Oakville Grill and Cellar, Fulton Market, Chicago

Oakville Grill and Cellar, Fulton Market, Chicago

Sunday evening, we dined in the City, in Chicago’s Fulton Market district at the tony, trendy,  Oakville Grill and Cellar with fellow Pour Boys Lyle and Dan of our Wine Group. 

The upscale eatery, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, is stylish, rustic, contemporary California design and decorating, light, bright, airy, with an upbeat energetic vibe. 

The dining room and adjacent bar were festively decorated for the holiday season. 

Oakville Grill prepares California inspired Midwestern cuisine. Their “Quality Statement” says “The menus are inspired by the team’s partnerships with farms, ranches, and wineries throughout California and the Midwest ….  simply prepared dishes made with expertly sourced, seasonal ingredients.”

While unfortunately unavailable tonight, Lyle and Dan would’ve liked the normally offered as sides, ‘warm sourdough by middle brow, house-whipped butter’, and, ‘housemade focaccia bread with calabrian chili, olive truck olive oil’.

For my dinner entree, based on the extraordinary wines available, I ordered the filet of beef - ‘Creekstone filet au poivre, classic peppercorn sauce, mashed yellow finn potatoes and crispy parsley’.

Linda ordered the ‘coal roasted branzino with oven roasted tomato and buckley swiss chard’.

Dan ordered the ‘Harrison's Farm’s duck breast confit with farro risotto and local root vegetables’.

Linda ordered the ‘wood-fired brick chicken gilroy garlic confit, preserved lemon jus’.

The Oakville Grill and Cellar wine program specifically cites a “deliberate focus on high-quality, lesser-known California regions like Santa Barbara County and Santa Ynez Valley AVA’s”, as well as premiere high profile Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara regions and their sub-regions. 

Wines are organized by the varietal, then region. 

The Oakville Cellars wine selection features an extraordinary, magnificent 48 page leather bound wine list with an extensive selection of 750 plus premium, ultra-premium and cult California producers’ labels - some with multiple vintages, some with a broad rare and extensive special bottling offerings. 

There are seven pages devoted to the Reserve List of rare, highly allocated and super premium labels. 

There are also several pages of Half bottles, Large Format bottles, and a small selection of WBTG - Wines By the Glass. 

Dan and Lyle have dined there several times and have become accustomed to taking advantage of their BYOB policy. Tonight, we each brought favorite producers and special labels from our cellars for dinner.

In order of tasting … 

Lyle brought a Sangiovese Brunello

Altesino Brunello Di Montalcino 2018

We started with this Sangiovese based Brunello that Lyle brought from his cellar, since, as we expected, it was more delicate, than the bigger, bold Napa Cabs. This was ideal, better suited perhaps than the Big Reds, with the lighter entrees, the chicken, branzino, and even the duck. 

I wrote about this popular producer in detail in a previous blogpost - BYOB Brunello Italian Wine and Dine at Angeli’s Italian Naperville.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2024/11/byob-brunello-italian-wine-and-dine-at.html

This highly acclaimed release was rated 95 points by James Suckling, 93 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck, and 92 points by Wine Spectator, Decanter and Vinous.  

Winemaker Notes - “Ruby-red with a garnet rim, this wine's bouquet displays ample aromas of violet, wild berries, tobacco, chocolate, and vanilla. On the palate, Altesino Brunello is rich, full-bodied, and velvety.”

Ruby-garnet colored, medium bodied, smooth, polished, full round dark raspberry and berry fruits with notes of tobacco, chocolate, dusty earth, dried flowers and black tea with fine soft tannins on the lingering finish. 

RM 92 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?4481252

http://www.altesino.it/en/altesino/

Dan brought a Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet. 

Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Our Joseph Phelps Napa Valley Winery Visit and Tasting, arranged and hosted by Dan, as featured in this blogpost, was a highlight of our Pour Boys 2017 Sonoma/Napa Wine Experience - a private tasting at the spectacular Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Winery hospitality center. 

The magnificent Phelps winery, tasting facility sits overlooking Phelp's vineyards nestled in its own Spring Valley above St Helena on the western facing foothills of the Vaca range that form the eastern face of Napa Valley. 

Joseph Phelps Vineyards was founded in 1973 when Joe Phelps purchased a former cattle ranch near St. Helena in the Napa Valley, the winery now controls and farms nearly 375 acres of vines on eight estate vineyards in St. Helena, the Stags Leap District, Oakville, Rutherford, Oak Knoll District, Carneros and South Napa Valley. 

Phelps is best known for its flagship Napa Valley blend of red Bordeaux varietals, Insignia, first produced in 1974. Awarded Wine Spectator's "Wine of the Year" in 2005. Equally revered is this highly allocated single vineyard designated label from the esteemed estate Backus Vineyard in Oakville. Dan has an extensive collection of this label, procured as part of his Phelp’s Wine Club allocations over the years. 

As I noted in these page when Dan served this wine at his daughter Hillary’s wedding, Gala celebration dinner features Phelps Backus - Insignia Napa Cabernets, you know its a special wine when each bottle label has its own serial number. Such is the premier selection of the Joseph Phelps collection.

This release was rated 96 points by Jeb Dunnuck and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, and 93-96 points by  Vinous. 

The 2014 Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon  is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec and was aged in 100% new French oak.

Dark garnet/purple colored, full bodied, opulent, hedonistic, rich and concentrated black berry and black currant fruits with notes of cassis, dark mocha chocolate, earth, clove spice, graphite, truffle and cedar, with ripe tannins on a long finish. 

RM 95 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?2454790

https://www.josephphelps.com/

Then, for a comparison of a bottle we drank the previous evening at another dinner gathering, I brought a vintage Napa Valley Howell Mountain Cabernet.

Lamborn Howell Mountain Generation I Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 

Lamborn Family Vineyards is a small boutique family operation focused on distinctive terroir handcrafted Estate Cabernets and Zinfandel from their vineyards high up Howell Mountain, 10 minutes outside of the small town of Angwin in the northern Napa Valley Howell Mountain appellation. At an elevation of 2200 feet, the property is above the 1200 ft. Napa Valley fog line, the line of demarcation between Napa Valley and Howell Mtn AVA’s. With it’s near summit elevation, it occasionally experiences some winter snowfall - in February 2022 they got nearly 14 inches, blocking roads and toppling trees.

Lamborn Family Vineyards was started in 1971 when Bob and Mike Lamborn, a father and his adult son, purchased 40 acres on Howell Mountain. Eight acres are planted to vines. The 1982 debut vintage was made by winemaker Randy Dunn, a friend and neighbor. The legendary acclaimed winemaker Heidi Barrett started making Lamborn wines in 1996. 

We visited the wonderful and hospitable Mike and Terry Lamborn at their estate high atop Howell Mountain during our Napa Valley Howell Mountain Wine Experience 2008 (shown below). 

Mike and Terry Lamborn with wine buddy Andy, sister
Jan, Linda, and brother-in-law Bill

This Lamborn Howell Mountain Cabernet is very similar to the Outpost Howell Mountain 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon label we tasted earlier this weekend, one vintage removed, and sourced from vines literally across the road from each other, that years earlier, prior to 1998, were part of the same vineyard.

At twenty-two years, this is showing no discernable signs of aging, except for the dry but otherwise perfect cork that started to separate on opening. Of course the label is perfect, since it’s painted onto the glass of the large, oversize heavy bottle. 

Robert Parker wrote, “there is no question that there are some surprisingly youthful 2003s that will last much longer than any of us thought at their inception.”

This 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon was aged 22 months in French oak of which 35% was new. It is a big red packaged in a heavy, oversize, premium painted glass in lieu of label bottle. 

Dark garnet colored, full bodied, classic intense Howell Mountain black fruits with complex rich textured  notes of cassis, licorice, spice and earth with a pleasant, smooth tannin lingering finish. 

RM 93 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?1182340

https://www.theoakville.com/

Luigi’s Italian Chophouse, Fayetteville (NC)

Fantastic Italian Dining at Luigi’s Italian Chophouse, Fayetteville (NC)

Moving on, from our visit to Raleigh (NC), we traveled to Fayetteville (NC) to visit the in-law’s and their extended family for a mini-family reunion of the three senior Long siblings. Brother (in-law) Jeff was an Army Airborne Ranger so we visited the Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum.

That evening we dined at Luigi’s Italian Chophouse Restaurant in Fayetteville. . 

Everyone is used the typical Italian Restaurant with the customary predictable menu of standard Italian Specialty dishes. We were blown away by Luigi’s sensational food, extensive informative wine list, and attentive capable service! 

Luigi’s is owned and operated by Nicholas Parrous who also serves as Wine Director and executive chef. 

From Luigi’s menu we had what would be considered typical ‘benchmark’ dishes that we’re accustomed to ordering at other frequently visited restaurants. In each case, Luigi’s not only vastly exceeded our expectations, but in some cases served the best ever entree. 

Such was the case with the Seabass, Eggplant Parmagana, Fettucino Alfredo and the Veal Piccata. 

I was treated to the Luigi’s Veal Piccata - Certified Dutch Veal top round sliced, pounded thin, seasoned and lightly breaded in a Parmesan crust, prepared with sauteed garlic, lemon and capers. And, a side of Luigi’s sensational extraordinary Fettuccine Alfredo - Heavy cream, butter, imported Romano cheese.

I was tempted to order the Chilean Sea Bass but was certain it would be a disappointment when compared to the fabulous seabass entry we’ve been enjoying at home at our regular eatery Entourage. To the contrary Linda and Pat ordered, combined and shared the Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass and thought it was exceptional, and the best ever (I still favor the Entourage preparation)! The Sea Bass was a 7oz fresh filet, seasoned and lightly floured, pan seared and served over a bed of sautéed baby and topped sweet caramelized onions. They ordered along with the Eggplant Parmigiana - Fresh eggplant lightly seasoned and fried, topped with Marinara sauce and melted Provolone Cheese. They also enjoyed the Eggplant immensely, rating as best ever.  

Luigi’s boasts a respectable Wine Spectator Best of Award winning wine list, awarded each year since 2003. Luigi’s wine cellar holds an inventory of 2200 bottles of 295 different labels with primary emphasis being Italian with broad coverage of California as well. Their Wine Spectator Awards are proudly, prominently displayed in the main lobby. Their 51 page wine list is not only extensive but informative, with reviews and commentaries on many of the wines. Wines are moderately and fairly priced for great value dining.  

From the wine list we ordered this highly acclaimed Brunello. 

Mastro Janni Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2018

This is from Mastro Janni in Castelnuovo dell’Abate, in the municipality of Montalcino. The estate is near the historic Abbey of Sant’Antimo that dates back to the end of the 8th century.

In Castelnuovo dell’Abate, at the far southeastern corner of Montalcino, Mastrojanni is owned by part of the Illy Coffee family and has a prestigious hotel and villas as part of the estate. The estate is run by Francesco Illy. 

The 270 acre estate is planted to 100 acres of Vineyards in 37 vineyard plots that stretch to the South, Southeast, and Southwest where the proximity to the Orcia River on the eastern boundary, and the Mount Amiata,  an ancient dormant volcano that rises to 1,738 meters, creates a unique microclimate ideally suited to vinifera. 

The “silent giant” Monte Amiata plays a crucial role in shaping the microclimate with cool breezes that descend from its slopes at night to refresh the vines, while during the day, the updrafts generated by the sun along its sides often divert storms, protecting the vineyards.

The thirty-seven vineyard plots are planted to Sangiovese, Cabernet, Moscato Bianco, Malvasia di C., Sauvignon blanc, Trebbiano Toscano and Ciliegiolo, with the largest allotment, 47 acres, planted to the native Sangiovese. 

The terroir in the Castelnuovo dell’Abate area consists of a mosaic of complex soils. The vineyards sit at  altitudes ranging from 180 to 420 meters above the sea level. The remaining land hosts wooded areas, olive groves (around 800 trees), orchards and a vegetable garden that keep the biodiversity of the area alive.

Since 1975, two particular plots are vinified individually and bottled as single vineyard designated labels, an early approach for its time. The two vineyards Vigna Schiena d’Asino and Vigna Loreto represent the best, most acclaimed Mastrojanni production.

This is 100% estate Sangiovese vinified and produced according to Brunello di Momtalcino DOCG specifications.

I’ve written often in these pages about Brunello and what makes it so special. They are sourced from the Italian appellation of Brunello di Montalcino, regarded as one of Italy’s best appellations. Located in south central Tuscany below Chianti, the wines of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG are made of a Sangiovese clone called “brunello,” which means “little dark one,” a reference to the brown tones in the skin of the grape. Unlike some Tuscan appellations that allow other grapes to be blended with Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino appellation rules require 100% Sangiovese.

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG has to be made 100% with Sangiovese grapes alone, and made only within the Montalcino municipality area. It can only be sold in the market from January 1 of its fifth year after harvest. Prior to that, the wine cannot legally be called Brunello di Montalcino (not even in the cellar): it is simply "red wine to become Brunello di Montalcino DOCG".

Montalcino is a picturesque, hill-top town that was not especially well known for wine production until the mid-19th century, when a local vineyard owner isolated the brunello clone and planted it. Other growers followed suit. Nevertheless it wasn’t until the 1970s that wine enthusiasts started paying attention to Brunello di Montalcino, which by then was becoming an outstanding wine.

Today there are 120 estates in the DOCG, up from about 25 estates in 1975. Brunellos in general are bigger, darker, more tannic and more powerful wines than Chiantis or most other Sangioveses. By law they must be aged for four years, and two of those years must be in wooden barrels.

Mastro Janni’s 47 acres of Brunello are harvested and vinified by individual parcels before ageing in large French oak casks. Winemakers for Mastro Janni are Giulia Härri and Piero Ferretti. 

This 2018 release was awarded 93 points by Wine Advocate, The Wine Independent and. Wine Spectator, and 92 points by Decanter, Vinous and Wine Enthusiast, and 91 by James Suckling. 

The bottle is packaged with a red wax seal affixed to the front of the bottle.

Producer notes …  Brunello di Montalcino 2018 - “The color is bright and brilliant ruby red and it shows the typical aroma of ripe plum and berries notes that blend with a fragrant spiciness, balsamic hints and touches of blond tobacco. In the mouth the wine unfolds tonic and dynamic, supported by fine and elegant tannins which, together with a juicy acidity, leads to a finish of savory and mineral persistence.” 

“Nose - Intriguing nose in its young classicity, stands out ripe fruity notes embellished with a variegated spice flavor.’ 

“Palate - It offers itself with frankness with an intense entrance that ends pleasantly tannic and savory.’ 

“Colour - Brillant Ruby Red with garnet reflections.” - Francesco Illy

Grape variety 100% Sangiovese (Brunello) Barrel aging 36 months in 16-33-54 hl barrels made of Allier oak. Production was 70.000 bottles.

Dark ruby colored, medium full bodied, rich, round bright vibrant expressive ripe sweet dark cherry, plum and currant fruits with notes of savory spices, earth, black truffles, stony minerals and hints of smoke turning to round dusty tannins on the lingering finish. 

RM 92 points.  

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4481416

https://mastrojanni.com/en/

https://www.luigisnc.com/

Wine Flight for casual dinner

Sangiovese Wine Flight for casual dinner 

Vacationing at The Cove, our Vacation Rental in Destin (FL), we entertained neighbors/friends Richard & Vickie for a casual dinner. Linda prepared fresh John’s Famous Crab Cakes from John’s Sea Market on Emerald Coast Parkway in Destin, and waygu beef burgers. 

We wrote about John’s Crab Cakes in an earlier blogpost - Sea Market Crab Cakes anchor wine dinner last year. 

I opened from our home cellar a flight of wines for the occasion, taking into account our friends’ Italian heritage and preference for Italian and Italian varietal wines. 

With the starter course of a selection of artisan cheeses and fresh fruits, and the crab cakes, we opened a Russian River Valley Chardonnay. 

Gary Farrell Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2021

I wrote about this label and our visit to the Gary Farrell estate winery in the Russian River Valley in this earlier blogpost, Pour Boys Coq-Au-Vin and wine dinner, excerpted here. 

We joined the Farrell club during our visit to the Gary Farrell estate and winery in the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County during or Napa / Sonoma Wine Experience in 2017.

Gary Farrell Sonoma County Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2021

Gary Farrell was a pioneer of winemaking in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley appellation. He produced his first vintage in 1982, before the Russian River AVA even existed. He crafted that first Pinot Noir from fruit grown in the now-legendary Rochioli Vineyard. 

Over the years, Gary Farrell become somewhat of a legend producing a portfolio of varietal, single vineyard designated wines produced from only the best vineyards that showcase the unique terroir from the Russian River Valley and across Sonoma County. 

Gary Farrell never owned a vineyard but produced consistently exceptional wines from that first vintage in 1982 by partnering based on handshake deals with the region's pioneer growers like the Rochioli, Dutton, Ramey, Allen and Hallberg families, whose Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards represented the best of the time and place. Since then, the winery has produced critically acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in collaboration with the most esteemed growers in the Russian River Valley and throughout California’s greatest wine regions.

The nearly 40 different vineyards extend beyond the Russian River Valley and include grapes from as far north as the Fort Ross-Seaview Vineyard along the Sonoma coast to the Sanford and Benedict Vineyard in Santa Barbara County. 

Theresa Heredia is the winemaker for Garry Farrell. Theresa found her passion for wine through biochemistry, earning a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She became a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry/enology at UC Davis before leaving the program to pursue winemaking. At Freestone Winery in Sebastopol, she gained acclaim for her small-lot, single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir before arriving at Gary Farrell Winery in 2012. Aside from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Theresa has also crafted Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and a Rosé of Pinot Noir.

Farrell sold his winery in 2004, but his name and reputation for producing outstanding wines continues under the leadership of Theresa.

We visited the winery’s beautiful estate and hospitality center that lies just west of Healdsburg, (CA), perched on a hilltop overlooking the Russian River Valley during our Napa / Sonoma Wine Experience in 2017. The inviting indoor space offers stunning views of the valley with floor to ceiling windows, and there’s an expansive terrace so guests can enjoy the wines alfresco. The walls are adorned with a collection of colorful artwork. 

Gary Farrell produces over a dozen ultra-premium Chardonnays sourced from top vineyard sites throughout the region. 

This Russian River Selection bottling is 100% Russian River Valley Chardonnay blended from some of the region’s top vineyard sources - Westside Farms, Bacigalupi Vineyard, Goddard Ranch, Olivet Lane Vineyard, Rochioli Vineyard, Allen Vineyard, Lazy W Vineyard, Martinelli Vineyard, Parnell Ranch, and Pratt Cornerstone Vineyard. It expresses the varietal and the RRV appellation’s unique terroir.

This layered and complex Chardonnay brings together fruit from several of Farrell’s favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites reflecting the character of Westside Farms, intriguing floral and stone fruit notes from Bacigalupi Vineyard, the wine’s great concentration and structure derive from the nearby Rochioli and Allen vineyards and Olivet Lane Vineyard.

The famous Rochioli Vineyard was originally purchased in 1938 by Joe Rochioli, Sr. The quest of growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the fertile, gravelly soils was continued by Joe Jr. after his father’s passing in 1966. The collaboration between Gary Farrell Winery and the Rochioli Vineyard has been in effect for more than 30 years and is a foundation of the Farrel portfolio of Russian River Valley wines.

 

This was aged 10 months in 30% new French oak. 4578 cases were produced. 

This label was rated 92-93 points by Wine Enthusiast and 92 by Wine Spectator. 

Golden straw colored, medium bodied, rich, round, concentrated but crisp clean green apple, pear and hints of peach and pineapple fruits with notes of nut, minerals, flintiness and barrel spice with a textured lingering finish.

RM 91 points. 

https://www.garyfarrellwinery.com/

With the waygu beef burgers we turned to a medley of Sangiovese Italian varietal red wines. 

Richard and we both love Sangiovese and most of our Italian cellar selections are that varietal, which we love paired with Italian cuisine. 

The Brunello di Montalcino label is tightly regulated and can only be made from 100% Sangiovese grapes grown in the Montalcino region of Tuscany, Italy. 

Appellation regulations also limit the quantity of wine produced each year and mandate a Long Aging Process which stipulate Brunello must be aged for a minimum of four years, with at least two years spent in oak barrels. This lengthy aging process that ties up resources and increases production costs contributes to the higher price point of the label.

The rigorous production regulations set by the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium ensure that only the highest quality wines bear the Brunello label. This commitment to quality often requires additional investment in vineyard management, winemaking techniques, and quality control.

Brunello has gained a reputation as one of Italy's finest wines, prized for its complexity, depth, and ability to age gracefully. Its prestigious status and limited availability contribute to high demand and, consequently, higher prices.

We started with this premium ‘Sasoallora’ from Jacobi Biondi Santi.

Jacopo Biondi-Santi 'Sassoalloro' Toscana IGT 2019 

Biondi Santi's Toscana Rosso Sassoalloro crafted by family winery Jacopo Biondi Santi in Tuscany, producers of a portfolio of Sangiovese, labels. 

This Sassoalloro label first produced in 1991 is the iconic wine is sourced from the vineyards of the Castello di Montepò, “Aia di Clemente”, 15 acres in a small garden in Montepò in a portion of Galestro. The vineyard is exposed to the East, South-East with a slope of 17% with rows 280 meters long. There is no irrigation in the vineyards to force deep and well-resistant vine development.

It is crafted by Jacopo and Tancredi Biondi Santi in collaboration with the winemaker Donato Lanati. 

It is produced with 100% Sangiovese Grosso grapes, harvested at the end of September. After vinification, the wine was aged in barriques of non-toasted woods of the Tronçais forests for 14 months.

This was rated 92 points by James Suckling and 90 by Wine Enthusiast. 

Winemakers notes -  “It is a wine with a brilliant ruby ​​red color, with shades tending to violet. The nose opens with fresh and fruity scents, enriched with pleasant notes of violet. In the mouth it is soft and velvety, with an extremely long finish. Overall it is a very elegant wine, with an excellent longevity potential: from 15 to 20 years.”

Bright ruby colored, medium bodied, slightly opaque, smooth and elegant sweet berry and cherry fruits with notes of walnuts, herbs and spices with bright acidity and fine tannins on a lingering finish. 

RM 91 points. 

https://go.cellartracker.com/wine/4185025

Cerbaia Brunello Di Montalcino 2019

I then opened this highly rated Sangiovese from Cerbaia. I featured this wine and producer in an earlier blogpost, excerpted here - Cerbaia Brunello di Montalcino BYOB at Angeli’s Italian. 

We acquired this Limited Production Brunello di Montalcino at Binny's, our Chicagoland beverage superstore, based on their recommendation and its stellar 98 point rating. While I didn't give it such stellar ratings, we enjoyed it a lot and I went back to pick up a few more bottles. 

This is from Cerbaia, a boutique winery that produces wines from some of the finest vineyards in Montalcino that are a true expression of a unique and distinctive place.

The Cerbaia property has belonged to the Pellegrini family since the 1950s, with the family beginning to make wine in the 1970’s. The estate covers of a total of 35 acres of land, 11 of which are under the Brunello appellation controls, located on the highly regarded Montosoli Hill, known as the Grand Cru of Montosoli — some of the most coveted land in Tuscany.

In 2014, Elena Pellegrini gave up a promising career in corporate finance to devote herself to her family estate, striving to craft elegant, balanced wines in the traditional Montalcino style as her father Fabio did, applying minimal intervention and sustainable practices. She is advised by notable consulting enologist G.Gorelli, Italy’s first Master of Wine.

This 2019 release was awarded 98-points by James Suckling who declared it “one of the best I have had from here” in his review. Kerin O`Keefe of www.kerinokeefe.com gave it 94 Points.

The 2019 is emerging as an all-time great year in Montalcino: Vinous called it “the vintage we’ve all been waiting for.” Kerin O’Keefe, who wrote THE book on Brunello, said “I’ve never tasted so many drop-dead-gorgeous young Brunellos from a single vintage.” Wine Advocate called the vintage “uniformly easy” for vintners.

The release was aged three years in large oak casks ensured that it would be polished and beautiful from day one.

Winemaker Notes - Intense ruby red in color, garnet with aging. Rich and intense bouquet of violets, undergrowth, red fruits, eucalyptus, and blackberry. Very long persistence, fresh, and elegant but complex.

Bright ruby garnet colored, medium full bodied, vibrant blackberry and black cherry fruits with notes of dusty rose, tobacco, dried herbs and leather with hints of truffle with bright acidity on a smooth polished tannin finish.

RM 93 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4577891

For a fun comparison, and introduction to Richard an American Sangiovese, I opened this rare limited production Napa Valley label from a producer we know well. 

Del Dotto is one of the largest holdings in our cellar with more than a dozen labels dating back to their inaugural vintage release in 1993. 

Del Dotto Vineyards was established in 1990 when David and Yolanda Del Dotto planted vineyards on 17 acres in Rutherford at the homestead Estate on the corner of Highway 29 and Zinfandel Lane in Napa Valley. It truly is a family affair with David's father John being involved in the early days, and daughter Desiree and son Giovanni being involved in the business and having their own labels as well. I had the pleasure of meeting John back in the late nineties and working with Desiree as she took on marketing duties during that era.

The Del Dotto first release vintage was 1993. Since then the estate has grown significantly to 437 acres of vineyards producing 8,000-12,000 cases annually. Around 2010, the Del Dotto brand expanded further with the release of Villa Del Lago, an ultra-premium label from Pritchard Hill.

Del Dotto Vineyards are located in several appellations through Napa Valley and Sonoma County, including Rutherford Bench, St. Helena, Howell Mountain, Sonoma Coast, Spring Mountain, Oakville and Napa Valley. The large wine portfolio includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Syrah and various blends. 

Rick and Linda with David Del Dotto circa 2003

Indeed, Del Dotto is one of the largest holdings in our cellar dating back to the inaugural vintage release back in 1993. Our association with Del Dotto dates back to our Napa Wine Experiences and wine producer and winemaker dinners back in the mid-nineties.

Del Dotto and then winemaker the legendary Nils Venge were pioneers of Sangiovese in Napa Valley, planting a couple acres around the house along the highway at the Rutherford Estate. We acquired many of those vintages, and several variations of their Sangiovese labels over the years, as seen in several of these blogposts - 

Del Dotto Sangiovese for Family Lasagna Dinner

Del Dotto Napa Valley Sangiovese 1998 - 2016

As mentioned, I’ve written often in these pages about Del Dotto pioneering Sangiovese in Napa Valley back in the late nineties under the collaboration with legendary winemaker Nils Venge. Del Dotto continues their lineage of Sangiovese wines with this offering under the Piazza label, the recent addition to the growing list of Del Dotto brands.

We discovered the Piazza brand during our Del Dotto Estate Cave Tour and Tasting during our Napa Valley Wine Experience in 2017. We then targeted the just opened Piazza Winery Delicacies Wine and Food Tasting Experience during our Napa Valley Wine Experience 2018. It was the highlight of our entire Napa trip. We tasted and acquired this 2015 release during that Cave Tour tasting, and then follow on releases at the Piazza Winery. 

Del Dotto offered Napa Valley Sangiovese under the historic flagship 'David' label (shown right) from 1998 through 2003 and also appeared as Rutherford Estate Sangiovese 2013. (The 1998 label is shown here. The 1999 label calls it St Helena Sangiovese. 

((While we’re at it …. For the record and for reference for anyone tracking such details, the Cellartracker dossier, our inventory management system and normally reliable reference guide, is confused and misguided on this wine. It contains two references to this wine, both partially right and wrong. It lists the wine twice, Del Dotto Piazza Sangiovese and Del Dotto Sangiovese Piazza. For the first, it lists vintages 1999, 2003 (wrong) and 2013, '15 and 2016 (correct). For the latter it correctly lists 2013, '14, '15 and 2016, and errantly lists 1998 and 2003.))

Then followed a Del Dotto Caves Sangiovese line. We tasted and acquired these wine during our Del Dotto Napa Estate visit and Del Dotto Wine Producer Dinner back in 1999, and again at our Napa Wine Experience in 2003. 

Del Dotto then offered Del Dotto Napa Valley Cave Blend Sangiovese under the Cave Blend brand from 2004 through 2016. I believe Cellartracker references to this label from 2001 are in error and should refer to the 'David' branding. There is no photo evidence of this (Cave Blend 2001) label in the Cellartracker library or in internet searches.

When the Piazza Del Dotto estate and winery opened, the Piazza brand appeared with the 2013 release and continues to this day.

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/11/del-dotto-sangiovese-for-family-lasagna.html

Del Dotto Piazza Napa Valley Sangiovese 2015

We tasted and acquired this wine during our Del Dotto Estate Cave Tour and Tasting back in 2018. We featured this wine soon thereafter and in several posts to follow including this one when we took it took it BYOB to our favorite neighborhood Italian Trattoria, Angelis Italian. 

This was delicious and everyone loved it making me glad we were able to acquire more. I wrote back then that “I wish I had more than the single case we acquired last year. I'll be looking for more.” And we did. 

After we consumed all the bottles we acquired during that visit, we reordered more and finished that too. We tried to order more and it was no longer offered on the Del Dotto shopping site (s). 

Then, we received an email from Del Dotto clearing out numerous vintage labels and we acquired a mixed case of favorites including several vintages of this label (below). 

Del Dotto Napa Valley Rutherford Sangiovese 2018 

When it arrived, I was surprised to see the historic original ‘legacy’ labels and the Rutherford Estate designation leading me to believe that this is sourced from those original two acres of vines planted back in the nineties. Indeed, according to the rear label, only two barrels were produced of this release.  

 It was great fun sharing this label with my Italian friend, and Italian Wine Lover, who had never experienced an American Sangiovese. It showed exceedingly well, more robust, forward and powerful than the more subdued, subtle Italians. 

Dark ruby colored, full bodied, complex, concentrated, vibrant forward round sweet ripe black berry and black currant and raspberry fruits with notes of spice, rustic earthy black tea, hints of mushrooms, dark mocha and vanilla with smooth silky tannins on a lingering finish.

RM 92 points.   

https://go.cellartracker.com/wine/3727599 

http://www.deldottovineyards.com/

https://x.com/DelDottoWine

Something earlier Del Dotto posts - 

Del Dotto Sangiovese and Giovanni's Tuscan Reserve for Angelis Italian Dinner

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=48662

Del Dotto Sangiovese for Family Lasagna Dinner

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/11/del-dotto-sangiovese-for-family-lasagna.html

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2579868

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/08/del-dotto-piazza-sangiovese-at-angelis.html

Del Dotto Sangiovese with Angeli's Italian Pasta 

Cerbaia Brunello with Homemade Manicotti

Cerbaia Brunello with Homemade Manicotti 

Linda prepared delicious manicotti with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses and a tangy Bolognese sauce with toasted Italian garlic bread. 

I pulled from the cellar the specified ideal wine accompaniment, a Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese.

I featured this wine and producer in an earlier blogpost, excerpted here - Cerbaia Brunello di Montalcino BYOB at Angeli’s Italian. 

Readers of these pages know we don't do a lot of Italian wines but we do keep a selection in our cellar for Italian cuisine and dining at Angelis Italian which we do fairly frequently. 

That evening, we took this new arrival Limited Production Brunello di Montalcino which I had just picked up at Binny's, based on its stellar 98 point rating. While I didn't give it such stellar ratings, we enjoyed it a lot and I went back to pick up a few more bottles. 

We love Sangiovese and most of our Italian cellar selections are that varietal, which we love paired with Italian cuisine. The Brunello di Montalcino label is tightly regulated and can only be made from 100% Sangiovese grapes grown in the Montalcino region of Tuscany, Italy. 

Appellation regulations also limit the quantity of wine produced each year and mandate a Long Aging Process which stipulate Brunello must be aged for a minimum of four years, with at least two years spent in oak barrels. This lengthy aging process that ties up resources and increases production costs contributes to the higher price point of the label.

The rigorous production regulations set by the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium ensure that only the highest quality wines bear the Brunello label. This commitment to quality often requires additional investment in vineyard management, winemaking techniques, and quality control.

Brunello has gained a reputation as one of Italy's finest wines, prized for its complexity, depth, and ability to age gracefully. Its prestigious status and limited availability contribute to high demand and, consequently, higher prices.

This is from Cerbaia, a boutique winery that produces wines from some of the finest vineyards in Montalcino that are a true expression of a unique and distinctive place. 

The Cerbaia property has belonged to the Pellegrini family since the 1950s, with the family beginning to make wine in the 1970’s. The estate covers of a total of 35 acres of land, 11 of which are under the Brunello appellation controls, located on the highly regarded Montosoli Hill, known as the Grand Cru of Montosoli — some of the most coveted land in Tuscany.

In 2014, Elena Pellegrini gave up a promising career in corporate finance to devote herself to her family estate, striving to craft elegant, balanced wines in the traditional Montalcino style as her father Fabio did, applying minimal intervention and sustainable practices. She is advised by notable consulting enologist G.Gorelli, Italy’s first Master of Wine.

Cerbaia Brunello Di Montalcino 2019

Their 2019 release was awarded 98-points by James Suckling who declared it “one of the best I have had from here” in his  review. Kerin O`Keefe of www.kerinokeefe.com gave it 94 Points.

The 2019 is emerging as an all-time great year in Montalcino: Vinous called it “the vintage we’ve all been waiting for.” Kerin O’Keefe, who wrote THE book on Brunello, said “I’ve never tasted so many drop-dead-gorgeous young Brunellos from a single vintage.” Wine Advocate called the vintage “uniformly easy” for vintners.

The release was aged three years in large oak casks ensured that it would be polished and beautiful from day one.

Winemaker Notes - Intense ruby red in color, garnet with aging. Rich and intense bouquet of violets, undergrowth, red fruits, eucalyptus, and blackberry. Very long persistence, fresh, and elegant but complex.

Bright ruby garnet colored, medium full bodied, vibrant blackberry and black cherry fruits with notes of dusty rose, tobacco, dried herbs and leather with hints of truffle with bright acidity on a smooth polished tannin finish. 

RM 93 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4577891