Great Reviews from Wine Advocate

eRobertParker.com #218  - Apr 2015
 
Reviews by Monica Larner
 
Rivera is one of the most important wineries in Puglia in terms of image and quality. I was able to taste through two vintages of recent releases and was delighted by the two top-shelf wines (the Puer Apuliae and Il Falcone Riserva) from the 2009 vintage. To my palate, these are two of the finest wines ever made by Rivera. Rivera has overwhelmingly mastered the difficult art of making great wine from the finicky Nero di Troia variety. Because of its thin skin, the grape often suffers from mold and downey mildew. But Rivera has gained experience over the years to lessen the impact of these issue.

2009 Rivera Castel del Monte Il Falcone Riserva

Vote: 93 points

The 2009 Castel del Monte Il Falcone Riserva does a great job of highlighting the Nero di Troia element of this blend. The wine is composed of 70% Nero di Troia and 30% Montepulciano, but with this balanced vintage we get a better view of this special native grape of Puglia. The bouquet boasts a wild side with bramble, forest berry and pressed violets. Other aromatic components include toasted nut, licorice and tar. The tannins are softly polished and help to give the wine a silky texture. This may be the best vintage of Il Falcone Riserva that I have come across. 

2009 Rivera Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Puer Apuliae

Vote: 93 points

The 2009 Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Puer Apuliae is one of the top wines from Puglia today in terms of pedigree and sophistication. The bouquet is seamless and dense with a beautiful sense of varietal pureness. It is a pure expression of Nero di Troia (aged in oak for 14 months) with a plentiful bouquet of dark cherry, blackberry, licorice, cola, pressed flowers and grilled herbs. The floral component is its most compelling characteristic. Smooth tannins and bright acidity give the wine a sense of integrity and persistency. Many reds from Puglia can taste jammy and heavy. This wine however delivers elegance and focus
 

2008 Rivera Castel del Monte Aglianico Riserva Cappellaccio

Vote: 88 points

From a challenging vintage, the 2008 Castel del Monte Aglianico Riserva Cappellaccio shows a slightly evolved bouquet with tones of ripe fruit, prune, plum and savory touches of smoked bacon and cured meat. Subtle notes of crushed black pepper give the wine a greater sense of vertical lift. The tannins are soft and the wine delivers a thick, somewhat chewy consistency. This vintage of Cappellaccio is best for near-term consumption. It ages in both barrique and large oak casks for 12 month

2012 Rivera Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Violante

Vote: 88 points

Bursting with bright fruit, the 2012 Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Violante is more intact and pure, aromatically, compared to the vintage that precedes it. Dark berry, plum, and cherry play prominent roles. There are floral notes as well that resemble red rose petal and pressed violets. This vintage shows an extra dose of fresh acidity on the close
 

2013 Rivera Castel del Monte Rupìcolo

Vote: 88 points

Montepulciano (60%), Nero di Troia and Cabernet Sauvignon make up the 2013 Castel del Monte Rupìcolo. This wine offers great value at an unbeatable price. It offers soft layers of ripe fruit, blackberry, moist tobacco and pressed flowers. That attractive floral note is faithfully reminiscent of the Nero di Troia component. The wine is balanced and clean with an attractive and genuine personality
 

2014 Rivera Castel del Monte Chardonnay Preludio N. 1

Vote: 86 points

The 2014 Castel del Monte Chardonnay Preludio N. 1 is a lean and informal expression of Chardonnay from Southern Italy. This vintage feels thinner and less intense compared to recent editions of the wine. Prelude N. 1 reveals flavors of citrus, cut grass, lime and honeydew melon. There is a blast of zesty acidity on the close.


2014 Rivera Castel del Monte Sauvignon Blanc Terre al Monte

Vote: 84 points

The 2014 Castel del Monte Sauvignon Blanc Terre al Monte shows layers of citrus, green olive, wild sage and pressed flower. This Sauvignon Blanc is thin and lean in appearance with a good level of acidity and general crispness to keep the palate clean. You could pair it with basil pesto or fresh salad greens. Terre al Monte is best consumed within the next 12 months
 

2014 Rivera Castel del Monte Bombino Nero Pungirosa

Vote: 86 points

Showing crisp lines and fresh acidity, the 2014 Castel del Monte Bombino Nero Pungirosa is the perfect "light lunch" wine. The 2014 vintage tends to deliver thinner, less important wines and this easy approach suits this Rosato very well. The bouquet reveals pink rose, cranberry and blanched almond. The finish is lean and refreshing