Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.6

2018 vintage. Last tasted 04.08.23 (9.5), 12.01.22 from a 375ml (9.5) and upon release 06.07.21 (9.5). Decanted and tasted after 45 minutes. Mysterious, dark-fruited and dusty nose. Medium body with excellent darkness of night color. Previous baby-fat overtures approximately 90% gonzo. Slimming down and getting more toned. In a state of transition with undeniable tension that can easily be misconstrued as underperforming. Last wine I tasted that was under this sort of metamorphosis at this level was the 1996 Pichon-Lalande about 1.5 years ago. Such a privilege to experience world-class wines in such a vulnerable moment. Everything is laid out bare/naked before you and you can see where the wine is headed and whether it will be following a trajectory that agrees with you. Definitely unusual to find this occurring in a wine this youthful but the 21st Century is smashing the old 20th Century clay tablets and digitizing. For most wine enthusiasts sampling this wine now, expecting some disappointment in the scoring. For myself, this is currently in the perfect symmetry of past, present and future. Will it show critically better in the future according to the accepted trials, palates, judges and juries? Probably. Will they experience the potential, doubts, insecurities and questions? Doubtful. This kid stays in this exact picture for another 2-4 years imho before striking another pose and I would love to taste this again during that time frame. An above and beyond thank you to FLB (Friday Lunch Boys) regular Todd. 08.15.25. — 7 days ago

Victor Hsu

8.9

Nicely concentrated Sicilian red, with muscular tannins backed by deep and dark fruit with somewhat sharp acidity. Reminds me of a young California Central Coast red blend. Nice pairing with red sauce pasta but probably better after four or five years of softening in the bottle. Had the 2023 vintage with Paccheri Lisci (spicy pork sausage sugo, fennel, sage, pecorino) from Jame Enoteca in El Segundo, CA. — 4 days ago

Dave

9.5

I've had Albe a number of times, and it's always been very good. This bottle is delicious, even though it is young. It's vibrant and zesty with bright cherries, cranberry, a light dusting of... dust, little mint, little tea leaf. It would be great with some cellaring, but when it tastes like this at this price, why wait? Paired beautifully with some flank steak and chimichurri.
Delectable puts it at $48 but I don't think I've ever spent that much.
Listening to Christopher Parkening. — 24 days ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.5

Medium ruby . Quite reserved , spiced red fruits and mineral hints . On the palate this is really concentrated and mineral but really quite young and intense . Lots of high acidity and grippy tannins , very saline and mineral on the long vibrating finish . Come back in 5-10 years and will last well a further 10 . At Vinous Icons NY , Pier 60 , Feb 2025 — 15 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2021 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 45 mins. Chunky and decently power-laden. Hints of finesse here and there. Much too much too early obvs but time, space and the FLB (Friday Lunch Boys) demanded a sacrificial lamb. The oracle at Delphi was on a lunch break apparently so no tea leaves or entrails read but this needs at least 3-4 years to divine the future. 08.15.25. — 7 days ago

Jared Graf

9.1

Currant grapefruit chalk wall — 9 hours ago

Brian Kostreba

9.1

I loved it would buy more when I find it. I would get into all the nuances of wine flavors that all the wine aficionado would say but hey just a serious good wine I’m not all the verbose. — 15 days ago

Adam Baker

9.5

Drank with boneless ribeye perfectly cooked. Great red berry fruit; dark strawberry. Some richness. Really smooth. Some spiciness. Would love to try this with another few years of age. Light tannins. With SW board and Blues. — 14 days ago

KCG

9.3

Fresh acidity, elegant structure, long persistent finish. — a day ago

Dave

9.3

I like the graphics. It looks like the wallpaper in an Italian restaurant in Philadelphia in 1965. The wine is great, too. I'm sneaking a sip while I cook, and hoping there will be a sip left when I'm done cooking. You ever do that?
I won't break down the flavor profile; it just tastes like solid Sangiovese.
Rocking out to Miles Davis. — 14 days ago