The nose billows with the savory smokiness of black pepper, chili pepper, hot tar and cumin, while a pop of Mission figs and black plums adds energy. Berries, cherries and more plums lead the way on the palate, before dusty tannins reinvigorate a peppery, metallic earthiness. A serious wine that's also an absolute pleasure to drink.
96 points, Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2025)
The aromas are fantastic, with black truffles, ash, wet earth, basalt and black pepper. Medium-bodied with firm and intense fruit that goes on for minutes. An excellent and complex single-vineyard aglianico. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years.
96 points, James Suckling (Aug 2024)
This is a delicious wine that reveals a luscious and rich consistency. The Tenute Capaldo 2018 Taurasi Riserva Gulielmus stands apart in a crowd thanks to the generous and seamless nature of its texture. There are no harsh edges here, and the wine is redolent of black fruit, plum and sweet spice. The tannins are integrated and velvety in this wine, which sees anywhere from 18 to 24 months in barrique. This is a 6,000-bottle release.
94 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Nov 2023)
A fresh, savory red, with milled pepper and cured tobacco notes on the nose and palate lacing flavors of baked cherry, pomegranate puree, iron, espresso and licorice root. Shows good length and integration, with a powerful frame of refined tannins providing limber muscle and firming the finish. Best from 2028 through 2040. 808 cases made, 300 cases imported.
94 points, Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator (Nov 2025)
#92 - Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025