Wulf Losee

9.1

Not much happening on the nose, except the light scent of dried wildflowers. Nothing much happening on the front of the palate either. If I leave it on the tip of my tongue, I pick up a faint taste of ripe cherries. A light to medium tannic structure. Not much happens until the back of the palate when we get a sharp short shock of bitter citrusy high notes that linger on the finish. Compared to other 2020 Brunellos this wine doesn’t stand out. Very watery. I’ll see if it develops in the bottle overnight. There’s nothing offensive about it, but my initial reaction is: meh.

24 hours after I opened the bottle, the nose gets a little funky with a hint of portobello mushrooms. Weird. But the rest of the wine’s tannins wake up. It’s so much more intense and pleasurable wine after uncorking it and waiting 24 hours. After opening it and lay and breathe for an hour I gave it an 8.8, but now I’d rate it at about a 9.3. As it is, I’ll average out my ratings and give it a 9.1. Definitely let it breathe for a long time! — 8 days ago

Victor Hsu

9.4

Revelatory Montepulciano with Italian essence but Bordeaux character. Medium bodied with earthy fruit and restrained tannins, combined with notes of leather and cedar box and a hint of soy sauce. Mouthwatering food wine; the 2013 vintage is definitely ready to enjoy now. First glass was at Mother Wolf in LA (date night with Dreama) and most recently a bottle at home with my own beef stroganoff on a Sunday night. What a way to top off the weekend! — a year ago

Keith Pajonas

9.0

my wife really liked it — 4 years ago

Alexandre Pagliano

8.9

Dark rubi robe, nose of black fruits, flowers, tobacco and anise. Medium bodied wine on a ripe style, well done and good fit with food. — 4 years ago

with Adriana

Alan

9.1

Fabulous summer wine. White, lively, with flowers and white fruit and a bouquet and just enough acid but you hardly notice it. Outstanding. 2019. — 6 years ago

Dan R

9.2

Intensely concentrated, dense and plush. Palate staining stuff. Modern styled but retains its red fruit / earth / acid + sangio character. Quite delicious — 7 years ago

Melissa Cole

9.0

A very good value for an Italian Pinot Grigio. It was on sale at Suburban Wine & Spirits for $7.97 (regularly $9.99). — 11 years ago

Daniel Bloom

9.4

By far my favorite Valpolicella. See previous reviews. The downside is it used to be affordable easy. Now it’s close to $60 a btl.
Earth, smoke, forest,Black tea,tarry yet light ( ish). As far as i remember, made from leased vines 500 M above lake Garda.At least the first vintage. Aged in 2nd pass Amarone Botti.All in all, a highly idiosyncratic winemaker with some hits across the board and a meh here and there. I return to this particular wine however to fill my Valpolicella jones.
With Randy. — 4 months ago

Louis Martin

9.2

Light, crisp, a bit fizzy, but not too sweet, orange and pear accents, which makes it easy to pair with tarts and semi-sweet deserts. Nice way to end a meal. — 2 years ago

Adriana Fabbro

9.2

Sparkling Erbaluce in Alba from benchmark producer. Learned that outside of Canavese, the name Erbaluce cannot be used. It seems that sometimes the Italians - and Alto Piedmontese (a name we in the US bestowed on a them) let their hyper local regional alliances and squabbles - undermine their global marketability. Some in the older generation and most of new generation seem to get this, but the consortia continue to resist… — 3 years ago

Geoff Franz

9.0

This was a pretty fun wine. Super aromatic and pleasing. What I want on a hot day. — 5 years ago

Zack Hall

9.2

A great rosé. Drank over the course of 4 hours and didn’t lose quality. Enjoyable to the last drop and made me feel good. Wine #1000 on delectable. — 7 years ago

Marcus Caple

9.0

As good as it gets in terms of a MP D’UBZ. Very smooth and leaves you wanting more — 8 years ago

Megan O

9.0

Very dry, but very smooth. A bit fruity as it opens up. — 10 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Castellani — St. Giorgio Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2024, Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG — Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview:
100% Vernaccia. A fresh and vibrant follow-up to the Vintage 2023,(also reviewed) maintaining the classic Tuscan profile while leaning into greater precision and energy. This vintage 24 highlights freshness and length over the more almond-driven character of the prior year.

Aromas & Flavors:
Lemon zest, green apple, and crisp pear take the lead. Subtle floral notes and a delicate mineral edge add lift, with less emphasis on the traditional almond note and more focus on citrus-driven clarity.

Mouthfeel:
Light to medium-bodied with brighter acidity than the v.2023. Clean, lively, and more linear in structure, finishing longer with a slightly savory edge that lingers elegantly.

Food Pairings:
Seafood, grilled fish, light pasta, fresh salads, or simple Mediterranean dishes. Excellent as a refreshing aperitif.

Verdict:
A more energetic and refined expression of Vernaccia. While the v.2023 leans slightly rounder with its almond touch, the v.2024 shines with freshness, precision, and a longer, more savory finish.

Did You Know?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano was the first Italian wine to receive DOC status in 1966, marking its place as one of Italy’s most historic white wines.

🍷 Personal Pick Insight:
V.2024 edges ahead for its freshness and extended finish, more vibrant and food-driven, while still honoring the classic style. — 7 months ago

Andrea Vandersall

9.0

Gentle rolling notes of plumcots, smoked sage, gardenia, and granite. Robust tannins provide a warm, tart finish. — 3 years ago

Chris

9.2

Perfect to sip in the late summer sun by the pool. The notes of apricot are a delightful, refreshing surprise. — 4 years ago

with Chris

Kaity Wegen

10

So so good. Beautiful wine. — 6 years ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.4

Vintage 2007 / This is a super Umbrian IGT wine, made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Aristocratic rich smell with laurel, cedar and plums. My first sip made me frowning my face: tannins. But they fade away with aeration and a rich, sultry taste remains. Very, very good. Like! / partnered with pasta porcini and parmigiano which is a splendid combination to taste. I am happy. — 7 years ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.2

Abbazia San Giorgio / Magico - Passito di Pantelleria 2014 Figs, Turkish Fruit, fresh and lively, impeccable balance, great effort, a real ballerina — 10 years ago