Collectif Des Barriques

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

Poggio alle Gazze Toscana Sauvignon Blanc 2021

2021 vintage.
72 % Sauvignon Blanc, 16 % Vermentino, 6 % Viognier and 6 % Verdicchio.
Pale green gold in colour.
Citrus, white floral, green apple, fresh cut grass and asparagus.
Pleasant back and forth between citrus and savoury with minerality coming in the finish.
Absolutely lovely.
25 % new Barriques, 25 % used Barriques and 50 % steel tanks and concrete vats.
— 15 days ago

Tom, Ira and 1 other liked this

Tolaini

Valdisanti Tenuta S. Giovanni Toscana Red Blend 2020

Valdisanti Toscana 2020
Toscana IGT, Tenuta San Giovanni, Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Named in honor of Pier Luigi Tolaini’s mother, Valdisanti is Tolaini’s signature Super Tuscan from Tenuta San Giovanni—right at the southern edge of Chianti Classico. The 2020 vintage is crafted entirely from estate-grown fruit and features a 50% Cabernet Sauvignon / 50% Cabernet Franc blend. This pure Bordeaux-style combination underscores both structure and aromatic vibrancy, reflecting both modern winemaking finesse and Tuscan terroir.  

Aromas & Flavors
Dark and compelling on the nose—black cherry, ripe cassis, and tobacco merge with aromatic notes of Mediterranean herbs, graphite, and leather. Layered hints of licorice and espresso build toward a rich, spice-kissed finish.   

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and structured with firm yet supple tannins and lively acidity. The wine is generous on the palate yet balanced, leading to a long finish that reveals depth and elegant austerity.   

Winemaking Notes
Grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and optically sorted, then fermented on skins for 25 days in French oak vats. Aging continues for 16 months in French barriques, including 6 months on lees, drawing out both richness and aging potential.  

Food Pairing
Pairs brilliantly with Tuscan specialties like bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or aged Pecorino Toscano. Its structure also complements urban grills, roasted game, or hearty stews.

Verdict
Valdisanti 2020 is a refined Super Tuscan that marries Bordeaux balance with Tuscan character. With its 50/50 Cabernet blend and meticulous winemaking, this wine is both graceful and powerful—a true standout for collectors and dinner tables alike. It will cellar beautifully over the next 10–15 years. A la salute!!
— 8 months ago

Ted and Andrew liked this

Zeni

Barriques Amarone della Valpolicella Corvina Blend

At Tullio’s a 2016 vintage — 2 years ago

Paul liked this

Azienda Agricola Fontodi

Flaccianello della Pieve Colli Toscana Centrale Sangiovese 2008

The oak has integrated from my previous note in February 2017 where the influence of oak Barriques was overly present. Sangiovese is not enhanced by too much oak in my opinion and is best matured in large Botti like I said in my previous note like Biondi Santi. Red cherry and earth notes finishing with powdery tannins. Coming together. — 4 months ago

David, Somm and 21 others liked this
Anthony De Blasi

Anthony De Blasi

Hi Bob, I would expect a higher rating, certainly seen its age
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Anthony De Blasi perhaps a 91 or 92 Anthony but I couldn’t give it more.

Hevron Heights Winery

Armagedon Red Blend 2017

Armagedon 2017 – Hevron Heights Winery
Judean Hills, Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A bold red blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 5% Syrah, aged for 24 months in French oak. Produced by Hevron Heights Winery, this wine reflects the unique terroir of the Judean Hills — one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world, now regaining global recognition for producing structured, world-class wines.

Aromas & Flavors
Deep and concentrated, with aromas of ripe blackcurrant, plum, and dried herbs, layered with espresso, cedar, and a touch of vanilla from the extended oak aging. The palate shows dark fruits, cassis, blackberry compote, and hints of spice and earthy tobacco.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, robust, and structured with firm tannins and notable concentration. The finish is long, lingering with both fruit and savory oak-driven notes. Still youthful but beginning to soften beautifully.

Winemaking Notes
Carefully selected fruit, traditional vinification, and extended oak maturation (24 months in French barriques) yield a wine that balances richness with complexity. Built for longevity.

Food Pairing
Pairs perfectly with roasted lamb, beef short ribs, or spiced Mediterranean dishes. Also a great match with aged cheeses.

Verdict
A powerful, age-worthy red from the Judean Hills, Armagedon 2017 showcases both the depth of the blend and the rising reputation of Israel’s terroir. A bottle that commands attention and rewards patience. Cheers!
— 8 months ago

Ted and Andrew liked this

Marie Courtin

Efflorescence Extra Brut Champagne Pinot Noir 2015

Shay A
9.2

I’m between a 92-93 here. Second time with this champagne in the last year and it has stayed consistently delicious.

Slightly older disgorgement at July 2021. 100% Pinot noir. Extra year aging and fermentation in used barriques compared to all stainless for the Resonance cuvée.

Almost 6yrs on the lees and it shows with a leesy character alongside rich power (which can be hard to do with zero dosage champagnes, but the vintage and style help). Gold tinged in the glass. Spiced cider, oyster shell aromatically before a honeycrisp red apple, cranberry, red and black berry fruit and a mineral/limestone finish. I’d love to try this disgorgement a few years down the line, as I think it would be doing even better.

Happy Thanksgiving.
— 2 years ago

Paul, Steve and 21 others liked this

Elio Altare

Barolo Nebbiolo 2010

Quite dense crimson in colour with a tawny rim. Balsamic notes with cherry and a leathery note. Unusual production technique for Barolo using French Barriques for oak maturation. An excellent red but not particularly Barolo, although the oak has largely integrated after 15 years. One of the 1001 Wines. I have Delectable notes of this Cuvée from the 2008 vintage. — 7 months ago

Somm, Pooneet and 14 others liked this

Tenuta di Trecciano

Daniello Toscana Sangiovese Blend 2020

Tenuta di Trecciano – Daniello 2020
Toscana IGT – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Daniello is crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Syrah, aged in French oak barriques for 18 months. This Super Tuscan captures both power and Tuscan nuance, grounded in the estate’s historic terroir.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, cassis, and dark plum lead, layered with hints of licorice, spice, and cigar box. Subtle floral lift and graphite bring elegance.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, with polished but firm tannins. The structure is solid, oak is integrated, and the long finish is savory and persistent.

Food Pairings
Excellent with grilled ribeye, lamb chops, or Tuscan bistecca. Also pairs with earthy mushroom dishes or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced and savory Super Tuscan — powerful and sophisticated. Without knowing the precise ratios, the blend remains thrilling and fully realized. Cheers!!
— 8 months ago

Andrew, Ted and 1 other liked this

Rocca di Montegrossi

Geremia Toscana Cabernet-Merlot Blend 2016

Hello Delectable,
This is a Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
2016 vintage.
Grown in Chianti Classico and aged 24 months in Allier barriques then 18 months in bottle.
Big, rich sweet dark cherry, black plums. violets, woodsy and olives.
Powerful and intense with elegance and balance..
Great structure and complexity with a velvety finish.
— 3 years ago

Iwan, Skip and 3 others liked this