Wine Enthusiast
93
“Ripe lemons, pink lady apple, Bosc pear, honeysuckle and salty sweet butter come together in the glass. Round and focused with brisk acidity that refreshes and provides lift especially to its intense mineral midpalate. Wonderful to enjoy now.”
Wine Enthusiast
94
“The nose is primarily savory and textured with aromas of graphite and tea leaves, but a floral element and notes of cranberries and fig provide buoyancy. On the palate, a mix of dried and fresh berries is lifted by a sea breeze on the finish, that blows past a blaze of accident and a careful tapestry of tannins.”
Wine Enthusiast
90
“Forest floor, dried porcini mushroom and red plum emerge on the palate and dominate the length of the taste. The wine is reserved, yet comfortable being in sync with its earthiness. Pair with vegetables, white meat dishes and any mushroom-based sauces.”
Wine Enthusiast
92
“This wine has a nose of red currant, black cherry and violet blossom. Concentration dominates on the midpalate with velvety tannins that revel in black cherry, chalk and dried mushroom on the finish. This wine begs for dishes that match it in complexity and depth.”
Wine Enthusiast
95
“Chenin Blanc was meant to be this good. Gold in color, this wine has an alluring nose of candied golden apple, quince, baked pear, honey and orange marmalade. Creamy in texture, this biodynamic wine is fulsome and curvaceous with a generous midpalate that salons in plump, rich fruit.”
Wine Enthusiast
95
“Lifted aromas of lemon, lime blossom, white peach and nougat lend brightness and charm to this creamy bottling from one of New Zealand’s Chardonnay leaders. There’s lovely acidity on the palate that brightens and freshens amid the toasty oak and lactic characters, driving to a citrusy finish.”
Wine Enthusiast
94
“The wine opens with aromas of ripe cherries, warmed strawberries in sweet spices, fresh herbs and mixed flowers. The palate is lifted and vibrant with a verve that electrifies the palate as flavors of boysenberry, dried blood orange and black tea saunter about alongside well-integrated tannins.”
Wine Enthusiast
95
“The wine opens with aromas of warmed cherries, wild thyme, rose and mixed spices. Forward on the palate with preserved mixed berries, pu’er tea, anise and a crushed stone minerality. Well-balanced with fine, yet firm tannins and a vivid acidity that keeps that palate fresh and mouthwatering.”
Wine Enthusiast
96
“Dynamic and lifted, the nose is layered in floral aromas of dried rose, lavender and purple lily that coast over the glass. As the wine develops, notes of strawberry, licorice and forest floor slowly surface. This vintage shines with elegant tannins and lifted acidity that keeps the palate bright with vibrant tart red fruits, savory spice and wild herbs on the elegant finish.”
Wine Enthusiast
96
“Aromas of black cherry, macerated raspberries, incense and black tea define the nose. Mouthfilling, the wine’s palate shines with preserved red berries, savory herbs, dried flowers and cedar that seamlessly coalesce around the ripe tannins and elegant finish.”
Wine Enthusiast
97
“A Serralunga powerhouse, this Barolo leaps from the glass with aromas of dark cherries, raspberry preserves, truffle, star anise and fresh wildflowers. A study in both power and elegance, the wine heaves with firm and refined tannins while elegant flavors of plum, dried herbs and pressed roses grace the palate.”
Wine Enthusiast
97
“Savory aromas and dark-skinned fruits define the nose of the wine with hints of warmed spices, dried orange peel and iron as the wine develops in the glass. A wine that is exact and focused with vibrant plum flavors at the center with notes of forest floor, anise and dried rose. Fine elegant tannins provide a foundation that will carry this wine well into the future”
jamessuckling.com
98
“Dark color. Lots of black cherry, umami, pine resin, oyster shell, wild berry and iodine aromas. Unique and full-bodied with powdery tannins that get firm. Tees this up nicely. Most likely heritage clones. Drinkable but will age nicely.”
jamessuckling.com
98
“Extremely perfumed with violets, black cherries and hints of bark. Savory and full-bodied with firm and fine tannins that frame the wine seriously. Notes of orange peel.”
jamessuckling.com
95
“Some blue fruit with iron and lavender character. Very perfumed. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a bright finish. Linear and tight. Hibiscus at the end. A blend of declassified barrels from the single-vineyard wines.”
jamessuckling.com
97
“The brightness and fresh herbs, such as parsley and lemongrass, come out nicely. Some flint. It’s full-bodied with a lovely density. It has plenty of ripe green apple, lemon-lime and brioche flavors. So pure and beautiful.”
jamessuckling.com
95
“Very clean and precise with sliced apples, light lemon curd and blossom honey. Medium-bodied with a crunchy palate of stone and apple flavors and a chalk-like texture. Lovely consistency and length, Crystalline at the end. A blend of all the vineyards used in Arista’s single bottlings.”
The Wine Advocate
92
“A complex wine that takes a few unexpected twists and turns. It offers fruit freshness coupled with waxy aromas that denote a little more oxygen or age. It shows citrus and peach, but you also get floral and herbal tones. There is a hint of sweetness on the wine's rich, mid-weight finish.”
The Wine Advocate
96
“It brings forth a floral bouquet, showing subtle elegance at the start. Give it a few moments and the wine hits on all cylinders with integrated oak, bright fruit, black cherry, pomegranate seed, iris root and dustings of oak spice that never overshadow the fruit. The wine is refreshingly uncomplicated but shows refined nuance instead. This is the proverbial understated elegance that Gaja achieves so beautifully. It closes with lovely acidity and dusty tannins.”
The Wine Advocate
94
“Made with Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Scipio shows a vegetal quality with dried curry leaf, grilled herb and dark slate. You feel the grape in full, and the wine delivers rich generosity, soft texture with barbecued aromas and sweet spice. It is full-bodied, and the tannins are nicely managed. Some 9,200 bottles were released..”