Decanter

Chiara Boschi's Cannubi 2020 beguiles on the nose with layers of fragrant fruit. A sensual Barolo and yet quite typical in its vineyard character. Soft, silky tannins frame the long finish. A wonderful wine, characterised by its balance and above all by the sweetness of its tannins. Very full-bodied, focussed and with great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exciting attack of stone fruit, dried flowers and herbs; powerful texture, combines character and polish, has length and ends on complex notes of forest fruits and spices." Vinum

"Sparkling, rich ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Initially of tea and rose petals, then blackberry and wild raspberry, some graphite in the background. Lots of red berry fruit, especially black cherry, then gripping tannin, gives the wine depth, savoury and long." Falstaff

"The Barolo Cannubi 2020 is elegant, silky and nuanced. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, cinnamon and orange peel give this medium-bodied, restrained Barolo a remarkable aromatic presence. All elements are beautifully balanced throughout. The 2020 is a lovely wine, but a lighter style even for Cannubi. The lighter body makes the tannins seem a little austere. It will be interesting to see how it develops." Vinous

"The talented Chiara Boschis has created a jewel from this cru in 2020. Pure mint and liquorice scents with deep notes of dried cherries, leather and blood orange. Very elegant with great persistence and a classic finish." Decanter

"A well of pure cherry bubbles up in this red, complemented by rose, strawberry, mineral, wet pine and underbrush aromas and flavors. Though exuding finesse, this is layered with chalky tannins, yet still extends with a kaleidoscope of red fruit, mineral and savory notes on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Nervous and complex nose with excellent depth. Oranges, nutmeg, steel, minerals and a hint of white pepper and oyster shells. Broad and expansive on the palate with very structured, chalky tannins that expand into a long, mineral finish. Long and youthful." James Suckling

"Chiara Boschi's 2020 Barolo Cannubi is a fine and delicate wine, even if it is a little more pithy and rich in this warm vintage. The quality of the fruit is exceptional, especially the crisp ripeness. Dark cherry, blackcurrant, rose petal, pink pepper and white limestone add considerable notes. The freshness is great and the fruit remains juicy, leading to a long, elegant finish. Only 4,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"A wine of density, tension and crispness. On the nose, notes of cranberry, hints of blood orange and liquorice root, with a powerful finish of wild mint. Salty, juicy tannins on the palate, with a return of small red fruits and mentholated notes." Luca Gardini

Paleo Rosso - unmistakable Cabernet Franc and one of Bolgheri's most important wines, full of elegance and class. The name is unspectacularly derived from a weed that has long since been removed from the vineyards of Le Macchiole. Rich ruby red colour with violet reflections. Mint, white pepper, blackberry fruit and a hint of pomegranate on the nose. Finely melting on the palate with hints of tobacco and poppy seeds. Wonderfully structured and with a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich bouquet, characterised by hints of iron, which combine with ethereal medicinal notes to create a recognisable signature. Tobacco, fir wood and dark herbs characterise the distinctive expression of this top wine. On the palate, it is gripping with an elegant structure, emphasising an expressive yet subtle spiciness, a real spicy orgy of exotic spices, cardamom, cloves and slightly smoky peppers. Cabernet Franc at its finest, eternally salty and savoury aftertaste. Great cinema." Weinwisser

"Intensely reflective ruby-purple colour. Opens on the nose with pronounced spicy notes of graphite and cedar, then black cherry, dark currants and white pepper. Grippy, gripping tannins characterise the palate, dark fruit components, with an emphatically spicy final." Falstaff

"Precise, with accents of herbs and peppers in the blackcurrant, black olive, iron and tobacco flavours. Shows subliminal vanilla and spice elements from the discreet use of new oak, which unfold with harmony and finesse on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black berries and black olives with blackcurrants and rosemary. Full-bodied, chewy and rich with intense tannins and a long, powerful finish. Muscular and taut." James Suckling

"Its aroma is a heady combination of leafy and cedar scents, saturated with vibrant graphite minerality, citrus fruit and liquorice depth. On the palate, this is supported by tremendous extraction and power, with firm, oaky tannins and a graphite aftertaste of astonishing elegance." Decanter

"The Le Macchiole 2020 Paleo is one of the best Cabernet Francs in Italy. It is very dense and richly concentrated, with an amount of dark fruit that can only be broken down by slow maturation in the cellar. Paleo is always a wine for the long haul. The oak needs time to integrate and focus. Even at this young stage, the quality of the tannins and the precise ripeness of the fruit are convincing. A hint of sweet cherry, exotic spice and dark chocolate ensure a long finish." Wine Advocate

"The Paleo Rosso 2020 is noble, elegant and wonderfully polished. Crushed flowers, spices and blood orange lend it brightness. The Paleo Rosso impresses with its medium-bodied structure and offers great depth. It has performed very well in the past. I assume that this will also be the case here, as the 2020 radiates balance from start to finish. The 2020 matured for 18 months in 100% French oak and 5% of the wine was aged in amphorae." Vinous

"A firework of pepper lights up the nose, from black pepper to green peppercorns and hot chilli. Undertones of flint and leather intensify the spiciness, while flavours of raspberry jam and vanilla provide balance. On the palate, the spiciness remains, with biting, assertive acidity, but a sweetness lingers, and a finish of chilli and chocolate ties it all together. Transcendent." Wine Enthusiast

After a year's break, the new edition of the long-awaited Brunello Annata comes onto the market with the outstanding 2019 vintage. Initially restrained on the nose, with a little coaxing in the glass it reveals a beautiful blend of fragrant black cherries, mentholated spices, wild herbs, white smoke and a hint of leather. On the palate, silky, enveloping textures, contrasted by cool red and black fruits, plus lively acids that emphasise the spicier and sweeter side of the wine and glide endlessly on the final with fine tannins and minerals. We can already recognise a harmony here that makes us eagerly anticipate the further development of this wonderful wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Valdicava was rewarded in 2019 with both quality and quantity. Rather than racing out of the gate, this expresses methodically. Fresh berries are offset by dried florals, tea, tobacco and cedar. Perfumes of orange oil and rose build on the palate, bestowing brightness and a more youthful mien. Tannins are fine-grained yet firm, accentuated by steely acidity. Overall elegant in flow." Decanter

"This displays a mix of fruity and savory flavors, with notes of cherry, raspberry, rose hip, leather and earth. Pliable tannins emerge on the finish, yet this is balanced and long overall, with freshness and elegance." Wine Spectator

"Aromatic with black cherries, oranges and cedar. Very perfumed. Medium to full body. Firm tannins. The wood is showing a bit now but will come through nicely. This is a structured and toned red. Give this three or four years more in bottle." James Suckling

Once upon a time, there was a vineyard that was particularly spoilt by the Montalcino sun; it still bears the name Vigna Loreto to this day. Only in the best vintages does a Brunello come from this exposed site that is bursting with richness, complexity and assertiveness. It possesses a textural depth and balance that is captivating. Fruit, spice and very unique nuances such as savoury herbs, liquorice, tobacco and a firm tannin make this impressive wine monument linger on the palate and in the memory for a long time. With every sip, it opens up further layers and you might almost sink into it, such is the shift in the boundaries of what is comparable. The 2019 Vigna Loreto is not only extremely elegant, but also profound and almost outrageously juicy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Opulent nose with woody spice, backed by ripe red and blue fruits (redcurrants, wild berries) with ethereal herbal aromas, also floral notes such as lavender. Rich palate with intense fruit, ripe and taut, framed by grippy, polished tannins and supporting freshness." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby-garnet colour with a brightening rim. Opens with notes of smoke and tobacco, then lots of pomegranate and plum, light mineral components. Present tannin on the palate, which is very well integrated over the course, firm pressure, lots of juicy fruit." Falstaff

"Overlooking the River Orcia, the south-east-facing Loreto vineyard rises 400 metres above sea level. Tasted alongside the estate's Brunello, it definitely shows a greater stage presence. Intense plum and cherry flavours intertwine with exotic spices, chinotto and sweet herbs. The inner flavours of the vintage are in the foreground and emphasise the compact fruit. The gravelly tannins support the whole, but are more elegant than powerful. The wine finishes with a hint of liquorice." Decanter

"Blackberries, menthol, sage, stone dust and cloves characterise the youthful, restrained 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto. It flows lightly across the palate, silky with depths of ripe raspberries and sour cherries, while fine-grained tannins saturate the finish. The finish is savoury and long, structured yet lively and stimulates the imagination with its future potential. Hints of cocoa, lavender and topical leaf linger and seem to last well over a minute. I am impressed." Vinous

"This wine shows cracked white pepper and wet slate, giving you a clear sense of place. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto is precise and well-defined, but as the wine opens up, you get interludes of ripe fruit, blackcurrant and oak spice. The wine is multi-faceted with many layers and angles. The palate is bright cherry with good length that leads into fine, chalky tannins. This wine offers an authentic flavour of Montalcino." Wine Advocate

"A soil with tufa prevalence that gives this Brunello great tension. Red mulberry, notes of lemon thyme and peony. Salty tannins on the palate finish with thyme and floral notes." Luca Gardini

If you frequently take part in barrel tastings, you will know that the same wine can develop differently in each barrel. So far so good, because it is usually only nuances that equalise after bottling and further ageing in the bottle. In the case of the 2017 Boca, however, Christoph Künzli very quickly realised that the wine from one of his barrels had a greater complexity and at the same time a youthful exuberance, which impressed him so much that he quickly decided to wait to bottle this barrel. After a total of five years, he then bottled a Boca that not only opens up new facets, but also represents the terroir in a terrific way like no other. The result was a wine that he dedicated to Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), who first mentioned the growing region in his "Naturalis Historia" ...

Deep bouquet of crushed flowers, small sweet red berries, mint and mountain herbs. The palate is full and rich with a beguiling texture and an almost weightless style. It captivates us until the long final, its purity and balance are unique. Plinius (i.e. the aforementioned Boca 2017 cask) is a fascinating and contemplative wine that should be savoured for several hours (or days) in the glass, if you manage to resist for that long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Künzli uses a hotter fermentation that melts the tannins together, resulting in greater structure and longer ageing potential. With its aromas of ripe cherries, tobacco, cloves and peppercorns, you can imagine it as an autumn or winter wine. Generous tannins, beautiful acidity, restrained oak notes and excellent complexity." Decanter

"The 2017 Plinius is a potent, explosive wine, rushing from the glass with macerated cherry, kirsch, rose petal, sage, mint and tobacco. The 2017 is deep, dense and expressive in its first impression, but then loses some of that persistence on the mid-palate and finish. Even so, the 2017 is a very pretty wine and a fine choice for drinking in the near term." Vinous

Cherry accentuated bouquet with hints of violet blossoms, clove, cigar box and a pleasant spicy sweetness. Dense and expressive on the palate, it opens vibrantly and multilayered and then reveals a beautiful load of black cherry, exotic spices and a fine salty vein. The perfectly balanced tannin always provides the necessary balance and gives it a racy, very long finish with its exceedingly refined flavour components. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep ruby red. Perfumed, spicy nose with mineral notes. Fine polished fruit that is really fresh. Long, grainy tannins. Lush and fresh at the same time." Jancis Robinson

"The Castiglion del Bosco 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is robust and powerful from the start, showing broad shoulders and plenty of muscle. But at the end of the day, the wine's concentration remains on the medium to medium-bodied side of the spectrum. It remains firmly within the confines of Sangiovese. Dark fruits and blackcurrants segue into savoury notes of toasted spices, black olives, earth and rusty nails." Wine Advocate

"In the far northwest of Montalcino, the sprawling Castiglion del Bosco estate stretches over several hills of varying heights, exposures and textures. From 42 hectares dedicated to Brunello comes this impressive production. The 2018 does not explode with its fragrance, but slowly unfolds its floral aromas. These reach a crescendo on the palate, melding seamlessly with joyful, pure pomegranate and cherry flavours. The supple tannins have a velvety texture. Unrestrained and fluid, it's hard to resist now." Decanter

"Ripe berries and hints of red liquorice and herbs on the nose, medium-bodied on the palate with fine, tightly packed tannins and a taut finish for now. Give it two years to relax a little. Taste from 2025." James Suckling

"The nose puts cherries front and center, intertwined with roses with heavier tar and graphite, before umami flavors of mushroom, balsamic vinegar, seaweed and soy slowly emerge. On the chalky palate, dark chocolate pushes up against the showboating cherries before a kick of spice sets up a long, energetic finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Exuding a dusty blend of cedar spice, mentholated herbs, rose petals and sour cherry, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino feels round and supple, with floral red and black fruits complemented by a subtle hint of sweet spice. The palate leaves a bitter aftertaste of sour berries, while a touch of residual acidity gives the wine a pleasing freshness and a gentle tannin slowly retreats. The 2018 has improved every time I've tasted it over the past five months, and it now shows the robustness of northwestern Montalcino Sangiovese, but in a wonderfully balanced way." Vinous

"Rich at the start, with a touch of glycerine in the texture before civilised tannins take over on the finish. It offers notes of plum, cherry, earth, tobacco and iron that come through, with a firm grip of tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"From a parcel of the Capanna vineyard, one of the most accomplished expressions of the winery run by managing director Simone Pallesi. Pomegranate notes on the nose, with balsamic nuances of eucalyptus and rhubarb. Salty, juicy tannins on the palate, fruity-balsamic finish." Luca Gardini

Ceretto's entry-level Barbaresco comes from different sites, mostly younger vines from Asili (35%) and the lower part of Bernadot (65%). Bright, elegant ruby red. It has full energy and vivacity and offers excellent persistence and remarkable balance. On the nose, sweet red cherry, mint, pine, liquorice and candied orange peel. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish. After good aeration already impressively accessible when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright garnet red with ruby reflections. Intense nose of sour cherry and rosehip, then some leather, tobacco and forest floor, complex. On the palate filigree mouth entry, with soft tannin, harmonious and well balanced, elegant, juicy finish." Falstaff

"This has aromas of oak and toasted nut that come to the forefront while berry and spice stay in the background. Tightly wound and primary, the palate offers raspberry jam, vanilla and licorice alongside close-grained tannins that grip the close. Fresh acidity keeps it bright." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Barbaresco is bright and nicely focused. Crushed red berry fruit, cedar, tobacco and spice are lifted. Veins of supporting tannin and acid give this mid-weight, nervy Barbaresco lovely energy. The 2019 is elegant and also quite promising." Vinous

"The 2019 Barbaresco displays high-toned aromas of sweet raspberries, rose petals and liquorice that anticipates an open-knit palate with clear-cut flavours of crunchy raspberries and redcurrants. Ripe acidity and well-extracted tannins extend the attractively floral and balsamic finish." Decanter

"This is a very firm young Barbaresco with dried strawberry, crunchy fruit and fresh flowers, such as roses. Bitter lemon and tar, too. Full-bodied, chewy and polished. Flavorful finish." James Suckling

"The Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco is an organic wine that paints a clear picture of a beautiful vintage. Tart cherry, white licorice and dusty earth lift from the bouquet and give this wine a sharp sense of focus and intensity. Ceretto has released a superb set of Barbarescos this year, starting with this classic expression." Wine Advocate

A study commissioned by Francesco Ricasoli has shown that there are 19 different types of soil on Brolio. This made it possible to precisely define the sites that are particularly good for Merlot, from which wines with a unique structure and unmistakable flavour emerge. With the 2018 vintage, Francesco Ricasoli is now presenting the "new" Casalferro, whose grapes come from the three different vineyards Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino and Vigna Sodacci. The production volume has been drastically reduced, but the result is impressive!

A Tuscan Merlot as it is written in the book. On the nose, complex aromas of dark red fruit, delicate cedar wood, leather, very spicy. Initially taut and dense on the palate, it opens up as it progresses and expands with impressive elegance. The interplay between bouquet and complexity on the palate is perfectly balanced and its impressive size is already unmistakable. This Merlot will have a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a garnet-red rim. Fresh sour cherries and plums on the nose, with violets and a touch of coriander in the background. Fruity and juicy on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"A rich, dark expression of Merlot, this red walks the fine line between austerity and generosity, with the latter gaining prominence over the course of the fine finish. Dense, with the tight texture working in tandem with black cherry, blackberry, iron and spice flavours." Wine Spectator

"The Barone Ricasoli 2019 Casalferro showcases its potential in a classic vintage. The DNA of the wine, which is made exclusively from Merlot, is characterised by the grape variety, but the terroir also plays a major role in this presentation. You know you're drinking a wine from Tuscany thanks to a delicate bundle of flavours that includes wild cherry, violet fruit, violets and spices. This wine gives an Italian personality to a French grape variety." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Casalferro is magnificent. Ripe dark cherry and plum fruit, liquorice, spice, new leather, menthol and mocha are combined in a generous, lush Merlot that offers much of the vibrancy of a Chianti Classico." Vinous

"Blueberry, plum and red and black berry scents mingle with wildflowers, spices and a hint of roasted coffee beans. Stony and sapid in the mouth, it's all about elegance with beautiful cool blue fruits accompanied by a touch of creaminess on the mid-palate, then a long, super-fresh and poised finish." Decanter

"Super flavours of fresh violets, black olives, crushed raspberries and blackberries. Also a hint of dried flowers. Full-bodied but compact and polished, with superbly crafted tannins that compress the palate and give it a velvety texture. Taut and concentrated. The most precise and refined Casalferro ever. It needs at least three or four years to show what it's made of, but it has great potential. Best from 2026 onwards." James Suckling

"Produced for the first time not only with the best grapes from the vineyard of the same name, but also with contributions from the Pecchierino and Sodacci vineyards, this is a pure Merlot of stature with intense aromas of blueberries, currants and balsamic herbs on the nose. The flavour is elegant and spectacularly clean. Salty and spicy tannins, excellent drinkability." Luca Gardini

Campo del Drago is a single vineyard of just 1.5 hectares and is located on a high plateau in the Montalcino appellation with a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The grapes from here are only vinified separately in the best years for the Brunello of the same name and the result is then eagerly awaited around 5 years later. Dark, concentrated colour with beautiful saturation and density. The bouquet reveals a unique minerality and complexity. The palate is intense, complex and deep. The tannins are present, but remain very elegant thanks to the Sangiovese acidity. Can still mature, but is already irresistible today. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very similar to the Annata, with a touch more reduction and more polished tannins. Dense, fruity bouquet, ripe, rich cherry fruit, sweet tobacco, touch of green olives, pomegranate juice. Meltingly dense palate again with lots of pomegranate, redcurrant, somewhat more gracious in the slightly astringent tannin, the beautiful fruit has a contrasting effect. Needs to mature." Weinwisser

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Fragrant and inviting nose, trimmed with flowers and citrus, violets, orange, tangerine, fragrant peach, cherry, light spice in the background. Polished on the palate with plenty of juiciness and beautiful savoury play, clear fruit, great texture, grippy tannins on the finish, will age well and for a long time." Falstaff

"In the glass, the wine is reminiscent of the forest after a rain shower, when the sun dries out the vegetation. The aromas of warm cedar, porcini mushrooms and liquorice roots are intoxicating. The palate is dense and concentrated, with an abundance of red summer berries and a taut structure. Strong tannins provide the necessary support. Notes of oak-derived vanilla permeate the palate, while hints of leather and game hint at what is to come as this wine develops." Decanter

"Complex and rich, even lush, with flavours of cherry, plum, leather, minerals, dark spices and tobacco, underscored by a stream of dense, dusty tannins. The finish is tactile and reminiscent of ripe fruit and mineral accents." Wine Spectator

"Nose that opens on notes of raspberry, with hints of Valdostan mint, juniper and touches of grapefruit. Sip with sapid-briny tannins, close with a memory of red fruit and citrus." Luca Gardini

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago is dark and savoury in the glass with a bouquet of grilled herbs, exotic spices, ashy stones and dried wild berries. It is soft and enveloping, yet with a certain energy. Zesty acidity drives the tart red fruits, which are underscored by a salty minerality. The finish is long and spotty with a layer of grippy tannins, yet remarkably fresh. Rosy, floral notes linger. The textures here are stunning, as is the 2019's vibrant personality." Vinous

"Berry flavours with fresh herbs, such as lemongrass and basil, from the mostly full fermentation. Lots of fresh flowers too. Medium-bodied with a solid fruit core and very fine tannins that are polished and nicely honed. Beautiful presence and harmony." James Suckling

The Piero selection was created as a tribute to the work of Pierluigi Talenti, who has selected and worked the Sangiovese with passion over the years. A 1.95 hectare vineyard near the centre of the winery, with unique pedoclimatic characteristics, is distinguished from all other vineyards by its consistent quality. The gently sloping terrain is surrounded by woods rich in marl, with a south-eastern exposure at an altitude of 410 metres above sea level, where Pierluigi followed and cultivated his personal clonal selection in the 1970s. It is a wine with intense and persistent character, ruby colour, fine and elegant tannins. After ageing in tonneaux for at least 24 months, it is bottled until it is released to the market. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium intensity, warm red; red fruity, subtly spicy, caramel; round approach, fruit deep, nice tannin, pronounced length, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"Needs some aeration, but then aromas of wild berries and flowers, well cushioned by the wood, entice; juicy, fresh, full of race, the tannins robust and well integrated, intense and yet of great elegance the final." Vinum

"The bouquet is incredibly finely woven and complex, noble in its own way. Very sweet cherries, strawberries and wild berries, behind them a lot of Mediterranean herbal spice, plus fine floral notes. Wide and deep in the mouth with sweet-juicy tannins and fantastic freshness, because the ethereal notes are just wonderfully lingering and keep the wine quite long and spicy-fresh until the final. Delightful!" Weinwisser

"Tart, firm, somewhat dried-vegetable, fleshy and slightly tarry aroma of mixed berries with a hint of plums, tarragon, nutty aromas, a hint of leaves, pepper and iodine. Almost cool, juicy, quite taut fruit with acid bite and present, yet relatively fine tannins, herbal spice on the palate, nutty hints, a touch of chocolate, a little peppery ethereal tones in the background, smoky nuances, capers, rosemary and salt, some depth, still undeveloped, very good, taut finish, again with bite and ethereal spice." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby-garnet, sparkling. Classic nose with notes of ripe dark cherries, plus plum, some blood orange and cardamom. Moves along quietly and richly, showing lots of present, ripe fruit, fine-meshed tannin, juicy and long finish." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with brick coloured rim. Brooding sweet and sour cherry with hints of cinnamon sticks. Lush sour cherry on the palate with lots of finely ground but firm tannins. Great balance, substance and length, with decent oak management." Jancis Robinson

"Pretty hazelnut, dried flower and chocolate notes in the raspberries and ripe cherries. Medium-bodied, deliciously open and juicy, framed by taut tannins, with excellent drinkability. Fresh and balanced on the finish with tension." James Suckling

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Piero has more textural richness compared to the Brunello annata. This extra intensity is used in all the right places, both in terms of aromas and mouthfeel with extra stuffing here and aromatic accents there. The bouquet is infused with dark fruits, spices and grilled herbs. Like the Brunello annata, this wine has an accessible, medium-term drinking window in this vintage. Production of Piero is limited to 4,000 bottles and the grapes come from a two-hectare site at a cool 400 metres above sea level." Wine Advocate

"While less expressive than Talenti's classic Brunello, the Piero is by no means austere, and the 2018 may be my favourite vintage of this single-vineyard selection to date. It presents a beautiful purity of wild wild berry aromas lifted by mint, lavender and fennel, while blood orange and cocoa resound on the palate. Aged in 500 LitersFrench oak barrels - 30% of which are new - the wood has digested well, giving it a well-built, polished frame that doesn't overpower the fruit. A sneaky concentration and crisp acidity balance it all out." Decanter

"One of the standout wines of the vintage, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Piero starts dark and restrained in the glass, slowly coming to life with an array of dusty roses, dried strawberries, crushed plums, smoke and hints of fresh mint. The palate is velvety smooth and powerful, with admirable weight for the vintage, but also finesse as the wild berry fruit is supported by a core of vibrant acidity and violet flowers emerge towards the finish. The 2018 finishes with a bitter aftertaste of sour citrus and tart currants, but retains its fresh personality as grippy tannins linger on the palate and hints of lavender slowly fade." Vinous

"This juicy red wine features bright cherry and raspberry aromas that combine with thyme, mint and floral notes on the finish. Complex and lively, with a fine length in the refined, mineral aftertaste. Very elegant and long." Wine Spectator

"The nose is a coastal manor house, where the untamed sea air persistently intrudes on the domesticated aromas of vanilla and leather. The palate turns fruitier, with notes of cherry and strawberry, before salted dark chocolate explodes into a kaleidoscope of oranges on the finish, which is emphasized by strong tannins and acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A beautiful project overseen by Riccardo and dedicated in memory of the progenitor Pierluigi. Fine nose, notes of red mulberry, citrus thyme and a hint of orange peel. Juicy-juicy, with a finish of fruity-citrus notes." Luca Gardini

A few years ago, Pio Boffa, who has sadly since passed away, bought himself a "small" present for his 60th birthday. Not a new set of golf clubs, a picture to hang in the hall, a holiday for him and his family. No. Just a vineyard called Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba, a region of Piedmont where four generations of the Pio Cesare dynasty were never able to gain a foothold. Originally, the grapes from the 10-hectare vineyard were intended to enhance the quality of his classic Barolo, but after the first barrel samples, Pio Boffa realised unmistakably that this would be at least an equal - albeit stylistically different - counterpart to the hitherto undisputed flagship Ornato.

Mosconi is more light-footed than Ornato, the nose is dominated by red rather than black fruit, with an irresistible liquorice and a juiciness that will immediately put it at the top of the entire appellation. On the palate, it has a precision that is unrivalled; it is less powerful than Ornato, but more elegant and subtle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a delicate garnet rim. Very fragrant and surprisingly fresh nose of dewy roses, with pithy plums and some dark cherries. Full-bodied and straightforward on the palate, initially showing fine fruit, then spicy components of fennel seed and leather, full-bodied pressure on the final." Falstaff

"The Mosconi unfolds with a medley of ripe plums and cherries, underpinned by the gentle scent of blue violets and rosebuds, with sandalwood, wild herbs and roasted shiitake adding depth. On the palate, the red fruits shine with a refined and silky structure, flanked by a rich carpet of savoury spices and a hint of salty minerality." Wine Enthusiast

"The Mosconi opens with an appealing rusty aroma intermingled with macerated cherry and balsamic herbs. Its character is vertical, with a more red-fruited profile compared to the broader, palate-spanning, dark-fruited Ornato. Dusty tannins and savoury red and black cherries at the core are surrounded by flecks of orange peel, iron, salt, herbs, black pepper and oak. A beautiful, complex and age-worthy Barolo." Decanter

"Enchanting flavours of flowers such as violets and lemon blossom, with raspberries and cranberries. Full-bodied yet focused, with a structure that builds and builds and builds on the palate, remaining fresh and lively. The tannins are energetic and very, very long. A contemporary jewel. Fascinating. A thoughtful wine." James Suckling

This coveted Riserva is only vinified in top vintages and comes from the highest vineyards of the winery. On the nose, the essence of dark cherries, blackberries, flowers, violets, liquorice and spices, which are then carried away on the palate by firm, structured tannins. The Brunello Riserva 2016 impresses with its remarkable fruit and a big, explosive finish. It presents itself fresh and surprisingly lively, yet very focused and balanced. A great wine that is already a real joy to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

"Andrea Cortonesi crafts distinctly umami Brunello from various parcels at diverse altitudes and exposures in the warm reaches of Castelnuovo dell’Abate. After trying the sensuous 2015 Riserva at the estate in September 2021, I was excited to taste the 2016 release. It too is voluptuously shaped yet shored up by sturdy, muscular tannins. Pronounced clove and nutmeg meet prune, dried raspberry and tar. And there is a saline beef broth undertow. While it offers plenty to unpack over the years, I actually prefer to drink Uccelliera’s wines when they are still full of vim and vigour." Decanter

"This is really polished and refined, yet remains polished and beautiful, with cherries and berries, as well as light hazelnut and walnut undertones. Compact and silky. Drink after 2024, but already so attractive." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a terrific wine: bold, well-defined, powerful and balanced. There are many good things to relate, but the high alcohol content (measured at 15.5%) is the only distraction. This is a trend in the Riserva category in the 2016 vintage. The bouquet shows black cherry, cassis, earth, leather and dried roses. The palate offers soft fruit flavors supported by firm oak tannins." Wine Advocate

"Rich and deeply alluring, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva wafts up to display crushed ashen stone mixed with hints of ginger, dusty florals and black cherry preserves. This is velvety-smooth and pliant in feel, lifted by cooling herbal and mineral tones, as an opulent wave of ripe red and black fruits washes across the palate, leaving a staining of minerals and spice in its wake. It’s long and structured, in need of further time to come fully into focus, yet somehow the 2016 Riserva remains completely fresh, tapering off to inner earth tones and hints of blueberry. Time will reveal further depths. This is an utterly classic Uccelliera Brunello in the making." Vinous

"Offers forthcoming aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, licorice, tobacco and vanilla backed by vivid acidity and dusty tannins, with a long, saline finish. Showing enough fruit and structure to absorb the oakiness over time, this is balanced overall and poised for a promising future." Wine Spectator

As a result of extensive soil analyses, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three micro-vineyards, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. In addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione range now includes three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are planted 100% with Sangiovese. In close correspondence with their terroir, they differ in structure and flavour and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

Cru Roncicone comes from soils with maritime deposits. It is a 10.1 hectare plot planted between 1998 and 2000 with a density of 6,000 plants per hectare. The soils are rich in marine fossils with sand at the top and thicker clay beneath the topsoil. Our impression of this wine is that it is the most immediate and softly structured.

Deep dark, fruity and smoky bouquet. Dark, violet-coloured fruit on the palate, paired with notes of forest floor, tobacco and a beautiful spiciness. The volume is full and deep, the tannins very accessible even at a young age and the finish is flanked by a well-structured acidity framework, which will also ensure very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Roncicone 2019 shows the more ethereal side of Sangiovese in this vintage. Sweet red cherries, mint, crushed stones, orange peel and rose water give it a remarkable aromatic brilliance. The Roncicone captivates with its medium-bodied, translucent personality and offers plenty of intensity." Vinous

"This spicy red wine presents itself with an explosion of bright cherry fruit, along with notes of strawberries, redcurrants, eucalyptus and tobacco. It shows an underlying minerality and dusty tannins that are present on the finish. All components are present." Wine Spectator

"Earthy forest scents accompany hedgerow berries and violet tones, with a clear petrichor note. The fine tannins allow the intensity of the juicy red and black fruits to shine through. It has a beautiful freshness with an almost mentholated character that, combined with the dense and tangy finish, gives it a sense of verticality." Decanter

"The aromas and structure of this single-vineyard Chianti Classico are something special this year. The flavours of orange peel, meat and cherries are lively and vibrant. It has a medium body with firm, chewy tannins that are dusty and fine-grained. Structured and robust with a granite-like presence. Try it after 2025, but it will impress you." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio Roncicone 2019 reflects soils rich in shells and marine fossils. These conditions provide sharpness and focus with beautiful minerality, both salty and chalky. At first glance, this Sangiovese is textbook, slender and elegant. The bouquet is refined and multi-layered with wild cherry, mint, blue flowers and blood orange. There is also a hint of rust, and the mouthfeel is polished and very fine. The tannins melt away. Francesco Ricasoli assures me that he and his team have learnt to "work the grapes". I would definitely say that. The results are stunning." Wine Advocate

The annual production of this boutique winery on Etna is just 9,000 bottles. At an altitude of 950 metres above sea level, the one and a half hectares of vines are divided into eight tiny plots and have been gradually bought up by the well-known Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera phylloxera and make their way through the lava-covered terraces.

The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is extremely elegant and flavoursome and represents the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region to a remarkable degree. SUPERIORE.DE

"From ancient bush trees in high vineyards: finely chiselled aromas of raspberries and blossoms, also balsamic facets; noble texture, the acidity and tannins wonderfully modelled, long, fresh and fruity and yet extremely elegant. Very successful." Vinum

"Bright, light ruby red colour. Intriguing nose, delicate fruity notes, reminiscent of raspberries and cherries, followed by dried herbs and a hint of black truffle. Lively and precise on the palate, starts with a lot of juice, firm tannin structure and dancing acidity, spicy final, good length." Falstaff

"Transparent ruby red colour. Rich and yet with plenty of pace. And some light animal notes." Jancis Robinson

"Cola, tobacco, cinnamon and baked cherries. Freshness and lift from the start, super fresh with a juicy succulence that is so inviting. A clean palate with a gentle flavour drive. Feels well crafted with finesse. Balanced with so much juicy goodness, lovely velvety tannins and sweet strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate fruit on the palate. It will also develop superbly with time in the glass. This wine certainly has power, depth and vigour. A wine to age." Decanter

"A medium-bodied, very dense and precise red wine with focused, firm tannins framing smooth layers of cranberry, blackberry, stone, slate and tobacco. Also a hint of dried fruit. Mineral and stony. The wine has the character of old vines, with plenty of bark and spice on the finish. Try it from 2024 onwards." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese from Carlo Ferrini opens with a beautiful ruby red colour and an elegant, slender appearance. The wine offers tart cherry fruit, cassis, blue flowers, iron ore and orange peel. These different layers come together with balanced intensity. This vintage shows tremendous elegance and tannins that melt slowly and persistently on the palate. This bottle offers a very authentic and classic expression of the Sicilian volcano." Wine Advocate

"It is a pure Nerello Mascalese, preceded by a measured maceration on the skins and then refined in tonneaux. It has notes of black cherry, a hint of rhubarb, a touch of marjoram and black peppercorns. Spicy on the palate, with a fruity, spicy finish and hints of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

The Piero selection was created as a tribute to the work of Pierluigi Talenti, who has selected and worked the Sangiovese with passion over the years. A 1.95 hectare vineyard near the centre of the winery, with unique pedoclimatic characteristics, stands out from all other vineyards for its consistent quality. The gently sloping terrain is surrounded by woods rich in marl, with a south-easterly exposure at an altitude of 410 metres above sea level, where Pierluigi pursued and cultivated his personal clonal selection in the 1970s. It is a wine with an intense and persistent character, ruby red colour, fine and elegant tannins. After maturing in tonneaux for at least 24 months, it is bottled until it is released onto the market. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark red; reductive-barrelled, rubbery, ripe-fruity, multi-layered, inviting; sweetness, juicy, fruity length, coffee, very appealing." (JLF) Merum

"Uncork the bottle a few hours earlier and you will be enchanted by engaging notes of raspberries, plums, undergrowth and violets; in the mouth, the wine is full of power, vigour and yet suppleness right through to the complex finish. Impeccable style, can also mature excellently." Vinum

"Bright ruby red with a dark, sparkling centre. Open-hearted and inviting on the nose, blackberry, plum, black cherry, a mix of sealing wax and almonds on the finish. Exciting on the palate, on strawberry candy, creamy fruit, with grippy tannins, plus fine ferrous tones, keeps coming back in the mouth, still needs some time." Falstaff

"A vibrant red wine whose lively acidity brings the aromas and flavours of rose, cherry, raspberry and minerals to a lingering finish. It is supple and balanced, with a graceful feel and a long, fruity and mineral aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Deep, shiny ruby red with bright orange-coloured reflections. A little closed on the nose, more spicy than fruity and with just a hint of spicy oak. Lively, deep sour cherry palate with plenty of body and impeccable balance. Long, gravelly tannins and tangy cherry fruit with just the right touch of oak. Will age gracefully." Jancis Robinson

"Attractive flavours of crushed berries, cherries and bark follow through to a medium body, with lovely fruit and lively acidity. Balanced and delicious already, but may improve with age." James Suckling

"The Talenti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Piero is a wine with plenty of fruit and muscle. It has an intoxicating bouquet with glowing spices, stewed cherries and cured tobacco delivered in generous waves and rich volume. The wine's personality is ultimately revealed as strong and simple, and I think these adjectives hit the nail on the head. Thanks to its velvety tannins, it offers smooth transitions and is quite full-bodied on the finish." Wine Advocate

"Dedicated to the memory of the founder, from the vineyard of the same name just a few steps away from the winery. Notes of red cherry on the nose, a hint of black pepper in the grains, a hint of juniper and bergamot. The sip has citrus sensations and a memory of red cherry, return of sweet spices." Luca Gardini

"This Auslese comes from a two-hectare vineyard at an altitude of 410 metres with rocky sandstone on the surface. Riccardo Talenti says that he always produces the best fruit from the vineyard, regardless of the conditions. Aged in tonneaux, Piero opens with intense coffee flavours that mingle with spicy notes of cloves and nutmeg. On the palate, it develops a sweet and sour character, while suede permeates the dark, fleshy red cherry. The tannins are grainy and substantial, but ripe, and it cries out for a few more years to develop." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Piero is not to be missed. It blossoms slowly with a tantalising blend of spicy blackberries, violet pastille and orange zest. It impresses with its lively, ripe wild berry fruit and juicy acidity. Tactile mineral tones add contrast, and rosy inner flowers emerge towards the end. The 2019 lingers incredibly long and takes on a savoury note, while the palate lingers with a savoury tension, even as the fine tannins grip the senses. The Piero is already showing such extravagance and balance. It will be an exciting Brunello to follow over the next two decades." Wine Advocate

Classic and well-proportioned Brunello di Montalcino with a generous bouquet of red berries, cherries and spices that contrast perfectly. Lean and firm with ethereal hints and beautiful spice on the palate, the harmonious flavour moves towards a lingering finish with great finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"While this wine contains a small amount of fruit from the estate's La Lucère vineyard, it is mainly made from a lower, north and north-east facing parcel in the immediate vicinity of the winery. An abundance of sweet herbs - from sage to lavender - gives way to forest scrub and flint. On the palate, the wine is not yet as pronounced as on the nose, although a core of concentrated red cherry lies in wait. The tannins are strong and somewhat woody, but they smooth out on the finish. The 2018 should develop well after another year in bottle." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is bright and beautiful on the palate with red and purple fruits. It shows varietal acidity with a medium-bodied texture. The mouthfeel is not particularly long, but it is fresh and the tannins are polished." Wine Advocate

"This delicate red wine is saturated with aromas and flavours of raspberries, cherries, liquorice, rose hips and eucalyptus. Powerful and complex, with fine balance, plump tannins and a lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Intensity and great freshness also in San Filippo's basic Brunello. Nose with notes of black cherry, then touches of black pepper and bay leaves. Savoury on the palate, with officinal-fruity return and spicy notes. Persistence and deep finish." Luca Gardini

"Intense, spicy and flavourful with aromas of currants, sage, dried oranges, mint and bark. Full-bodied with supple and well-integrated tannins. A subtle herbal note gives it freshness. Lots of character. Drinkable from 2024." James Suckling

Cherry-accentuated bouquet with hints of violet flowers, clove, cigar box and a pleasant spicy sweetness. Dense and expressive on the palate, it opens vibrant and multi-layered and then reveals a wonderful load of black cherry, exotic spices and a fine salty vein. The perfectly balanced tannins always provide the necessary balance and give it a racy, very long finish with its extremely refined flavour components. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense fruity bouquet, ripe, rich cherry fruit, sweet tobacco, coffee beans, pomegranate juice. Meltingly dense on the palate, again with lots of pomegranate fruit and redcurrant, still very tannic, but has a lovely fruit to counter it. Needs to mature." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Nose of wild strawberries and rosehip, some sweet tobacco. Clear expression on the palate, juicy fruit and good tension, robust tannins, subtle vegetal hints and fine fruit on the final, high drinking flow." Falstaff

"With an abundance of Mediterranean herbs, forest shrubs and sweet spices, it shows a beautiful freshness and precision. On the palate, vanilla and eucalyptus play around the wild berries. Surprisingly, it is still a little edgy, but flows smoothly with gritty tannins and lively acidity. The youthful exuberance still needs to calm down a little, as the warming alcohol is evident." Decanter

"Cherry, plum, leather, earth and tomato leaf flavours accent this broad, bold red, with iron and toasty accents creeping in on the finish. Juicy and long, with a dusty grip at the end." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is a beautiful interpretation of the terroir of north-west Montalcino, with a dark, seductive bouquet of sage and rosemary that fades into crushed blackberries and stone dust. The wine opens with a lovely inner sweetness that is perfectly balanced by crisp red fruit, mineral tones and a core of lively acidity. The finish is grippy and long yet surprisingly fresh, with an aftertaste of primary concentration that lingers." Vinous

"On the palate, this wine is very fine with wonderfully integrated tannins that add tension and focus. It is medium-bodied with lovely berries, cherries, cedar and spice. Also peaches and floral stems. Creamy texture. Extremely long and lively. Structured but with lovely drinkability and wonderful balance and shape." James Suckling

"Red currant on the nose, notes of peony and rhubarb, then sensations of clementine zest. Sapid drinkability, recalls of red currant notes and floral. Good persistence and a citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

L'Alberello is a beautiful Bolgheri Superiore made primarily from Cabernet. The wine comes from a two-hectare plot planted entirely with long rows of Alberello vines planted at an altitude of 30 metres above sea level on predominantly clayey soils. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and the wine matures for 18 months in barriques. This vintage is very generous and broad in terms of flavour and texture, with finely polished tannins. Starts fresh and vehement with warm, dark fruit flavours, then opens up further with a bouquet of herbs, coffee and a pinch of pepper. Remarkably polished and juicy on the palate, everything is in balance, silky and very charismatic on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seductively spicy wild berry nose, with a touch of lilac and liquorice notes; juicy on the palate, the acidity, vivid and perfectly integrated, underpins the powdery tannins, finishes long and with lots and lots of polish." Vinum

"The Bolgheri Superiore L'Alberello 2020 from Grattamacco is impressive. Crushed red berry fruits, white pepper, mint, flowers, spices and blood oranges race across the palate, with remarkable freshness and vibrancy. This deceptively medium-bodied Maremma red wine is wonderfully refined and nuanced from start to finish. I particularly admire the energy it exudes. Pretty floral and mineral notes brighten the finish and the flavours linger." Vinous

"There is a yin and yang between the luscious fruit of blackberries, blackcurrants and cherries and the tense, grainy tannins in this red wine, which starts fluidly and then firms up on the long finish. Mineral notes and undergrowth add depth. At this stage, it simply appears more youthful than its competitors. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc." Wine Spectator

"Dark garnet with aromas of blueberry and forest floor, this is very Mediterranean and youthful, with cedar wood and liquorice candy complexity on the finish. Firm and grippy at first, it's extracted and powerful with a concentration of fruit and freshness in a tight-knit matter. A great Bordeaux blend worth waiting for." Decanter

"This is a preview of the Bolgheri Superiore l'Alberello 2020, which was tasted at the winery. This wine is very different from the winery's flagship wine, Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco. Firstly, the vines are planted according to the Alberello system in a special symmetrical grid so that each plant enjoys the same exposure. The blend consists of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. This unfinished vintage shows a strong mineral or saline signature with earth, liquorice, dried mint and damp clay." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful, clean black fruit character in this full-bodied and densely packed red wine. It also offers notes of dark chocolate, cardamom and fresh fenugreek seeds. The tannins are well embedded in the texture and draw you into the wine. The fruit is persistent. The finish is long and firm towards the end. From organically grown grapes. Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet franc. This wine is already very impressive, but it will linger in the bottle for a few more years. But it's very tempting now." James Suckling

Since Guidalberto has been vinified from its own grapes, most of which also grow in the Sassicaia DOC monopoly position, San Guido's "second wine" has grown beyond itself. Spicy, earthy bouquet with hints of tobacco, clove and lavender, dense and juicy on the palate with fresh red and black berry fruit. The tannins are well balanced and the finish is complex with a majestic elegance that will become even more refined with years of ageing in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Concentrated and dense, with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, blueberry and black currant, this red also reveals black olive and iron accents. The tannins clamp down for now, yet this is balanced overall, with everything well-proportioned." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of blackcurrants, dark cherries, chocolate, ground spices and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied with compact but supple and polished tannins. Spicy notes with hints of dried mushrooms and chocolate. Attractive with a lingering finish." James Suckling

"The Guidalberto 2021, an assemblage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from San Guido, is soft, juicy and seductive right from the start. The supple contours of the Merlot lend fleshiness to this medium-bodied, racy Maremma blend. Ripe red cherry fruit, spice, leather and tobacco are beautifully brought to the fore. Best of all, the 2021 will be easy to drink right from the start." Vinous

"The Tenuta San Guido 2021 Guidalberto, a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, shows tart cherry fruit with dark blackberry and plum tones. This vintage delivers particularly edgy and focussed fruit characteristics, elegantly framed by light spice, cola and earth. This vintage shows a heightened sense of intensity and territorial identity that is the hallmark of this storied winery." Wine Advocate

"Sparkling, intense ruby-purple colour. Opens with appealing notes of mint, blackberry and mulberry, with spicy cedar wood in the background. Fine-meshed, polished tannins characterise the palate, present, clear fruit, beautiful drinking flow." Falstaff

"According to Carlo Paoli, the winemaking director of Tenuta San Guido, the 2021 is the best Guidalberto he has ever produced. The proportion of Merlot was reduced to the typical 40% this year because the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon was so good. The Guidalberto 2021 has a very deep colour, almost black with a narrow purple rim. It took about an hour to really open up, but then it had a wonderful range of aromas and flavours. Notes of cassis and blueberries, blue flowers, violets and iris are followed by a palate full of perfectly ripe blackberries and blueberries enveloped in smooth, creamy flavours. A wine of velvety richness balanced by vibrant acidity, with very pure, concentrated aromas and flavours. Delicious!" Decanter

"This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which has now undergone a refined stylistic redesign, also stands out: a wine with a nose of blackberries, with notes of Mediterranean scrub and rhubarb, then nuances of eucalyptus. Taut and crisp, with spicy tannins, juicy and beautifully persistent." Luca Gardini

Campania's winegrowers look back on 2019 as a dream year with joy and satisfaction. Everything was just right here and the quality and quantity of the grapes harvested left little to be desired. Full, rich ruby red colour. Captivating notes of black cherries, cocoa, graphite and sweet spices on the nose, with white smoke and dried flowers in the background. On the palate, it has a beguiling extract sweetness and further fruity textures, which interweave with salty flavours and a subtle minerality that make up a typical Terra di Lavoro. The polished tannins and a hint of graphite round off the endlessly long flavour experience and make the wine a true beauty to remember. Challenging and tantalising, just the way you like it! SUPERIORE.DE

"Year after year, this blend of Aglianico and Piedirosso produces one of my favourite wines from Campania. The grapes (from a blend of 40% younger vines and 60% vines up to 25 years old) are grown at an altitude of 450 metres on volcanic soils between Sessa Aurunca and Galluccio, which are predominantly west-facing. It is fermented in stainless steel with selected yeasts and matures for 12 months in French oak barrels. It has a dark purple-red colour and shows restrained notes of cassis, Modica chocolate, fresh leather and black olives. The attack is firm, broad and refined, with youthful, grainy tannins of great extraction on the mid palate, followed by a sweet aftertaste. Dark fruit acidity is abundant, well integrated yet brilliant, giving the wine a relaxed drinkability." Decanter

"The Galardi 2019 Terra di Lavoro shows pretty density and concentration that offers firmness without feeling heavy or too thick. The bouquet does show a savory character of charred spice and cured tobacco that follows dark fruit and baked plum. This is a very elegant, medium to full-bodied Campania red." Wine Advocate

"The Terra di Lavoro 2019 seduces with a dramatic bouquet that blends wild blueberries with crushed violets, cloves, dried orange peel and a lovely hint of sweet smoke. This wine is a model of elegance, velvety yet cool in flavour. A lively, acidic core keeps masses of ripe red and black fruit in constant play. The tannins are chiselled, creating a crisp feel, and although the wine is structured for the long haul, it remains surprisingly fresh and graceful. The sophistication and balance of this wine tantalises the imagination. The 2019 is not to be missed." Vinous

"The polished oak is immediately noticeable on the nose, but then comes a fabulous array of black fruits with dark plums, blackcurrants and berries, as well as some coffee cream and chocolate. Full-bodied and intense with silky layers of fruit, dark chocolate and fine, grainy tannins that pick up many of the fruit and flavour aromas and lead into a long finish. Delicious to taste now, even to drink, but it will improve in bottle. Best from 2023 onwards." James Suckling

Produced in small quantities, Vallocchio clearly stands out from pure Brunello di Montalcino. Darker, deeper and more mystical, it shows notes of ripe blackberries and plums, complemented by exotic brown spices and a hint of lemon confit. Its texture is like velvet stretching across the palate, black-fruited and ripe, underpinned by minerals and cooling herbal notes. It is youthfully monolithic and dense, revealing its austere tannin core only towards the end, where notes of black tea, liquorice and a hint of cocoa emerge. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe, intense, mineral-spicy bouquet with dark cherries, redcurrants, cassis and rose bushes. Juicy, elegant palate with fine-grained tannins, very intense, powerful and engaging on the palate, combining the ripeness with the freshness of the vintage." Weinwisser

"Aromas of raspberries and herbs are pleasing on the nose, the wood is well integrated; compact texture, robust tannins, lively acidity, pleasantly fruity finish." Vinum

"Transparent, firm and quite deep nose with noble red and black berry aromas, some tomato, slightly smoky barrel notes, bacon and dried Mediterranean herbs. Ripe, juicy, dense fruit, still relatively present, somewhat bitter chocolate, smoky and roasted wood spice, youthful, present, yet fine and ripe tannin, a little Mediterranean herbs on the palate, dark ethereal spice, lots of power, but also cooling elements, some coffee grounds in the background, good depth, very good, firm finish with dark juice and spice. Needs to mature." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby garnet colour. Initially restrained on the nose, opens up to pepper, dried kitchen herbs and wild berries, with plum in the background. Inviting on the palate, rich, juicy cherry fruit, savoury, still young in the mid-palate, nicely salty on the final." Falstaff

"Grown in the south-east of Montalcino, this wine is customarily ripe and powerful, but balances its components - a powerful body, generous alcohol and a rich structure. Noticeable oak nuances of sweet spice and vanilla are at the forefront, but a foundation of pure cherry and dark plum simmers at the core." Decanter

"Well marked by new oak, this version adds a vanilla note and a layer of tannins to its cherry, floral and iron flavours, all supported by a solid structure. In the end, it finds a nice balance and a sense of elegance." Wine Spectator

"The Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio 2019 is spicy and earthy in the glass, with a beguiling mix of ash stones, undergrowth and a hint of animal musk opening the stage and giving way to mentholated black cherries. It feels velvety and almost creamy on the palate, with a rich blend of ripe red and black fruits emphasised by salty minerals. Grippy tannins are added towards the end. The 2019 finishes structured and impressively long, with a hint of pine shavings and a hint of bitterness that lingers on and on. It should be stored in the cellar." Vinous

"Flavours of crushed berries and flowers with some bark and mushrooms. Medium to full body with medium, round tannins and fresh acidity. Nice balance and finesse." James Suckling

"The Fanti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio shows a pronounced savoury side with tobacco leaf, roasted chestnut shells, dark plums, honeycomb or honey roasted almonds. The tannins are dissolved, almost silky, and there is plenty of concentrated fruit to develop the rich texture. The alcohol content is 15%, but is well integrated into the dark fruitiness of the wine." Wine Advocate

"A selection from the five most historic vineyards, a mosaic of excellence. Black cherry on the nose, with hints of chinotto and lemon thyme. The mouthfeel is reminiscent of citrus fruits and black cherry, a hint of roasted nuts and ends with official notes." Luca Gardini

Since the 2015 vintage, Le Ragnaie has been vinifying another single-vineyard Brunello, which comes from the famous Montosoli vineyard and therefore also bears the black label. Only just under 3,000 bottles of the 2018 vintage will be released, and we are delighted that we were able to obtain at least a few of them. On the nose, graceful tones of wild cherry, pressed blueberries and small blue violets growing deep in the forest. The flavours are more vertical, with cola and medicinal tones rising straight from the top. The attack is compact and lean, with a long, medium-bodied persistence that leaves a precise and sharply drawn trail of fruit flavours. This expression and class can only be found in the wines of the Montosoli vineyard and this wine, rich in finesse, is a real treat! SUPERIORE.DE

"A fluid, iron and tobacco-coloured red wine with a core of cherry and blackcurrant flavours surrounded by a firm, well-integrated structure. The finish has earthy and savoury accents of Mediterranean scrub. Shows excellent harmony and finesse." Wine Spectator

"To preserve freshness, Riccardo Campinoti bottled all his Brunello a full year earlier than usual and reduced time in wood from 36 to 30 months. Nevertheless, Casanovina is even more closed than when I tried it a year ago, right after bottling. Of Le Ragnaie’s four new releases, this is the most complete and boasts the ripest, most dignified tannins, although they are still firm. Aromas are redolent of red berries, violet, fennel and lilac. It will need time to reveal its full potential, but for now, crunchy fruit and steely acidity distinguish the mineral-led, energetic palate." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino Casanovina Montosoli 2018 is one of three single-vineyard wines released by Le Ragnaie. It displays fresh and rich fruit flavours of dark cherries, pressed blueberries and mild spice. You can feel the soft richness of the ripe fruit. There is also a pronounced mineral signature with chalky gravel, which contributes to the dryness and powdery tannins of this wine. Despite all this, a sweet cherry note lingers on the finish. It needs a few more years to develop." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Casanovina Montosoli is a sleeping giant slowly coming to life, with a bouquet of dusty roses and brown spices over a core of dried black cherries. The palate is like crushed velvet, but surprisingly light and graceful, while dark red fruits and mineral tones soak the senses in primary concentration and linger with a hint of balsamic herbs. The fine tannins linger in beautiful contrast to the crackling residual acidity, giving the impression of youthful structure and balance. There is so much inner beauty here, but it will take years for the 2018 to fully come into its own." Vinous