Accolades
Castello di Amorosa Wine Accolades
Il BARONE 2010 (Barrel Sample)
Antonio Galloni (91-93 Points)
“The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Il Barone is a darker, richer and ultimately more complete wine than the 2009. Sweet dark cherries, plums, menthol, spices, licorice and pine are just some of the notes that come to life in this beautifully delineated, articulate Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit shows gorgeous vibrancy through to the finish. This is a promising showing. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2020.”
Il BARONE 2009
Antonio Galloni (92 Points)
“The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Il Barone is a beautifully focused wine graced with expressive dark berries, flowers, spices and mint. It reveals lovely focus and energy from start to finish. The mid-palate sweetness and generosity tapers off a bit on the finish, which is the only thing that keeps the score from going higher. The final blend includes 2% Petite Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.”
2013 American Fine Wine Competition- Double Gold
Il BARONE 2008
Cabernet Shootout, Affairs of the Vine (91 Points)
“Smoky, cherry aromas. The nose is very pretty. The palate is complex – earthy with tart cranberry, cedar, chewy plum, and leather. The long finish shows lots of black cherry and a hint of blackjack chewing gum (anise-like). Lovely mouth watering acid. Bright cherry and raspberry on the nose. Nice balance of fruit and oak on the palate. Classic Cab style. Tobacco, cola, and black tea notes round out the mellow finish.” 287 wines tasted, Il Barone in the TOP 32.
Robert Parker (92 Points)
“The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Il Barone (91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 4 % Petit Verdot) is a selection of the estate’s finest lots of Cabernet Sauvignon. Graphite, creame de cassis, black currant and spice box aromas jump from the glass of this opaque ruby/purple-colored 2008. Expansive, rich, authoritative and elegant, with impressive texture and length as well as sweet tannin, it will be even better in 3-4 years, and should last for 15+. Barrel samples of the 2009 Il Barone and 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon revealed well-endowed, deeply colored wines with sweet tannins. The both possessed all the components needed to be as good as their 2008 and 2007 counterparts, but it is too early to pass judgment.”
International Wine Review (93 Points)
“The opaque ruby, slightly brooding Il Barone is the masculine counterpart to La Castellana showing inky aromas of black fruit with charred oak and violet notes. Made from 100 percent estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine shows great volume in the mouth, a smooth and beautifully structured palate with nice minerality and ripe, firm tannins on a very long finish. To be released in 2012, this wine has a long life ahead of it.
2012 American Fine Wine Competition – Gold
2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - Double Gold
IL BARONE 2007
Robert Parker (94 Points)
“The brilliant Il Barone boasts an opaque purple color as well as a beautiful sweet nose of blackberries, black currants, camphor, subtle toasty oak, and espresso roast. Rich and full-bodied with sweet tannin, a hint of smoked meats, deep fruit, and an impeccable balance, purity and texture, this stunning wine should drink nicely for 15-20 years.”
Napa Valley Vintners/Saint Helena Star Blind Taste Test
(Top 3 Cabernet Sauvignon $95 in the Napa Valley)
IL BARONE 2006
2011 American Fine Wine Competition - Double Gold
Il BARONE 2005
International Wine Review (91 Points)
“The 2005 vintage of Il Barone exhibits a savory nose with herbal and violet notes and a gorgeous velvet-like palate of rich dark fruit with earth and pepper accents. Somewhat chalky tannins show on the mid-palate and the wine finishes with firm, dry tannins.”
LA CASTELLANA 2009
Antonio Galloni (89 Points)
“The 2009 La Castellana is an unusual blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese. It shows plenty of up-front fruit and textural richness, but the tannins aren’t quite as polished as they are in the best wines here. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.”
LA CASTELLANA 2008
Robert Parker (90 Points)
“The 2008 La Castellana (71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 14% Sangiovese) is a supple textured, dense plum/ruby/purple-tinged wine offering notes of high class, un-smoked tobacco, sweet cherries, black currants, earth and spice. Medium to full-bodied, silky textured, complex and already delicious, it is ideal for drinking over the next 7-8 years.
2012 American Fine Wine Competition – Gold
Wine Enthusiast (93 Points)
LA CASTELLANA 2007
Robert Parker (92 Points)
“The 2007 La Castellana is a proprietary blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 6% Sangiovese. An outstanding hedonistic, complex red, it reveals notes of wild strawberries, new saddle leather, black currants, cherries, cedar, and smoked herbs. Full-bodied, lush and seductive, this beautifully mouthfilling, supple wine should be enjoyed over the next 7-10 years.”
International Wine Review (93 Points)
“This voluptuous beauty is dressed in a robe of dark cherry fruit and violets with smoky oak and chocolate notes. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and the rest Sangiovese, is a velvet smooth on a beautifully integrated palate. Blessed with fine, ripe tannins, this wine is easily approachable when young. While it is not as powerful as Il Barone, it’s more refined.”
LA CASTELLANA 2005
About.com – Wine of the Week September 2005
Stacy Slinkard said, “The 2005 Castello di Amorosa La Castellana, Super Tuscan blend showcases an ultra-elegant synergy of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. Deep, dark color, thick waves of spice-laden aromatics and impressive primary and secondary palate flavors start this show off with a bang! Dark cherry and black plums dominate the fruit profile with ambitious backup played by black pepper and a dash of dark chocolate and espresso.
Make no mistake, this is a full-bodied, full-featured red wine that enjoys a long, distinguished finish and brims with palate complexity, enduring elegance, and rich, supportive tannins. A perfect candidate for pairing with roasted cuts of beef or wild game, sausage or dishes that rely on the traditional Italian spices of garlic, rosemary and thyme.”
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MORISOLI-BORGES 2009
Antonio Galloni (90 Points)
“The estate’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli-Borges is a soft, supple wine that will drink beautifully over the next few years. Sweet black cherries, plums, herbs and licorice are some of the notes that take shape in this soft, caressing Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.”
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, DON THOMAS 2010 (Barrel Sample)
Antonio Galloni (91-93 Points)
“The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Don Thomas Vineyard is another exciting wine loaded with the essence of blueberry jam, blackberries, cassis, grilled herbs and licorice. It shows gorgeous inner perfume and plenty of richness through to the clean, vibrant finish. It is a bit texturally richer than the Barone in 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.”
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY 2008
2013 American Fine Wine Competition - Double Gold
MERLOT 2009
Antonio Galloni (88 Points)
“The 2009 Merlot emerges from the glass with sweet plums, tobacco, spices and dried flowers. It shows lovely mid-palate pliancy, but the slightly advancing aromas and mid-weight structure suggest it is best enjoyed over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014.”
MERLOT 2008
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (Gold Medal)
MERLOT 2006
Napa Valley Vintners/Saint Helena Star Blind Taste Test (Top 5 Merlot in the Napa Valley)
2010 American Fine Wine Competition (Gold Medal)
SANGIOVESE 2007
BrianWines.com (93 Points)
Nose: Clean, acidic, blackberry. Light cassis reduction. Forest floor. Black earth. Light and spice and confectionary. Leather.
Taste: Medium mouthfeel. Slightly candied stewed, juicy, plums with sweet oaks. Just a tad tannic. Slight chalk and touch of steel.
Her nose is a solid “A,” her taste an “A-/B+”
Excellent wine crafting
SANGIOVESE 2006
International Wine Review
“This is one of the better California Sangiovese wines we’ve tasted over the years. The wine shows rich red fruit with herbal notes on a soft, lush palate. There’s a nice integration of oak and fruit and good acidity that brightens the wine.”
PINOT NERO, ANDERSON VALLEY, SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS, 2009
Prince of Pinot
Pinofile Newsletter, 14.6% alc., $36. 65% Anderson Valley grapes and 35% Santa Lucia Highlands grapes. • Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Open and forward aromas of black cherries and humus. Tasty essence of black cherries with hints of praline and cola. Plenty of upfront charm with well proportioned, sturdy tannins and bright acidity on the uplifting finish. Solid the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good.
PINOT NERO, KING RIDGE, 2009
Prince of Pinot
Pinofile Newsletter, 14.3% alc., $59. • Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Slight reduction upon opening, revealing aromas of black cherries, charcoal and oak over time. Lovely black raspberry and black cherry fruit with an earthy, loamy underpinning. A medium-weighted, richly flavored wine with serious intentions that still has some grippy tannins and toasty oak on board. Spectacular the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A superb candidate for the cellar.
ZINGARO RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY, 2009
Wine Spectator (89 points)
Zesty and full of briary black cherry and fresh pine aromas and tart blueberry and licorice flavors that finish with ripe but lively tannins. Drink now through 2016. 1,109 cases made. –TF
BIEN NACIDO CHARDONNAY 2011
2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - Best of Class
BIEN NACIDO CHARDONNAY 2008
Wine Spectator (92 Points)
“A real treat in exotic Chardonnay. Firm, rich and creamy, with a mix of tropical fruit flavors built around guava, pineapple, fig and melon. Full-bodied, with spicy oak and a long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2017. James Laube, Wine Spectator, November 3, 2010.
Bien Nacido Vineyard (Vineyard of the Year 2010 at California State Fair)
2011 American Fine Wine Competition - Double Gold
2012 American Fine Wine Competition – Gold
BIEN NACIDO CHARDONNAY 2007
American Fine Wine Competition (Double Gold, Best of Class in Chardonnay). Best of 51 other wineries Chardonnay from around the country.
NAPA VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2010
2013 American Fine Wine Competition - Gold
NAPA VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2009
Antonio Galloni (89 Points)
“The 2009 Chardonnay is an attractive wine layered with expressive tropical fruit and sweet French oak. It shows lovely balance in an understated style that nevertheless reveals plenty of California and Napa Valley character. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014.”
BrainWines.com
Color: Amber and dark yellow, reminiscent of a Chardonnay aged more like 10 years, not 2.
Nose: Thick tropical fruits, crisp hay, big butterscotch in the California-style but with very crisp toast notes. Tart green apple sprinkled with granite dust.
Taste: Medium-full mouthfeel. An acidic, granite, frontal jolt leading into slightly spiced tropical fruits. Clean, angular lines. A balanced acidity throughout the entire journey.
This wine should be a big hit for fans of the current California-style Chardonnay wine crafting method.
A-/B+ for California Chard-style lovers
B for non-butter lovers
NAPA VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2007
American Fine Wine Competition (Gold Medal)
GEWÜRZTRAMINER, FERRINGTION VINEYARD 2011
2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - Best of Class
GEWURZTRAMINER, MENDOCINO COUNTY, (DRY) 2010
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (Double Gold)
GIOIA: Rosato di Sangiovese 2010
BrainWines.com (94 points)
“A Rose of 99% Sangiovese and 1% Castle mystery.
Nose: Green apples, red berries, and strawberries with some nice burlap aromas. Granite and light confectionery wafting.
Taste: Full mouthfeel. Perfectly weighted. Bright acid pop with lovely green apples and cranberries. Graham crackers people! Love it! Nicely acidic and cranberry finish.
Once again, excellent winecrafting and a totally delightful quaff.
Durham Magazine (91 points)
“If you’ve ever driven over state highway 128/29 on St. Helena Highway, then you’ve been struck by the magisterial estate that is Castello di Amorosa. Dario Sattui opened the doors in 2007 and the wines produced here have, from the beginning, been as imposing as the edifice. This breathtaking reproduction of a medieval castle just glimmers in the sun as one traverses this hilly corner of Napa Valley. Its Rosé entitled Gioia (JOY-uh), is a dream quaff for a thirsty August afternoon.”
2010 Gioia, Castello di Amorosa, $24 srp*
“Delightful mountain cherry and melony nose that’s very light on its feet. It tickles the sinuses with an overtone I can only describe as wild Maine blueberries. Leggy and smooth on the palate, it suggests strawberries with great invigoration but absolutely no harshness. One of the lip-smacking, freshest rosés I’ve ever tasted from California. Goes down with alarming ease! Drink now.
91/100
LATE HARVEST GEWURTZRAMINER 2010 and 2011
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2012 (2010 Vintage) and 2013 (2011 Vintage - (Sweepstakes Winner and Best of Class – Dessert Wines)
2013 American Fine Wine Competition - Sweepstake Winner (2011 Vintage)
LATE HARVEST GEWURTZRAMINER 2008
BrainWines.com (90 points)
Nose: Beautiful botrytis signature waftings of thick, ripe, dried apricots and honey. White flower reduction sauce. Gardenias. Hint of citrus.
Taste: Full mouthfeel. Dripping honey-coated apricots and canned peach juice. White pear syrup. Acid work well integrated, but could use just a bit more. Long, coating, honey finish.
Wonderful juice.
PINOT BIANCO 2011
2013 San Francisco Wine Competition - Best of Class
IL PASSITO 2009
American Fine Wine Competition 2012 (Best of Show- White Wine)
