Tasting is Believing: Italian Highly Rated Stunners
Greetings Italian wine fans,
As you may know, we're picky about which wines we offer, whether from Italy or anywhere. Glowing reviews -- even 97 and 98+ points -- aren't necessarily enough. We have to taste the wines for ourselves. We've had our eyes on today's wines and had the extraordinarily good fortune to taste both last week. They live up to the reviews, and then some!
Bruna Grimaldi Barolo Badarina 2013
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2010
As you may know, we're picky about which wines we offer, whether from Italy or anywhere. Glowing reviews -- even 97 and 98+ points -- aren't necessarily enough. We have to taste the wines for ourselves. We've had our eyes on today's wines and had the extraordinarily good fortune to taste both last week. They live up to the reviews, and then some!
Bruna Grimaldi Barolo Badarina 2013
$49.45 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order
($54.95 regular)
97 points Wine Enthusiast: "A balsamic note of menthol, dark culinary spice, crushed herb, new leather and wild berry aromas come together in the glass. Firmly structured but extraordinarily refined, the palate doles out red cherry, crushed strawberry, tobacco and cinnamon set against tightly woven refined tannins. Lively acidity lends balance and energy while a licorice note wraps around the lingering finish. Drink 2025-2043."
A superb Barolo in every way. My only departure from the above note is that I found this to be drinking surprisingly well; even without decanting it paired wonderfully with herb-rubbed pork tenderloin. - Marcus
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2010
$197.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case* order ($219.95 regular)
98+ points Vinous: "The 2010 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is extraordinary. A wine of pedigree and class, the 2010 boasts magnificent intensity and depth yet never comes across as heavy. The flavors are layered, nuanced and beautifully delineated in the glass. Plum, black cherry, spice, menthol and sweet spices are laced into the exquisite finish. The 2010 is a stunner today, but also has plenty of upside for the future. A reduction of time in barrel vis-a-vis the 2006 has paid off handsomely. The 2010 is going to be expensive, but it is worth every penny. [Sangiovese of course], Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot round out the blend." - Antonio Galloni
A monumental wine that has to be tasted to be believed. Count me as a believer. Layer upon layer of amazingness. A wine that was incredibly showy on Tuesday and held up until Saturday, when I savored the last glass. I've tasted mind-blowing Sangiovese, but never like this. From one of my favorite wineries in the world. Very limited. - Marcus
We're looking forward to helping you with an order. Thanks for your support!
Marcus and Andy