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Cristaldi Scores

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Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

2016

Tenuta Carretta

Barolo Cannubi

Unfolding in layers and taking its sweet time about it, this red is exquisite and quite reserved at the moment. It’s going to take some time (and then some more time) to fully come around. But as the earth, leather, rose petal, and red fruit action develops, it will turn into an absolutely understated beauty. – J.R.

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.

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.

2021

Far Mountain

Myrna Chardonnay

A powerful, succulent, and well-built white, brimming with aromas and flavors of grilled citrus and peaches, a bit of cream, and plenty of spice and power. It feels relatively big, but a beautiful example of the style. – J.R.

2021

Gary Farrell

Lancel Creek Vineyard, Pinot Noir

Blood oranges, tart cranberries, oak, cinnamon, black cherries, camphor, and fresh green herbs… this red is packing a lot of complexity and elegance on the nose. In the mouth, it shows impressive, savory meatiness, while never once losing its edgy freshness. Aged 15 months on the lees (with 40% new French oak), with just 578 cases made. – J.R.

2021

Kelleri Bozen

Green Sauvignon

White currants, white fig, white blossoms, and white pepper mark the aromas and flavors of this Northern Italian Sauvignon. The nose is perfumed and heady, and the palate shares in its heft and unctuous nature. – J.R.

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.

2021

Quinta da Fonte Souto

Florao Red

From the Symingtons’ first project outside of the Douro, this red blend is aged 75% for six months in third and fourth-year 400L French oak. Aromas of toast, ripe blue and black plums, dried violets, black pepper, and green herbs kick things off. In the mouth, youthful fruit and approachable freshness make this instantly appealing, and hints of leather add a nice touch of complexity. – J.R.

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.

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.

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.

2022

AUTEUR

Balinard Pinot Noir

This small, organically farmed vineyard sits near Occidental, enjoying morning fog and the area’s famous Goldridge soils. Aged 13 months in 35% new French oak, it’s crafted from Calera and Romanee clones and exhibits some distinctly Burgundian flair. Mint, rhubarb, ripe cherries, cinnamon, and black tea leaf aromas lead the charge. The palate starts silky but has grip, texture, and structure to match its perky acidity. Carefully well-made, it’s classy, excellent, and will get even better with some cellaring. – J.R.

2022

Cattleya

The Initiation

What a gorgeous aroma: black pepper, wild blackberries, garrigue, lavender, smoked game, and iron. There is a fantastic mouthfeel to go with it, too, one that’s chock-full of red, black, and blue fruit, but also tons of minerals and surprising structure. A stunner, sourced from Côte Rôtie clones planted in the Soberanes Vineyard. – J.R.

2022

Domaine Bousquet

Alavida Oreganic Kosher Cabernet Sauvignon

Very dark cassis fruit, camphor, and dried and green herbs are present in this friendly, hearty Cab. This is a real mouthful, and a no-brainer with grilled burgers. – J.R.

2022

Domaine Bousquet

Gaia Organic Cabernet Sauvignon

Fruity, floral, and packed full of fun, this red sports an elegant streak to match its palate brawn. Aged in French oak between 8 and 10 months, it represents an excellent value. Pair it up with burgers right off the grill. – J.R.

2022

Domaine Bousquet

Gaia Organic Malbec

Hand-harvested and French oak-aged, this red is a superb value pick. Bold red and black fruits combine with dried violets, baking spices, hints of graphite, and a welcome tension between perky minerality and grippy structure. Well done! – J.R.

2022

Dutton-Goldfield

Docker Hill Vineyard, Pinot Noir

Docker Hill owners Karson and Bill Aubuchon planted their vineyard in 2010 (to Heritage and Dijon clones), and several spots sit above the fog line and are cooler and longer ripening as a result. After aging 17 months in 45% new French oak, this Pinot Noir shows fantastic notes of rhubarb, boysenberry, brambly herbs, violets, and sandalwood. In the mouth, it takes a somewhat darker tone, showing ripe blackberry fruit flavors in intense waves, each topped with earthy truffle notes. It will age very, very well, though it is awfully difficult to refuse now. – J.R.

2022

Dutton-Goldfield

Dutton-Ranch, Snow Vineyard, Pinot Noir

Leads with boysenberry, and quickly reveals dark tea, dark berries, dark spices, and a dark disposition. The palate is surprisingly structured, with a long finish of sweet, ripe wild blueberries (both fresh and dried). Delicious. – J.R.

2022

La Regola

Costa Toscana Bianco

With abundant notes of apricot, peach, yellow apples, lemon blossom, and hay, it’s the Chardonnay that dominates the nose in this blend. Its palate is rich with broad peach and ripe citrus flavors, complemented by hints of piquant minerality on a medium+ finish. – J.R.

2022

Merry Edwards

Meredith Estate Pinot Noir

Rich, potent, and alluring. Dark spices and even hints of iron mix with tobacco, truffle, blackberry, blue plum, and incense on the nose. The palate is remarkably consistent, adding blood orange acidity to the wild berry and plum flavors. Packs a punch, but lands all of its hits elegantly. – J.R.

2022

Nicolas-Jay

Momtazi Pinot Noir

A beautifully spicy, structured, earthy expression of a distinct place and time. Deftly balancing savory, dark cherry flavors with pepper and bramble notes, with a palate that is equal parts depth and nuance. This one should stand the test of time. – J.R.

2022

Quinta do Vesuvio

Pombal do Vesuvio

Named for the terraced vineyards surrounding this often underrated estate’s ancient dovecote (“pombal” in Portuguese), this release hails from a hot and dry vintage (even by modern Douro standards). Exceptionally spicy on the nose, with green and dried herbs, pepper, violets, and wild blackberry notes. On the palate, this is ripe, plummy, dense, and full, with tannins that carry a dusty edge. Delicious now, this will be even better with 2-3 years of cellaring. – J.R.

2022

Rodney Strong

Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark blackcurrant fruit, savory spices, and a plush, seductive mouthfeel mark this concentrated crowd-pleaser of a Cabernet from Knights Valley. Dark plum flavors make it a fantastic choice for short ribs or hearty burgers. – J.R.

2023

AUTEUR

Bacigalupi Chardonnay

A wild yeast, low production (249 cases), Old Wente Clone Chardonnay from one of Sonoma’s most celebrated vineyards, this white sees no malolactic fermentation. Lifted aromas of golden apples, toast, honeysuckle, white tea leaves, and ripe citrus lead into fantastic flavors of lemon, white peaches, and hazelnuts. Packed with elegance and verve, this is excellent from start to finish. – J.R.

2023

Cattleya

Alma de Cattleya Pinot Noir

Spicy and mineral, with rhubarb, cherry, and raspberry aromas and flavors, topped off with an almost minty herbal spice. Nice balance of roundness and acidity here! – J.R.

2023

Cattleya

Pinot Noir

A dark and brooding Pinot with intense boysenberry, plum, and black raspberry fruits. Hints of leather, turned earth, and tobacco and tea leaves join the fray on the wonderful nose. It’s silky and substantial, but clearly has a mineral edge (and great structure) under all of that ripe palate fruitiness. – J.R.

2023

Davis Bynum

River West Vineyard Chardonnay

Sourced from a vineyard on a low riverside bench, this white is big, but also refreshingly lemony. Everything feels wonderfully dialed up in this big-fruited Chardonnay. So it’s all on balance, from its warm and spicy aromatics to its rich peach flavors. – J.R.

2023

Domaine Bousquet

Reserve Organic Chardonnay

There’s a LOT of bang for the buck in this organic, hand-harvested Chardonnay from one of Argentina’s most consistent producers. Peach, pear, apples, and light spice abound, with a balanced mouthfeel. Talk about a major value. – J.R.

2023

Domaine Bousquet

Unoaked Chardonnay

Sourced from high elevation vineyards, this shows excellent balance and quality for the price. Bright citrus, rich tropical fruits, and a hint of honeysuckle all make for an easy and enjoyable quaffer. – J.R.

2023

Duchman Family Winery

Vermentino

A mineral, stony edge, and a hint of bitter almond drive this white’s fine, ripe citrus aromas and flavors. The zestiness lasts long into the finish, making this a great match for summer salads. – J.R.

1 2

Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2016

Producer

Name

Unfolding in layers and taking its sweet time about it, this red is exquisite and quite reserved at the moment. It’s going to take some time (and then some more time) to fully come around. But as the earth, leather, rose petal, and red fruit action develops, it will turn into an absolutely understated beauty. – J.R.

2018

Producer

Name

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.

2021

Producer

Name

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

2021

Producer

Name

A powerful, succulent, and well-built white, brimming with aromas and flavors of grilled citrus and peaches, a bit of cream, and plenty of spice and power. It feels relatively big, but a beautiful example of the style. – J.R.

2021

Producer

Name

Blood oranges, tart cranberries, oak, cinnamon, black cherries, camphor, and fresh green herbs… this red is packing a lot of complexity and elegance on the nose. In the mouth, it shows impressive, savory meatiness, while never once losing its edgy freshness. Aged 15 months on the lees (with 40% new French oak), with just 578 cases made. – J.R.

2021

Producer

Name

White currants, white fig, white blossoms, and white pepper mark the aromas and flavors of this Northern Italian Sauvignon. The nose is perfumed and heady, and the palate shares in its heft and unctuous nature. – J.R.

2021

Producer

Name

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.

2021

Producer

Name

From the Symingtons’ first project outside of the Douro, this red blend is aged 75% for six months in third and fourth-year 400L French oak. Aromas of toast, ripe blue and black plums, dried violets, black pepper, and green herbs kick things off. In the mouth, youthful fruit and approachable freshness make this instantly appealing, and hints of leather add a nice touch of complexity. – J.R.

2021

Producer

Name

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.

2021

Producer

Name

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.

2021

Producer

Name

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.

2022

Producer

Name

This small, organically farmed vineyard sits near Occidental, enjoying morning fog and the area’s famous Goldridge soils. Aged 13 months in 35% new French oak, it’s crafted from Calera and Romanee clones and exhibits some distinctly Burgundian flair. Mint, rhubarb, ripe cherries, cinnamon, and black tea leaf aromas lead the charge. The palate starts silky but has grip, texture, and structure to match its perky acidity. Carefully well-made, it’s classy, excellent, and will get even better with some cellaring. – J.R.

2022

Producer

Name

What a gorgeous aroma: black pepper, wild blackberries, garrigue, lavender, smoked game, and iron. There is a fantastic mouthfeel to go with it, too, one that’s chock-full of red, black, and blue fruit, but also tons of minerals and surprising structure. A stunner, sourced from Côte Rôtie clones planted in the Soberanes Vineyard. – J.R.

2022

Producer

Name

Very dark cassis fruit, camphor, and dried and green herbs are present in this friendly, hearty Cab. This is a real mouthful, and a no-brainer with grilled burgers. – J.R.

2022

Producer

Name

Fruity, floral, and packed full of fun, this red sports an elegant streak to match its palate brawn. Aged in French oak between 8 and 10 months, it represents an excellent value. Pair it up with burgers right off the grill. – J.R.

2022

Producer

Name

Hand-harvested and French oak-aged, this red is a superb value pick. Bold red and black fruits combine with dried violets, baking spices, hints of graphite, and a welcome tension between perky minerality and grippy structure. Well done! – J.R.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2016

2016 Tenuta Carretta Barolo Cannubi

Still Wine

$$

2018

2018 Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino

Still Wine

$$

2021

2021 Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico Riserva

Still Wine

$

2021

2021 Far Mountain Myrna Chardonnay

Still Wine

$$

2021

2021 Gary Farrell Lancel Creek Vineyard, Pinot Noir

Still Wine

$$

2021

2021 Kelleri Bozen Green Sauvignon

Still Wine

$

2021

2021 Querceto di Castellina Sei Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

Still Wine

$$

2021

2021 Quinta da Fonte Souto Florao Red

Still Wine

$

2021

2021 Riecine Chianti Classico Riserva

Still Wine

$

2021

2021 Vallepicciola Chianti Classico Riserva

Still Wine

$

2021

2021 Vignamaggio Terre di Prenzano

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 AUTEUR Balinard Pinot Noir

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 Cattleya The Initiation

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 Domaine Bousquet Alavida Oreganic Kosher Cabernet Sauvignon

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Domaine Bousquet Gaia Organic Cabernet Sauvignon

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Domaine Bousquet Gaia Organic Malbec

Still Wine

$

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