Wine Spectator and Parker Reviews

Region Producer Wine Score Date Review WS/RP Issue # Listed Price
Tuscany Alessi Cennatoio Arcibaldo 2001 92 Apr-06 The 2001 Arcibaldo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, blackish in tonality, weighty and mineral on its expansive nose and ample palate and endowed with a full load of peppery and tobacco-laced black fruit flavors on its long, firm finish.  D WA 164 $60.00
Tuscany Alessi Cennatoio Arcibaldo 2001 91 10/15/2004 Fantastic aromas of blackberries, minerals and currants. Full-bodied, yet refined and silky. A wine in harmony. Best yet from here. Best after 2006. 500 cases made. WS $60.00
Tuscany Alessi Cennatoio Etrusco 2003 88 Web Only 2006 Lots of ripe blackberry and toasty oak character follows through to a medium-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now. 415 cases made. WS $42.00
Tuscany Alessi Cennatoio Mammolo 2003 90 10/31/2006 Loads of ripe fruit, chocolate and coffee follow through to a full-bodied palate, with round tannins and a fruity finish. Well done for a difficult vintage. Merlot. Best after 2007. 430 cases made. –JS WS $40.00
Tuscany Alessi Cennatoio Rosso Fiorentino 2003 88 10/31/2006 Currant, blackberry and toasty oak follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a wood and berry aftertaste. Best after 2007. 500 cases made. –JS WS $40.00
Oregon Amity Vineyards Crannell Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007 90 12/31/2009 Light and fragrant, this is silky in texture, showing pretty blackberry and citrus flower flavors that linger easily. Drink now through 2011. 220 cases made. –HS WS $30.00
Oregon Amity Vineyards Crannell Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007 91 October, 2009 “The 2007 Crannell Vineyard Pinot Noir raises the bar. It also spent 10 months in barrel, only 11% new.  The alluring bouquet offers notes of spice box, cherry, cranberry and raspberry. This is followed by a suave, velvety wine with surprising depth, concentrated, savory flavors and a lengthy finish. It personifies finesse.” WA 185 $30.00
Tuscany Baracchi, Riccardo Sangiovese Cortona Smeriglio 2007 90 10/31/2009 Shows sweet plum and black cherry notes, with hints of flowers. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and juicy fruit. Pretty and delicious already. Best after 2009. 1,250 cases made. –JS WS $26.00
Tuscany Baracchi, Riccardo Merlot Smeriglio 2007 89 Web only 2009 Lots of berry and plum aromas follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a long, polished and velvety finish. A little hollow in the midpalate. Best after 2010. 1,250 cases made. WS $26.00
Tuscany Baracchi, Riccardo Toscano Ardito 2007 89 Web only, 2011 A meaty, peppery red, with blackberry and plum notes as well as a layer of spicy oak. Concentrated, but astringent in the end, without a coating of sweet fruit to offset it. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2014 through 2024. 800 cases made. –BS WS $70.00
Veneto Begali Amarone “Ca’ Bianca” 2005 91 Insider May 26, 2010 Wonderful aromas of plum and delicate vanilla bean lead to a medium body, with polished, fine tannins and a delicious finish.  Chewy and tight.  Needs to open.  Give this some bottle age.  Best after 2011. WS $85.00
Veneto Begali Amarone “Ca’ Bianca” 2005 93 2/1/2011 This is a knockout wine with amazing extraction and power that fuels a long, pleasurable experience. The wine opens with aromas of black cherry, chocolate fudge, exotic spice, mesquite and asphalt. It’s supple and dense with touches of sweet spice on the fade.  - M.L. WE $58.00
Tuscany Bibi Graetz Casamatta Rosso 2009 87 10/31/2010 Grapey and fruity, showing raspberry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with a citrusy finish. A delicious Sangiovese-based red from the makers of Testamatta. Drink now. –JS WS $12.00
Tuscany Bibi Graetz Casamatta Rosso 2009 88 August, 2010 Bibi Graetz’s 2009 Casamatta Rosso (Sangiovese) is a plump, juicy red perfect for informal drinking. Ripe cherries, flowers, licorice and spices come together nicely on a mid-weight frame. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2012. WA 190 $12.00
Tuscany Bibi Graetz Testamatta 2005 93 Jun-08 The 2005 Testamatta is 100% Sangiovese aged 18 months in new French oak. It is a beautiful, pleasing Testamatta in its sweet red cherry fruit layered with sweet toasted oak. The wine remains quite vibrant and in need of further bottle in age in order for the full range of its aromas and flavors to come through. This shows notable harmony. It is a terrific effort from one of Italy-s finest growers. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022. WA #177 $74-$100
Tuscany Bibi Graetz Testamatta 2005 93 10/31/2007 Lots of plum skin, violet, blackberry and cedar aromas follow through to a full body, with toasty oak and currant. Firm finish. Solid as a rock. Sangiovese. Best after 2009. 1,200 cases made. –JS WS $97.00
Tuscany Bibi Graetz Grilli del Testamatta 2008 87 10/31/2010 A little austere and chewy, but shows pleasant berry and cedar character, with mineral, berry and milk chocolate notes. The second wine of Testamatta. Needs a little bottle age. Best after 2011. –JS WS $30.00
Tuscany Bibi Graetz Colore 2005 95 10/31/2007 Black in color, with intense aromas of crushed blackberry, dark chocolate and toasty oak. Full-bodied and supervelvety, with a long, long finish. Very New World and very exciting. Hard not to drink now. Canaiolo, Sangiovese and Colorino. Best after 2009. 75 cases made. –JS WS $750.00
Tuscany Bibi Graetz Bugia 2007 90 8/31/2009 Aromas of peach melba follow through to a full body, with juicy fruit and creamy mineral character. The finish is long and fruity. A distinctive wine. Subtle and soulful. Ansonica grapes from the Isle of Elba in the Tuscan archipelago. Drink now. 590 cases made. –JS WS $80.00
Tuscany Bibi Graetz Bugia 2007 91 August, 2009 The 2007 Bugia (Ansonica) is simply gorgeous in its almost Burgundian expression of fruit, minerals and French oak. The style is generous, yet well-articulated, with tons of class and a long, sublime finish. This is one of the small handful of Tuscan whites that commands serious attention. Bugia is made from old Ansonica 80 year-old vines on the Isola del Giglio. The wine is aged in a combination of equal parts steel, cement and French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2017. WA $70.00
Piedmont Cascina Bruciata Barbaresco Rio Sordo 2005 89 Web Only 2008 Shows wild strawberry aromas, with hints of jam and mushroom. Full-bodied, with a soft, velvety tannin texture and a medium finish. Turns chewy. Needs time. Best after 2010. 460 cases made. –JS WS NA
Tuscany Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2004 92 Web Only 2009 Shows cedar, dried mushrooms and raspberry jam. Full-bodied, with loads of fruit and chewy tannins, and a long, powerful finish. Big and juicy. Needs bottle age to come together. Best after 2011. 6,665 cases made. –JS WS $55.00
Tuscany Corte alla Flora Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006 90 10/31/2009 Rich, ripe fruit on the nose, with blackberry and mulberry, leads to plenty of fruit on the full-bodied palate, with slightly chewy tannins and a chocolate and light almond undertone. Drink now. 3,000 cases made. –JS WS $26.00
Tuscany Corte alla Flora Toscano IGT 2007 87 web only 2009 A clean and fruity red with cherry and berry aromas and flavors that follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese. Best after 2009. 300 cases made. –JS WS $35.00
Tuscany Fattorie Scopone Rosso di Montalcino 2006 82 Web Only 2008 A clean-cut Rosso, with berries and orange peel on the nose and palate. Racy, but pulls up a bit short. Drink now. 545 cases made. WS $20.00
Tuscany Fattorie Scopone Toscana Il Bagatto 2004 90 10/31/2008 Aromas of coffee, berry and spices, with hints of chocolate, lead to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a chocolate, berry and vanilla aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese. Drink now. 440 cases made. WS $38.00
Friuli Franco Toros Friulano 2008 89 October, 2009 The 2008 Friulano is ripe and succulent, with pretty apricots, flowers and subtle earthiness. This is an especially rich, full-bodied Friulano to enjoy over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. WA 185 $40.00
Friuli Franco Toros Sauvignon Blanc 2006 92 10/1/2007 Toros- 2006 Sauvignon is a wine that overflows with varietal character. Classic suggestions of tomato leaf, mint, sage, minerals and citrus make an appearance in this vibrant, intensely flavored Sauvignon that exudes persistence and style, closing with a long, creamy finish. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2010. WA 173 $36.00
Friuli Franco Toros Pinot Grigio 2008 90 October, 2009 The 2008 Pinot Grigio is a classy, perfumed white boasting layers of varietal fruit framed by a long, refined finish. This outstanding Pinot Grigio is one of the finest wines from Toros in 2008. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. WA 185 $40.00
Friuli Franco Toros Chardonnay 2008 89 October, 2009 The estate’s 2008 Chardonnay offers plenty of varietal character in a steely, focused style but it doesn’t quite match the heights of the finest whites in this line-up. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012 WA 185 $40.00
Tuscany Il Borro Pian di Nova 2007 88 10/31/2010 Extremely attractive aromas of blueberry, with hints of vanilla, follow through to a medium body, with firm tannins, solid structure and lots of good fruit. A little short at the end, but very good for this wine. Best after 2011. 8,335 cases made. –JS WS $27.00
Tuscany Il Borro Toscano 2007 91 10/31/2009 Displays currant and meat on the nose, with some smokiness and fruit-cake notes. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a juicy fruit finish. Balanced and refined, with good acidity. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Best after 2011. 4,750 cases made. –JS WS $60.00
Tuscany Il Borro Pian di Nova 2007 90 Oct, 2010 Il Borro’s 2007 Pian di Nova, 75% Syrah and 25% Sangiovese, offers up an attractive array of dusty red cherries, crushed berries, flowers, tobacco, earthiness and menthol in a ripe, juicy style that captures the essence of the vintage. The Syrah is felt mostly in the wine’s weight and roundness, while the flavor profile is closer to that of Sangiovese. There is just a touch of heat on the finish, but that is a relatively small critique for a wine that delivers this level of quality for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. WA $25.00
Tuscany Il Borro Toscano 2007 92 October, 2010 The flagship 2007 Il Borro is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. It shows gorgeous freshness and vibrancy in its dark fruit, along with scents of grilled herbs, earthiness, espresso, smoke and tar that add complexity to the powerful finish. The natural tension between the opulence of the fruit and the wine’s overall clarity makes for a highly pleasurable drinking experience. This deceptively medium-bodied Il Borro packs surprising punch. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. WA $45.00
Veneto La Cappuccina Soave Fontego 2008 83 web only 2010 A crisp and easy white, with apple pie and lemon character. Drink now. 2,500 cases made. –JS WS $15.00
Veneto La Cappuccina San Brizio Saove 2008 90 6/15/2010 Lemon meringue and sliced apple on the nose lead to a full body, delivering lively lime and lemon character, with just of hint of mineral. Complex and stylish. Drink now. 1,810 cases made. –JS WS $15.00
Friuli Lis Neris Confini 2007 90 October, 2009 The 2007 Confini (60% Gewurztraminer, 30% Pinot Grigio, 10% Riesling) is another impeccably balanced wine. In this vintage Pecorari seems to have found a very satisfying balance between the sweeter style of early vintages and the drier but more alcoholic style of recent years. The 2007 Confini coats the palate with opulent passion fruit, mango and baking spices, showing tons of class and elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2013. WA 185 $45.00
Friuli Lis Neris Gris Pinot Grigio 207 91 3/31/2010 Mineral, spice, dried almond and citrus fruits lead to a full body, with fennel and cooked apple character. Long and flavorful, offering a hint of vanilla and new wood. Big and powerful. An exceptional wine from this producer. Drink now. 3,500 cases made. –JS WS $27.00
Friuli Lis Neris Gris Pinot Grigio 2007 90 October, 2009 The 2007 Pinot Grigio Gris opens with smoke, minerals and flowers that meld into a soft, expressive core of fruit. This is a fairly rich, lush style of Gris, and while the wine doesn’t quite have the energy and focus of the finest vintages, it nevertheless possesses outstanding balance. Light honey and smoke resonate on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. WA 185 $34.00
Australia Lizard Flat Cabernet/Merlot 2002 87 2/28/2007 Tangy and distinctive, with jazzy currant and black pepper aromas and flavors, finishing with a nice zing of acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2009. 30,000 cases made. –HS WS $8.00
Australia Lizard Flat Shiraz 2004 88 4/30/2008 Supple and generous, with lively acidity to balance the ripe blackberry and dark chocolate flavors, lingering nicely on a polished finish. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. –HS WS $9.00
California Merkin Chupacabra 2006 86 web only 2008 Smooth and spicy, with lively wild berry and blackberry flavors that are crisp and inviting. Drinks well. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sangiovese. Drink now. 490 cases made. WS $27.00
Calabria Odoardi Vigna Garrone 2004 92 2/1/2008 Odoardi’s 2004 Vigna Garrone is fleshy and vibrant in its perfumed violets, black cherries, jammy blackberries, earthiness and sweet toasted oak. It offers superb balance and poise, with elegant, refined tannins that round out the close. Today it comes across as youthful and powerful but it should settle down in another year or two. This blend of 80% Gaglioppo, 10% Nerello Capuccio, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot spent 14 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. WA 175 $50.00
Calabria Odoardi Savuto Rosso 2004 (Tramonte) 87 4/1/2009 The 2004 Savuto is a blend of 45% Gaglioppo, 15% Greco Nero, 15% Nerello Cappuccio, 15% Magliocco, 15% Canino and 10% Sangiovese. This pleasant, fruity wine is loaded with red berry fruit. It is best enjoyed over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2011. WA 182 $27.00
Piedmont Rocche Costamagna Barolo Rocche dell’ Annunziata 2005 92 7/31/2009 A little light in color, with a brick red hue and strawberry, floral and sliced plum character. Full-bodied, with chewy, velvety tannins and a rich, powerful finish. This really builds on the palate, ending with a lovely finish. Best after 2012. 2,000 cases made. –JS WS $56.00
Piedmont Rocche Costamagna Barolo “Bricco Francesco” 2004 87 Web Only 2008 Strawberry, floral and mineral aromas follow through to a medium body, with firm tannins, bright acidity and a delicate finish. Best after 2011. 650 cases made. WS $65.00
Piedmont Rocche Costamagna Dolcetto D’Alba Murrae 2007 84 12/15/2008 This medium-bodied Dolcetto delivers plum jam and leaf character. There’s a tight mouthfeel, but the fruit remains clean and intact. Drink now. 1,380 cases made. – WS $14.00
Australia Southern Sisters Cabernet Reserve 2004 88 10/15/2008 Lithe and appealing for the clarity of its currant and blackberry fruit, which rides smoothly over the refined structure, with mild tannins and a nice lift from lively acidity to balance the finish. Drink now through 2012. 10,000 cases made. WS $40.00
Australia Southern Sisters Riesling Clare Valley 2008 91 11/30/2009 Zingy, refreshing and focused to show off its green berry, pineapple and floral aromas and flavors, remaining lively and expressive through the dry finish, which is long and generous. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2018. 8,000 cases made. –HS WS $21.00
Australia Heath 100 Year old vine Shiraz 2004 91 6/15/2007 Rich and ripe, with a strong undercurrent of plum and dried blueberry running through the spicy, anise-scented cherry flavors. Offers a range of flavor on a supple frame, finishing with power. Drink now through 2014. 1,000 cases made. WS $40.00
Australia Heath 100 Year old vine Shiraz/Cabernet 2003 90 5/15/2007 Supple, generous and firmly supported by a fine-boned structure, this brims with spicy cherry and black olive, with a hint of mint. The flavors linger enticingly. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2013. 2,000 cases made. WS $60.00