Premier Cru - Italian Wine RSS/RDF Feed http://www.premiercru.net/premier/jsp/xml/premiercruitalian.php 93 points Galloni: "The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is quite a bit darker and richer than the straight Brunello. Cherries, plums, spices and French oak meld together beautifully in this silky, textured red. In 2005 the Tenuta Nuova boasts fabulous overall balance in a fairly restrained style for this bottling. Kirsch, roses and spices linger on the dark, enveloping finish. This is a terrific effort from Casanova di Neri. The Tenuta Nuova is made from vineyards in Le Cetine and Pietradonice, both located in the southern part of Montalcino. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=43078 98 points Galloni: "The 2007 Barolo Ciabot Mentin is one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted at this address. Deep, sensual layers of fruit flow from the glass as this full-throttle, intense Barolo reveals its profound, breathtaking personality. The 2007 shows tons of Ginestra nuance, but with extra dimensions to the fruit that literally covers every nook and cranny of the palate. Tasting this next to the 2006 is quite a comparison, as both wines are fabulous. Readers who can should be sure to own bottles of both. A side-by-side comparison is sure to be fascinating as the wines develop over the coming years. Astute readers will note the slight name change here, which is the result of new regulations that require the use of the historic vineyard name, in this case Ginestra, or a proprietary name. Call me nostalgic, but it is sad to see one of the iconic labels in Barolo disappear. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=43191 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45231 96 points Spectator: "Dried dark fruit on the nose, verging on date and prune. Full-bodied, with a dense palate of ripe fruit and supersilky tannins. This is a deep and beaufiful red, delivering lots of subtle character. Fascinating. One of the undiscovered treasures of the vintage." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39848 Spectator: "Just a few hours drive from Montalcino, on the coast, Sebastiano Rosa of Tenuta San Guido reports that 2009 delivered "awesome quality." He said that the only drawback for his 2009 Sassicaia could be the high alcohol of the wine, but "the wine is still balanced, so we are very pleased, for San Guido as well as Bolgheri." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45395 Spectator: "Just a few hours drive from Montalcino, on the coast, Sebastiano Rosa of Tenuta San Guido reports that 2009 delivered "awesome quality." He said that the only drawback for his 2009 Sassicaia could be the high alcohol of the wine, but "the wine is still balanced, so we are very pleased, for San Guido as well as Bolgheri." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45396 Spectator: "Just a few hours drive from Montalcino, on the coast, Sebastiano Rosa of Tenuta San Guido reports that 2009 delivered "awesome quality." He said that the only drawback for his 2009 Sassicaia could be the high alcohol of the wine, but "the wine is still balanced, so we are very pleased, for San Guido as well as Bolgheri." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45398 Spectator: "Just a few hours drive from Montalcino, on the coast, Sebastiano Rosa of Tenuta San Guido reports that 2009 delivered "awesome quality." He said that the only drawback for his 2009 Sassicaia could be the high alcohol of the wine, but "the wine is still balanced, so we are very pleased, for San Guido as well as Bolgheri." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45399 Spectator: "Just a few hours drive from Montalcino, on the coast, Sebastiano Rosa of Tenuta San Guido reports that 2009 delivered "awesome quality." He said that the only drawback for his 2009 Sassicaia could be the high alcohol of the wine, but "the wine is still balanced, so we are very pleased, for San Guido as well as Bolgheri." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45397 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45401 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45400 98 points Suckling: "This is the best wine ever from Poggio Antico. Aromas of blackberries and flowers follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a polished tannin mouth-feel. This is really structured, yet elegant. Wonderful purity. Better in 2014, but who can wait? " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45371 98 points Suckling: "Best Montosoli since 1997. Aromas of plum jam and cherries follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a fruity finish. Pure fruit here. The purity to this wine is impressive. It is laser-guided in structure and fruit. Try in 2014." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45370 96 points Suckling: "Aromas of ripe plums and berries and hints of tar. Full body, with velvety tannins and a lovely texture. Fruit and coffee character on the palate. Structured. Classy and powerful. Needs two or three years to soften. Better than 2006." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45375 95 points Suckling: "Aromas of blueberries and bacon and hints of wet earth. Full body, with velvety and round tannins and a juicy finish. Wonderful finish of fruit and meat. Opulent and soft. Better in 2014. Best Fanti since 2001." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45376 95 points Suckling: "Black cherry and black tea aromas follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a succulent finish. Wonderful combination of bright acidity and savory fruit. Will age wonderfully. Better in 2015" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45378 95 points Suckling: "A very structured 2007 Brunello, with ripe and firm tannins and beautiful fresh fruit. Full body, chewy and intense, with a long finish. This is the best from here in years. Wonderful depth of fruit. Try in 2016." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45377 97 points Suckling: "Aromas of blackberries and blueberries follow through to a full body and velvety tannins. This is so layered and deep. Fabulous texture. Better in 2014. We will see in the end whether 2006 or 2007 is better. Try in 2016." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45373 98 points Suckling: "What beautiful clear fruit here, with plums and spices and hints of flowers. Class. Full- bodied and luscious, this Brunello fills your mouth, with polished velvety tannins and gorgeous fruit. So wonderful and gorgeous. Irresistible. Better than 2006. Best after 2016." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45372 96 points Suckling: "Complex aromas of red fruits, flowers and fresh mushrooms follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and intense fruit and bright acidity. Goes on for a long, long time. So juicy and fruity. Hints of bitter lemon rind. Give this two or three years more of bottle age." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45374 97 points Suckling: "This is not the perfect 100-point 2006, but damn close. Loads of black cherries and spices on the nose. Full-bodied, with a beautiful core of fruit. Long and gorgeous finish. This is so long and beautiful to taste. Lasts for minutes. Try after 2015." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45369 94-97 points Galloni: "The 2008 Barolo Brunate (from cask) is all muscle, minerals and iron, with a powerful core of dark fruit that impresses for its depth and volume. It, too, is a wine of significant potential." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45356 94-97 points Galloni: "The 2008 Barolo Cerequio (from cask) is just classic Cerequio. Floral red berries waft from the glass as this captivating, ethereal Barolo shows off its pedigree and class. This is a highly promising Barolo." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45354 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45355 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45353 96 points Galloni: "The estate's 2007 Scrio (Syrah) is simply breathtaking. This rich, opulent red caresses the palate seamlessly with masses of dark fruit in a large-scaled expression of Syrah. Spices, mint and flowers develop in the glass, adding further shades of nuance. The plushness of the fruit builds towards a rich, immensely rewarding finish. Scrio is fermented in open-top French oak barriques, and the oak is noticeable at this stage, so the wine is best left alone in the cellar for a few years. This is magnificent juice! Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=43013 97 points Galloni: "The 2006 Barolo Cannubi Boschis is seductive, round and sweet in its ripe dark fruit. The wine continues to gain weight in the glass, showing a level of density that nearly manages to cover the tannins. Floral notes add lift on the finish. This is a powerful, linear Cannubi Boschis with tons of energy and muscle, but it will require quite a bit of patience. Sandrone harvests his three parcels in Cannubi Boschis separately. Vinification takes place in stainless steel. The wines undergo malolactic fermentation and are aged in 500-liter barrels (roughly 20% new) for a year. Once the final blend is assembled, the wine goes back into oak for another year prior to being bottled in the spring. Sandrone is one of the earliest producers to bottle, which he does to preserve as much freshness as possible. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=43098 96 points Galloni: "Sandrone's 2006 Barolo Le Vigne possesses awesome balance as intricately woven layers of aromas and flavors come together in the glass. The 2006 is an especially powerful Le Vigne boasting a solid core of floral, red fruits supported by firm yet elegant tannins. This, too, shows the considerable drive and focus that is the hallmark of the vintage. The wine's overall balance is impeccable. Le Vigne is made from parcels in Vignane (Barolo), Conterni and Ceretta (Monforte) and Merli (Novello). The wines are aged separately for a year in 500-liter barrels. The final blend is assembled, after which the wine spends an additional year in oak prior to being bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=43101 96 points Galloni: "Sandrone's 2006 Barolo Le Vigne possesses awesome balance as intricately woven layers of aromas and flavors come together in the glass. The 2006 is an especially powerful Le Vigne boasting a solid core of floral, red fruits supported by firm yet elegant tannins. This, too, shows the considerable drive and focus that is the hallmark of the vintage. The wine's overall balance is impeccable. Le Vigne is made from parcels in Vignane (Barolo), Conterni and Ceretta (Monforte) and Merli (Novello). The wines are aged separately for a year in 500-liter barrels. The final blend is assembled, after which the wine spends an additional year in oak prior to being bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=43100 96 points Galloni: "The 2006 Barolo Pajana reveals incredible aromatic complexity and intensity, something this particular site isn't always capable of. There is lovely definition to be found as this classic feeling, mid-weight Pajana opens up in the glass. Layers of ripe dark fruit, spices, flowers, licorice and minerals develop seamlessly through to the close. I am floored by the wine's volume, depth and length. Quite simply, this is a magnificent effort from Clerico. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40996 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45234 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45235 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45232 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45233 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45205 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45201 '96 points Parker's WA: "Geppetti has produced another gem in her 2006 Saffredi, a French-oak aged blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Alicante. This textured, explosive wine boasts considerable depth and richness in its dark fruit, flowers, minerals and graphite. The wine remains extremely primary and in need of considerable bottle age in order to offer its best drinking but it is unquestionably formidable. The style combines elements of power and elegance, achieving a level rarely seen in these parts. Simply put, this is stunning juice. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=42321 97 points Spectator: "This gorgeous Sangiovese delivers notes of blueberry, raspberry and flowers on a full-bodied palate, with supervelvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. Best after 2012. 2,500 cases made. --JS http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=42375 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45181 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45182 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=43482 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45164 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45165 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45163 There's something very pinot-like about the way this comports itself, from its limpid ruby hue to its fruit basket of a nose: nicely lifted aromas of raspberry, fraises des bois, and kirsch. Intense and incisive on the attack, the red fruits impression, along with a subtle undercuurrent of roasted herbs, carries through to its seamless and silky mid-palate, with perfect acidity giving brightness, freshness and verve, wrapped up in a package as elegant and light on its feet as Fred Astaire. http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=44185 Much deeper in color than the Frappato, with a dark, brooding, slightly feral nose of black fruits, tar, and graphite. Full-throttle entry of black cherry and spice; while clearly a bigger, denser wine than the Frappato, and certainly more structured, the refinement of its tannins and its utter lack of any off-putting rusticity is almost shocking. There's real depth here that can perhaps be accessed for now by decanting. http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=43603 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45153 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45154 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45155 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45150 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45157 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45151 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45152 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45156 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45148 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45146 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=45149 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=42551 96 points Parker's WA: "Geppetti has produced another gem in her 2006 Saffredi, a French-oak aged blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Alicante. This textured, explosive wine boasts considerable depth and richness in its dark fruit, flowers, minerals and graphite. The wine remains extremely primary and in need of considerable bottle age in order to offer its best drinking but it is unquestionably formidable. The style combines elements of power and elegance, achieving a level rarely seen in these parts. Simply put, this is stunning juice. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40339 97 points Galloni: "The 2007 Barolo Cannubi Boschis dazzles from start to finish. It shows marvelous delineation and freshness in its voluptuous, harmonious fruit, with no hard edges and an expansive, textured personality that conquers both the palate and intellect. Here, too, the oak is very well integrated, while the wine's balance and overall sense of harmony are nothing short of stunning. This is one of the very finest vintages of Cannubi Boschis. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=43197 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=44880 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=44882 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=44881 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=22494 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=17444 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=44781 95+ points Galloni: "The 2007 Barolo Ca' Mia explodes from the glass with ripe dark fruit, smoke, incense, menthol, spices and tar. There is an exotic quality to the Ca' Mia that is totally intriguing. Here, too, the richness of the year provides a lovely foil to the firm, underlying structural components that are very much present. The pointed finish gives the wine tons of drive and sheer energy. This is a striking Serralunga Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=44782 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=44784 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=44783 95 points Galloni: "The 2007 Barolo Garblet Sue' is another stunning wine. This vineyard seldom yields wines without firm tannins and slightly angular contours, so the even warmth of the year is especially beneficial here. Smoke, tar, iron, roses and dark red fruit are woven together in a muscular, virile style that is striking. The finish shows fabulous intensity, drive and focus, virtually covering the tannins. It is simply dazzling. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=44779 95 points Galloni: "The 2007 Barolo Garblet Sue' is another stunning wine. This vineyard seldom yields wines without firm tannins and slightly angular contours, so the even warmth of the year is especially beneficial here. Smoke, tar, iron, roses and dark red fruit are woven together in a muscular, virile style that is striking. The finish shows fabulous intensity, drive and focus, virtually covering the tannins. It is simply dazzling. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=44778 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=44776 95+ points Galloni: "The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino flows with gorgeous layers of dark red fruit. This is one of the more muscular, virile wines of the vintage. Slow to reveal its character, the Valdicava Brunello will require significant patience, but I have seen the wine blossom beautifully, even in the smallest of vintages. A blast of iron, smoke, tar, licorice and new leather inform the deep, intense finish. This is a hugely promising, brilliant Brunello from proprietor Vincenzo Abbruzzese, but it needs to be buried in the cellar for at least a few years. Readers who can't wait should open the wine a few hours in advance, which will allow the fruit to emerge. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=43004 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41358 95 points Parker's WA: "Giacosa's 2005 Barbaresco Asili is noticeably rounder, sweeter and denser than the Santo Stefano. It shows remarkable balance and harmony in an incredibly pure, graceful style. The tannins are so finessed and elegant it is hard to actually perceive them on the palate. Here too, the wine shows awesome inner balance and poise. Sweet raspberries, flowers, roses and spices are just some of the nuances that emerge from this incredibly delicious, promising Barbaresco. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39750 96 points Galloni: "Mascarello's 2007 Barolo flows from the glass with masses of round, enveloping fruit. This is an unusually soft, juicy Barolo from Mascarello that is remarkable for its textural richness and warm radiant fruit. The 2007 doesn't have the aromatic complexity of the 2005 or 2006, but it makes up for that with its totally seductive personality. Crushed flowers, berries and sweet baking spices linger on a generous finish that evokes memories of the 1990. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=44681 96 points Galloni: "Mascarello's 2007 Barolo flows from the glass with masses of round, enveloping fruit. This is an unusually soft, juicy Barolo from Mascarello that is remarkable for its textural richness and warm radiant fruit. The 2007 doesn't have the aromatic complexity of the 2005 or 2006, but it makes up for that with its totally seductive personality. Crushed flowers, berries and sweet baking spices linger on a generous finish that evokes memories of the 1990. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=44680 96 points Suckling: "I love the decadence and richness here with dark fruits, meat and very ripe plums. Full bodied, with a dense and beautiful palate. Ripe black cherries, with flowers. Such pure fruit. Powerful tannins, yet polished and elegant. Beautiful length. Give it three to four years of bottle age. This is phenomenal and made from organic grapes." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=43076 100 points Suckling: "What a nose of tangerines, dark fruits, spices and cigar box. Full bodied, with incredible concentration and power. It goes on for minutes. Mind blowing. Meat, dark chocolate, dried fruits, mushrooms. Turns to aniseed and black licorice. It is a wine with soul. How can Sangiovese be better? Better in 2014. " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=43152 96 points Parker's WA: "The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva reveals gorgeous clarity, precision and richness in a generous, enveloping style. The fruit remains incredibly pure and almost primary at this stage, suggesting the wine has many years of fine drinking ahead of it. Deceptively medium in body, Fuligni's Riserva has plenty of tannic clout to back up the sexy, opulent fruit. A layered, impeccable finish rounds out this utterly brilliant Riserva. Readers will not want to miss this fabulous Brunello from Fuligni. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40915