This is a breakthrough vintage for Castello d’Albola and its team of winemakers who have crafted a truly beautiful and compelling wine rich with soft tones of chocolate fudge, almond paste, chewy cherry and long-lasting blueberry tones. The wine is plush and chewy in the mouth with big fruit flavors, yet it remains elegant and balanced at the same time.
— M.L.
(3/1/2008)
A well-made Super Tuscan sporting 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Snappy berry aromas mix with notes of leather on the bouquet. Excellent fruit quality, though it isn’t a whopper. Solid tannins will keep this lively for years to come. Finishes with warmth and just the mildest amount of oak-driven astringency.
— M.S.
(3/1/2000)
A wine of sensuality rather than power. Dark color with a nose combining dark cherry and lavender. Flavors take on a smoky, earthy character. Long finish. Aromatic, balanced.
— M.G.
(5/1/1999)
Thanks to eight years in Vin Santo’s traditional caratelli barrels, this sweet blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia offers a dark, golden-amber color, bearing intense aromas of dried apricot, candied fruit, honey and toasted almond.
— M.L.
(12/1/2012)
Acciaiolo is a super Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon that opens with concentrated and opulent aromas of dark cherry, chocolate and exotic spice. The mouthfeel shows heft and depth. Give the wine a few more years in the cellar to soften those toasted oak influences.
— M.L.
(5/1/2012)
Shows some obvious oak influence on the nose, in hints of coffee, toast and chocolate. These elements smooth out and integrate nicely with the rest of the wine on the palate, joined by bright cherries and an underlying note of finely tanned leather. Boasts a chewy, rich mouthfeel and a long, tart finish, anchored by black tea notes.
— W.E.
(3/1/2004)
A 65-35 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is bold, opulent and elaborate. This expression has perfumed notes of incense and exotic spice, lavished over tones of ripe cherry and blackberry.
— M.L.
(4/1/2013)
A beautifully balanced vin santo—not too sweet and not too alcoholic. Combines hints of nuts and stone fruits on the nose, develops apricot, almond paste and chestnut honey flavors on the palate, finishing with notes of candied orange peel. Yes, the 1992 is the current vintage of this delicious dessert wine.
— W.E.
(3/1/2004)