'Un Cordiale Benvenuto ai Meravigliosi Vini Italiani'
Region Wines Page
Red Wines
Tuscany Chianti ______2
Super Tuscan ______3
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ______4
Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino ______5
Piedmont Barolo ______6
Barbaresco ______8
Other red wines of Piedmont ______9
Veneto Amarone and Valpolicella Ripasso ______9
Other regions Red wines ______11
White Wines - From all regions ______12
Sparkling Wines - Metodo Classico, Spumante____ 13
Dessert Wines ______14
Wine Rating Scores and Tasting Notes are from publications such as ‘Wine Spectator’ - ‘Wine Advocate’ - ‘Wine Enthusiast’
75-79 is average, 80-89 is good to very good, 90-94 is outstanding, 95-100 a classic wine
[Type text]
Bin - Vintage - Wine Producer - Price - Wine rating
Chianti
From the region of Tuscany, Chianti is produced in seven distinct sub zones, including the original core area of Chianti Classico. Its major grape variety is Sangiovese. As of 1995 the new Italian laws allow producers to market pure Sangiovese as Chianti Classico with the option to blend up to fifteen percent of other approved varieties. Chianti is made in two basic styles, one is Normale, the regular Chianti, that is meant to be drunk young and is more fresh and straightforward. The second style is Riserva that is aged before release and is usually more concentrated and tannic.
86a 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ______Marchesi Antinori 51.50 91 Wonderful ripe cherry fruit and smoky cedary aromas, integrated mildly dusty tannins.
215 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ______Castello Banfi 42.50 90 Deep cherry and leather flavors with subtle wood notes. Supple tannins, lingering finish.
100 2006 Chianti Rufina ‘Riserva del Don’ ______Az. Ag. Colognole 52.00 91 The palate offers flavors of red currant, raspberry and spicecake, Hints of licorice and tar.
102b 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva ______Badia a Coltibuono 53.00 92 Firm dark berry, red cherry flavors are precise, unfolding to reveal sweet raspberry nuances.
169 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ‘Rancia’ ______Fattoria di Felsina 55.50 96 Bursts onto the palate in a big, brooding expression of Sangiovese from Castelnuova.
235 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ______Fattoria di Felsina 44.50 91 Emerges with hints of licorice, leather, wild cherries. Gains volume, depth in the glass.
62 2007 Chianti Classico ______Castello di Fonterutoli 49.00 92 Medium to full-bodied, good concentration of black fruit, hint of vanilla on the palate.
227 2008 Chianti Rufina Riserva ‘Nipozzano’ ______Marchesi de’Frescobaldi 42.00 91 Berry and vanilla aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, fine tannins, a balanced finish.
94 2005 Chianti Classico ______Il Molino di Grace 42.00 90 Layers of complexity to the flavors of ripe plum and strawberry. Finishes with firm tannins.
54 2005 Chianti Classico ______Castello di Monastero 43.00 92 Appealing rusticity of cool forest spice and high-toned cherry flavors.
29 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva ______Castello di Monsanto 41.00 91 Black cherries, ripe plums and spices come together with big tannins in the long finish.
60 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ______Tenuta Nozzole 43.50 90 A mid-weight elegant style with flavors of red cherries, sweet herbs and licorice.
140 2005 Chianti Classico Riserva ______Castello di Querceto 44.00 91 Medium to full-bodied, loaded with black cherries, violets and grilled herbs.
232 2006 Chianti Classico ______Castello di Rampolla 51.00 92 Rich, full-bodied style with scents of earthiness, spices and French oak that add complexity.
95 2006 Chianti Classico ‘Castello di Brolio’ ______Barone Ricasoli 72.00 96 . A powerful and rich red, with blackberry, milk chocolate and cherry character. Full and soft.
36 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ‘Rocca Guicciarda’ ______Barone Ricasoli 49.00 90 . Notes of ripe cherry and milk chocolate, lingering spice tones, solid structure, silky tannins.
186 2007 Chianti Classico ______Rocca di Montegrossi 47.50 91 This dense, full-bodied wine reveals flavors of black cherry and flowers, satisfying length.
230 2005 Chianti Classico Riserva ‘Ducale Oro [gold foil label]’ ______I.L.Ruffino 55.00 95 Very dark ruby-red with a good sweetness to its dark fruit, coffee and licorice flavors.
231 2006 Chianti Classico Riserva ‘Ducale’ ______I.L.Ruffino 46.50 90 Full-bodied, silky tannins, rich core of raspberry fruit, lemony acidity.
Proprietor’s recommendation
2
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Bin - Vintage - Wine Producer - Price - Wine rating
45 2007 Chianti Rufina Riserva ‘Bucerchiale’ ______Fattoria Selvapiana 49.50 91 Solid and well structured. Full-bodied, with rich, silky tannins and a long, long finish.
82 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ‘Croce’ ______Terrabianca 49.00 92 Medium-bodied, hovers on the palate with red cherries, flowers, mint and French oak..
104 2003 Chianti Classico Riserva ______Toscolo 41.50 90 Ripe expression of dark fruit, smooth texture, good length, note of sweetness on finish.
103 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva ‘Agostino Petri’ ______Castello di Vicchiomaggio 44.00 90 Boasts black cherry and plum notes backed by a firm structure. Tannins emerge on the finish.
67 2007 Chianti Classico ‘Gherardino’ ______Villa Vignamaggio 47.00 90 Ripe in style, balanced in its oak, it has black cherries, minerals, spices and leather.
107 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva ______Fattoria Viticcio 48.50 93 A serious, dense, full-bodied palate of ripe fruits and silky tannins, with a long finish.
Super Tuscan - Vino da Tavola
Today some of Italy's greatest wines do not qualify for "denominazione di origine contollata" status, but are labeled and sold as humble "vini da tavola". Nowhere is there a greater profusion of such wines than in Tuscany where they are sometimes known as the Super Tuscan. These "Designer Wines", that reflects the producer’s character and that of their estate, often are made from Sangiovese or Cabernet Sauvignon or a blend of each. Other grape varieties such as Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah also may be part of the wine’s blend. Generally these wines are barrique aged with flavors that are oak influenced.
The wines below are listed by grape varietals and blends
71 2006 Perlato del Bosco ______Az. Ag. Tua Rita 67.50 93 Sangiovese, Cabernet. Deep, dense, infused dark blueberries, spices and French oak.
236 2009 Bere ______Fattoria Viticcio 39.00 90 Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot. Boasting dark cherry and berry aromas and flavors.
89 2009 Tignanello ______Marchesi Antinori 93.00 94 Sangiovese, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc. Full-bodied, chewy yet polished tannins. Excellent.
38b 2008 Lucente ______Luce della Vite 51.50 90 Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet. Laced with dark fruit, spices, mocha and licorice.
138b 2007 Aragone ______Poggio La Mozza 54.00 92 Sangiovese, Alicante, Syrah, Carignan. The wine hints at a Southern Rhone style.
58 2009 Le Sughere ______Rocca di Frassinello 56.00 91 Sangioveto, Merlot, Cabernet. A fabric of vibrant dark fruit in this intense supple red.
93 2003 Nemo ______Castello Monsanto 61.50 94 Cabernet. Sweet scents of French oak meld into blueberries and licorice. Creamy finish.
96 2007 Sassicaia ______Tenuta San Guido 170.00 95 Cabernet, Cabernet Franc. Full-bodied and balanced with silky tannins and plenty of fruit.
219b 2007 Sammarco ______Castello dei Rampola 105.00 97 Cabernet, Sangiovese, Merlot. A dazzling bouquet leads to layers of rich dark fruit.
27 2004 Filare 18 ______Tenuta Casadei 68.50 93 Cabernet Franc, Balanced flavors of candied, tart, red fruit. Long, tooth-coating finish.
112 1998 Excelsus ______Castello Banfi 65.00 91 Cabernet, Merlot. Creamy texture, juicy flavors of blackberry, cassis. Crisp finish.
17 2001 Sor Ugo ______Tenuta Aia Vecchia 59.00 93 Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot. Full-bodied palate, velvety tannins, long finish.
Proprietor’s recommendation
3
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Bin - Vintage - Wine Producer - Price - Wine rating
Super Tuscan - Vino da Tavola continued
The wines below are listed by grape varietals and blends
57 2005 Poggio al Lupo ______Tenuta Sette Ponti 62.00 92 Cabernet, Alicante, Petit Verdot. With thick extraction and tones of fruit, tobacco, spice.
108 2004 Villa Donoratico______Poggio Argentiera 49.00 91 Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc. Full-bodied. Wonderfully intense flavors, very long.
141c 2006 Ornellaia ______Tenuta dell’Ornellaia 160.00 97 Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc. It’s tight, supple, with seamless harmony and finish.
87b 2005 Galatrona ______Tenuta di Petrolo 89.00 94 Merlot. Offers bite-size bursts of soft cherry and toasted almond. Supple in the mouth.
98 2005 Guidalberto ______Tenuta San Guido 68.00 93 Merlot, Cabernet, Sangiovese. From Sassicaia. Full-bodied palate, velvety tannins.
55b 2008 Le Cupole ______Tenuta di Trinoro 52.00 91 Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet, Petit Verdot. Mid-weight, silky tannins to the finish.
86b 2007 Bramasole ______Tenuta La Braccesca 56.00 92 Syrah. Sweet dark cherries, mint, flowers and new oak all flesh out beautifully.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
106b 2006 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ‘Santa Pia’ ______Tenuta La Braccesca 52.50 92 Gorgeous clarity and depth in its black cherries, flowers and spices. Mid-weight.
35b 2009 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ______Fattoria del Cerro 42.00 92 Succulent dark cherries, licorice, new leather supported by integrated tannins.
175b 2006 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva ______Corte alla Flore 43.50 90 Cinnamon, chocolate, cloves meld together seamlessly to the warm, radiant finish.
225 2007 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ______Cantina Dei 49.50 90 Soft and expressive with bright red cherries that lead to subtle notes in the glass.
165 2008 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ______Az. Ag. Poliziano 48.00 90 On the palate this is medium/full bodied, with fruity, bright sour cherry intial attack.
229 2007 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ‘Lodola Nuova’ ______I. L. Ruffino 43.00 90 Supple and dense on entry, flavors of black plum, dark berries and balsamic sweet spices.
203 2007 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano ’Trerose’ ______Tenimenti Angelini 40.50 90 Rich, ripe cherry and plum flavors are accented by spice and tobacco.
Wine Rating Scores and Tasting Notes are from publications such as ‘Wine Spectator’ - ‘Wine Advocate’ - ‘Wine Enthusiast’
75-79 is average, 80-89 is good to very good, 90-94 is outstanding, 95-100 a classic wine
Proprietor’s recommendation
4
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Brunello & Rosso di Montalcino
A great red wine from Brunello grapes, [clone of Sangiovese Grosso] grown in the commune of Montalcino in Tuscany. It is a long-lived, big, rich, wine that is aged two to four years in wood before release. Wine that undergoes an additional year aging is Riserva. It is a firmly structured wine, full in body, that displays richness of extract and concentration of fruit. Rosso di Montalcino, often referred to as Brunello's little brother, is made from the same grape and often has the same flavors of Brunello. The grapes may be from younger vines or from vats that might not have sufficient structure to age. It requires one-year aging.
181 2007 Brunello di Montalcino ______Tenuta di Argiano 69.00 94 Bright, polished, firm tannins, some sour cherry nuances with notes of toasted vanilla.
23 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ______Castello Banfi 74.00 93 Full-bodied, chewy and rich. Blackberry, currant and toasted oak in the long finish.
28 2005 Brunello di Montalcino ______Castello di Camigliano 67.00 92 Aromas of cedar wood, vanilla seed and exotic spices. Cherry fruit flavors on the close.
77 2006 Brunello di Montalcino ______Caparzo 55.50 92 Mid-weight offering dried cherries, spices, sweet herbs, complex on the high-toned finish.
141 2001 Brunello di Montalcino ‘Cerretalto’ ______Casanova di Neri 175.00 100 Concentrated, layered Brunello, aromas of crushed berries, light raisin, coffee and chocolate. Full-bodied, with chewy yet velvety tannins. Wine Spectator 100 points.
85 2003 Brunello di Montalcino ‘Nuova’ ______Casanova di Neri 75.50 92 Silky on entry, fat and thick in the middle, flavors of raspberry, dried currant, nutty oak.
83b 2006 Brunello di Montalcino ‘Castelgiocondo’ ______Marchesi de’Frescobaldi 79.50 93 Full-bodied, silky tannins. Plum, cherry, and chocolate flavor thru to a long finish.
72 2000 Brunello di Montalcino ‘Campo del Drago’ ______Castiglion del Bosco 76.50 93 Intense, rich and full-bodied with an extra smooth ride over a panoramic finish.
63 2003 Brunello di Montalcino ______ColdiSole 65.00 91 A rich expression of dark fruit, chocolate and toasted oak. A touch of dryness to the tannins.
37 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ______Tenuta Col d’Orcia 67.00 92 Medium-bodied, reveals ripe red cherries, mint and licorice with gorgeous clarity.
74 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ‘Progetto Prime Donne’______Donatella Colombini 81.00 91 Intense and dark, black cherries persistent on the palate and a long, polished finish.
142 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ______Donatella Colombini 67.50 90 Supple and ripe in the middle, showing lingering fresh red fruits, turns dry on the back.
160 2003 Brunello di Montalcino ______Conti Andrea Costanti 77.50 93 Velvety, pliant in texture, lovely restrained sweetness to the berry, spice, floral flavors.
73 2007 Rosso di Montalcino ______Conti Andrea Costanti 55.00 90 Surprisingly dense, flows onto the palate with dark morello cherries, herbs and tobacco.
163 2000 Brunello di Montalcino ______Tenuta San Filippo Fanti 71.50 95 It sits on the fence between racy and creamy with vanilla, plum and chocolate flavors.
209 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ______Fattoi Capanna 67.50 90 Aromas of black cherry and raspberry, with silky tannins and a long finish.
151 2009 Rosso di Montalcino ______Fattoi Capanna 43.50 90 Flavors of cherry and tobacco permeate the elegant red, has a mineral-infused finish.
233 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ______Marchetti Sergio Fossacolle 74.00 93 Bursting with dark fruit, notes of licorice, leather and spices. Oak beautifully balanced.
Proprietor’s recommendation
5
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69 2006 Brunello di Montalcino ______Tenuta La Fuga 72.00 92 Flows with the essence of black cherries, licorice, French oak and violets.
143 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ______Eredi Fuligni 89.00 95 Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a delicious finish of wonderful yet subtle fruit.
144 2006 Rosso di Montalcino ‘Ginestreto’ ______Eredi Fuligni 58.00 91 Pure red cherry and licorice flavors balance the wines considerable lift, long finish.
145 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ______Azienda Lisini 89.00 94 A racy, sleek wine loaded with super-ripe dark fruit and a round enveloping personality.
146 2007 Rosso di Montalcino ______Azienda Lisini 56.00 91 Shows flavors of red currant, raspberry and cherry, round and lush in the mouth.
99 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ______Tenute Nardi 74.50 91 Medium-bodied style, with depth and density in its dark red fruit, tobacco and licorice.
66 2006 Brunello di Montalcino ‘Martina’ ______Antonio Sasa 67.00 94 Full-bodied, with a wonderful integrated tannin structure. Subtle and complete fruit.
41 1998 Brunello di Montalcino ‘Pertimali’ ______Livio Sassetti 60.50 91 Round, generous, complex but accessible and evolved, sweet cherry and currant fruit.
49 2006 Brunello di Montalcino ’Sugarille’ ______Pieve Santa Restituta 162.00 96 By Angelo Gaja, utterly silky and perfumed on entry, then tightly coiled in the middle.
217 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva ‘Vigna Paganelli’ ______Il Poggione 79.00 95 This finessed, regal Brunello flows on the palate with seamless layers of fruit, silky tannins.
90 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ______Poggio Salvi 89.50 91 Licorice, spices and oak add a measure of complexity to the dark fruit. Excellent length.
164 2003 Brunello di Montalcino ______Renieri 88.50 90 Ripe and spicy, with cherry character on the nose. Medium to full-bodied with fine tannins.
109b 2000 Brunello di Montalcino ______Podere Salicutti 99.00 92 Airing it unlocks cinnamon, chocolate and smoky leather aromas. Full in the middle.
113 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ______Val di Suga 69.00 93 Medium in body, it offers perfumed red fruits, spices in a soft, supple style.
Barolo
Often referred to as the King of Wines, it is full-bodied, tannic and complex, made from the Nebbiolo grape grown near the village of Barolo in Piedmont in northern Italy. It is a robust red wine that takes on delicious subtleties with age. By law it must be aged at least three years prior to release, with at least two years in cask. If aged four years or more, it is Riserva. Barolo possesses the typical garnet color of wines from this grape, aromas of cherries hinting of violets, roses and with age developing a complexity of nuances.
70 2004 Barolo ‘Cannubi’ ______Marchesi di Barolo 94.00 92 Offers elements of sweet spice, black fruit, toast, chocolate fudge with full tannins.
42 2005 Barolo ______Marchesi di Barolo 64.00 91 Full bodied with raspberries, cedar and spice. Good length with a firm finish.
19a 2005 Barolo ______Cascina Bongiovanni 74.00 90 A bouquet of red currants, spice, milk chocolate. Succulent, powerful in the mouth.
26b 2005 Barolo ‘Rapet’ ______Romano Marengo Ca’Rome 95.00 92 Decadent and rich, with toasted coconut, ripe fruit and grilled meat. Full and velvety.
Proprietor’s recommendation
6
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Bin - Vintage - Wine Producer - Price - Wine rating
75 2008 Barolo ‘Tortoniano’ ______Michele Chiarlo 62.00 92 It reveals surprising muscle to match it dark red fruit, flowers and spices.
152b 2007 Barolo ‘Ciabot Mentin’ ______Az. Ag. Domenico Clerico 97.00 98 Robert Parker writes: Deep, sensual layers of fruit flow from the glass as this full-throttle, intense Barolo reveals its profound, breathtaking personality.
39 2005 Barolo ‘Ravera’ ______Az. Ag. Elvio Cogno 75.00 93 Full, with sweet strawberry character and caressing tannins. Long and balanced.
155 2004 Barolo ‘Bussia’ ______Poderi Colla 84.00 96 Expansive on the palate with sweet ripe plum and spice nuances, lovely balance.
149 2005 Barolo ‘Sori Ginestra’ ______Az. Ag. Conterno-Fantino 109.00 96 Cinnamon, licorice, fragrant dark fruit emerge from this layered deep Barolo.
31b 2005 Barolo ‘Vigna del Gris’ ______Az. Ag. Conterno-Fantino 102.00 93 Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and cedar and berry character. Impressive, powerful.
65 2000 Barolo ‘Tenuta Secola’ ______Giuseppe Contratto 78.00 91 Cola, cherry liqueur, black licorice notes. It’s full with a long finish.
117b 2006 Barolo, Barolo ‘Le Cinque Vigne ______Az. Ag. Damilano 55.00 90 The wild cherry, licorice and tobacco notes lead to a tightly wound finish.
150 2004 Barolo ‘Cannubi’ ______Poderi Luigi Einaudi 98.00 96 Displays inner perfume, suggestions of red berries and spices buttressed by silky tannins.
115 2005 Barolo ‘Terlo’ ______Poderi Luigi Einaudi 63.00 91 Full-bodied with layers of fresh fruit and chewy tannins. Concentrated yet restrained.
105 1998 Barolo ‘Pì Vigne’ ______Az. Ag. Silvio Grasso 62.50 90 Cherry and honey aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, soft tannins, long, delicious finish.
25 2007 Barolo ‘Monprivato’ ______Giuseppe e Figlio Mascarello 103.00 97 Rich, dramatic wine endowed with tons of fruit and a sweeping, enveloping personality.
154 2004 Barolo ‘Brunate’ ______Poderi Marcarini 71.50 94 An expression of dark fruit, leather, coffee beans and spices on a medium-bodied frame.
64 2004 Barolo ‘La Serra’ ______Poderi Marcarini 71.00 91 Silky on entry, then spicy, broadens toward the back, finishes with sweet dusty tannins.
212c 2003 Barolo ______[ half bottle ] Azienda Massolino 46.00 92 Soft approachable style with a core of vibrant black cherries and well-integrated tannins.
48 2005 Barolo ______Azienda Massolino 75.50 92 Full-bodied, with silky tannins that have strawberry and raspberry character.
101b 2006 Barolo ______Alfredo Prunotto 69.00 92 The wine gains richness and volume on the mid-palate, leading to a long, powerful close.
214 2003 Barolo ‘Boscareto’ ______Ferdinando Principiano 73.50 91 Notable depth and richness with spiced, plummy fruit, outstanding balance.
211 2006 Barolo ‘Marcenasco’ ______Renato Ratti 62.00 94 It offers depth with a well-defined mouthfeel that rests on a solid base of tannins.
216 2005 Barolo ‘Marcenasco Rocche’ ______Renato Ratti 81.00 96 Full-bodied with lots of fruit, vanilla and white pepper character. Long and rich.
141 2004 Barolo ‘Le Vigne’ ______Luciano Sandrone 151.00 96 Long and pure, it reveals expansive ripe red fruit, flowers and spices, superb length.
Proprietor’s recommendation
7
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50 2005 Barolo ‘Carobric’ ______Azienda Paolo Scavino 96.00 95 Full-bodied, concentrated and chewy, layers of ripe tannins, loads of fruit.
114 1998 Barolo ______Azienda Paolo Scavino 69.50 91 Cherry and vanilla flavors coat dusty tannins, suggestion of dried fruits on oak notes.
156 2005 Barolo ‘La Villa’ ______F.lli Seghesio 69.00 92 Dark plums, cherries and spices emerge from this deceptively mid-weight Barolo.
141e 2003 Barolo ‘Vursu Vigneto Campe’ ______La Spinetta 149.00 95 Bright berry on the nose, palate with expressive tart red cherry fruit leading to a long finish.
198b 1999 Barolo ‘Rocche’ ______Cantina Vietti 94.50 94 Full-bodied, lots of velvety tannins and sweet, raisin flavors. Very long and beautiful.
52b 2006 Barolo ‘Rocche’ ______Cantina Vietti 131.00 97 Ultra-fine tannins, smoke, tar and licorice meld into a core of ripe Pinot-like fruit.
Barbaresco
In Piedmont it is often referred to as Barolo's younger brother, also made from the Nebbiolo grape, however, the soil in Barbaresco produces a slightly more gentle, elegant wine. Still, it is generally robust with assertive acidity and firm tannins. Each producer has their own style and these range from the traditional rustic, tannic, barrel influenced approach to the modern, softer, fruit influenced rounder offering. Barbaresco must be aged for a minimum of two years before release; if aged for three years or more, it is a Riserva.
147 2006 Barbaresco ‘Sori Rio Sordo’ ______Romano Marengo Ca’Rome 91.00 92 Medium to full-bodied, loaded with dark fruit, French oak, spices in a balanced style.
148 2006 Barbaresco ‘Maria di Brun’ ______Romano Marengo Ca’Rome 97.00 93 Round and plush with red ripe fruits, silky powerful tannins with outstanding length.
78 1998 Barbaresco ‘Roncaglie’ ______Poderi Colla 69.00 93 Ripe fruit flavors of cherry, cassis lengthen into licorice notes. Supple, succulent texture.
193b 2005 Barbaresco ‘Roncaglie’ ______Poderi Colla 68.00 93 Angular tannins frame the wine’s dark cherry and plum flavors with a floral character.
83 2000 Barbaresco ‘Rabaja’ ______Az. Ag. Giuseppe Cortese 59.00 94 Full-bodied, powerful yet elegant, supple-textured, surprisingly deep, delineated.
141d 2007 Barbaresco ‘San Lorenzo’ ______Angelo Gaja 375.00 99 Tannic and austere at the outset, the wine gradually opens to reveal staggering richness and depth in its dark fruit. Elegant in the glass it shows tar, licorice and spices.
40 2007 Barbaresco ‘Costa Russi’ ______Angelo Gaja 375.00 98 A breathtaking bouquet and layers of dark red fruit, minerals, flowers and spices saturate every corner of the palate as it struts its stuff. An absolutely eternal finish.
141b 2006 Barbaresco______Angelo Gaja 215.00 93 A firm, classically built wine of elegance. Tannins are woven into a mid-weight frame.
170b 2007 Barbaresco______[ half bottle ] Angelo Gaja 109.00 97 Soft and seamless on the palate, full fruit, attractive spiciness develops in the glass.
92 2001 Barbaresco ‘Camp Gros’______Marchesi di Gresy 89.50 95 Full-bodied and balanced with aromas of violets, rose and cherry, hints of toast.
46 2000 Barbaresco ‘Cru Martinenga’ ______Marchesi di Gresy 56.50 91 Elegant full-bodied, well integrated tannins, and a plummy vanilla aftertaste, long finish.
116 1998 Barbaresco ‘Bric Balin’ ______Moccagatta 77.00 92 Concentrated, juicy and firmly built. The ripe tannins really spread out over the palate.
Proprietor’s recommendation
8
[Type text]
Bin - Vintage - Wine Producer - Price - Wine rating
177b 2006 Barbaresco ‘Bric Balin’ ______Moccagatta 71.50 92 Full-bodied with a rich palate showing vanilla, chocolate and berry. Juicy.
199 2007 Barbaresco‘Vigneto Nervo’ ______Pertinace 61.00 93 Cherry and raspberry flavors, no shortage of intensity, firm backbone of tannins for support.
18 2005 Barbaresco Riserva ‘Rio Sordo’ ______Produttori del Barbaresco 73.00 93 Jumps from the glass with an exciting array of fresh roses, spices and raspberries.
21b 2005 Barbaresco Riserva ‘Asili’ ______Pruduttori del Barbaresco 73.00 93 Has integrity in its dark red fruit, with notable persistence on the palate. Powerful close.
202b 2008 Barbaresco______Alfredo Prunotto 61.00 93 Impresses for its classiness and overall balance. Aromas of sweet dried cherries, licorice.
56 2001 Barbaresco Riserva ______Rizzi 49.50 90 Spicy aromas of raspberries and roses. Flavors of berries with a long cinnamon close.
152 2004 Barbaresco ‘Starderi’ ______La Spinetta 110.00 95 A dark, brooding, classic wine that reveals an array of dark cherries, spices, tar, smoke.
153 2004 Barbaresco ‘Valeirano’ ______La Spinetta 105.00 95 A poised wine with ripe fruit, truffles and sweet toasted oak notes, structured in style.
61 2005 Barbaresco ‘Masseria’ ______Cantina Vietti 112.00 94 Improves in the glass as its core of dark fruit gradually emerges from a wall of tannins.
Other red wines of Piedmont
171 2009 Dolcetto di Dogliani ______Poderi Luigi Einaudi 42.00 90 Supple and harmonious, offering aromas and flavors of wild berries and blueberries.
79b 2010 Dolcetto d’Alba ______Azienda Massolino 43.00 90 A generous wine endowed with varietal character. Licorice, blueberries on the finish.
20b 2008 Barbera d’Asti ‘Ca’di Pian’ ______La Spinetta 49.50 90 Full-bodied with lots of fruit and soft, velvety tannins. Long and delicious.
97 2009 Dolcetto d’Alba ‘Tre Vigne’ ______Cantina Vietti 41.50 92 A classical harmony of blue and red berry fruit. Black soil richness in the tannins.
Amarone & Valpolicella Ripasso
In Veneto, from the same grapes as Valpolicella, Amarone is made by first drying newly picked grapes for months, either on straw mats or slatted racks, to concentrate their sugars. The resulting wine is sweet but then additional fermentation is induced to convert the remaining sugar and produce Amarone a dry red with considerable body and alcohol that tastes of cherries, prunes and bitter almonds. The wine is rich, lush and with lengthy aging, its youthful largesse becomes austere, ethereal, though still retaining the amaro (bitter) dry finish that gives it its name. - Valpolicella Ripasso, meaning repassed, is the addition of unpressed grape skins from making Amarone to already blended and fermented Valpolicella. This refermentation adds body, Amarone character and style to the typically simpler wine.
44 2007 Amarone Classico ______Allegrini 89.50 91 A poised expression of dark fruit supported by silky, refined tannins. Medium-bodied.
87 2000 Amarone Classico ______Casa Vinicola Bertani 112.00 94 Complex flavors of black fruits, exotic spices, dried apple skin, milled pepper. Fine tannins.
162 2006 Amarone Classico ______Tommaso Bussola 73.00 93 Ripe, velvety red with a sweet, smoky note that builds toward the long finish.
91 2007 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso ‘Ca’ del Laito’ ______Tommaso Bussola 43.50 91 Dense on the entry, then rich in the middle, very ripe black cherry flavor, finishes long.
Proprietor’s recommendation
9
[Type text]
Bin - Vintage - Wine Producer - Price - Wine rating
53 2005 Amarone Classico ‘Ca Del Pipa, Cinque Stelle’ ___ Michele Castellani & Figli 112.00 96 Full and compact, delivering layers of ripe fruit and fine, soft tannins on a long finish.
161 2006 Amarone Classico ‘Ca Del Pipa, Colle Cristi’______Michele Castellani & Figli 68.50 93 Full-bodied, with round tannins, lots of ripe fruit and toasty oak. Balanced and juicy.
24 2005 Amarone ‘Il Bosco’______Gerardo Cesari 88.00 93 The wine’s thick density is packed tight with bright cherry and blackberry flavors.
43 2007 Amarone Classico ______Gerardo Cesari 59.50 91 Soft plush notes of chocolate, vanilla and coffee. Chewy and firm, fresh ending.
168 2007 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso ‘Bosan’ ______Gerardo Cesari 59.00 90 Presents a solid wall of black fruit on the nose. Dense, luscious, rich in the mouth.
172 2007 Amarone Classico ______Remo Farina 61.00 90 Tones of ripe cherry and blackberry jelly, chewy tannins fuel a long mocha-rich finish.
197b 2004 Amarone Classico ‘Costasera’ ______[ half bottle ] Masi Agricola 39.50 90 Full, rich and concentrated with lush tannins, long, smooth, fruity finish.
220 2007 Amarone Classico ‘Costasera’ ______Masi Agricola 64.00 92 Full-bodied, round, juicy, loads of fruit, soft, caressing finish.
182 2008 Amarone ______Famiglia Pasqua 53.00 90 Brick color with medium forming legs with a medium/full body. Well-integrated tannins.
189 2005 Amarone Ca’ Bertoldi ______Fratelli Recchia 56.50 92 Full, ripe black fruit, raisins. Soft on the palate, ending with a well knit, lingering finish
56b 2006 Amarone Classico ______Az. Ag. Il Roverone 69.00 94 Dark chocolate-tinged Amarone, showing note of date, sun-dried cherry, supple tannins.
213 2005 Amarone Classico ‘La Marega’ ______Az. Ag. Le Salette 82.00 92 Full-bodied with raisiny fruit, a balanced mouthfeel just firming up slightly on finish.
167 2004 Amarone Classico ______Azienda Santa Sofia 88.00 90 Full-bodied, with fine tannins and lots of fruit flavors that leave a racy note on finish.
157 2005 Amarone ‘Campo dei Gigli’ ______Tenuta Sant’ Antonio 77.00 94 A big, richly textured wine with layers of ripe dark cherries, licorice, smoke, toasted oak.
22 2005 Amarone ‘Selezione Antonio Castagnedi’ ______Tenuta Sant’ Antonio 62.00 91 Medium-bodied, offers outstanding depth and firm tannins with an inviting finish.
159 2006 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso ‘Monte Garbi’______Tenuta Sant’ Antonio 40.00 91 A standout with loads of succulent fruit. Aromas of cherries and chocolate.
32 2005 Amarone ‘Proemio’ ______Santi 77.50 95 Wonderful flavors of dark fruits, licorice. Nice toasty element of oak.
110b 2006 Amarone Classico ‘Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano’ ______Fratelli Speri 88.00 91 Offering blueberry notes. Full body with subtle fruit and a firm, polished tannin structure.
166 2007 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso ______Fratelli Speri 46.00 90 Aromas of spice, vanilla, black fruit preserves, slight oak-driven. Generous texture.
224b 2006 Amarone ‘Capitel Monte Olmi’ ______Az. Fratelli Tedeschi 89.00 93 A traditional-style, which offers flavors of roasted plum, dried cherry, ground spices.
222 2007 Amarone Classico ______Az. Fratelli Tedeschi 67.00 93 Rich, dense, with red and black fruit flavors complicated by coffee and cocoa nuances.
Proprietor’s recommendation
10
[Type text]
Bin - Vintage - Wine Producer - Price - Wine rating
228 2008 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso ‘Capitel San Rocco’ _____ Az. Fratelli Tedeschi 43.50 90 A beautifully balanced Ripasso with contrast between elegance and power. Thick finish.
59b 2007 Amarone Classico ______F.lli Tommasi 78.00 92 Dense with layers of ripe fruit, cola, spice and cedar. Mature fruit flavors on finish.
47b 2005 Amarone Classico ______Vigneti Villabella 64.00 90 Shows medium density and intensity with a bouquet of mixed spice and berry confiture.
223 2005 Amarone Classico ______Zenato Azienda 77.50 95 Big and sweet on the nose. Opens up with a palate of chocolate, blueberries and coffee.
221 2007 Valpolicella Superiore Ripassa ______Zenato Azienda 47.50 92 Palate is rich and intense with dark fruit, tannins are in check, and acidity is quite nice.
34b 2003 Amarone ______Zyme 128.00 92 Loaded with super-sweet ripe fruit. A palate of blueberry jam and smoky chocolate flavors.
Other red wines of Italy
137 2001 Villa Castiglione ______Az. Ag. Bisci 39.00 92 Sangiovese, Cabernet. Flavors of ripe grapes, subtle cloves, cinnamon on the oak.
205d 2001 Rosso Piceno ‘Vigna Monteprandone’ ______Az. Ag. Saladini Pilastri 48.00 91 Ripe, jammy fruit, roasted coffee and tar, rich and concentrated flavors.
88 2000 Montepulciano ‘Don Luigi’ ______Di Majo Norante 49.50 90 Montepulciano, Tintilia. Full-bodied, dense, and chewy, well-integrated alcohol.
51 2005 Lago di Corbara ______Castello di Corbara 41.00 90 Cabernet Sauvignon. Generous ripe fruit and long persistency on the finish.
81 2002 Efesto ‘Vigne di Mezzo’ ______Feudi di San Gregorio 52.00 91 Aglianico del Vulture. It is a suave, silky, fruit-driven wine with serious tannins.
180 2002 Montevetrano ______Az. Ag. Montevetrano 79.00 95 Cabernet, Merlot, Aglianico. Unfined, unfiltered, medium to full-bodied, harmonious.
111 2003 Barrua ______Agricola Punica 65.00 92 Isola dei Nuraghi grapes, full-bodied palate with plum flavors, long vanilla aftertaste.
30 2002 Noa ______Cusumano 54.00 91 Nero d'Avola, Cabernet, Merlot. Full-bodied, well defined tannins. Long finish.
68 2004 Lamuri ______Conte Tasca d’Almerita 39.50 90 Nero d’Avola. A rich favor that’s firmly Mediterranean. Plenty of stuffing on a lithe frame.
Wine Rating Scores and Tasting Notes are from publications such as ‘Wine Spectator’ - ‘Wine Advocate’ - ‘Wine Enthusiast’
75-79 is average, 80-89 is good to very good, 90-94 is outstanding, 95-100 a classic wine
Proprietor’s recommendation
11
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Bin - Vintage - Wine Producer - Price - Wine rating
White Wines of Italy
307 2009 Gavi di Gavi ‘La Meirana’ ______Gian Piero Broglia 44.00 90 Ripe and rich, offering peach, mango and grapefruit aromas and flavors, lingering finish.
305 2008 Chardonnay 'Lowengang' ______Tenuta Alois Lageder 61.50 91 Toasted oak, cream, honey, apple pie character dominates. Long, vanilla, fruity aftertaste.
309 2008 Chardonnay ‘Kreuth’ ______Cantina Terlano 46.00 91 Sparkles on the palate with ripe, tropical fruits, spices and minerals.
316 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ‘Quarz’ ______Cantina Terlano 62.00 92 Quartz crystals enrich the Terlan Sauvignon vineyards, add apricot and light woody notes.
308 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ‘Winkl’ ______Cantina Terlano 46.00 92 Exotic fruit notes of passion fruit, kiwi and gooseberry. Exhibits excellent balance.
301 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ______Conti Attems 40.50 91 A smoky, creamy version of Sauvignon, a vanilla accent to the apricot and mango notes.
304 2007 Tocai Friulano Plus ______Bastianich 58.50 94 Full-bodied, with toasted almond, wild fruits, yet lively and fresh. Late harvest rich style.
311 2010 Vespa Bianco ______Bastianich 57.00 91 A rich blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Picolit. Energetic citrus, almond, honey flavors.
317 2007 Pinot Grigio ‘Mongris’ ______Marco Felluga 41.00 91 320 Melds ripe golden apple and stone-fruit flavors with a subtle earthiness. [ half bottle ] 23.00
319 2008 Vintage Tunina______Silvio Jermann 84.00 95 Full-bodied, really complex, with apple, apricot, lavender and hints of cream, toasty oak.
313 2010 Pinot Grigio ______Silvio Jermann 49.50 92 Surprising creaminess and depth, with almost luscious flavors of white peach and pears.
312 2008 Pinot Grigio ‘Gris’ ______Pecorari Lis Neris 47.00 90 A rich fabric of white peaches, subtle French oak unfolds on the palate as the wine opens.
302 2007 Pinot Grigio ______[ half bottle, 375 ml ] Pecorari Lis Neris 26.00 90 This opens with aromas of peach, pineapple, white almond and honey, Creamy texture.
306 2008 Pinot Grigio ______Tenuta Luisa 41.00 90 A touch of green, hinting at celery and green apple, to keep the juicy pear flavors clean.
315 2008 Friulano ______Tenuta Luisa 42.50 91 Full-bodied, exhibits peach and banana flavors with lemon and lime character.
320b 2009 Pinot Grigio ______Mario Schiopetto 42.00 90 Offers up apricots, peaches in a lush, generous style, balance and harmony impeccable.
314 2007 Verdicchio Classico dei Castelli di Jesi ______Villa Bucci 45.00 91 Complex flavors of lemon, ripe tangerine, almond and spices, long pure Chablis-like finish.
303 2008 Fiano di Avellino ______Rocca del Principe 43.00 95 Flowers, mint, apricots and white peach nuances flow from the soft texture, generous.
Wine Rating Scores and Tasting Notes are from publications such as ‘Wine Spectator’ - ‘Wine Advocate’ - ‘Wine Enthusiast’
75-79 is average, 80-89 is good to very good, 90-94 is outstanding, 95-100 a classic wine
Proprietor’s recommendation
12
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Bin - Vintage - Wine Producer - Price - Wine rating
Dry Sparkling
401 NV Cuvee Brut ‘Franciacorta’ ______Bellavista 64.00 90 402 Aromas of exotic fruit. Very creamy and silky in the mouth, but lively. ______[ half bottle ] 39.50
403 NV Brut ‘Franciacorta’ ______Ca'del Bosco 55.00 91 Fresh and snappy, medium-weight, with apple and lime on the palate.
404 NV Brut ______Cantina Ferrari 46.00 90 422 Delightful, glides down with buttery charm and a long, frothy finish. ______[ half bottle ] 25.00
405 1998 Perle ______Cantina Ferrari 43.50 89 Medium-bodied, with good fruit and a lemon, butterscotch aftertaste. A lively bubbly.
414 NV Brut ‘Talento’______Rotari 37.00 415 Shows smooth vanilla richness and sweet tart finish. ______[ quarter bottle ] 12.50
416 NV Prosecco Brut ‘Garbel’ ______Adriano Adami 38.00 417 Well-balanced with a bit of the sweeter side of melon and citrus fruit. ______[ half bottle ] 21.50
418 NV Prosecco di Conegliano______Casa Vinicola Canella 40.00 419 A bubbly full of honeyed pear, cream notes and citrus fruit. ______[ quarter bottle ] 14.00
420 NV Prosecco ‘Bellini’______[ quarter bottle ] Casa Vinicola Canella 13.50 Made from fresh sweet white peaches with a touch of wild raspberry.
421 NV Prosecco ‘Mimosa’ ______[ quarter bottle ] Casa Vinicola Canella 14.00 Blood orange juice gives this bubbly a sweet pink grapefruit taste and color.
406 NV Prosecco di Conegliano Brut ______Zardetto Spumanti 38.50 88 407 Light and crisp with gentle aromas and flavors of fresh fruits. ______[ quarter bottle ] 13.00 88
408 2007 Prosecco di Valdobbianene ‘Primo Franco’ ______Nino Franco 47.50 91 Cream-textured expression of ripe peaches and mint in a medium-bodied rich style.
Sweet Sparkling
410 2011 Moscato d'Asti ‘La Serra’ ______[ half bottle ] Marchesi di Gresy 24.00 Rich, fruity, melon and apple character. Medium-bodied, lightly sweet, slightly bubbly.
411 2010 Moscato d'Asti ______Paolo Saracco 38.50 90 Delicate and nicely balanced, sweet lemon flavors with apple and honey character.
423 2011 Moscato d'Asti ‘Bricco Quaqlia’ ______La Spinetta 44.50 From the single vineyard, crisp, sparkling, delicately sweet, peach and pear flavors.
412 2006 Moscato d'Asti ‘Sori Gramella’ ______Elvio Tintero 37.00 Light-bodied and very fruity, fresh and slightly sweet Moscato.
413 2005 Moscato d’Asti ‘Cascinetta’ ______Cantina Vietti 38.00 88 A light-bodied, sweet Frizzante. It pulses with kiwi, nectarine and pineapple flavor.
Proprietor’s recommendation
13
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Bin - Vintage - Wine Producer - Price - Wine rating
Dessert Wines
[ a half bottle will serve 3-4 persons ]
19c 2002 Tal Luc ______[ 500 ml ] Alvaro Pecorari Lis Neris 85.00 95 Amber gold in color, wonderful flavors of fresh orange, vanilla, honey and sweet spices.
194b 2000 Recioto Valpolicella Classico, BG ______[ half bottle ] Tommaso Bussola 53.50 Dense with a soft smell of raisins, plums and cherry. The fruit is fresh and balanced.
202 1998 Recioto Valpolicella Classico ‘Campo Casalin’ ______[ 500 ml ] Castellani 82.50 Extracted flavors of macerated cherry, vanilla and mocha. Cherry note in the finish.
194c 2000 Recioto Valpolicella ‘Argille Bianche’ ______[ half bottle ] Sant’Antonio 58.00 Jammy dark fruit, chocolate and spices flow from its sweet long frame.
213b 2008 Dindarello ______[ half bottle ] Fausto Maculan 43.50 91 Aromas of flowers and honey. The light palate has a touch of Drambuie references.
194e 1999 Torcolato ______[ half bottle ] Fausto Maculan 47.00 90 Full bodied, great sweetness and acidity with a nose of honey, apricot, peach, almonds.
194f 2000 Vin Santo ______[ half bottle ] Fattoria di Felsina 55.50 93
Vanilla and raisin flavors, hints of orange, mango, honey, caramel._____ [ 2 ounce glass ] 9.50 93
194d 2000 Vin Santo del Chianti ‘Lunanouva’ ______[ 500 ml ] Monastero 67.00 Sweet palate with flavors of raisins and hints of sweet spices, clean and bright.
190b 1993 Vin Santo ______[ half bottle ] Castello di Monsanto 62.00 93 Flavors are sweet with fresh orange, caramel and roasted nuts, finishes long.
213c 2007 Ben Rye ______[ half bottle ] Azienda Vinicola Donnafugata 56.00 94 Intensely rich and layered on the palate with seamless combination of tropical fruits.
After dinner
Limoncello – Homemade Lemon Liqueur one ounce serving
Our proprietor’s recipe takes over 80 days to infuse the refreshing natural lemon flavor. 6.50
Proprietor’s recommendation
14