Italy wines in the Flickinger Fine Wines inventory http://www.flickingerwines.com/wineregions/italian.asp http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenimentiLuigidAlesandro(Manzano).aspVM 94 (10/2010): The 2007 Syrah Il Bosco is marvelously focused and centered in its dark red fruit. With time in the glass, layers of tobacco, earthiness and minerals emerge, adding complexity nuance and pedigree. The long, perfumed finish is exceptionally elegant within the context of a fairly powerful style. New oak adds considerable volume, richness and also an element of sweetness that needs time to integrate. Still, it is a sublime, beautiful wine of exquisite finesse. This is a fabulous effort from D'Alessandro. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenimentiLuigidAllesandro(Manzano).aspVM 90 (12/2015): Dark red. Aromas of strawberry, fresh herbs and spices. Broad and supple on the palate, with herbal nuances lifting but not overwhelming the wine's red fruit and sweet spice flavors. Finishes smooth and persistent, with a floral note emerging at the back. Ian D'Agata.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Alliata.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TascadAlmerita.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Altesino.aspVM 97 (6/2013): The 1997 L'Apparita remains fresh, vibrant and striking in its beauty, with very little in the way of tertiary aromatic development. Still rich, powerful and deep, the 1997 is just beginning to enter the early pear of its drinking window. This is a great showing and easily one of the most impressive wines in the vertical. Hints of bacon, grilled herbs and olives linger on a finish that deftly balances sweet and savory notes with tons of elegance. The 1997 should continue to drink well for another decade-plus. At the time, 1997 was considered a very hot year. Today, those conditions are considered normal. WS 93 (12/2007): Dark ruby red. Superfresh on the nose, with currant, blackberry and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with very ripe tannins, yet polished and silky. Focused fruit as well. Balanced and refined. Still a bit young. Always an outstanding Merlot.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2008. 672 cases made. WA 92 (8/2000): The stunning 1997 l'Apparita exhibits a deep ruby/purple color in addition to a distinctive nose of mocha, espresso bean, cherry liqueur, and blackberries. Full-bodied, dry, and rich, with good sweetness and fatness on the mid-palate, this long, dense, still youthful wine requires an additional 3-5 years of cellaring; it should keep for two decades. New oak (about 70% new French wood is utilized) plays a secondary role in the wine's aromatic and flavor profiles.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CastellodiAma.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PoggioAnima.aspWA 87 (10/2001): The 1995 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a sweet, textured, spicy offering displaying aromas and flavors of tobacco, jammy strawberry and cherry fruit, new saddle leather, licorice, asphalt, and herbs. This medium-bodied 1995 Brunello should be consumed over the next 5-10 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PoggioAntico.aspJS 96 (9/2011): Wonderful pure Cabernet character, with currants, spices, flowers and violets. Velvety and fresh. Long and intense. Less austere than the 2007 with very sweet and ripe tannins. Such beauty. This is really powerful. Give it three to four years before trying a bottle.WA 93 (8/2011): The 2008 Solaia is richer and darker than the Tignanello, but it isn’t an appreciably more complex or complete wine. It shows gorgeous depth and textural richness to match an expressive core of blackberry jam, smoke, scorched earth, crushed rocks and cassis. This is a beautiful wine, but not as great as I had hoped. The 2008 Solaia is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged in 100% new oak. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. VM 92 (12/2013): I have never loved the 2008 Solaia, and that impression is reinforced on this night. If anything, the 2008 suffers in this setting, where the differences between vintages is stark. A mid-weight Solaia, the 2008 looks like it will drink best over the near and medium-term. Antonio Galloni.WS 92 (9/2012): Lush, ripe and polished to a gleam, this red exhibits black cherry, plum and sweet spice flavors on a powerful frame. Balanced, with a chewy, spice- and violet-filled finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2020. 450 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PieroAntinori.aspJS 96 (9/2011): Wonderful pure Cabernet character, with currants, spices, flowers and violets. Velvety and fresh. Long and intense. Less austere than the 2007 with very sweet and ripe tannins. Such beauty. This is really powerful. Give it three to four years before trying a bottle.WA 93 (8/2011): The 2008 Solaia is richer and darker than the Tignanello, but it isn’t an appreciably more complex or complete wine. It shows gorgeous depth and textural richness to match an expressive core of blackberry jam, smoke, scorched earth, crushed rocks and cassis. This is a beautiful wine, but not as great as I had hoped. The 2008 Solaia is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged in 100% new oak. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. VM 92 (12/2013): I have never loved the 2008 Solaia, and that impression is reinforced on this night. If anything, the 2008 suffers in this setting, where the differences between vintages is stark. A mid-weight Solaia, the 2008 looks like it will drink best over the near and medium-term. Antonio Galloni.WS 92 (9/2012): Lush, ripe and polished to a gleam, this red exhibits black cherry, plum and sweet spice flavors on a powerful frame. Balanced, with a chewy, spice- and violet-filled finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2014 through 2020. 450 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PieroAntinori.aspJS 96 (9/2014): A big, rich wine but there's lots of brightness and beauty at the same time. Shows licorice and asphalt. Full body with chewy tannins and a long finish. Terracotta, Tuscan dust and spice; balsamic too. This needs three to five years to soften. Intense finish.VM 96 (9/2014): Blackberry jam, cassis, grilled herbs and melted road tar meld together in the 2011 Solaia. Another super-exotic, racy 2011 from Antinori, Solaia is supremely beautiful. Mocha, espresso and sage are some of the many notes that add complexity. Hints of white truffle, lavender, smoke and licorice are laced into the exotic, racy finish. In 2011, Solaia has a dollop more of Cabernet Franc in the blend, added to give the wine a touch of freshness. Ripe and flashy to the core, the 2011 needs time to lose some of its youthful exuberance. At times, the 2011 could be easily mistaken for a wine from Napa Valley, such is its intensity.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PieroAntinori.aspWA 97+ (12/2016): The best vintages of Solaia are 1990, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 and now 2013. Marchesi Antinori's 2013 Solaia is a profound and meaningful wine that is based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc in supporting roles. It sports a dark and thick texture with plump fruit and spice, grilled herb and black pepper. The bouquet is intense and layered with the kind of complexity that is best admired as the wine shifts and evolves in the glass. The textual impact is also impressive—you feel the inherent power and the structure, but these elements are never overdone. The best is yet to come; this Solaia is built for long cellar aging.JS 97 (7/2016): Wow. This is a stylish young red with currant, light herb, spice and bark aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh finish. Balanced and attractive now but better in 2020. A classic as always.WS 95 (3/2017): Offers weight and presence, with black currant, plum and black cherry aromas and flavors. The structure is vibrant and harmonious. Herb, earth and spice accents complete the profile, with a lingering, savory finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2018 through 2033. 500 cases imported.VM 94+ (10/2016): A wine of reserve, polish and class, the 2013 Solaia is striking from start to finish. Subtle and exquisitely layered, the 2013 graces the palate with a host of crème de cassis, blackberry jam, menthol, lavender and violet overtones. This is another tightly wound, reticent 2013 from Antinori that is going to need time to fully unwind. Finesse replaces the exuberant power that is so often found. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PieroAntinori.aspWA 97+ (12/2016): The best vintages of Solaia are 1990, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 and now 2013. Marchesi Antinori's 2013 Solaia is a profound and meaningful wine that is based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc in supporting roles. It sports a dark and thick texture with plump fruit and spice, grilled herb and black pepper. The bouquet is intense and layered with the kind of complexity that is best admired as the wine shifts and evolves in the glass. The textual impact is also impressive—you feel the inherent power and the structure, but these elements are never overdone. The best is yet to come; this Solaia is built for long cellar aging.JS 97 (7/2016): Wow. This is a stylish young red with currant, light herb, spice and bark aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a fresh finish. Balanced and attractive now but better in 2020. A classic as always.WS 95 (3/2017): Offers weight and presence, with black currant, plum and black cherry aromas and flavors. The structure is vibrant and harmonious. Herb, earth and spice accents complete the profile, with a lingering, savory finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2018 through 2033. 500 cases imported.VM 94+ (10/2016): A wine of reserve, polish and class, the 2013 Solaia is striking from start to finish. Subtle and exquisitely layered, the 2013 graces the palate with a host of crème de cassis, blackberry jam, menthol, lavender and violet overtones. This is another tightly wound, reticent 2013 from Antinori that is going to need time to fully unwind. Finesse replaces the exuberant power that is so often found. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PieroAntinori.aspVM 95 (9/2014): Kirsch, rose petal, pomegranate, exotic spices and mint are woven together in a fabric of notable class in the 2011 Tignanello. An exotic wine that captures the essence of the year, the 2011 is endowed with magnificent complexity, nuance and class. The silky, polished finish makes the 2011 incredibly appealing today, but the wines from this site have always aged very well. The 2011 is going to need time to shed some of its baby fat, but it will always remain extroverted and racy to the core. I can't wait to see how the 2011 ages. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PieroAntinori.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ArPePe.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Arceno.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutaArgentiera.aspWA 90 (8/2000): The 1995 Brunello di Montalcino exhibits an evolved ruby/garnet color as well as complex aromatics of soy, smoked meats, red currants, cherries, and licorice. Ripe, complex, and dense, with a sweet attack, and an evolved, supple texture, it can be drunk now and over the next 10-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Argiano.aspWS 95 (12/1998): Wild thing. This Italian red is even better than the wonderful debut '95. It offers exotic and complex aromas of blackberry, violet, crushed raspberry, is full-bodied, and though very tannic, the tannins are coated with ripe fruit, and the long and caressing finish delivers even more fruit. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Best after 2000. 2,000 cases made. WA 94 (10/1998): Argiano's 1996 Solengo, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, and Syrah (500 cases produced), is a blockbuster effort. The wine boasts a saturated ruby/purple color, as well as an excellent nose of jammy blackberries, cassis, pain grille, and spice. Full-bodied, with superb depth, a layered texture, low acidity, and a blockbuster finish, this is an impressively-endowed, smoky, rich, exotic, accessible, dry red that should age nicely for 12-15 years. Bravo to Argiano!VM 91+ (2/1999): Healthy red-ruby. Superripe, slightly roasted aromas of currants and nuts. Lush, thick, sweet and large-scaled, with concentrated currant fruit supported by a serious, rather Bordeaux-like structure. Very strong and long on the finish, with the tongue-dusting tannins hitting the palate quite late.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Argiano.aspWA 94 (10/2001): A fine offering, the 1999 Solengo is a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah. This opaque purple-colored offering exhibits gorgeously ripe blackberry and cassis fruit mixed with scents of leather, charcoal, earth, and wood. Dense, opulent, and full-bodied, with sweet tannin in the finish, it is still youthful and unevolved, but promises to drink splendidly well between 2004-2015. WS 94 (11/2001): A wine with a generous amount of everything, but in a harmonious, pretty way. An abundance of tobacco, cedar and berry character. Full-bodied and chewy, with loads of fruit and a long, long finish. One of the hottest wines in Tuscany at the moment. Best after 2006. 3,165 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Argiano.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Argiolas.aspWA 93 (8/2010): The 2002 Turriga is only now starting to soften. Roasted coffee beans and sweet spices suggest that early tertiary notes may be right around the corner. Today, the wine impresses for its impeccable balance and expressive, generous dark fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. IWC 93 (8/2005): (from very old cannonau vines) Deep ruby-red. Captivating aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, roasted plum and mint, with some sweet balsamic notes. Quite luscious in the mouth, with rich, ripe flavors of red cherry, smoke and spicy oak. Finishes very long and complex, with chewy yet elegant tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Argiolas.aspJS 93 (1/2015): Rich and beautifully crafted red with strawberries, plums and cocoa powder. Full-bodied yet refined and caressing on the palate. Better in 2016. WA 90 (2/2015): The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino opens to smoky tones of ash and brimstonehttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Armilla.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BadiaaColtibuono.aspJS 96 (1/2015): Aromas of burnt orange peel and cherry with hints of dried bark and mahogany. Full-bodied and very tight and dense, with a beautiful fruit, tannin and acid balance. Finesse and strength. Best wine from here for ages. Needs until 2018 to show its true quality. WA 94 (2/2015): Fattoria dei Barbi's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino starts with a tightly wound personality that begins to unravel slowly, one delicate layer at a time. As it does, you become aware of dried fruit, cigar box, crushed mineral, plum, tar and cola. The wine puts on a beautiful display. I also loved the mouthfeel of this beautiful wine: It is tonic, tight and brimming with energy. Well-integrated oak notes give the wine a spot of softness and velvety spice. This is one beautiful Sangiovese. VM 93+ (2/2015): A deep, powerful wine, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino possesses notable depth and intensity. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, tobacco, new leather and incense meld together in a muscular, resonant wine built on structure. This is a 2010 that is going to need time to fully come together, but it is impressive just the same. WS 92 (6/2015): Broad and savory, with licorice, leather and tobacco flavors. Mulled cherry notes lurk in the background, while beefy tannins come to the fore on the lingering finish. Best from 2019 through 2033. 16,666 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FattoriadeiBarbi.aspWA 88 (6/2012): The 2007 Tenuta del Barone is a plump, juicy wine bursting with dark red cherries, French oak, plums and espresso. It is a typical Maremma wine in its generous, enveloping personality, but it is also quite forward and not built for the long haul. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that spends 24 months in barrique. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutadelBarone.aspWA 88 (6/2012): The 2007 Tenuta del Barone is a plump, juicy wine bursting with dark red cherries, French oak, plums and espresso. It is a typical Maremma wine in its generous, enveloping personality, but it is also quite forward and not built for the long haul. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that spends 24 months in barrique. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutadelBarone.aspVM 91 (9/2014): Massimo Benevelli's 2010 Barolo Ravera is dark, mysterious and brooding, with serious density in its fruit and terrific overall balance. Mint, sage, tobacco, spice and underbrush notes add nuance as this ferrous, intense Barolo gradually opens up in the glass. The 2010 can be enjoyed today or cellared for up to a decade. This is an impressive 2010 from one of Barolo's most intriguing emerging growers. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BenevelliPiero.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Bergadano.aspWA 90 (9/2015): Franciacorta is home to the best Pinot Nero-based sparkling wines in Italy. The non-vintage Franciacorta '61 Rose is a clean and streamlined expression that showcases an elegant and nuanced personality. The bouquet presents light berry notes with toasted pine nut and freshly baked bread. This is a very well made effort with creamy foam and a silky close.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GuidoBerlucchi.aspWS 87 (12/2004): A wine with plenty of forest fruits and berries and a hint of earth up front. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a clean finish. Tobacco and cedar flavors. Drink now. 6,600 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Bertani.aspWA 93 (8/2005): The Borgogno family is one of the dynasties of Barolo and traces its origins in the wine trade back to 1761, making it perhaps the oldest house in the entire zone. The approach, until recently, has been - understandably - ultra-conservative, at times resembling virtual immobility, but things seem to be loosening up in recent years and the Riserva wines are well worth looking for. The 1998 Barolo Classico Riserva, in fact, is outstanding, very sizeable in its expression of the roses, resin, plums, and anisette of Nebbiolo and endowed with a powerhouse palate, very rich but round and velvety as well. The fruit, minerals, and classy tannins of the close, the sweetness and irresistible texture make this one of the essential wines of the 1998 vintage. Drink: 2005-2020.WS 90 (12/2008): Very soft and fruity, with plum and chocolate character. Medium- to full-bodied. Some mushroom and mahogany character as well on the soft finish. Decadent style.--1998 Piedmont blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. 3,500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GiacomoBorgognoFigli.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Boroli.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Boroli.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutaIlBorro.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CadelBosco.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Brovia.aspWA 93 (12/2010): The 2007 Barbaresco Sori’ Rio Sordo offers up red berries, flowers and sweet spices in an up-front, feminine style typical of this vineyard. The fruit shows wonderful freshness and vibrancy, while the tannins are already soft and quite refined. Crushed flowers and sweet perfumed roses leave a lasting impression on the supple finish. This is a beautifully balanced, articulate Rio Sordo from Ca’ Rome’. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027. WS 92 (3/2011): Rich, yet chewy and dense, this red delivers power along with fresh black cherry, floral and spice aromas and flavors. More modern in style and beautifully balanced, lingering with fruit and spice on the finish. Best from 2012 through 2024. 916 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CaRomediRomanoMarengo.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MalabailadiCanale.aspVM 96 (2/2016): The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a big, powerful wine that is going to require at least a few years to soften. Dark and brooding, the Riserva shows the more masculine side of Sangiovese. Black cherry, plum, leather, spice and tobacco all sit on firm beams of acidity and tannin. There is a sense of explosive energy to the 2010 that I find quite appealing, but readers will have to be patient in order to experience the wine at its best. Antonio Galloni. JS 95 (9/2015): Aromas of blood oranges, blackberries, plums and mushrooms. Full body, round tannins and spices, lightly toasted oak and a cedar/berry finish. Solid Brunello. Drink or hold. WS 93 (6/2016): Soft, floral aromas of rose and peony segue to cherry, strawberry, spice and tobacco flavors. Rich and lacy in texture, with a solid grip of tannins on the back end. Best from 2018 through 2030. 2,000 cases made. WA 91 (3/2016): Caparzo's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva presents a very different taste profile compared to the estate's newly released wines from the warmer 2011 vintage. This was a more balanced growing season and you get a greater sense of power and determination in this wine as a result. The bouquet is compact and expressive but it also holds back. In fact, I'm not sure that this wine is showing its full potential at the moment. It seems to need more time to flesh out. I suggest drinking it after 2018.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Caparzo.aspJS 93 (12/2015): Aromas of ripe fruits such as prunes and dried strawberry jump out of the glass. It's full-bodied, layered and juicy. Chewy too. Shows depth and intensity for the vintage. Better in 2017. WS 93 (6/2016): This is fragrant, featuring chhttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Caprili.aspWS 95 (10/2011): Tar and leather notes, with dense tannins, frame and focus this powerful red, which is layered with subtle hints of kirsch, coffee liqueur, dried herbs and grilled nuts. It's tightly meshed right now, but with a seamlessness that creates an overall elegant style—the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. The very long finish echoes smoke and kirsch notes. Best from 2015 through 2032. 500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MicheleCastellani.aspJS 95 (5/2011): The nose of violets and berries jumps out. Full and juicy, with beautiful fruit and character. Round and soft. Tastes like a fabulous Musigny. Forest floor, dark truffles and ripe fruits. Best in 2013. VM 96 (2/2011): The 2007 Barolo Brunate is a gorgeous, refined wine. An expressive, open bouquet melds into dark, sensual fruit. The Brunate possesses gorgeous delineation, wonderful inner perfume and polished tannins that frame the majestic finish. In this vintage the French oak is also exceptionally well-balanced. The freshness, vibrancy and overall sense of harmony elevate the Brunate into the top tier of 2007 Baroli. This beautiful, aristocratic Barolo is the finest young wine I have tasted from Ceretto in a long time. Antonio Galloni. WS 92 (11/2012): Boasting menthol and eucalyptus-tinged cherry and plum aromas and flavors, this red is broad and well-balanced with its structure, with fine length. Approachable now, but better in a year or two. Best from 2014 through 2025. 4,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Ceretto.aspWS 95 (10/2006): Dark in color, with masses of crushed ripe fruit. Currant and blackberry galore. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Loads going on. An exciting new wine from this producer. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Best after 2008. 225 cases made.VM 88 (7/2007): (a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah) The opaque ruby-black color is a good teaching tool by which to show the difference in color between a blend and a 100%-sangiovese wine. Fresh aromas of dark cherry, tobacco and sweet oak. Juicy and flavorful, with a compelling sweetness to the black cherry and spicy plum fruit. This very appealing wine finishes with supple, fine-grained but could use more length. Ian d'Agatahttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LeCinciole.aspWA 95 (6/2016): The 2011 Barolo Ciabot Mentin is impressive on many levels. This wine always seems to excel in the warm vintages, as is the case here. The bouquet is generous, opulent and inviting with plush, rich dark fruit that is enhanced with spice, grilled herb and dark mineral nuances. The quality of fruit is profound and meaningful, and the wine offers a fluid presentation of aromas that changes as it evolves in the glass. Soft tannins add to the full-bodied build and sheer muscle of the wine. What I love most is the tonic energy it also offers.JS 93 (11/2016): Aromas of blackberry and black truffle follow through to a full body, chewy tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Slightly hollow center palate now but should fill in with time. Very pretty. Better in 2019.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomenicoClerico.aspJS 95 (1/2014): A wine with blueberries, blackberries and hints of minerals. Full body, with wonderfully integrated tannins and a long, focused finish of dark fruits. This has such purity of fruit. Try in 2015.WA 94 (6/2013): The 2009 Barolo Pajana also shows supple softness and immediate richness. I love the energy and the pure tension. There’s a unique brightness or crispness to the fruit that so perfectly balances out those emboldened layers of oak, spice and tobacco. The style is modern and muscular but all that strength is delivered in a silken glove. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. VM 93+ (11/2013): Medium red. Highly perfumed aromas of fresh strawberry and minerals. Sweet and gripping in the mouth, showing superb nuance and verve to its red fruit and menthol flavors. Wonderfully juicy young Barolo with a vibrant, echoing finish. Displays a clear limestone character in its back-end minerality and thrust. Stephen Tanzer.WS 92 (4/2014): Rich cherry and raspberry flavors are accented by spice in this dense yet ripe red. Mint and tobacco accents chime in on the resonant, long finish. Best from 2016 through 2031. 1,083 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomenicoClerico.aspWS 90 (11/2016): Bracing acidity carries the cherry, blackberry and spice flavors to a long conclusion in this concentrated red. A mineral element emerges on the aftertaste. Drink now through 2020. 200 cases made.WA 88 (6/2016): The Elvio Cogno 2014 Barbera d'Alba Prefilossera is a darkly extracted and thick wine that shows some serious muscle. This is a big-boned Barbera that exudes power and concentration with Morello cherry, tobacco and barbecue smoke. The mouthfeel is thick, but slightly shorter in this vintage.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ElvioCogno.aspJS 94 (2/2016): Plenty of dried cherry and strawberry aromas here with some orange peel. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a savory, spicy and pepper undertone. Gorgeous and complex. Drink now. WS 94 (6/2016): Cherry, leather, licorice and hints of grilled beef mark this juicy, expressive red. Tension emerges as this plays out on the finish, revealing an understated intensity. Fine length. Best from 2018 through 2032. 550 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Collosorbo.aspWA 94 (6/2015): I am extremely impressed by Aldo Conterno's 2011 Barolo Bussia. The wine exhibits magnificent harmony and integrity, especially considering the warm temperatures of this vintage. It is elegant inside and out with a patina of aromatic cleanliness and sharp focus that sets it apart. The tannins are extremely fine, silky and polished. The wine excels at presenting the fine and elegant details that the mighty Nebbiolo grape can offer. It puts a magnifying glass to the grape and reveals that there are no blemishes to be found. JS 93 (4/2015): Aromas of flowers, dried mushrooms and plums follow through to a full body, with soft and round tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.WS 92 (3/2016): A severe style, this offers a glimpse of sweet black cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral flavors. Then the ripe tannins come in to shut this down on the finish. The lasting impression is of sweet fruit. Best from 2018 through 2032. 250 cases imported. VM 89 (3/2015): The 2011 Barolo Bussia is a very pretty entry-level Barolo from the Conterno family. Distinctly red-fleshed berries, sweet spices and flowers convey an impression of sexiness and accessibility that is impossible to miss, while silky tannins round out a finish with no hard edges. The Bussia is an excellent choice for near-term drinking. Readers will note that the entry-level Barolo at Conterno once again carries the 'Bussia' designation now that a parcel in Barolo that had been part of the blend in previous years has been replanted and is currently being used for the Nebbiolo Favot.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AldoConterno.aspWS 96 (7/2004): This is a big, powerful red with loads of floral, berry, plum and truffle aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, yet refined. It builds on the palate with lots of racy tannins and an ultralong finish. A long-ager. Nearly matches the amazing 1996 in quality. The best from Conterno this year. Best after 2010. 800 cases made. WA 91 (8/2005): The 2000 Barolo Cicala, as always my favorite from this house, is significantly longer and more intense and with greater bite and grip on the finish, and its nose, with aromas of rose petals and anisette, is more focused and expressive of true Nebbiolo character.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AldoConterno.aspVM 95 (12/2004): Medium red. Quintessential Barolo perfume: minerals, tobacco, underbrush, tar, licorice, gunflint. Then wonderfully rich and seamless in the mouth, with superb concentration and purity of flavor. Spicy red fruits emerged with aeration. Comes across, atypically, as less clenched in the early going than the Colonnello and strikingly complex from the outset, but this is nonetheless extremely young. Finishes with extremely suave tannins and vibrant lingering fruit. Great wine in the making. WS 94 (10/2005): Loads of plum, berry and licorice character with hints of new wood. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Beauty here. Tight and compacted. Lots going on here. Give it time. Best after 2008. 800 cases made. WA 92 (10/2006): A dark-toned hue of ruby with violet highlights, the 2001 Barolo Cicala suggests new oak and spices on the nose, then opens to reveal a very complete and multi-dimensional wine that offers sensations of ripe dark cherries, minerals, menthol, tar, licorice and violets wrapped around a structured, masculine frame. A very fresh and long finish makes this a superbly well-balanced and beautiful wine. The Cicala cru gives wines of power and intensity owing to its poorer and dryer soils which contain more iron, as well as the vineyard’s south to south-east exposure. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AldoConterno.aspJS 95 (3/2016): This is fantastic with cedar, strawberry, walnut and mineral aromas and flavors. Ultra-fine tannins and a clean finish. Balanced and refined. Why wait? But will be even better in 2018. WS 93 (4/2017): A contemporary style, with a solid base of tannins providing support for macerated cherry, licorice, tobacco, iron and spice flavors. Burly and rangy, but with plenty of character and a long, spicy aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2035. 450 cases made. WA 90 (6/2016): Like the Barolo Bussia Cicala, the 2012 Barolo Bussia Colonnello steps out with heavy footing. You feel the weight of the vintage, yet the bouquet shows fewer of those brilliant aromatic accents that are so magnificently delivered in cooler vintages. The aromas are all there - wild berry, balsam herb, cola and licorice - but the intensity is somewhat muted. The wine also shows tightness and astringency in terms of tannins that will relax as the wine continues its evolution. VM 88 (11/2016): The 2012 Barolo Cicala is more delicate than the Colonnello, with slightly better balance of fruit and tannin. Here, too, the wine lacks depth, complexity, and, above all else, the pedigree of this site. The Cicala is a perfectly pleasant wine that is more or less the qualitative equivalent of a straight, non single-vineyard Barolo from a mid-tier producer. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AldoConterno.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AldoConterno.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AldoConterno.aspJS 94 (4/2015): Wonderful richness and balance here with plum, dried strawberry and light Spanish cedar character. Full body, fine tannins and a clean finish. Try in 2018.WA 93 (6/2015): The 2011 Barolo Bussia Colonnello shows a compelling level of brawn and heft. This is an elaborate vinous patchwork with dark fruit nuances backed by ethereal tones of balsam herb and licorice. The wine is sturdy, compact and extremely well-constructed. It takes a few minutes to open, but once it does Barolo Bussia Colonnello bursts forth with blackberry, plum, spice and rum cake. Menthol tones and balsam herbs add an important sense of vertical lift and buoyancy. They add beautiful contrasts to the ripe and brawny aromatic elements also on display. VM 93 (3/2015): The 2011 Barolo Colonnello presents an intriguing array of power and intensity in its fruit, along with beams of underlying tannin that give the wine much of its energy and pure drive. The flavors are bold and explosive throughout as the Colonnello shows off its distinctive personality. Dark red plum, spice, violet, sage, leather and tobacco are some of the many notes that are laced into the super-expressive finish. I very much like the push and pull tension of the ripeness of the year and minerality of this site.WS 92 (12/2015): Eucalyptus and menthol notes shade the cherry and leather flavors in this taut, beefy red. A dense matrix of tannins carries the lingering finish. Be patient. Best from 2019 through 2035. 125 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AldoConterno.aspJS 95 (3/2016): Warmer aromas of cooked meat, ripe strawberry and fresh herbs. Full body, round and chewy tannins. Big and rich. Needs a year or two to soften. Solid. WS 93 (3/2017): The aromas and flavors are a combination of ripe cherry, leather and vanilla that quickly shuts down in the face of dense, dusty tannins. This red will need some time to sort itself out, yet feels balanced and elegant, with a long, fruit-tinged aftertaste. Best from 2020 through 2036. 450 cases made. WA 90 (6/2016): Like the Barolo Bussia Cicala, the 2012 Barolo Bussia Colonnello steps out with heavy footing. You feel the weight of the vintage, yet the bouquet shows fewer of those brilliant aromatic accents that are so magnificently delivered in cooler vintages. The aromas are all there - wild berry, balsam herb, cola and licorice - but the intensity is somewhat muted. The wine also shows tightness and astringency in terms of tannins that will relax as the wine continues its evolution. VM 87 (11/2016): The 2012 Barolo Colonnello offers only modest depth, structure and complexity. Sweet oak, washed out fruit and grainy tannins are some of the signatures in this underachieving Barolo. The Colonnello is usually defined by its silky tannins and supple fruit. Unfortunately those elements don't come through. There is little pleasure to be found here. With time in the glass, the tannins soften a touch, but not enough to make a difference.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AldoConterno.aspWA 94 (5/2008): The 2001 Barolo Riserva Granbussia is wonderfully harmonious in its sweet, expressive aromatics and perfumed, ripe red fruit.- Medium in body, this delicate Granbussia is surprisingly open at this stage. It is impossible to resist now, although it may start to close up in bottle. This is a remarkably fresh and vibrant Granbussia that should develop beautifully over the following years and decades. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2026. WS 92 (10/2007): Displays wonderful aromas of strawberry and Indian spices, with a hint of flowers. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, a beautiful texture and excellent balance. Drinking really well now. One of the most balanced Granbussias yet. Best from 2008 through 2012. 700 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AldoConterno.aspJS 97 (3/2016): Very earthy and intense with ripe fruit and hints of bark and mushrooms. Full body, powerful and chewy. Great tannin structure. Better in 2020. WA 93 (6/2016): Poderi Aldo Conterno's Bussia Romirasco sees a few extra months of oak aging. The 2012 Barolo Bussia Romirasco greatly benefits from that extra wood. Because the fruit in 2012 is less expressive overall, the Romirasco signature touch bodes well for its texture, heft and its aromatic delivery. This Barolo offers pretty richness and density with thick lines and deep concentration. The oak needs more years to integrate, but I feel confident that it will reach harmony, with time, given the wine's generous structure and fruity richness. WS 92 (3/2017): Hints of vanilla and Bourbon waft from the glass and wrap around the core of cherry in this stylish, elegant red. A bit oaky now, with an added layer of tannins. Offers a fine finish of tobacco and spice. Best from 2020 through 2034. 400 cases made. VM 89 (11/2016): The 2012 Barolo Romirasco is the best of these wines. Dark cherry, mocha, chocolate, smoke and plum notes give the 2012 its distinctly deep, powerful personality. From Romirasco I expect to see intense, balsamic-inflected aromatics and salivating energy. There is little, if any, of that here. The 2012 is a solid wine if taken on its own terms, but it is an underachiever relative to both the potential of this site and vintage. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AldoConterno.aspVM 94 (8/2002): Very dark garnet. Ethereal nose of wildflowers, especially lavender. Vibrant, sharply focused flavors of anise, chocolate, coffee and white pepper. Superbly concentrated, with a velvety mouth feel and firm, ripe tannins. A long, mineral-laden finish brings this poised and multidimensional wine to a deeply satisfying close. WS 93 (6/2002): Wonderfully perfumed, with roses, berries and fresh leather. Full-bodied, with very fine tannins and a long, cherry, floral, berry aftertaste. Fresh acidity. Very tight, yet extremely well-structured. Best after 2004. 2,400 cases made. WA 92 (12/2002): Readers who love leather aromas and flavors will adore the 1997 Brunello di Montalcino as it smells like a new horse saddle. There are also scents of cherries, tobacco, and herbs. Full-bodied, with an opaque garnet color, high extraction, and severe tannin, it has all the necessary components for a long life. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2023.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ContiCostanti.aspVM 93+ (7/2009): Bright medium red. Knockout nose suggests a wine of strong extract and extends one's Brunello vocabulary: cherry, peach pit, licorice, lead pencil, honey, jasmine, botanical herbs, you name it. Dry, classic and sharply delineated, conveying a strong impression of energy allied with great delicacy. This manages to be very ripe, broad and silky and at the same time virtually weightless. Finishes sweet, pliant, minerally and very long. With aeration, though, this shut down dramatically in my glass and showed a leathery element. One for the cellar. Stephen Tanzer. WS 92 (7/2009): Rich and subtle, delivering plum, berry and ripe strawberry character, with dried mushroom undertones. Full, with a ripe, velvety tannin backbone and beautiful fruit. Features coffee and berries on the finish, with bright acidity. Best after 2011. 2,500 cases made. WA 90 (6/2009): High-toned aromatics lead to a firm, taut expression of fruit in Costanti’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino. Wild herbs, red cherries, tobacco and flowers are just some of the nuances that emerge from this chiseled, traditionally-made Brunello. The wine possesses gorgeous length and finessed tannins that provide lovely balance. Today the wine is clenched and unexpressive, but it should come together in bottle. That said, numerous bottles of this Brunello have failed to deliver the magic I found when I tasted the wine from tank prior to bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ContiCostanti.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LesCretes.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Falesco.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Falesco.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/RemoFarina.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CastellodiFarnetella.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FeudidiSanGregorio.aspWA 95 (8/2013): The 2010 Siepi is a monumental wine with towering intensity and opulent aromas of spice, leather and chocolate covered cherry. The texture of this hearty 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot is infinitely soft and supple. There are many big-boned wines from Italy that can compare to Siepi, but ultimately this wine is distinguished by its own, unique personality. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. JS 94 (2/2014): Very ripe wine with dried-berry and dark-chocolate character. Full body, full, ripe tannins and a juicy finish. It goes on for minutes. Better in 2016. VM 94 (9/2014): The 2010 Siepi hasn't budged much since last year. Freshly cut flowers, dark red stone fruits, tobacco, leather and wild flowers form an attractive fabric in a relatively weightless, silky Siepi. Antonio Galloni. WS 93 (4/2014): Polished and expressive, featuring black cherry, black currant, violet and vanilla flavors matched to a solid structure. Intense and balanced, with a lingering finish. Modern and gripping. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2016 through 2027. 1,600 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CastellodiFonterutoli.aspWA 94 (2/2011): Ripe, silky tannins caress the palate as the 2007 Granato emerges from the glass. Crushed, flowers, raspberries and spices meld together beautifully in this mid-weight, gracious Granato. Today the aromas and flavors are quite primary, but the wine should harmonize to a greater extent with another year or two in bottle. Subtle notes of oak linger on the elegant, polished finish. This is another superb Granato from Elisabetta Foradori. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Foradori.aspJS 94 (3/2017): This is racy and sexy with dark fruits, dark chocolate and some nuts. Full and very silky. Long and beautiful finish. From teroldego grape. Always superb quality. Drink or hold.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Foradori.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DalForno.aspVM 96 (8/2009): The 2006 Guardavigna is even better. Here the fruit is riper, darker and richer. Blackberries, blueberries, grilled herbs, minerals and tar emerge from this dark, brooding beauty. The wine possesses gorgeous inner perfume and an utterly captivating personality. The tannins remain imposing, so a few years of cellaring are recommended, but readers lucky enough to find the Guardiavigna are in for a thrilling drinking experience. Guardiavigna is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PodereForte.aspVM 89 (9/2014): The 2011 Ammiraglia, 100% Syrah from the Frescobaldi family's estate in Magliano, opens with a burst of dark red and black fruit. The style is extracted and fruit driven, with slight hints of over-ripeness, most likely from the warmth of the vintage. There is plenty of depth and intensity in the glass, even if the oak is a bit overpowering.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Frescobaldi.aspJS 99 (10/2015): 99 Wonderful aromas of dried mushrooms, flowers, plums, nuts and cedar. Complex. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. I love the finish. Such elegance. Racy and very long. Superb. What a wine. I always love this. Drink or hold. VM 95 (2/2016): Fuligni's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is deep, dense and powerful, with plenty of voluptuousness and inner sweetness for the year. Leather, menthol, spice, violet and licorice wrap around a core of intense, dark-fleshed fruit. The 2010 needs a few years to fully come together, but it is impressive, even today. Mocha, black cherry, plum and mentholated nuances are woven into the persistent, juicy finish. The 2010 spent three plus years in cask. Antonio Galloni. WS 94 (6/2016): Saturated with ripe cherry, plum, dusty cocoa, tobacco and tea aromas and flavors. The solid tannins provide support but don't get in the way of the fruit and savory components. Finishes long and expansive. Best from 2019 through 2035. 1,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Fuligni.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AngeloGaja.aspWA 94 (6/2013): Smack from the start, the 2010 Barbaresco shows full-on Gajissimo personality with irresistible opulence and intensity, magically contrasted against remarkable smoothness and finesse. Everyone wants to know his secret. The wine delivers seductively rich concentration and integrated oak that is offset by a delicate portfolio of chiseled mineral, dried berry fruit, Spanish cedar, crushed herb, anisette and blue flower. Fruit is sourced from 14 vineyards in Barbaresco. It already leaves a mark, but will reward those who wait. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.VM 93 (10/2013): Freshly cut flowers, raspberries, mint, anise and licorice all waft from the glass in Gaja's 2010 Barbaresco. Mid-weight, gracious and utterly impeccable, the 2010 stands out for its balance and harmony. Sweet floral notes reappear on the finish, adding lift and brilliance. All the elements fall into place in this supple, beautifully balanced Barbaresco that represents the essence of the vintage. I am surprised how open and accessible the 2010 is for a young Gaja Barbaresco. Although the 2010 will be better in a few years, it already drinks well with a little air. IWC 92+ (12/2013): Good bright medium red. Enticing, nuanced nose offers red berries, red cherry and spicy, earthy underbrush. Rich, broad and fine-grained, with lovely inner-mouth perfume and tension. Seemed to shut down in the glass, showing a penetrating juicy quality and finishing with suave tannins and terrific length. A splendid Barbaresco.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AngeloGaja.aspWS 100 (10/1993): Absolutely ranks with the finest wines in the world. Spicy, rich and concentrated, a laser beam of berry and plum flavor arcing through the smooth-textured tannins, shooting off sparks of anise, toasty vanilla and tar. An electric wine with power, polish, subtlety and grace. 830 cases made.VM 97 (2/2010): The 1990 Barbaresco Sorì Tildìn opens with a wonderfully expressive, floral bouquet that leads to a finely-knot core of ripe red fruits, sweet tobacco and spices. Here the warmth and generosity of the vintage offer superb balance and fleshiness to the wine's sculpted, well-articulated aromas and flavors. The wine's overall sense of harmony is spectacular.WA 97 (4/1994): The most massive of Gaja's Barbarescos is the huge, thick, smoky 1990 Sori Tilden. This enormously rich, profound wine is full-bodied, magnificently concentrated with admirable underlying aci dity, and plenty of tannin. The finish lasts for over a minute. Cellar it for 5-6 years and drink it over the next 30. Admirers of great wine will no doubt be debating the merits of Gaja's 1989s and 1990s for the next two or three decades. Both are spectacular vintages. When I tasted them side by side in March, the 1990s possessed a slight edge in terms of concentration and power. That does not mean they will ultimately turn out better, but they are fabulously impressive wines of unprecedented complexity, stature, and richness.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AngeloGaja.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AngeloGaja.aspWA 99 (6/2001): The awesome 1997 Sori Tilden (10,000 bottles produced) is a candidate for perfection. The saturated purple color is followed by a dense, full-bodied wine possessing extraordinary vibrancy for such a heavyweight, muscular Nebbiolo. It offers a super-sweet entry, a boatload of glycerin, and notes of earth, licorice, cedar, blackberry and cherry liqueur, and a touch of blueberries. Extremely full, gorgeously pure, with a seamless texture, this spectacular 1997 will enjoy three decades of cellaring.WS 97 (12/1988): (WS #5 wine of 1988) A majestic wine, beautifully harmonious, seamless and integrated, with magnificent fruit, matchless complexity and stunning depth of flavor. Hints of violet, toast and nutmeg enrich the plummy raspberry fruit. Long and tight on the finish.VM 95-96 (11/2000): Full ruby. Profound yet rather reticent nose hints at blackberry and violet; less roasted than the Costa Russi and more precise. Lush, thick and large-scaled, with great penetrating sweetness. Voluptuous and mouthfilling yet sharply delineated at the same time. Amazingly thick, seamless Barbaresco, finishing with lush tannins and uncanny persistence. This too has filled out and harmonized since the first time I tasted it. Stephen Tanzer.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AngeloGaja.aspWA 99 (6/2001): The awesome 1997 Sori Tilden (10,000 bottles produced) is a candidate for perfection. The saturated purple color is followed by a dense, full-bodied wine possessing extraordinary vibrancy for such a heavyweight, muscular Nebbiolo. It offers a super-sweet entry, a boatload of glycerin, and notes of earth, licorice, cedar, blackberry and cherry liqueur, and a touch of blueberries. Extremely full, gorgeously pure, with a seamless texture, this spectacular 1997 will enjoy three decades of cellaring.WS 97 (12/1988): (WS #5 wine of 1988) A majestic wine, beautifully harmonious, seamless and integrated, with magnificent fruit, matchless complexity and stunning depth of flavor. Hints of violet, toast and nutmeg enrich the plummy raspberry fruit. Long and tight on the finish.VM 95-96 (11/2000): Full ruby. Profound yet rather reticent nose hints at blackberry and violet; less roasted than the Costa Russi and more precise. Lush, thick and large-scaled, with great penetrating sweetness. Voluptuous and mouthfilling yet sharply delineated at the same time. Amazingly thick, seamless Barbaresco, finishing with lush tannins and uncanny persistence. This too has filled out and harmonized since the first time I tasted it. Stephen Tanzer.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AngeloGaja.aspJS 95 (7/2012): I love the nose to this wine with a floral, blueberry and raspberries. Orange peel. Full-bodied, and chewy with an impressive texture of ripe tannins and a long finish. Very beautiful. Better in 2015.IWC 94+ (11/2009): Good full, deep red. Sexy aromas of minerals, truffle and ineffable rose petal. Suave and lush, showing a surprisingly open-knit texture that partly masks the wine's serious underpinning of fine tannins. Very long and aromatic on the aftertaste. WA 94 (10/2009): The 2006 Langhe Sori Tildin opens with a gorgeous, nuanced bouquet that leads to an equally expressive core of ripe, red fruits. This medium-bodied Sori Tildin is the most focussed and energetic of these wines. It offers exceptional length and a refined, polished close. As is often the case, the Sori Tildin is also the most delicate and feminine of the single-vineyard wines. This is a very strong effort even if the explosiveness of the finest vintages is missing. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. WS 92 (9/2009): Displays ripe plum and berry aromas, with hints of fresh flowers, like rose. Full-bodied, with beautiful, clean fruit and a mineral, berry and cherry aftertaste. Balanced and very pretty. Almost drinkable now. Best after 2010. 800 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AngeloGaja.aspWA 99 (6/2001): A virtually perfect effort is the 1997 Sperss (30,000 bottles), which represents the essence of truffles, earth, and black cherries in its striking aromatics and multidimensional, opulent, full-bodied palate. The acidity seems low because of the huge glycerin levels and prodigious concentration of fruit, but I suspect it is normal in the scheme of oenological measurement. This profound wine requires 3-4 years of cellaring, and should age well for 30-35 years. VM 96 (2/2010): Gaja's 1990 Barolo Sperss is a sweet, seamless beauty endowed with gorgeous fruit. The wine possesses superb inner perfume and purity even if it doesn't quite reach the level of Gaja's most successful wines in this vintage. Still, this is pure 1990 and pure Serralunga. WS 94 (7/2007): Dark ruby. Loads of blackberry, vanilla and milk chocolate on the nose. Turns to licorice and flowers. Full-bodied, with a subtle tannin structure and fresh and focused fruit. Balanced and pretty wine. Just starting to open.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best from 2008 through 2017. 2,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AngeloGaja.aspWA 99 (6/2001): A virtually perfect effort is the 1997 Sperss (30,000 bottles), which represents the essence of truffles, earth, and black cherries in its striking aromatics and multidimensional, opulent, full-bodied palate. The acidity seems low because of the huge glycerin levels and prodigious concentration of fruit, but I suspect it is normal in the scheme of oenological measurement. This profound wine requires 3-4 years of cellaring, and should age well for 30-35 years. VM 96 (2/2010): Gaja's 1990 Barolo Sperss is a sweet, seamless beauty endowed with gorgeous fruit. The wine possesses superb inner perfume and purity even if it doesn't quite reach the level of Gaja's most successful wines in this vintage. Still, this is pure 1990 and pure Serralunga. WS 94 (7/2007): Dark ruby. Loads of blackberry, vanilla and milk chocolate on the nose. Turns to licorice and flowers. Full-bodied, with a subtle tannin structure and fresh and focused fruit. Balanced and pretty wine. Just starting to open.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best from 2008 through 2017. 2,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AngeloGaja.aspWA 99 (6/2001): A virtually perfect effort is the 1997 Sperss (30,000 bottles), which represents the essence of truffles, earth, and black cherries in its striking aromatics and multidimensional, opulent, full-bodied palate. The acidity seems low because of the huge glycerin levels and prodigious concentration of fruit, but I suspect it is normal in the scheme of oenological measurement. This profound wine requires 3-4 years of cellaring, and should age well for 30-35 years. VM 96 (2/2010): Gaja's 1990 Barolo Sperss is a sweet, seamless beauty endowed with gorgeous fruit. The wine possesses superb inner perfume and purity even if it doesn't quite reach the level of Gaja's most successful wines in this vintage. Still, this is pure 1990 and pure Serralunga. WS 94 (7/2007): Dark ruby. Loads of blackberry, vanilla and milk chocolate on the nose. Turns to licorice and flowers. Full-bodied, with a subtle tannin structure and fresh and focused fruit. Balanced and pretty wine. Just starting to open.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best from 2008 through 2017. 2,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AngeloGaja.aspWA 99 (6/2001): A virtually perfect effort is the 1997 Sperss (30,000 bottles), which represents the essence of truffles, earth, and black cherries in its striking aromatics and multidimensional, opulent, full-bodied palate. The acidity seems low because of the huge glycerin levels and prodigious concentration of fruit, but I suspect it is normal in the scheme of oenological measurement. This profound wine requires 3-4 years of cellaring, and should age well for 30-35 years.VM 97 (3/2014): Admittedly, Gaja’s 1997 Sperss doesn’t quite hit the high notes it so often does. More often than not, the 1997 has been pretty much open for business, but this bottle is more reticent than other recent examples. Antonio Galloni.WS 94 (7/2007): Dark ruby. Loads of blackberry, vanilla and milk chocolate on the nose. Turns to licorice and flowers. Full-bodied, with a subtle tannin structure and fresh and focused fruit. Balanced and pretty wine. Just starting to open.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best from 2008 through 2017. 2,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AngeloGaja.aspVM 93 (8/2005): Deep ruby-red. The pungent, wild nose offers myriad scents, including leather, tobacco, black pepper, nutmeg, blueberry, coffee liqueur and black truffle. Strongly mineral on the palate (the vineyards are not far from the extinct Roccamonfina volcano), where tobacco and leather come through again (due in part to the small percentage of piedirosso in this mainly aglianico blend), along with wonderfully pure red cherry, blackberry liqueur, cedar, flint and black truffle. This cult wine is hard to find in Italy The first vintage, 1994, is drinking beautifully today.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FattoriaGalardi.aspWA 94 (8/2010): Galardi did a fabulous job with the 2003 Terra di Lavoro in this torrid, challenging vintage. This is a dark, muscular Terra di Lavoro loaded with imposing dark fruit wrapped around a frame of sheer muscle. The 2003 turns more elegant in the glass as the aromatics reluctantly begin to emerge, but the hard 2003 tannins never fully soften. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2028.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FattoriaGalardi.aspWA 94 (8/2010): Galardi did a fabulous job with the 2003 Terra di Lavoro in this torrid, challenging vintage. This is a dark, muscular Terra di Lavoro loaded with imposing dark fruit wrapped around a frame of sheer muscle. The 2003 turns more elegant in the glass as the aromatics reluctantly begin to emerge, but the hard 2003 tannins never fully soften. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2028.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FattoriaGalardi.aspVM 97 (8/2010): I am thrilled with the 2006 Terra di Lavoro, which easily lives up to the praise I bestowed upon it last year. This wasn’t an easy vintage for Galardi. The weather was uneven, and a drastic selection was necessary in the cellar. Overall production was even lower in 2006 than in 2005, but the estate’s commitment to quality paid off in a big way. The 2006 Terra di Lavoro presents an intriguing combination of compelling inner sweetness wrapped around a firm, imposing frame. This is a very Barolo-like Terra di Lavoro that gradually opens up to reveal is pedigree, with endless layers of fruit and an eternal finish. Readers who own the 2006 are fortunate, but significant patience is required. This is a majestic Terra di Lavoro. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036. JS 95 (8/2013): Fresh aromas of herbs and dark fruits such as blackberries and bramble berries. It's minerally too with a volcanic ash undertone. Full and silky with lots of fruit and a long, intense finish. Superb quality. Beautiful now. Made from organically grown grapes: 80 percent Aglianico and 20 percent Piedirosso.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FattoriaGalardi.aspVM 97 (8/2010): I am thrilled with the 2006 Terra di Lavoro, which easily lives up to the praise I bestowed upon it last year. This wasn’t an easy vintage for Galardi. The weather was uneven, and a drastic selection was necessary in the cellar. Overall production was even lower in 2006 than in 2005, but the estate’s commitment to quality paid off in a big way. The 2006 Terra di Lavoro presents an intriguing combination of compelling inner sweetness wrapped around a firm, imposing frame. This is a very Barolo-like Terra di Lavoro that gradually opens up to reveal is pedigree, with endless layers of fruit and an eternal finish. Readers who own the 2006 are fortunate, but significant patience is required. This is a majestic Terra di Lavoro. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036. JS 95 (8/2013): Fresh aromas of herbs and dark fruits such as blackberries and bramble berries. It's minerally too with a volcanic ash undertone. Full and silky with lots of fruit and a long, intense finish. Superb quality. Beautiful now. Made from organically grown grapes: 80 percent Aglianico and 20 percent Piedirosso.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FattoriaGalardi.aspJS 97 (2/2014): Complex aromas of blackberry, stones, cracked black pepper and tar. Full body with soft, round tannins and a juicy, fruity finish. Soulful and refined from this estate. This is a magical wine from Southern Italy.WS 92 (4/2014): There's drive to this well-meshed, sanguine red, offering flavors of herbs, dried currant, iron and black olive that are deftly layered with sinewy tannins and balancing acidity. Drink now through 2021. 5,000 cases made.IWC 91 (4/2014): (a blend of aglianico and piedirosso): Good full ruby. Ripe red cherry, dark plum, licorice, coffee and spicy oak on the nose. Sweet, plush and very ripe, with plum, truffle and milk chocolate flavors framed by adequate acidity. Complex wine with youthfully chewy, building tannins and excellent breadth. In a riper style than some past vintages.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FattoriaGalardi.aspWS 98 (11/2003): Decadent. Starts with wonderfully fresh aromas of sliced plum, cedar, tobacco and meat, then evolves into floral and strawberry aromas. Full-bodied, with ultrafine, silky tannins and gloriously fresh, bright fruit. The refined finish goes on and on. One of the greatest wines ever from Bruno Giacosa. Best after 2008. 1,165 cases made.IWC 97 (12/2004): Good deep red. Knockout nose reminded me of great grand cru Burgundy : superripe red fruits, tobacco, minerals and smoke. As chewy as a solid yet utterly smooth, with extraordinary inner-mouth floral character and a sappy sweetness. Expands spectacularly toward the back, finishing with very suave, late-arriving tannins and compelling length. At once more perfumed, concentrated and structured than the Santo Stefano. I underestimated this great wine when I tasted it two years ago.WA 96 (10/2006): Who am I to say no to another opportunity to taste the magnificent 2000 Barbaresco Riserva Asili? Aromatic on the nose with notes of flowers and crushed raspberries, the seductive 2000 Asili displays a dark translucent red color along with generous amounts of lush super-ripe red fruit, mineral and licorice notes in supremely elegant composition of profound overall balance. The Asili is irresistible right now but also appears to have the structure to age gracefully for at least 20 years. Readers should note that the red-label Riserva is the only Giacosa wine from Asili in vintage 2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AziendaAgricolaFallettodiBrunoGiacosa.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/diGiovanna.aspJS 92 (12/2013): A balanced red with chili, berry and dark chocolate character. Full body, round tannins and a savory finish. Delicious now but better in 2015.WS 91 (4/2014): An aromatic and spicy version, with white pepper, cinnamon and vanilla notes framing the cherry and berry flavors. Firm and lean, offering complexity and length. Sangiovese with Canaiolo and Colorino. Best from 2015 through 2020. 1,750 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BibiGraetz.aspJS 95 (9/2014): A dense, layered red with asphalt, berry and clove character. Figs too. Full body, chewy tannins and a juicy finish. Needs time to soften. Better in 2017. VM 94 (9/2014): The 2011 Guado al Tasso impresses for its balance and overall harmony. Silky and gracious, the 2011 is built on pure texture and balance. Plums, mocha, espresso and dark spices all blossom in the glass. The 2011 is all about texture persistence. Although the 2011 drinks well young, I also think it will develop nicely in bottle.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GuadoalTasso(Antinori).aspWA 88 (8/2010): The 2007 is the first vintage I have tasted of Icardi’s Pinot Noir, the Langhe Rosso Nej. The concentration and richness Icardi has achieved are impressive but there is little in the way of varietal character here. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015. WS 86 (12/2009): Sweet blueberry and floral aromas follow through to a full body, with plenty of fruit and a silky finish. Balanced and easy. Pinot Nero. Best after 2010. 800 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Icardi.aspWA 88 (8/2010): The 2007 is the first vintage I have tasted of Icardi’s Pinot Noir, the Langhe Rosso Nej. The concentration and richness Icardi has achieved are impressive but there is little in the way of varietal character here. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015. WS 86 (12/2009): Sweet blueberry and floral aromas follow through to a full body, with plenty of fruit and a silky finish. Balanced and easy. Pinot Nero. Best after 2010. 800 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Icardi.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Iuli.aspVM 91 (8/2009): The 2007 La Massa reveals unusual harmony and grace. This expansive, generous La Massa offers plenty of perfumed red fruit, licorice, new leather and spices in a seamless, opulent style. The wine's balance and sheer class are impeccable. In 2007 La Massa is 70% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 12 months in oak, 10% new. La Massa remains one of the top relative values in Tuscany.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LaMassa.aspWS 92 (10/2007): Has loads of blackberry and currant, with fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. A beauty. Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best after 2008. 2,900 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LaMassa.aspWS 92 (10/2007): Has loads of blackberry and currant, with fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. A beauty. Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best after 2008. 2,900 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LaMassa.aspWS 92 (10/2007): Has loads of blackberry and currant, with fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. A beauty. Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best after 2008. 2,900 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LaMassa.aspVM 94 (8/2009): The 2006 Giorgio Primo is a totally different animal. It is a powerful, rich and intense wine loaded with dark fruit, earthiness, tobacco, tar and smoke, all of which come to life on a structured frame. Despite its size, the wine reveals tons of clarity and precision, all it needs is a few years to come together. In 2006 Giorgio Primo is 30% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LaMassa.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LaFioritaLamborghini.aspWS 94 (12/2009): Floral, with berry, plum and sandalwood aromas, as well as a hint of vanilla. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and vanilla, berry and plum flavors. This is dense, layered and balanced. Best after 2012. 3,000 cases made. WA 93 (6/2009): Lisini’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is a racy, sleek wine loaded with super-ripe dark fruit. This is a fairly immediate style for this producer, yet the wine is highly pleasurable for the integrity of its fruit and its round, enveloping personality. Clean, minerally notes frame the finish, giving the wine a lovely sense of balance and proportion. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. VM 92 (8/2009): Good full, bright red. Pungent, high-pitched aromas of redcurrant, red cherry, rose petal, minerals and leather, lifted by a spicy component; rather Burgundian. Suave, silky, dry and classic; offers plenty of stuffing without obvious weight. This refined wine really saturates the palate with perfumed flavors of redcurrant, leather, mocha and underbrush. Has the juicy acidity and the firm tannic spine to support a slow and successful evolution in bottle. Very classy sangiovese.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Lisini.aspWS 87 (3/2013): Shows a cedar, tobacco and spice bouquet, with vestiges of fruit, presenting a sweetness midpalate that gives way to dry and astringent tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Luce.aspWS 88 (3/2013): Sweet cherry, berry, dried flowers and spice aromas and flavors mark this expressive, elegant red. Firm tannins clamp down on the finish. Drink now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Luce.aspWA 96 (10/2010): The 2007 Messorio is another standout. A super-ripe expression of fruit is balanced with considerable structure, delicacy and finesse, with scents of mocha, graphite, French oak, licorice and new leather that emerge over time. Over the last few months the Messorio has absorbed its oak beautifully. The finish is long, nuanced and utterly impeccable. That said, this remains an intense, towering wine in need of a long slumber. The 2007 isn’t one of the more massive Messorios, instead it is a wine built on elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. JS 94 (4/2011): This shows aromas of dried mushrooms and blackberries. Then turns to spices and blackberries. Some fresh herbs too. Complex. Full body, with super silky tannins and a lovely mineral, berry and spice aftertaste. Subtle and enticing. Better in a couple of years. Gorgeous pure Merlot. Find the wine WS 93 (10/2010): A soft and decadent wine that makes you want to drink it. Full and velvety, with chocolate and subtle vanilla character interspersed with meat and berry notes. Pure Merlot. Best after 2012. 835 cases made. IWC 92 (10/2010): 100% merlot; 14% alcohol) Deep red. Fresh blackberry and dark cherry aromas are complemented by fresh mint, coffee, smoke and black pepper. Dense but suave, with sweet black cherry and dark chocolate flavors nicely framed by supple tannins and brightened by harmonious acidity. Finishes fresh and focused, with lingering dark cherry and mint notes and an obvious coconut nuance. This is a slightly sweeter, less herbal and less wild style of Messorio than usual, and an excellent example of the higher-alcohol, riper style of merlot typical of the Tuscan coast.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LeMacchiole.aspWA 96 (12/2014): Representing an extreme selection of botrytised Vespaiola grapes, the 2009 Acininobili is a home-run dessert wine that awards enormous pleasure to those lucky enough to drink it. The fragrant bouquet is intense and sweet, but safely void of any cloying or heavy sensations. Indeed, it presents a level of brightness and buoyancy that is rare for grapes affected by noble rot. Pristine aromas of candied fruit, preserved lemon, exotic spice and marron glacé rise from the glass. The elegance and silkiness of the mouthfeel yearn for the highest caliber foie gras for culinary companionship. JS 95 (4/2015): Aromas of dried tangerines, burnt oranges and honey character. Full-bodied, medium sweet and with incredible density and richness. Lots of spicy, dried fruit character. One of the top sweet wines of Italy. Drink or hold.WS 92 (2/2015): Creamy and lightly mouthcoating, with fine integration of the bright, citrusy acidity, which frames flavors of candied nectarine, blood orange confit, pickled ginger and tea rose. Ripe fruit and a hint of candied nut linger on the finish. Vespaiola. Drink now through 2025. 200 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Maculan.aspVM 90 (3/2015): Marengo's 2011 Barolo is a pretty, silky wine with considerable near-term appeal. Crushed flowers. Sweet red cherries, mint and rose petals lift from the glass. This supple, super-expressive wine is an excellent choice for drinking over the next decade or so. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MMarengo.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GiuseppeEFiglioMascarello.aspWS 95 (1/2016): This is expressive, with alluring cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral flavors building to a long, expansive finish. The elegant profile belies the serious structure underneath, which should allow this red to develop over the next 15 to 20 years. Offers fine berry fruit and a minerally aftertaste. Best from 2018 through 2033. 1,900 cases made. VM 92 (3/2016): Mauro Mascarello's 2011 Barolo Monprivato is soft, open-knit and surprisingly ready to go today. Dried cherry, anise, crushed flowers, mint and sweet tobacco all find support in a pretty fabric framed by silky, inviting tannins. The 2011 is not a huge Monprivato, but it does offer good balance in a restrained, mid-weight style, even by this wine's historical standards. I have seen Monprivato gain considerable depth and intensity in bottle. It will be interesting to see what happens here. In 2011, Mascarello did not bottle their flagship Riserva Ca'd' Morissio. Instead, all the fruit went into the straight Monprivato.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GiuseppeEFiglioMascarello.aspVM 94 (7/2016): Massolino's flagship 2005 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda opens with the beguiling aromatics that are a signature of this site. On the palate, though, the wine is still very much primary and in need of time to full come together. The flavors are bright and nuanced throughout, with plenty of energy running through a core of red berries, mint, lavender and rose petals. Still quite young, the 2005 needs at least a few years (or more) in the cellar to be at its best. Antonio Galloni.WS 94 (4/2012): Licorice, tar and spice are the flavor themes in this red, along with sanguine and iron notes. A lean wine, with dense, chewy tannins and a tight finish. This gets juicier with aeration, just needs time. Best from 2015 through 2028. 200 cases imported.WA 93 (2/2011): The 2005 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a beautiful, graceful Barolo. It naturally doesn’t have the explosiveness of the 2006 or 2007, but it nevertheless impresses for its finessed fruit, expressive bouquet and well-integrated tannins. This mid-weight Vigna Rionda shows lovely palate presence, nuance and detail. Freshly cut flowers, sweet baking spices and small red fruits linger on the understated finish. It is a great effort in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Massolino.aspWA 97 (6/2013): The 2007 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a gorgeous wine that presents a stunning perspective on the Nebbiolo grape. Its magic is on full display. Ethereal and elegant, the bouquet presents a never-ending succession of wild fruit, underbrush, cola, licorice, freshly chopped mint, dried ginger, balsam overtones and exotic spice. Think of the grape’s most elegant characteristics and you get them all here. In the mouth, the wine feels fleshy and generous with thick layers of fruit that are amply supported by the firm but fine tannins. Its aging future looks bright. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038. VM 95 (11/2011): Good full red. Candied red cherry, marzipan and flowers on the nose, plus a whiff of cream soda. Thick, dense and intense, with outstanding vibrancy and inner-mouth floral perfume to the cherry, berry and licorice flavors. This very firm, young and compelling Barolo is a great example of the 2007 vintage at its best.JS 95 (11/2013): Aromas of dark fruits with hints of tangerines and flowers. Full body with soft, round tannins and a bright finish. Tangy and delicious. This is round and wonderfully rich with lovely fruit and a flavourful finish. Fabulously textured. Better in 2014 but delicious now.WS 92 (2/2014): Cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors mark this sleek, elegant red. Balsamic and tobacco notes add interest as this firms up on the dusty finish. Fresh and long. Best from 2016 through 2029. 700 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Massolino.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Mastroberardino.aspVM 91 (8/2011): The 2008 Tenuta Belguardo comes across as quite inward and closed in on itself at this stage. It shows plenty of length and power, but whether it ever fills out remains an open question. The wine's overall harmony gives me hope. Mocha, espresso and sweet French oak linger on the finish. The Belguardo is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Mazzei.aspWS 93 (2/2015): Though firmly structured and tight now, this is dense, with ripe black currant and black cherry fruit, along with leather, tar and mineral flavors. Well-proportioned, but needs time to harmonize. Excellent length. Best from 2018 through 2035. 8,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CasaEdiMirafiore.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FrancoMolino.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FrancoMolino.aspWS 88 (9/2008): A really beautiful nose of black cherry and berry follows through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a fruity finish. A little chewy. Needs some time. Sangiovese. Best after 2010. 1,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/IlMolinodiGrace.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Montalbera.aspVM 89 (8/2005): Medium-deep ruby-red. Aromas of slightly acidic red berries, smoky plum, bell pepper, quinine and cedar. Less generous than recent vintages on entry, then rather tough and lean in the middle. Best today on the long, complex finish, where the tannins are fine-grained and the wine maintains its trademark elegance. Made from a very difficult vintage, this is a good example of why Montevetrano is considered a great wine.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Montevetrano.aspVM 89 (8/2005): Medium-deep ruby-red. Aromas of slightly acidic red berries, smoky plum, bell pepper, quinine and cedar. Less generous than recent vintages on entry, then rather tough and lean in the middle. Best today on the long, complex finish, where the tannins are fine-grained and the wine maintains its trademark elegance. Made from a very difficult vintage, this is a good example of why Montevetrano is considered a great wine.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Montevetrano.aspIWC 94+ (8/2005): Deep ruby-red color. Extremely elegant aromas of ripe red fruits, plum, cinnamon, nutmeg, licorice and blond tobacco, with a strong mineral streak. Silky-sweet in the mouth, with beautifully ripe fruit that's still young and wound tight. Finishes with textbook fine-grained tannins and superb subtle persistence. In style, this is not unlike a top-notch Bordeaux or a more elegantly styled Napa cabernet.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Montevetrano.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Murgo.aspWS 96 (4/2009): Offers crushed berries, with flowers and sandalwood. The nose is reserved, but interesting. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Very tight and stylish. Racy and powerful. Needs time. Best after 2011. 6,750 cases made. JS 93 (12/2010): Very fresh for a 2005 with dense fruit and silky tannins. Not the same depth of fruit of the 2004 or the 2006 for that matter, but it is clearly one of the best 2005’s in my opinion. I suggest another couple of years of cellar age. Great finesse, richness, and freshness for the vintage. WA 93 (6/2009): The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova reveals layers of dark perfumed fruit intermingled with French oak, spices, minerals, violets and licorice. The Tenuta Nuova is impressive mostly for its textural richness and sheer depth, both qualities it has in spades. The finish is long, sweet and pure. Here, too, the wine will need at least a few years in bottle before its full range of aromas and flavors emerges. Neri gave the Tenuta Nuova 30 months in medium-sized French oak tonneaux. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2024.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CasanovadiNeri.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutaNiccolai.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CastellodiNipozzano(Frescobaldi).asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LaCaNova.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.aspJS 92 (4/2015): Full body, with velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Lots of good fruit and polished tannin texture. Plenty of walnut and berry aftertaste. Drink or hold.VM 88 (3/2015): Oberto's 2011 Barolo is a pretty entry-level offering to drink over the next few years, while the contours remain soft and inviting. Crushed flowers, cinnamon, sweet red berries and a dash of French oak flesh out on the mid-palate. This pretty, beautifully balanced Barolo from Oberto makes a good introduction to both the year and vintage.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.aspJS 93 (11/2016): A full and rich Barolo with generous fruit, yet always the tone and structure to the wines of this great producer. Firm and silky textured tannins. Flavorful finish. Drink or hold.VM 89 (3/2016): The 2012 Barolo is dark, supple and inviting. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, new leather and menthol meld together in a resonant, expressive Barolo that will drink well early. This is a classic Oberto Barolo built on supple, inviting texture. Traces of French oak linger on the close. The Barolo is a blend of fruit from five sites across La Morra. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.aspJS 93 (11/2016): A full and rich Barolo with generous fruit, yet always the tone and structure to the wines of this great producer. Firm and silky textured tannins. Flavorful finish. Drink or hold.VM 89 (3/2016): The 2012 Barolo is dark, supple and inviting. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, new leather and menthol meld together in a resonant, expressive Barolo that will drink well early. This is a classic Oberto Barolo built on supple, inviting texture. Traces of French oak linger on the close. The Barolo is a blend of fruit from five sites across La Morra. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.aspJS 93 (11/2016): A full and rich Barolo with generous fruit, yet always the tone and structure to the wines of this great producer. Firm and silky textured tannins. Flavorful finish. Drink or hold.VM 89 (3/2016): The 2012 Barolo is dark, supple and inviting. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, new leather and menthol meld together in a resonant, expressive Barolo that will drink well early. This is a classic Oberto Barolo built on supple, inviting texture. Traces of French oak linger on the close. The Barolo is a blend of fruit from five sites across La Morra. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.aspJS 95 (4/2015): This shows so much intensity and density for the vintage. Full-bodied, layered and silky. A big yet balanced young red. Better in 2018.VM 90 (3/2015): The 2011 Barolo Albarella is soft, supple and generous, very much in the style of the year. Plums, dark red cherries, spices, vanillin and lavender are all supported by beams of firm yet well-integrated tannins that give the wine its sense of proportion. The 2011 could use another year or so to soften, even if it is already quite expressive.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.aspJS 93 (3/2016): Very soft and open with ripe plum, dried strawberry, light toffee and chocolate aromas and flavors. Full body. Juicy and flavorful. Drink in 2018.VM 93 (3/2016): Dark cherry, plum, smoke, licorice, menthol and sage meld together in the 2012 Barolo Albarella. This is an especially virile, dense Barolo for the year, with considerable mid-palate richness and quite a bit of near to medium-term appeal. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.aspJS 96 (4/2015): Wonderful length to this red with plum, hazelnut and light chocolate character. Full body, velvety tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Lingering finish. Hard to decide if 2011 is better than 2010. Better in 2019.VM 90 (3/2015): The 2011 Barolo Brunate is unusually forward and open in this vintage. Translucent and soft, the 2011 is laced with attractive scents of dark plum, cherry, spice and wild flowers. This is a pretty Barolo, for Brunate the 2011 lacks a bit of punch and the depth that is typical of wines from this hallowed site. Sadly, this is the last vintage of the Brunate here, as Oberto lost the lease.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.aspJS 93 (12/2013): A balanced and delicately fruity Barolo with a solid core of fine tannins. Medium to full body, finely polished tannins and a pretty finish. Better in 2015.VM 92 (5/2013): Reflecting the personality of the year, the 2009 Barolo Vigneto Rocche is quite rich, ample and broad-shouldered. The heat of the final part of the growing season has baked out some of the typical Rocche nuance, but in exchange readers will find a textured Barolo that will drink well right out of the gate. Hints of espresso, smoke, anise and incense add complexity on the dramatic, inviting finish. Antonio Galloni.WA 91 (6/2013): The 2009 Barolo Vigneto Rocche represents the biggest and boldest Barolo of them all. There’s a touch of toasted almond at the start, followed by dark concentration and loads of lush, super-ripe cherry fruit. Notable however are the pretty layers of cola, licorice, dried mint and polished river stone that slowly make their way from the glass the longer it aerates. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.aspJS 94 (9/2015): A red with dried berry, flowers, stone and dried spices on the nose. Full-bodied, tight and structured. Layers of ripe fruit and tannins. Long and flavorful finish. His vineyard did wonderfully in this hot year. Better in 2017.VM 93 (3/2015): Oberto's 2011 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata captures all the signatures of this site from its floral, perfumed aromatics to red-fleshed fruit and silky, polished tannins, all delivered with the feminine sensuality that is the truest essence of what Rocche is all about. Freshly cut roses, mint and vivid red berries grace the super-expressive finish. In my view, Rocche is Oberto's flagship. The 2011 has come together quite nicely since I last tasted in barrel. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.aspJS 95 (4/2015): A beautiful wine with ripe fruit and light cream and spice. Full body, chewy yet fine tannins and a long and intense finish. A great wine. Needs at least three or four years to soften.VM 93 (3/2015): Oberto's 2011 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata captures all the signatures of this site from its floral, perfumed aromatics to red-fleshed fruit and silky, polished tannins, all delivered with the feminine sensuality that is the truest essence of what Rocche is all about. Freshly cut roses, mint and vivid red berries grace the super-expressive finish. In my view, Rocche is Oberto's flagship. The 2011 has come together quite nicely since I last tasted in barrel.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.aspJS 95 (3/2016): This shows fantastic ripeness, cedar and dried flower aromas. Full body, chewy and ripe tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Racy and refined. Better in 2019 when the tannins melt more into the wine.VM 94 (3/2016): Oberto's 2012 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata brings together the intensity of the vintage here with the nuance and delineation that is so typical of this great La Morra site. Powerful, dense and explosive - but with a classic sense of Rocche perfume - the 2012 possesses notable richness and intensity to match its decidedly bold personality. This is another ample, generous Barolo from Oberto. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AndreaOberto.aspWS 91 (12/2007): Dark in color, with intense aromas of blackberry and black licorice, with hints of oak and an earthy undertone. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, a long finish and a round, caressing texture. The debut wine for Sette Ponti from Bolgheri. Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Not imported into the U.S. Best after 2009. 1,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Orma.aspJS 97 (9/2014): A gorgeous, sleek wine with super-polished tannins and fabulous fruit. It's full but so refined and sexy. It goes on for minutes. Really fine. What a wine. This Bordeaux blend from here is the best ever. Better in 2016 but great now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Orma.aspJS 97 (9/2014): A gorgeous, sleek wine with super-polished tannins and fabulous fruit. It's full but so refined and sexy. It goes on for minutes. Really fine. What a wine. This Bordeaux blend from here is the best ever. Better in 2016 but great now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Orma.aspJS 94 (3/2017): Fascinating aromas of stone, wet concrete and dark fruit. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. A structured and firm wine. Give it two or three years to soften.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Orma.aspVM 93+ (9/2004): Good medium reed. Ripe aromas of red fruits, tobacco, chocolate, smoke, leather and truffle. Densely packed, structured and backward, with complex, youthful flavors of cassis, lavender, minerals and game. Still unfolding. Finishes with superb persistence and tannic grip. "A great year for quality and quantity," notes Duroux. VM 93 (12/2009): The 1995 Ornellaia (magnum) is remarkably fresher than the same wine from bottle. There is a warm, almost exotic quality to the luxurious, rich fruit. Sweet tobacco and licorice add further layers of nuance and flavor. In magnum the wine still has a few years left, but bottles are further along in their evolution and need to be drunk over the next few years. The 1995 is a rather unique Ornellaia in that only a portion of the wine (40%) finished its malolactic fermentation in barrique, while the majority of the wine underwent malo in cask. The blend is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, and the percentage of new oak is 39%. WA 92 (10/1998): Is the 1995 Ornellaia better than previous vintages? It is too soon to know, but this is unquestionably another stunning wine in what has been a strong succession of top wines since 1988. The color is a saturated, thick-looking, ruby/purple. The nose offers up aromas of roasted coffee, jammy black cherry liqueur, and cassis intermixed with spice. On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied, with well-integrated wood, tannin, and acidity. Pure, youthful, and accessible, this impressively endowed wine should drink well for 10-15+ years. WS 91 (12/1998): A wine that emphasizes finesse rather than power. Plenty of dried herb and berry character, with a hint of mint. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Greatest Ornellaia in years. Best after 2000.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutadellOrnellaia.aspWS 95 (12/2007): Dark ruby red. Shows intense blackberry, currant, fresh herb and mineral character on the nose. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long, caressing finish. Still young and powerful.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2009. 11,415 cases made. WA 95 (1/2010): The 1997 Ornellaia (magnum) is a big, fat wine endowed with tons of fruit. Mocha, coffee beans and ripe, dark fruit emerge from the glass on a rich, opulent frame. The structural elements are easy to overlook, as the tannins are so juicy and ripe, and the fruit is incredibly intense. Simply put, everything is in the right place. Not surprisingly, 1997 is the year Ornellaia introduced their second wine, Le Serre Nuove, and the extra selection that was carried out to produce this wine has paid off big time. The 1997 is also the first Ornellaia in which Merlot is a full 30% of the blend, while Cabernet Sauvignon is 65% and Cabernet Franc is 5%. It is also the first year in which the percentage of new oak is 50%. In many ways, the 1997 is a wine that signals a move towards the more extroverted style that is common here these days. The 1997 Ornellaia, like many wines from Tuscany that year, is marked by a unique growing season that saw an April frost lower yields dramatically, followed by a hot, dry summer which concentrated the remaining fruit to a levels not seen previously. It remains a magnificent example of this Tuscan classic. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2017. VM 91 (10/2004): Bright, youthful red-ruby. Very ripe, complex aromas of black fruits, violet, exotic spices, licorice and humus. Then hugely full and sweet in the mouth, but with a faint greenness. Finishes with big, slightly rustic tannins-less fine-grained than usual for this estate. A classic wine from a hot year in which the ripening came in a rush.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutadellOrnellaia.aspWA 95 (4/2007): I was blown away by the 1999 Ornellaia. Still fresh and youthful, it reveals a powerful, authoritative personality in its layers of primary fruit, with its opulence beautifully balanced by its big yet polished tannins. Another year or two of bottle age is probably called for but readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this gorgeous wine. Given its considerable structure it should have no problem aging for another dozen years. In 1999 the blend consisted of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. 95/Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. VM 94+ (10/2004): Full ruby-red. Youthful, perfumed nose hints at cherry, flowers, licorice and lead pencil. Dense, brooding and powerful, with superb depth and clarity of cherry, cassis, mineral and floral flavors. An aristocratic, backward, gripping Ornellaia that finishes with explosive length and building tannins. If the '98 is feminine, this is distinctly masculine. Still an infant. WS 94 (9/2002): Wow. Currants, berries, cherries and minerals, but all subtlety. Full- to medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. Complex wine. However, a significant price hike, which follows the purchase of the estate by the Mondavi and Frescobaldi families, is disappointing. Best after 2005. 12,165 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutadellOrnellaia.aspVM 94 (1/2014): The Barolo Bussia is the most polished and silky of these 2010s. The structure of the vintage and the finesse of Bussia meld together in a Barolo that is both graceful, powerful and resonant. Dark red/black fruit, smoke, tobacco, menthol and a host of balsamic-inflected nuances take shape in the glass. The 2010 turns bright, floral and savory in the glass, hinting at a promising future that lies ahead. JS 93 (4/2014): A wine with plum, flower and light mushroom. Earthy and so floral. Full body with soft tannins and a juicy finish. Better in 2017.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ArmandoParusso.aspJS 99 (8/2013): This is a phenomenal pure merlot with blueberries, raspberries and hints of milk chocolate. Some nutmeg too. Full body with very fine yet chewy tannins and a long, intense finish. Reminds me of the amazing 1998. Best ever from here. Needs four or five years of bottle age to soften.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Petrolo.aspVM 96 (4/2016): Le Piane's 2011 Boca is simply dazzling. Rich, translucent and remarkably vivid, the 2011 encapsulates all the reasons the wines from Alto Piemonte are so compelling. Sweet red cherry, rose petal, chalk, blood orange and mint are front and center, but it is the wine's superb textural polish that elevates it among some pretty lofty company among the great wines of Italy. The flavors are bold and pungent, but there is also striking depth to the fruit that ensures the savory notes aren't overpowering. This is simply a magical bottle. That's all there is to it.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LePiane.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LePiane.aspVM 90-92 (4/2016): The 2012 Piane Vino Rosso (formerly Colline Novaresi) is deep, powerful and intense, almost unusually so for a Croatina-based wine. Plum, black stone fruit, licorice and smoke meld together in a pliant, resonant red full of personality. Hints of sweet herb and tobacco emerge on the finish, but this is a distinctly deep wine that will require time in bottle to develop its full range of aromatics. Tasted from barrel.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LePiane.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Pieropan.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Pieropan.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Pin.aspVM 93 (2/2011): The 2007 Barolo Via Nuova shows more verve and freshness than the Cannubi, which is not entirely surprising, given the sheltered exposure of this site. A lively vein of minerality supports gorgeous dark berries, flowers, sweet spices, sage and rosemary. Over time, the wine's inner perfume blossoms in the glass, the tannins soften a touch and the radiant fruit becomes even more expressive. The generous quality of the vintage as expressed by this wine is truly striking. The Via Nuova is delicious today, and while it is far from a crime to open a bottle today, it will be even better in a few years. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/EPiraFigli.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GuiseppeQuintarelli.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GuiseppeQuintarelli.aspWS 92 (6/2004): An exotic red, with rich, smoky currant, mineral and tobacco on the nose. Full-bodied and smooth, with raisins and slightly off-dry flavors--especially mangoes. Soft, fruity tannins and a long, long finish. Delicious. Drink now through 2006. 660 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GuiseppeQuintarelli.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GuiseppeQuintarelli.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CastelloDeiRampolla.aspVM 91 (8/2010): The 2003 Rosso del Conte is the product of a torrid year that saw the entire harvest finished by the end of September, an anomaly in these parts. The 2003 is a fat, opulent Rosso del Conte with plenty of density in its fruit and a mostly round, seamless personality that follows through to the finish. The hard tannins that are common in 2003 are a bit of an issue, but they are handled as well as can reasonably be expected. Pretty suggestions of licorice and leather add complexity on the close. The 2003 remains a rather burly vintage of Rosso del Conte, and it is best enjoyed at the dinner table. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutaRegaleali(TascaDAlmerita).aspJS 97 (8/2015): You can smell the potential and structure to this wine with dried mushroom, bark, dried cherry and berry aromas. Full body, firm and chewy tannins, yet this turns soft and fresh. Succulent and beautiful. A drink-me wine. This is foot todden before undergoing a long period of maceration and 2 1/2 years in old oak casks and barrels. Better in 2017 but a fabulous wine already. Pure sangiovese.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Riecine.aspVM 94 (3/2016): The 2012 Barolo Tre Tine is lifted, precise and gracious, with beams of firm supporting tannin that give the wine its energy and sense of proportion. Tasted next to the Brunate, the Tre Tine is distinctly more aromatic, delicate and feminine in style, with plenty of bright red fruit and floral overtones. I also tasted the 2012 from a bottle opened two days prior, and the wine had retained pretty much all of its precision. Although the Brunate is the most coveted wine at Rinaldi, the Tre Tine has been impressive in its first three vintages. The 2012 is no exception. Tre Tine is a blend of fruit from the Rinaldi family's holdings in Cannubi (San Lorenzo), Ravera and Le Coste. WA 93 (6/2016): Formally known as Barolo Cannubi S. Lorenzo - Ravera, this wine has been renamed Tre Tine. The 2012 Barolo Tre Tine is a beautifully fragrant and elegantly perfumed Nebbiolo with a graceful and ethereal approach. This is traditional Barolo in its highest and most distinguished form. The bouquet offers pressed rose, licorice, tobacco, cola, dried fruit and white truffle. The quality of these aromas is pristine and sharp. Barolo Tre Tine takes a similar approach on the palate with long, silky tannins. This wine is built to last.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GiuseppeRinaldiFigli.aspWS 97 (11/2003): Unbelievable aromas, with rich, ripe plum but also mineral, tobacco and cedar undertones. Full-bodied, with lovely ripe tannins and a unctuous combination of ripe fruit and light toasty oak. Goes on and on. Fabulous. Greatest wine ever from Bruno Rocca. Best after 2007. 1,500 cases made. WA 90 (10/2003): The grapes of the 2000 Barbaresco Rabaja come from what its owner rightly considers the true heart of this famous vineyard. Garnet with ruby highlights, its vanilla, wild cherry, plum liqueur, and clove and cedar aromas give way to a substantially endowed palate, fuller and more extracted than the Barbaresco Coprossa but without any loss of roundness and ripeness of texture. It will drink well from 2005 to 2018.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BrunoRocca.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Rossetti.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Ruffino.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GirolamoRusso.aspJS 95 (10/2015): A fresh and delicious red with dried berry, blackberry and burnt orange peel. Full body, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. This is solid and racy offering so much structure and length. Better in 2016.VM 92+ (12/2015): Deep red. Intense aromas of strawberry and raspberry are complicated by violet and flinty minerals. Dense and savory, offering outstanding intensity and depth to its sweet red berry and balsamic flavors. Finishes pure, fine-grained and very long, with a strong impression of energy. This wine wa aged for 20 months in French oak barriques, 30% new.WA 92 (9/2015): From one of Etna's best vineyards, the 2013 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo opens to a luminous ruby color and immediate aromatic purity. It reveals forest berry, rose petal, crushed mineral, brimstone, volcanic ash and dried tobacco leaf. San Lorenzo promises a great sense of territory and volcanic intensity. The results are balanced, pure and elegant. In the mouth, the wine boasts a long, silky texture.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GirolamoRusso.aspVM 94 (2/2011): The 2006 Quantum L'Autoctono (Pignolo) is an absolutely delicious, huge red that explodes from the glass with dark fruit, leather, licorice, anise and French oak. This large-scaled, exuberant wine exhibits remarkable depth and plenty of textural richness. Hints of mocha and espresso frame the huge finish. This is the finest wine I have tasted from Sant'Elena. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AzAgrSantElena.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutaSantome.aspJS 93 (3/2016): A soft and velvety red with round and soft tannins. Plum and dark chocolate flavors. Extremely long and balanced. A joyous red. Drink now or hold. VM 88 (3/2016): Crushed flowers, mint, sweet red cherries and white pepper lift from the glass in Scavino's 2012 Barolo. Light to medium in body, the straight Barolo is a solid choice for drinking over the next handful of years. This is a very pretty, almost Pinot-like Barolo built on delicacy and aromatics. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PaoloScavino.aspJS 93 (3/2016): A soft and velvety red with round and soft tannins. Plum and dark chocolate flavors. Extremely long and balanced. A joyous red. Drink now or hold. VM 88 (3/2016): Crushed flowers, mint, sweet red cherries and white pepper lift from the glass in Scavino's 2012 Barolo. Light to medium in body, the straight Barolo is a solid choice for drinking over the next handful of years. This is a very pretty, almost Pinot-like Barolo built on delicacy and aromatics. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PaoloScavino.aspJS 93 (3/2016): A soft and velvety red with round and soft tannins. Plum and dark chocolate flavors. Extremely long and balanced. A joyous red. Drink now or hold. VM 88 (3/2016): Crushed flowers, mint, sweet red cherries and white pepper lift from the glass in Scavino's 2012 Barolo. Light to medium in body, the straight Barolo is a solid choice for drinking over the next handful of years. This is a very pretty, almost Pinot-like Barolo built on delicacy and aromatics. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PaoloScavino.aspJS 95 (1/2017): Wow. Love the perfumes to this with plums, cherries and hints of flowers. Full body, chewy tannins, polish and precision. Relatively delicate finish. Drink in 2018.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PaoloScavino.aspJS 94 (4/2015): A tight and chewy wine with polished tannins. Full and dense with wonderful fruit and a mineral, stone character. Racy wine. Better in 2017. VM 93+ (3/2015): The flagship 2011 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is the wine that seems to have suffered the most from its recent bottling. The signature mineral/ferrous notes are present, but the wine hasn't fully come together in bottle. At this stage, the 2011 is quite reticent, especially compared to how it showed from tank prior to bottling, but I am not at all concerned given the wine's brilliant track record and this site's history for producing tannic, ageworthy Barolos. Today, though, there is not a lot of vintage 2011 sexiness.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PaoloScavino.aspVM 97+ (9/2014): Scavino's 2008 Barolo Riserva Bric del Fiasc is just as magnificent as it has always been. Pine, wild flowers, mint, spices and dark red stone fruits form a fabric of breathtaking nuance as this precise, polished Barolo shows off its considerable personality. This is one of the most aromatically expressive, lifted Barolos I have ever tasted from Bricco Fiasco, where the wines tend to be bruisers. Scavino's 2008 Riserva, on the other hand, is pure class. Antonio Galloni. WA 95-97 (4/2012): The 2008 Barolo Riserva Bric del Fiasc is a huge, huge wine. Waves of fruit saturate the palate as the Riserva shows off its personality. There is so much intensity that the tannins are at times barely perceptible. Dark red fruit, smoke, incense, spices and crushed rocks burst from the glass as this rich, explosive Barolo shows off its pedigree. The Riserva is pure Bric del Fiasc at its very finest. The 2008 Riserva is still in cask. I can’t wait to taste this again. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2033.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PaoloScavino.aspVM 95 (3/2015): The 2011 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata shows why this is one of the greatest sites in Piedmont. The silkiest and most gracious of these Barolos, the Rocche is all about texture, polish and pure class. Rose petal, sweet red berries,http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PaoloScavino.aspVM 88 (12/2015): Scavino's 2013 Langhe Nebbiolo is a juicy, fruit-forward wine to drink for its supple personality and overall near-term appeal. Hints of tobacco, dried cherry and wild flowers add shades of nuance on the close.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PaoloScavino.aspVM 69 (8/2013): The 2010 Sette Ponti is drop-dead gorgeous. Tar, licorice, incense, plums and graphite jump from the glass in a wine that impresses for its nuance, delineation and sheer class. The tannins are firm, but also beautifully balanced. Readers should give the 2010 a few years in bottle to come around, but even today, the wine's balance is utterly impeccable. This is a great showing from Sette Ponti. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/SettePonti.aspVM 93 (10/2016): The 2014 Barbaresco Cottà, often a big, bombastic wine, is unusually refined in this vintage. The deep center of fruit that has always defined this wine is present, but there is more freshness and less of the heaviness that often marks this wine. Hints of blood orange, mint and rosewater give the 2014 an exotic upper register. Shades of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mint and savory herbs add the closing shades of nuance.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Sottimano.aspVM 93 (10/2016): The 2014 Barbaresco Cottà, often a big, bombastic wine, is unusually refined in this vintage. The deep center of fruit that has always defined this wine is present, but there is more freshness and less of the heaviness that often marks this wine. Hints of blood orange, mint and rosewater give the 2014 an exotic upper register. Shades of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mint and savory herbs add the closing shades of nuance.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Sottimano.aspVM 94 (10/2016): The 2014 Barbaresco Currà is the most tannic and linear of these wines. Orange peel, mint, white pepper, sweet red cherry and cranberry are all beautifully delineated in the glass. Vibrant, poised and energetic, the 2014 possesses tons of elegance and pure class. I loved it. The Currà is often slow out of the gate, but it is impressive, even in the early going.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Sottimano.aspVM 93 (10/2016): The 2014 Barbaresco Fausoni is aromatic, lifted and striking in its beauty. Sweet red cherry and plum fruit is so sweet it nearly covers the tannins. Fausoni can be a bit tight In its youth, and while the Fausoni is certainly a young, tannic Barbaresco, it is also impeccably balanced. Scents of lavender, mint, sage and violet meld into the super-expressive finish. Above all else, the 2014 is a wine of finesse. With time in the glass the dark red and purplish fruit become more vivid and expressive. Delicate, polished and super-refined, the Fausoni is impressive today.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Sottimano.aspVM 95 (10/2016): The 2014 Barbaresco Pajoré is superb. Rich, deep and intense, yet also very raw, the 2014 possesses fabulous depth to match its intense personality. Here, too, the tannins are nearly buried by the sheer luxuriousness of the fruit. Dark blue and purplish stone fruit, lavender, mint and sage infuse the deeply layered finish. Deep, enveloping and bursting with class, the Pajoré is another head-turner in this lineup.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Sottimano.aspVM 95 (10/2016): The 2014 Barbaresco Pajoré is superb. Rich, deep and intense, yet also very raw, the 2014 possesses fabulous depth to match its intense personality. Here, too, the tannins are nearly buried by the sheer luxuriousness of the fruit. Dark blue and purplish stone fruit, lavender, mint and sage infuse the deeply layered finish. Deep, enveloping and bursting with class, the Pajoré is another head-turner in this lineup.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Sottimano.aspVM 91 (12/2015): Pliant, supple and expressive, Sottimano's 2013 Barbera d'Alba Pairolero is a real beauty. The freshness and energy of the vintage come through in spades. Delicate and medium in body, the 2013 is all finesse. The 2013 spent 25 days on itshttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Sottimano.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Sottimano.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Sottimano.aspVM 88 (2/2017): The 2015 Maté is surprisingly delicate and airy in this vintage, largely because of the longer fermentations Sottimano is now doing for this wine. Rosewater, dried cherry, mint and orange peel lift from the glass. The Maté is undoubtedly pretty, but is quite delicate and more aromatic rather than fruit-driven. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Sottimano.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ProprietaSperino.aspVM 93 (6/2009): Talenti's 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the more intensely fragrant wines in this vintage. Sweet layers of perfumed fruit flow effortlessly onto the palate, framed by silky tannins that give the wine its sense of balance and poise. This is a deceptively medium-bodied wine, yet it packs plenty of punch, not to mention tons of complexity. This pleasing, beautifully balanced Brunello is drinking well today and should continue to offer plenty of pleasure over the next decade and a half. Talenti and consulting oenologist Carlo Ferrini gave the 2004 Brunello two and a half years in 500-liter French oak barrels. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Talenti.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutaSanGuido.aspJS 98 (6/2016): I just drank this in Zurich today and it is clearly the best Sassicaia since 1988, and it gets better and better in the bottle. It really does remind me of the awesome 1988, which can be better than the legendary 1985. The 1998 shows so many layers of dark fruit, cedar and terra cotta on the nose. It's intense and powerful; stony with sweet tobacco and berry undertones plus currants and sultanas. It's full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and great depth. It's not completely open yet. Decant two hours in advance before serving. WS 95 (10/2001): (WS #33 wine of 2001). Lovely, subtle yet complex aromas of currants, sage and green olives lead to a full-bodied red with a solid core of fruit and well-integrated tannins. Still very reserved on the finish, but those who are patient should be rewarded. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2005. WA 91 (6/2015): The 1998 Bolgheri Sassicaia made up handsomely for the shortcomings of the 1982 vintage tasting in this same vertical. By the way, Sassicaia was a Vino da Tavola wine until 1993 and became a denomination wine, Bolgheri Sassicaia, in 1994. You can see this change reflected on the label here. The 1998 vintage brought areas of spotted greatness across Tuscany, unlike the 1997 vintage that was consistently excellent across the region. Fortunately, Bolgheri was one of the sun-kissed areas that showed beautifully in 1998. Vines had ample underground reserves to brave the summer heat and avoid water stress. In addition, the growing season was marked by gentle breezes from the sea called Lebeccio winds by locals. These soft currents carried saline and marine tones from far offshore. You can just make out that briny minerality on the bouquet. The nose also delivers buoyant tones of dark fruit, spice and deeply balsamic herbal qualities. As the wine takes on more air, it reveals earthy accents of dried tobacco leaf and leather. Pungent accents of toasted chestnut or toasted almond husk reveal slight oxidation, but otherwise this is a stellar wine that is well along its evolutionary track. The mouthfeel is silky and long with a very fine tannic texture. It doesn’t have the timeless quality of the 1985 vintage, but this 1998 is impressive nonetheless. It stands strong now and will continue to hold for a decade or more.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutaSanGuido.aspWA 97 (8/2009): The 2006 Sassicaia may very well go down as one of the all-time great recent vintages for this Tuscan thoroughbred. The year started off very warm but by August evening temperatures had moderated, leaving the fruit with a stunning combination of ripeness, perfume, acidity and tannin. The wine is simply glorious, that’s all there is to it. Layers of dark fruit meld into smoke, leather, violets, menthol, earthiness and tar as this profound wine opens up in the glass. The creamy, silky finish lasts an eternity, as waves of fruit caress the tannins with breathtaking elegance. Everything is in the right place in this magical Sassicaia. This is one for the ages. In a word: Awesome. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2031. VM 95 (10/2010): (85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc) Bright red-ruby. Complex nose melds red cherry, blackcurrant, minerals, dried herbs and a delicate oaky vanillin nuance; the fruit aromas show an almost roasted quality without going over the top. Sweet, concentrated and nicely fresh, with an impression of strong extract and a hint of exotic fruits to the flavors of ripe red and dark berries, chocolate, plum and wild herbs. The candied fruit quality carries through on the long, smooth finish, where there's a trace of heat and hints of menthol and minerals. A very successful Sassicaia but, in my notebook, just a little below the lofty heights of the 2001 or 2004. But given the quality of this wine, that's quibbling. Ian d'Agata. JS 95 (4/2012): Sweet tobacco and berry with hints of currants. Full, soft and silky. Lots of fruit and a long finish. It's subtle, dense and sophisticated. Please give this another five years to really show what it has. WS 94 (10/2009): Displays sweet tobacco, plum and berry aromas, with a jammy undertone, turning to licorice on the palate. Full-bodied and balanced, with silky tannins, a lovely texture and plenty of fruit. Outstanding Sassicaia, with structure and finesse. 85 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 15 percent Cabernet Franc. Best after 2013. 20,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutaSanGuido.aspVM 95 (10/2010): The 2007 Sassicaia (Cabernet Sauvignon) explodes onto the palate with masses of rich, opulent fruit that caress the palate with gorgeous length and a seamless beauty that is hard to fully capture. Dark wild cherries, plums, spices, minerals and herbs develop in the glass. This is an especially bold, perhaps slightly uncharacteristic Sassicaia in its extroverted personality, but it is beautiful all the same. The inner perfume and sweetness carries through the long finish, where the sheer weight and glycerol of the fruit leaves a lasting impression. The 2007 is more than a worthy follow-up to the profound 2006. While it may lack that wine’s freshness, structure and potential longevity, the 2007 is immensely appealing today, and should drink beautifully pretty much out of the gate. That said, Sassicaia is always the most restrained of Bolgheri’s heavy hitters. This is a superb effort from Tenuta San Guido. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2037. Antonio Galloni.WS 93 (10/2010): Very enticing aromas of spices, meat and berries. Full-bodied and juicy, soft and velvety, with a long, succulent finish. Best after 2011. 20,000 cases made. JS 93 (3/2012): This is classy on the nose with subtle currant, sweet tobacco, cigar box and dried flowers. Cassis too. Full body, with refined tannins and a solid core of fruit. Polished and very pretty. Long and delicious already. But you have to wait on this. It has so much more to give. Try after 2015.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TenutaSanGuido.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TerrediGioia.aspVM 93 (12/2009): The 2005 Lupicaia is sleek and elegant in this vintage. The year was a touch cooler and rainier than normal and like so many wines in this harvest, the 2005 Lupicaia remains rather lithe. This is a Lupicaia built on a fragrant, mineral-driven core of fruit. The finish is long, polished and utterly impeccable. The wine's freshness should allow it to age gracefully for many years to come. This is a beautiful effort from Castello del Terriccio.WA 93 (8/2009): The 2005 Lupicaia reveals notable purity in its dark fruit, herbs, minerals and spices. The wine remains light on its feet and supremely elegant. Ideally the 2005 Lupicaia should be cellared for a few years to allow for its full range of aromas and flavors to develop. Still, it is a graceful, elegant effort in every way. Lupicaia is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot that spent 16-18 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. WS 91 (10/2008): Aromas of fresh herbs, currant and blackberry follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a long, chewy finish. A classic Bordeaux blend. Shows potential. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best after 2011. 2,500 cases made. IWC 90+ (9/2010): (a blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 5% petit verdot; 13.5% alcohol) Moderately dark red. Expressive aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, coffee and oak, with a delicate bell pepper nuance adding further complexity. Dense, smooth and spicy, with delicate hints of bell pepper and fresh herbs nicely complicating the black fruit and cedar flavors. A very successful wine for the vintage, this is currently dominated by a youthful cabernet character. Finishes smooth and long, with above-average energy.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CastellodelTerriccio.aspWA 90 (4/2006): All of these 2001 wines are excellent, starting with the 2001 Tassinaia, a Bordeaux blend and theoretically the “second” wine of the house. The black currant and blackberry fruit, the sweetness of the notes of Mediterranean herbs and minerals, and the sizeable, well sustained palate, however, make this anything but a second choice for consumers. Drink: 2006-2016. WS 89 (10/2004): Rich aromas of blackberries, earth and hints of tobacco. Full-bodied, with good fruit, silky tannins and a medium finish. Needs a bit more in the center palate to be outstanding. Best after 2005. 8,350 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CastellodelTerriccio.aspWA 97 (8/2009): I was blown away by the 2006 Syrah. This fresh, vibrant wine possesses endless layers of perfumed dark fruit, mint, minerals and sweet toasted oak. Despite its extroverted personality, the wine reveals superb clarity and detail in a rich, massive style. The tannins build mightily on the finish, suggesting a minimum of a few years of cellaring is warranted. It is impossible not to admire this wine’s exceptional pedigree. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. WS 96 (10/2008): Dark in color, with gorgeous aromas of crushed berry, meat and spices that follow through to a full body, with luscious fruit and chocolate, with vanilla undertones. Long and silky-textured. So opulent. Hard to resist now. Best after 2011. 250 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TuaRita.aspJS 95 (7/2016): Love tasting this with a real sexy character plus currants, hints of spice and cinnamon. Full to medium body. Ripe tannins. Integrated and fine. Savory acidity. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, and 10% merlot. Drink in 2018 but hard to wait.VM 90 (11/2016): The 2014 Giusto di Notri is another striking 2014 from Tua Rita. Super-ripe black cherry, plum, menthol, lavender, sage and cloves, along with the very late, mid-October harvest resulted in a flamboyant wine loaded with personality and class. Even with all of its intensity and obvious ripeness, the 2014 has retained striking freshness and distinctly mid-weight personality. The 2014 is an unusually exotic Giusto di Notri, but it all works. Giusto di Notri is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TuaRita.aspWS 95 (10/2005): Intense aromas of raspberry sauce with vanilla cream. Full-bodied, soft and round, with lots of fruit and a caressing, seductive texture on the finish. Big and juicy. Blockbuster. Merlot. Best after 2007. 565 cases made. VM 91 (10/2006): Opaque ruby-black. Blackberry, espresso liqueur and the licorice aroma typical to this wine are complemented by a stony nuance. Creamy and dense, with lovely chocolate, mocha and herbal flavors that persist impressively on the back end. Ripely tannic, but here the tannins do not become astringent with prolonged aeration, which sets the wine above all the other '03s produced here. As good as this is, though, I feel that some of the hype bestowed upon this wine is off the mark.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TuaRita.aspJS 99 (8/2015): Superb wine here, offering aromas of dark berries, tobacco, tar, blackberries and black cherries. It changes all the time and is very complex with hints of meat. On the palate it's full-bodied and very well refined, showing wonderful tannin tension and polished texture. It closes with an amazing finish that lasts for minutes and turns to pure fruit. Better in 2018 but a fabulous young wine to taste now. A modern example of the legendary 1997 but more elegant.VM 94 (10/2015): The 2013 Redigaffi is one of the more understated versions of Redigaffi I can remember tasting. If opened young, the 2013 needs quite a bit of air, as it appears to still be recovering from its recent bottling. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, leather, licorice and spices build to an explosive finish supported by beams of acidity and tannin. The 2013 is still sorting itself out in bottle, so patience is key.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TuaRita.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CastellodiUzzano.aspWS 93 (4/2016): A mix of eucalyptus, cherry, leafy and tar aromas and flavors are allied to a moderately firm structure in this balanced red. The finish is long and walks the line between fresh cherry, spice and earth notes. Best from 2018 through 2032. 5,500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GDVajra.aspJS 99 (1/2015): Absolutely stunning aromas of nectarine, orange peel, sweet black cherry, plum, flower, licorice and mushroom. Full body with layers of ultra-fine tannins and hints of tangy acidity. Such beautiful length and beauty to this wine. It's powerful and structured but shows a gorgeous finesse and length. Truly wondrous. So long and refined. The texture is phenomenal. Better in 2016. WS 96 (6/2015): Effusive aromas of incense, green olive, sweet strawberry and cherry, licorice and leather mark this structured version. The tannins are on the beefy side, but this finishes long, with enough fruit and spice for balance. Best from 2018 through 2032. 5,500 cases made. VM 94 (2/2015): The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the very best wines I have tasted here in recent years. Dark red cherries, mint, game, smoke, tobacco and licorice are all deeply expressive in a mid-weight, very classic feeling Brunello long on class and personality. Big yet silky tannins frame the dramatic, intense finish. The Valdicava wines are always big, but the 2010 is a bit pulled back, and striking. Antonio Galloni. WA 93 (2/2015): The gamy 2010 Brunello di Montalcino does a great job of presenting intensity and elegance all in the same delicious package. That's not easy to do and the excellent 2010 fruit plays a big role in achieving this goal. The wine offers a long succession of aromas that span from ripe fruit, to smoked meat, to grilled herb and soft spice. Delicate tones of licorice, cola and anise seed add life and energy. The list goes on. The wine's mouthfeel is best characterized by softness and structure, a two-fold approach that gives high hopes for the long aging potential of this wine. Valdicava's Brunello will appeal to those who love earthy and leathery notes in their Brunello. VM 92+ (7/2012): Medium red. Reticent aromas of medicinal red cherry, redcurrant, dried flowers and mint. Broad, fresh and laid-back, with lovely energy for the vintage. Spicy red berry, mint and licorice flavors are quite dry in a positive way. Not particularly open today but the broad finish shows a light touch and a fine dusting of tannins. I'd give this at least a few years before pulling the cork.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Valdicava.aspWA 96 (1/2009): The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is everything a great wine should be. This is an expansive, spectacularly ripe wine endowed with layers of perfumed dark fruit, sweet tobacco, new leather and spices. A brooding, structured beauty, the wine needs some serious bottle age to show at its best, but it is already pretty stunning. According to Abbruzzese 1999 represents another step up in quality as the estate’s vineyards had begun to acquire some age at this point. Certainly this seems true in the Riserva, but I don’t perceive as marked a difference from previous vintages in the regular Brunello (see below). Anticipated maturity: 2009-2021.WS 95 (12/2010): Fabulous aromas of crushed berries, sliced meat and flowers lead to a full body. Supervelvety, with loads of ripe fruit and tannins. Yet this is soft and thoroughly delightful. Subtle and rich. Valdicava is style. No use in waiting.—'99 Brunello blind retrospective (2009). Drink now. 1,500 cases made. JS 91 (1/2011): This is powerful stuff, super silky with notes of fresh herbs, dried berries, and black licorice. The finish is a little rough, but the nose is great.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Valdicava.aspJS 100 (11/2016): A wine with superb finesse and depth. So subtle and understated yet powerful and long. The tannin intensity is amazing. It just builds like a massive wave. Superb. Give this time in the bottle. The length is endless. Better in 2018.WS 96 (6/2016): A pure, focused style, with a beam of black cherry anchoring the leather, mineral, hibiscus tea and earth flavors. Well-structured, young and fresh, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and woodsy details. Best from 2019 through 2035. 3,900 cases made.WA 95+ (8/2016): Here is a big wine with lofty ambitions and an impactful presentation. The Valdicava 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano hits all the right buttons. The wine shows a profound sense of elegance and poise with subtle berry notes that blend into spice, licorice and tar. Those bright and lively aromatic components fold gracefully within the wine's tight texture, its sheer power and the silky nature of the tannins. This wine promises a long and steady aging future ahead.VM 93 (2/2016): The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is a classic Valdicava wine built on power, intensity and depth. Black cherry, smoke, licorice, dark spices and menthol make a strong first impression, followed by huge waves of tannin and acidity that will require at least a few years to settle down. In a part of Montalcino that is known for finesse, the Madonna del Piano is decidedly powerful, concentrated and extracted. Readers will want to give the 2010 a good bit of air, as the Madonna del Piano needs quite a bit of time to open up. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Valdicava.aspWS 76 (1/1990): Very mature and earthy, from the first whiff to the last echo of the finish, distinguished only by a pleasant spicy pruny flavor on the aftertaste. Drink soon.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AntonioVallanaFiglio.aspVM 93 (4/2016): A powerful, tannic wine, the 2006 Gattinara exudes class, depth and also a good bit of nuance as well. Sweet tobacco, game, licorice, leather, mint, star anise and exotic spices meld into a core of pliant red stone fruits. The aromatics are just starting to open up, but there is more than enough depth and underlying tannin to allow the 2006 to drink well for another decade or more. This is a fabulous bottle. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/AntonioVallanaFiglio.aspVM 91 (4/2012): The 2008 Barolo is a gorgeous entry-level wine that captures the essence of the year while showing lovely fleshiness and fine overall balance. Red berries, crushed flowers and licorice are woven together nicely in this attractive, harmonious Barolo. The Barolo is delicate, pure and refined from start to finish. In 2008 most of the fruit is from Arborina and Castelletto. Antonio Galloni.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MauroVeglio.aspWS 94 (7/2004): This shows masses of blackberries and fresh flowers on the nose, turning to licorice. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long finish. This is dense yet fresh. A sleeping giant dressed in silk pajamas. Best after 2009. 355 cases made. VM 93 (12/2004): Good full red. Captivating, superripe aromas of cherry liqueur, redcurrant, rose petal and mocha; very 2000. Wonderfully sweet, but the sound acidity for the year, along with mineral and floral notes, give lift to the wine's flavors. This boasts superb palate-coating fruit and terrific length. Offers a rare combination of the seamless tex ture of 2000 and the sheer grip of a more classic year. Comes across as sweeter today than the 2001 version, and today I actually give this vintage a slight edge. WA 92 (8/2005): Good as the 2000 Barolo Lazzarito is, I continue to prefer the more complete 1999 version of this wine. A dark garnet, it opens with powerful aromas of tar, licorice, and vanilla and continues with dense and chewy flavors, packed and with important tannins. Here as well, a slight dryness indicates that, despite the significant potential of the wine, it is unlikely to reach the level of the 1999. Drink: 2007-2020.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Vietti.aspWS 87 (7/2013): Cherry, plum and underbrush notes prevail in this stiff red, whose tannins leave a firm grip on the finish. Best from 2014 through 2020. 10,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TerredaVino.aspVM 95+ (12/2002): (bottled only in magnums) Full, deep ruby-red. Restrained but highly complex nose melds strawberry, raspberry, currant, mocha and dried flowers; less exuberant today than the Sarmassa. But the sweetest and lushest in the mouth of these '99s: hugely rich, creamy and seamless but with terrific supporting vinosity giving it a lightness of touch. Ultimately less open than the Sarmassa, even a bit tight today, but perhaps even younger and longer. WA 90 (8/2005): The 1999 Barolo Capalot-Brunate is a blend from two different vineyards with a fresh and fragrant nose of roses and black cherries, light-grained favors of plums, chocolate, and smoke, and an attractive vigor and vitality. Drink: 2005-2015.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/RobertoVoerzio.asp