Hi Artisans,

Yes, me again—back so soon to be your lunch distraction and temptation.

Both 2016 and 2017 vintages we're the fastest we've ever seen back-to-back years sell out.

I didn't think it could get any better, but I got blown away tasting 2018.

Ladies and gents, we have a hat trick—a true trilogy.

Like the original Star Wars. No, not 1-2-3! Episodes 4-6, duh.

This darling has been a favorite of not just our clients and staff, but the pundits as well:

"Cantina Dei is producing some of the most elegant and pure wines that I’ve come to know from Montepulciano. The “entry-level” Vino Nobile is a perfect example / an amazing value." -Vinous

"The powerful and elegant wines of Caterina Dei continue to rank among the leaders of the pack in Montepulciano." -Wine Advocate

Dei has been one of the best wineries in Montepulciano for a number of years and in 2016 it seemed to take a step ahead of the pack." -Wine-Searcher

This winery is NOT playing around. Just look at it:
Since so many of you seem to be visiting Tuscany this Spring / Summer and asking for my recommendations, I strongly suggest https://www.cantinedei.it/en/

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, in my view, always delivers the velvety, dark, and creamy side of the Sangiovese clone and lies just 21 miles east of Montalcino.

Antonio Galloni sums it up the best about Vino Nobile in his article earlier this year:

"If I had to bet on one region in Italy that really has the potential to explode onto the global stage the way Brunello, Barolo, Barbaresco and Chianti Classico have, it would no doubt be Montepulciano. There is so much potential here. For now, the wines of Montepulciano offer exceptional value, especially within the context of reds of place from historical Old World appellations."

Further reading:
We've always been advocates for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wines — especially from the beautiful Caterina Dei — and her 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is yet another show-stopper.

The estate was established in 1964 when Alibrando Dei, the grandfather of Caterina, purchased Bossona where he planted a vineyard (from which Dei's top wine, Vino Nobile Riserva Bossona, is made). The Dei family originally sold all their grapes but produced their first wines from their estate in the heart of the historic appellation of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in 1985. Since 1991 the estate has been run by Caterina Dei, and in this time the estate has become one of the leaders in the region, producing lush, perfumed, fruit-driven wines that are exquisite expressions of the local Prugnolo clone of Sangiovese.

Made from organically cultivated Prugnolo (90%) and Canaiolo (10%), the vines range in age from 15-40 years.

While I was thrilled their 2016 vintage received the tremendous honor as Wine Enthusiast's #13 Top 100 Wines of 2020, I was selfishly worried this would drive prices up on future vintages. Thankfully, that's not the case for now.

So, while we have limited access to the new 2018 release, take advantage ASAP as only 1,500 cases are imported.

Ciao,
—James Tran
2018 Dei Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Tuscany, Italy

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Subtle but enticing perfume to the nose, offering cherry-based aromas that are tinged with bright, tangy spice. Full-bodied with a super intense bead of perfectly placed fruit and tannin. There’s slight firmness to the tannin at the end, so wait a year for perfect integration. Beautiful quality here. Not overly complex, but such good winemaking. Best from 2023." (Aug 2021)

93 Points - Falstaff (translated from German):
Luminous ruby ​​red. In the nose of rose hips, raspberries, a touch of noble spices, in the aftertaste of blood oranges and a delicate hint of wild strawberries. Juicy on the palate, with clear and pronounced fruit, shows salty tannins, fine but definite pressure, noble finish.

91 Points - Vinous:
"The perfumed and elegant 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wafts up with a vivid display of crushed raspberry and spice box complemented by mentholated herbs of hints of smoke. There are depths of silky texture here and an opulent wave of floral-laced wild berries and sweet inner spice. Notes of sour citrus, lavender, round tannins and residual acids mingle through the lightly structured finale. This is so elegant." - Eric Guido (Dec 2021)

  • 14.5% ABV
  • Organically cultivated
  • 90% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and 10% Canaiolo Nero
  • From 15-40 years old vines
  • Drink now-2032
  • Only 1,500 cases imported
  • 5 cases in-stock
  • Lowest NorCal price

Elsewhere: $32.00 btl
Ours:

$28.97 btl (1-11)
$27.97 btl (12+)
Get in touch!