Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino 2016
ieve Santa Restituta was the first winery that the Gaja Family acquired outside of Piemonte. This sets the stage for other acquisitions by the Family in Bolgheri and Sicily. In 1994, Angelo Gaja bought this historic estate, previously owned by the clergy for over 1,400 years. The estate welcomed pilgrims, and the monks produced wine. Eventually, share-croppers struggled for years to produce vegetables, in the nutrient poor soils of white rocks, which proved perfect for grapes, especially Sangiovese.
The estate is named after the historic church, (Pieve in Italian,) Santa Restituta, and covers 16 hectares, as well as an additional 25 acres of vineyards in Torrenieri. From these storied four non-contiguous vineyard sites, the Gajas produce Pieve Santa Restituta, a classic blended Brunello. By 2005, the installation of its state of the art-winery was completed, and the first vintage of Pieve Santa Restituta was released.
This 2016 wine is a complex and seductive wine. A charming aroma of fresh red berries and hints of white pepper, this wine is alive and refreshing. Each glass is filled with energy and grace, which pulls you in. The palate is filled with these sweet pure fruit overtones, and intertwine with smooth and well-integrated tannins. There is an underlying power to this wine, as this expression of Sangiovese is enhanced by its terroir. It’s hard not to drink this wine young, but the great 2016 harvest assures you of a long life and infinite enjoyment...Be patient.
What to pair with this energetic Brunello? This is not a shy wine, and its complex flavors and integrated tannins calls for a dish that can compete with the fruit tones not get lost in the tangle of tannins and acid. I say eat what they eat in Tuscany, steak. A choice cut of Strip Steak, may be the perfect pairing for this Brunello. The natural tannins in the beef will certainly tame the Brunello’s lush tannins, giving it a chance to marry and cut through the fat of the steak. As the fruit tones play well with the sweetness of the beef, drawing out those flavors.
I also like a pasta dish of rich tomato sauce laced with mushrooms. The acidic tomato sauce will be leveled by the wine’s acidity, and the earthiness of the mushrooms draw out the wine’s own earthy tones and leaving a wonderful confluence of fruit tones and enjoyment.
Salute!
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What's New in
Wine Spectator
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What's New in
Wine Ethusiast
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During these challenging times, it's important for all of us to remain hopeful. Looking forward to raise a glass with all of you soon!
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Harvest Season
A View from the Vineyards
Despite
having a tough year due to the pandemic, and in some cases, natural
disasters, wine producers around the globe are embracing the harvest
season, while hoping things will soon be back to "normal".
For those of you who cannot be there in person this year, here are a few
stunning images sent in by some of our producers. Let's toast to a good
harvest and better 2021! Cheers!
Click on image to view this photo collection. Image courtesy of Paolo e Noemia d'Amico, Tenuta di Lilliano and Miner Family Winery
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A Prosecco Producers' Kingdom
Although the freedom of travel is temporarily on hold, you are never closer to the 100-year-old Estate of Nino Franco. Let the "First Family" of Prosecco take you on a private tour of their beautiful property!
Click on image to start the tour.
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Homebound and longing for wine country? Take a video tour of Tenuta di Lilliano in the Chianti Classico Region. This beautiful estate becomes even more magical in springtime...
Click on image above to begin!
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The Coronavirus respects no borders, but love and compassion of the Cusumano team are defeating the invisible enemy of fear and ignorance. When harsh realities pull us apart, they are bringing people together.
Click on image to view this touching story.
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The frigid temperature on February 28, 2020 did not faze any of the enthusiastic crowd who attended our sold-out 10th Annual Tre Bicchieri Wine Dinner at Portale restaurant. This year, we are celebrating the award-winning wines of Alta Mora, Cusumano and Tenuta di Lilliano. Co-hosting this event was Alessandro Ruspoli, owner-winemaker of renowned family Estate Lilliano.
Master chef Alfred Portale created an exquisite 4-course feast which perfectly paired each of these Tre Bicchieri Award-winning wines.
As the night progressed, this wine & food celebration quickly turned into one of the hottest events in town! Cheers!
Click on image above to view more highlights from the event.
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... And wine for all the wine and food lovers who attended our 11th Annual "Fall Frolic" Tasting & Dinner on September 16, 2019, featuring wines from the TDS Portfolio.
As guests hosts of this year's event, Owner/Winemaker Jenny Doré of Foxen Vineyards and Dave Miner of Miner Family shared their top wines with a passionate crowd of wine connoisseurs. These exquisite selection of wines were enhanced by a seemingly endless feast prepared by chefs at Frankies 457.
A true lively and fun evening of great wines and delicious food. And most of all, a memorable night for all wine lovers.
Click on image above to view more highlights from the event.
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Wild Boar,
Sophisticated Wine
On March 1, 2019, Our 9th Annual Tre Bicchieri Dinner took place at Ristoro del Cinghiale, the hot Tuscan venue in town. This sold-out dinner event showcases the winners of Tre Bicchieri Awards 2019, including Terenzi and Cusumano.
This year, Winemaker/Owner Federico Terenzi presented his superb wines from the Maremma, a remarkable land in the southwest corner of Tuscany. This ancient land of Italian cowboys, cattle and sheep was the birthplace of Morellino di Scansano, the finest expression of the noble grape, Sangiovese.
Chef Ben Smallman's Tuscan themed menu also dazzled the lively guests. From Bistecca di Florentina to Roasted Wild Boar, each course was perfectly paired to some of the best Terenzi creations, including Purosangue Riserva and Madrechiesa, the 7th year winner of Tre Bicchieri Award.
The confluence of these passionate and delicious wines, and the intense flavors of each course made for the celebration of senses. A winning night for all.
Click on image above to view more highlights from this special event.
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On the rain soaked evening of September 25, 2018, our 10th Annual Fall Frolic Tasting & Wine Dinner took place at Frankies 457. The wines from the entire TDS Portfolio were tasted by the enthusiastic crowd of food and wine aficionados.
On this milestone year, Miner Family Winemaker Gary Brookman brought Brooklyn some California sunshine, as a selection of fine wines from this dynamic family-owned winery were featured during a four-course feast. Gary conducted a doctoral on pairing Californian wines with Italian cuisine. An ambitious challenge, but a delicious outcome.
Judging by the smiling faces and sound bite in the packed dining room, this is another successful event for TDS, and a memorable night for the wine and food lovers.
Click on image above to view more highlights from this special event.
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While New Yorkers are welcoming the arrival of Fleet Week, another American fleet dropped its anchor in town. "Sailing" all the way from Santa Maria Valley, Winemakers/Owners Dick Dore and Bill Wathen of Foxen Vineyard & Winery, along with Marketing and Business Directors Jenny Williamson Dore and Becky Wathen arrived for a series of tastings and events in NYC, including a special wine dinner at Bouley Test Kitchen on May 24, 2018.
The two "Pinot Professors" charmed the attentive crowd with the fascinating history of Foxen Winery, which dates back to the early 1800's, as well as the uniqueness of their Santa Barbara County vineyards.
Master Chef and culinary icon David Bouley prepared a multi-course menu that paired perfectly with each Foxen wine. The subtleties of every dish was enhanced by the elegance and honesty of the wines. It was an unmistakable harmony of food and wine playing off each other, and the guests met each pairing with thunderous applause.
Anchors up, smooth sailing indeed...
Click on image above to view more highlights from the evening.
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On March 2, 2018, as a vicious Nor'easter pounded the East coast with heavy wind, rain and snow, TDS and Porter House NYC presented our 7th Annual Tre Bicchieri Dinner in honor of three winners of the prestigious awards for Italian wines.
Winemakers/Owners Peter Zemmer, Federico Terenzi from their namesake wineries and Maria Leone from Cusumano brought Italian warmth and sunshine to this otherwise damp and cold Friday evening in New York City.
Chef Michael Lomonaco's exquisite dinner menu paired well with each of the award-winning wines, as three of our Italian wine stars talked about the history of their wineries and the wines chosen for this special event.
It might still feel like Winter, but Spring is already in full session at our celebratory dinner for these deserving award winners.
Click on image above to view more highlights from the dinner.
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On the evening of Jan. 17, 2018, a "Meatball Buffet" was presented at the prestigious Harmonie Club, featuring 5 Italian wines from the TDS Portfolio.
With New York- style Italian cuisines as inspirations, Chef Thomas Piede prepared an array of antipasti, pastas, entrees and yes, some delicious meatballs. Tony DiDio paired this incredible feast with Cusumano Syrah and Nero d'Avola, Peter Zemmer "Punggl" Pinot Bianco, d'Amico "Noe" Orvieto and Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico.
The weather outside did not discourage the crowd from attending this marvelous event, dish after dish, glass after glass.
Click on image above to view more highlights from the event.
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Pairing wines with a typical Thanksgiving dinner can be daunting when side dishes, both sweet and savory, are served simultaneously. On Nov. 21, 2017, Tony DiDio sat down with Rosanna Scotto and Lori Stokes, hosts of Fox 5's award-winning show "Good Day New York", to talk about ways to simplify this seemingly difficult task. Tony selected 5 "versatile" wines from Foxen, d'Amico, Nino Franco, Terenzi and Miner Family that will go well with the mixed flavors on the Thanksgiving table. A good way to start the Holiday season! Happy Holidays!
Click on image above to view more highlights from the show.
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Fall, in Love with Bubbles
The threat of high winds and heavy rain of Hurricane Jose did not dampen the passion of the crowd who attended our sold-out 9th Annual "Fall Frolic" Tasting & Wine Dinner on Sept. 19, 2017.
As usual, this grand annual wine and food fest offered our guests the opportunity to taste an array of wines in the TDS Portfolio, from Napa Valley to Mt. Etna. This year, Primo Franco, Winemaker & Owner of Nino Franco Prosecco hosted our post-tasting wine dinner by talking about the history of his family's iconic Veneto Estate, as well as the Nino Franco wines featured throughout the dinner.
The four-course feast prepared by chefs at Frankies 457 took on a new dimension this year, with the pairing of all sparkling wines. The result proved to each guest that Prosecco is not only good as an aperitif, but also a versatile wine that can be paired with an entire meal.
While Hurricane Jose hardly left any marks on New York City, the beautiful wines showcased throughout this high spirited night definitely left a long lasting impression on the exuberant crowd.
Click on title image above to see more highlights of this wine and food event.
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On the evening of April 26, 2017, Ristorante Morini was magically transformed into a rousing Italian trattoria, this side of Alto Adige.
Peter Zemmer, the third generation Winemaker/Owner of Peter Zemmer Winery, presented a selection of wines from his celebrated portfolio, including the newly-released Pinot Grigio "Giatl" 2014 Riserva. Paired perfectly with a special 4-course menu by Chef Arthur lee, the wines sang out.
From the first Pinot Grigio to the last Pinot Noir, the Zemmer wines tell a beautiful story of their origin and terroir. Influenced by the majestic Dolomite Mountains, the Zemmer wines displayed freshness, honesty and balance. Together they bring the natural landscape and beauty of Alto Adige to an enthusiastic crowd of wine lovers.
Click on image above to see more highlights of the evening.
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On the evening of March 28, 2017, Winemaker Stacy Vogel of Miner Family Winery conducted a Napa valley celebration with a fine selection of Miner wines at Ritz Carlton New York, Central Park.
As part of the successful "Phenomenal Femmes" Wine Dinner series at the hotel's Auden Bistro, Stacy presented six Miner wines, paired to perfection by Wine Director Marika Vida Arnold. From Viognier to The Oracle, Miner Family's flagship wine, the enthusiastic audience was awed by the depth of flavors and nuance of each wine selection. Stacy proved once again that in the New World, Napa is still king. And Miner definitely has a place in the realm of great wines.
Click on image above to see more highlights of the event.
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Grand Opera of
Wine & Food
On February 10, 2017, while the entire New York City was dealing with the aftermath of a winter storm, Porter House was warmed up by the celebration of two Italian winemakers and their Tre Bicchieri Award-winning wines. Diego Cusumano from Sicily and Federico Terenzi from Tuscany presented their most impressive wines to a cordial and attentive crowd.
Chef Michael Lomonaco's Tuscan/Sicilian inspired menu hit the high notes when paired with these epic wines. Winemakers Diego and Federico were warmly received by the enthusiastic crowd during the four-course Italian feast. With outside temperature falling below freezing point, this grand opera of wine and food surely turned Porter House into the hottest spot in town.
Click on image above to see more highlights of the evening.
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On November 23, 2016, Tony DiDio appeared on Thanksgiving Special of Fox 5's award-winning show "Good Day New York". Sitting down with Hosts Rosanna Scotto and Greg Kelly and other guests, Tony presented a few selected budget-friendly wines for the Holidays. He also talked about pairing those festive dishes with the right wines. A good day to usher in the Holiday Season. Cheers!
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The weather could not be better and the wines won over the crowd, as TDS celebrated its 8th Annual Fall Frolic Portfolio Tasting & Dinner on September 22, 2016, the first day of Autumn.
Guests got the chance to taste all wines, many of which new releases, from wineries in the TDS Portfolio.The tasting was followed by a wine dinner featuring wines from Foxen Vineyard & Winery and Terenzi Winery, two new members to TDS. Dick Doré of Foxen and Federico Terenzi of Terenzi led commentaries on the wines chosen for this sold-out dinner.
Each course was paired with a Old World (Terenzi) and a New World (Foxen) wine. The chemistry of these wonderful wines not only dazzled the crowd, but also added another dimention to this magical night at Frankies 457.
Click on image above to see more highlights of this event.
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An unexpected late-night storm on June 27, 2016 did not dampen the festive mood inside Racines NY, where our 7th Annual Late Night Ramble took place. This year's theme: Pork Pinot and Prosecco drew many of the young professionals in the wine community. The wines selected from the TDS portfolio were embraced by this energetic group of wine connoisseurs. It might be pouring cats and dogs outside. But inside Racines NY, something more magical were poured, savored and shared. Salute to summer!
Click on image above to see more highlights of the evening.
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On the evening of May 18, 2016, Winemaker Diego Cusumano cast a spell on Ristorante Morini on Madison Avenue.
During the four-course dinner, Diego presented four indigenous wines from his family's estate outside of Palermo. Chef Michael White's team put a Sicilian spin on each course, that paired and complimented every wine. From the Cusumano Insolia to the refreshing Moscato della Zucco, there was not a dull moment for this fun evening. Thanks to the delicious Cusumano wines, guests truly got a taste of Sicily. Salute Sicilia!
Click on image above to see more highlights of this event.
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d'Amico Wines Impress NYC
On April 22, 2016, the d'Amico winery debuted a collection of their stunning wines, made with grapes grown in volcanic soil. A special wine dinner at the Columbus Club in NYC, marked winemaker Guillaume Gelly's presentation of d'Amico wines to a group of sophisticated wine lovers. The crowd listened attentively as Mr. Gelly explained the provenance and content of each wines, as well as a description of this breathtaking Estate. These organic and elegant wines from Lazio and Umbria, were the perfect match for Chef John Boden's creative cuisine, paired by Tony DiDio.
Click on image above to see more highlights of this magical evening.
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Wine & Food Sing in Harmonie
On March 24, 2016, the elegant dining room at the Harmonie Club was magically transformed into a grand trattoria for their Italian Wine Dinner featuring six wines from six different regions of Italy: Baracchi, Cusumano, D'Amico, Nino Franco and Peter Zemmer. Opera singers were brought in to set the tone for this wonderful culinary gala. It was true "Harmonie", as each dish prepared by Chef Thomas Piede's cucina sang a high note, paired with the exquisite wine selections. A night to savor!
Click on image above to see more highlights of this harmonious evening.
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"Turtle lollipops anyone?" As you walk into Henry's End Restaurant on the evening of March 1, 2016, this might be the first thing you hear. It was their Wild Game Dinner featuring selected wines of Miner Family Winery. The five-course dinner was a symphony of flavors as Tony DiDio matched each wild game dish with a wildly sensational Miner wine. From ostrich potstickers to elk chops, from Sauvignon Blanc to the Oracle, a harmonious tune was sung throughout the night. It was wild!
Click on image above to see more highlights of this evening.
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Singing Sicilian
on Stage Left
On February 10, 2016, Winemaker Diego Cusumano brought warmth and great wines from his Sicilian Estate to Stage Left Restaurant in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
This "Pantheon of American Cuisine" embraced the Cusumano wines and created a menu that complimented these Sicilian treasures. The special event began with guests sampling six selections of Cusumano wines, followed by a four-course dinner that was highlighted by Cusumano Cru wines produced on their versatile and fertile land in Sicily. Belissimo!
Click on image above to see more highlights of this evening.
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A crisp Fall night on Oct.5, 2015 brought out our friends in the food and wine industry to the Late Night Ramble at Untitled Restaurant at The Whitney Museum. This has been our sixth year to present this special event designed to fit the working schedule of many in the food and wine trade. This year we were fortunate to have Winemakers Primo Franco of Nino Franco Prosecco, Diego Cusumano of Cusumano Winery and Jason Gardine of Hanzell Vineyards to pour their special wines for the guests, who got the chance to taste all the wines in the TDS Portfolio while mingling and networking with their colleagues in the business. What could be better than that?
Click on image above to see more highlights of this late night event.
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TDS Events Archive
TDS has hosted numerous tasting events in the past and we simply can not list them all here. If you are interested in seeing some of our recently archived event highlights, pleaseclick here to begin.
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Wine Critic James Suckling commends the latest releases from Cusumano/Alta Mora, in his recent “Tasting Reports” 0n Sicilian wines.
92 Alta Mora Etna Rosso 2018
Frank and attractive red-cherry, cranberry and floral aromas, plus a sleek and vivid palate make this a classic Etna red. Very good balance at the clean, mineral finish.
91 Cusumano Angimbe 2020
Very ripe, almost dried peach and apricot notes with hints of fresh herbs and a light sawdust note that turns more toffee-like on the palate. Medium-bodied and packed with ripe flavors.
91 Alta Mora Nero Feudo di Mezzo 2017
For an Etna red this has full body and a substantial tannin structure, around which is wrapped plenty of ripe red fruit.
90 Cusumano Insolia 2020
Intense, floral nose, showing white flowers, lemons and stony minerals. Medium-bodied, bright and tangy.
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In the recent edition of the Wine Spectator, editor James Molesworth awards high commendation for Miner Family Cabernet Oakville 2018.
92 Miner Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Lively, with a mix of red and black currant and boysenberry notes liberally laced with floral, sassafras and dried anise notes. Sanguine and cedar hints check in on the finish. Best from 2022 through 2032.
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A Top Bottle That Stands Out
In her recent review titled "Pinot Grigios That Stand Out from the Rest", Lettie
Teague, wine critic for The Wall Street Journal, picks Peter Zemmer
Pinot Grigio as one of her “Top Bottles".
Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio 2019
The
Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio, sourced from both hillside and valley-floor
vineyards in Alto Adige, is a light-bodied, fruity and fresh wine with a
slight saline note to the finish.
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Rave Reviews to
A Regal Winery
Tenuta di Lilliano is owned by the Ruspoli Family, an aristocratic Family, with a history in Tuscany dating back to the Renaissance. They are producing world class wines in Castellina in Chianti.
In his recent review of Chianti Classico wines, journalist James Suckling gives a rave review to the Lilliano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017.
Bruce Sanderson, the Senior Editor of the Wine Spectator, gives a glowing review to the Lilliano Chianti Classico 2018, in the current edition of the magazine.
93 Lilliano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017
Ripe cherries and lightly stewed fruit on the nose with flowers and dried earth. Nutmeg, too. Full-bodied with loads of juicy fruit. Chewy at the end dense. - James Suckling
90 Lilliano Chianti Classico 2018
Macerated cherry and raspberry fruit if accented by wild rosemary and a stony mineral element in this red. There’s a fluid feel, yet this is also firm, and the tannins emerge on the finish. - Wine Spectator
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Explosive Scores Given to Cusumano Wines
In the recent issue of Vinous, Wine Critic Eric Guido reviews several Cusumano wines, and awards them outstanding reviews.
92 Alta Mora Etna Bianco 2019
The
2019 Alta Mora Etna Bianco sends up aromas of musky dried peach, wax,
raw almonds and wet stone. Its soft textures envelop the palate with a
mix of nectarine and young mango offset by saline-minerality and bright
acids. This is persistent and structured yet crisp and savory,
resonating on citrus-tinged pit fruits and exotic spices. The 2019 is
showing great already, but a year or two of cellaring should help to
further smooth out the expression.
91 Cusumano Noà 2016
Cooling
mint meets sweet tobacco, black currants and hints of dark chocolate as
the 2016 Noà slowly comes to life in the glass. This is silky in
texture with medium-bodied weight, ushering in a polished display of
blackberry and plum, as a mix of minerals and sweet tannins creates a
more structured feel toward the close. It tapers off long but also
youthfully monolithic to hints of balsamic spice. There are unseen
depths here that will only be revealed with further cellaring. The Noà
is a blend of 40% Nero d'Avola, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.
92 Cusumano Nero d'Avola Sàgana 2017
The
2017 Nero d'Avola Sàgana pulls you close with a mix of black currants,
brown spice, tobacco and crushed rocks. It’s soft in texture, presenting
a pure and savory display of black fruit and inner herbal notes, all
lifted by salty acids and minerals. Grippy tannins linger through the
purple-tinged finale, as this tapers off lightly structured yet long,
resonating on wild berries and hints of mocha and tar. Color me
impressed.
91 Alta Mora Guardiola 2016
The
2016 Alta Mora Guardiola is dark, moody and earthy in the glass, as if
you can smell all of the ashen soils, floral and fauna from the vineyard
itself, but with a note of spiced black cherries that keeps you coming
back for more. Its silky textures usher in a cool-toned display of tart
blackberries, wild herbs and spices, as fine tannins collect toward the
close. This finishes youthfully poised and structured, with a lasting
stain of black fruits, licorice and salty minerals that seem to linger
for well over a minute.
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Under The Radar,
Over The Top
For the past 30 years, the California Rhone Rangers, have embraced such varietals such as Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Viognier. Suddenly, mainstream wine drinkers are catching on as well. Miner Family is farming their Viognier from the Steinbeck Vineyard in Paso Robles, and are producing stunning wines.
In the recent Wine Spectator, Editor Mary Ann Worobiec awards the Miner Family Viognier Paso Robles 2019, an outstanding score of 92 points.
92 Miner Paso Robles Viognier 2019
There’s wonderful purity to the pineapple, lemon curd and ripe flavors, with peach blossom and candied orange peel on the finish.
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Suckling Raves About Zemmer Wines
In the
latest issue of his Insider Guide, Wine journalist James Suckling sings
praises of Alto Adige’s eminent producer, Peter Zemmer.
91 Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio 2020
A
very fresh, clean pinot grigio with lovely honeydew-melon and
summer-herb character and a neat balance of generous fruit with lively
acidity. Polished, long finish.
91 Peter Zemmer Pinot Noir Rolhut 2020
Considering
this pinot noir went into the bottle just half a year after the
harvest, it has remarkably satisfying harmony. I love the sour-cherry
and fresh red-beet nose, as much as the full, supple tannins on the
fresh, medium-bodied palate.
93 Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio Riserva Giatl 2018
An
exceptionally well structured, creamy and silky pinot grigio that
carries its considerable power easily. Ripe melon with a hint of papaya
on the nose, but that doesn’t make this the least bit opulent.
91 Peter Zemmer Chardonnay 2020
This
elegant Alto Adige chardonnay marries ripeness with mountain freshness
effortlessly, the aroma of freshly harvested nuts giving it a distinct
personality in this context. Good substance and drive through the long,
mineral finish.
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Going Wild Over Miner Wines
In the current issue of Forbes Magazine online, Wine Editor hails 3 current releases from Miner Family.
94 Miner Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard 2018
Garys’
Vineyard (yes, there are two men named Gary who own this vineyard,
hence the apostrophe after the “s,”, is the source of Pinot Noir for
several producers in California including Miner Family Winery in Napa
Valley. Pale young garnet color; aromas of red currant, wild strawberry
and turmeric. Medium-full with excellent depth of fruit, very good
acidity, medium-weight tannins and nicely managed wood notes. There are
distinct brown spice (oregano, allspice) sensations in the lengthy
finish. Offering excellent complexity and richness... If you must enjoy
it now, pair with duck breast with cherry sauce.
95 Miner Wild Yeast Chardonnay 2018
Light
yellow; rich aromas of lemon peel, almond and apricot. Medium-full with
excellent concentration. Rich mid-palate, layered flavors, excellent
persistence and complexity. Long finish, rich, beautifully styled
Chardonnay... One of the best vintages of this wine I have tasted in
years.
92 Miner Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
A
blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of
blackcurrant along with hints of tobacco, mocha and oregano.
Medium-full, this has impressive ripeness, rich tannins, balanced
acidity and well managed wood notes. The finish offers notes of black
and brown spice notes and there is good persistence.
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In her
recent article, “Italy’s Signature White”, Senior Editor of Wine
Spectator Alison Napjus explores the different expressions of Pinot
Grigio, and awards the highest score to Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio Giatl
Riserva 2017.
91 Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio Riserva Giatl 2017
This
fragrant white is round and balanced, with a lovely range of juicy
pineapple, star anise, pickled ginger and lime blossom enriched by hints
of pastry cream and lemon curd.
Peter Zemmer, proprietor of his family estate, made one of the year’s
top wines, the Pinot Grigio Alto Adige Giatl Riserva 2017, by sourcing
grapes from individual sites and fermenting them entirely in small
French oak casks. After vinification, the wine was aged for a year in
large oak barrels, a crucial production detail for Zemmer: “[It] rests
for a long time on the fine yeast, gaining complexity and density.” The
resulting wine is polished and elegant, with rich pineapple, pastry
cream, spice and mineral flavors.
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A Cabernet
with Bright Future
In the
recent Forbes Magazine article, "Exploring The Cabernet Sauvignon of
Napa Valley, Part III: Oakville", Wine Journalist Brian Freedman gives
an impressive review of Miner Family Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2017.
Miner Family Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2017
Aromas
of brandied cherries dipped into melted dark chocolate are informed by
the slightest suggestion of spearmint at the edges, which turn to a more
savory palate than expected. There is a meaty note to the brambly
berries, rosemary, purple plums, pluots, and kumquat pithiness that
makes this seem particularly well-suited for the cellar. Open it now
with a meaty meal, or hold it for another decade: The future is bright
for this under-$100 bottling.
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In the
recent edition of Food and Wine Magazine’s “The Wine List,” the editors
name Cusumano Nero D’Avola 2019 as one of the Best Affordable Red Wines
in the world.
Cusumano Nero D'Avola 2019
Bright and intensely fruity with ripe plum and coffee flavors.
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In the latest issue of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Senior Editor Monica Larner, gives an excellent review to Tenuta di Lilliano 2017 Gran Selezione, with an outstanding score.
91 Tenuta di Lilliano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2017
The Tenuta di Lilliano 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is a lean and streamlined red wine to enjoy with some toasted Tuscan bread and chicken-liver terrine. With a full and elegant bouquet, it brings forward wild berry, wild rose, tilled earth and candied orange peel. The wine is tonic and clean with a pretty level of inner tension and grace that was not easy to achieve in this unusually dry and hot vintage.
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In his latest review on Italian wines, Wine Critic & journalist James Suckling gives high scores and praise to the wines of Paolo e Noemia d’Amico.
92 d'Amico Seiano Bianco 2019
Subtle aromas of sliced apple, waxed lemon and wet stone. It’s medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a nice, mineral and stone finish with a creamy texture.
90 d'Amico Seiano Rosso 2019
Cherry, raspberry, rose-petal and hibiscus aromas. It’s medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and a creamy texture. Juicy and delicious.
91 d'Amico Chardonnay Falesia 2018
Attractive aromas of ripe apricot, baked apple, almond pastry and vanilla custard. It’s full-bodied with gentle acidity. Delicious pastry and lemon-curd notes on the finish.
90 d'Amico Chardonnay Calanchi di Vaiano 2018
Honeysuckle, stone fruit, almond and crushed chalk on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with gentle acidity and a creamy, focused finish.
92 d'Amico Villa Tirrena 2015
There’s a strong herbal undercurrent here of undergrowth and brambles, but give this time to open in the glass and brambleberries and elderberries surface. Interplay between expressive fruit and edgy acidity on the palate creates pretty tension to send this home to a chewy, spicy finish.
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In his
Winter (2020-2021) issue of Italian Wine Report, Tom Hyland, journalist
and Forbes wine critic, bestows plaudits and high scores to Tenuta di
Lilliano’s Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016 and the Chianti Classico
Riserva 2016.
94 Lilliano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016
Deep
ruby red; aromas of thyme, sage and dried morel cherry. Medium-full
with impressive concentration. Rich mid-palate, excellent persistence,
very good acidity, nicely managed wood notes and a rich finish with
distinct notes of thyme and oregano. Excellent complexity, this is well
structured...
92 Lilliano Chianti Classico Riserva 2016
Bright
ruby red; aromas of morel cherry, vanilla and oregano. Medium-full,
this is very ripe and has good acidity, medium-full tannins and very
good persistence. This is young with a touch of modernity and needs a
few years to round out. Except for the evident wood notes, this offers
nice typicity.
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In his
recent article, “New Napa Valley Wines: Highlight Harmony and
Refinement,” James Suckling gives high scores and praise to Miner
Family’s Sauvignon Blanc 2019 and Chardonnay Wild Yeast 2018.
93 Miner Chardonnay Wild Yeast 2018
A
full-bodied white with aromas of apricot, mango, cream and lemon
shortbread. Generously round on the palate with an oily texture,
balanced by crisp acidity. Flint and chopped almonds on the finish.
91 Miner Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Pretty
aromas of green apple, honeydew, lime curd and zest. It’s medium-bodied
with tangy acidity and a gently waxy texture. Flint on the finish.
Drink now.
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In the recent release of Decanter’s World Wine Awards 2020, the Peter Zemmer Giatl Riserva Pinot Grigio 2017, was awarded a Gold Medal and an impressive score of 95 points.
95 Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio Giatl Riserva 2017
Rich candied fruit aromas follow through to an intense palate, which has added honey, spice and roasted nut flavours. Stunning: an impressive and distinct style.
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Wine Critic Antonio Galloni reviews the Gaja Camarcanda 2017 and bestows a remarkable score of to this Tuscan prize.
95+ Gaja Ca'Marcanda Camarcanda 2017
2017
Camarcanda is rich and heady in the glass, with all of the natural
radiance of the vintage on full display. Ripe, racy and exotic in its
beauty, the 2017 is a prototypical modern Maremma red. Generous fruit,
racy contours and lifted savory notes add to its considerable allure.
It, too, is arresting in its beauty. The 2017 offers plenty of
voluptuousness, but with no excess weight. I loved it.
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Tiny Bubbles, Big Flavors
In
their most recent buying guide, wine journalist Kerin O'Keefe of Wine
Enthusiast Magazine gave rave reviews to 4 Nino Franco Proseccos. | |
