Ratings & Reviews

A single block in a vineyard planted 20–25 years ago in the northeastern part of Montalcino produces the grapes for this stunning blend of 85% Sangiovese with small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. With its billowy mouthfeel and silky tannins, it’s an overachiever at its price point. White pepper, Morello cherries, and rose petals deliver a most approach-able Super Tuscan, or as Tommaso Cortonesi refers to it, Super Montalcino.

…“This is my business-card wine,” notes Tommaso. “We are building a personal identification for our Rosso di Montalcino and won’t refer to it as a ‘baby Brunello.’ It takes on a unique character from its single-site expression. Bright, fruity, and in possession of the coveted trio of balance, finesse, and elegance (which we noticed in all the Cortonesi wines we tasted), it also shows freshness derived from startling acidity that links to salty raspberry, cherry, and red tea leaves. “This is the future of Montalcino,” predicts Tommaso.

Sangiovese from a 1,000-foot hill to the north and an even higher elevation of 1,150 feet on the region’s coolest southeastern side spawned this luxurious red. Lightly veiled without density or edge, notes of coffee, cocoa, roses, and peonies are captured and refreshed by the acid structure of the wine, which spent 36 months in large, tightly grained Slavonian oak. Its accessibility for drinking now is remarkable, yet its longevity is undeniable.

Youthful style with almost vinous character. Aromas of cherries, strawberry ice-cream, sweet flowers and toasted notes. Firm, chalky tannins with a supple shape, refreshing acidity and medium body. A little warming on the finish. Best from 2026.

At 1,400 feet in elevation on the southeastern side of Montalcino, Poggiarelli is a Grand Cru site (monopole) with sandy, rocky limestone soils and great sun exposure. The aromas of this wine, which spent two years in 500-liter French casks, are deep and dark, including cardamom, white pepper, and soy sauce. Black plum saturates the palate, layered with fig, black cherry, and graphite. The relative warmth of Poggiarelli shows in the ripe profile of the wine, which possesses no tannic aggression but does have a savory, earthy, umami nature. Says Tommaso, “We know that 2018 was an underrated vintage, but this wine has incredible aging potential.

An elegant contender, with 15% Petite Sirah from the Rockpile AVA, its amplified tannins show the wine’s inherent structure. But, like a ballet dancer, they are composed and well defined. Blueberry gelée and plum gloss over the palate, with back notes of mocha and lavender.

Translated to “the friend of crustaceans,” and sporting a label design depicting illustrations of shellfish, this wine undoubtedly marries well with creatures from the deep sea. Briny, crushed stone minerality instantly charms, lithe and electric. Lemon sorbet and tangerine blossom make for a scintillating white.

If there was such a thing as a tangerine dreamsicle, it would smell exactly like this Benton Hills Chardonnay. Additional aromas of fennel fronds and lanolin add more than a little interest. The wine’s slightly elevated acidity accentuates flavors like lemon curd and Bergamot orange. This wine really over delivers for its modest asking price.

I appreciated the wine’s hyperactive acidity, crisp texture and lower alcohol percentage. Its aromas of blueberries and blackberry tea are flanked by burst of earth and wet slate. The wine feels and tastes like blackberry ice, offering a refreshing wake-up call to the palate. This is one of the best values I’ve stumbled across in years.

Pretty and inviting, with orange blossom aromas; sherbet, lemonade, marmalade and floral notes on the palate.

Gold Medal

Grapefruit zest, fennel, and a sleek minerality interplay with racy acidity. Bright, crisp, and shiny.

Publisher's Picks

Mouth-coating, dusty vanilla, custard, and honeysuckle entertain on first sip. Undertones of basil, sandalwood, and lemon zest provide a platform for excellent balance.

A creamy style, offering notes of peach, Creamsicle, lemon curd and strawberry sorbet on a supple, elegant frame. Shows plenty of length, with hints of green tea and orange blossoms on the long, expressive finish. Drink now.

Generous flavors of raspberry puree, maraschino cherry, pomegranate and matcha are fresh and intense. Red licorice, clove and fresh earth accents, along with a touch of blood orange, leave a long, lasting impression. Drink now.

A faint salmon color announces this white’s fresh and creamy notes of salted, ripe melon, nectarine and peach at the core. Hints of citrus zest and white flowers join a whiff of ginger and a hint of persimmon preserves.

A lovely Viura, Rioja’s native white grape makes an appearance here as mouth-coating and sleek. Lemon-kissed vanilla pudding and a mineral tonality are clean and fresh, with an almond-hazelnut gloss on the finish

Full-bodied but well polished, offering nicely ripe fruit and meaty, spicy accents on an easy texture. This could almost be a Cotes du Rhone with its dark plums, beef and milk chocolate flavors backed by rounded tannins. Drink now