Terra d'Aligi

2016 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 'Tatone'

90

The 2016 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is spicy and perfumed, leading off with bright cherry and strawberry notes, as hints of dusty rose and wild herbs join the mix. Its silky textures combine with juicy acids to create a round and pliant expression, as floral-laced red fruits and minerals slowly saturate. The finish is long and structured, with fine tannins drying and a note of tart wild berry lingering on and on. This is really quite pretty.

Vinous

Eric Guido

04/01/21

Terra d'Aligi

2020 Pecorino 'Zite'

88

The 2020 Pecorino Zite is sweetly scented and floral, showing notes of crushed apple, candied citrus and a hint of vanilla bean. This is silky, almost oily in texture with ripe orchard fruits. Brisk acids and mineral underpinnings maintain balance in check. Zests of lime and a hint of kiwi lingers through the long, slightly tart, yet refreshing finale.

Vinous

Eric Guido

04/01/21

Terra d'Aligi

2019 Pecorino 'Zite'

88

The 2019 Pecorino Zite mixes savory and sweet to create an alluring display of contrasts. Minerals, crushed stone and wild herbs can all be found, as notes of ripe apples, lime and flowers evolve in the glass. This is silky in feel, yet it reverberates with vibrant acids.

Vinous

Eric Guido

04/01/21

Terra Rossa

2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

96

Aromas of cedar, balsamic and roses with some chocolate and toffee undertones. It’s full-bodied,
tight and rich with a succulent palate and a long, beautiful finish. Plush is a nice descriptor here. Drink after 2023,
but so delicious now.

JamesSuckling.com

James Suckling

11/02/20

Gianni Gagliardo

2017 Barolo 'La Morra'

93

A soft, creamy-textured 2017 Barolo with berry, walnut, chocolate and hints of bark on both the nose and palate. Intense finish. Polished tannins. A little tight now, as it should be. Try after 2023.

JamesSuckling.com

James Suckling

04/01/21

Gianni Gagliardo

2017 Barolo 'Lazzarito Vigna Preve'

94

Aromas of cherries and dried strawberries with flowers and licorice. It's full-bodied with fine, linear tannins that show length and intensity. Walnut and bark. Flavorful finish. Drink after 2025.

JamesSuckling.com

James Suckling

04/01/21

Gianni Gagliardo

2017 Barolo 'Mosconi'

94

Dried-strawberry and cherry aromas with some flowers and bark. Full-bodied with chewy tannins that are full and firm. Yet they are polished and poised. Needs three or four years to soften. Best after 2025.

JamesSuckling.com

James Suckling

04/01/21

Gianni Gagliardo

2017 Barolo 'GG'

94

Plums, walnuts, iron and dried flowers on the nose. Some ink undertones. Full-bodied with encompassing tannins that are chewy and polished. Needs time to open. Flavorful finish. Try after 2024.

JamesSuckling.com

James Suckling

04/01/21

Gianni Gagliardo

2017 Barolo 'Fossati'

95

Very perfumed, crushed-berry and floral aromas with hints of sandalwood. Medium-to full­bodied with firm, linear tannins that are long and racy. Pretty fruit in the center palate. Drink in 2025.

JamesSuckling.com

James Suckling

04/01/21

Gianni Gagliardo

2017 Barolo 'Monvigliero'

94

Plum and ripe-strawberry aromas with spice, bark and hints of dried mushrooms. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a juicy, chewy finish. Tight and tannic with an earthy undertone. Drink in 2025.

JamesSuckling.com

James Suckling

04/01/21

Cantina Tollo

2016 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 'Valle d'Oro'

90

Although this has quite a lot of sweet blackberries on the nose, the palate is dominated by a mellow earthiness and, at the finish, the supple tannins build nicely. Drink or hold.

James Suckling

James Suckling

08/12/18

Cantina Tollo

2016 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 'Cagiolo'

91

The 2016 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 'Cagiolo' wafts up with a dark and dusty display, showing exotic spice, dried black cherries and a lifting note of pine resin. This is silky in feel with ripe red fruits, yet it quickly firms up as minerals and fine tannins collect toward the close. It's youthfully structured and dry, while resonating on violet, hints of vanilla bean and tobacco. The 2016 carries its oak influence well, yet it needs another year or two to come fully into focus.

Vinous

Eric Guido

04/01/21