Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Equally enjoyable on both nights however, the nose was most powerful on Day 1. “Ampodium” (formerly Classique) is 100% Syrah sourced from a dozen or so vineyards and made in a largely traditional style; plenty of whole cluster and a very judicious use of new French oak. The 2010 “Ampodium”pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and signs of light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe, some desiccated and some tart, black and blue fruits: blackberries, blueberry pie, fields of lavender, black pepper, bacon fat, iodine, and granite earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (mostly integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and laden with rocky minerals. Totally in balance and at peak. Lovely. Drink now through 2035. — 2 months ago

Ian Hamel

9.2

2022/9. American oak gradually dissipates a bit to reveal layers of delicious red fruit - cherries, raspberries, strawberries - with spice and herbs to complement. A great, joyful traditional Rioja. — 3 years ago

Ian Hamel

9.2

2022/4/24-25. Side-by-side with the 2017 Cannubi. This is slightly higher-toned, with more rose, lifted red berry and lighter spice. Still very young and severe, even more so than most other traditional young Barolos I encounter these days. — 3 years ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Nose of red and black fruits with light wood, tobacco and chocolate notes.

Dry on the palate with sweet raspberries, cherries, light oak, licorice, chocolates, spices and earth.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy cherries.

This young Grenache blend is starting to drink very nicely now, with nice complexity and a soft mouthfeel.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 15 years.

Elegant and rich. Interesting and engaging. A very traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape in style.

Well balanced and good by itself as a sipping wine. Will also pair nicely with food.

A blend of all 13 allowed grapes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but mostly Grenache. Hand picked and whole cluster. Aged for 2 years in large French oak barrels.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$110. — 2 months ago

Ron M

9.4

Crisp, delicate, complex, very smooth — 8 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

An excellent expression of traditional Rioja! Tempranillo (80%) and Garnacha (20%) blend. Aromas of rose petals, leather and dark fruit. Pallet is full of plum, raspberry, cherry cola, balsamic vinegar and spices. Hint of orange peel. Soft/silky/dusty tannins, elegant balance and a long memorable finish. Beautiful! Even better the second day. Thank you for sharing Keith S. Revisited in May 2023. Still elegant and beautiful! — 3 years ago

Moe

9.2

The finesse — 6 months ago

Jason Keefer

9.1

Super well executed traditional rioja! Red fruits, cedar, pepper. — 6 months ago

with Natasha

Jennifer Stueve

9.0

Great for new drink — 3 years ago

J Ferrugia

9.0

Laura Bianchi and her team continue the long family tradition of making beautiful wines. This marvelous Chianti is a good example. Its traditional style exhibits a layered structure of ripe cherry fruit & herbs accented with light tannins that make it a delight to drink. The wine is at its peak. Enjoy it! — 3 years ago