The 2018 La Le Cecciaia Brunello di Montalcino is a well-regarded vintage known for its balanced, layered profile and long finish. It exhibits aromas of ripe red cherries, dried roses, and tobacco, along with earthy spice. The palate offers a mix of red and black fruit, cured meat, spice, and vanilla bean notes. Aged for 36 months in Slavonian oak and then bottle-aged. WE: 95 points. James Suckling: 92 points.

Rocche dell’Annunziata is the Barolo Riserva of the Scavino family. An historical, prestigious “grand cru” from La Morra village purchased in 1990. Rocche dell’Annunziata is all about finesse, details, weightless elegance. It’s a symphony of ethereal aromas with harmonic motions. Rose petals, violet, lilac, tar, sweet red cherries, mint, minerals are some of the hallmarks of this beautiful cru. In the texture silk veils, layers that overlap with extraordinary grace yet offering intensity.

If you are familiar with the Domaine and the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, you’re used to hearing about the cool climate. Even by our windblown standards, 2023 was cool. Naturally low yields and the cool spring and summer allowed the fruit to arrive at maturity with a comfortably slow, steady pace. Because the growing season was so long and gradual, we didn’t need warmer days to get past the finish line. (The customary harvest heat spike arrived after we had already picked.) Rather, the relatively cool harvest allowed us to dial in the harvest times. Historically, this scenario has been the formula for some of Burgundy’s most glorious vintages (think 1985 and 1999). In terms of character, 2023 gave us a wealth of desirable tannin. We habitually ferment with 100% whole bunches and have been increasing the percentage of new wood. The tannins carry flavor while knitting together a fine texture, lengthening the palate, and anchoring the wines’ structure. Total production for 2023 is 7,576 bottles. Very few bottles are left in Missouri. 98 pts- James Suckling.

At a minimum, it takes three years from gently hand-planting each individual vine to the first harvest. However, that initial crop is quite small and it will be another two to three years before the vines really hit their stride. After harvest, fruit destined for the Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon will spend an additional two years in barrel before bottle aging in our cellar prior to release. At best, it’s six solid years of farming, winemaking and cellaring before we can pull that first cork. 2010 "The Estate" is the current library vintage, and drinking beautifully.

*Dark cherry, licorice and firm with structure. Recommend decanting, very good.