Winemaker Notes
"The 2005 Marciliano (70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc) is a big wine that explodes from the glass with dark fruit, sweet herbs, licorice and French oak. This engaging, harmonious wine possesses terrific overall balance, not to mention enough freshness to continue to drink well for several years. It is a commendable effort in this challenging vintage." 91 Points
Wine Advocate
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2005 Marciliano (70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc) is a big wine that explodes from the glass with dark fruit, sweet herbs, licorice and French oak. This engaging, harmonious wine possesses terrific overall balance, not to mention enough freshness to continue to drink well for several years. It is a commendable effort in this challenging vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015.
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Wine Spectator
Displays blackberry and currant, with hints of dark chocolate and herbs. Medium- to full-bodied, with good fruit and a long finish. Best after 2008. 1,900 cases made.
Italian Red Wine
While picturesque hillsides, endless coastlines and a favorable climate serve to unify the grape-growing culture of this country. The apparent never-ending world of indigenous grape varieties gives Italy an unexampled charm and allure for its red wines. From the steep inclines of the Alps to the sprawling, warm, coastal plains of the south, red grape varieties thrive throughout.
The kings of Italy, wines like Barolo and Barbaresco (made of Nebbiolo), and Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino (made of Sangiovese), as well as Amarone (mostly Corvina), play center stage for the most lauded, collected and cellar-worthy reds. Less popular but entirely deserving of as much praise are the wines made from Aglianico, Sagrantino and Nerello Mascalese.
For those accustomed to drinking New World reds, the south is the place to start. Grapes like Negroamaro or Primitvo from Puglia and Nero d’Avola from Sicily make soft, ammicable, full-bodied, fruit-dominant wines. Curious palates should be on the lookout for Cannonau (Grenache), Lagrein, Teroldego, Ruché, Freisa, Cesanese, Schiopettino, Rossese and Gaglioppo to name a few.