1 | Wine | Sangiovese, 86 or higher | Page 4

"A well made effort. ...a bit plummy and jammy in aroma with good support from the oak of the casks and barrels, sweet and continuous in flavor, sizeable but round in texture, a modern interpretation of Montalcino but not to excess."

"In a darker, balsamic vein, this red evokes tar, black cherry, underbrush and tobacco flavors. They're all held together by the dense, fine tannins. Oak spice emerges on the taut finish."

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino bursts from the glass with freshly cut flowers, violets, leather, licorice and black cherries. Firm underlying tannins lend vibrancy to the voluptuous fruit. The Casanova di Neri straight bottling – sometimes referred to as the “white label” – is made from some of the estate’s cooler sites. In 2007 the wine has more depth, fruit and overall harmony than is typically the case. Bright acidity frames the long, polished finish. In short, this is a fabulous wine from Giacomo Neri. Along with the 2006, the 2007 is one the best and most complete vintages I can remember tasting in some time. Most importantly of all, though, it is flat-out delicious."

"This has grip and fine Sangiovese character, evoking bitter cherry, tobacco, leather and spice flavors. A harmonious wine, lingering with an aftertaste of tobacco and mineral."

"The 2009 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano presents gorgeous balance and refinement from the very first taste. Firm tannins provide the backdrop as the 2009 Vino Nobile opens up in the glass. Sweet dark cherries, menthol and licorice are woven together nicely in this firm, harmonious Vino Nobile. This is a great showing from Caterina Dei."

"The 2006 I Sodi di San Niccolo is fabulous. Beautifully delineated aromatics meld into a breathtaking array of dark fruit, crushed rocks, smoke, tar, minerals and flowers in this totally thrilling Tuscan red. The fruit completely saturates the palate, while persistent notes of crushed rocks and all things mineral round things out. I love the way Malvasia Nera confers darkness, richness and power to the Sangioveto, but without abandoning a pure-bred Tuscan expression of sheer class. I Sodi has a track record of developing beautifully in bottle and I have no doubt that will be the case here."

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino saturates the palate with deep layers of fruit. This is a fabulous, highly expressive Brunello with virtually no hard edges and superb overall balance. It is one of the more approachable young wines I have ever tasted from this historic Montalcino estate. I imagine the 2007 will enjoy a broad window of drinkability beginning nearly upon release."

"An elegant wine laced with dark cherries, plums, licorice, new leather, mint and French oak. All of the elements come together beautifully in this silky, mid-weight Brunello. The vibrant, eternal finish makes it hard to resist a second taste. This subtle, impeccably refined Brunello can be enjoyed with minimum cellaring, but it will be even better in another few years."

"The 2010 Sangiovese shows the darker side of the grape in its intense fruit. This is a fairly bold, concentrated Sangiovese, but all of the elements come together nicely in the glass. It is a great value."

"Deep red. Bright sangiovese aromas and flavors of sour red cherry, redcurrant and sweet spices. Fresh, clean and persistent; not the last word in complexity but very smooth and attractive wine."