Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

In 1877, Illario and Leopoldo Ruffino laid the foundations of their dream to make Italian wines from the heart of Tuscany. Medium Ruby red color with aromas of dark berry fruit and earthy spice, blend of 80% Sangiovese with rest Merlot and Cab Sauv. On the palate flavors of black cherry and plum with tobacco, pepper and earthy cedar notes. Full-bodied, well balanced soft drying tannins on a smooth medium+ finish. Grab some Italian food and enjoy the great value wine. Consistent quality, a Fav!! — 3 days ago

Jason Muniz

9.2

Very good, bold but dark cherry notes — 9 days ago

Turd Ferguson

9.3

A little shy at first but really opens up and shows after a couple hours of air. Classic Santa Cruz Mtns Pinot. Earthy. A touch candied. Long finish. Pretty wine. 👍🏼 — a month ago

Dan Tortora

8.9

Obviously too young but surprisingly approachable, great oaked nose — 12 days ago

Jose Lorenzo

9.5

Exceptional interpretation of Ribera del Duero — 13 days ago

Sagee Aran

9.3

A big Rioja. Surprisingly ready to drink, tanins have softened, still powerful. Dark garnet color, aromatic nose of earth and herbs. Round Palate balanced and tasty. Recommended. Great VfM. — a month ago

Kapyrick Wine

9.2

v10. Very good! Toasty vanilla and tobacco nose. Bright, rich, dark blackberry, plum and tar fruit. Long, bold, slightly astringent tanned leather finish. Still aging!!! — a month ago

Austin Hohnke

9.1

Almond butter. — 12 days ago

Peter van den Besselaar

8.9

Vintage 2018 | — 18 days ago

Ericsson

9.6

If you know, you know.

Just eying the bottle evokes a sense of mysticism—these are increasingly rare sightings, relics of a winemaking philosophy nearly lost to time. Opening it after a recent visit to the winery feels familiar, almost fated.

The color holds strong despite its 20+ years, with a core of garnet that defies its age. On the nose, memory takes over: the scent of the underground cellar, the mold-covered walls, the rustic perfume of wood and brick. Then come the classics notes—dried rose petals, red berries, and a whisper of spice.

The palate surprises with more volume than the bottle’s vintage muster’s. Lively red fruit mingles with savory earth and warm spice, carried by silken tannins. The finish lingers with a trace of wet oak, grounding the experience in place and time.

This is a wine of lineage, character, and quiet perseverance—a style too uncommon today. Most importantly, it was opened, shared, and deeply enjoyed. — 2 months ago