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Monica Larner

Italian Editor

Italian Editor Monica Larner reviews Italian wines for Wine Enthusiast Magazine and has lived in Italy on-and-off since age 11. Based in Rome, steps away from the Colosseum, Monica visits every corner of Italy in her red Mini Cooper to report on the wine, food and travel highlights of her adopted home. Her books include In Love in Italy (Rizzoli) and Living, Studying and Working in Italy (Henry Holt). Monica is a sommelier with the Italian Association of Sommelier (AIS) but her passion for wine finds roots in Larner Vineyard, the family-run vineyard and winery in Santa Barbara county. She returns to California each year for harvest, pruning and tractor driving.

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Showing 1 thru -9 of 14,843
100
points

Casanova di Neri 2007 Cerretalto Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

  • Cellar Selection
  1. $270
It takes only a few moments before you appreciate the enormity, intensity and overall beauty of this landmark wine. Cerretalto is always a high scoring expression of Brunello, but the ideal conditions of the 2007 vintage elevate it to earthly perfection. Dark and fleshy, the wine delivers ever-evolving aromas of dark fruit, chocolate, spice and tobacco. The acidity…  — M.L.  (5/1/2013)
98
points

Valdicava 2007 Madonna del Piano Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

  • Cellar Selection
  1. $219
Here’s an unforgettable wine that absolutely makes the case for 2007 being one of the best vintages of late in Montalcino. The wine is broad and polished with masculine tones of dark fruit, leather and tobacco. These aromas evolve so quickly and with such pulsing intensity, the wine comes alive suddenly. There are dusty mineral shadings at the back with tightly…  — M.L.  (5/1/2013)
98
points

Capanna 2007 Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

  • Cellar Selection
  1. $70
An amazing and impressive feat of winemaking, this riserva is so tightly wound with gorgeous aromatic intensity, it peels back, layer after layer, and evolves smoothly the more you leave it in the glass. Not drinking it immediately is difficult because of the delicious quality of fruit on display here and the lush, soft mouthfeel, but this should be at its best…  — M.L.  (5/1/2013)
96
points

Mocali 2007 Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

  • Cellar Selection
  1. $73
Mocali’s beautiful riserva opens with an inky dark appearance, thick concentration and savory aromas of leather and spice that add one more layer of complexity to an already very enticing wine. At the core, it is redolent of dark fruit and cherry, and the mouthfeel is thick and luscious. The richness of the color is beautiful as is the suppleness of the wine’s…  — M.L.  (5/1/2013)
96
points

Padelletti 2007 Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

  • Cellar Selection
  1. $100
This is absolutely gorgeous, with generous tones of earthy tobacco, leather, cured meat, licorice, smoky ash and crushed mineral. In terms of fruit flavors, it offers cassis, dried raspberry and cherry. The wine should age 10 years or more to allow the tannins to become finer and even more elegant.  — M.L.  (5/1/2013)
95
points

Castello Banfi 2007 Poggio all’Oro Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

  • Cellar Selection
  1. $150
Castello Banfi delivers a sophisticated and elegant expression with pretty highlights of dark fruit, cassis, crushed spice and even a dusting of black pepper. This classy riserva delivers dark concentration, polished tannins, balanced acidity and long fruit-driven persistency. Best in 5–10 years.  — M.L.  (5/1/2013)
95
points

Castello Banfi 2007 Poggio alle Mura Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)
Riserva Poggio alle Mura really delivers the goods with a dark garnet appearance and huge aromatic intensity that comes forth as dried fruit, cassis, prune, cola, ginger, cedar and licorice. The wine shows complexity and balance with endnotes of sweet spice and dark berry. This is a rich, plush and velvety Brunello that will be ready to drink in just a few brief years.  — M.L.  (5/1/2013)
95
points

Il Poggione 2007 Vigna Paganelli Riserva Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello di Montalcino)

  • Cellar Selection
  1. $115
Vigna Paganelli shows amazing results with a bright fruit quality that translates into black cherry and blackberry. At the back are sophisticated tones of leather, tobacco and light touches of spice that give the wine depth and elegance. The most interesting aspect, however, is the mouthfeel that shows firm but beautifully ripe tannins that will help the wine age…  — M.L.  (5/1/2013)
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Showing 1 thru -9 of 14,843
From @monicalarner
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