86 Points - Wine Enthusiast, December 2009
"Soft and luscious, a dry, delicately structured wine with flavors of raspberry parfait, ripe crushed red cherries, anise and sandalwood. Drink now." -Steve Heimoff
87 Points - Wine Spectator, December 2007
"Aromatic, with floral, dried berry and a hint of chocolate, this is complex and dense, with a grainy texture. Broad and well-integrated, with a lingering finish. Drink now through 2014. 1,100 cases made." -Bruce Sanderson
87 Points - Wine Spectator, Web Only 2008
"Attractive aromas of blackberry, cherry and light vanilla follow through to a medium body, with soft tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very attractive now. Best after 2009." -James Suckling
Rating for 2006 Vintage:
Wine Spectator Nov 15, 2007
Score: 90 "Smart Buys"
"Attractive aromas of banana and lemon follow through to a full-bodied palate, with apricot and nectarine notes and a long, flavorful finish. Drink now. 2,800 cases made." -JS
"Dusty rose color with ruby reflections. Intense nose of rose petals, strawberry and raspberry. Warm, sweet with a lingering finish. A very elegant wine with a pleasant finish, excellent with almond cake and pastries." -From the Importer
About the Abbazia di Novacella:
"Founded in 1142 this is one of the oldest winery in the world. The Abbey was built in the middle of the vineyards, located between 600 metres above sea level. The moranic nature of the soil is particularly suitable to grow aromatic white grapes like: Sylvaner, Muller Thurgau, Veltiner, Kerner and Gewurztraminer.
Due to the method of planting, Guyot, along with the altitude and continental climate, the production per hectare is limited to 90 quintals. The modern stainless steel equipment of the cellar contrasts with the antiquity of the Abbey but is perfect to store and enhance the typical freshness of these white wines."
"Pours an inky purple, with aromas of plums and red and black berries. Delivers an intense wallop of rich berry fruit on the entrance. Finishes strong and smooth with root spices and a hint of earthiness. The tannins are enrobed in rich, creamy fruit, and add a lingering silkiness to the wine. Fabulous concentration for a wine of this price!" -The Importer
88 Points - Wine Spectator, December 31, 2007
"Quite ripe, with plum cake and raspberry ganache notes that verge on jammy, but there's good spice, graphite and grip chiming in on the finish to keep it honest enough. Drink now. 5,000 cases made." -JM
89 Points - Wine Advocate, April 2008
"The estate’s 2003 Brunello di Montalcino is a classically-styled, medium-bodied wine with ethereal notes of spices, tobacco and saddle leather that dominate its flavor profile. Slightly forward at this stage, it is a delicate, soft-textured Brunello that is best enjoyed over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. Marchesato degli Aleramici is a small property located on the westernmost part of the Brunello production zone." -Antonio Galloni