100% Sangiovese – Cristaldi & Co

2018

Campogiovanni

Brunello di Montalcino

This Brunello is about as savory as they come. Stewed plums, tobacco leaf, baking spices, and earth tones mingle on the nose and in the mouth. Yes, it’s brawny, but there are streaks of elegance woven throughout as well. It needs a hearty, slow-cooked roast to show its true potential. – J.R.

Red

2020

Poggio della Dogana

Poggiogirato

An organic red produced in Castrocaro Terme from fruit sourced from 15-year-old Sangiovese vineyards, this spends 12 months in oak. A very nice nose of herbal spices, leather, wild berries, florals, and red and black fruits is on offer here. The mouthfeel is almost burly in its structure, but there is great minerality and dark fruit flavor to balance it all out. The finish is long and herbal, and the entire palate is absolutely packed with tannins by Sangiovese standards. – J.R.

Red

2020

Ronchi di Castelluccio

Ronco Casone

This red is sourced from their most shaded, coolest, and latest-harvested Modigliana vineyard. The Sangiovese clones planted there are believed to be unique to the site, and are lower-yielding. It’s got a gorgeous nose of black cherry, red plum, orange rind and roses, tinged with underbrush hints. The palate is extremely focused in its elegant red fruit flavor, vibrant acidity, and linear minerality. Lovely stuff, it needs some time in bottle to resolve its linear tannins. – J.R.

Red

2020

Ronchi di Castelluccio

Ronco della Simia

Sourced from a Sangiovese clone that produces thicker-skinned berries, planted on east-facing slopes at 440m a.s.l. The name refers to a local legend involving an American soldier stationed in Modigliana during WWII, who supposedly decided to settle in the region along with (for some reason) a pet monkey. When the monkey died, he apparently buried it near a well in the ronco (which I am assuming would now violate some regulations?), which is considered to be a “mystical” place. It starts with earth, dried orange peel, dried herbs, sour black cherry, plums, redcurrant, dried rose petal, and a rather serious nature all around. The elegant nose belies a powerful, forceful palate, with leathery tannins, and deep red fruit flavors. This has got serious stuffing in its structure; even the acidity feels serious! – J.R.

Red

2021

Carr Winery

Sangiovese

This Sangiovese comes from two vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley—Woodstock Vineyard and Open Gate Vineyard—both farmed by Carr’s winemaker and owner, Ryan Carr. The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. It’s an immensely pleasing, full-flavored, and fairly robust Sangiovese, with powerful, crisp tannins and plenty of inky dark fruit, loamy earth, black truffle umami, and tobacco notes leading to a long, earthy, and spicy finish.

Red

2021

Castello La Leccia

Chianti Classico Riserva

An atypical Chianti expression, with lots of earth and very deep dark cherry fruit, dark spice, and plush, velvety character. – J.R.

Red

2021

Querceto di Castellina

Sei Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Boy oh boy, is this concentrated! Tangy red cherries, red currants, dried cranberries, baking and wood spices, orange peel, and earthy tobacco waft from the glass. The palate delivers a flash of the same, upping the ante on the tanginess. Aged 18 months in French oak (both 500 and 700 lt), with 12 more months refining in the bottle. – J.R.

Red

2021

Riecine

Chianti Classico Riserva

A full-bore, leathery, and brambly expression, with plenty of dark cherry, baking spices, green herbs, and dried orange peel to keep you interested. The palate shows plenty of power, with rich berry fruit tinged with salted dark chocolate. But it is not without poise in its excellent length. – J.R.

Red

2021

Vallepicciola

Chianti Classico Riserva

Sourced from hillside vines near the river Arbia, this is a decidedly tangy, earthy Riserva with lots of depth to its bright cherry and red plum fruitiness. Hints of dried orange peel, tobacco, and complexity. Very food-friendly. – J.R.

Red

2021

Vignamaggio

Terre di Prenzano

Sourced from the Prenzano-Petriolo and Orto-Poggio Asciutto vineyards, this shows nice and vibrant cherry fruit and earthy undertones. The richness of the mouthfeel is a wonderful contrast to its Old School Chianti structure and texture. – J.R.

Red

2022

Poggio della Dogana

I Quattro Bastioni

An incredibly juicy red that’s dark and plummy and still a bit young. You can really sense the structure in the dryness of the mid-palate, amid the flavors of black cherry and hints of leather. Grab a burger to tame it and enjoy. – J.R.

Red

2022

Ronchi di Castelluccio

Buco del Prete

This site, named “hole of the priest”, refers to land previously belonging to the church, with a vineyard planted at the base of two adjoining steep hillsiodes. It leaeds with very dark cherry and dried roses, then presents aromas of vibrant red fruits. The palate is earthy, funky, chewy, and structured, leading to a mineral-tinged finish. – J.R.

Red

2022

Vignamaggio

Terre di Prenzano

Sourced entirely from Sangiovese (vines averaging 20 years old) grown in the Prenzano parcel and nearby estate vineyards, the fruit reflects a mix of sites clustered around the historic villa. Prenzano sits at the upper reaches of the property, where lighter, sand-influenced soils—similar in character to those found in Lamole—tend to yield more aromatic, finely structured wines. Juicy and delicious, with cedar, vanilla, and orange peel notes sitting atop ample and ripe cherry and red plum fruits. The black cherry flavor on the vibrant palate is immediately appealing, and the structure in the mid-palate is surprising, giving this red focus to balance out the fruitiness and acidity. The finish stays chewy and refreshing, inviting another (or several) sips. This one will add a touch of class to pasta night, for sure. Matured in a combination of oak, with roughly equal portions of new barrels, second-use barrels, and older, more neutral casks contributing to the final blend.

Red

2023

JONATA

Tierra

This is 100% Sangiovese—just five barrels, all aged in older oak. It carries a brightness and purity of fruit that firmly situates it in Santa Ynez, where high, golden sunlight and Pacific-scented breezes infuse the wine with clarity and lift. There’s no rusticity here—just vibrant raspberry preserves and sage, anchored by firm, taut, mineral-rich tannins. Subtle hints of tobacco thread through the wine’s coiled energy and textural tension. It’s crunchy and precise now, but that structure will soften and deepen with time. These wines evolve into something profoundly savory—layered with loamy earth, liquid leather, and an undeniable sense of soul. Drink it now for its youthful exuberance, or hold it to experience the full savory fireworks still to come.

Red

2023

Koehler Winery

Sycamore Ranch Vineyard Sangiovese

These Italian clones of Sangiovese come from an organically farmed vineyard in Ballard Canyon. The wine was fermented in open-top tanks for 21 days and aged 18 months in barrel before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The fruit is remarkably intense, framed by generous toasty oak and powerful incense notes. Beneath that structure lies a soft-fruited core with ample richness and a vanilla-spiced finish.

Red

2023

Poggio della Dogana

Arlesiana

Sourced from Brisighella, this is a take-no-prisoners Sangiovese that offers lots of dark currant and cherry fruit aromas, along with prominent dried herb spice notes. Fleshy, fruity, and full of body, it’s a mouthful that has impressive structure throughout, and needs some time (or lots of protein). – J.R.

Red

2023

Rhinory

Sangiovese

Fermented in stainless steel and then aged half in stainless and half in neutral French oak barrels for 11 months. In Texas, where some wines can run a little hot, picking earlier helps preserve freshness. This Sangiovese shows a savoury, meaty edge alongside bright red currant and tart cherry fruit, layered with notes of black olive. The medium-bodied palate is driven by super-juicy, crunchy acid tension, making it vibrant and food-friendly. “Wine is the ultimate condiment for food,” says David Bradbury, Wine Director at Rhinory.

Red

2023

Rhinory

Sangiovese

A blend of Sangiovese from two vineyards in the Texas High Plains, this wine was aged entirely in neutral American oak for 12 months. It opens with a super-savory nose that, as some friends noted, evokes Swisher Sweets—meaty, tobacco-laced, with both green and black olive nuances. Red-toned fruit follows on the palate alongside subtle maple-kissed tannins and oolong tea notes. Superfine tannins build gracefully on the lengthy finish. It’s a homerun wine—versatile, approachable, and perfect with pastas, pizzas, or barbecue fare.

Red

2023

Stolpman Vineyards

Estate Grown Sangiovese

There’s a great story about the planting of this Sangiovese—and it involves Pete Stolpman’s dad, Tom Stolpman, suing the Vatican. Ask Pete about it, or if you see Tom around Santa Ynez or Los Olivos, ask him yourself. The vines were planted in 1994 after the case was settled. Aged for 19 months in neutral 500-liter French oak puncheons, the wine is super bright and fruit-forward now, though it will eventually develop more of that leather and tobacco character with age. For the moment, it’s all about vibrant red fruit and zesty lift, framed by grippy, youthful tannins that could use a bit of time to mellow. A total crowd-pleaser.

Red

2023

Stolpman Vineyards

Love You Bunches Red

This 100% Sangiovese undergoes a 9-day carbonic fermentation, resulting in a wine that bursts with rich mulberry fruit and zesty, zippy, zingy, tangy acidity. It’s incredibly juicy, easygoing, and downright delightful. You’ll love how vibrant and fresh this wine is—pure joy in a glass.

Red

2023

Tenuta Licinia

L'Isolato

Red

2024

Ferrari-Carano

Dry Sangiovese Rosé

The fruit for this rosé goes directly to press—it’s made intentionally as rosé from all estate-grown fruit. It’s a fine, tasty wine featuring mixed red-berry notes, a touch of sea spray, and hints of crushed wild thyme and rosemary. White peach, apricot, and a honeysuckle lift round out the palate, leading to a lengthy, crisp, acid-driven finish.

Rosé

2024

Omega Road Winery

Crackerbox Vineyards Sangiovese Rosé

Sourced from the female-owned Crackerbox Vineyards, this 100% Sangiovese Rosé was aged sur lie for four months prior to bottling and release. It opens with brilliantly bright wild herb aromatics—dried lavender, thyme, and rosemary—accented by hints of prairie grass. The palate is nicely textured, with excellent grip and juicy cranberry and black raspberry fruit. Slightly underripe strawberry adds a crunchy edge, like biting into the white part near the stem. Firm acids give this wine great tension. Enjoy it with tacos.

Cristaldi Scores

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Campogiovanni

Brunello di Montalcino

Poggio della Dogana

Poggiogirato

Ronchi di Castelluccio

Ronco Casone

Ronchi di Castelluccio

Ronco della Simia

Carr Winery

Sangiovese

Castello La Leccia

Chianti Classico Riserva

Querceto di Castellina

Sei Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Riecine

Chianti Classico Riserva

Vallepicciola

Chianti Classico Riserva

Vignamaggio

Terre di Prenzano

Poggio della Dogana

I Quattro Bastioni

Ronchi di Castelluccio

Buco del Prete

Vignamaggio

Terre di Prenzano

JONATA

Tierra

Koehler Winery

Sycamore Ranch Vineyard Sangiovese

Poggio della Dogana

Arlesiana

Rhinory

Sangiovese

Rhinory

Sangiovese

Stolpman Vineyards

Estate Grown Sangiovese

Stolpman Vineyards

Love You Bunches Red

Tenuta Licinia

L'Isolato

Ferrari-Carano

Dry Sangiovese Rosé

Omega Road Winery

Crackerbox Vineyards Sangiovese Rosé

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