Daniel Ciolek

9.3

Perhaps the best Barbera I’ve tastes. Bright sweet floral on opening. Very nice on opening - amazing day 2. Big, complex, packed with layers of silky smooth flavors. Cheries, cinnamon, cocoa, fig, citrus, leather and soft clove on the finish. — 11 days ago

Daniel Ciolek

8.8

Didn’t blow me away like most of the 2019 vintage. It opened a bit tight and still seems tight after a couple of hours of air and again on day 2. Overall complex and earthy but just didn’t hit the mark for me. — 3 months ago

Daniel Ciolek

8.8

Past its peak 11 years later but I liked it when I tasted it long ago. Still holding up decently. On the sweeter side with bricking throughout the red color. Nose is honey and prunes. I’d say honey is the dominant flavor with dandelion prune and butterscotch. Fine for a dessert wine. — 3 months ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.1

Excellent value second press valpolicella wine. Smooth dark fruits and fig with soft holiday spices. Well balanced. Better than some Amarone I’ve tasted at a portion of the price. Not spectacular like the better Amarone but a great everyday selection from the region. — 3 months ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.0

Nice smooth everyday Tempranillo from Costco- good value - approachable on opening, medium bodied, dark fruits with clove and cinnamon tannins dancing on tongue, some back end tobacco. Long dry finish. Even better day 2. — 16 days ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.0

Good WTSO value for a 2014 Cannubi Barolo. Not spectacular in complexity on pop and pour but smooth as silk and showing its early maturity 11 years from harvest from an unpredictable vintage. Held well on days 2 and 3. Drink now. — 2 months ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.0

COVID year lockdown vintage. Much brighter and fruitier than earlier years. Can’t believe this is a 100% Merlot. Almost Zinfandel in density and slight rhubarb background notes. Lots of cinnamon and clove forming the structure behind dark cherries licorice and dark chocolate. The finish is long and surprisingly crisp. I like a wine that creates an adventure and although this is slightly sweeter than my usual - this is a fun adventure. — 3 months ago

Daniel Ciolek

8.9

The 2019 year was good for Barolo and this Costco purchase didn’t disappoint for value. All of the Barolo flavor profile without the harsh tannins of most entry level Barolo. Not terribly complex but overall checked the major boxes at a small percentage of the price. Nice everyday Barolo. — 17 days ago

Daniel Ciolek

8.9

Good for a restaurant wine choice when there are no Italian reds. Not overly juicy or in your face typical of the region. Probably due to the nice peppery overlay. Acidity and tannins well balanced to permit mouthwatering enjoyment up front followed by a long relatively soft finish. Priced a bit much. — 3 months ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.2

Delightful! Elegant dense rose nose. Medium bodied with lots of layers on the palate. Well balanced and smooth. Dark cherries blackberries mouth tingling spice dark chocolate hint of wet bark and mineral. Long lingering pleasant tingling finish. Just a wonderful sensory experience! — 3 months ago