The 2019 Gaja Barolo Conteisa opens with a piercingly pure nose of mentholatum, camphor, and eucalyptus, layered with strawberry, rose, and dried apricot. Intensely aromatic, it hints at dried flowers, incense, allspice, and leather. On the palate, it’s finely poised with a Lafite-like sense of balance: silky yet structured, with chewy, tea-like tannins and a...

WOW! This monumentally satisfying Brunello is a show-stopper, just now approaching its drinking window after a few years of cellar time. Launching forth with a fanfare of savory herbs plus layers upon layers of ripe red fruit, smoky oak, flowers and chocolate. The palate is luxuriously rich, with awe-inspiring notes of red and black cherries,...

Sampling yesterday, my personal notes were that this treasured red is already a gloriously satisfying, generous wine, possessing remarkable density across a silky smooth texture. Mesmerizing notes of olive tapenade and prosciutto blend delicately with notes of ethereal red fruit. The wine continues to grow in the glass, gradually revealing its superb pedigree with hints...

The brand new Gaja Alteni Sauvignon Blanc sports a super flashy bouquet and invites your attention with aromas of white roses, Star jasmine, and ginger bread. The mouthfeel is both elegant and immensely refreshing with crisp notes of pear, honeydew melon, lemongrass and a racy finish that lasted a full minute and left us begging...

This modestly-priced Merlot-driven red is made by winemaker Pierre Seillan, famous for his Verité wines that rank among California’s most prestigious reds. Seillan is a gifted winemaker who plays with combinations of the classic Bordeaux varietals to masterful effect. The 2013 Valadorna is a dark wine that immediately captures attention with captivating plum, cherry and...