2024 Livon Sauvignon Blanc Valbuins Vineyard Collio Italy

2024 Livon Sauvignon Blanc Valbuins Vineyard Collio Italy

with No Comment $30-$40ItalyKevin VogtSauvignon Blanc

Livon

Sauvignon Blanc
Valbuins Vineyard
Collio, Italy 2024

2024 Livon Sauvignon Blanc Valbuins Vineyard Collio Italy

Silken and electric, Livon’s 2024 Valbuins Sauvignon Blanc arrives on the palate like a whispered dare, its salty, persistent finish lingers like the caress of coastal spray, anchoring the wine firmly in Collio’s elite corner. From the first breath, it speaks of intention and place: this is a liquid declaration of what top-tier Friulian whites can become when soil, site, and soul align.

Perched among the sunlit slopes of Ruttars in Dolegna del Collio, the Valbuins vineyard draws its character from marl and sandstone soils that define Collio’s finest whites. These layered strata breathe life into the vines, forcing roots deep through mineral veins and ancient seabed. The result is a Sauvignon that feels etched in stone: vibrant, saline, and charged with that unmistakable Collio tension.

In the cellar, Livon’s mastery reveals itself through measured touch. Fermentation unfolds mostly in stainless steel to preserve aromatic clarity, with a quiet portion aged in French oak tonneaux to lend weight and subtle spice. The interplay is seamless with cool precision meeting textural grace. It’s Collio Sauvignon Blanc at its most alive: focused and impossible to forget.

Livon
Sauvignon Blanc
Valbuins Vineyard
Collio, Italy 2024

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“The Livon 2024 Collio Sauvignon Blanc begins with fresh notes of elderflower, lemon blossoms, gooseberries, lime zest, green guava, and a chalky minerality. On the palate, the wine reflects the alpine freshness of its terroir with zesty acidity and vibrant flavors of grapefruit, white peach, passionfruit, lemon cheesecake, and a subtle saline, flinty edge. The wine is balanced by opulence and restraint, creating a graceful mid-palate and a long, crisp, mouthwatering finish.”

94 Points

2019 La Rasina Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy

2019 La Rasina Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy

with No Comment $40-$50BrunelloBrunelloItalyKevin VogtTuscany

La Rasina

Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany, Italy, 2019

2019 La Rasina Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy

From one of Brunello’s most celebrated vintages emerges La Rasina, a captivating synthesis of meticulous craftsmanship, organic stewardship, and authentic expression of terroir. With a stellar 95-point score, and from a vintage recognized by Wine Spectator for its remarkable blend of elegance and intensity, La Rasina stands as a luminous example, delivering exceptional quality and compelling value.

Set upon the northeastern slopes of Montalcino, La Rasina’s vineyards have been carefully tended by the Mantengoli family through three generations. Committed to organic farming and minimal intervention, their efforts allow the vineyard’s unique character and vivid fruit purity to resonate profoundly in every sip.

La Rasina’s Brunello spends over two years in large oak, carefully harnessing the elegance of tradition to deliver a wine that’s vibrantly alive. Its remarkable architecture promises decades of evolution, yet its lush complexity and elegant depth invite you to experience it right away.

La Rasina
Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany, Italy, 2019

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“A firm, velvety-textured wine and not overbearing, offering red cherries and hints of cedar and mushrooms. Chewy and structured. Excellent structure and a savory finish. Cool, structured red. From organically grown grapes. Best in three to four years and beyond. Try in 2026.”

95 Points

2019 Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi Campania Italy

2019 Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi Campania Italy

with No Comment $50-$60ItalyKevin VogtProprietary Red

Mastroberardino

Radici Taurasi
Campania, Italy 2019

2019 Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi Campania Italy

Mastroberardino’s Radici Taurasi embodies Campania’s volcanic terroir and centuries of heritage. Cultivated in the volcanic hills of Irpinia, it reflects the enduring commitment of one of Italy’s most historically significant wine families. After World War II, Mastroberardino spearheaded the revival of Campania’s indigenous varieties, with Aglianico at the center. ‘Radici’ represents the peak of what this classic varietal can be.

First released in 1986, the wine emerged from meticulous research into clonal selection, site elevation, and the precise pairing of vine to soil. The vineyard’s rugged volcanic soils and cool mountain breezes produce fruit with depth, restraint, and tension. Every detail of the farming and winemaking is carefully considered, allowing the character of the place to emerge clearly and confidently.

The 2019 vintage captivates with its harmony and intensity. After two years in French oak and large Slavonian casks, followed by extended bottle aging, the tannins are now firm but polished, the acidity bright, and the finish long and composed. Vinous called it “impossible to ignore.” For those drawn to authenticity, structure, and a deep connection to place, this is one of the most compelling wines in Southern Italy.

Mastroberardino
Radici Taurasi
Campania, Italy 2019

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“The 2019 Taurasi Radici is impossible to ignore, mixing cloves with incense, crushed stones and dried black cherries. This is saturating and intense, with a silken textural wave that ushers in masses of tart wild berry fruits and spices, all carried by a stream of vibrant acidity. It finishes long and youthfully tense, with a mineral tinge that lingers along with notes of black licorice and a sour cranberry crunch. In 2019, the Taurasi Radici is back to form.”

95 Points

2023 Luna Gaia Agramante Grillo Sicily, Italy

2023 Luna Gaia Agramante Grillo Sicily, Italy

with No Comment $30 and underItalyKevin VogtProprietary White

Luna Gaia

Agramante Grillo
Sicily, Italy 2023

2023 Luna Gaia Agramante Grillo Sicily, Italy

Luna Gaia 2023 Agramante Grillo brings a vibrant expression of Sicily’s sun-kissed terroir, effortlessly fusing varietal purity, captivating minerality, and the soulful traditions of its island birthplace. Born from a collaboration between Cantina Orsogna and the biodynamic BioGaia collective, the wine’s artistic label celebrates Sicily’s renowned puppet theater with a nod to a culture where storytelling and viticulture intertwine.

Rooted in the fertile soils of the Valle del Belice, where volcanic earth meets cooling Mediterranean breezes, the biodynamically farmed vineyards impart a crystalline sense of place to this remarkable wine. The vineyard’s unique microclimate ensures a wine filled with bracing freshness, vibrant acidity, and mineral-laced clarity that dances effortlessly across the palate.

Unoaked yet profoundly nuanced, the 2023 Agramante Grillo enchants with crisp citrus, whispers of oyster shells, and an intriguing, stony spine. Its freshness and remarkable drinkability make it an approachable and engaging wine. As invigorating as a Mediterranean breeze, this vintage beckons you to savor the hidden treasures of Sicily, leaving an impression that is both lasting and delicious.

Luna Gaia
Agramante Grillo
Sicily, Italy 2023

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“The Luna Gaia 2023 Agramante Grillo from Sicily presents a beautiful nose featuring aromas of honeysuckle, orange blossoms, dried apricots, pears, pineapple, and browned butter with sage. On the palate, the wine has a succulent texture that coats the palate with bright stone fruit flavors, hints of tropical fruits and spices, and a long, complex finish. This wine is decadent and fun at the same time, showcasing the variety and Sicilian wine.”

94 Points

2019 La Magia Brunello Di Montalcino Italy

2019 La Magia Brunello Di Montalcino Italy

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La Magia

Brunello Di Montalcino
Montalcino, Italy 2019

2019 La Magia Brunello Di Montalcino Italy

From one of Brunello’s most celebrated vintages emerges a wine that feels inevitable—2019 La Màgia, a vivid reflection of its origins, moment, and intent. Tucked into the southern folds of Montalcino, La Màgia occupies a storied landscape once held sacred by the Etruscans. Its name—magìa—hinting at its mysticism. Since the late 1970s, the Schwarz family has tended this estate with a deep respect for the land and an understated commitment to its potential.

At the heart of La Màgia lies a striking 37-acre amphitheater of Sangiovese, a seamless expanse of 40-year-old vines. Perched high and facing east, the vineyard is sculpted from stony, sandy loam atop water-holding clay—soil that challenges the vine and lends refinement through adversity, where the wild grace of nature transforms into something extraordinary.

Matured for 36 months in French oak, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino balances poise and strength. Its palate is lively yet polished, with smooth tannins and bright acidity that captivate now and promise a decade or more of evolution. Earning mid to high 90s scores universally, I welcome you to discover the enduring magic of La Màgia for yourself.

La Magia
Brunello Di Montalcino
Montalcino, Italy 2019

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“The nose opens fresh and cool, with aromas of eucalyptus, wild mint and fennel, before the tang of raspberries and pomegranates arrives. The palate brings richer fruit notes of candied cherry and blood orange, but also more of those refreshing herbaceous elements, leaping on the back of athletic tannins and searing acid.”

96 Points

2018 Campinovi Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy

2018 Campinovi Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy

with No Comment $30-$40BrunelloBrunelloItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Campinovi

Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany, Italy 2018

2018 Campinovi Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy

Campinovi’s 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a remarkable discovery—a quintessential Brunello presented at an unexpectedly inviting price.

Born from vineyards kissed by Tuscan sun and anchored in Montalcino’s renowned galestro soils, this wine speaks vividly of its distinguished origins, revealing clarity, strength, vitality, and a deep connection to its terroir.

Masterfully fashioned from the treasured Sangiovese Grosso clone, known for its robust skins and vivid intensity, the wine benefits from a deliberate aging process exceeding two years in oak barrels. This thoughtful maturation refines its inherent vigor into a sophisticated blend of flavors, unfolding in a harmonious cascade that resonates long after the first sip.

More than just an affordable indulgence, Campinovi’s Brunello pays elegant tribute to Montalcino’s winemaking heritage—its artistry, commitment, and enduring traditions—while priced as though you’ve stepped back fifteen years in time.

Campinovi
Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany, Italy 2018

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“The Campinovi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a lifted and perfumed bouquet of violets, dried black tea leaves, red and black cherries, boysenberries, savory spices, and a rocky minerality with hints of petrichor. On the palate, wine is elegant, with complex flavors ranging from dried herbs, peppercorns, cherries, blackberries, and truffles. The wine’s structure is refined and graceful with refreshing acidity, and the finish lingers with a subtle earthy complexity drinking well now with the potential to evolve gracefully for several years.”

94 Points

2020 Romitorio Brunello Di Montalcino Italy

2020 Romitorio Brunello Di Montalcino Italy

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Romitorio

Brunello Di Montalcino
Montalcino, Italy 2020

2020 Romitorio Brunello Di Montalcino Italy

The 2020 Brunello from Castello Romitorio captures the essence of Montalcino with striking clarity, reflecting both the region’s storied past and the unwavering vision of its creators. Since its inception in 1984, the winery has remained a guardian of tradition, tirelessly exploring and refining the potential of Sangiovese. This flagship Brunello embodies their dedication—a wine celebrated by critics and collectors alike for its layered depth, poised refinement, and vivid connection to its origins.

Born in a year that tested the world’s resolve, the 2020 vintage radiates intensity and vitality, distinguishing itself with uncommon grace. While much of the world paused, the vineyards flourished under the attentive hands of those who sought refuge in their craft. This quiet strength echoes through the wine, revealing itself in waves of dark cherry, wild herbs, and crushed violets that unfold with mesmerizing complexity.

Fermented in stainless steel to safeguard the fruit’s luminous purity, then matured for 24 months in oak, this Brunello strikes a delicate equilibrium between vigor and finesse. Time has softened its contours, blending its elements into a fluid, silken whole that showcases Sangiovese at its most refined. With its profound depth and elegance, the 2020 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino is a tribute to the artistry and resilience that define exceptional winemaking.

Romitorio
Brunello Di Montalcino
Montalcino, Italy 2020
Retails at: $70

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“This is a remarkable Brunello from a COVID-19 vintage that launched many curveballs at producers. The Castello Romitorio 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is noticeably a step above its peers thanks to its seamless mouthfeel, its bright fruit concentration and its balanced freshness. It ages in oak for 24 months, and the grapes are picked from a site with cool clay soils. The finish is soft and polished. If you were to buy one village Brunello from the accessible 2020 vintage, let me direct your attention to this wine…”

96 Points

2018 Figli Luigi Oddero Convento Barolo Piedmont Italy

2018 Figli Luigi Oddero Convento Barolo Piedmont Italy

with No Comment $40-$50BaroloBaroloItalyKevin VogtPiedmont

Figli Luigi Oddero

Convento Barolo
Piedmont, Italy 2018

2018 Figli Luigi Oddero Convento Barolo Piedmont Italy

Convento Barolo intertwines the rich legacy of tradition with the profound influence of its terroir, yielding a wine that blends Barolo’s innate nobility with a remarkable value rarely encountered in bottles of this stature. Crafted under the expert guidance of Dante Scaglioni—whose 25 years as winemaker shaped the illustrious Bruno Giacosa wines—this creation draws from a deep well of heritage and masterful artistry.

Barolo has long been revered as the “King of Wines and the Wine of Kings,” a distinction earned through its commanding structure, vibrant acidity, and firm tannins, which ensure a graceful evolution over decades. The 2018 Convento Barolo upholds this heritage with distinction. Its complexity unfurls in layers of dark cherry, crushed violets, and the earthy aroma of forest floor, interwoven with subtle hints of anise, leather, and a hint of truffle.

Figli Luigi Oddero is more than a winery; it is a custodian of Piemonte’s past and a beacon for its future. Since the early 1800s, the family has tended the land that would come to shape Barolo’s very identity. Drawn primarily from La Morra, one of the region’s most celebrated terroirs, the 2018 Convento Barolo achieves a rare balance of lineage, craftsmanship, and accessibility. Priced under $50, it offers an effortless opportunity to enjoy one of Italy’s most treasured wines with confidence.

Figli Luigi Oddero
Convento Barolo
Piedmont, Italy 2018

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“The Figli Luigi Oddero 2018 Barolo “Convento” opens with inviting aromas of dried rose petals, red cherries, and ripe strawberries, with hints of licorice, tar, and dried herbs. On the palate, flavors of black tea, leather, and sweet spices emerge alongside subtle earthy undertones. The wine is vibrant and structured, with firm, refined tannins and a lively acidity that carries through the finish. While already approachable, this wine will continue to develop over the next decade or more.”

94 Points

2020 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tuscany Italy

2020 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tuscany Italy

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Boscarelli

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Tuscany, Italy 2020

2020 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tuscany Italy

Boscarelli’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a winemaking masterpiece that honors the noble heritage of Prugnolo Gentile, a local Sangiovese clone, and a true expression of Italian vinicultural artistry. This is no ordinary Italian red – it’s one of the most captivating wines I’ve encountered recently, offering a remarkable balance of intensity, focus, and terroir-driven character at an exceptional value.

Nestled in the hills of Cervognano di Montepulciano, Poderi Boscarelli reflects over half a century of the De Ferrari Corradi family’s unwavering dedication to excellence. The 2020 vintage embodies this legacy, adhering to the strict DOCG regulations that demand a minimum of 70% Prugnolo Gentile, a grape renowned for its remarkable aging potential. Over time, this wine evolves into a symphony of elegance, seamlessly blending Chianti Classico’s finesse with Brunello di Montalcino’s structured sophistication.

This wine stands out due to its meticulous craftsmanship. The vineyards, blessed with red, sandy, and mineral-rich soils, yield fruit of exceptional quality. Aging in Allier French and Slavonian oak barrels adds layers of complexity, while including a small percentage of Canaiolo contributes a touch of rustic charm. The result is a wine that embodies tradition while feeling utterly contemporary – an authentic reflection of Tuscany’s soul.

Boscarelli
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Tuscany, Italy 2020

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“Nuanced minerality chiselled to the ripe red berries, blood orange zest, savory plums and cherries. Medium to full body on the palate with a bone-dry, transparent middle and a tight, mineral coating of tannins. Fruity but pithy and precise, too. A joy to taste and drink already, but can hold well in the next five to eight years, if not more.”

93 Points

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

with No Comment $60-$70ChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Castello di Ama

Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

Castello di Ama stands as a pillar of excellence in Chianti Classico, redefining the boundaries of this celebrated region. Renowned for crafting Sangiovese-dominant blends that consistently earn high-90s scores, the estate’s legacy reflects the visionary spirit of its founders.

In 1976, four Roman families recognized the untapped potential of a magnificent 55-hectare estate in Tuscany. Marco Pallanti, who joined in 1982 as Viticulturist and Winemaker, became a cornerstone of its success. His innovative approach propelled Castello di Ama to global acclaim. Notably, during his presidency of the Chianti Classico Consortium (2006-2012), he spearheaded the creation of the “Gran Selezione” category, setting a new benchmark for quality within the appellation.

The 2020 San Lorenzo Gran Selezione embodies the brilliance of its terroir. Crafted primarily from Sangiovese, with subtle accents of Malvasia Nera and Merlot, this wine achieves a sublime balance of vibrancy, elegance, and structure. Blessed by a near-perfect growing season, the 2020 vintage yielded fruit of exceptional character. The result is a wine of profound depth and poise, where juicy acidity and a seamless texture converge with a powerful yet graceful expression of Tuscany’s finest vineyards.

Castello di Ama
Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

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“The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is fabulous. It offers up a compelling mix of blackberry, graphite, crushed rocks, spice, lavender and black pepper, showing striking inner sweetness, gorgeous mid-palate pliancy and mid-blowing balance, all in a medium-bodied style that will be approachable with minimal cellaring. San Lorenzo remains an archetype for contemporary Chianti Classico. Production is down about 30% in 2020 because of stringent selection.”

95 Points