Reviews

Browse the most recent reviews about producers.

Paternoster Synthesi Aglianico del Vulture 2020

Aglianico del Vulture

June 20, 2026 - Paternoster Synthesi Aglianico del Vulture is a youthful expression of Aglianico from various sections of the Vulture region. True to its name, "Synthesi" synthesizes the essence of this volcanic terroir, offering an accessible, well-priced introduction to the grape. Made entirely from Aglianico, it highlights the rich volcanic soils of the area, delivering vibrant fruit and mineral complexity. As a reflection of its origins, it captures the distinctive character of Mount Vulture, making it an excellent entry point for those seeking to explore Aglianico.

92

Vinous - May 29, 2024 "The 2020 Aglianico del Vulture Synthesi is dark and rich in the glass, with mentholated herbs giving way to plum sauce, medicinal black cherries, hints of undergrowth and dark chocolate.…

92

James Suckling - June 10, 2024 "A tight and intense rendering of aglianico, with a bead of red fruit embellished with savory and spicy licorice notes that give the effect of restrained complexity. Medium-bodied with the…

90

Wine Spectator - November 15, 2025 "A lively, peppery red, with lightly chewy tannins enmeshed in a core of red and black cherry fruit and wild rosemary flavors. An underpinning of ashy mineral pushes through and…

90

Wine Enthusiast - December 31, 2025 "The nose offers aromas of pomegranate syrup, black plum, black cherry, leather and chili pepper, while the palate brings more sweet, dark fruits, herbs and spices, but also a metallic…

Tommasi Rafaèl Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2021

Valpolicella Classico Superiore

June 19, 2026 - Tommasi Rafaèl Valpolicella Classico Superiore comes from the historic Rafaèl vineyard on Monte Masua, the first plot purchased by the Tommasi family. A blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, the wine ages 15 months in large Slavonian oak casks, enhancing its natural elegance and balance. Aromas of dried spices, leather, and cherry lead to intense, spicy-sweet flavors framed by vibrant acidity. Rafaèl is a classic and expressive Valpolicella, perfect with cured meats, cheeses, or simple pasta dishes, showcasing the Tommasi family’s deep roots in the region.

91

Vinous - February 29, 2024 "Wonderfully fresh, with a perfumed blend of dried roses, violets and chalk dust giving way to wild blueberries. This sweeps across the palate, lifted and refined, with silky textures and…

90

Wine Spectator - October 13, 2023

90

James Suckling - April 05, 2024

Tommasi Ripasso Valpolicella 2020

Valpolicella Classico Superiore

June 19, 2026 - Tommasi’s Ripasso Valpolicella is crafted by refermenting fresh Valpolicella wine on the warm Amarone grape skins, a traditional method that gives the wine greater richness and depth. Sourced from top vineyards including Conca d’Oro, La Groletta, and De Buris, it blends Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone. The result is a vibrant, spicy red with notes of black pepper, raisin, and sweet red cherry, balanced by lively acidity. Tommasi’s dedication to tradition and quality makes this a standout expression of classic Valpolicella.

93

Vinous - February 29, 2024 "Opens with a rich blend of autumnal spices and dried black cherries, complemented by a dusting of cocoa. This smooths over the palate with glycerol textures and ultra-ripe wild berry…

92

James Suckling - November 16, 2023

90

Wine Spectator - February 29, 2024 "A bright, medium-bodied red, with floral and spice notes accenting macerated cherry and strawberry fruit flavors. Well-meshed, with light, taut tannins and accents of red licorice, smoke and dried herbs…

Ponzi Vineyards Laurelwood Pinot Noir 2023

Laurelwood District

June 17, 2026 - As Wine Spectator once wrote, “All Oregon Pinot Noirs are measured against the Ponzi yardstick.” For over 50 years, the Ponzi family has farmed 140 acres of certified sustainable vineyards on Laurelwood soils. This wine is the result of a decade's long effort by sisters Maria and Luisa and neighboring growers to establish the Laurelwood District, Oregon’s first soil-based AVA. The area’s volcanic basalts, layered with windblown loess, shape the vines' evolution. Bright red fruit gives way to dark berry and brambly spice as the vines mature.

94

James Suckling - March 11, 2025 "Deep, dark fruit and moody, spicy, savory accents on a bold, fine-grained tannic texture backed by great acidity. It is structured, concentrated, layered and intense. It becomes broader and richer…

93

Wine Advocate - November 06, 2025 "Matured for 10 months in 30% new French oak, the 2023 Pinot Noir Laurelwood District has nuanced aromas of red and black cherries, licorice, saline, holiday spice and earth. The…

92

Wine Spectator - October 13, 2025 "Vibrant and fresh, with lively flavors of pomegranate and cherry accented with green tea tones that speed toward snappy tannins."

Ponzi Vineyards Laurelwood Pinot Noir 2022

Laurelwood District

June 17, 2026 - As Wine Spectator once wrote, “All Oregon Pinot Noirs are measured against the Ponzi yardstick.” For over 50 years, the Ponzi family has farmed 140 acres of certified sustainable vineyards on Laurelwood soils. This wine is the result of a decade's long effort by sisters Maria and Luisa and neighboring growers to establish the Laurelwood District, Oregon’s first soil-based AVA. The area’s volcanic basalts, layered with windblown loess, shape the vines' evolution. Bright red fruit gives way to dark berry and brambly spice as the vines mature.

94

Decanter - August 01, 2024 "The savoury and earth-driven elements buoy the dark fruits that predominate on the wine's finish. Rich soil notes and dried violets introduce the effusively aromatic wine, with hints of smoky…

94

James Suckling - March 14, 2024 "Bright and vibrant nose with strawberries, blood oranges, crushed spices, pine resin and dried herbs. Hints of bergamot. Very fine and tense phenolic structure, almost giving some chalky chewiness to…

93

Wine Spectator - October 31, 2024 "Shows elegance and a polished structure, with refined flavors of raspberry and cherry accented by rose petal, dusky spice and orange peel notes that sail toward fine-grained tannins."

93

Wine Advocate - December 19, 2024 "The 2022 Pinot Noir Laurelwood District bursts from the glass with inviting scents of blueberry, red cherry, dried herbs, tobacco and orange peel. The medium-bodied palate offers generous, perfumed flavors…

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