Country - Italy

This wine is a lot about discovery, and at least a little bit about reconciliation. First the discovery part. This is the first Sta. Rita Hills Grenache that Brian Babcock has ever made. Historically, except for one or two small vineyards that never had any fruit for sale, there simply has not been much Grenache to speak of in the Sta. Rita Hills. Between Pinot being anointed as king, and a belief that Grenache requires more heat, this important Rhone variety was largely looked over. Recently, a few more brave souls have decided to give it a go. this wine is very delicate with beautiful notes of cranberry, raspberry and spice. In the mouth it’s really succulent and it packs a bit more of a wallop than you might think it’s going to, based on how the wine appears in the glass. This is an absolutely classic rendition of Grenache and its fruit is super fresh and tantalizing.

“The 2017 Grenache Love Among The Ruins is fabulous. Sweet floral and minty overtones add nuance to a core of red cherry Grenache fruit. Pliant and silky, with terrific aromatic presence, the 2017 is another wine that shows Bryan Babcock at his very best. This is such a pretty wine.”

– Antonio Galloni

Col d’Orcia is a traditional producer of Brunello di Montalcino. The choice to continue using the large Slavonian oak barrels was taken many years ago, well before the debate between modernist and traditionalist producers even started. Tradition means respecting the essence of Sangiovese from Montalcino which is the aging potential and the improvement of the wine through its long passage in wood and the subsequent aging in the bottle. Still today, at Col d’Orcia, we age our Brunello di Montalcino for a full 3 years in the large barrels before bottling and keep the bottles in cellar at least 1 year before releasing the wine to the market. The fruit comes from the hill overlooking the Orcia River, facing South-South/West and exposed to sun all day long. 
Ruby red with violet hues. The nose is complex and elegant, with red fruity notes like cherry and sour cherry and spicy aromas. Balanced and structured with pleasantly ripe tannins. The finish is long, fruity and lasting.

The Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 2015 is produced since 1892 and was awarded many times for its quality. This wine is the “heart” of our production and it is made with 100% Sangiovese grapes from our best vineyards in Montalcino. The end of the Winter and beginning of Spring were marked by heavy rains, which permitted the storage of abundant water supply. A fluctuating climatic condition in April and May gave way to a higher than usual temperature from June until mid August, with very little rain. In the second half of August providential regular rains restored the ideal conditions for the vine’s growth. In September, the temperatures kept mild during day light and fresh at night time. The regular and steady maturation of the grapes allowed a perfect balance between sugar and acidity. Intense, vivid ruby red color with aromas of red berries, maraschino cherry and licorice. The aromas repeat on the palate with more hints of licorice and tobacco. Tannins are firm and a fruit is refreshed by a lively acidity that leads to a long, persistent finish.  96 Points – James Suckling.

The Michele Chiarlo Tortoniano 2012 is named for the tortonian-era (think millions of years ago) soils in which the vines are planted, which contain a high percentage of magnesium and manganese. Grape clusters are thinned and are harvested somewhat later than usual so that the fruit attains higher concentration. Temperatures are strictly controlled during vinification and the wine is aged for two years in large oak casks and one year in bottle before release. The wine shows layered aromas and flavors of mint, red fruit and spices. The palate shows bright acidity and silky tannins before a long finish. This wine is a superlative pairing for roasts, game and hard cheeses. Also try with wild mushroom risotto with just a hint of truffle oil! Heavenly!

Tenute Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 2012 is a blend of the finest grapes from the Manachiara and Casale del Bosco estates. Silvio Nardi follows the strict DOCG laws required of a classified Brunello di Montalcino. Yield is limited; only the top 70% of the grapes is used to make the wine. Bottle aged at least 12 months before release. 2010 was an excellent weather season. and wines of this vintage are characterized by an exceptional smoothness and concentration, full-body and persistence. Excellent for lying down. This deep, ruby-red wine has intense, complex aromas of red fruits and spices, with toasty oak notes. The wine shows a silky texture, great finesse and profound flavors, framed by noble, velvety tannins. Though impressive now, this wine will benefit from aging. If the perfect dinner for you is a big juicy steak, then this is the wine for you. Also great with rich fish like stugeon or grouper. 95 Points James Suckling, 92 Points Parker and Wine Spectator, 91 Points Galloni.