Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.0

Il Fauno 2016 51% #merlot, 31% #cabernetfranc, 17% #cabernetsauvignon and 1% #petitverdot . Delicious, ageworthy #toscanaigt blend. Pretty tight after opening, a day later, black and blue berry notes unfurl alongside tobacco, toasted coconut, tilled earth, and vanilla notes on nose. Bright acidity on palate, rich texture and some chewy tannins on the finish that build and linger on the tongue. Overall I’m digging the balance and richness but a bit too much vanilla / toast notes from new oak. — 3 years ago

Kevin M

9.2

This 2011 Petra is a varietal Sangiovese from vineyards near the town of Suvereto, on the hills of the Val di Corona. A modern winery in a region the with vine growing roots (no pun intended) going back to the Greeks and Etruscans. Even after an hour in the decanter this wine has not fully opened. In spite of that, it is still very smooth on the palate with a noticeable earthiness, leather, tobacco and quite a bit of licorice on the finish. Good and juicy acidity, yet tannins are a little tight. Will definitely benefit from a little more ageing.
#petra #sangiovese #tuscanwine ##italianredwine #suvereto #2011TuscanVintage #toscanaIGT #Alto #FrancescaMoretti #VittorioMoretti #PetraAlto — 7 years ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.9

Delightful #supertuscan #toscanaigt blend with heady dark fruit + a delicate touch of toasted oak and vanilla on the nose. Palate balances rich fruit with acidity and distinctive earthy-spice notes from Sangiovese. Tannins are elegant. Matched up nicely with grilled beef burgers. Excellent QPR for ~$11. — 4 years ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.8

Lighter-bodied, especially considering it’s a #sangiovese #merlot #cabernetsauvignon blend. Somewhat reserved cassis aroma; classic Tuscan flavors: earthy wild cherry, slight pepper yet more fruit-forward with chewy tannins. I’d like more depth and bracing acidity but hard to argue with the $9 price at Costco. ***2 days later and the wine has awakened, more plush Sangiovese cherry-spice aroma and the tart cherry acidity has come forward. Excellent #toscanaigt - very strong QPR.*** — 5 years ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.9

#toscanaigt blend with heady bramble, warming spices, leather and tobacco fragrances. Medium-heavy bodied, dark fruit immediately followed by coffee, tobacco more noticeable on palate with plenty of acidity and tongue-hugging tannins. Nice choice to pair with chanterelle and mushroom risotto. Costco wine for ~$10 - worthy QPR. — 4 years ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

8.7

Really a solid #toscanaigt blend with 85% #sangiovese, classic earthy dried cherry spice from that grape. Acidity is a bit high with untamed tannins but for ~$8 at Trader Joe’s, going to say this is a great buy. — 5 years ago