Friuli-Venezia Giulia Pignolo Rosso Breg Gravner 2009 (750ML)

94 Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The Gravner 2009 Rosso Breg shows a powerful and concentrated personality, with pronounced grip that clearly reflects the character of Pignolo. Along with Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Schioppettino and Tazzelenghe, Pignolo is one of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s four proper indigenous red grapes. The wine is direct, vertical and linear in profile, emphasizing intensity over breadth. There is a distinctive black prune-like note alongside firm tannic structure, reinforcing its strength and youthful austerity, while secondary aromas of tobacco and bitter chocolate add depth and complexity. The overall impression is of a more forceful and tightly wound wine, driven by structure and precision rather than softness." 04/26

95 Points, Eric Guido, Vinous: "The 2009 Rosso Breg is dark as night, yet it offers a lifting bouquet of crushed black cherries, sage, spiced orange peels and nuances of menthol. It's vividly pure and fruit-forward but balanced throughout, with depths of tart raspberry complemented by violet inner florals and a hint of clove. The tannins are rounded and sweet, offset by a pleasantly bitter twang and a touch of blood orange. Gravner is undoubtedly the master of Pignolo, and this is an utterly harmonious example." 10/25