A rare Tuscan white that can stand bottle shoulder to bottle shoulder with its pricey red siblings. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco, it is about as exotic and tropical as you will get for a Chardonnay and as upper-crusty as you will achieve from a fairly warm climate Pinot Bianco. It is like sipping a fine whiskey as you try to dissect its flavor strands–floral like honeysuckle, but some green floral undernotes, some oak barrel spiciness, and only a hint of apple, Chardonnay’s go-to comparison. It is fullish and textured without being heavy–a rare Tuscan treat.

A rare Tuscan white that can stand bottle shoulder to bottle shoulder with its pricey red siblings. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco, it is about as exotic and tropical as you will get for a Chardonnay and as upper-crusty as you will achieve from a fairly warm climate Pinot Bianco. It is like sipping a fine whiskey as you try to dissect its flavor strands–floral like honeysuckle, but some green floral undernotes, some oak barrel spiciness, and only a hint of apple, Chardonnay’s go-to comparison. It is fullish and textured without being heavy–a rare Tuscan treat.

The 2020 Turpino, which I tasted from barrel last year, turned out beautifully. Rich, layered and expansive, the 2020 is captivating from the very first taste. The blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot works so well. There's some whole clusters (50%) in the Syrah, another choice that works quite well. All the elements are so harmonious. This is another fabulous wine from Querciabella.

A bright silver/straw color, the 2021 Batar is a baby at this stage, although the estate has significantly dialed back the new oak over the evolution of their releases. It opens to aromas of parmesan rind, fresh almonds, fennel, white flowers, melon rind, and white peach. Full bodied while retaining good tension and a high-quality, rounded creaminess, it has a long, long finish, with a hint of saline and key lime oils. I love where this wine has taken things. It has a light smokiness that starts to lift as it opens in the glass. This is going to continue to improve with proper cellaring and drink 2025-2040.

A saturated purple/magenta hue, the 2021 Chianti Classico is lush and fresh with aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, violet, and fresh leather. Plush and inviting, with bright acidity along the sides of the palate shining through, it offers a velvety texture with a long finish. It’s polished but not oaky and has a very refined feel, with medium to full body and a long and balanced finish. Drink 2026-2040.