbal-tinged blackberry. It sweeps across the palate with silken textures and ripe red and hints of blue fruits as a wave of cool-toned acidity maintains lovely energy. Long and potent, this leaves a subtle coating of fine tannins and nuances of licorice as it tapers off. This is already appealing today, despite its notable structure.  Drinking 2026 to 2031.  - Vinous 92

Winemaker Description

Dark ruby colored with intense aromas of black cherry, blackberry, plum and violets with a lovely earthy complexity. Full bodied in the mouth with a rich texture, supple tannins and a long persistent finish. Perfect for lamb chops, steak and roasted veggies. Made from organically grown grapes.

Winemaker Description 

100% Pinot Grigio - With light refreshing flavors of citrus and green apple, it’s no surprise that it comes from the #1 Italian Wine in America.

A wonderful aperitif and equally splendid with pasta in cream sauces, risottos, veal, chicken and fresh seafood dishes.

Winemaker Description 

Dry, light and crisp, and highly versatile, Cavit Pinot Grigio is a wonderful aperitif and equally splendid with pasta in cream sauces, risottos, veal, chicken and fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy well chilled.

Winemaker Description

The 2019 Bernardot is dark and austere with wonderful nuances of ripe red fruit. Tannins are very silky and delicate in this 2019, showing a lot of finesse, typical from the Barbaresco area. It’s an elegant and very expressive Barbaresco. One of the favorite vineyards of winemaker Alessandro Ceretto.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate Monica Larner 95 Points writes | The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine.  (2019).

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice. Best from 2025. (2019).