2019 Brunello di Montalcino is “…the vintage we’ve all been waiting for,” so “Buckle your seatbelts,” and strap on your helmets because the newest vintage from Montalcino is “…an embarrassment of riches for collectors and fans of the appellation” (Eric Guido, Vinous Media). The hotly anticipated Brunellos have “…definitely lived up to [their] lofty reputation as an excellent vintage across Montalcino” (Kerin O’Keefe). It showcases the extraordinary qualities of Sangiovese, Tuscany’s most famous and beloved grape variety, and its ability to exploit the region’s phenomenal terroir. This “…magical year…” (Giacomo Neri of Casanova di Neri) of “radiance and appeal” (Eric Guido) will likely set a new benchmark for Brunello wines for years to come.
According to Italian wine expert, Kerin O’Keefe, she has “…never tasted so many drop-dead-gorgeous young Brunellos from a single vintage.” She confesses that many of the best wines stopped her in her tracks, generating that “…magical moment
The 2009 Stella di Campalto Rosso di Montalcino (93 Points - Sokolin Tasting Panel / $39.99) is an exceptional value alternative to often pricier Brunello di Montalcino bottles. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate called Stella di Campalto “…one of the most promising young producers in Montalcino…” Antonio Galloni (formerly of The Wine Advocate) has also noted that “these handmade, artisan Rossi and Brunelli are some of the most exciting wines being made in Montalcino today.”
In recent history, no other category of Italian wine has had such an impact as that of the Super Tuscan. It is single-handedly responsible for the “Renaissance” of Italian wine. Specifically, the term arose as more and more Chianti producers opted out of their historical term “Chianti Classico” in order to make a more modern and expressive wine. Many are of high quality and are normally somewhat higher priced. They are typically Sangiovese based with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, a varietal not permitted in the Chianti blend. However, a Super Tuscan can be pretty much anything. It can take the form of a mono-varietal, like Isole e Olena’s 100% Sangiovese Cepparello or Ornellaia’s 100% Merlot Masseto, or any blend of varietals, for example Antinori’s blends of Sangiovese and Cabernet in its Tignanello and Solaia wines. In the end, a Super Tuscan is the true expression of a winemaker, with no bounds
The black grape Tempranillo is considered by many to be Spain’s noble grape. It is used as the primary component in red Rioja, with Garnacha and a touch of Mazuelo or Graciano often added in. However, slightly south and to the west are the regions Ribera del Duero and Toro where you’re more likely to find it showcased on its own. Here, Tempranillo goes by Tinta del Pais (or Tinto Fino) and Tinta del Toro, and each can provide a slightly different expression of the varietal. We recently checked in a high scoring example of each from the fabulous 2009 vintage, and I was fortunate enough to sample both with brunch last weekend. 
I just recently got back from an amazing trip in the Napa Valley where we tasted through wonderful wines and ate some delectable food. I’m going to share with you some of the places that we visited and also talk about one of my favorites from the trip. Hope you enjoy!
Established in 1976, Domaine Paul Chapelle is a relatively young domaine by Burgundy standards. Prior to starting his own domaine, Paul Chapelle had made a name for himself as a consulting oenologist at some of the best estates in the Côte de Beaune.
When it comes to smaller Champagne houses, Coutier is by far one of my favorites. The wines always deliver amazing quality at more-than-reasonable prices. This estate is located in Ambonnay, a village with a reputation for bold Champagnes. This fine Champagne produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes from this Grand Cru village is definitely a rarity as this village is known almost exclusively for its Pinot Noir based wines.
Evening Land is a name derived from Greek mythology. As the story goes, the rays of the western sun were connected to golden fruit in a beautiful garden. Just out of the reach of mortals, the fruit brought immortality. The Evening Land Vineyard though is poised on the western most edge of California in the Santa Rita Hills. The coastal fog contributes to the cool climate and long growing season and assists the grapes in achieving perfect balance between ripeness and acidity. These vineyards are planted with only California heritage clones, which are farmed organically and winemaker Sashi Moorman is guided by the same philosophy he followed as a sous chef in New York City and the nation’s capitol – “always use superlative ingredients.” His winemaking style gives a nod to the Burgundian tradition, one that includes stewardship of the land and expression of the vineyard and vintage.
Quality is the very first thing I recognized when opening a bottle of the 2007 D'Alfonso-Curran Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict (94 Points, Wine Spectator / $45.95). Coming from the duo team of winemakers with more than 50 years of experience, this wasn’t surprising.
Alto Adige is one of the northernmost regions in Italy, with vineyards located at the base of the scenic Dolomites and Italian Alps. This allows for a long ripening season with large diurnal temperature variation providing perfect conditions for wines with wonderful aromatics, great acidity and excellent minerality.