Jay Kline

9.3

Served to me double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine appears a deep garnet color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears and no signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with ripe bramble fruits: a mix of blackberries and raspberries with Morello cherry, roses, tar, talcum powder, dried herbs, and gravelly soil. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and delicious. Alcohol is medium+. Initial conclusions: this could be Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir or Grenache from Italy or France. Because of the high tannin and talcum powder/tar/roses combo (and the utter lack of staining), my final conclusion is: Nebbiolo; from Italy; from Piemonte; Barolo…from Monforte d’Alba. I chose 2016 because it shows good great balance of structure and fruit. Ooooof…that was too close.

“La Villa” is Fratelli Seghesio’s most precious wine and until now, I can only ever recall drinking their Barolo “classico” and Barbera d’Alba and only on a few occasions. Believe it or not, “La Villa” is the oldest, single MGA bottling from any producer in Castelletto. The name “La Villa” is an old name for an area within Castelletto when it was once a commune all to itself. The distinguishing feature of “La Villa” is the eponymous ridge that runs perpendicular with Collaretto and Vigna Rionda to the east, across the stream of Talloria di Castiglione. The vines facing south are dedicated to their Nebbiolo while the vines facing north are predominately Barbera and Dolcetto. A very tasty Barolo. Drink now through 2035. — 3 months ago

Brandon Boesch

9.5

Frog’s Leap. “Hilltop” Rossi Vineyard Cabernet blend. Nose of dirt, currants, anise, plums, just slightest hint of violets. Palate is plums, currants, herbs, a bit of cocoa, some tobacco, pepper, and subtle tannins. Will be interesting to see how this ages since it’s so enjoyable with an hour of air now. — 4 years ago

Paul J

9.6

This was drinking perfectly! Dark red color with minimal bricking. Could be mistaken for a Bordeaux as this is an elegant Napa Syrah. Meaty, rustic, and a touch of floral. Would love to buy more. — 4 months ago

with Geoff and Brooke

Lotta

9.3

For 🥩 lamb 👌 — 4 years ago

Joe Hakim

9.2

Tart cherries, anise, cinnamon — 4 years ago

Kåre Krig

9.0

Not something I would want as a sipping wine, but very nice with food. Enjoyed it with a pasta dish with a lot of tomato and cream. — 5 years ago

leon egozi

9.4

Big big wine — a year ago

Vino Kaela

9.2

Delicious field blend of Grenache 80% Mourvèdre 15% Syrah 5%. Displays ripe red fruits earthy pasture notes and irony meat/leather. (Subtle) happy with the amount of bottle age. Balanced with a long finish. — 3 years ago

Jessica P

9.8

Sweet and refreshing. Amazing — 4 years ago

Michael Moy

9.6

Drinking with the asian stacks — 4 years ago