Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.7

Magnificent, deeply traditional Barolo. The nose opens with burning embers, campfire, road tar, dried roses and a huge range of savory exotic spice, then grows more loamy with air, bringing in wood shavings, old library books and classic Nebbiolo earthiness. The palate is dazzlingly concentrated but beautifully controlled, with exquisite red fruit, layers of cherry, superb linearity and wonderfully articulated tannins. Dense without heaviness, elegant despite the power, and architecturally complete. The finish is extraordinarily long and saturated with fruit, tannin and mineral detail. Already a superb Barolo, with obvious 9.7 upside as it continues to open.

After an hour and a half, this has gone to another level. The nose is now wildly floral and almost four-dimensional, with extraordinary depth and perfume, easily 9.7 to 9.8 aromatically. The palate has become even more beautiful, juicy and seamless, with velvety, sweet tannins and incredible tiny-berry fruit intensity. The structure is still serious, but everything is now more integrated and complete. 9.6 to 9.7. — 8 days ago

Todd Scurci

9.1

#leons #abruzzo — 2 months ago

Kristen Grimes

9.5

Salty minerality on the nose with a hint of citrus, the palate is all minerals with crisp green apple and some lime acidity, but the weighty body keeps it balanced. Super yummy, which I don't usually say of an Italian wine! — 6 months ago

Victor Charcan

9.4

Under the radar to many, yet supreme winemaking here. Mostly dark fruit, picota cherries, plums, blackberries, ample bodied and length in a difficult year. Ageing gracefully. A star — 8 months ago

Stephen Dodson

9.1

Friday night dinner - drinking well now — 9 months ago

nikolai nedkov

9.2

Colour: dark red. The nose is intriguing of red, smoked peppers, dark chocolate and blueberries. The taste is less of the pepper but the blueberries become stronger. Pleasant but soft aftertaste. Very composed and pleasant wine. — 6 years ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.4

Dark cherry, tannins almost fully resolved. Earthy. Give it some air. — 18 days ago

Dave Moench

9.1

Simons eating at the Bar very smoothe wine great with pasta — a month ago

Joe Christenson

9.1

Tropical and savory. Honeysuckle, tangerine, white peach, salinity, and savory herbs. Beautiful with coconut Thai salmon. — 4 months ago

Bonnie Chu

9.2

Slow wine tasting 🇮🇹 wow, light but full — 7 months ago

Todd Scurci

9.2

#frankies # — 9 months ago

with Annie

romo

9.1

Quite a value, esp here. Crispy and firm. — 9 months ago

Lauren M

9.2

Fruity and delicious — 7 years ago

Ryan Vento

9.1

Celebrating my wife’s 31st birthday with some of her favorite things: friends, pizza, and wine.

Rustic and delightful. Dried rose petals, cherries, worn leather. Opened up nicely. — 7 years ago

with Taryne, Krystal and 1 other

Dawn E.

9.1

Sour cherries, blackberry, tea leaves, earth, and floral. Medium bodied and smooth.
Pretty yummy. Watching Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun. Go Fever! — 2 months ago

Veronica

9.0

This is a medium bodied, very drinkable wine. Deep cherry red colour. Some soft tobacco in a good way, pleasant fruit. Some character. Would also be good in the fall/winter (it’s summer now). — 3 months ago

Anthony Pro

9.1

Happy Easter. — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2021
Torre d’Orti – Veneto, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A traditional Amarone crafted primarily from Corvina (with Corvinone), Rondinella, and a small percentage of Molinara, produced using the appassimento method (partially dried grapes). 17% ABV. A powerful expression leaning rustic rather than refined in this vintage.

Aromas & Flavors
Dried cherry, baked plum, subtle fig, light cocoa, faint walnut and restrained raisin tones. Tertiary notes present but not deeply layered.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and structured with elevated alcohol. Firm tannins and a slightly edgy texture. Lacks the seamless velvety integration expected from more polished Amarone examples.

Food Pairings
Braised meats, aged cheeses, wild boar ragù, mushroom-based dishes.

Verdict
Technically correct and gastronomic, but did not fully deliver the plush refinement and layered complexity often associated with top-tier Amarone. Better at the table than as a contemplative standalone pour.

🍷 Did You Know?
Corvina is the aromatic backbone of Amarone, responsible for cherry and spice notes, while Rondinella contributes color and structure. Balance during drying is crucial, integration is everything. — 7 months ago

Natalia Ignatenko

9.3

Delicious! Dark chocolate, blackberry, black currant, a little spicy and sweet. WS northern Italy tasting. — 5 years ago

Ken Z

8.9

Drank 2/7/19. Tasting event. Tasting pour.

Nose of golden apple, peach, and flowers. Light, and smooth, with apple and candied hazelnuts. Medium body and finish.

3/22/7/4/3+ 50 =89 pts — 7 years ago