Interesting and complex, evolving from an acidic and saline profile to a more textured and round construction. Similarly, the flavors and aromatics changed over time from a steely melon and citrus lime to a warmer honey and brioche.

Some in the group really liked it, but it was far too sweet for my tastes, lacking sufficient effervescence to offset its confected nature. The aromatics were solid, evoking freshly cut strawberries. The flavor profile brought forth strawberry preserves, ripe strawberries and raspberry.

Undistinguished, considering its $20 price point; showed notes of melon rind, chalk and almond.

Disappointing. Came across as overly acidic, and its tobacco and coffee characteristics overwhelmed the cherry fruit aspects that I tend to enjoy most with brunellos. Didn’t improve with time and possibly regressed.

Very interesting drinking experience. Bright, but probably a tad too acidic for me (needs time? built for long haul …), but with length that showed real class. Featured tangy fruit flavors of raspberry and strawberry, accented nicely by forest floor and spice elements.

Impressed the group with its transformation over the course of the night; initially it showed a zippy and flavorful ripe-vintage profile with red berries and a satiny finish, but changed into a denser, dark fruit and meat-driven wine with a persistent finish. Consensus WOTN.

The top contender to the Hermitage for WOTN. Denser, fruitier and hotter than the Rhone, but kept things in balance and was never fatiguing. The lush flavors of blackberries and fruit compote commanded attention.

What can you say, Carlisle is always a crowd pleaser, and maybe I would have rated it higher had it not disappeared so quickly (perhaps preventing it from evolving into something more interesting). Supple mouth feel, pure aromatics, with notes of black cherry and spice.

Saxum, on the other hand, typically has not grabbed the attention of my guests like Carlisle has. Like other Saxums, this one was a tad too hot for me, but the quality was undeniable as the finish was persistent and the dense flavors of blackberry and spice were delineated and pleasing.

A top notch, circa $20 shiraz that speaks Australian but can appeal to palates that seek structure and refinement. Dark berry and olives notes with a mineral tinge. And the score is relative to price point, factoring in that the Saxum costs 4x as much ...

Not overly impressed with this bottling, but it might need a bit more bottle age (I figured since this was the entry-level Cigliuti, it was meant for early drinking). Aromatics and flavors were reticent but tended towards black cherry, leather and spice. The density and length suggested this had good bones and likely will improve.