Antinori Solaia From Magnum: 1978-2016
featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Sep 2020
It’s always great to be in London. There is something magical about the city. Its energy and pulse are so inspiring. This vertical of Antinori’s iconic Solaia going back to the inaugural 1978, with all but the very early vintages from magnum, was truly unforgettable.
Chianti Classico: More Than Meets The Eye
featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Sep 2020
For the first time in many, many years I was not able to make my summer trip to Tuscany to taste the wines of Chianti Classico. That’s 2020 for you. But you know what? There is something to be said for the perspective gained by tasting the wines far away from those stunning hillside vineyards, removed from the charming towns, without any of that amazing food. Would the wines be as impressive as I have long thought?
Cellar Favorite: Soldera: A Look at the 2013 & 2014
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, Italy: Tuscany
, Jul 2020
It is hard to believe Gianfranco Soldera is no longer with us, as he was such a force of nature. Long coveted by those in the know, Soldera’s wines remain incredibly singular expressions of Sangiovese and Montalcino. Over the years I have been fortunate to visit the estate many times and taste numerous wines from cask including the 2013 and 2014 reviewed here from bottle.
Cellar Favorite: 1997 Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, Italy: Tuscany
, Jun 2020
The 1997 wines of Tuscany have become something of a question mark in the eyes of many consumers. At release, the press went wild for the wines. Some still see 1997 as one of Italy’s greatest modern-day vintages, and to this day, salespeople base their pitch on its prestige.
Cellar Favorite: 1999 Podere La Vigna Brunello di Montalcino
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, Italy: Tuscany
, Apr 2020
The 1999 vintage in Montalcino has always held a special place in my heart, and for very good reason; the cool and dry growing season resulted in structured wines with balanced acidity. The hard part was waiting for them to mature.
2015 Brunello: The Vintage We Have Been Waiting For?
featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Apr 2020
Montalcino is in a constant state of flux. Recent years have brought scandal, a division between traditional and international styles, various efforts to organize and define vineyard sites and repeated battles to change the guidelines of the producers' consortium, all accompanied by a series of fair vintages consumers have often snubbed. You can imagine the happiness 2015 brought winemakers. But is it the vintage consumers have been waiting for?
Montalcino: The Great 2015 Brunellos & More
featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Apr 2020
Wine lovers everywhere are in for a real treat with Montalcino’s latest releases. The 2015 Brunellos are some of the best in recent memory, while the 2018 Rossos are wonderfully fresh and inviting. A handful of luscious Moscadellos round out the wines featured in this report.
Tuscany New Releases, Part 1
featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Mar 2020
This first installment of our Tuscany coverage looks at a wide range of new releases across a region that is vast, wonderfully diverse and full of wines that are well worth exploring. From the big, bold reds of Maremma to those of perhaps slightly lesser known appellations such as Carmignano, Montepulciano, Cortona and Orcia, Tuscany offers readers so much to discover. The journey with Italian wines is truly never-ending. Tuscany alone is a great example of that. Best of all, many of the wines in this article also offer terrific value in today’s world.
Cellar Favorite: 1990 Soldera – Case Basse Brunello di Montalcino
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, Italy: Tuscany
, Feb 2020
Soldera’s 1990 Brunello di Montalcino doesn’t quite have the visceral power and lushness of his Riserva, but you know what? It comes pretty close.
Masseto Retrospective at the Country Music Hall of Fame
Verticals & Retrospectives, featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Jan 2020
Well, I have to hand it to the Nashville Wine Auction and President/CEO Holly Whaley. They really knew how to get me to say ‘yes’ to participating in a Masseto tasting in Nashville. Wine, guitars and country music, all for charity. That will get me every time. I was thrilled to co-host this complete Masseto retrospective with winemaker Axel Heinz, singer/songwriter Martina McBride and her husband, producer John McBride. It was a phenomenal weekend.