Wine Advocate (94)

Falesco's top offering is a 100% barrique-aged Merlot, the 2000 Montiano. While it may not equal the quality of the 1999 or 1997, it comes close. The 2000 boasts an opaque purple color in addition to a sumptuous perfume of graphite, blackberries, currants, licorice, and subtle pain grille notes. With great depth, full body, sweet tannin, and a long, layered, elegant finish, it should drink well between 2005-2020. Bravo!

Vinous (94)

Bruno Giacosa, like Bartolo Mascarello, often told me he preferred 1986 to 1985. Of course, 1985 is the vintage that got all the press, while 1986 is remembered for a devastating hailstorm in May that decimated production. Very little wine was made that year, but what was bottled turned out to be quite good, and in some cases, better than that. Sadly, this is not a great bottle of Bruno Giacosa's 1986 Barolo Riserva. The overall impression is of a delicate, lifted, fully mature Barolo. Only the memory of better bottles helps put this one into context, because taken on its own, this is still a very fine bottle of Barolo.

Wine Advocate (93)

The 2015 Reserva Conde de Vimioso is a blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Aragonez and the rest Syrah, aged for 18 months in oak ranging from new to third use. It comes in at 14% alcohol. Concentrated, beautifully structured and rather on the powerful side on opening, this is not quite ready to drink, although you could certainly approach it now. With an hour of air, it actually drank very well. Another year or two in the cellar would help it, though. It went like this: on opening, a bit oaky and not ready; after an hour, beautiful. Add a couple of points to the score. Leave it on the table for three hours and then let it air in a glass for half an hour—gorgeous. Add more points. Of the Tejo onslaught this issue, this was probably my favorite. The oak is a bit prominent now, but it doesn't come close to subsuming the nuanced fruit. That first hour of aeration lets the mid-palate absorb the wood very well. The complex flavor medley runs from blueberries to beef. The mid-palate eventually shows some fine finesse, although this is certainly burlier than its unoaked sibling this issue. This well-crafted red is a refined and silky beauty with a bit of a crisp edge. I suspect that it will eventually show far more complexity as well. This is not imported, so the price is just an estimate.

Delve into the depths of Burgundy's viticultural heritage with Fang Corton Grand Cru Le Rognet 2020, a masterstroke of fine winemaking. Harvested from 40-year-old vines nestled in the venerable Le Rognet terroir, this wine reflects both the precise microclimate and mineral-rich soils of its origins. Our producers, the renowned Fang family, adhere to biodynamic principles and traditional winemaking methods. The handpicked grapes undergo gentle destemming. Wine is aged in French oak, infusing oaky undertones to the red fruit-forward profile.

Fang Corton Grand Cru Le Rognet 2020 boasts an extraordinary sensory experience. It seduces the palate with its fragrant bouquet of red cherries, raspberries, earthy undertones and a hint of spice. Silky tannins melt into the vibrant acidity, giving the wine a sublime balance. This Grand Cru is not simply a drink but a journey through the exquisite taste and elegance of Burgundian Pinot Noir.

The Fang Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2021 is a hidden gem of the burgundy wine world, embodying the refined tradition of its renowned winemaker. Hailing from the magnificent slopes of Corton hill, in the illustrious Côte de Beaune region of France, this wine is meticulously curated from hand-selected Chardonnay grapes. This wonderfully complex wine is aged in oak barrels, further enhancing its vibrant character.

Famed for their unrivalled viticulture skills, the Fang family cultivates their grapes with a keen eye on maintaining environmental balance, encapsulating the very essence of terroir. The Fang Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2021 distinctly exudes a pleasing harmony of honey, citrus peel, and toasted almond notes, paired with a brisk minerality. This magnificent vintage seduces with its brilliant gold hue, perfectly balanced acidity and compelling finish.

A memorable treat for connoisseurs, the Fang Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2021 is a captivating journey that honours the rich lineage of its prestigious wine-growing heritage.

Vinous (90)

(15% alcohol): Bright red. Floral red berries and spicy red cherry on the bright nose. Then fresh and clean in the mouth, with mineral and inky notes complementing sweet dark cherry and underbrush flavors. The long finish features supple tannins and a repeating inky nuance. Much better than the 2007 Brunello normale.