Tight as nails on the nose before it explodes on the palate in a cacophony of cherry, cassis, black plum, tobacco and chocolate. It’s like the best cigar and a great red wine rolled into one. Yes, the tannins are hammering and yes, the acidity is forward. But that only means this brilliant Brunello should age for 15 years without batting an eyelash. Imported by Folio
— M.S.
(7/1/2005)
This is a fabulous late harvest tour de force blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and aromatic Traminer that sees some new oak for extra depth and dimension. The trick here is that fruit comes from a high altitude vineyard so you get bright, crisp acidity beyond those syrupy sweet tones of peach, apricot, marzipan, dried mint and natural rubber. The…
— M.L.
(3/1/2008)
Lovely aromas of black cherries and plums bust from the glass, followed by hints of vanilla and cedar. This lush, richly textured wine never seems overly ripe or heavy, delivering ample fruit and cigarbox flavors. Finishes long, with hints of anise and tobacco. Balanced to drink or age; drink now-2015.
— W.E.
(4/1/2005)
Lamaione is Frescobaldi’s flagship Merlot and this vintage is especially plush and velvety. The wine’s nose recalls inky berry juice, exotic spice and soft tones of leather and tobacco. The finish is long and satisfying, supported by the wine’s dense structure.
— M.L.
(4/1/2008)
Beautifully intense and generous. this Riserva Brunello from Frescobaldi’s Castelgioconda estate boasts a modern, determined style. Aromas here include black cherry, chocolate, tobacco and spice. In the mouth, this wine is rich, smooth and very persistent.
— M.L.
(10/1/2010)
This cru expression of Sangiovese was born in 1974 and offers beautifully plush and rich aromas of dark chocolate, cherry and opulent vanilla. The wine is very smooth, soft and long-lasting in the mouth. It’s a wonderful and very pleasurable wine.
— M.L.
(4/1/2011)
From Frescobaldi’s gorgeous Nipozzano estate, this Riserva Sangiovese (with small percentages of Malvasia Nera, Cabernet and Merlot for extra density and intensity) opens with impressive generosity and personality. It offers lingering flavors of cherry, chocolate and dark spice.
— M.L.
(4/1/2011)
This full-throttle wine needs some time to settle down, for it is not a soft, supple easy-drinking Merlot. It’s a big, richly extracted wine loaded with ripe black cherries, vanilla and toast, joined by a healthy dollop of tannins on the finish. Will be released this fall, but cellar it 5–10 years for it to reach its full potential. Cellar Selection.
— W.E.
(9/1/2002)