Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: New Zealand - Marlborough
The aromatics in this 2011 Sauvignon are distinctly tropical. Indulging the nose the initial sweet passion fruit then gives way to hints of lime, classic gooseberry, and dried herbs. But it is the palate where this wine embodies all that is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The entry onto the palate is smooth and fruit driven, which accelerates through to a midpalate burst of energy from the firm lively acidity with a lingering mouth-watering finish, leaving the discerned wine drinker simply gagging for more. Sauvignon Blanc can be enjoyed on many occasion: either on its own as an aperitif, or accompanied by seafood and salad dishes. Serve lightly chilled.
Varietal: Red Blend | Location: Italy - Veneto - Amarone
WS 92
WE 92
One of the founding members of the prestigious Amarone Families association who focus on safeguarding the unique winemaking traditions of Valpolicella, Allegrini sets the standard for a new generation of vintners. This opens with sweet tones of Indian spice, ripe fruit and tobacco. The mouthfeel is exceedingly rich, long lasting and intense.
Varietal: Red Blend | Location: Italy - Veneto - Veronese
WS 89
This is easily one of our favorite "go to" Italian reds for consistency of quality year in and year out. It fits somewhere between the lighter Valpolicella and the heavier style of Amarone. Both the 2006 and 2007 received 90 points from The Wine Advocate. They explain how this unique wine is made...
"Allegrini employs a unique variation of the ripasso technique for its Palazzo della Torre. The traditional method callas for the wine to undergo a second fermentation on the skins that are leftover from the vinification of the Amarone. The estate believes that this method leads to oxidized wines. Instead dries a portion of the grapes (around 30%) and ferments them separately in the same style as an Amarone, then adds that wine to the larger portion of the wine, which is fermented in the traditional manner."
Brilliant straw yellow with a green shimmer. Quite pronounced and expressive aroma with flowery and somewhat spicy notes. Rich flavoured in the mouth, with a slight smokiness at the back and a good, fresh finish. When properly cellared, this will drink well for 2 to 4 years.
The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a gracious, classy wine. Sweet red cherries, flowers, mint and spices are just some of the aromas and flavors that emerge from this mid-weight, restrained Brunello. In 2006 Altesino's Brunello impresses for its balance, freshness and finessed tannins. It isn't a blockbuster, but it will drink well upon release and over the next decade or so, perhaps longer. Floral notes waft from the glass on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020.
A Leonardo Lo Casio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a gracious, classy wine. Sweet red cherries, flowers, mint and spices are just some of the aromas and flavors that emerge from this mid-weight, restrained Brunello. In 2006 Altesino's Brunello impresses for its balance, freshness and finessed tannins. It isn't a blockbuster, but it will drink well upon release and over the next decade or so, perhaps longer. Floral notes waft from the glass on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. -- Antonio Galloni Read More
A dark, masculine, brooding Brunello with savory aromas of leather and cured meat behind ripe fruit and blackberry. It's tight and clean with a streamlined mouthfeel that gives evidence to the wine's firm tannic structure. Executed in a traditional style and shows possibility for long cellar aging.
Rosso di Altesino has a vibrant ruby red color and inviting aromas of ripe berries and forests. Inviting, fragrant, incredibly supple, with excellent body and balanced structure, Rosso di Altesino is an excellent value―a perfect choice for pasta, Alfredo sauces, polenta, white meats and semi-soft cheeses.
"Deep saturated red. Black plum, licorice and a note of chocolatey torrefaction on the nose. Sweet, suave and nicely deep, with a saline quality and good smoky complexity to its dark fruit and licorice flavors. Finishes broad, with sweet tannins. Not a particularly fruity style, but nuanced for a wine in this price range."