Premier Cru - Italian Wine RSS/RDF Feed http://www.premiercru.net/premier/jsp/xml/premiercruitalian.php 99+ points Parker's WA (Galloni): "The 2004 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto is off the charts. Sweet roses, menthol, tar, licorice and minerals come together in a sensual, elegant style that recalls Giacosa?s legendary 1989 Riserva Collina Rionda, a wine many observers (this one included) place at the top of the hierarchy of all-time legendary Barolos. Ripe, sensual, and utterly spellbinding, the 2004 Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto offers superb elegance and pedigree. At this stage the wine remains surprisingly accessible. Readers will want to taste the 2004 Rocche as soon as possible as it will almost certainly head for a long period of dormancy in the near future. This magical Barolo will likely merit a perfect score in the future. The 2004 Rocche is the last wine Giacosa and former longtime oenologist Dante Scaglione produced together from start to finish and it is an appropriate bookend to a wonderful partnership that yielded so many profound wines. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2044." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41024 95 points Spectator: "Displays complex armoas of blackberry and cherry, with a hint of licorice. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a delicious finsih of wonderful yet subtle fruit. Well-integrated and beautiful. Everything is in the right place." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39850 95 points Parker's WA: "The 2005 Sori Tildin appears to be incredibly primary and youthful. Floral aromatics meld seamlessly into freshly cut roses, raspberries, licorice, tar and menthol. This graceful, feminine wine reveals tons of elegance and finesse in an understated style. Today the Sori Tildin shows a touch more oak than the other single-vineyard wines, which suggests it may not quite have the stuffing of the very finest vintages. Still, this remains a vibrant and very Piedmontese wine in need of only one thing, and that is a long slumber in the cellar. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39747 96 points Parker's WA: "The 2005 Costa Russi shimmers on the palate with extraordinary grace. The wine boasts wonderful depth and richness in its dark red fruit in a round, generous style that offers lovely balance to the tannins. Notes of tar, smoke and licorice develop in the glass, adding a touch of complexity and nuance that is sometimes missing in this bottling. The French oak is present, but deftly balanced with the wine?s other components. As always, Costa Russi comes across as relatively accessible when young, but it is sure to only improve with age. Recent bottles of the 1985 have been nothing short of glorious. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39745 96 points Parker's WA: "Gaja?s 2005 Sori San Lorenzo is a dense, dark beauty of sensual, irresistible charm. This richly-textured, expansive wine flows with masses of ripe dark fruit, menthol, licorice and mineral in a sumptuous, full-bodied style. The use of oak is simply masterful here and the wine boasts extraordinary balance. I am not sure how he does it, but Angelo Gaja is easily Italy?s most consistently brilliant producer. For those who can afford it, this is another gem from Gaja. Readers should interpret my drinking windows with a large grain of salt. The 1990 Sor? San Lorenzo is still young, and the 1978 is amazingly fresh, so it is anyone?s guess as to when this wine might be actually ?ready.? In the meantime, this wine is sure to provide enormous pleasure to those lucky enough to own it. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39746 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39851 97 points Parker's WA: "The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is a huge, dense wine that explodes from the glass with tar, smoke, earthiness black cherries and minerals. The wine possesses dazzling concentration and tons of richness, as waves of fruit coat the palate in stunning style. This big, dramatic Brunello needs time in bottle, but it is nothing short of magnificent today. The balance, and the integration of the French oak in particular, is brilliant. For those who are curious to try a bottle now, the wine should be opened a few hours in advance as the tannins are imposing at this stage. This is a rare Brunello of superb pedigree and complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40211 99 points Daniel Thomases in The Veronelli Guide http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40579 98 points Spectator: "Very powerful and rich, with blackberry, licorice and light toasty oak. This has pure fruit. Turns exotic and decadent. Full-bodied, with dense, powerful tannins, but velvety and beautiful. Big and powerful. Layered and gorgeous. Best from 2011 through 2018. From Italy.?J.S." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40252 '99+ points Parker's WA (Galloni): "The 2004 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto is off the charts. Sweet roses, menthol, tar, licorice and minerals come together in a sensual, elegant style that recalls Giacosa?s legendary 1989 Riserva Collina Rionda, a wine many observers (this one included) place at the top of the hierarchy of all-time legendary Barolos. Ripe, sensual, and utterly spellbinding, the 2004 Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto offers superb elegance and pedigree. At this stage the wine remains surprisingly accessible. Readers will want to taste the 2004 Rocche as soon as possible as it will almost certainly head for a long period of dormancy in the near future. This magical Barolo will likely merit a perfect score in the future. The 2004 Rocche is the last wine Giacosa and former longtime oenologist Dante Scaglione produced together from start to finish and it is an appropriate bookend to a wonderful partnership that yielded so many profound wines. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2044." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41373 '99+ points Parker's WA (Galloni): "The 2004 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto is off the charts. Sweet roses, menthol, tar, licorice and minerals come together in a sensual, elegant style that recalls Giacosa?s legendary 1989 Riserva Collina Rionda, a wine many observers (this one included) place at the top of the hierarchy of all-time legendary Barolos. Ripe, sensual, and utterly spellbinding, the 2004 Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto offers superb elegance and pedigree. At this stage the wine remains surprisingly accessible. Readers will want to taste the 2004 Rocche as soon as possible as it will almost certainly head for a long period of dormancy in the near future. This magical Barolo will likely merit a perfect score in the future. The 2004 Rocche is the last wine Giacosa and former longtime oenologist Dante Scaglione produced together from start to finish and it is an appropriate bookend to a wonderful partnership that yielded so many profound wines. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2044." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41372 96 points Galloni: "The 2007 Cepparello (Sangiovese) makes a case for itself as one of the finest wines ever made at Isole e Olena. It is an open, sublime Cepparello endowed with tons of clarity and definition. The ripe red fruit floats on a core of refined, silky tannins that caress the palate with exceptional elegance and finesse. As the wine sits in the glass its inner perfume gradually emerges, leading to an eternal, beautifully crafted finish. The ripeness of the vintage is beautifully balanced by the acidity that is the trademark of Sangiovese grown in these hillside plots. Simply put, this is an utterly thrilling wine that will be a joy to follow over the coming years. In many ways, the restraint, elegance and polish all suggest Cepparello is the Haut-Brion of Tuscany?s high-end, pure Sangioveses. The 2007 Cepparello was fermented in wood uprights and saw three weeks of contact on the skins. Malolactic fermentation took place in equal parts steel and French oak. The final blend was assembled and the wine was subsequently aged in French oak barrels (1/3 new) for 18 months. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41357 96 points Galloni: "The 2007 La Ricolma (Merlot) flows across the palate with sensual grace as layers of perfumed red fruit meld seamlessly into silky, refined tannins. Medium in body, the wine possesses remarkable class and elegance in a mid-weight style. A final burst of sweet red berries, flowers and spices informs the breathtaking, exceptionally fine finish. Though delicious today for its soft, approachable personality, the fruit remains incredibly primary, with very little development in the aromas and flavors. A few more years in bottle should take care of things. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41359 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41358 96 points Parker's WA: "Conterno-Fantino have once again produced one of the vintage?s finest wines with their stunning 2004 Barolo Sori Ginestra, which is just as impressive in bottle as it has been on the several occasions I have tasted it from barrel. This explosive, heady Barolo bursts onto the palate with seamless layers of ripe dark fruit, black cherries, menthol, cinnamon, pine and minerals, revealing profound depth and richness. It offers superb length, gorgeous, sweet tannins and a finish that lasts forever. Although it is a surprisingly accessible Sori Ginestra at this stage, I expect it will close down at some point in the near future. Readers who have an opportunity to taste this wine in the next few months should not hesitate to do so. This is a remarkable Barolo in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38188 94 points Parker's WA (Galloni): "The 2006 Langhe Conteisa is a beautifully firm, transparent wine endowed with expressive red fruits, menthol, flowers and licorice. The 2006 is decidedly more reticent than the 2007, but it shows tons of harmony, length and class. The finish is utterly seductive. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41272 94 points Parker's WA (Galloni): "All readers need to do is taste the 2007 Barbaresco to get a sense of the promise the vintage holds at Gaja. Soft and seamless on the palate, the Barbaresco shows wonderful integrity in its fruit in an opulent, yet mid-weight style. Fragrant, perfumed aromatics are woven throughout, while an attractive spiciness develops in the glass. There is incredible depth to the fruit and simply phenomenal overall balance. Readers will not want to miss this Barbaresco; arguably Gaja?s finest since 1997. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41270 98 points Parker's WA (Galloni): "The 2007 Langhe Costa Russi combines richness and focus to a degree that has seldom been seen here. This insanely beautiful wine boasts a breathtaking bouquet, explosive, generous fruit and an absolutely eternal finish. Layers of dark red fruit, minerals, flowers and spices saturate every corner of the palate as this mind-blowing Costa Russi struts its stuff. This is a towering effort from Angelo Gaja. The wine should be accessible fairly early and age for decades. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2037" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41267 98 points Parker's WA (Galloni): "The 2007 Langhe Sori San Lorenzo is perhaps the most massive, virile wine in this lineup, and accordingly it will require the most time. Tannic and austere at the outset, the wine gradually opens to reveal staggering richness and depth in its dark fruit. The wine turns more elegant in the glass, revealing a myriad of black fruit, tar, licorice, spices and scorched earth in a dazzling display of class and elegance. This is one for the ages. Anticipated maturity: 2027-2047." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41268 97 points Parker's WA (Galloni): "The 2007 Langhe Sori Tildin opens with a huge, kaleidoscopic bouquet that immediately draws me in. A remarkably vivid wine, the sensual Sori Tildin caresses the palate with silky, textured fruit, showing incredible power, length and class. There is a transparency to the wine that is beguiling. Once again, the finish is eternal. Sori Tildin is one of Gaja?s more nuanced wines, and in 2007 it is breathtakingly beautiful. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2037" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41269 96 points Parker's WA: "What a pleasure it is to taste the 2006 Le Pergole Torte now that it is in bottle. The wine reveals superior density and richness in an especially generous style for this wine. Notes of smoke, licorice, leather and underbrush develop with air, adding layers of complexity to the dark red fruit. Today the tannins are a bit on the firm side as is typically the case when this wine is young, but it is impossible not to admire the 2006 Pergole Torte for its superb purity. The heat of the vintage has given the fruit in these high altitude vineyards a level of ripeness and depth that is unusual, all while maintaining the classic sense of structure that defines the best Pergole Tortes. Run, don?t walk?.this is breathtaking juice no one who loves Italian wine will want to be without. This is Lot L 109. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40331 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41213 '96 points Parker's WA: "The estate?s 2006 Giusto di Notri is another weighty, powerful offering bursting with tons of primary fruit. Sweet herbs, cassis and graphite swirl around in the glass, adding further complexity. Like the other wines in this line-up, the Giusto di Notri needs time to reach the full range of its potential, but it is awfully impressive even at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41214 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 96 points Parker: "The estate-s 2004 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is another awesome wine. Initially linear on entry, it explodes on the palate with a compelling array of dark fruit, smoke, tar, licorice, new leather, plums and baking spices. Although Bric del Fiasc is typically a wine that relies on power, the 2004 is notably refined and elegant, with sweet silky tannins that support the fruit from start to finish. Simply put, this is a remarkable wine from Enrico Scavino. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38165 93 points Galloni: "The 2007 Ornellaia is remarkably open and accessible, very much in keeping with the personality of the vintage. Clean, minerally notes frame a core of silky, perfumed dark fruit, mocha, spices, licorice, grilled herbs and leather that impresses for its exceptional length. Tasted next to the 2007 Le Serre Nuove, the 2007 Ornellaia shows more muscle (from the higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon), but in terms of pure quality the wines are very close. The 2007 is not a big, massive Ornellaia, but rather a wine built on elegance and finesse, both of which are on full display. The 2007 should drink well with a minimum of cellaring, but whether it will make old bones remains a question mark at this point. The 2007 Ornellaia is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41093 96 points Parker's WA (for the vintage in Tuscany, best ever?) http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39454 97 points Parker's WA: "The 2004 Barolo Cerequio has been nothing short of profound on the four previous occasions I have tasted it and it is equally superb now that it is in bottle. It flows from the glass with a beautiful, pure expression of roses, flowers, sweet spices and ripe red fruit. This richly-textured, sumptuous Barolo literally shimmers with fruit from start to finish. The glorious, complete 2004 Cerequio is a superb effort from the inspired Roberto Voerzio. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38185 96 points Parker's WA: "Voerzio?s 2004 Barolo Rocche dell?Annunziata/Torriglione is a stunning effort. It bursts from the glass with soaring aromatics that lead to a beautifully articulated core of red fruit, sweet spices and mint that is buttressed by finessed, silky tannins that caress the palate. This long, pure Barolo combines the feminine qualities of Cerequio with the structure of Brunate in a compelling, breathtaking glass of wine. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38186 93 points Parker's WA: "The 2003 Barolo Le Vigne may have a slight edge over the Cannubi Boschis in this vintage, as the ability to blend fruit from various microclimates was a big advantage. It is a full-bodied, soft-textured Barolo with lively color and plenty of ripe red fruit, menthol and spices. This is an especially fresh, vibrant wine for the vintage, with tannins that are particularly refined." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38152 96+ points Parker's WA )Galloni): "The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano continues to develop very positively. This huge, concentrated Madonna del Piano dazzles for the richness of its fruit and the delineation of its aromas. The clean, vibrant finish suggests many years of cellaring potential. The Valdicava Brunellos are often misunderstood when young because they possess so much richness, but with time in bottle the wines turn more delicate and complete. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40913 98 points Parker's WA (Galloni): "The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is even more compelling than the Rabaja. It floats on the palate with an ethereal core of sweet fruit that calls to mind a profound Musigny, but with the unmistakable structure of Nebbiolo. The perfumed purity of the fruit carries all the way through to the deeply satisfying, resonating finish. Made in a soft, seductive style, this remarkable wine is decidedly more approachable and easy to appreciate today than the Rabaja. Giacosa fans will have a great time discussing the merits of the Rabaja and the Asili in 2004, but to me they are virtually equally moving; Asili for its feminine gracefulness and Rabaja for its size and power. The Asili should prove more accessible at an earlier age. Bruno Giacosa says his 2004 Asili Riserva will turn out to be just like his 2000 Asili Riserva, the wine he still thinks is the best he?s ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41023 98 points Parker's WA (Galloni): "The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is even more compelling than the Rabaja. It floats on the palate with an ethereal core of sweet fruit that calls to mind a profound Musigny, but with the unmistakable structure of Nebbiolo. The perfumed purity of the fruit carries all the way through to the deeply satisfying, resonating finish. Made in a soft, seductive style, this remarkable wine is decidedly more approachable and easy to appreciate today than the Rabaja. Giacosa fans will have a great time discussing the merits of the Rabaja and the Asili in 2004, but to me they are virtually equally moving; Asili for its feminine gracefulness and Rabaja for its size and power. The Asili should prove more accessible at an earlier age. Bruno Giacosa says his 2004 Asili Riserva will turn out to be just like his 2000 Asili Riserva, the wine he still thinks is the best he?s ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41022 94 points Parker's WA (Galloni): "The 2007 Barbaresco Asili is a striking, elegant wine. Sweet roses, minerals, flowers, menthol and minerals emerge from this firm yet intensely perfumed Barbaresco. The wine reveals gorgeous weight and textural richness in a firm style that requires patience. Beginning with the 2007 vintage, the vineyards delimitations in Barbaresco have been re-drawn. As a result, Giacosa?s parcel in Rabaja is now considered part of Asili, which means there will be no more Barbaresco Rabaja from Bruno Giacosa after 2005. In 2007, the white label Asili is roughly 80% juice from the old ?Rabaja? parcel and 20% Asili from the vines Giacosa has always used for his Asili. Curiously, the 2007 Asili is a very soft wine, considering it is made mostly from vines that informed such majestic Rabajas as the 2001 and 2004. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41025 95 points Parker's WA (Galloni): "The 2007 Barbaresco Santo Stefano is a gorgeous wine that combines element of ripeness, structure and the intense spiciness that makes the best wines from the Santo Stefano vineyard so compelling. Floral, high-toned notes appear on the silky finish, rounding out this highly promising wine. Gorgeous textural elegance and balance are the hallmarks of the 2007 Santo Stefano. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41026 97 points Galloni: "The 2004 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell?Annunziata has developed beautifully since I last tasted it a few years ago. That said, I am amazed how bright and primary the fruit still is. Sweet, perfumed aromatics lead to a core of silky fruit as this elegant, pedigreed Barolo emerges from the glass. The tannins are exceptionally refined all the way through to the finish, while the French oak is virtually imperceptible. What remains is a gorgeous, fruit-driven Barolo that captures the essence of the Scavino style at its best. The wine should enjoy a long drinking window to age 25 and quite likely longer. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2029. " http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40989 96 points Galloni: "The 2004 Barolo Riserva Runcot offers up an intriguing array of licorice, tobacco, spices, plums and prunes. The purity of the fruit here is beyond striking, and the wine shows great intensity as well as superb overall balance. The Runcot saw 45 days of maceration on the skins and spent 36 months in 100% new French oak, all of which it has absorbed with impeccable elegance. I imagine the 2004 Runcot will continue to gain weight in bottle, but even if it doesn?t, it is pretty special today. What a beautiful wine! Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41006 95 points Galloni: "The 2006 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is a dramatic, sweeping wine that bursts onto the palate in a powerful expression of this Castiglione Falletto vineyard. Dark red fruits, smoke and grilled herbs are just some of the nuances that come to life as this imposing, focused Barolo opens up in the glass. Today, the wine is a touch austere, but in a few years the structure should fill out nicely. It is impossible to ignore the sheer pedigree and class here. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40986 95+ points Galloni: "The 2006 Barolo Brunate is a fat, juicy wine that comes across as more immediate than some of the other Barolos in this line-up. Smoke, tar and licorice meld into a core of gloriously ripe fruit. There is incredible density and richness to the Brunate, qualities that carry through to the impeccably round, harmonious finish. The Brunate sees a fermentation/maceration lasting roughly 21 days, which is the shortest among the estate?s single-vineyard Barolos, but not entirely surprising for a wine made from this site, which lies on the La Morra/Barolo border. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40997 96+ points Galloni: "The 2006 Barolo Brunate flows from the glass with a powerful, brooding expression of fruit. As is often the case, the Brunate presents dark, burnished tones that are a marvel to behold. The wine?s stunning depth and richness caress the palate all the way through to a mineral-infused harmonious finish. This is another fantastic Barolo from Roberto Voerzio loaded with vintage and vineyard character. It is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41000 95 points Galloni: "The 2006 Barolo Bussia reveals a multitude of balsamic, mineral-infused aromas and flavors. Large-scaled and dramatic, the Bussia sweeps across the palate, showing off tons of pedigree and sheer class. The Bussia is quite a bit more backward than the Le Coste-Mosconi, and it will require considerable cellaring, but it is a beauty. Flowers, spices and minerals waft out of the glass on the sensual, ethereal finish. I also tasted the Riserva version of this wine, which won?t be released for a few years. For now, let me just say the 2006 Riserva is shaping up to be another hugely promising, important wine from Parusso in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40992 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=40985 94 points Parker's WA (Galloni): "The 2006 Barolo Cannubi exudes the warmth of this south-facing site in its open, generous bouquet. The Cannubi possesses more opulence and roundness than the firmer Via Nuova in an expansive, generous expression of dark red fruit that covers the palate from start to finish. Sweet spices and flowers add complexity on the long, round close. This is another drop-dead gorgeous Barolo from Chiara Boschis. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40990 94 points Galloni: "Scavino?s 2006 Barolo Cannubi opens with an attractive, finely-knit bouquet that leads to an open, soft core of perfumed fruit. Rich, and expansive on the palate, this textured, vivid Barolo reveals terrific length on the palate and finessed tannins that inform the silky finish. Though medium in body, the wine packs plenty of punch and is almost certain to put on weight in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40987 93 points Galloni: "The 2006 Barolo Carobric is a deep, sensual beauty endowed with gorgeous purity in its layers of dark red fruits, smoke and tobacco. Deceptively medium in body, the wine caresses the palate all the way through to the firm, sturdy finish. The wine?s balance, depth and overall sense of harmony are remarkable. Carobric is a blend of several vineyards, mostly Rocche di Castiglione, with a touch of Bric del Fiasc and Cannubi. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40988 97 points Galloni: "The 2006 Barolo Cerequio opens with an utterly beguiling, captivating bouquet that leads to ripe red fruit, flowers, minerals and spices, all framed by sweet, silky tannins. Aromatics, textural elegance and freshness come together in this energetic, vivid Barolo. The finish is exceptionally long, pure and fresh, which suggests the wine will age gracefully for many years. The 2006 Barolo Cerequio is emerging as one of the finest wines in this important vintage. Simply put, it is awesome! Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41001 97 points Galloni: "The 2006 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra bursts onto the palate with gorgeous, well-delineated aromas and flavors. This is an especially chiseled, finely sculpted, yet exotic Barolo endowed with extraordinary complexity and mouth-filling intensity in its ripe dark plums, mint, violets, sweet spices, soy, tar and minerals. In 2006, the Ciabot combines elegance and power to a degree that is exceedingly rare. It is another superb and truly special Barolo from Domenico Clerico. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40995 95 points Galloni: "Parusso?s 2006 Barolo Le Coste-Mosconi is simply superb. The late harvest in 2006 yielded a wine blessed with gorgeous, articulate aromatics, beautifully ripe fruit and finessed tannins, all of which add tons of class to what is essentially a full-throttle, fruit-driven Barolo. A vein of minerality runs through the wine from start to finish, adding a degree of freshness that is unusual for such a big Barolo. The textural richness and balance here are drop-dead gorgeous. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40993 95 points Galloni: "Grasso?s 2006 Barolo Gavarini Vigna Chiniera is laced with racy, perfumed red fruit, flowers and minerals. The wine gains weight and depth in the glass as its energy and vibrancy take center stage. This is a supremely beautiful Barolo where expressive aromatics, generous fruit and silky tannins come together with unusual grace and elegance. Sweet, floral notes add a sense of lift on the finish. The 2006 is the best Gavarini since the 1989, and who knows if one day it might not match that legendary Barolo. Readers won?t want to miss the sublime 2006 Gavarini Vigna Chiniera. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41004 96 points Galloni: "The 2006 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate is simply marvelous. Sweet, balsamic and layered, this powerful Barolo covers the palate with endless dimensions to its fruit, showing exceptional richness and density. The wine continues to blossom beautifully in the glass with myriad expressions of dark, perfumed fruit that are hard to fully capture with words. This is class personified, but the tannins will require a measure of patience. Still, it is impossible to miss the wine?s pedigree and significant potential. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41005 97 points Galloni: "The 2006 Barolo Lazzarito has begun to show the pedigree of this great Serralunga site now that Vietti has backed off the French oak, and the 2006 is nothing short of superb. A melange of dark, mineral-infused fruit flows from the glass as the large-scaled Lazzarito gradually shows off its class. Licorice, tar, smoke and earthiness add layers of complexity and nuance. The Lazzarito is still the Barolo that spends the longest number of months in French oak following the malolactic fermentation, but that period is down to several months from a full year the wine spent in small barrels up until 2001 or so. One day the Lazzarito may challenge the Rocche as Vietti?s signature Barolo, and that day may be closer than most people realize. This huge, imposing Barolo will require patience, but it is nothing short of superb. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40998 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=40984 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 95 points Galloni: "The 2006 Rocche dell'Annunziata/Torriglione reveals a rich, kaleidoscope of perfumed aromas that meld seamlessly into a palate of ripe red fruit. The tannins are silky and exceptionally refined, yet the wine possesses plenty of muscle, depth and richness, albeit in a style that favors elegance over power. Along with the Cerequio and the Sarmassa, the Rocche is one of Voerzio?s more feminine Barolos. In 2006, it is drop-dead gorgeous. Patience is required, but readers who are able to lovingly cellar this wine will not be disappointed. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031" http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41002 97 points Galloni: "The 2006 Barolo Rocche shows incredible definition in detail in its perfumed, floral personality. The 2006 is not as explosive as the 2004 was at this stage, but it is eerily reminiscent of the 1989 in its sweet, Pinot-like fruit. With time in the glass, the fruit gains even more clarity while the bouquet blossoms with incredible grace, all supported by ultra-fine, silky tannins. Today the Rocche is soft and relatively accessible, but it is sure to firm up in bottle. In 2006 the Rocche saw 30 days of maceration on the skins and was aged predominantly in cask with a brief spell in French oak in between for the malolactic fermentation, a blend of traditional and modern approaches that has yielded phenomenal results here. Of course, everything starts in the vineyard, and Vietti?s commitment to low yields means that they are among the first growers to harvest in most vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40999 96+ points Galloni: "Voerzio?s 2006 Barolo Sarmassa (magnum) literally explodes on the palate with red fruit, flowers, spices and mint. Still tightly wound, the 2006 is an especially powerful Sarmassa that isn?t quite as accessible as it often is at this stage. Still, the wine?s bouquet, purity of fruit and persistence all augur for a long life of magnificent drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=41003 95 points Galloni: "The 2006 Barolo Via Nuova opens with notable energy and drive in its dark red fruit, spices, menthol and sweet licorice. This long, pure Barolo reveals gorgeous length, beautifully balanced oak and superb overall balance. A mineral-laced finish rounds out the Via Nuova in grand style. For her 2006 Via Nuova Boschis used 70% new oak barrels with lower toast than in prior vintages and it shows in the wine?s class. This is a fabulous effort from Chiara Boschis. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40991 95 points Parker's WA: "The 2004 Barbera d?Alba Riserva Pozzo dell?Annunziata explodes from the glass with layers of vibrant black cherries, plums, violets, smoke, minerals and sweet toasted oak. It is a restrained, cool Barbera Pozzo, yet it offers outstanding purity of expression, with silky, finessed tannins that caress the palate in an extraordinary display of elegance that transcends varietal. Voerzio also opened a bottle of the 2003, which he prefers, for comparison. It may be the more pleasurable wine today, but the 2004 is a notch or two above when it comes to potential. The 2004 saw 16 months of oak versus the 2003, which spent two years in oak. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2019." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40936 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 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40914 95 points Parker's WA: "The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is awesome. This finessed, regal Brunello flows onto the palate with seamless layers of perfumed fruit framed by silky, finessed tannins. The wine remains extremely primary at this stage, and its full range of aromas and flavors have yet to emerge, but the sheer pedigree of this Brunello is unmistakable. The elegant, refined finish lasts an eternity, and subtle notes of menthol, spices, licorice and leather add final notes of complexity. The estate?s 2004 Brunello is a wine to buy and bury in the deepest corner of the cellar. Brunello is never inexpensive, but this is the real deal, and in relative terms, it is one of the world?s great values in fine, cellar worthy wine. Incredibly, there are 18,000+ cases of the 2004 Brunello, so it should be fairly easy to source in various markets. The Brunello is made from four vineyards ranging from 250 to 400 meters in altitude, all in Sant?Angelo in Colle. The wines from the various vineyards were aged separately in French oak casks prior to being assembled and bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40134 96 points Spectator: "Displays ripe berry and orange peel character, with hints of other citrus fruits. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a beautiful underlying acidity. Long, flavorful and dense in structure. Best wine ever from this producer." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39847 96 points Parker's WA (Galloni): "The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli emerges from the glass with masses of scorched earth, leather, tar, licorice, menthol and dark fruit. The Riserva shows a touch more inner sweetness, richness and depth in its fruit than the regular bottling, plus a bit more French oak as well. For now, the Riserva is quite reticent and requires air, but with time its awesome richness and power come through in spades. This dark, brooding and authoritative Riserva from Il Poggione is simply gorgeous. Readers who don?t want to pay the premium for the Riserva in 2004 need not worry; I tasted the 2004 regular bottling (twice!) while preparing this article and it is every bit as promising as my review last year suggested. In 2004 the Paganelli vineyard was harvested on the 13th of October, quite late for this estate. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40810 95 points Galloni: "The 2007 Sassicaia (Cabernet Sauvignon) explodes onto the palate with masses of rich, opulent fruit that caress the palate with gorgeous length and a seamless beauty that is hard to fully capture. Dark wild cherries, plums, spices, minerals and herbs develop in the glass. This is an especially bold, perhaps slightly uncharacteristic Sassicaia in its extroverted personality, but it is beautiful all the same. The inner perfume and sweetness carries through the long finish, where the sheer weight and glycerol of the fruit leaves a lasting impression. The 2007 is more than a worthy follow-up to the profound 2006. While it may lack that wine?s freshness, structure and potential longevity, the 2007 is immensely appealing today, and should drink beautifully pretty much out of the gate. That said, Sassicaia is always the most restrained of Bolgheri?s heavy hitters. This is a superb effort from Tenuta San Guido. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2037." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40708 95 points Galloni: "The 2007 Sassicaia (Cabernet Sauvignon) explodes onto the palate with masses of rich, opulent fruit that caress the palate with gorgeous length and a seamless beauty that is hard to fully capture. Dark wild cherries, plums, spices, minerals and herbs develop in the glass. This is an especially bold, perhaps slightly uncharacteristic Sassicaia in its extroverted personality, but it is beautiful all the same. The inner perfume and sweetness carries through the long finish, where the sheer weight and glycerol of the fruit leaves a lasting impression. The 2007 is more than a worthy follow-up to the profound 2006. While it may lack that wine?s freshness, structure and potential longevity, the 2007 is immensely appealing today, and should drink beautifully pretty much out of the gate. That said, Sassicaia is always the most restrained of Bolgheri?s heavy hitters. This is a superb effort from Tenuta San Guido. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2037." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40712 95 points Galloni: "The 2007 Sassicaia (Cabernet Sauvignon) explodes onto the palate with masses of rich, opulent fruit that caress the palate with gorgeous length and a seamless beauty that is hard to fully capture. Dark wild cherries, plums, spices, minerals and herbs develop in the glass. This is an especially bold, perhaps slightly uncharacteristic Sassicaia in its extroverted personality, but it is beautiful all the same. The inner perfume and sweetness carries through the long finish, where the sheer weight and glycerol of the fruit leaves a lasting impression. The 2007 is more than a worthy follow-up to the profound 2006. While it may lack that wine?s freshness, structure and potential longevity, the 2007 is immensely appealing today, and should drink beautifully pretty much out of the gate. That said, Sassicaia is always the most restrained of Bolgheri?s heavy hitters. This is a superb effort from Tenuta San Guido. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2037." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40710 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40713 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40678 95 points Parker's WA: "The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is a vibrant, focused wine that flows with the essence of dark fruit, minerals and flowers. The wine possesses gorgeous length and proportion, all of which is framed by powerful yet well-integrated tannins. Simply put, this is a superb Chianti that also happens to be one of the best relative values in fine, age worthy wine. The Rancia is made from vines planted on poor soils at 420 meters above sea level. In 2006, the Rancia spent 16 months in French oak, of which 60% was new. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2026." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40329 95 points Parker's WA: "The 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia is a vibrant, focused wine that flows with the essence of dark fruit, minerals and flowers. The wine possesses gorgeous length and proportion, all of which is framed by powerful yet well-integrated tannins. Simply put, this is a superb Chianti that also happens to be one of the best relative values in fine, age worthy wine. The Rancia is made from vines planted on poor soils at 420 meters above sea level. In 2006, the Rancia spent 16 months in French oak, of which 60% was new. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2026." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40328 98+ points Daniel Thomases in the Veronelli Guide: "Bold, spicy and extremely full-bodied, Feudi?s 2003 Serpico has more in common with a top growth Bordeaux than it does a Super Tuscan. Mineral scents, toasty oak and black fruits are prominent in the fragrant bouquet. Superbly concentrated with ripe black cherries, anise, crushed minerals green tea, and cigar box notes caress the palate with intensity and great length. This is a big wine with plenty of structure; 30 years of life is not out of the question. 98 points." Daniel Thomases at one time was the Italian wine critic for The Wine Advocate. http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=33669 96 points Parker's WA: "The 2004 Barolo Le Vigne is a phenomenal effort. Sweet, long and pure, it reveals an expansive core of perfumed ripe red fruit, flowers and spices. Despite its notable concentration it is made in a restrained style, showing remarkable elegance as well as harmony, with superb length and finessed tannins on the close. Le Vigne is made from the Ceretta, Vignane, Merli and Conterni vineyards. I have tasted the wines from these plots separately on many occasions. Curiously, I have never been particularly impressed by any of the wines on their own, yet when they are blended the results can be extraordinary, as is the case with the sublime 2004 Le Vigne. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2019." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38131 97 points Parker's WA: "Once again I am at a loss to capture the sheer beauty of Terra di Lavoro. The 2006 is a remarkably elegant and pure vintage of this wine, where layers of flowers, violets, graphite, tar, smoke and black cherries continually flow from the glass in a dazzling, virtuosic display of power and finesse that is stunning. The wine remains incredibly fresh and primary, with superb detail, especially considering its sheer size. Today the 2006 Terra di Lavoro comes across as surprisingly accessible, but long-time connoisseurs know better; there is plenty of structure underneath. Readers are advised to taste this wine within the next few months and then forget about it for a minimum of several years. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40132 97 points Parker's WA: "Once again I am at a loss to capture the sheer beauty of Terra di Lavoro. The 2006 is a remarkably elegant and pure vintage of this wine, where layers of flowers, violets, graphite, tar, smoke and black cherries continually flow from the glass in a dazzling, virtuosic display of power and finesse that is stunning. The wine remains incredibly fresh and primary, with superb detail, especially considering its sheer size. Today the 2006 Terra di Lavoro comes across as surprisingly accessible, but long-time connoisseurs know better; there is plenty of structure underneath. Readers are advised to taste this wine within the next few months and then forget about it for a minimum of several years. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=40133 96 points Parker's WA: "Conterno-Fantino have once again produced one of the vintage?s finest wines with their stunning 2004 Barolo Sori Ginestra, which is just as impressive in bottle as it has been on the several occasions I have tasted it from barrel. This explosive, heady Barolo bursts onto the palate with seamless layers of ripe dark fruit, black cherries, menthol, cinnamon, pine and minerals, revealing profound depth and richness. It offers superb length, gorgeous, sweet tannins and a finish that lasts forever. Although it is a surprisingly accessible Sori Ginestra at this stage, I expect it will close down at some point in the near future. Readers who have an opportunity to taste this wine in the next few months should not hesitate to do so. This is a remarkable Barolo in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=38284 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39965 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39840 95 points Parker's WA: "The 2005 Barbaresco Santo Stefano is striking in its beauty. This firm, structured wine bursts from the glass with layers of dark red fruit, spices, flowers and menthol. Medium in body, the wine possesses notable inner beauty in a transparent, almost weightless style. There is superb pedigree here, not to mention tons of class. Once again the Santo Stefano bottling delivers the goods. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025." http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39749 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 http://www.premiercru.net/premier/shop/WineDetails.do?wineId=39752