Shay A

9.3

A few bottles I opened with my buddy Joe Lucca when work brings him to town!

After having the 2021 rosé version last month, I’ve been itching to try the red. Sardinian Cannonau, which is their version of Grenache.

Followed over two days.

Deep ruby with a hint of purple. Initial aromatics show a little smoke, peppered black raspberries, black cherries and sweet florals. The warmth of the wine is noticeable on the palate…cherry jerky, kirsch, rhubarb, spice. Hibiscus tea. The fruit is bright and almost crunchy (not overly ripe). Good acidity. Structure is quite impressive…plenty of tannin on day two. There’s a faint herbal, almost medicinal, note that I find often in Italian reds like barbera and some merlot. The ABV pokes out a bit (15.5), but I suppose that matches their climate.

If poured blind, Grenache (or Grenache blend) would be the call…juicy, bright, peppery, elevated warmth. It comes across as a singular expression, not a big blend. However, there’s no way I’m taking this to Italy…or rather, Sardinia! Decant for an hour, or hold a few more years. — 2 days ago

Fre

9.0

Really good — 5 months ago

Megan

9.6

Delicious and full bodied - Costco — 7 months ago

Randy Fuller

9.4

This wine is inky dark. The nose has very dark fruit notes, but it is primarily savory. Aromas of tobacco, tar, smoke, and earth dominate, in a bold show. The palate has more fruit coming forward, but it still has to fight for attention with the savory flavors. I paired the Cannonau with a variety of cheeses to good effect, but it went quite well with sauteed mushrooms. — 23 days ago

Chris Reichardt

9.1

Wow! Love it! — 4 months ago

S.S. Mandani

9.2

Perfumed spice, high alc.

Really quite something. Cassis.

Elegant. Excited to try Cannonau in Sardinia. — 6 months ago

Ed Tracy

8.9

Cheap can still be good — 16 days ago

with Rebecca

Roxie V

10

Perfect chilled red from Sardinia at bonafini — 4 months ago

Phoebe Jackson

9.0

A lovely drop. — 6 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Poured into a decanter about an hour before service. The 2005 pours a ruby color with a transparent but slightly turbid core. Medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. Some signs of fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of bruised strawberry, crushed ripe raspberry, Balsamico, well oiled leather, cayenne pepper, dry underbrush, exotic spices, carnations, rich Mahogany that has been freshly varnished and stony earth. Yes, there is VA but it’s Italian. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, rich and savory. The alcohol is high but well integrated and doesn’t detract from the experience. This is a stunning showing from Sardegna and an absolute banger with malloreddus. Drink now and over the next few years. — 8 months ago