Year | Wine | Variety | Location | Price | Num | Rating |
2001 | Falesco Vitiano | Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese | | $13.95 (CDN) | 6 | 88 (WS) |
In 2001, Falesco's winemaker Riccardo Cotarella was named the Winemaker of the Year in Wine Enthusiast. Gambero Rosso magazine extended the same honour to him in 2000. Tasting note: One of the great values in the world continues to be the blend of equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese called Vitiano. The 2001, aged three months in wood before being bottled, is a deep ruby-colored effort with vivid aromas of black cherries, new saddle leather, dried Provencal herbs, spice box, and licorice. It is more tightly-knit, and plays it closer to the vest than the more opulent 2000 Vitiano. The 2001 possesses lovely fruit, outstanding purity, and a long, spicy finish with considerable elegance as well as staying power. For $10 US (approximately $15.00 CDN at a conversion rate of 1.50), this remains one of the most remarkable wine values in the world. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2002) Food match: grilled tuna. (Source: Vintages, July 2003). There's a lovely softness and richness to this red. Medium- to full-bodied, with round and caressing tannins, and a long, plummy, chocolate and meaty finish. A fantastic bottle for the money. Best Vitiano I have ever had. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now. 200,000 cases made. (Source: Wine Spectator, May 31, 2003). |
1998 | Geografico Torri Riserva | Chianti Colli Senesi | | 14.00 Cdn | 8 | |
1997 | Geografico Torri Risesrva | Chianti Colli Senesi | | $14.00 Cdn | 1 | |
2000 | Lakeview Cellars Cabernet | Cabernet Blend | | | 3 | |
2001 | Magnotta Pinot Noir Riserva | Pinot Noir | | 8.00 | 5 | 5 |
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