5-Grappoli Wines Bibenda

Galatrona is a pure Merlot in a class of its own. Black-red ruby in the glass. On the nose, black berries, fine wood spice and some leather. Very generous fruit aromas and extremely complex on the palate, it glides elegantly into the depths until it is caught by a finely woven tannin and passes into a long and finesse-rich finish. A wine that does not have to hide behind Masseto & Co., on the contrary, for us it has been Italy's Merlot benchmark for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby with violet glints. Very clear and inviting nose, full of blueberry and blackberry, in addition fine tobacco notes, some cardamom. Juicy and endowed with lots of fresh fruit, shows polished tannin, grippy, after blackberries in the final, shows a fine spice carpet in the final." Falstaff

"A round, fruity red wine with ripe aromas of black cherries, blackberries, plums, graphite and spices. It starts soft and becomes firmer on the finish, where refined tannins come into play. It shows good balance but should be given a few more years to fully develop." Wine Spectator

"Some forest floor notes mingle with dark fruits and fresh herbs - liquorice and blackcurrant with hints of dark chocolate and thyme. Supple and mouth-filling, this wine has weight from the start, the tannins are massive, plush and fleshy, filling the mouth with rich, concentrated black fruit flavours. Detailed and precise, this wine has power and is well framed with high acidity giving the vitality to balance the concentration. A powerful wine, with real power, yet finesse." Decanter

"Dark berries, chocolate mousse, dried herbs and some chilli pepper heat show on the nose of this wine. The palate remains chocolaty but herbal, with a dark cherry and syrup finish contrasted by chalky, grainy tannins and lingering spiciness. An absolute delight in the best way." Wine Enthusiast

"The Petrolo 2020 Galatrona is a pure expression of organic Merlot and the winery's top wine. It was first created in 1994, when Luca Sanjust's second child, Lucia, was born. Despite the summer heat, which became a challenge for winemakers in many corners of Tuscany, Galatrona is showing excellent results in 2020. The vineyard is located in a cool and densely wooded area almost exactly between Florence, Arezzo and Siena. The vintage has a classic quality with a subtle bouquet that increases in intensity as the wine opens in the glass. Aromas of cherries, toasted almonds and dried mint accompany a long and very elegant finish. The oak tannins are soft and sweet, and the wine has a long-lasting flavour." Wine Advocate

"Subtle yet intense aromas of black fruits and violets. Extremely perfumed. Stomped stones. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that give a velvety mouthfeel that lasts minutes. Refined and fresh. Al-dente fruit." James Suckling

"The Galatrona 2020 is breathtaking. In fact, the 2020 is one of the best vintages of Galatrona I can remember tasting. I am particularly impressed by its vertical intensity and explosive energy. All the elements are so impeccably woven together. Dark fruits, crushed rocks, menthol, liquorice and spices lead into an intense finish that lingers on the palate. Great." Vinous

"The culmination of Luca Sanjust's revolutionary work at Petrolo, this Galatrona gets more exciting with each release: pure Merlot, nose of currants, with a finish of dogwood peel and bay leaf, crisp, salty mouthfeel, with a return of citrus and a long, mentholated finish." Luca Gardini

The pure, autochthonous Nerello Mascalese from over 100-year-old (ungrafted) vines in Contrada Rampante on the northern slopes of Mount Etna at an altitude of 950 metres starts with a sparkling ruby-garnet colour and impressively adds a captivating raspberry aroma, followed by fine spicy notes (ginger, allspice, clove). Compact, dense, fully fruity, tannic on the palate, yet always extremely relaxed, elegant and supple. Traces of salt and flint on the finish. Just over 2,000 bottles of this masterpiece are produced every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with dark reflections. The nose has elegant hints of rich cherries, dried tomatoes and herbs, with an aftertaste of raspberries and wet stone. Radiant and profound on the palate, showing plenty of juice and salt, carried by tightly woven tannins, even showing floral hints, firm pressure on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Barbagalli exudes a captivating blend of autumnal spices, dried cherries, balsamic herbs and ashy stone. It is silky and enveloping yet cool, with shades of lavender and sage paving the way to mineral red and black fruits. Lively acidity maintains balance while grippy tannins settle in and a tart blackberry saturation lingers." Vinous

"The nose starts with a hint of vanilla, then quickly dives into deeper, richer flavours of earth, tar and graphite, as well as the vibrant sweetness of cherries and raspberries. On the palate, the fruit element becomes more astringent, while lingering currents of dirt and metal coalesce to create a refined bitterness that hints at ageability. The tannins are firm enough to hold their own against the sharp, bracing acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Ashy, sulphurous fruit tone with earthy, savoury berries, dried blood oranges, dried meat, nori, white pepper and tar. Really intense, ripe and concentrated flavour with a broad, full body. Paradoxically, there is very little weight. The tannins are abundant, fibrous and mealy. Again, there is great depth and complexity." James Suckling

"Balanced, fragrant and mineral: the Barbagalli 2019 is an enchanting wine. Dark cherries, blackberries, chocolate and pepper, framed by some balsamic herbs. In the mouth, the structured tannins and dark fruits are infused with violets, and the bright acidity crystallises its vibrancy. Outstanding." Decanter

Troy is not a normal Chardonnay. Rather, it is the archetype of a Chardonnay, as Wolfgang Klotz, managing director of probably the most successful winegrowers' cooperative in South Tyrol, sees it. The grapes come from two selected vineyards in Söll, near Tramin. Not only does a Mediterranean climate prevail there, but also quite cold fall winds at night determine the vegetation. Both factors ensure optimal development of the plants and fruits. The berries are handpicked piece by piece and it is therefore clear to every wine connoisseur that this is an absolutely prestigious project of the cooperative. It is therefore not surprising that only 3,000 bottles of this vintage are sold in selected specialist shops and top restaurants.

Intense straw to golden yellow. Tropical fruit on the nose, a hint of camomile and mint, then fine toasted notes and a subtle nutty touch. On the palate, you can almost taste the proximity of the mountains, its clarity, freshness and intensity: exotic notes of yellow ripe fruit, then again some nuttiness and in addition again a beguiling liveliness and minerality, which ends in an equally long final. Chardonnay can be like this, chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"Very typical, smoky underpinned Chardonnay fragrance with yellow stone fruit, peach, delicate exoticism with pineapple and mango, supported by a smoky-nutty backdrop in which roasted hazelnuts and fine caramel bring Burgundy to mind again. Dense and full-bodied in the mouth with a creamy texture reminiscent of salty butter, wonderfully contrasted by the spicy-salty freshness that increasingly sets the tone." Weinwisser

"The 2019 Chardonnay Riserva Troy rises from the glass with enriching notes of hazelnut and custard before giving way to white flowers and hints of opal apple. This wine is elegant from start to finish, with ripe orchard fruits and sweet spices perfectly contrasted by salty minerality. The Troy finishes long and lightly textured, leaving notes of raw almonds and candied limes. Although a little hedonistic on the nose, the balance of this wine is a feast for the eyes. Cellaring should help integrate some of the 2019 oak flavours." Vinous

"One of the winery's top wines, the Cantina Tramin 2019 Alto Adige Chardonnay Riserva Troy opens a little slowly. It has had a long maturation process: 11 months in barrique and 22 months in stainless steel. With a little coaxing, this alpine white wine finally blossoms, showing orchard fruit, pie crust and baked apple." Wine Advocate

"Peach, pie crust, pineapple and mango crumble on the nose with hazelnuts and salted caramel. Full-bodied with a lovely buttery texture. Long and lush, yet with lemony freshness and saline undertones." James Suckling

"Brilliant yellow apples and lemon zest with a lurking wealth of toasted vanilla and lush, chalky minerality keeping the structure in check. Long and impressive." Decanter

"Intense bright straw yellow with green nuances. Opens with fresh notes of mint, then lots of clear fruit, pineapple and mango, some beeswax, very inviting. Extremely juicy and present on the palate, shows lots of tropical fruit, very appealing, well-integrated acidity gives tension, long finish." Falstaff

"One of the "untouchable" products from the Termeno winery's research. A lively Chardonnay, with a faceted nose, yellow plum, then rosemary, lemongrass and ginger. Notes of white pepper on the finish. The palate is tasty, with officinal fruity return and spicy memories." Luca Gardini

San Leonardo is the flagship of the winery of the same name and one of the best red wines in Trentino every year. Opulent bouquet with nuances of dark fruit such as blackberry and sour cherry. Delicate spice, leather and tobacco notes give it a terrific complexity, which is then extended on the palate by a harmonious interplay of dark berries and plums, all flanked by clearly contoured tannins. A masterful red with a strong personality that will reach its true greatness after a few more years of bottle ageing and live up to its reputation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, impenetrable ruby red colour. Cool nose of blackcurrant with a hint of red pepper. On the palate, juicy blackcurrant with the softest tannins, as if everything had been handled with kid gloves." Jancis Robinson

"A graceful red wine that begins quietly with a pure note of ripe blackcurrant and slowly expands on the palate to interweave flavours of bay leaf and smoked tobacco, bitter cherry, minerals, graphite and cigar box spice. The fine-meshed spectrum of flavours reveals supple tannins that define the elegant finish." Wine Spectator

"A mentholated freshness introduces the 2018 San Leonardo as it slowly blossoms in the glass. As the glass is swirled, a depth of dusty sage and violets unfolds, fading into white pepper and blackcurrant. This wine is elegant, full-bodied and powerful. Sour citrus fruits highlight ripe wild berries and savoury spices. The 2018 leaves nothing out and finishes long and lightly structured, with a framework of fine tannins that gently tug at the senses as blackberry and rose notes slowly fade away. The 2018 is an understated and youthful beauty that should be left in the cellar for a few more years. That means hands off, because the best is yet to come." Vinous

"The latest edition of this outstanding northern Italian red wine offers complex aromas of tobacco, spice, earth and rich, wood-soaked black berries. In the mouth, it combines intense concentration with freshness in a vertical sense of balance and savouriness. Dark, plummy, spicy hedgerow berries are perfectly balanced by bright, savoury acidity and ripe, grainy tannins, with spicy cedar, dried currants and a hint of balsamic depth. It still has so much to offer." Decanter

"The 2018 San Leonardo from a cool vintage is incredibly fine and beautiful, with a filigree of flavours reminiscent of wild blackberries, tobacco, pressed rosemary, cherry tart and orange marmalade. The elegance of the wine is exceptional, the mouthfeel very fine and precise. This classic vintage will certainly appeal to San Leonardo purists. I recommend giving it a long maturation period." Wine Advocate

"Perhaps the only Bordeaux from Trentino capable of evolving to emerge with personality even today, in a vintage of grace. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot. Jammy cherries, undergrowth, juniper and rhubarb, dense and savoury, crisp and compact mouthfeel, wonderfully persistent finish." Luca Gardini

Sugarille is always a little darker, richer and more opulent than Rennina. Bouquet of remarkable richness. In the drink, dark red cherry, plum, smoke, liquorice and cloves fill out the wine's broad-shouldered frame well. Hints of mocha, chocolate, spices and black-fleshed fruit add the final layers of nuance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium-dense ruby garnet. Smells of fresh, crisp cherries, blood orange and Mediterranean herbs on the nose. Spreads out very richly on the attack, juicy, crisp cherry fruit and some blackberry characterise the palate, shows grippy, savoury tannin on the back end, long final." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with orange reflections. Spicy and slightly reductive on the nose, with pure cherry underneath. Pure and concentrated on the palate, albeit slowly, with complex oak notes that slowly unfold. At the moment, the powdery tannins take the lead on the finish, but it still needs plenty of time." Jancis Robinson

"First produced in 1995, Sugarille is not made in every vintage - having been omitted in 2017, this single vineyard bottling returns. Dark cherry and black plum are peppered with bitter herbs, tobacco and wet stone. Strong tannins provide a solid framework, and tantalising acidity soars. Sweet oak nuances merge with the finish of liquorice roots. A great contender for the cellar." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille keeps me returning to the glass to enjoy its spicy yet wonderfully airy bouquet, where cedar and pine shavings evolve into mentholated herbs, flint and dried black cherries. This wine is very structured and soothing with its combination of ripe red fruits and juicy acidity, while sweet spices and mint nuances resonate towards the end. The sugarilla misses nothing, rejuvenating with impeccable balance and regal structure, while remnants of ripe wild berries and plums linger. The Gaja family has truly outdone itself in this idiosyncratic vintage." Vinous

"A dark, brooding 2018, with accents of smoke, vanilla, iron and tar surrounding a core of cherry and plum flavors. Reveals balsamic elements of eucalyptus and wild herbs on the lingering finish. On the austere side now, with a core of fruit and mineral." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is structured, rich and intense, with particular richness and texture. This wine comes from a single site characterised by slaty Galestro soils. These conditions give the Sugarille its heavier focus and its particular power and strength. Dark fruits, balsamic herbs and pencil shavings create a beautiful and precise bouquet. Give this wine more time to mature." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of red plums, sour cherries, spice box, oranges, cloves and capers. Also moss and porcini mushrooms. Wonderfully open, with a medium to full body and very fine, silky tannins. A beautiful purity of fruit with a long, seamless finish. Ethereal and transparent." James Suckling

The lily is the flower of all flowers in Valpolicella and this exceptional Riserva is dedicated to the best of them. The grapes for this new flagship of the winery, produced in very small quantities, grow on 300-metre-high soils of mainly limestone with some sandy silt in the Monti Garbi district of the municipality of Mezzane di Sotto. The vines have an average age of 40 years and produce only small yields. After harvest, the grapes are selected twice by hand. The Lilium Est is aged for three years in new Bordeaux barriques, the laths of which have been dried outdoors for 36 months. Before it goes on sale, it remains in the bottle for at least another four years.

Dense ruby red, clear and consistent, olfactory very powerful, extensive and fine. The first impression is of balsamic, almost iodine-like notes, transported by the remarkable alcoholic content, to immediately reveal the characteristic scent of ripe cherries, plums, vanilla and ginger. Tertiary aromas of cocoa, chocolate, tar, almonds, roasted hazelnuts and pipe tobacco follow on the heels. The palate is dry, warm and soft, well supported by a remarkable acidity, of great palatability and equipped with an enveloping tannic structure. As it progresses, it is balanced, very persistent and fine. Undoubtedly a highly elegant, complex wine monument - a strong companion with broad shoulders that will defy time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and compact garnet red with ruby reflections. Complex and intense nose with notes of pickled plums and sour cherries, rum pot and some coffee. On the palate with powerful and at the same time supple tannin, with lots of ripe cherry fruit, juicy and with a long final." Falstaff

"Black dates, green tea, shellfish, seaweed, bark, melted dark chocolate and liquorice on the nose. Full-bodied and flavourful on the palate, a little old-fashioned, but complex and distinctive. It starts dry, but then becomes a little more generous, with a refined, bittersweet accent, before a long finish. A conservative Amarone that exudes quality. Beautiful now, but it will age for a long time." James Suckling

"Released 10 years after the harvest, the Tenuta Sant'Antonio Famiglia Castagnedi 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Lilium Est is packaged in a very heavy glass bottle with a red wax capsule. The wine has definitely started along its evolutionary track, although there is still some of that dark and opulent Amarone fruit to behold. Dried fruit aromas are wrapped within ample spice, leather, tar and a potent 16% alcohol content." Wine Advocate

"My goodness what a beguiling nose, wood, caramel, parma violet, floral with coffee/mocha tones. Full bodied and full of life, tannins make the immediate impact, massive and fleshy but also powdery so you get depth of flavour on the tongue and a fine coating of texture around the cheeks. A powerhouse of a wine, layers of vibrant acidity, rich concentration and lingering freshness with lovely aspects of coffee, toffee, star anise, vanilla, cinnamon, pepper and balsamic leather. The fruit is crisp with a high-toned toasting element, all of which seems to work in harmony to deliver a nuanced wine with so many facets." Decanter

"The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Lilium Est delights from the first swirl of the glass with a seductive bouquet of sweet spices, sugary blueberries, sweet smoke and oak. This is pure elegance, almost opulent but not quite, with a balance of ripe red fruits and a bitter hint of cocoa to balance it out. The finish is smoky and firm, with fine-grained tannins that frame the wine without slowing its momentum, while nuances of coffee grounds and cloves slowly fade away. The 2012 could do with some ageing to further integrate the oak (it matured for four years in new barriques), but the use of wood is skilful." Vinous

A wine that is only vinified in the very best years and then presents a breathtaking beauty with each edition. In depth, purity and structure, it is the archetype of a Brunello. It beguiles with a mix of sage, rosemary, tobacco, wild flowers and cloves through to a nuanced and endless finish. It is punchy and seductive at the same time and has great personality. Chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a late-release 2015 with extremely attractive blackberry, black-cherry and floral aromas, as well as hints of spices. Full-bodied with wonderfully integrated tannins that are polished yet powerful. Long, persistent finish, showing real purity of fruit. Try after 2023, but already impressive." James Suckling

"The Le Potazzine 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is released a year after most other Riservas hit the market (most of this winery's peers are now selling the 2016 vintage). This pretty wine is open-knit and rich, showing nice textural support. It is redolent of dried cherry, blackberry, light spice, tar and smoke. This special selection of fruit shows elegant results in this hot and sunny vintage." Wine Advocate

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva captivates as it slowly blossoms in the glass, but this is a wine that is truly worth waiting for. With each swirl, a bouquet of mentholated cherry, autumnal spice, shaved cedar and Tuscan dust gains amplitude and richness. The textures are undeniably elegant, communicating opulence while also stimulating the senses with salty minerals and an inner smokiness that I find wildly compelling. An intense array of red currants, licorice and savory spice fills the senses and translates directly to the finale, where regal tannins saturate, promising a remarkably long life. Only 3,000 bottles of this beauty were produced." Vinous

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento from the dream 2015 vintage is dark, rich and seductive. It smells of ginger and hints of leather and tobacco before opening up further to reveal black cherry fruit and wild berries. Although cool and supple, it has a velvety texture that strikes a wonderful balance between the tart blackberries and exotic spices within. Its complexity is remarkable: sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, framed by youthful grippy tannins and hints of cranberries, spices and subtle saltiness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, powerful garnet red. Finely marked, fragrant nose with notes of cranberries, ripe dark cherries, some prunes and plenty of tobacco. Polished tannin on the palate, showing ripe fruit notes, with grippy tannin in many layers on the final." Falstaff

"Lustrous ruby with orange tinges. At first a tiny bit sweaty, then opening up to rich, focused cherry fruit. A palate of lush cherry fruit and sensationally balanced. The juicy fruit, lined with gravelly tannins, goes on and on." Jancis Robinson

"Lots of plum, toffee, floral and cherry aromas that follow through to a full body with ripe, round tannins that follow through to a long, gorgeous finish." James Suckling

"A powerful version, this red delivers concentrated plum, black cherry, iron and earth flavors allied to a base of muscular tannins. The balance tips to the astringent side, but it's not overbearing, with ripe fruit returning on the finish. Needs time and food." Wine Spectator

"Made with certified organic fruit, the Col d'Orcia 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is open-knit and big both in intensity and mouthfeel. This full-bodied Riserva graces us with budding tertiary notes of tobacco and cured leather, but the ripe and fundamentally very rich fruit of this vintage remains firm at its core. You also get cola, licorice and grilled rosemary. This vineyard site sees ancient soils with an important component of well-draining sand, and this helps to concentrate flavors." Wine Advocate

"The darkly alluring 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento requires coaxing to unlock its aromatics from their youthful state. However, patience is rewarded, as crushed stones and ashen earth give way to red and black wild berries offset by hints of camphor and, finally, a note of sweet tobacco. Its textures are like pure silk draped across the palate, as a saturation of salty minerals settle in. Vivid notes of tart black cherry and an air of inner rose resonate throughout as fine tannins slowly clench the senses. The result is one of hulking structure yet also a potent staining of primary concentration; yet through it all, bright acids maintain supreme balance. Wow, the 2015 Poggio al Vento is a masterpiece in the making." Vinous

Terre Brune is a Carignano, with a small percentage of Bovaleddu, of seductive balance and fruitiness and every year one of the best reds of Sardinia. Aged in barriques, it shows a fresh but ripe fruit on the nose with a slight hint of cocoa. On the palate of beautiful depth, with present tannins. An exemplary wine vinified with love and full of regional typicity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby red. Ripe – and blackberries on the nose, liquorice and a hint of mint in the aftertaste. On the palate fruit-driven, with sturdy and dense tannin, well balanced, juicy, long final." Falstaff

"Aromas of iron, baked strawberry and thyme. Full–bodied with silky tannins. Tart and sour berries wash over the palate, with wet minerals adding energy and definition. Bright and driving, with really wonderful length and balance. Savory notes, such as bark and chicory root, come through towards the finish. Delicious." James Suckling

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in large formats. As every year, the secret star of the house gives the Dominator in Dal Forno style. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with marmalade-like aromas of red and dark fruits, alongside which spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate echo. At the same time, the youthful and stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A very rich and spicy nose of kirsch, sweet morello cherries, spice box, hazlenuts and vanilla beans with dried dark cherry cake and lots of cedar, too. Full body, sweet fruit, vibrant acidity, ripe and round tannins and a fruit-forward finish. Always excellent." James Suckling

La Casa 2016 is a terrificwine in deep dark ruby red and a bouquet of small red berries, cedar wood and spicy-scented flowers that opens up for minutes. The palate is precise, taut and finely layered, with silky textures and a palate concert of spicy black cherries, spices, leather, tobacco and tar. Dense yet elegant as it progresses, the fine-grained tannins rounding out its perfect beauty. Very intense and with a wonderful ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The round dance opens with fine-smelling aromas of raspberries and blossoms; opens with fine-grained tannins and concise acidity, then an extremely linear course to a multi-tonal fruit finish. Very successful." Vinum

"Already the bouquet shows a lot of intensity with ripe plums and dark, candied cherries, plus a bouquet of floral notes, violets, lavender, but also "powerful" notes like iron and blood. Densely built on the palate with present, ripe tannins, sweet berry fruit, showing provenance and vintage with a multi-layered final and punchy Sangiovese spice." Weinwisser

"Powerful, sparkling ruby. Very much present and clear fruit, after fresh plums, dark cherries, fine cloves in the background. Gripping, gripping tannin, spreads out richly, after red berry fruit, slightly malty note in the final." Falstaff

"Rich red fruit, sour cherry, blueberry, seems quite young, raw meat, pithy herbal spice; still very firm pulling tannin on the palate, not too expansive." Meiningers Sommelier

"One of five vineyards sites in the Caparzo stable, Vigna La Casa is located on the Galestro-rich soil of Montalcino’s revered Montosoli hill. Quite primary and fresh, this hints at smoke, cedar and star anise. It is more firmly structured and robust than the estate Brunello, with palpable wood tannins and ripe, dark cherry filling out the palate." Decanter

"Rose, graphite, star anise and eucalyptus aromas come to the forefront. The chiseled, racy palate features juicy morello cherry, licorice and coffee bean framed in close-grained tannins and bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino La Casa takes a little time to collect itself in the glass, pulling you closer as white smoke gives way to crushed stone, then peppery florals, wild strawberry and cedar. The textures are like pure silk, with an elegant display of savory black cherry and spice complicated by salty minerals. This shows amazing density while never feeling heavy, nearly masking its fine-grained tannins until the very end, where hints of orange citrus and dried berries linger. The 2016 La Casa is a beauty with plenty of upside potential." Vinous

"This red displays a mix of macerated plum, cherry, mint, earth, iron and sanguine flavors. In the savory camp, without the purity of many of its peers, at least today, yet harmonious and long, with dusty tannins on the finish. Be patient." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of berry, toffee and chocolate with cherry undertones. It’s full-bodied with a tight, focused palate with ripe tannins and a flavorful finish. Tight and polished. Needs bottle age to open and show its true potential." James Suckling

This great wine is only released for sale nine years after the harvest: The slow drying of the fully ripe grapes gives this cru its immense strength and density as well as its extraordinary character with powerful ripeness, fruit fullness, beautiful concentration and great elegance. On the palate, Bertani's Amarone demonstrates freshness, noble lightness and great dynamism. An exciting wine and for decades probably the most classic Amarone - the archetype, so to speak - of the entire appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, very intense ruby colour. Opens with light mineral notes, followed by preserved cherries and rich red berry fruit, with fine blood orange in the background. Very precise attack and finish, elegant cherry fruit, grippy, dense tannins, opens up in many layers, fine enamel, already easy to drink, very juicy, great development potential." Falstaff

"Medium garnet red colour. There's so much going on here on the nose! Fruit and dried spices. The next time I'm in an Indian restaurant with a good wine list, I want to try an Amarone. Really very complex and exciting. So fresh and clean! Dry finish. So different from the commercial Amarone norm. Really quite exciting." Jancis Robinson

"The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico takes its time to open up in the glass, slowly evolving with a rich blend of crushed black cherries complemented by dusty purple flowers and exotic spices. The palate is silky smooth but with cooling minerality and vibrant acids that give an energetic feel, while a saturation of red fruits and fine tannins emerge towards the finish. The 2012 finishes lightly textured with an echo of balsamic spice and bitter cocoa notes still lingering - a fantastic and truly harmonious rendition of Bertani's Amarone Classico." Vinous

"This wine is pure in its fruit, earnestness and joy. It opens with aromas of vibrant red plum, macerated red cherries and raspberries followed by cocoa powder, oolong tea and dried violets. Each sniff of the glass brings a new aroma. The wine is earth-driven on the palate, with tobacco and dried red and black fruits blending well with mixed herbs, savory spices and elegant tannins, all leading to a fresh acidity that makes the wine pop on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Wow, what a complex bouquet, with a base of dried cherries that is spiced up with a hint of mild coffee and walnuts. There are also dried flowers, wild herbs and spices such as tarragon and cloves. Subtle hints of dried banana and apricot. The palate is full-bodied, very smooth, intense and balanced, with firm, spicy tannins that drive everything forward. Long, long finish. It's nice to taste it now, but this wine, already almost ten years old, will be in your cellar for a long time." James Suckling

Barolo Ornato is a great wine every year. With its wild herbs, minerals and ferrous notes, it captures the true character of Serralunga. Its bouquet shows small berry fruits and cassis, framed by gravel, forest floor, blue flowers and candied orange peel. The wine also has a dusty, mineral note and is very intense both on the nose and on the palate. Ornato starts with finely integrated tannins and an acidity that sustains all these fruit flavours. A wine that is consistently vertical, straightforward and frontal. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby-garnet colour. Nose of toast, mint, then fine raspberries and rosehips, fine earthy tones, cardamom. Great entry on the palate, deep and multi-layered, savoury, comes in several waves, lingers remarkably long and juicy." Falstaff

"An inviting red that offers ripe plums, cherries, earth, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco flavours. It becomes denser and slightly viscous on the finish, with earthy and herbal elements echoing. All components are present, so be patient." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Ornato 2019 is a big, tightly wound Serralunga Barolo that needs time to unfold. Iron, white pepper, mint, dried herbs and orange peel open up, but with great restraint. Today, the Ornato is impenetrable. Let's see what happens over time." Vinous

"The Pio Cesare 2019 Barolo Ornato comes from one of the most famous MGA vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba. The character of this wine is always characterised by structure and power, and these qualities are particularly evident in a vintage like 2019, which offers more concentrated fruit at the start. The Ornato is imbued with dark berry flavours that contrast with spicy tones, tar and smoke. It finishes with finely structured tannins." Wine Advocate

"The Ornato 2019 emphasises the special nature of this vineyard with its grace and structure, which combine to create pure class. Dark cherry flavours are nestled among wild herbs, flowers and savoury spices that grab and draw your attention with every sip. This robust and well-structured wine is built for the future, when all the parts relax into each other and show just how great this wine is." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine is beautiful with ultra-fine tannins, cherries, berries and flowers. Medium to full body. Wonderful length. Very classic in structure. Straightforward and racy. Taut on the finish. Give it four to six years in the bottle." James Suckling

"From Cascina Ornato, the first cru in the history of the estate, a sculptural Barolo with power and structure. Blackcurrant on the nose, notes of liquorice and peony. Salty on the palate, with liquorice notes on the finish." Luca Gardini

Terre Brune is a Carignano, with a small proportion of Bovaleddu, of seductive balance and fruitiness and one of the best reds in Sardinia every year. Matured in barriques, it has a fresh but ripe fruit on the nose with a slight hint of cocoa. On the palate, it has a beautiful depth with present tannins. An exemplary wine vinified with love and full of regional typicity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, dense ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Ripe aromas of blackberry and blueberry, herbal flavours and hints of liquorice on the nose. Dense and fruity on the palate, very fine tannins and a long, balanced final." Falstaff

"Fine and creamy, this elegant red wine offers fireworks of raspberry and strawberry fruit as well as accents of lavender, incense, tea rose and thyme. Juicy and fresh, with supple, fine-grained tannins that are evident on the mineral, tarry and salty finish." Wine Spectator

"A savory nose features aromas of old leather, top soil, coffee and herbs, for an overall spicy, earthy feel. The palate is tangy and fresh, with black-cherry notes and a potent floral component, before a bitter-chocolate undertone sets up a finish of resurgent earth and spices. Tannins and acid are lithe, but anchored in that earthy depth." Wine Enthusiast

"I love the flavours of liquorice and herbs alongside chocolate cherries and plums. There's also a hint of vanilla and praline. It's creamy, slightly chewy and full-bodied, with berry-like tannins and a long and wonderfully smooth finish. Makes you want more." James Suckling

"Dark cherry, blueberry, followed by a hint of ink and graphite, classic aromatic garrigue herbs with fine and juicy tannins." Decanter

Andrea Franchetti began in the 1990s to position Palazzi as an equal red alongside his flagship Tenuta di Trinoro, with the aim of producing two exceptional wines reminiscent of the left and right banks of Bordeaux.

Just three words: power, intensity and concentration. With a very manageable production of 1,660 bottles, here is a full-throttle Tuscan wine that constantly exudes generous black fruits, spices and sweet tobacco. There is also black cherry and plum, which lend the wine soft contours and sweetness. On the palate, it is firm, well-structured and delights with a mouthfulness that is unrivalled. Take a good piece of red meat, marinate it in rosemary and olive oil before putting it on the charcoal grill and then embark on this monumental adventure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby violet colour with a black core. Very fine and memorable nose, showing notes of dark chocolate, cassis, rich blackberry, delicate tobacco notes in the background. Fiery and full-bodied on the palate, lots of ripe fruit, paired with dense, very well-integrated tannins, pithy final." Falstaff

"The Tenuta di Trinoro 2021 Palazzi, although this vintage is particularly dark and brooding, pushes this often tricky grape variety to its limits. The wine tastes ripe but not overly so, although the 15.5% alcohol content cannot be overlooked. On the palate, the wine is velvety and rich, with intense end notes of blackberries, crème de cassis and dark spices. Everything is well integrated, but nothing is understated." Wine Advocate

"There's great purity to this red, along with ripe plum, blackberry, chocolate, olive tapenade and toasty oak flavors. The tannins are civilized, while the refreshing acidity lends precision and focus. Showing terrific balance overall, this saturates the palate in the end, staying persistent and long. Approachable now, yet should improve." Wine Spectator

Three words: power, intensity and concentration. With a very manageable production of less than 2,000 bottles, this is a full-throttle Tuscan wine that constantly exudes generous black fruits, spices and sweet tobacco. There is also black cherry and plum, which lend the wine soft contours and sweetness. On the palate, it is firm, well-structured and delights with a mouthfulness that is unrivalled. Take a good piece of red meat, marinate it in rosemary and olive oil before putting it on the charcoal grill and then embark on this monumental adventure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour. Intense and dense nose, presents itself with notes of preserved cherries and plums, lots of tobacco and some dark caramel. Full-bodied and gripping on the palate, persistent, rich fruit on the final, grippy tannins, lots of power." Falstaff

"The polish and precision is impressive, with a refined and polished texture that runs the length of the wine. It’s medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins and a persistent finish. Juicy and savory with citrus and fresh herb undertones." James Suckling

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in large formats. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with marmalade-like aromas of red and dark fruits, alongside which spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate echo. At the same time, the youthful, stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A harmonious Valpolicella in a richer style, displaying a lovely range of plumped black cherry, star anise, espresso crema, cured tobacco and fragrant smoke notes. The sinewy tannins are well-meshed, but lend weight and definition, and the lightly juicy acidity keeps this focused through to the lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"A remarkably concentrated red, redolent of dark-cherry ice cream, stuffed with chocolate-chip flakes that turn into meatier, earthier nuances of steak tartar and forest floor. Full-throttle and lavishly chewy, the tannins pucker all sides of the mouth with mesmerizing intensity; nevertheless they remain polished and acutely detailed, like an extravagant, wool-woven, Moroccan veil." James Suckling

"This is a terrific wine that stood out - and stood tall - despite the fact that it was tasted alongside some of Dal Forno's most important vintages of the top-shelf Amarone. If that's not a full-on recommendation, I don't know what is. The 2013 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta oozes forth with thick concentration and an inky black color. The mouthfeel is thick and impenetrable, and the senses are treated to a long succession of black fruit, tar, spice, smoke, mesquite and barbecue flavors. The wine is full-bodied and very opulent, but it carries that massive intensity with grace and precision. This Valpolicella Superiore is very nicely done." Wine Advocate

"From one of the most iconic wineries in the Orientale, this is aged for two years in oak and a further three in bottle. A proper meditation wine, great with game, strong cheeses or a cigar. It has a huge nose of stewed red fruits, ethereal bramble forest fruits and blackberry jam. Generous, with spicy, bitter cherry-stone freshness. Full-bodied with a rich, intense, spicy undertone." Decanter

The Gran Selezione from the single vineyard Bellavista is rich and dark with aromas of wild cherry, smoke, liquorice, menthol and tobacco. Extremely attractive and rich on the palate, firm tannins form the backbone of this virile, potent wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense aroma of dark forest berries, herbs and spices, pepper above all; full bodied on the palate, the tannins and acidity in perfect balance, with a promising future, and yet already convincing the finish. Great wine." Vinum

"Deep, dark ruby with a violet tint. Impressive, multi-layered nose, of beetroot, saffron, elderberries and blackberries. Smooth and clear at the beginning and the end, with lots of thick, dense tannin, salty, juicy fruit, deep in the final. Falstaff

"Aromas of black-skinned fruit, dark spice and sunbaked soil mingle with whiffs of camphor and forest floor on this enticing blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera. The elegant, structured palate delivers black plum, ripe black cherry, star anise and crushed mint while firm, polished tannins provide support and finesse. It's well balanced, with bright acidity, while an earthy hint of game gives the finish depth." Wine Enthusiast

This is a contrast of power and refinement, with black cherry and black currant fruit encased in a sheen of oak, while burly tannins and vivid acidity enhance the structure. Awkward today, this displays incredible elegance, with a laser of vivid acidity driving the exceptional length. Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera. Best from 2023 through 2043." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista sees fruit sourced from one of Castello di Ama's most beautiful vineyards with a wide exposures and plenty of sunshine. This wine shows profound complexity and a far-reaching bouquet that evolves slowly in the glass. Of these three single-vineyard Gran Selezione wines (Bellavista, La Casuccia and San Lorenzo), the Vigneto Bellavista is the most complete, but it is also the most linear and streamlined in terms of mouthfeel. I would bet on putting this wine aside in your cellar for a longer aging time." Wine Advocate

"Ama's 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista is a flat out stunner. Dark and brooding in its first impression, the 2016 races out of the glass with explosive vertical lift. This structured, potent Chianti Classico won't be ready to drink anytime soon, but it is immensely promising. Savory herbs, crushed rocks, chalk and dried flowers add myriad layers of dimension. The 2016 is complex, nuanced and built for cellaring." Vinous

The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento 2016, which comes onto the market seven years after the grape harvest, is a breathtaking wine. It soars to the highest heights in terms of elegance and power. These opposing forces - power and grace - are what characterise this classic vintage. Col d'Orcia has effortlessly captured and immortalised both sides of the continuum. The bouquet displays a long array of aromas, including dried cherries, liquorice, cola, lavender flowers, cured meat and black truffles. The velvety finish is smooth and lingering. A wonderful creation from the top 2016 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Memorable nose with notes of plums, some cranberries, dark cherries, very clear. Firm, full-bodied tannins on the palate, opens with a lot of pressure, coated in ripe berry fruit, savoury and profound, subtle earthy notes on the final." Falstaff

"Brilliant, medium to deep ruby red colour with only light orange tones. Some development on the nose, but otherwise still very closed. Supple and concentrated, with fine, tangy acidity and astonishing balance. Finely chiselled tannins and supple, concentrated fruit on the finish. An elegant wine whose 15% alcohol is imperceptible." Jancis Robinson

"The organic Col d'Orcia 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is beautiful, to be honest, with a unique sense of direct power, medium-rich texture and evolved fruit. This Riserva takes us back in time to one of the most successful vintages in Montalcino's history. The bouquet is characterised by dried fruit, rose potpourri and roasted chestnut shells. The tannins are dissolved and the wine ends on a soft, silky note." Wine Advocate

"The nose is primarily spicy, with aromas of old leather, dirt and mixed spices, like a general shop in the old west with cherry and liquorice candy in bins. The palate is more fruit-driven, with notes of cherries and figs mingling with coffee and sambuca flavours to create a subtle hint of spiciness. The tannins and acidity oversee the proceedings without imposing themselves, like a good host at a party." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Vento is a classic wine that takes its time in the glass, slowly gaining depth and nuance: dusty roses and leather give way to dried strawberries, then notes of cedar and spiced blood orange. It is elegant and refined, with polished red berry fruit and a silky texture contrasted by notes of sour orange. A core of lively acidity provides a wonderfully fresh appeal. The finish is long and colourful, but also youthfully structured. A layer of fine tannins holds on to the remnants of redcurrant and spice. Ultimately, the 2016 Poggio al Vento leaves the taster longing for another sip and regretting its incredibly youthful state. It will be many years before we can fully enjoy the depth and complexity it currently harbours, but I hope to be there when that day finally comes." Vinous

"Packed with vibrant cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors, this red is racy and pure, with a superb aftertaste. Defined by its bracing acidity and precise fruit flavors, this still has some tannins to resolve. So youthful and fresh, it feels like this has hardly budged in its evolution." Wine Spectator

"Super classic Brunello from a classic vintage that is now coming onto the market. The fragrance has it all: cherries, flowers, pencil and slight hints of graphite. This is followed by raspberries and black cherries with some sandalwood shavings. You just want to smell it. Clear and transparent. Full-bodied with very fine and incisive tannins that fill the mouth and show great tension and shape. Extremely long and structured. Beautiful now, but it will age for decades to come." James Suckling

Granato has been an exceptional Teroldego for years: It convinces in the bouquet with its rich balsamic scent of sour cherries and red currants. Extract-rich and intense, powerful and extremely precise on the palate. A great wine that reflects the long-standing consistency and competence of this winemaker. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Teroldego Granato is so youthful yet so beautiful, rising from the glass with an infectiously spicy bouquet that is at times autumnal, at times savoury, mingling with dark red fruits. The palate is flooded with a wave of intense raspberries and wild berries that quickly saturate, but with a hint of sour citrus for a nice balance. A pretty inner sweetness lingers as it finishes structured and remarkably long with a refreshing hint of inner rose and wild strawberry that lingers on. It's powerful but also elegant and perfectly balanced for a long evolution." Vinous

"This wine shows deep red and dark berries with peppery notes, dark chocolate, hibiscus and grapefruit peel. Just a hint of cedar and smoked herbs. Full and concentrated, so stable and dense with lively, finely honed tannins and vibrant acidity giving the wine power and highlighting the savoury fruit and minerality. Very long and tense." James Suckling

"Iconic wine, one of the expressive peaks of Teroldego. Fermentation in open oak vats, ageing in acacia and cement casks, great freshness on the nose, redcurrants, touches of wild mint and rhubarb, on the palate it is dense-sweet, with a fruity-balsamic return and a finish on underbrush notes." Luca Gardini

The third vintage of Dievoles Gran Selezione presents itself dark, deep and with wonderfully powerful cherry and blackberry notes. The palate is very defined and precise with an archetypal interpretation of the grape variety. Everything is in the right place here, the balance and clarity impressing with every sip. The finish is of terrificlength and depth. This is Sangiovese at its purest, with endless energy and expression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Stylish bouquet of red berries and flowers; juicy on the palate, the tannic acid framework balanced, engaging evolution with polish and fresh fruit but also perfectly placed balsamic nuances through to the final." Vinum

"Fresh red fruit and a hint of mint, spice and tea on the nose. Refined palate with lots of powdery tannins giving texture and frame. Clean finish with a salty touch." Decanter

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna di Sessina shows a streamlined personality with pinpoint aromas of wild berries, forest floor and dried blackberries. This wine is vertical, focused and even a little edgy in personality thanks to its firm tannins and fresh acidity. There is a brief ripeness in the mid-palate, but overall the wine is very balanced." Wine Advocate

"Bright aromas of flowers, citrus, strawberries and cherries follow a full body with bright, very lively tannins and zesty acidity. Energetic on the finish. Very clean and bright. A wine for the cellar, although it is already drinking wonderfully." James Suckling

"Pervasive aromas recall cherry, raspberry, iron and sage in this red wine, while rich fruit flavours balance a backbone of assertive tannins. It reverberates from start to finish, ending with a long aftertaste of fruit, earth and tobacco. Still firm, but harmonious overall." Wine Spectator