cult wines

An unrivalled powerhouse and at the same time of a unique beauty and finesse. Villero (only produced in the best vintages) is an overwhelming interpretation of the otherwise rather austere Nebbiolo grape, which here displays a kaleidoscope of life and vigour.

Dark leather, dried rose petals, then candied fruit and dried herbs play together with a subtle minerality to create a symphony concerto that is guaranteed to leave a lasting memory. The interplay of fruit density and structure is simply captivating. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of exotic red fruits, blood orange and floral nuances, together with a large amount of well-dosed tannin. All the elements that make up the great totality of the wine have been carefully delineated, nuanced and brought to a very elegant and beautiful common denominator. Meditation meets supreme pleasure! SUPERIORE.DE

"This wild and untamed Barolo demands attention, as the nose is dominated by tart redcurrants and fresh green herbs, while sour cherries and unripe raspberries hint at its untamed nature. On the palate, tart cranberries, wild strawberries and holly transport you to a wild forest, while the fine, well-integrated tannins provide a seamless structure." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barolo Riserva Villero 2016 is a dense, full-bodied wine. Black cherry, plum, liquorice, leather and incense contribute to an impression of brooding, virile intensity. We must be patient, as the 2016 clearly needs time." Vinous

"This is a very complex Barolo. Reserved at first, it then shows stylish aromas of rhubarb, potpourri, dried cherries, red currants, stony minerality and whiffs of leather and prunes. Full-bodied with tension, good concentration and firm, dusty, yet ripe tannins. Restrained blood orange aftertaste, with acidity that carries the high-flying finish." James Suckling

"Complex aromas and flavours of cherries, raspberries, roses, wild herbs, stony minerals and autumnal woods are the hallmarks of this elegant red wine, which gradually reveals all its facets and is nevertheless structured. The long finish leaves a chalky sensation of refined tannins." Wine Spectator

In 1991, Turriga was one of the first bottled wines ever to be exported from the island. Turriga has a 100% Sardinian soul - the famous blend of four red autochthonous grape varieties was once created by the famous OenologistGiacomo Tachis and is continued today by his "heir" Mariano Murru, technical director and Oenologist at Argiolas. The DNA of this exceptional wine sounds as simple as it is perfect: its sophisticated blend of grape varieties gives it its unique structure, roundness, fullness, fruit and a perfectly balanced portion of tannins.

Mariano goes into raptures and describes his top wine as follows: "It has a deep ruby red colour and an enveloping taste of almost spherical softness, with tannins of great finesse that support and accompany the drink. The lively fruit is supported by a balanced acidity and spiciness that refreshes the palate and prolongs an indescribable finish of rare elegance."

Bravo, Mariano! We have loved the elegant bouquet of plums, the opulent dark fruit, the finely balanced vanilla note and the subtle hint of tobacco for decades. Excellently structured and long-lasting on the finish. A masterpiece every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"A beautifully curated and polished young red wine with black berries, violets and bark. Full and velvety with creamy textured tannins and a flavourful finish. Juicy." James Suckling

"An incredible wine, one of the highest creations of Sardinian oenology. Blueberries on the nose, a hint of bay leaves, nutmeg on the finish. It is also savoury on the palate, with salty tannins, beautiful juiciness and persistent drinkability." Luca Gardini

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

Lavish Brunello Riserva with a bouquet of sweet black cherries, frankincense, liquorice and tobacco. The 2011 vintage brings incredible depth, immense fullness and a great personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"This hot and dry year has created a Riserva that, by Biondi-Sandi standards, is an unusually early source of drinking pleasure. Subdued, but very noble aromas of pickled red berries, also a touch of coffee beans, leaves and dried herbs. In the palate densely woven, with fine-grained tannin and beautiful enamel." Vinum

"Brilliant, rich ruby with a slight garnet edge. Compact, multi-layered nose with notes of raspberries, pickled cherries, some saffron. Fine-meshed tannin on the palate, unfolds with great elegance, fine cherry fruit, echoes for a very long time, salty." Falstaff

"Mid ruby with orange tinges. Deep yet locked nose hinting at ripeness. Gorgeous, chewy, minerally cherry fruit with lots of powdery tannins. Very long, fine and tannic for the moment, but a little more approachable than the normal BS 2011 Brunello, from what I remember." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas of plums and light caramel and hazelnuts. Full body, a solid core of fruit and chewy tannins. A little dusty now. Need a couple of years to soften." James Suckling

"The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva makes a bold and more articulate statement (compared to the 2012 Annata wine released at the same time). That extra year of aging has contributed to more powerful aromas of dark fruit, balsam herb and spice. There is extra fiber and texture here overall. This Riserva shows a higher degree of density and a tighter embroidery with dark fruit, spice and tobacco. Both 2011 and 2012 are warm vintages, and the wines produced do not boast the same level of bright acidity that you normally get from this estate. But, if there's one thing the wines of Biondi-Santi have demonstrated over the years, it is that they get better with time. Set this bottle aside in your cellar." Wine Advocate

"Dark red. Musky nuances give way to brighter red fruit, licorice and herbal aromas. Rich and dense, with flavors of red cherry and minerals lifted by hints of orange peel and bergamot, not to mention noteworthy but harmonious acidity. Finishes long with youthfully chewy tannins and lingering hints of violet. This strikes me as a slightly readier to drink version of Brunello Riserva from Biondi-Santi, but as always, it improves greatly with aeration so decant at least six hours ahead for maximum enjoyment." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"Beautifully balanced, this opens with alluring scents of wild berry, rose, baking spice and whiffs of chopped herb. Seamlessly combining ripe fruit and the firm's trademark finesse, the bright elegantly structured palate delivers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and a hint of black tea framed in polished tannins and fresh acidity. It's already tempting but the best is yet to come."(Cellar Selection) Wine Enthusiast

"Sparkling, rich ruby. Intense and finely marked nose, smells of currants, wild raspberries and macchia herbs, some olive paste. Superb on the palate, shows lots of sparkling acidity, lively and deep, builds nicely, very compact, lots of accessible fruit, plus fine-meshed, well-matured tannin, tobacco on the final, skilfully combines power and elegance." Falstaff

"Really first-class stuff. Great balance. Very mature and sophisticated. Very dry and restrained and different from most." James Suckling

"It is refined and elegant, in keeping with the restraint of the vintage. Blackberry, plum, cassis and mineral aromas play with subtle oak spice notes on the finish, where it flexes its muscles." Wine Spectator

"The 2008 Sassicaia is a rich, deep wine that shows remarkable class with its black cherries, plums, grilled herbs, minerals and smoke. The 2008 is a decidedly closed, firm Sassicaia that is currently holding back much of its potential, unlike the 2006 and 2007 wines, both of which were much more obvious. harvestwho can afford to wait will be treated to a great wine once it has settled into the bottle. Muscular, firm tannins frame the exquisite finish of this dark, imposing Sassicaia." Vinous

"The 2008 Sassicaia is a rich, deep wine that shows remarkable class with its black cherries, plums, grilled herbs, minerals and smoke. The 2008 is a decidedly closed, firm Sassicaia that is currently holding back much of its potential, unlike the 2006 and 2007 wines, both of which were much more obvious. harvestwho can afford to wait will be treated to a great wine once it has settled into the bottle. Muscular, firm tannins frame the exquisite finish of this dark, imposing Sassicaia." Wine Advocate

"This is the best young Sassicaia in years. It's the new 1988 - which was great, sometimes better than the legendary 1985. What incredible aromas here with blueberries, spices, liquorice, plums. Graphite too. Subtle and complex. Full and silky with a lovely texture of fine tannins and an ultra-fine finish. So beautiful now, but it will be much better in 2015." James Suckling

"Recent changes by the winemaker and winery make this one of the best Sassicaias around. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc offers high concentration and sun-drenched aromas of black fruits, plums, dried bay leaves, black olives and tobacco. The dense, fertile soils that characterise Tuscany's magical coastline near Bolgheri contribute to an amazing richness and intensity." Wine Enthusiast

"Dense, intense colour of chocolate and plum. The nose is still very closed despite its age. The palate heads for a cleft where the tertiary aromas and flavours make an appearance, although they are held back by the primary vibrant blackberry fruit and a touch of Sassicaia freshness with a hint of liquorice root. After a while in the glass, the nose begins to open up. Underbrush notes are the most obvious, followed by black truffles. This wine opens slowly and needs time and patience. Clearly a great vintage with many years ahead of it." Decanter

Complex and multi-layered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. On the nose cedar, plum, red fruits, undergrowth and some rose scent. Balanced, spicy taste, the tannins firm and the finish precise and long. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years of bottle ageing, with a little patience it will transform into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Tart, firm, tobacco, rose-scented and reminiscent of dried leaves, also a hint of cedar, with restrained red berry aromas, a little black berries, dried flowers and earthy tones. Firm and tart-juicy in the mouth, nutty, dried floral and slightly tarry aromas, present, ripe, rather fine tannin, persistent on the palate, rather concentrated, yet for all its power also fine and elegant, relatively bright style, ethereal nuances, a hint of truffle in the background, earthy-salty mineral tones, a hint of coffee grounds in the background, complex, still undeveloped, quite deep, again a hint of tar, very good to long, juicy, finely spicy, complex aromatic finish. Still needs a bit of time, even if it already has plenty of charm now." Wein-Plus

"Sparkling, brightening ruby garnet. Very clear and present nose with distinct notes of fresh plums, pomegranate and rhubarb, balanced. Exceedingly polished on the palate, lots of fine-meshed tannin, spreads out clearly and continuously, juicy fruit, salty on the final." Falstaff

"The 2018 Barbaresco has really come together nicely since I last tasted it. A super-classic wine, the 2018 offers up soaring aromatics, mid-weight structure and fine balance. Pure, transparent and impeccable in its balance, the 2018 is just sublime today. Time has been so beneficial here. Crushed red berry, spice, mint and rose petal grave this effusive, refined Barbaresco from Gaja." Vinous

"This red is beautifully defined by the purity of its cherry fruit, accented by floral, strawberry and mint. Juicy and graceful, with a line of moderate tannins on the extended finish." Wine Spectator

"The Gaja 2018 Barbaresco is a wine of grace and purpose, with an elegant bouquet and a more powerful palate presence. These recent releases from the venerated house of Gaja are some of the most transparent and honest expressions to be found anywhere in the Langa. Some of the flashiness we saw in the past is today replaced by subtle Nebbiolo nuances and finesse, with crushed flowers, coriander, wild berry, smoke, tar and candied orange peel. This shift in character runs parallel to the slow and careful management transition from an older generation to a younger one. This 2018 vintage comes alive in the mouth, thanks to its balanced acidity and the absolutely bright and pristine quality of fruit delivered with such care." Wine Advocate

"In 2018 Gaja did not produce any Sorì. All the grapes of San Lorenzo and Tildin have been used for this Barbaresco instead. 'It was a classic vintage, similar to 1991 or 1993,' said Rossana Gaja, 'however with 14% of alcohol.' It was cool and damp, so don't look for concentration, but the refinement and the freshness of this wine packs a punch. Scents of red berries, fresh violets, orange peel, wet slate and soft chocolate are followed by red fruit flavours. It's medium-bodied, loaded with polished tannins and lit up by racy acidity. More stylish than ageworthy, in my experience classic vintages such as this can give stunning results in the near term." Decanter

"Aromas of ripe strawberries with hazelnuts, blood oranges and some coconut. Full-bodied with very refined and polished tannins that nicely form this young red wine. Fresh and delicious aftertaste of berry, cedar, bark and dark chocolate. Ever so subtle, yet powerful and driven at the finish. Very long and intense. Very classical style to it and cooler. This is a blend of seven vineyards including the Costa Russi and Sori Tilden. Approachable now, but better after 2025 and onwards." James Suckling

Solaia 2013 convinces on the palate with an intoxicating array of superripe black cherries, plums, cassis, mocha and sweet French oak. This vintage has an almost exotic quality and despite its considerable ripeness and opulence, it is never heavy but impresses with its exceptional finesse and balance. Minerals, graphite and crushed rock frame a long, seductive finish. A wonderful Solaia full of vintage and vineyard character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, dark ruby violet. Emphatically spicy nose, some celery leaf and laurel, then rich blackberry, some tobacco. Plays up great on the palate, spicy flavours dominate there as well, dark berry fruit as well, opens up with grippy, savoury tannin, very long." Falstaff

"The 2013 Solaia is restrained in character. It resembles a young Bordeaux, with top notes of cassis, hints of smoke and scents of plum blossom. The palate is quite complete, with pure dark fruit layering and coating the solid frame while fresh garden mint lingers on the finish. Ripe without being sweet, this classy wine has all the elements to suggest a long life." Decanter

"Offers weight and presence, with black currant, plum and black cherry aromas and flavors. The structure is vibrant and harmonious. Herb, earth and spice accents complete the profile, with a lingering, savory finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2013 Solaia from magnum is a special wine. I spent a month in Tuscany that year, so my memories of the growing season are many. In the glass, the 2013 is exquisitely perfumed, vibrant and wonderfully nuanced." Vinous

"Lots of blackberry and other dark–berry character in addition to stones and currants. Full, tight and focused with chewy tannins and a long and linear finish. Powerful." James Suckling

"Marchesi Antinori's 2013 Solaia is a profound and meaningful wine that is based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc in supporting roles. It sports a dark and thick texture with plump fruit and spice, grilled herb and black pepper. The bouquet is intense and layered with the kind of complexity that is best admired as the wine shifts and evolves in the glass. The textual impact is also impressive—you feel the inherent power and the structure, but these elements are never overdone. The best is yet to come; this Solaia is built for long cellar aging." Wine Advocate

Sparkling, medium dense ruby garnet. Barbaresco Costa Russi with a fruity-spicy bouquet and a well-integrated wood note. On the palate very powerful, superbly structured and with an ethereal expression of dark fruit, smoke, licorice, tar and menthol. And then the final that literally lasts an eternity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby garnet. Fragrant and engaging nose, notes of blood orange, fresh raspberry and rose petals. Juicy and substantial on the palate, spreads out richly, then opens up with plenty of grippy tannin, lots of pressure on the final, but also still slightly drying." Falstaff

"The 2017 Barbaresco Costa Russi is gorgeous. Dark, layered and wonderfully inviting, the Costa Russi expresses the restrained style of the vintage and yet has terrific depth. Black cherry, plum, mocha, spice, leather and star anise build as this sumptuous, classically mid-weight Barbaresco shows of all of its pedigree. The 2017 is a lighter Costa Russi, there is no doubt about that, but this is also the most complete of the three single vineyard Barbarescos." Vinous

"A pretty red with ripe-cherry, strawberry and floral aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied and very tight with a creamy, polished palate that goes on for minutes. Very fine and polished tannins. Give this two or three years to come more together." James Suckling

Sparkling rich ruby with garnet reflections. Powerful, compact and masculine on the nose with tar, some liquorice and lots of ripe fruit. On the palate wonderfully silky, very dense tannin, rich multi-layered taste and endlessly long. Promises enormous development potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Tasted blind. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Full, ripe yet fine nose with plenty of depth. Succulent and elegant palate with generous, sweet-sour cherry fruit and truly animating, crunchy tannins." Jancis Robinson

"A rich, heady wine, the 2017 Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo packs a serious punch. Macerated dark cherry, plum, espresso, licorice, dried herbs and spice all build in a potent, rich Barbaresco endowed with tremendous depth and brooding power." Vinous

"This is generally the most austere of the three Gaja single-vineyard wines, and it has also been described as 'wilder'. In this vintage the nose does seem to have more weight than Sori Tildin, with rich raspberry and cherry aromas. It's sumptuous, full-bodied and concentrated, with considerable density and weight. Despite its youthful chewiness, it's still polished and balanced, with a very long finish." Decanter

"The aromas of fresh rose petals are amazing with strawberries and citrus underneath. Full-bodied and layered with a complete, very linear and long finish. It turns tight and very serious at the end. Please give this at least five years to show it’s potential." James Suckling

Matarocchio - a pure Cabernet Franc produced by the Antinori family in a limited edition - is a wine that leaves an overwhelming first, second, third and so on impression. This wonderful and detailed wine is an unforgettable experience, especially for those who are drawn to the irresistible flavours of sun-drenched coastal Tuscany. The fruit comes from a five-hectare plot with well-drained soils and white stones. The vines were planted at the end of the 1990s at a density of 6,000 vines per hectare. The rows of vines are orientated so that they are exposed to the evening breezes that blow in from the beach, and the vines benefit from the strong diurnal temperature fluctuations. Matarocchio represents a crown in the very impressive pyramid of iconic Antinori wines (including Tignanello, Solaia and Guado al Tasso). To date, it has only been produced in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

Matarocchio 2019 is the purest expression of Cabernet Franc and this beautiful creation proves this thesis rock solid. The bouquet is deep and penetrating with delicious and juicy aromatic layers that slowly unfold one after the other. Blackberries and dark currants are followed by tar, liquorice, leather and delicate mineral tones reminiscent of polished river rock. There are also spices, pepper and sweet cloves. The best thing, however, is the elegance and true lightness that emerges in the mouth. The wine is highly structured and richly concentrated, yet straightforward and direct in terms of flavours, with a fleshy and juicy mouthfeel. On the long finish, it has a salty, mineral note that makes your mouth water. In addition, excellent tannins, simply put: an outstanding personality! SUPERIORE.DE

"Cabernet Franc in purezza: intriguing aromas of blackcurrants, chocolate and Mediterranean scrub, also subtle spicy notes; full of esprit on the palate, the grippy tannins and finely chiselled acidity in balance, ending in a long final on notes of berries, liquorice and undergrowth. Elegant and good." Vinum

"Bright, elegant ruby red colour. Precise and fruity nose with elegant cassis fruit, red pepper and the finest precious wood, reminiscent of coconut flakes, with fine Mediterranean herbs and a slightly earthy touch on the finish. Precise, clear, savoury on the palate, with great compact fruit and noble spice, comes in several layers, on fine stony notes, powerful, long, pure." Falstaff

"Lots of dried herbs, grilled pepper and redcurrants on the nose. Also mocha. Full-bodied with firm, fine and chewy tannins. Delicious, with wonderful varietal character. Bright acidity." James Suckling

"This pure Cabernet Franc wine presents itself on the palate with black fruits, baker's chocolate, pressed rose and fragrant mint. There is also plenty of gravel and pencil marks. The Cabernet Franc is a pleasant protagonist, and the wine offers power, intensity and depth with an elegant, full-bodied mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Matarocchio, the winery's pure Cabernet Franc, is awesome. What a wine! A generally favourable growing season with moderate rain and heat and a new emphasis on finesse produced a silky, racy Matarocchio that reaches a new level of intensity and nuance, with less weight than previous editions. Red-fleshed fruit, blood orange, spices, menthol and espresso pour from the glass. The 2019 Matarocchio is aromatically intense and beautifully complex and an absolute eye-catcher. The 2019 spent 18 months in 100% new oak, exclusively in Taransaud barrels." Vinous

The single-varietal Merlot L'Apparita 2018 is outstanding - elegance, strength of character, a remarkably fine tannin and acid structure as well as the endlessly long persistence characterise this exceptional Merlot. An oenological rarity of Tuscany and not only therefore an object of desire every year. A combination of fruity and spicy impressions on the nose, excellent fleshy taste, whose juicy, still quite concise tannin blends well with the warm body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby with a pronounced violet shimmer. Rich nose with notes of mulberries and black cherries, fine spicy components in the background. Shows a lot of dark fruit on the nose, then opens up with lots of tightly woven tannin in several layers, can quietly mature a bit more." Falstaff

"Black currant, black cherry, blueberry, wild herb and earth flavors are nicely displayed on the polished frame of this fluid and harmonious red, with dusty tannins lining the finish. More on the elegant side than powerful." Wine Spectator

"One of the rare instances where Merlot excels in Tuscany, this gorgeous wine opens with enticing aromas of dark-skinned berry, new leather, camphor and dark spice. Continuing where the nose left off, the elegant, delicious palate delivers cassis, ripe blackberry, licorice and crushed mint alongside the barest note of truffle. It's a world-class wine with breeding, extreme finesse and great depth. It's impeccably balanced, with a backbone of velvety tannins and fresh acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Hard dark-chocolate aromas with blackberries and blue fruit. Pure and gorgeous. Full-bodied with gorgeous, polished tannins that are intense and powerful, yet ever so precise and together. It’s so curated and real with a great finish. One of the best merlots from Ama in a long time." James Suckling

"The 2018 L'Apparita is a total stunner. Ama's 100% Merlot is usually a wine of bombastic intensity, but the 2018 marks a departure from that style, as it is all finesse and nuance. Blackberry jam, spice, menthol and lavender are some of the aromas and flavors that open in an Apparita that dazzles with its precision and nuance. Rain at the end of August pushed out harvest and gave Marco Pallanti the ideal conditions to craft this gorgeous wine." Vinous

"This wine has earned its spot in a world of pantheons that is grande vini Italiani. The Castello di Ama 2018 L'Apparita is one of the world's greatest Merlots, and this slightly cooler growing season delivers on all the promise and pedigree that we should expect of this collectors' favorite. L'Apparita opens to an inky dark and blackish appearance, and the bouquet slowly reveals black fruit, ripe cherry, dark spice, smoke and barbecue rub. The wine's texture and finish, which is so velvety and rich, so supple and soft, is what will ultimately win you over. Indeed, this wine excels especially in terms of the elegance and fullness of the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

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, compact nose with rich notes of blackberry and dark cherry, in the background fine spicy notes, cardamom and dried ginger. Juicy and intense in attack and course, lots of cherry, some plum, fine-meshed, dense tannin in the final full pressure." Falstaff

"Camphor, dark spice, blue flower and a whiff of forest floor shape the alluring nose on this delicious red. Elegantly structured and all about finesse and flavor, the savory, focused palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, orange zest, licorice and cassis alongside taut, ultrarefined tannins. Made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera, it's beautifully balanced, with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A rich, intense red, displaying black cherry, blackberry, menthol, iron and graphite flavors, this is polished and expressive, yet with beefy tannins lining the chalky finish. All the components are there - this just needs time." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista comes roaring out the gate with intensity and power. This is a generous and exuberant wine with dark fruit, pressed blackberry, plenty of spice and great overall dimension. It's truly gorgeous, yet I might consider a slightly shorter drinking window for this full-bodied vintage." Wine Advocate

"This is a very deep and serious Chianti Classico with bark, dark-mushroom and blackberry aromas that follow through to a full body with very polished and integrated tannins that are long and classy. A sophisticated and glorious wine. Drink in 2024 and onwards, but already very pretty." James Suckling

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista marries Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, a combination that works so well. The Bellavista is a powerful, vertical wine endowed with explosive and tremendous energy. Like all the top wines, it needs the better part of a decade to show all it's got. Gravel, smoke, leather, licorice and scorched earth." Vinous

Sangiovese in purezza. Wonderfully spicy aroma, dark forest berries and cherries, some graphite and cedar wood. Silky elegance on the palate, juicy, dark berries, paired with an animating interplay of fruit and acidity that really lets the wine dance across the tongue. Percarlo has depth and length as well as potential for many years in the cellar. One of the great single-varietal Sangiovese wines of central Tuscany. SUPERIORE.DE

"The organic San Giusto a Rentennano 2020 Percarlo comes from a vintage full of power, concentration and dark fruit flavours. All of these elements are delivered here, and as always, the wine shows an impeccable Sangiovese balance with an emphasis on primary fruit, integrated tannins and bright acidity. Indeed, the wine tastes young, which is more than can be said for most other releases from the 2020 vintage. However, this expression is still holding back a little and therefore promises excellent development in the cellar." Wine Advocate

"The Percarlo 2020 is a wine of almost indescribable finesse and nuance. All the elements are so well balanced. In 2020, the Percarlo is wonderfully understated, with a stunning balance and barely perceptible tannins. I can't remember ever having tasted a Percarlo with so much linear energy, tension and focus. The clean, mineral finish is unforgettable. The 2020 is quite simply spectacular." Vinous

Brilliant, rich ruby colour with a slight garnet hue. Fantastic and memorable nose, incredibly dense, aromas of hazelnuts, leather and ripe wild raspberries. Superb on the palate, lots of compact, dense tannins, coated in sweet enamel, multi-layered and dense, builds for a long time, with a finish of plums and liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Compact and fairly closed on the nose, with salty, mineral notes. A deep layer of spices and liquorice wood reveals itself with air. Complex, but still quite closed. Elegant weight on the palate, combined with fine, gravelly tannins and crisp, youthful red berry fruit. Long, precise and cool. Finesse and power." Jancis Robinson

"Bright ruby garnet colour with a light rim. Initially somewhat closed, with pronounced mineral components, then lots of raspberry, rich dark rose petals, lots of fresh plum. Very precisely defined fruit on the palate, extremely polished tannins, with a distinctly salty finish." Falstaff

"A muscular red that combines flavours of juniper, sandalwood and tomato leaf with cherries, strawberries, iron and tar, while powerful tannins set the stage for a long, intoxicating finish. Beauty and the beast in one." Wine Spectator

"Very well integrated tannins that spread out on the palate and give the wine tension and shape. Medium to full body. Powerful and juicy. Needs time to mellow." James Suckling

"This Barolo is a powerhouse from Serralunga that leaps from the glass with aromas of dark cherry, raspberry jam, truffle, star anise and fresh wildflowers. A study in power and elegance, the wine is full of firm and refined tannins, while elegant flavours of plums, dried herbs and pressed roses decorate the palate." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Barolo Sperss is a wine of stature and greatness and pure Serralunga power. Dark fruit, lavender, liquorice, gravel and crushed rock rise from the glass. It has plenty of the brooding intensity and powerful tannin that are so characteristic, but the 2019 is also wonderfully refined." Vinous

"This wine offers a delicate embroidery of earth, crushed rose, rusty nail and dark currant. The Gaja 2019 Barolo Sperss also has hints of smoke or camphor ash, and the entire wine is very polished and seamless with underripe dark fruit or sottobosco (undergrowth) that carries through to the end." Wine Advocate

After many years of identifying the best Merlot, Cabernet and Petit Verdot parcels within the boundaries of their Bolgheri vineyard with the help of the famous OenologistMichel Rolland, the Antinori family discovered in the early 2000s that there was an even more special microclimate and terroir in the middle of this microclimate, the results of which surpassed those of the larger area. Everyone involved immediately realised that this unique character had to be vinified and emphasised separately - this was the birth of today's cult wine Lodovico.

Connoisseurs know and appreciate the Biserno, the winery's second flagship. The grape composition is roughly the same, only here the grapes come from the Bellaria vineyard. As every year, Lodovico crowns the results of the Tenuta di Biserno. The 2018 edition is a highly successful wine of exceptional expression and enormous depth - and a flavour profile that balances concentration and power with the careful precision of the varieties used in the blend. The result is sharp and focussed, allowing for the detailed mapping of blackberries and plums followed by spice, delicate toasty notes and some chocolate. The elegant tannins are sweet and carefully integrated into every fibre of the wine. If you have followed the development of Lodovico over the last decade, the current vintage and the age of the vines have found the rhythm to produce a world-class wine. Chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with violet edges. Very wide-ranging nose with lots of ripe, black berry fruit, already appears very noble and aristocratic, a touch of truffle chocolate resonates. The finest vanilla tones and cedar bear witness to the noble wood maturation, behind these noble aromas a mineral terroir note reminiscent of iron also emerges. In the mouth, this is enormously dense, yet incredibly polished and characterised by great harmony, very round and velvety, almost pleasing, but it simply needs time to reveal its true greatness and the existing terroir aspects even more. A majestic wine." Weinwisser

"Rich ruby with a fine violet-coloured shimmer. Compact, fleshy nose with notes of cardamom, a hint of cinnamon, lots of blackberry and cassis. Very polished on the palate, with plenty of fine tannins, blackberry and tobacco flavours and a green, spicy final that somewhat dampens the flow." Falstaff

"Beautiful aromas of redcurrant, sage and other fresh herbs merge into a full body with round, creamy tannins. Tantalising texture and lush fruit character. Very balanced and refined. It is already beautiful now, but will be even better from 2023." James Suckling

"The Tenuta di Biserno 2018 Lodovico shows a high level of focus and focus in this vintage, which was not always easy given some extra rain showers. This full-bodied Tuscan red wine is vertical and very intense, while maintaining a careful sense of balance and aromatic equilibrium. It shows great black intensity with plenty of fruit and layering. The wine walks the proverbial fine line between power and elegance." Wine Advocate

"Lodovico has been produced in Bibbona on the border with Bolgheri since 2007 and is a relatively young brand run by Lodovico Antinori. Annual production is less than 10,000 bottles and the exact blend is not disclosed. The wine is based on Cabernet Franc and is blended with small quantities of Merlot and Petit Verdot. It is fermented in stainless steel and aged for 16 months in barriques, although it is bottled at a significantly lower volume than an equivalent Bordeaux. The 2018 is not entirely representative (try the excellent and more concentrated 2016), but it describes the graceful, Margaux-like elegance of this super Tuscan quite well. Parma violets, cedar, eucalyptus, wild raspberries and coffee grounds outline its complexity. The silky tannins are combined with a refreshing acidity." Wine Spectator

After many years of identifying the best Merlot, Cabernet and Petit Verdot parcels within the boundaries of their Bolgheri vineyard with the help of the famous OenologistMichel Rolland, the Antinori family discovered in the early 2000s that there was an even more special microclimate and terroir in the middle of this microclimate, the results of which surpassed those of the larger area. Everyone involved immediately realised that this unique character had to be vinified and emphasised separately - this was the birth of today's cult wine Lodovico.

Connoisseurs know and appreciate the Biserno, the winery's second flagship. The grape composition is roughly the same, only here the grapes come from the Bellaria vineyard. As every year, Lodovico crowns the results of the Tenuta di Biserno. SUPERIORE.DE

"Majestic bouquet with lots of ripe, black berry fruit, forest floor, liquorice and ethereal-balsamic notes, already appears very noble and aristocratic, a touch of truffle resonates. In the
mouth, it is deep and complex, yet incredibly polished and characterised by great harmony. Velvety, structure-giving tannins, the terroir aspects become increasingly apparent. An elegant Cabernet Franc of majestic quality." Weinwisser

"The Tenuta di Biserno 2019 Lodovico is another legendary wine from the Tuscan coast. This superb blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot reveals dense layers of dark fruit, pressed blackberry, leather and spice. The wine is wonderfully concentrated and rounded, with all the added softness and richness of the warm and sunny climate that prevails on the Tuscan coast. The finish is long and impeccable." Wine Advocate

After many years of identifying the best Merlot, Cabernet and Petit Verdot parcels within the boundaries of their Bolgheri vineyard with the help of the famous OenologistMichel Rolland, the Antinori family discovered in the early 2000s that there was an even more special microclimate and terroir in the middle of this microclimate, the results of which surpassed those of the larger area. Everyone involved immediately realised that this unique character had to be vinified and highlighted separately - this was the birth of today's cult wine Lodovico.

Connoisseurs know and appreciate the Biserno, the winery's second flagship. The grape composition is roughly the same, only here the grapes come from the Bellaria vineyard. As every year, Lodovico crowns the results of the Tenuta di Biserno. SUPERIORE.DE

"Majestic bouquet with lots of ripe, black berry fruit, forest floor, liquorice and ethereal-balsamic notes, already appears very noble and aristocratic, a touch of truffle resonates. In the mouth, it is deep and complex, yet incredibly polished and characterised by great harmony. Velvety, structure-giving tannins, the terroir aspects become increasingly apparent. An elegant Cabernet Franc of majestic quality." Weinwisser

Rare exceptional Merlot from the west of Tuscany: Deep ruby red with violet reflections. Multi-layered bouquet with hints of wild berries and blackberries, ripe cherries, but also liquorice and tobacco notes. Very structured and at the same time lively on the palate. The silky tannins underline the filigree minerality until the seemingly endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Still immensely youthful, almost red-fruited, still impetuously pubescent both on the nose and in the mouth. With plenty of air, new layers open up with notes of ripe blue berries, wet earth, tobacco and liquorice. More finessed on the palate than I remembered, very athletic with lots of freshness, distinct balsamic and the typical notes of the terroir, a little reminiscent of iron and salt mines, spans a wide arc from the ripe fruit to the compelling minerality." Weinwisser

"Dark shining garnet. Opens the nose with notes of dark berries, delicate tobacco spice, light leather, black currants, precise and concentrated, underpinned by fine barrel spice, noble. On the palate polished and salty, spans a wide range, clear, precise dark berry fruit, tense, still young, will settle down superbly." Falstaff

"Born from the estate's oldest Merlot vines, the Tua Rita 2018 Redigaffi is a phenomenal achievement. Thanks to the long growing season that allowed the grapes ample time to ripen, this edition shows impressive depth and intensity of flavors. Black cherry, plum and sweet baking and barbecue spice are dosed carefully, but generously. The main attraction here is the mouthfeel, which achieves richness, plush softness and concentration in a most natural and convincing manner. The wine is absolutely seamless from start to its very long finish, and its playlist of positive attributes endures for as long as there is wine in the bottle. With so many successful vintages behind it, Redigaffi is a wine that nails its primary objectives year after year. In that sense, it is extremely reliable and consistent. This is one of the icon wines of Italy." Wine Advocate

"The wine that started it all for Tua Rita: 100% Merlot grown on clay/pebbly soil. 2018 was a fresher and cooler vintage in general and has produced an elegant version of Redigaffi. Lively aromas of tomato leaf, toasted oak and smoky liquorice mingle with complex flavours of cream, spice and dark plums. This luxurious Merlot has a velvety texture and a touch of sappy bite, with a long finish." Decanter

"Lots of chocolate and berries, as well as spice, walnuts and vanilla. It’s full and layered. Extremely long and flavorful. So juicy and sexy. Luscious is the word. Opulent with polish and presence. Chewy at the end. Brightness and energy here." James Suckling

Mazzei's top wine Siepi is not only an outstanding Tuscan wine every year, but also a 6-hectare vineyard in the middle of dense oak forests with an ideal altitude and a unique climate. The sunshine is optimal throughout the day and a constant breeze from the west prevents excessive heat and creates a mild, Mediterranean climate. The oak forests also provide an ideal protective barrier against extreme weather conditions. Rocky soils of marl, limestone and clay from the Pliocene period ensure a special balance of elements in this geological complex.

"The 30th anniversary of Siepi, a unique wine that bears witness to the harmony between the vineyard and its ecosystem, with great benefits for biodiversity, also celebrates our family's ancient bond with this vineyard. This encourages us to look to the future with the courage and awareness of those who have cultivated and respected the land for centuries." Philippo Mazzei

The 2022 Siepi is a stunning wine that appeals to all the senses with just the right amount of complexity. The wine is soft, brooding, velvety and long-lasting. It is made from equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese and both grapes bring their best qualities to the blend. The Sangiovese grape shows a distinct personality with region-specific notes of small berries and spices and it also offers a wonderfully fresh acidity. The Merlot plays a strong role in the background, adding softness, fullness and richness. SUPERIORE.DE

"2022 was a hot and dry year and it seems to have emphasised the Merlot power more than the Sangiovese finesse: wild forest berries, sous bois and spicy plum lead the way, with a saline touch. Grippy and spicy, round and ripe, it's a bit angular at the moment, with a drying finish, but once that oak has settled down it should show us what it's made of." Decanter

"This warm vintage offers plenty of primary fruit with bold cherry as the protagonist. Softer tones of blue flower and grilled rosemary appear at the back. However, the oak spice and cinnamon need time to integrate." Wine Advocate

"The aromas of dark berries, violets and perfume are enchanting. The palate is medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are polished and so elegant and they run the length of the wine. They are rather endless. Very classy and balanced. A merlot and sangiovese blend. Give this a year or two, but it’s already a joy to drink." James Suckling

In 1991, Turriga was one of the first bottled wines ever to be exported from the island. Turriga has a 100% Sardinian soul - the famous blend of four red autochthonous grape varieties was once created by the famous OenologistGiacomo Tachis and is continued today by his "heir" Mariano Murru, technical director and Oenologist at Argiolas. The DNA of this exceptional wine sounds as simple as it is perfect: its refined blend of grape varieties gives it its unique structure, roundness, fullness, fruit and a perfectly balanced portion of tannins.

Mariano goes into raptures and describes his top wine as follows: "It has a deep ruby red colour and an enveloping taste of almost spherical softness, with tannins of great finesse that support and accompany the drink. The lively fruit is supported by a balanced acidity and spiciness that refreshes the palate and prolongs an indescribable finish of rare elegance."

We have loved the elegant bouquet of plums, the opulent dark fruit, the finely balanced vanilla note and the subtle hint of tobacco for decades. Excellently structured and long-lasting on the finish. A masterpiece every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and layered red wine with lots of berry, cedar, chocolate and bark character. It is medium to full-bodied with a tight centre and a flavourful finish. It starts intense and then finishes very fine and concentrated. Better in three or four years, but already great now." James Suckling

Madonna del Piano is a top wine from a top vintage, what more could you want? We are deeply impressed by its energetic tension and complexity, plus a harmony only imagined in the wildest dreams. Focused and racy bouquet of dark cherries, herbs, smoke and mineral hints. Very animating in the drink, the acidity plays around the primary fruit, then the polished tannins set in and glide this beautiful red into its almost endless finish. An extremely characterful and polished wine that is already one of the most beautiful of its appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is totally captivating: deep, dark and viral. It smolders up from the glass, with a thrilling mix of cherries and plums complemented by notes of black tea, balsam herbs and ashen stone. With each return to the glass, this seems to expand further, adding nuances of smoke and animal musk. The 2016 is packed full of energy but also youthful tension, showing the radiance of the vintage with its citrus-tinged fruits and depths of minerality. Through it all, energizing acidity maintains harmony, just as fine tannins slowly saturate, resulting in a long finish that resonates on licorice and purple-tinged inner florals. The 2016 is one of the most balanced, yet also prettiest, expressions that I have ever witnessed from Valdicava’s Madonna del Piano." Vinous

"The Valdicava 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano impresses for its intensity, its balance and its freshness. The wine is medium to full-bodied with a good amount of fruit weight and power that is offset by acidity and the lifted, vibrant quality of the bouquet. If balance is the objective, this wine meets it goals, although like with many of its peers, you certainly won't miss the deep inner power of this determined Brunello." Wine Advocate

"Expressive yet complex, this red is already revealing tertiary hints of truffle, fading roses and spice. Features cherry, raspberry, iron, eucalyptus and anise flavors allied to a firm, compact structure. Balanced and long, with fresh fruit, spice and mineral accents lingering on the endless finish." Wine Spectator

"This is heavenly on the nose with fresh flowers such as violet and cherries with undertones of freshly shaved sandalwood. It’s full-bodied with very fine tannins that are focused and intense with a polished nature. This is a complete wine that impresses at every level. Give it at least five to six years to come together and resolve the tannin structure. Better after 2027." James Suckling

"This is our flagship wine, a Barolo recognised the world over, which we have always nourished and cared for with greatest respect. Nothing will change. This is why I will dedicate this special wine to my grandchildren Alessia and Stefano. From now on, it will carry their names." Luciano Sandrone on his intention to rename his world-famous Barolo Cannubi Boschis "Aleste" with the 2013 vintage. This Barolo is a masterpiece from Luciano Sandrone in every respect. Not only a historic product but also the only cru of the house from the renowned Cannubi area in Barolo. Rich ruby colour, balsamic bouquet, ripe and sweet. Great suppleness on the palate, lots of fruit, dense tannins, very persistent final with Burgundian elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby colour with a fine garnet shimmer. Opens with notes of plums, rose petals and pickled peach. Polished on the palate, shows layers of tannin, juicy strawberry fruit, flows calmly, very elegant and long." Falstaff

"This wine captivates with aromas of oil-infused rose petals and Maresca cherries overlaid with notes of incense that rise from the glass. The palate is intense, dark and rich, offering a mouth-filling experience of dark plums and an abundance of mixed sweet spices accompanied by dried bay leaves and black tea. The wine finishes with elegant tannins and a powerful acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"This red wine shows broad flavours of cherry, plum, tar, eucalyptus and sweet spices, with an accent of liquorice. It walks a fine line between power and elegance, with a well-integrated structure, refined tannins and a racy, resonant finish." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Aleste 2020 is a noble, elegant wine that is easy to drink right from the start. Black cherry, plum, mocha, liquorice and dark spices resonate beautifully. Soft and juicy, with silky tannins, the 2020 Aleste is an absolute charmer." Vinous

"The 2020 Barolo Aleste is multi-layered with sweet earth and drunken cherry. It shows seamless integration and a crescendo of intensity that starts with ripe fruit and moves into oak elements, liquorice, spice and balanced acidity. This wine has a beautiful mouthfeel, with length and complexity. The Aleste is made from the fruit of Cannubi Boschis in the commune of Barolo. This is the full programme." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of cherries and hibiscus with hints of tar and dried flowers such as roses. Full-bodied and complex, with lots of juicy and rich fruit that shows the warmth of the vintage but is framed by creamy and chewy tannins that give it shape and intensity. A very serious and structured 2020." James Suckling