Tenuta Il Poggione 2020 Lo Sbrancato Rosé - 89pts

Tenuta Il Poggione 2020 Lo Sbrancato Rosé (Montalcino) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Marquis Wine Cellars in Vancouver
Cost: $21-28 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: May 15th, 2022

Tasting Notes: A juicier, fuller blush when compared to the light and lean, minimalist style which dominates most restaurant menus. Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, this is robust rosé without ever feeling heavy and one that can pair with fresh pasta and white meats. Typical blush characters of red fruit, floral and citrus throughout, with just a hint of Sangiovese' unique tomato stock on the nose and a touch of fleshy, cumquat on the palate. Drink now-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Altesino 2018 Rosso di Montalcino - 90+pts

Altesino 2018 Rosso di Montalcino (Montalcino) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $28-30 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 26thh, 2021

Tasting Notes: This Rosso di Montalcino is a blend of roughly 80% Sangiovese with the remaining 20% a mixture of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes producing a robust nose and complex palate of earthy fruit and meaty veggie notes. Look for light cured meats, tomato stock, mushrooms, bell pepper, smoke, red berries and a touch of tart cranberry. A well balanced wine with rounded tannins and good acidity. Pair this wine with braised meat dished like Osso Buco. Drinking beautifully now or cellar for further development. Drink 2021-2024.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2021 IconWines.ca

Villa Cafaggio 2010 Basilica Solatio Chianti Classico Riserva - 93pts

Villa Cafaggio 2010 Basilica Solatio Chianti Classico Riserva (Chianti Classico DOCG) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Limited availability. Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $50-60 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: March 18th, 2020

Tasting Notes: At 10 years of age, this single-vineyard, Chianti Classico Reserva has matured beautifully and has started to peak, delivering nicely integrated, elegant and feminine, layers of smoke-kissed, dried red fruit and delicate, crushed flowers with a susarrus of rustic pine floating in the background. The structure is smooth and supple and finishes long. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2022.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Poggio al Tesoro 2014 Il Seggio - 92pts

Poggio al Tesoro 2014 Il Seggio (Bolgheri DDOC) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Limited
Cost: $40-50 + taxes
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: December 31st, 2019

Tasting Notes: A blend of 40% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot, the Il Seggio sits effortlessly on the palate with no more than medium weight, yet, endless layers of beautifully balanced, savoury and fruit flavours. There is an overall elegance on display with silky tannins and a fragrant femininity. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2024+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Argiano 2015 "NC" Rosso Tuscano - 90pts

Argiano 2015 "NC" Rosso Tuscano (Tuscana IGT) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $29-35 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: December 31st, 2019

Tasting Notes: The "NC" on the label stands for "Non Confunditur", the winery's motto and which roughly translate as "Not to be confused with" in English. It's a nice way of professing that this wine is unique, and it does stand out for its earthy-smokiness and its touch of black pepper. A blend of (mostly) Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller parts Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese, this is a medium-bodied, yet, intensely flavoured wine that can stand on its own without the crutch of good food, though, as with all Italian wines, it is even better in the company of a finely paired dish like a blackened Porterhouse. Ready to go now. Drink 2020-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2020 IconWines.ca

Carpineto 2013 Riserva - 93-94pts

Carpineto 2013 Riserva (Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano DOCG) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Private wine stores
Cost: $45-50
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: March 2nd, 2019

Tasting Notes: This is the ultimate steak wine. Now, if you are not steak (or meat of any kind) inclined than you might consider imagining a beautifully grilled, olive-oil kissed, portobello mushroom as you proceed with this review;)

What is pepper to salt? What is charred carbon to grease? Perfect companions? Brothers in arms? If the battle is to win 'taste', than let me put forth my twin-headed champion: the Carpineto Riserva and a lean, mean, beef tenderloin machine. 

The silky-smooth, Sangiovese blend, Carpineto is well-suited to grilled foods of all kinds with a balanced and complex profile which perfectly marries its red fruit and floral characters with layers of spice, worn leather and prominent iron notes like it had once been used to quench a burning blade of steel. Already 6 years of age, yet, still years from peaking with further development very likely. Drink now-2023.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Poggio Bonelli 2012 Poggiassai - 93pts

Poggio Bonelli 2012 Poggiassai (Toscana IGT) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $50-60
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: September 14th, 2018

Tasting Notes: A 75-25 split of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, respectively, this Toscana IGT, sourced from a vineyard in Castelnuovo Berardenga, is a sexy, smoke-infused gem, featuring a harmonious blend of red fruit and earthy, forest floor aromas and flavours. Velvety, in texture, with fine, smooth tannins and a long, spiced-cocoa and tobacco flavoured finish. 

Already 6 years of age, yet, still years from peaking, though, further development may be limited. Drink now-2025.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Marchesi Antinori 2010 Villa Antinori - 91+pts

Marchesi Antinori 2010 Villa Antinori (Tuscana IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: June 6th, 2014

Tasting Notes: This 'Tuscana IGT' designated blend of 55% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Syrah from Italy's famed Marchesi Antinori is a seductive, over-achiever that effortlessly blends, plump, red and blue fruit with sweet herbs and dusty, savoury flavours of cured meats, cocoa powder and leather. oak influence is generous, but well integrated, contributing to the fine, supple tannins and smooth palate. Absolutely fantastic value for money

This is a wine to enjoy now or put away for 5-7 years for further development. Drink 2014-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Marchesi de Frescobaldi 2008 CastelGiocondo - 92pts

Marchesi de Frescobaldi 2008 CastelGiocondo (Brunello di Montalcino DOCG) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $55
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: March 3rd, 2014

Tasting Notes: A warm, sweet scented, perfumed nose with berry, prune and spice notes. The palate is both silky and powerful with fantastic balance of fruit, herb, savoury and spice characters. Tannins are fine and dusty. The finish is long and memorable.

If the quality is there, as it is with the CastelGiocondo, then 8-10 years is the sweet spot for folks looking to maximize their investment but don't want a 20 or 30 year old 'aged' Brunello (a rather different beast). After 8-10 years, everything is coming together nicely and the fruit elements are still fresh. Drink 2016-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Castello di Bossi 2008 Chianti Classico - 89pts

Castello di Bossi 2008 Chianti Classico (Chianti Classico DOCG) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Limited availability. Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $20-30
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: August 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Gorgeous, feminine nose of sweet licorice, violets, cherry, warm earth and spiced plum aromas. The round, berry and tobacco-infused palate has aged well but may have peaked showing signs of frailty on the short finish. Drink 2013-2015.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tenuta Sette Ponti 2010 Crognolo - 90-92pts

Tenuta Sette Ponti 2010 Crognolo (Toscana IGT) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $35
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: August 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This is a Super Tuscan perfect for the North American market; fruit forward, dense and steak friendly. It's not all power and extraction though, offering layers of warm earth, licorice, mint and spices on the intense nose and generous, full-bodied palate.

The tannins could use another year to mellow if you have the patience, otherwise, be sure to decant for 2+ hours. Will make a fantastic pairing for grilled red meats. Drink 2014-2018.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Tolaini 2007 Valdisanti - 92-93pts

Tolaini 2007 Valdisanti (Toscana IGT) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Limited availability. Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $40-47
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 4th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Warm rocks, toasted oak and sweet prune notes resonate from the feminine and floral nose of this supremely enjoyable and lovably complex blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Added potpourri, blackberry, vanilla and anise aromas make the quietly intense, developed bouquet irresistible.

The palate is a beast, though, 5 years in the bottle has helped reign in the horns some, with meaty, powerful tannins showing signs of releasing their tight grip on the elegant dark fruit and hot rock flavours. The effects of French oak aging lingers on the long, balanced finish. For the quality and depth on offer, this vintage has epic value and compares well to Super Tuscans priced 2X or 3X as much.

You'll find the sweet spot for this beauty after another 2 years of aging. Drink 2015-2020.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Antinori 2009 Tignarello - 93pts

Antinori 2009 Tignarello (Toscano IGT) Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature Stores
Cost: $100
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 28th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc delivers elegance in a glass with red fruit, cedar, spice box and anise aromas and flavours. Shows great restraint in its intensity on the smooth-textured palate delivering finesse and depth without the in-your-face concentration of its over-extracted peers.

This gorgeous wine calls for meety stews or roasts - although the thought of a $100 "food-wine" may be laughable to some. Tasting rather youthful today needing another 1-2 years of bottle age in a loving cellar to reach its full potential. Drink 2015-2021+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Antinori 2008 Solaia - 92+pts

Antinori 2008 Solaia (Tuscany) Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $250
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: March 1st, 2012

Tasting Notes: This blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged in 100% new oak, opens with a gorgeous, delicate nose of sweet cassis and blackberry fruit aromas and light earthy notes. The youthful, acidic palate follows with layers of berry, smoke and sun-drenched rocks flavours supported by a lovely weight and soft, fine tannins. Not overly intense, yet balanced and complex. The short finish leaves one wanting a bit more length for the price.

This is a fabled Super-Tuscan that really doesn't need any more press in order to sell (or not sell), but for the uninitiated and curious, for equal the fun and quality, my recommendation is to seek-out a bottle of Antinori Tignanello and leave the Solaia to the hard-core collectors who aren't concerned about the concept of "value". Drink 2014-2010.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Brancaia 2008 Tre - 90pts

Brancaia 2008 Tre (Rosso) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $32
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: November 26th, 2011

Tasting Notes: For Tuscany powerhouse Brancaia, the name of the winery's third label is actually a reference to the trio of grapes used for this elegant, New World leaning charmer. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon were blended to create a complex wine that that evokes both serious, cellar-dwelling savers and laid-back, food-friendly sippers.

The nose offers a wide spectrum of aromas from candied raspberry to savoury earth and seductive smoke. The palate is dry but an abundance of ripe fruit flavours hovering above classic Italian vegetal notes creates the perception of sweetness at first sip. Strong mineral and scorched earth flavours are also present.

Ready to drink now and will hold for another 3-5 years due to the mouth watering acidity and medium, soft tannins. Drink 2011-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Altesino 2007 Rosso Tuscana - 90pts

Altesino 2007 Rosso Tuscana (Montalcino) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $22.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: December 10th, 2010

Tasting Notes: This charming wine from Tuscany is a blend of 80% Sangiovese with the remaining 20% a mixture of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. It's a successful blend that delivers an impressively complex wine for the price. At times meaty and earthy, whilst offering a sweet fruity character that makes you forget its origin. Light cured meats, tomato stock, mushrooms, bell pepper, smoke, red berries and a touch of cranberry tartness make up the flavour profile.

The oak treatment is more prominent on the dry, light-to-medium bodied palate and grounds the juicy texture nicely. This is a well balanced wine with structured tannins and good acidity. Pair this wine with braised meat dished like Osso Buco. Drinking beautifully now, don't cellar for long. Drink 2010-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 IconWines.ca