Exciting New Fall Arrivals

Inky ruby. Powerful, pungent cassis, blackberry and graphite aromas. Huge, deeply concentrated dark fruit flavors completely absorb the tannins, giving this an almost liqueur-like impression. The fruit actually builds on the remarkably powerful, sweet finish, taking a darker turn to mulberry and boysenberry. An Hermitage with outstanding clarity and length.

- Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar Issue 130, January/February 2007

Inky ruby. Explosively perfumed aromas of vibrant, spice-accented cherry and dark berries. Deep, powerful blackberry and cassis flavors are supported by tangy acidity and strong tannic structure. Very chewy on the palate-staining finish, which shows almost painful concentration right now. "This is all potential," notes Grange.

- Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar Issue 130, January/February 2007

50% merlot, 35% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot. Lovely, vibrant aromas of ripe-off-the-vine blackberry and black raspberry with nuamnces of cedar box and sweet tobacco. Full, elegant entry that reiterates the berry fruit and is joined by delicate streams of plum and black chery. A velvety sort of muscularity gives it definition along with the structure of sophisticated and proper tannins. A classic and sublime example of Ornellaia's second wine. Drink: 2007-2015.

- Cyrille Hanson, Vinfolio, October 2007

The 2005 Le Volte (50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon) delivers considerable pleasure in its fresh, vinous aromatics, perfumed sweet dark fruit and irresistibly soft-textured personality. The Sangiovese for Le Volte is purchased from local producers as finished wine and then blended with estate-grown Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. General Manager/Agronomist Leonardo Raspini told me that, as opposed to 2004 when everything came easily, in 2005 his growers were forced to be more diligent as well as selective, resulting in higher quality wines despite the lower overall quality of the vintage. Drink: 2007-2011.

- Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate 171, June 2007

A single vineyard effort. 100% Aglianico. Intense garnet/purple hue. Pronounced aromatics that mingle the earth essence of the volcanic soil with campfire bacon, dark berry compote and exotic spice. Intense and forceful on the palate, it exudes a kaleidoscope of blackberry and forest fruit that is joined by abundant plum, black pepper and bramble. It manifests its power with a bold dose of tannins that is wonderfully integrated into the whole. A poster child for Aglianico that will cellar and develop for years. Drink: 2007-2020.

- Cyrille Hanson, Vinfolio, October 2007

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the 2003 Camartina is a drop-dead gorgeous effort. Fat, rich and opulent, it will reward consumers with its generous super-ripe fruit, great length and beautiful overall balance. While it doesn't look to be one of the more long-lived Camartinas, with some air it is drinking beautifully today. It is a very refined effort in this vintage. Drink: 2007-2019.

- Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate 171, June 2007

What a joy it is to taste the 2005 Chianti Classico Querciabella. A model of elegance, it presents a beautiful, lively color along with generous amounts of fruit on a supple frame, with superb length, fine tannins and stunning overall balance. This blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet spent 14 months in French oak, 30% new for the Sangiovese and 80% new for the other varietals, prior to being assembled and bottled. It is a superb effort in this difficult vintage. Drink: 2007-2017.

- Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate 171, June 2007

The 2004 Tinto Pesquera (Crianza), from a great vintage, is opaque purple with a fragrant nose of lead pencil, earth, black currants, and blackberry liqueur that jumps from the glass. This is followed by a sexy wine with layered blue and black fruits intertwined with ripe tannins and good acidity. This superb, beautifully balanced effort should evolve for 4-6 years and drink well for another 10-15. Drink: 2011-2026.

- Jay Miller, Wine Advocate 169, February 2007