Here, take a look at our confirmed lineup for one very special tasting this Saturday (1st July)! Running from our usual 12 to 2pm, come grab the chance to have some of the region's very best reds, with some great value on display! Also included will be two Tuscan releases that we're very keen to show off, if you're interested!
If you want to check out each of our daily offers for our Piedmont Week, click the links below!
Part 4 - Massolino Vigna Rionda
Italian Tasting Lineup
Saturday 1st July / 12-2pm
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Luke Lambert Nebbiolo 2021 - $69 on offer ; $79 RRP
"Yarra Valley Nebbiolo, handpicked, destemmed, wild yeast fermented and held on skins for 18 days with frequent plunging and foot stomping. No temperature control. Pressed into Slavonian and French oak Foudre for 18 months prior to bottling without fining or filtration. 2021 was an outstanding growing season for Nebbiolo at the Denton site. This year’s release carries a riper and darker fruit profile than the previous couple of years and while there’s plenty of power and structure, the wine retains its alluring red fruited perfume. " - Winemaker Notes
Elio Altare Langhe Nebbiolo - $48 on offer ; $55 RRP
"Maceration on the skins for approx. 3/4 days in rotary fermenters with temperature control , short passage in used French barrique for 5 months. An intense ruby colour, with a nose of delicate, fresh aromas of rose petals and red fruits. Nice tannin structure on the palate, but not dry. Intense taste of red fruits and good acidity." - Winemaker Notes
"The 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo is a fabulous entry-level wine from Altare. Succulent red cherry fruit, rose petal, orange peel and spice all meld together effortlessly. This mid-weight, supple Langhe Nebbiolo is a winner." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Elio Altare Barbera d'Alba - $42 on offer ; $48 RRP
"Maceration on the skins for approx. 3/4 days in rotary fermenters with temperature control , short passage in used French barrique for 5 months. An intense ruby colour, with a nose of delicate, fresh aromas of rose petals and red fruits. Nice tannin structure on the palate, but not dry. Intense taste of red fruits and good acidity." - Winemaker Notes
"The 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo is a fabulous entry-level wine from Altare. Succulent red cherry fruit, rose petal, orange peel and spice all meld together effortlessly. This mid-weight, supple Langhe Nebbiolo is a winner." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Elio Altare Dolcetto d'Alba - $37 on offer ; $42 RRP
"Intense violet in color, this wine offers aromas of violets and black cherry. On the palate, it is dry and soft, with delicate tannins and a medium body. Easy drinking to be appreciated in the summer months, served a little chilled. Great with antipasto, pasta, white meat, light cheese, salami, pizza and paninis." - Winemaker Notes
"The 2021 Dolcetto d'Alba is all class. Juicy dark plums, cloves, licorice and lavender are front and center. This succulent, racy Dolcetto is an absolute delight. I especially like the energy here. Altare's Dolcetto is once again a real highlight in 2021." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Sori della Sorba Langhe Nebbiolo - $127 on offer ; $145 RRP
"In Piemontese dialect a “Sorì” is the special designation of greatness, or “grand cru”, and translates to: “where the snow melts first” which often means south facing and highest on the hill. The 2020 vintage shows lifted aromas of crushed black cherries, rose petals, wet rock, savory herbs, and forest floor. On the pallet, the wine builds with wild berries, rose petals, orange pith, and damp forest floor and truffle. Fine grained tannins build as they hold together the delicate floral notes to an everlasting finish." - Winemaker Notes
"Lots of rose petals and stems with spices and black fruit, as well as oranges in both the nose and palate. It’s medium-bodied with lovely fruit, bright acidity and a peppery, spicy finish. Drink or hold." - 94 Points, JamesSuckling.com
Fratelli Alessandria Barolo 'Comune di Verduno' - $118 on offer ; $135 RRP
"The Fratelli Alessandria 2018 Barolo del Comune di Verduno shows extreme clarity and focus with pinpoint aromas of cassis, sour cherry, crushed stone and perfumed violets. This is a standout wine that shines bright in a vintage that is not always even when you consider its peers. The wine invigorates the palate with acidity, minerality and fine tannins. This is a terrific, albeit slightly more approachable Barolo." - 94+ Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
G.D. Vajra Barolo 'Coste di Rose' - $140 on offer ; $160 RRP
The Vaira family's parcel in Coste di Rose in Barolo are gorgeously located on the top of the MGA, at 310m above sea level. It's a unique vineyard. The soil is dominated by a pure Arenaria di Diano, a Tortonian sandstone that delivers distinctive floral aromatics and a salty minerality. This cru is one of Barolo’s best-kept secrets, being located right in between Cannubi and Bussia, yet away from the beaten paths. Fruit is picked usually around the third week of October. Vinification occurs in custom- designed vertical tini, with gentle punch down and rinsing of the cap. Maceration lasts 40 to 50 days on average. Malolactic conversion takes place in stainless steel, the following spring.
"The 2019 Barolo Coste di Rose is the most open of the vineyard designates, but is not the easy going Barolo it has often been in the past. Bright acids and veins of supporting tannin gives the 2019 its taut, rather nervous feel. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice flowers and earthy tones all develop with a bit of time in the glass. There is a bit of nervousness in the tannin that needs to soften, but all the elements are nicely balanced." - 93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
PLUS
Isole e Olena Cepparello 2019 - $210 on offer ; $240 RRP
"One of the icon wines of Tuscany, the Isole e Olena 2019 Cepparello is all Sangiovese crafted by the loving hands of a winemaking legend, the great Paolo De Marchi (who finalized the sale of his beloved estate when this wine hit the market). Indeed, this wine opens a discussion on the future of this celebrated IGT Toscana, a wine that followed a strict vision and style under De Marchi. It is elegant and rich with fine aromas of black and purple fruit. It ferments in oak and ages in French barrique for 20 months, with one-third new oak. A sure candidate for long cellar aging." - 97+ Points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
and
Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino 2018 - $148 on offer ; $169 RRP
"One of the icon wines of Tuscany, the Isole e Olena 2019 Cepparello is all Sangiovese crafted by the loving hands of a winemaking legend, the great Paolo De Marchi (who finalized the sale of his beloved estate when this wine hit the market). Indeed, this wine opens a discussion on the future of this celebrated IGT Toscana, a wine that followed a strict vision and style under De Marchi. It is elegant and rich with fine aromas of black and purple fruit. It ferments in oak and ages in French barrique for 20 months, with one-third new oak. A sure candidate for long cellar aging." - 97+ Points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate