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The Latest Cristaldi Scores

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

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.

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

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.

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.

2024

Mendes & Symington

Contacto Alvarinho

The plethora of citrus aromas is wild, but the rest of this structured, mineral, and lengthy bargain is elegant and refined. One of the more unique renderings of this variety that you’re likely to encounter, it sports hints of white tea along with its abundant lemony flavors. – 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.

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

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

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.

2024

Rodney Strong

Sauvignon Blanc

Aged 63% in 400L French oak barrels (85% new), 36% in stainless steel, and 1% in a ceramic egg, this white blends all the resulting textures in a fun way, upping the herbal tinge notes, fresh citrus aromas, and deliciously ripe tropical fruit flavors. – J.R.

2024

CVNE

Monopole Blanco Seco

Exciting, mineral, and vivacious. Floral tones, along with citrus peel and just-ripe tropical fruit action, make this feel almost effortless to imbibe. Sourced from estate grapes grown in Rioja Alta. – J.R.

2023

William Fevre

Chablis Champs Royaux

From a Chablis producer who can do no wrong when it comes to crafting beguiling whites. Lemons, white blossoms, and minerals abound on the nose and palate for what feel like days. Almost effortlessly drinkable. – J.R.

2023

Yatir

Darom Cabernet Sauvignon

Made by Eran Goldwasser (who was trained in Australia) from grapes sourced in the south Judea region at 2,500 feet, this red is long, minty, and mineral. It has deep, focused black fruit action throughout. A serious—and seriously good—effort. – J.R.

2024

Keuka Springs

Blanc de Cabernet Franc Mendall Rose

Really nice florals are presented in this single-vineyard rosé, topped with vibrant red berry touches. The palate shows great lift, with a long, spicy, and herbal finish. – 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.

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.

2024

Heron Hill

Reserve Pinot Blanc

Sourced from the Morris Vineyard. Floral, with hints of just ripe tropical fruit, slate, and melon. The palate has nice, rounded edges with a floral, lime and stone fruit finish that won’t quit. – 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.

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.

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.

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