2003 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1991
Colvecchio Syrah 2003
"...More plummy than peppery, as expected, it also delivers an alluring meaty component surrounded by supple tannins and uplifting acidity that clearly identifies its Tuscan origin. California winemakers should take note of this great Syrah."
Michael Apstein - San Francisco Chronicle - April, 2007
Richness is all in this full, dense syrah, a juicy red with plenty of new oak to fatten it up. Decant a bottle for steak.
Wine & Spirits - April, 2007
Colvecchio Syrah 2001
"Italy scores with Banfi Colvecchio 2001 Syrah with big dates, black cherry, mint and cassis — a real red power trip."
Toronto Star - January, 2006
"This is a Syrah that thrives in the heat and sun. Intense color, typical spice and fruit on the nose that again carry forward upon tasting, subdued smooth tannins but not lacking in structure, long finish. Again, fine to lay down for more than a few years but again I like its youthful presence." Wine of the Week
Bill Van Ollefen - The Advocate - September, 2005
"Black as pitch. Intense, spicy oak, extenuated nose. Cassis hints. Very New World in style with extracted black fruits, spice and jamminess." * * *
Decanter - January, 2005
"Complex aromas of blackberry and grilled meat, with hints of licorice. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a long, rich finish. Delicious and opulent. Best from 2005 through 2010."
Wine Spectator - October, 2004
Colvecchio Syrah 2000
"This is a Syrah; it's deep black cherry ruby with cherry ruby rim paling to white. The bouquet is young, with surprising floral accents that I don’t usually associate with Syrah, and underlying dark forest berry fruit that mingles with brambles and slight underbrush. On the palate it's medium bodied and very smooth, with bright cherry plum fruit supported by sweet tannins that are so smooth they seem smaller than they are, and lead into a clean cherry plum finish that's fairly persistent and gains definition from pleasing bitter overtones. Pleasing, in a direct youthful key, and will work nicely with simple grilled meats, for example burgers, or light stews. There isn't quite enough acidity for greasier things along the lines of sausages or a meat-based pasta sauce, but it is also the sort of wine one could open with friends when the wine is not the centerpiece of the moment. You may want a second bottle handy."
Kyle Phillips - Italian Wine Review - January, 2004
Colvecchio Syrah 1999
"Rich red, with leafy, minty, berry and lightly gamy aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with round tannins and a fruity, crisp finish. Delicious. "
Wine Spectator - October, 2002
Colvecchio Syrah 1998
"Lavish aromas of raspberries, chocolate, leather and black olive. Pungent and full-bodied, as a Syrah should be, with raspberry flavors matched against sweet tobacco, black coffee and soft tannins."
Dick Rosano - FRA NOI - December, 2002
"Tight and muscular, this powerhouse will reward the patient with a mouth-filling profusion of blackberry, pepper, clove, white chocolate and vanillin oak harmony."
David P. Jones - Nob Hill Gazette - January, 2002
"Earthy berry and cherry character in this Syrah. Medium to full-bodied, with firm tannins and a spicy, peppery, fruity aftertaste."
Wine Spectator - November, 2001
Colvecchio Syrah 1997
"...has a very intense plum-ruby colour and is one of the rare Italian wines made from this grape, originally from France. On the palate the typical blackberries of Syrah are joined by the dry cherries that stamp it "Made in Italy." It is a big wine for strongly flavoured meat dishes and cheese." **** (Excellent)
Malcolm Anderson - Gazette (Montreal) - February, 2002
"The color is concentrated and dense, the nose is typical of Syrah: berries, ripe plum followed by pepper and curry, then elegant hints of ink and pencil lead fading into sweet vanilla. The taste is soft, warm and generous, with noteworthy acidic balance. Depth, full-flavor and a long finish make it a very typical and elegant Syrah."
Gambero Rosso - - August, 2001
"This wine follows more of the American and Australian version of the Syrah grape than that coming out of France. The nose is spicy and full of plums, blackberries and light smoke."
Dick Rosano - Fra Noi - July, 2001
"...full-bodied and brimming with classic flavours of dark berries, chocolate, smoke, tobacco and spice." Pick of the Week
Beppi Crosariol - Toronto Globe & Mail - July, 2001
"Deep royal purple in color, this rich full-bodied wine was aged for about 12 months in small oak casks. With a unique personality that makes it quite different from the Syrah wines of France's Rhone Valley or Australia, this ripe and chewy wine has refined tannins, and spicy plum, currant and blackberry flavors that come together very nicely indeed. Deep and rich, the wine opens beautifully in the glass and has flavors that linger on and on."
Ha'Aretz - May, 2001
"Sant'Antimo is the denominazione used for nonnative grapes within Montalcino and this dense cassis and meaty-nosed Syrah shows that more than Sangiovese grows well here. There's plenty of black currant, licorice and anise in this hefty offering. The wine sports a thick mouthfeel, but with brisk acidity, and finishes dry with medium length and a reprise of the anise note."
Wine Enthusiast - February, 2001
"A sweaty, earthy, currant, boysenberry, and raspberry nose introduces the 1997 Colvecchio Syrah before a crisp, bright, forward berry, cherry, raspberry, and red plum palate which leads to a medium to long finish with moderate breadth which adds some oak and fine tannin."
The Colorado Wine News - December, 2000
"Subtle, with aromas of Indian spice, berry, cinnamon and meat. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long finish. Very fine indeed."
Wine Spectator - August, 2000
Colvecchio Syrah 1996
"Look for a big gamey nose with some vanilla, oak toast and peppery, roasted earth aromas. Similar flavours on palate. Quite a firm peppery red."
Wine Access - May, 2000
"Deep, saturated blackish-ruby hue. Powerful brown spice and sandalwood aromas show a hefty oak accent. A lean entry leads to a lush, medium-bodied palate with supple tannins."
Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute) - July, 2000
Colvecchio Syrah 1995
"The flavor delivers everything the aroma promises... This is textbook Syrah, but all very forward and accessible."
Wine & Spirits
"One of Italy's few Syrah wines, with the typical pepperiness of the varietal on nose and palate. Is as richly flavored as its violet color would suggest."
Montreal Gazette
"Big, new, French oak nose with vanilla, oak toast, and peppery, roasted-earth aromas."
Wine Access
Colvecchio Syrah 1994
"Lush dark cherry and berry fruit with vanilla and chocolate flavors from oak aging."
San Jose Mercury News
Colvecchio Syrah 1993
"One of the most intriguing new varieties Banfi brought to Montalcino, and in the right vintage conditions, it turns out a terrific wine"
Wine & Spirits
"...soars with sweet black-cherry fruit, smoky, peppery flavours built on a fine core of acidity."
The Globe and Mail
"This wine is without any doubt, the best Syrah we have yet tasted."
South Florida Newspaper Group
Colvecchio Syrah 1991
"Subtle, with aromas of Indian spice, berry, cinnamon and meat. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long finish. Very fine indeed. "
Wine Spectator - August, 2000