Wine Spectator

February 2016 

NICOLIS AMARONE CLASSICO 2009 – 93 points

“Savory hints of cured tobacco and smoke meet wild strawberry and crushed black cherry fruit in this burly red. The silky palate carries accents of star anise and graphite to the lasting finish. Best from 2018 through 2029. 3,300 cases made.” A.N.

January 2016 

NICOLIS AMARONE AMBROSAN 2007 – 93 points

“Fragrant, with medicinal herb and eucalyptus notes, this silky red marries dense, finely knit tannins and flavors of date, dried cherry and hints of treacle and melted licorice. Vibrant and expressive, presenting a rich and spicy mineral accent on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2027. 2,500 cases made.” A.N. 

June 2015 

LA FORNACE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 – 92 points

“Tight and tannic, with a core of cherry and plum locked within. It may be hard to see this coming around for now, but the fruit remains fresh and concentrated, accented with chocolate and balsamic notes. Have faith. Best from 2019 through 2032. 0500 cases made.” B.S.

October 2014 

TENUTA DI TRECCIANO DANIELLO 2010 – 91 points

January 2014 

NICOLIS AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO AMBROSAN 2006 – 93 points

“Rich notes of plump cherry, roasted plum and burnt are wrapped in threads of ground spice and red licorice, with accents of smoke and dried thyme framed by fine grained tannins and lightly tangy acidity. Long finish. Drink now through 2026. 550 made.” A.N. 

NICOLIS AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2007 – 90 points

“Chewy tannins frame this medium-bodied, balanced red, with favors of grilled herb, dried black cherry, plum sauce and forest floor. Firm finish. Best from 2016 through 2024. 700 cases made.” A.N.

PIANPOLVERE SOPRANO ROCCHE DEI MANZONI BAROLO BUSSIA RISERVA DOCG 2004 – 94 points

“Offering pure black cherry and blackberry flavors, this red is complex, with tobacco, leather, tea and spice notes in the mix. The tannins still need time to sesolve, but this has adeguate fruit and a long aftertsaste. Best from 2016 through 2035. 4158 cases made. ” B.S

December 2013 

SCARZELLO BAROLO 2007 – 91 points

“Fresh and vibrant, with cherry, floral, mint and tobacco flavors, offering grip and moderate acidity. Long
and well balanced throughout. Best from 2015 through 2027. 500 cases made.” – B.S.

October 2013 

ANTICO BROILO RIBOLLA GIALLA COLLI ORIENTALI DEL FRIULI 2009 – 91 points

“Rich with almond paste, beeswax and vanilla notes , this racy white shows pastry, poached quince, anise, lemon curd and smoke flavors .“ A.N.

RONCO DEL GNEMIZ CHARDONNAY FRIULI COLLI ORIENTALI SOL 2011 – 92 points

“Poached quince, fresh hay, candied ginger, smoky mineral, lemon meringue and glazed apricot flavors show a rich hint of toasted almond. “ A.N.

RONCO DEL GNEMIZ ROSSO DI JACOPO COLLI ORIENTALI DEL FRIULI 2009 – 90 points

“Elegant and finely balanced, this shows deft integration of refined tannins, delicate yet juicy acidity and layered flavors of ripe black cherry coulis, smoky mineral, crème de cassis and cocoa powder. Aromatic finish. Merlot with Refosco. Drink now through 2019. 375 cases made. “ A.N.

INSIDER – July 2013

TENUTA DI TRECCIANO DANIELLO 2009 – 93 points

“This enticing red starts out with exuberant cherry, blackberry, tobacco and spice aromas and flavors. Well-built and balanced, with fine harmony and a lingering, fruit- and spice-filled aftertaste. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2017 through 2028.”— B.S.

October 2012

NICOLIS AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2007 – 91 points
Ripe fruit, herb and mineral notes show on the aromatic nose, and accent the tightly knit palate of sun-dried cherry, espresso, grilled plum and tarry smoke. Lightly chewy, with a subtle spice-tinged finish.

Tenuta di Trecciano I Campacci 2008 – 93 points
Bright and focused, this red boasts plum, cherry, leather and underbrush aromas and flavors. There are allied to a vibrant structure, with plenty of grip on the finish. The long aftertaste features sweet fruit and tobacco notes. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese.

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino 2007 – 90 points
A deft touch of new oak adds spice, while staying out of the way of the cherry, plum and tobacco notes in this red. Moderately firm, with spice echoing on the finish.

 September 2012

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino 2007 – 93 points
Ripe, with plum, black cherry, licorice and leather aromas and flavors. There’s fruit and flesh up front, revealing structure and especially dense tannins on the finish. Tobacco and spice notes linger.

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Fontelontano Riserva 2006 – 92 points
Showing developing aromas of truffle and leather, this red is still fresh on the palate, with cherry, iron, beef and tobacco flavors. Firms up on the dense, sinewy finish.

 August 2012

Nicolis Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Ambrosan 2005 – 91 points
Firm tannis frame the airy texture, juicy acidity and notes of spiced plum, dried tea fruit, black cherry pate de fruit, anise and chocolate. Chewy finish.

Nicolis Valpolicella Classico Superiore Seccal Ripasso 2008 – 90 points
A tarry, traditional style, offering a pleasant sweet, earthy base note integrated with lightly chewy tannis and black cherry and black currant fruit, with notes of pekoe tea and graphite that show a hint of gum drop. Fresh, with a lasting finish.

April 2012

Rocche dei Manzoni Pianpolvere Soprano Barolo Bussia Riserva 2007 – 97 points
The aromas start out oaky, showing cedar, vanilla and clove elements, before turning to raspberry and flowers on the palate. Licorice, tar and tobacco flavors reign, allied to a firm texture of gripping tannins. The long, smoky finish heralds its potential.

Nicolis Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2004 – 91 points
Silky and elegant, offering finely meshed layers of date, chocolate-covered cherry and dried fig, with a streak of minerality and subtle, juicy acidity. A hint of sweet smoke lingers in the refined finish.

 March 2012

Rocche dei Manzoni Barolo Rocche 2007 – 95 points
This red is extremely fresh, showing floral, cherry, raspberry and bilberry aromas and flavors, with a hint of tar. Elegant and taut, with a linear profile despite its ripeness and a long, lively aftertaste of sweet fruit and spice.  

 October 2011

Il Faggeto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Pietranera Riserva 2004 – 95 points
The purity in this red is striking, offering raspberry, peony, mineral and spice aromas and flavors, which unfold seamlessly, lending an impression of weightlessness, yet there’s intensity and structure. The terrific aftertaste offers sweet fruit and mineral notes, with tannins that will allow this to develop further.

Il Faggeto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Pietra del Diavolo 2008 – 90 points
Laced with iron and sanguine notes, this cherry-flavored red shows grip and complexity. Its layers unfold through the firmly structured finish, all well-balanced and long.

Nicolis Amarone Classico Ambrosan 2004 – 94 points
Offers an aromatic mix of kirsch, dried roses, dried marjoram, blackberry candy, cardamom, fresh earth and smoke, with supple tannins and ripe acidity. There’s power to this, but it’s wrapped in a silky texture that results in an overall vibrant, stylish impression. A hint of espresso lingers on the finish.

 September 2011

Nicolis Valpolicella Classico Superiore Seccal Ripasso 2007 – 90 points
There’s a smoky undercurrent to this refined and silky red, with fine-grained tannins and lightly mouthwatering acidity that focuses flavors of kirsch, grilled plum, pomegranate and mulling spices, followed by a hint of graphite on the finish.

 August 2011

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino 2006 – 93 points
A meaty, sinewy style, this red deals black cherry, plum, tobacco and briar flavors, backed by dense, muscular tannins. This is also bright and pure, leading to a long, fruit and tannin-filled finish.

Col di Lamo Brunello di Montalcino 2006 – 92 points
Penetrating aromas of cherry, raspberry and wild herbs are followed by hints of tar and licorice in this elegant Brunello. This is supple, then turns firm on the finish, where there is a lingering aftertaste of mineral.

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino 2006 – 91 points
Delivers a mix of cherry, raspberry and cocoa aromas and flavors, picking up spice and tobacco elements on the finish. This is open and inviting, tightening up on the finish.

Begali Amarone Classico Monte Ca’ Bianca 2004 – 95 points
This burly monster of a red is nonetheless silky and smooth in texture. The flavors of prune and currant preserves in this still-firm 2004 show accents of ash and petrol, along with tarry tannins and subtle, underlying subnote of dried herbs, including mint and oregano. There’s a sweet, smoky quality throughout, lingering on the dried cherry-tingled finish.

 July 2011

Begali Classico Superiore Ripasso 2008 – 91 points
A spiced red, with lots of herbes de Provence and fennel seed accents to the currant and damson plum fruit flavors. A smoky baseline of minerality and medium-weight tannins support this silky red, with a dark espresso note lingering on the finish.

Nicolis Valpolicella Classico Superiore Seccal Ripasso 2006 – 90 points
A velvety red, with kirsch, blackberry and currant jam flavors that show hints of chocolate shavings, sweet tobacco and graphite. Well-balanced and expressive, with an overall aromatic, spiced profile.

 June 2011

Tenuta di Trecciano Daniello 2006 – 93 points
This enticing red balances its sweet black cherry, blackberry and spice flavors with a lush texture and refined, well-integrated tannins. International in style, with the vibrant acidity showing Italian roots. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.

May 2011

Tenuta di Trecciano I Campacci 2007 – 90 points
There’s a nice combination of bright cherry, plum, herb and tobacco aromas and flavors in this firmly structured red, which has dense tannins, but it’s well balanced and long. Sangiovese and Merlot.

April 2011

Scarzello Vigna Merenda 2005 – 94 points
This isn’t yet showing roses, but classic tar, licorice and macerated cherry aromas and flavors hold in court in this dense, yet sweet and concentrated, Barolo. This is bright and chewy in texture, boasting an endless aftertaste of licorice and spices.

March 2011

Ronco del Gnemiz Sauvignon Colli Orientali del Friuli Sol 2003 – 91 points
A subtle white, displaying fresh acidity that adds a lovely juiciness to the hints of quince paste, peach pit, verbena, tarragon and lemon peel. There’s a stoniness here, with a mineral note running throughout. The texture is light-weight and lacy overall, despite the many layers of flavor.

Ronco del Gnemiz Sauvignon Colli Orientali del Friuli 2008 – 90 points
A spiced version of Sauvignon, with atypical black cherry, licorice, and peach pit flavors mixing with citrus zest and smoke notes. Acidity is front and center, but this is well-balanced overall.

February 2011

Antico Broilo Friulano Colli Orientali del Friuli 2007 – 91 points
Hints of medicinal herbs, myrhh and black licorice focus this elegant white. Its herb and spice overtones mix with dried apple, pastry, smoke and peach pit notes, back by well-integrated, but still bright, acidity. Intriguing.

November 2010

La Querciola Barolo ‘Donna Bianca’ 2004 – 94 points
Massive and chunky, yet concentrated, with cherry, tobacco, iron, and mineral flavors. The sweet fruit and texture easily match the dense tannins, and the finish lingers gracefully with a hint of truffle.

San Giuliano Barbaresco 2006 – 93 points
Starting to come around, offering loads of liquorice, tar, dried cherry and tobacco aromas and flavors. This is aromatic and solid, yet shows a core of sweet fruit and a long, liquorice and mineral infused aftertaste.

Scarzello Barolo Vigna Merenda 2004 – 92 points
Though firm, there’s a sense of elegance to this, from its cherry, sweet liquorice, saline and mineral aromas and flavors to its supple texture and long aftertaste. Balanced overall, with a chalky feel on the finish.

Scarzello Nebbiolo Langhe 2007
90

October 2010

Tenuta di Trecciano I Campacci 2008
Dense and rich, with ripe berry, toasty oak and milk chocolate character that’s full and powerful. Long and velvety-textured. The new wood is showing a lot now, but will melt into the wine with bottle age.
Sangiovese and Merlot.
91

September 2010 (Insider Edition)

La Querciola Barolo ‘Donna Bianca’ 2004
94

Scarzello Barolo Vigna Merenda 2004
92

July 2010

Begali Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Monte Ca’ Bianca 2005
91

April 2010

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino Fontelontano Riserva 2004
97

Col di Lamo Brunello di Montalcino 2005

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino 2005
90

April 2009

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino 2004

Crushed raspberries, cherries and strawberries, with flowers, a hint of vanilla bea. Powerful and complex
95

Col di Lamo Brunello di Montalcino 2004
93

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino 2004
90

May 2008

Sighardt Donabaum Riesling 1000Eimerberg 2006
92

April 2008

Sighardt Donabaum Grüner Veltliner Zornberg 2006
93

Sighardt Donabaum Grüner Veltliner Atzberg 2006
92

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino 2003
90

February 2008

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino Fontelontano Riserva 2001
93

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2001
Ada Nada Barbaresco Cichin 2004
Ada Nada Barbaresco Elisa 2001
92

Ada Nada Barbaresco Elisa 2004
91

Ada Nada Barbaresco Valeirano 2004
Fattoria Sovestro Cortegiano 2005
90

December 2007

Ada Nada Barbaresco Cichin 2004
92

April 2007

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Fontelontano Riserva 2001
93

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2001
92

January 2007

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino 2001
90

April 30, 2006

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino 2001
89

Enticing aromas of dried flowers, berry and lightly toasted oak follow through to a medium-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long, sliky finish. Best after 2006. 850 cases made.

January 31-February 28, 2006

Paolo Conterno Barolo 2001
89

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra 2001
91

Ada Nada Barbaresco Cichin 2000
89

Ada Nada Barbaresco Valeirano2000
89

Ada Nada Langhe La Bisbetica 2001
87

Ada Nada Langhe La Bisbetica 2000
88

Tenuta Di Trecciano Toscana I Campacci 2003
87

Lorenzo Begali Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Monte Ca Bianca 2000
90

Nicolis Amarone della Valpolicaella Classico 2000
87

Nicolis Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Ambrosan 2000
91

Ronco del Gnemiz Merlot Colli Orientali del Friuli Sol 2001
87

Sighardt Donabaum Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Trocken Wachau Atzberg 2003
88

Sighardt Donabaum Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Trocken Wachau Zornberg 2003
88

Sighardt Donabaum Riesling Smaragd Trocken Wachau Brandstatt 2003
88

Riesling Smaragd Trocken Wachau Tausendeimerberg 2003
91

October 31, 2005

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Fontelontano Riserva 1999
90

Pretty floral and blackberry aromas, with full body and fine tannins. Very refined and complex. Drink now.

Begali Verona Tigiolo 2002
88

A firm young wine, with slightly jammy plum and a chocolate edge.  Medium-bodied, with good fruit and chocolate on the finish.  Corvina and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Best after 2005.  330 cases made.

Trecciano Toscana I Campacci 2003
87

A pleasant wine with lots of strawberry jam character.  Medium- to full-bodied, with round tannins and a simple finish.  Sangiovese and Merlot.  Best after 2006,  1,000 cases made.

Begali Valpolicella Classico Superiore Vigneto La Cengia 2003
86

A good, traditional-style Valpolicella, with grape skin, damson and light floral and mineral aromas and flavors.  Medium-bodied, with medium, fruit-coated tannins and a minerally finish.  Drink now.  1.250 cases made.

October 15, 2005

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra 2001
91

Intense aromas of ripe fruit, grilled meat and hardwoods.  Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish.   Big and juicy.  Slightly closed-in, but shows excellent potential.  Slightly rustic.  Best after 2008. 

July 13, 2005

Tasting Highlights: Amarone

Nicolis Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Ambrosan 2000
91 

Enticing nose, with currants and raisins, violets and a hint of coffee and chocolate. Full-bodied, with a fine mix of fruit, sweet spice and minerals, with well-integrated tannins and a long, fresh, spicy fruit finish. Very well made and fun to drink. This is the wine to buy from this producer. Drink now.

Begali Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Ca’ Bianca 2000
90

A tight package, with dried cherry, blackberry and minerals against a backbone of cedary oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with firm tannins and a spicy oak and dried fruit finish. Very cleanly made, it now needs to open. This is a new winery to watch. Best after 2006.

May 15, 2005

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Fontelontano Riserva 1999
90

Pretty floral and blackberry aromas, with full body and fine tannins. Very refined and complex. Drink now

Sighardt Donabaum Riesling Smaragd Trocken Wachau Tausendeimerberg 2003
91

If the floral, peach and mineral aromas and flavors don’t seduce you, the silky texture will. Caressing, with an innate sense of power. Stylish and well-integrated, with a long, peppery finish. Drink now through 2012. 35 cases imported.

Sighardt Donabaum Riesling Smaragd Trocken Wachau Brandstatt 2003
88

Baked apple is the main theme, with hints of peach and citrus. Tasty and will deliver a lot of pleasure. Drink now through 2007. 35 cases imported.

Sighardt Donabaum Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Trocken Wachau Atzberg 2003
88

Corpulent, packing its frame with vanilla pastry, baking bread and butter notes, showing accents of citrus and mineral. Forward. Will gain length over time. Drink now through 2009. 50 cases imported.

January 31, 2005

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra 2000
93

Attractive plum and dried mushroom aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with soft and silky tannins and a fruity finish.   Layers of lovely fruit and character.   Best after 2008.   1,800 cases made.

January 15, 2005

The Top 100 Wines of 2004

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1998

September 15, 2004

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1998
95

Beautiful aromas of toasted oak, berry and grilled meat follow through to a full-bodied palate, with loads of velvety tannins and a long, long finish.  Rich and decadent.  Superb.  Replay of the 1997.  Drink now.  100 cases of 6 bottles made.

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1998 ‘Fonte Lontano’
91

A tight and solid wine.  Big and cherry.  Full-bodied, with plenty of blackberry and tobacco character.  Long finish.  Best after 2004.  120 cases of 6 bottles made.

May 15, 2004

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino 1999
90

A smoky, ripe, almost raisiny red with a full body, soft, big tannins and a long finish. Best after 2005. 830 cases made.

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino 1999
89

Slightly earthy but blows off to plenty of ripe berry and cherry character on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Best after 2005. 555 cases made.

April 30, 2004

Sighardt Donabaum Gruner Veltliner 2002
88

Concentrated flavors of peach, vanilla custard and mineral. It’s balanced and moderately firm. Satisfying. Drink now through 2007. Only 420 cases made.

November 30, 2003

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra 1999
92

Stunning aromas of crushed berries and freshly sliced plums, with hints of orange peel and lemon.   Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a very long, rich finish.   Best after 2007.   990 cases made.

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra Riserva 1998
92

A velvety wine you have to love.  Beautiful blackberry and spice aromas follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a long, luscious finish.   Best after 2007.   230 cases made.

July 31, 2003

Owen Sullivan Cabernet Franc Champoux Vineyard 2001
90

Ripe and generous in flavor, relatively light and supple in texture. A lovely mouthful of cherry and cream flavors, hinting at white pepper on the generous, tangy finish. Drink now through 2006. 250 cases made.

Owen Sullivan Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
90

Fine and generous, a lovely mouthful of fresh plum and berry flavors shaded with coffee and spice, melded together beautifully with finesse through the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2010. 200 cases made.

May 15, 2003

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1997
96

Twenty-nine-year-old Fabio Giannetti has been running his family’s 11-acre family estate, northeast of the town of Montalcino, since 1998. This riserva comes from the nearly 2-acre Il Poggio vineyard, which was planted in 1974, Giannetti’s birth year. After two and a half years in large Slovenian oak casks, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels for a further eight months before bottling. It gives off gorgeous aromas of crushed raspberries and currants, with hints of blackberries. Then it turns spicy and minty. Full-bodied and super well-knit, with a silky, refined tannin structure that only deft vinemaking produces. Firm and tight still. Give this time. Best after 2006.

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino 1998
90

Lovely floral, berry and mineral aromas follow through to the medium-bodied palate, with super well-integrated tannins and a long finish. Lovely and harmonious. Best after 2003.

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino 1998
90

Subtle, yet complex aromas of flowers, berries and cherries. Full-bodied, but very balanced, with a silky mouthfeel and a long finish. Equals the quality of 1997. Best after 2004.

April 2003

Sighardt Donabaum Gruner Veltliner 2001
90

Rich, opulent even, with legume, green tea and lanolin notes seemingly suspended on the accessible texture. Harmonious, with subtle length. Drink now through 2010. 1,000 cases made. $19

Sighardt Donabaum Riesling 2001
89

Lovely aromas and flavors of peach, passion fruit, spice and mineral glide across the palate, mingling with the vibrant structure and silky texture. Gets course on the finish, where a peppery note emerges. Best from 2004-2010. 930 cases made. $19

Sighardt Donabaum Gewurtztraminer
88

Fragrant and dry, this spice and floral-flavored white exhibits typical varietal character, with more acidity than usual and a hint of mineral on the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases made. $19

July 2002

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra Riserva 1996
91

Racy and fine. Aromatic red, with plum, cedar, and spice character. Full-bodied with well integrated tannins and caressing rich finish. Very long. Best after 2003.

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra 1997
92

Big, mouth-puckering Barolo. Give it time in the bottle to mellow. Aromas of plums, coffee and spices follow through to a full-bodied palate, with thick and chewy tannins, and a long, long spicy finish. Best after 2005.

June 2002

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino 1997
90

A ripe and earthy red, with hints of incense. Full-bodied, with chunky tannins and a solid center-palate of fruit and ripe tannins. Closed now. Give it time. Best after 2003.

La Fornace Brunello di Montalcino 1997
93

Breathtaking aromas of ripe plums, smoke and minerals. Full-bodied, extremely polished and silky. Elegant and racy. A refined Sangiovese. Drink now through 2010. 650 cases made.

May 2002

Ronco del Gnemiz Chardonnay 1999
90

Similar to a fine Burgundy. Subtle and complex aromas of minerals, apples, lightly toasted oak and limes. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine acidity and a long lively, flavorful finish
. Needs some bottle age. est after 2002. 610 cases made.

Ronco del Gnemiz Pinot Grigio 2000
87

Aromas of exotic fruit, with almonds and pears. Medium-bodied, with mineral, light apple and grapefruit. A pleasant and friendly wine. Drink now. 800 cases made.