Reviews

Castello Banfi brings us this classic expression of the vintage. Their 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is hearty and dark with a level of distinguished power (with 15% alcohol) and sophistication that you only get with Brunello, a wine that by law ages for five years before its commercial release. Dark plum and blackcurrant segue seamlessly to spice, tar and black earth. The fruit ripeness is opulent and contrasted against elegant acidity and polished tannins. You don't need to wait long to enjoy.

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura (with 51,200 bottles made) shows balance and ripeness with a good combination of cherry, wild plum, blue flower, tobacco and sweet earth. The outlier is the 15% alcohol content. The wine is generous in texture and scope, yet it ultimately feels light and accessible to the palate. The tannins are well managed, but the wine's ample fruit weight feels supple and rich.

Few producers had the yields (and the courage!) to make a Riserva in this hot and, generally speaking, difficult vintage. The Castello Banfi 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio alle Mura (that pours from a heavy glass bottle) show ripe fruit over an open-knit texture. There is blackberry, baked plum, leather, tobacco and earth offered in thick and soft layers. This is a full-bodied Sangiovese with lasting fruit weight and moderate complexity. The finer nuances are set aside by the powerful 15.5% alcohol content found in this production.

Now in its proverbial third leaf (or the third vintage made), the Castello Banfi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Marrucheto is a wine of rich concentration and dark fruit nuances. The bouquet is tight and powerful with all kinds of black cherry and wild currant aromas. The balance is good and so is the intensity of the primary fruit. Only the strong 15% alcohol content is out of place. This is a solid Brunello that will appeal to those who love the richer and more saturated side of Sangiovese. There is some sour cherry on the close, and the tannins would benefit from a few more years in the bottle.

A fruity Gavi with aromas of candied lemons, elderflowers, white pears and lemons. Ripe yet tangy with a medium body and straightforward, citrusy finish. Drink now.

This has a pretty nose of dried roses, cocoa powder, red tea, hazelnut skins, cherries, plum stones and sandalwood. Full-bodied with very finely-knit tannins and zippy acidity. So much life and energy. Drink from 2023.

This is a savory and mineral expression with aromas of dried and sour cherries, bark, tomato leaf and iodine. Crushed stones and sea shells, too. Full body wtih firm, chewy tannins. Some austerity but focused and linear at the end. Needs some time to soften and open. Try after 2025.

Lots of ripe and dried cherries with vanilla bean, cocoa and some dried herbs. Full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Dense and ripe but polished and well integrated. Better after 2024.

Cranberries, crushed raspberries, bark, tobacco leaf, hazelnuts and lemons on the nose. Expressive, fresh and savory on the palate, with bright acidity and tight, firm tannins. I like the tangy energy at the end. Try in 2024.

Year's Best for $20 or Less

Year's Best for $20 or Less

Top 100 Best Buy for 2022

The aromas of redcurrants, raspberries and orange are so attractive and flow out to a full body with integrated tannins that are creamy and fine. So delicious to drink now, but better after 2024.

A medium-bodied red, offering blackcurrants and crushed stones with some cassis-bush and mint undertones. Creamy and firm, with a bright, racy finish. Drink or hold.

A dense and rich red, offering plum and cherry aromas and flavors with some cream. It’s medium-bodied with polished tannins and a delicious, savory finish. Drink now.

Lemon blossom, sliced apple, pear and melon on the nose. Medium-bodied with a fresh, juicy and fruity palate. Pretty floral notes. Drink now.

Notes of blackberries, dried thyme and lavender, cedar and baking spices. It’s full-bodied with firm tannins. Serious and structured with dark fruit and plums at the finish. Plenty of potential. Drink from 2024.

This solidly built red is hallmarked by black currant, black cherry and blackberry fruit. Richly textured and balanced, revealing iron, tobacco and spice notes as this unravels through the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2023-2033-B.S.

Saturated with black currant and blackberry flavors, this red also reveals, bell pepper, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco notes. Dense tannins hold court on the finish, while the fruit, savory and mineral elements linger. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah. Best from 2024-2037. -B.S.

Savory cranberries, cumin and some redcurrants and plums. Nicely generous and bright with juicy fruit and firm tannins on the palate and a flavorful finish. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification. Vegan. Drink now.

Fresh grapefruit and some scented flowers and wet stones on the nose, followed by nectarines on the palate. An elegant and supple rosé. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification. Vegan. Drink now. Screw cap.

Cranberries, cherries and some herbs on the nose. This is a juicy and bright pinot with some herbs, red dates and white pepper on the palate. Easy-drinking style with some tannins. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification. Vegan. Drink now. Screw cap.

EDITORS’ CHOICE

EDITORS’ CHOICE

Top 100 Best Buys of 2021

BEST BUY

Ranked #2 Top Values of 2021

Cellar Selection

There’s a lot going on in this bone-dry yet complex red, whose cherry, strawberry and plum fruit meshes with iron, tobacco, wild thyme and Mediterranean pine flavors, while the dusty tannins exert their presence on the lingering finish. Think hearty stews or wild boar ragù. Best from 2025 through 2043.

Cellar Selection

Smart Buy

Cellar Selection

Cellar Selection

Top 100 Wines of Italy 2019

Top 100 Values

Best Value

BEST BUY

BEST BUY

Full yet delicate red berries and nectarines make this medium-bodied and polished rosé Spumante very attractive. Lovely harmony at the clean, dry finish. Drink now.

Tons of candied and fresh-citrus aromas on the nose and the full, juicy palate. However, there’s no hint of anything superficial here and the finish is long and elegant. Drink now.

Green apples, praline, nutmeg and spices. There’s a real salinity on the palate, which works well with the fleshy stone fruit. Medium body, tangy acidity and a textured finish. Drink now.

Lots of elderberry compote and redcurrant reduction, as well as freshly squeezed lemons. Medium body, medium tannins and a very fruity finish. Drink now.

Aromas of strawberries, cherries and white chocolate. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh, crisp finish. Drink now.

Brambleberries, lemon rind and mint. Medium body, very fresh acidity and a fruity finish. Drink now.

Shows a delightful combination between pretty blue fruit, bark and resin on the nose. The palate is well defined with round tannins, a welcome streak of acidity and plenty of fruit. Drink now.

A fresh and fruity red with currants and hints of basil character on the nose and palate. Medium body, firm tannins and a crisp finish. Needs a year or two to come together completely. Drink in 2020.

Shows redcurrants and sun-dried tomatoes on the nose with fresh herbs. Medium body, fresh acidity and a fruity finish. Drink now. Predominantly sangiovese.

Shows nettles, spices, blackcurrant essence and Chinese spices. Medium to full body, medium-chewy tannins, tangy acidity and a tight finish. Drink now.

Dried cherries, wild strawberries, fresh citrus and orange rind. Full body, polished tannins and a succulent, fresh finish. Drink now.

This shows dark plums, nutmeg, blackberries and spices. Full body, ripe and round tannins and a chewy finish. Drink in 2020.

This is all smooth edges, with cherry flavors and a note of licorice. The tannins are refined and the finish conjures up hints of leather and tobacco.

Black currant, cedar, iron and sage notes prevail in this dense, powerful red. Retains a sense of elegance, finishing long, with echoes of fruit, herbs and spice. Everything is in the right place. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Firmly structured and tensile, leaving room for the cherry, leather, underbrush and mineral flavors. Packs a lot into a slim frame, with a lingering finish.

Dusty black currant, olive, gravel, graphite and spice flavor combine for a positive effect in this tightly wound red. Needs a bit of time to relax, but all the components are well-proportioned. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2021 through 2032.

BEST BUY

Best Value

Soft and delicately sweet, with lively pineapple and lemon flavors that show spicy accents. Drink now.

BEST BUY

Very Bordeaux-like in aroma and flavor, offering notes of black currant, cedar, cigar box and coffee. Features good acidity and finishes with a light coating of dusty tannins. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2023. 1,600 cases made. –Bs Issue Sep 30, 2018

Cherry and plum flavors highlight this well-structured red, along with notes of leather, earth and wild herbs. Firms up as the dense tannins come into play on the finish. Best from 2022 through 2037. 48,350 cases made. –BS Issue Jun 30, 2018

Rich and rather fresh at the same time. This is an impressively structured and modern Piemont red for this difficult vintage. A very good balance of black fruits and well-crafted dry tannins on the palate, which are present right through the rather long finish. Drink or hold.

A full-bodied sparkling wine with sliced apples and pears. Fine bubbles and a flavorful finish. Quite thick and layered. A fresh and appley finish. Always delicious. Disgorged in 2017. Drink now.

Very attractive fruit-salad nose, but with more delicacy than most Gavis. Very juicy, the spritz is really lighting this up. The bright acidity gives the finish a vibrancy that guarantees quality refreshment. Drink now.

A rich and tangy sparkling wine with cooked pears and apples, as well as hints of toasted yeast. Medium to full body and a flavorful finish. Try this often-forgotten sparkling wine. Drink now.

Forest floor, grilled herb and pipe-tobacco aromas lead the way on this firmly structured wine. The full-bodied palate offers dried cherry, steeped prune, orange zest and licorice set against tightly knit close-grained tannins. Drink 2022–2032.

Alluring aromas of dark berry, saddle leather, truffle and tilled soil meld together with dark spice. The bright medium-bodied palate shows cranberry, sour cherry and star anise framed in polished tannins. Vibrant acidity lends verve. Drink through 2024.

Forest floor, wild berry, coffee and toasted oak aromas come together on this. The medium-bodied palate is on the lean side, offering sour cherry, tobacco leaf, espresso and a saline note alongside lithe tannins. Drink 2020–2028.

Aromas of ripe plum, blue flower and a whiff of baking spice unfold in the glass. The vibrant elegant palate offers dried Marasca cherry, cranberry, star anise and a hint of toast while fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity provide support. Drink 2021–2028.

Underbrush, pipe tobacco, leather, scorched earth and dark culinary-spice aromas meld together in this full-bodied red. The savory, structured palate delivers baked plum, juicy black cherry, vanilla and star anise framed in fine-grained tannins. Drink 2020–2032.

Intense aromas of blackberry and black truffle follow through to a full body, firm and silky tannins and a gorgeous finish. Plenty of dried cherry to close. A pretty and focused red that needs two or three years to soften.

Publish Date: Monday, November 27, 2017

Plenty of sliced apple and honey character with hints of minerals. Medium to full body with fruit and honey. Crisp finish. Drink now.

The nose of this younger drinking style wine is fruity and delicious with plenty of fresh blueberry and lavender character. The palate is medium to full in body and extremely tender with mouthwatering acidity. As always, great value on offer here.

Publish Date: Tuesday, August 29, 2017

A tangy and fresh white with sliced apple and pear character. Mineral. Medium body and a clean and bright finish. Drink now.

Publish Date: Friday, October 20, 2017

An attractive red with dried cherry, chocolate and light tile. Medium body with a solid core of fruit and a fine tannins texture. Drink now.

Publish Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2017

This really explodes with ripe fruit such as dried strawberries and cranberries as well as leather and tobacco. Full body with lots of round tannins but fresh acidity and a long, remarkably savory finish. Drink now or hold. Publish Date: Friday, March 2, 2018.

A tangy and tropical white with mango, lemon and apple character. Medium body, dense fruit and a fresh finish. Nicely done. Drink now. Publish Date: Friday, October 20, 2017

Plummy aromas mix in the glass with whiffs of pressed blue flower, vanilla and mocha. The taut structured palate offers dried black cherry, coconut, licorice, espresso and black pepper while firm fine-grained tannins provide the framework. A note of pipe tobacco closes the tight finish. Give it a few more years to unwind and fully develop. Drink 2020–2027.

A textbook Brunello, mingling cherry and berry fruit with bitter almond, iron, sanguine and tobacco notes. Well-structured and harmonious, this should rein in the tannins with a few years of aging. Best from 2020 through 2033. 8,000 cases imported.

Woodsy, spicy notes are the highlights in this compact, muscular red. The density belies the sweet cherry, currant and plum fruit that should emerge with a little more time. Show fine balance and length. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2019 through 2029. 1,660 cases made.

A broad, meaty red, with plum, cherry, tobacco and leafy underbrush flavors. Finishes on the dry side, but nothing a good steak or meat ragù can’t enhance. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sangiovese. Drink now through 2023. 3,300 cases made.

A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this vibrant red has alluring aromas of plum, blackberry, purple flower, espresso and a whiff of exotic spice. The elegant, structured palate delivers black cherry, black currant, pipe tobacco, vanilla and licorice alongside fresh acidity while firm, fine grained tannins lend a polished texture. Drink 2018–2028.

A firm, tight version, whose cherry and currant flavors are fused to dense, dusty tannins. Tobacco, mineral and underbrush notes play out on the lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2018 through 2029. 650 cases made.

Made entirely with Pinot Nero, this bright sparkler delivers wild raspberry, cherry and cake-spice sensations along with a hint of baked bread. Fresh acidity lifts the finish.

A blend consisting of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 25% Sangiovese, 15% Syrah, this has aromas of black currant, pipe tobacco and a whiff of purple flower. Vibrant and elegant, the medium-bodied palate offers succulent blackberry, crunchy red cherry, clove and star anise alongside polished, fine-grained tannins.

Aromas suggesting ripe plum, exotic spice, blue flower and a whiff of pipe tobacco take shape in the glass. The full-bodied palate doles out ripe black cherry, raspberry, vanilla and a hint of star anise while velvety tannins give it a polished feel. An espresso note signals the close. Drink 2018–2026.

A dense, burly style, displaying cherry, iron, leather, earth, tobacco and spice flavors. Unyielding and compact now, yet also complex and long. Best from 2022 through 2035. 250 cases imported.

A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, this has enticing aromas of black-skinned fruit, fresh violet, espresso and a whiff of cake spice. Smooth and structured, the elegant palate delivers crushed raspberry, cassis, licorice and clove that follow through to the long finish. A backbone of polished fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity give it an age-worthy structure. Drink 2019–2033.

A sleek and pretty red with plum and light chocolate character plus hints of walnuts. Medium to full body and fine tannins. Shows the ripe balance of the 2012 vintage for Brunello. Drink or hold.

Very ripe and dense with lots of dried-fruit, spice and cedar character. Some cigar box, too. Full-bodied, velvety and rich. Powerful. Give it two to three years of bottle age.

“This is very tannic and powerful with blueberries, blackberries and milk chocolate. Full body, firm tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Shows length and power. A wine for decades ahead. Greatest Banfi red ever. Better in 2018.”

Best Value

An oily chardonnay with lots of density and intensity. Shows focus and beauty. Full and flavorful. Dried lemon and apple character. Full Burgundy treatment here; Tuscan style. Drink now.

A dense and fruity pinot grigio with apple, banana and mineral aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Bright finish. Drink now.

This vermentino shows a dried papaya and green apple character with medium body, pretty fruit and a bright finish. Drink now.

Cherry, leather, tar and milk chocolate flavors mingle in this big, chunky red. Balanced toward the tannic side, with a long aftertaste of spice, earth and chocolate.

Big, ripe black cherry and plum flavors are backed by dusty tannins in this rustic red, which displays power, with the vibrant acidity lending a touch of finesse. Tobacco, leather and iron notes add depth on the finish.

2016 TEXSOM International Wine Competition Gold Medal

2016 TEXSOM International Wine Competition Gold Medal

The balance to this wine is so delicious with dark berry, blackcurrant and lightly flowery aromas and flavors. Medium body, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. Tangy and bright. A beauty. Great value. Drink now.

A Gavi that shows the lemon and lime aromas and flavors you expect in an excellent white from this region. Full, bright and steely. Enjoy it. Drink now.

Dark chocolate, graphite, cherry and crushed stone. Full-bodied with a zesty acidity and polished tannins. Drink now. 100% Sangiovese.

Clear and perfumed with fresh red fruits with flowers, mineral on nose. Hint of leather with brown chocolate cake with fine tannin. This is medium-bodied red is savory, round with an elegant finish. Silky texture. Drink now or better in 2016.

A wine with wonderful depth and fruit. Full body, with polished and silky tannins and an intense finish. So much going on. Currant, flowers and light hazelnut. Beautiful now but better in 2014. The best SummuS ever.

There’s a linear purity to this red with dried chocolate, plum and peach aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now.

A juicy red with lemon-rind and ripe-berry character. Full body with firm tannins and a juicy finish. Dusty tannins give a pleasing texture to this wine. Drink now.

A big and juicy wine, with plums and berries and toasted oak. A little spicy, with cedar and dried fruits aftertaste. Best after 2012. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah.

Very perfumed with roses and black cherries. Medium body, a solid core of fruit and silky tannins. Fine rosso. Drink now.

Fresh berries with mineral, hint of tar on nose. Young tannins with coffee beans, woody character but gorgeous density. It’s a baby Brunello. Better in 2015.

A riserva with so much structure and tension. A full body that shows dried fruit and mushroom flavors. Walnut soil, too. So long and powerful. A glorious wine. Wine for the long term. Drink in 2017.

Gorgeous aromas of blackberries and spices follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a fruity, spicy finish. Give it three or four years to soften. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Syrah.

A round, beautiful red with blueberry, light chocolate and blackberry character. Full body, super-fine tannins and a fabulous finish. Drink now or hold.

A red with currant, blueberry and chocolate character. Full body, firm, velvety tannins and a fresh, clean finish. Needs time to soften but beautiful backbone of fruit and tannins. Banfi’s new wine from Bolgheri gets better and better. Drink in 2016.

A rich, velvety red with glorious dark-fruit character of blackberry, blueberry and dark chocolate. Full body. Juicy finish. A juicy, delicoius red from a grape that is a cross between nebbiolo and barbera. Drink now.

Aromas of blackberries, stones and lavender. Full body, tight and firm tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Hints of toasted oak and biscuit. Chocolate, too. Banfi continues to make excellent reds in this appellation. A red that is fascinating to drink now but will better in 2016.

A chewy red with shaved-chocolate, berry and nutmeg character. Full and savory. Lots of fruit. Clean finish. Always an excellent Super Tuscan. A blend of merlot, cabernet and sangiovese. Drink now.

Aromas of blueberries and lemon rind with some blackcurrant skin, too. Full body, firm and chewy tannins and a long finish. Needs two or three years to soften.

A delicious red with plum, lemon rind and blackcurrant aromas and flavors. A little austere now but shows a long and characterful finish. Cabernet sauvignon comes through here with purity. Drink now or hold.

A bright red with raspberry, red berry and stone aromas and flavors. Medium body, light tannins and a fruity, crisp finish. Racy Rosso di Montalcino. Drink now.

There’s a linear purity to this red with dried chocolate, plum and peach aromas and flavors. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now.

A very lively vermentino with Brazilian lime and citrus character throughout. Full body, bright acidity and a crisp finish. Drink now.

Subtle aromas of chocolate, espresso and ripe bluish-black fruit lead the nose of this robust blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah and 25% Sangiovese. The concentrated palate delivers ripe plum, dried black cherries, clove and black pepper alongside bracing tannins. You’ll also notice the heat of alcohol on the finish. — K.O. Published 8/1/2015

Rich, featuring black cherry and plum fruit and an overlay of vanilla from the oak, offset by an extra layer of tannins. Slightly crisp on the moderate finish. Best from 2016 through 2022. 3,000 cases made. –BS

BEST BUY

Appealing notes include pear, jasmine and orange blossom. It drinks a hair off dry with stone fruit flavors that seem a bit dilute

Aromas of eucalyptus, baked plum, leather and licorice complement the chocolate, leather and tar flavors. On the savory side, with dusty tannins finishing balanced and long. Best from 2016 through 2028. –BS Wine Spectator Online

May 2015

Sweet, polished, focused and expressive, playing the grapefruit, pear and spice flavors against bracing acidity. This avoids being cloying, and persists harmoniously. Delicious now, but should deepen with cellaring. Drink now through 2025.— H.S. (5 March 2015)

Showing sweet dried cherry and plum flavors, this is ripe and fluid, accented by leather, tea and spice. Firm, with refined tannins on the finish. This would pair nicely with a boar ragu. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now.

Fabulous aromas of dried rose petal, orange peel, and oyster shell with hints of dark fruits. Full body, very fine tannins with a mineral, berry and orange peel undertone. Real Tuscan dust undertone. A structured and salty and savory finish. Better in 2017.

Round and savory, this medium-bodied Rosso opens with aromas that recall underbrush, tobacco leaf, and cooking spices. The dense palate doles out rich black fruit accented with cinnamon, clove and licorice alongside supple tannins. -K.O. (November 2014)

BEST BUY (May 2014)

BEST BUY

Penetrating aromas suggest lemon oil and citrus blossom, with a hint of terpene. This is the driest version of this wine to date, with residual sugar down around 0.5%. Pear skin, pear flesh and citrus carry it through a lengthy finish. May 2014

BEST BUY (May 2014)

Dried strawberry and cherry aromas follow through to a medium body with integrated tannins and a fresh finish. Better in 2014. – James Suckling (9/2013)

A pretty, lightly wooded Chardonnay with minerals and a dried apple and peach character. Medium-to-full body with crisp acidity and a clean finish. Perfect beach wine. Drink now. – James Suckling (7/2013)

Herbal notes of thyme and tomato match up with black cherry and vanilla in this dense red, striking a pleasant balance of dusty tannins, acidity and rich texture. Drink now through 2018. – Bruce Sanderson (10/31/2013)

Top 100 Best Buys of 2013

Spicy and intense, this excellent Pinot Gris is loaded with Gravenstein apple, cut pear and a taste of orange peel. Surprising length and power for a European-styled wine, with modest alcohol. Best Buy. – Paul Gregutt

A wine with grace and beauty with blueberry and chocolate character. Medium-to-full body, with fine tannins and a clean finish. Sangiovese (25%), Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), Syrah (35%). Delicious now but will be better in 2015. – JS (7/2013)

Aromas of blueberries, blackberries and moss follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a juicy, fruity, fresh finish. Savory and lightly salty. Excellent to drink now but better in two or three years. A delicious wine for a good price. Predominantly Sangiovese. – JS (November 2012)

#1 TOP 100 2011 ~ Rich on the borderline between dry and sweet, this richly fruity riesling is packed with flavors or peach, apricot, pear, a hint of mint, and a streak of wet stone. There is a lot going on for such an inexpensive wine. – PG 11/01/11

BEST BUY ~ The sweetness gauge on the back label indicates this as medium dry, and at 3.2% residual sugar, there is more than a hint of sweetness. It’s all in fine balance, full flavored, fruity and round. A mix of peaches, apricots and Mandarin oranges makes this an interesting Riesling with some complexity. — […]

BEST BUY ~ # 10 TOP 100 BEST BUYS 2012 ~

A Fresh and textural wine, this puts a spicy spin on citrus rind and stone fruit flavors of peach and apricot. There’s an intriguing hint of white pepper as well, and an overall sensation of density, intensity and exceptional length. – PG 9/01/12

BEST BUY ~ This is the first release from Rainstorm, part of the expanding Mariani Family presence in the Pacific Northwest. It’s bone dry, immaculately fresh, and lees-aged, with lovely depth and finesse. Flavors of melon and cucumber dominate, and the crisp acidity offers bracing minerality. — P.G. (8/1/2012)

Sweet and silky, balanced with aggressive acidity. The poached pear, pineapple and spice flavors linger on the finish. Drink now through 2015. 1,400 cases made. -HS 11/30/12

Aromas and flavors of prunes, fresh herbs and tobacco follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and milk chocolate and fruit aftertaste. Made from 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink or hold. – JS

Sweet and silky, balanced with aggressive acidity. The poached pear, pineapple and spice flavors linger on the finish. Drink now through 2015. 1,400 cases made. –HS

This is the first release from Rainstorm, part of the expanding Mariani Family presence in the Pacific Northwest. It’s bone dry, immaculately fresh, and lees-aged, with lovely depth and finesse. Flavors of melon and cucumber dominate, and the crisp acidity offers bracing minerality. – P.G.

The 2007 ExcelsuS is a gorgeous super Tuscan expression (with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) that shows quality and superior fruit on all levels. Castello Banfi has really hit a home run with this vintage. You’ll encounter persuasive aromas of cassis, blackberry, chocolate, tobacco, curry leaf and deep renderings of exotic spice. The wine’s texture is exceedingly smooth, rich and long lasting. – M.L. (10/1/2011)

Castello Banfi in Tuscany does a great job with Chardonnay, as evidenced by this wine. It’s rich and soft, with bright aromas of peach, citrus, vanilla and savory herb. A pinch of acidity on the finish works beautifully as well. – M.L. (10/1/2012)

This blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah shows a decadently soft side thanks to its aromas of black cherry, tobacco, chocolate and subtle spice. It delivers density and substance on the finish and would pair with pasta and creamy porcini sauce. – M.L. (10/1/2012)

A full and very juicy red, with loads of blackberry, toasty oak and intense coffee character. Very intense. Superb. Best after 2013.

– J.S. (10/31/2010)