5/9/2024 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

After my third or fourth bottle of this wine I'll say that each bottle lands a bit differently. I like it, like almost all Sangiovese based wines, but its not great. It's a high acid wine from ripe grapes (14.5% ABV) but oddly it lacks depth or much of a "fruit" component. Overripe, perhaps, some tannins, but out of balance without delivering much pleasure. Well, maybe I won't buy any more of these !!

5/4/2024 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Fantastic, delicious and wonderful. A great expression of the highly versatile Chenin Blanc. Full bodied, slightly sweet, opulent fruit and mild acidity. Balanced and immediately enjoyable on its own or with the meal.

Agree with the previous comment on ageability of this bottle, wish I had more !!

4/12/2024 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Opened for two days now, this bottle still delivers pleasure. A lot of wine for the money and at 12.5% easy to enjoy. Tannic, acidic with just enough fruit. Very dry on the palate, best with food, pretty typical Aglianico. I like that it is already showing some sediment, definitely not over filtered.

4/2/2024 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Delicious and refreshing rosé of Pinot Noir from Sonoma County. Abundant fruit with supple supporting acidity. At 12% this will go well on a hot sunny afternoon.

Drinking what I had laft over from two days ago, and it's still fantastic. Remarkable, I hope to be able to lay in a supply for the summer.

3/24/2024 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Previous tasting notes are spot on. This is a very nice bottle of wine. Lovely, fresh, balance of fruit and acidity with very little tannin. Fresh and fruity, drinks like a Beaujolais. I will be out for more soon ...

3/9/2024 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Beautiful color, delightful and refreshing flavor, my favorite rosé. I love rosé all year round, a sunny day mid-winter is a great day for rosé in my view.

This one has juicy fruit with mellow supporting acidity. What I appreciate the most is the supporting bitterness, perfect to my taste.

3/1/2024 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Damn good stuff, really good. Unusual grape flavor, unless you regularly drink Corvina based wines I guess. Big fruit and high acidity immediately followed up by a tannin backstop, amazing really. It does not taste like a Nebbiolo but the impact is similar. Hope to lay in a supply of this stuff !!

2/23/2024 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Damn fine bottle of wine, especially at the price. Loaded with flavor and ripe fruit. Confirms my theory that Sauvignon Blanc should be blended !!

Many thanks to Kermit Lynch !!

2/2/2024 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Looks kind of tame in the glass but this is a powerful Sangiovese wine. High acid, big fruit, juicy. Single vineyard in Montalcino, I think this is the same clone they make Brunello from, maybe these grapes didn't quite make the cut ?

Hard to put it down, even after the food is gone !!

1/23/2024 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

With a fine meal, mostly seafood, at a lovely restaurant in Key West FL. Amazing how this wine complimented raw oysters, conch carpaccio, salad and a lovely snapper filet.

Previous tasting notes describe the experience well. In our case, the cork gave way in the middle but the server ably extracted the bottom portion intact. We sat for most of the evening with the owner who is an old friend and thereby met all of the customers nearby.

No longer a wine review, one woman on her way out laid a gushing love bomb on my fiancé and I, appreciating our chemistry. Another table took a selfie with us, perhaps thinking we were celebrities. All in all, a great night with a great bottle of wine !!

1/13/2024 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

If you like Chianti and other Sangiovese based wines, buy this if you see it. Fantastic, very distinctive, fruit forward, good with or without food, modest acidity with firm supporting tannins. I wonder if this is a Sagrantino?

12/31/2023 - JimTaft wrote:

Appending this note on 3/24/24 after changing like to neutral and reducing rating from 90 to 87. After my fourth bottle I can't find much good to say about this wine. It is dry and lacks fruit. I overpaid and can look at my previous note as trying hard to justify my expenditure. Apologies if I misled anyone.

Delicious, ready to drink Syrah from the homeland. Low, 12% alcohol. Balanced with enjoyable fruit. Very solid sense of place with this wine, would never be confused with New World.

I think I overpaid for this a bit but maybe Robert Parker made me think big money equates to "big wine" ??

This is a fine bottle of honest wine with a definite sense of terroir, try it and see !!

1/1/2024 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Delightful and easy to drink, no big decant needed. To my taste, a classic Syrah from the homeland. Well balanced and very tasty.

That said, for a ready to drink bottle this is quite expensive. And I don't exactly see how this would evolve into something more impressive in 10 years. Probably wrong but there are neither huge tannins or acidity to resolve here.

Really good, very good, but I guess I'd think twice about loading my cellar with this one.

12/22/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Delicious, ample fruit and acidity in balance. Will be good with food or on its own.

12/12/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Delicious, classic Pinot. Could be mistaken for Old World, not your typical California stuff.

Flavor available immediately, no need to wait. Good with all food groups !! Pop and Pour.

I always like it when a wine declares "unfined and unfiltered", if true I'd love to get a bit of sludge at the bottom of the bottle !!

12/11/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

As RUSSK says, consider stocking up on a bit of this, very good. Apparently the varietal is Lacrima and the wine is from a lesser known part of Italy Marche.

Wine is deeply colored with ample fruit, modest acidity or tannin. Easy drinking right now, has some characteristics that differ from most Italian wines, but I think most people will like this. Drinks much richer than it's 12.5% would suggest.

The sludge at the bottom of the bottle is a badge of honor, bottled with less filtration it delivers more flavor !!! Simple !! Drink up !

12/2/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Powerful, as others have written needs a few more years. Lots of French oak is probably part of the situation.

Huge fruit, little to no acidity, then the (very significant) tannins set in. At present, more a Nebbiolo style than Sangiovese. And maybe some French varietals added in to build such power ?

11/30/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Very big for a Chianti Classico. Huge even. Probably adhering to Chianti protocol but tastes powerful, like a Crognolo with it's added Merlot.

I hope not, but in this world of fake everything where does a 10 year old wine pop out of a producers cellar and all of a sudden appear here and there, with a couple reviews ??

Sadly, I wonder if this bottle is someone following the Total Wine/Costco model to buy some good juice, create a label and sell some wine. Tastes great but what is the back story ?? Has anyone visited this vintner ??

Adding in a few days later, my good friend Francis did a bit of research and informs me that this is a real producer ... not to worry. In 2013 they were allowed to use Non-indigenous grapes and they probably did. The wine is delicious, case closed. Raising my score to 91.

11/25/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Delicious, medium red color, high acid, moderate fruit, good with food.
Two days later it really opened up, lovely. Fruit came forward and the acid was then balanced.
Probably an odd recommendation for a Schiava, but I think a good decant is in order.

9/16/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Fresh and fruity, delightful. I could drink this every day, classic and classy Beaujolais.

Prior enthusiastic tasting notes really cover it, I'll be rushing down to get more !!

9/12/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Small slightly oval label near the bottom of the bottle is all there is !! If you don't already know, unlikely you would pick it up, Rosado is even more unlikely, rosé wine in a brown bottle.

Writing on day two, dark color with good clarity. Fairly scidic with ample tannins close behind, all resolving into some fine ripe dark fruit.

Quite dry, best with food, not necessarily a crowd pleaser. A powerful wine, definitely Old World, a luxury to have this in Nashville.

9/11/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

The rich yellow/orange hue drew me in at the store, subsequently noted some of my favorite white grapes in the make up and gave it a whirl.
Very happy with my choice. Previous tasting note is very helpful. Get the full flavors best at warmer temperature, enjoy !!

8/26/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

High acid, big fruit, some tannins maybe, ythen the oak. Delicious. Notes for the wine suggest drink to 2031, that would make it an 11 year old wine.

My best guess is that it will be good to 2031 and beyond, nothing better than well aged white wine !!

7/5/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Yeah, almost certainly this will continue to evolve and become even more extraordinary. Almost a given, all things considered.

But still, an excellent wine experience. One of the best ... I would respect this wine even more if there was some sediment, evidence is in, likely overfiltered.

Fruit, acid and tannin arrive on the palate nearly simultaneously. The tannins are still pretty aggressive and will be so for ywars to come. Clearly an important and worthy wine, wish I had a few more bottles !!

7/2/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Love this Beaujolais blanc, such a treat. 2020 must have been a good year, these grapes were ripe ! Add a little age and things get even more interesting.

Delicious with or without food, everyone I serve it to feels the same. I'll keep drinking this as long as I can get it.

5/17/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

I have been to Evora Portugal. It is a couple hours east of Lisbon, out where they grow the cork trees and its 115 F in the shade during the summer. There is a roman ruin in the middle of town. Just in case you are wondering why the grapes are so ripe to make 14.5% wine. Expresses less alcohol at cellar temperature, give it a chil !!

Delicious wine made from indigenous grapes in a modern style. Cartuxa has a tasting room/restaurant in the middle of town, and it is very good.

Huge fruit gradually yielding to mild acidity and slight to modest tannins. Not pretending to be a great wine of the world, very enjoyable and I'm surprised to find it locally. Very happily pairs with a slightly spicy Putanesca pasta, or at least I am thinking so right now.

Enjoy !!

5/16/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Mellow and enjoyable but likely somewhat over the hill. CT gives a drink by of 2030, James Suckling's comment on bottle to drink by 2022 seems more realistic. Unclear why this is still on the shelf at my local shop !!

5/9/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Delicious, if that's a fair tasting note !! Especially liked VINNUT comments, always appreciate an accomplished taster.

I love these glass stoppers with the silicone seal, will buy a bottle when it has one. Costs the producer a bit extra but for anything but long long term aging (in my opinion) the best closure out there. A bit of a challenge at first !!

4/15/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Delightful high altitude Pinot Nero from Sudtirol, Alto Agige. By Elena Walch, a talented female vintner, let's show this bottle some love !

High acid, serious tannins, bright red fruits. All in harmony. Ĺikely much closer to how a wine like this would have tasted 50 years ago. I will be buying more of this !!

4/8/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Over a year since the last tasting note, to me the wine still very well matches the previous descriptions. The previous tasting notes are really good, far better than average.

So far no one has mentioned the glass stopper on this bottle which seems to be retaining flavor and all superbly. The colour is beautiful, grapes were ripe, ample acidity in balance. Long delightful finish.

Amazing that this is already an 8 year old wine and barely beginning to show the aged white wine flavours. Would not surprise me if this wine was still enjoyable, possibly extraordinary, in 10 or more years !

We drank this tonight with a spicy green Thai style curry and it was outstanding.

3/10/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Brilliant, fully singing now. There is good information in all previous tasting notes but now this wine has come fully into maturity. Given optimal storage it wouldn't surprise me if it keeps 10 or more years.

Fruit forward now, quickly leading to powerful acidity and oh those tannins !! This wine needs food.

3/8/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Beautiful. Nothing out of balance here, fruit foreward with ample tannins and supportive acidity close behind.

Enjoyable on its own, better with food. Quite delicious, from an obscure grape in Campagnia.

1/19/2023 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Delicious !!

Certainly some combination of my favorite white grapes, Marsanne, Roussane and Viognier. Perfect with grouper and a lemon caper sauce.

11/16/2022 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

In hindsight, as I drank this last week, I agree that it is a very fine Chianti. Balanced and well made.

As it was fairly costly to me, over $40, I'll say this ... I probably needed to let it breathe more upon opening and/or, perhaps more likely, it just needs more time in the cellar.

I certainly would not open another in the same way, lovely as it was.

11/6/2022 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Agree with previous tasting notes, still holding up well after all these years.

Huge fruit, ample acidity, we'll resolved tannins. Echoing previous note, sweet almost jammy ... in a good way.

Drink up if you have it, still great but likely not improving.

11/5/2022 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Could be mistaken for an Old Word wine. Abundant fruit, tannins and acidity - well balanced.

Still drinking fine after all these years.

10/24/2022 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Unctuous !! Gorgeous color, bought based on, orange wine skin contact adds so much flavor.

Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussane, what's not to like ? Could drink this every (white wine) day.

9/28/2022 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Delicious Cotes du Rhone with declared GSM grape varietals. Very typical, perfect really, food wine.

Fruit and acid well balanced with significant tannins giving structure. Enjoyable, drink now, no need to decant or make any other fuss.

9/26/2022 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Delicious. Fruit forward with fine and balanced acidity. Good as aperitif and very good with food, even spicy challenging food.

Interesting blend of grapes, very dry yet fruity, kind of a perfect Eurocentric white wine. At 12%, easy to manage on a hot afternoon.

Plan to buy more ... If I can figure out where I got it !!

9/9/2022 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Delicious, juicy acidity, fruit forward, minimal (yet present) tannins. Low alcohol at 12%, drinks well with a good chill on it as well as ambient. Beautiful ruby colour with great transparency.

Marina Danieli, a woman vintners, three cheers to that !! Drinks like a rich rosé, great on a sunny afternoon with any food on offer. Otherwise, likely pairs best with lighter fare.

We really enjoyed this bottle, it held up well overnight, I will definitely drink more.

8/31/2022 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Previous tasting notes seem pretty accurate but only one mentions what I found to be an extreme level of carbonation, along the lines of a petilant. Certainly not what they had in mind for a still wine.

Kermit, if you are listening, I am a huge fan but this rosé from Italy does not meet your standards.

8/28/2022 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Previous notes are accurate, very enjoyable.

Dry, balanced, best with a good chill, all summer long ...

8/5/2022 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Delicious, good to the last drop !!

5/29/2022 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

This stuff is fantastic, all previous tasting notes are true. This has been my go to rosé for the past three years and nothing else compares. You are very fortunate if you can find this, give it a try.

Is still delightful on day two, very sturdy. In that, and other ways, it shares some characteristics with a Bandol rosé.

9/28/2021 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Just a well made bottle of Barbara here, nothing to set the world on fire. Fruit forward, high acid, significant tannins. Definitely a food wine.

A very fine bottle, sad to see no prior notes. Enjoying with modestly spicy Thai food and it works, versatile.

9/29/2021 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Second day on this bottle, amazing ... every bit as good, maybe better, than day one. The following applies to both experiences. Fantastic !!

Truly great wine here, doubly so if you love Chenin Blanc. Silky mouthfeel, abundant aroma and flavour in keeping, rich, delicious, extremely satisfying.

Agree with all of the previous reviews, some by (hopefully!) accomplished tasters. Would have this any day / every day !!!

9/13/2021 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

This stuff is fantastic. Ready to drink while probably just as good maybe better in 10 years. A particularly enjoyable Aglianico !!

9/10/2021 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

Totally agree with previous comment, "open for business, ready to go".

Modern style, agreeable to pop and pour. How often can you say that about a Barolo.

Excellent !!

9/1/2021 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

As there are few tasting notes on this bottle, I will add one.

All in all a tasty effort, full bodied, massive fruit, soft tannins and mild yet supportive acidity. Not a typical Rioja, apparently mostly Garnache.

While a powerhouse wine, and I spent good money on this, there are Tempranillo based Rioja available for similar money that will be more interesting to me.

7/15/2021 - JimTaft Likes this wine:

I wouldn't think to to disagree with the previous review, but I like this wine.

Clearly they are appealing to the American market, so a juicy override approach can't be faulted. In the US, not everyone wants Cotes Rotie !!

I think that, beyond an imminently potable wine, their crowning achievement here is doing it at 12.5%, a real blessing on a hot summer night !!

Not sure what's up with the rabbit ears but choosing to give them a pass on it. Maybe it's cute ?