Doctor Wine

Elisabetta Geppetti's Saffredi is one of Italy's great red wines every year, full of elegance! Dark, polished ruby red colour with purple-violet edges. The explosive aroma of blackcurrants, blackberries, plums, violets and oak spices is accompanied by fascinating spicy, ethereal and wonderfully floral accents with earthy tobacco notes. Dense and velvety on the palate, framed by firm tannins and a juicy freshness that leads the wine full of energy into an endless finish. The flavour profile, which is very typical of Saffredi, is wonderfully balanced, yet multi-layered and very focused with its spiciness. Saffredi 2021 is a genuine and multi-dimensional beauty that should mature for a few more years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex, elegant bouquet with fine concentration and precisely contoured fruit body, a basket of blue berries and ripe red cherries, plus a floral backdrop, violets, Mediterranean herbs and maquis as well as undergrowth. Polished, clear and radiant on the palate, juicy and tightly woven with velvety, super-fine tannins, a radiant and elegant Saffredi." Weinwisser

"Spicy-berry perfume, cassis, lots of dark fruit flavours, also nuances of black pepper; the attack is compact, the tannins fine-grained, carried by a soft acidity, finishes long and multi-faceted. Also very successful in this vintage." Vinum

"Dark ruby red core with purple nuances. Blackcurrant and mulberry on the nose, on damp earth, dark chocolate and alabaster. Dense on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, precise fear, comes in many layers, powerful, but with great finesse and incredibly long." Falstaff

"The Fattoria le Pupille 2021 Saffredi offers a seamless integration of dark fruit flavours that segue directly into spice, Tuscan cigar and earthy orris root. This vintage is compact and firm, especially in terms of mouthfeel, and there are graceful floral tones to close." Wine Advocate

"This pure, intense red wine displays aromas and flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, blueberries and violets, underlined by graphite and wild herbs. Very tightly wound, even racy, with invigorating acidity and refined tannins, this noble red wine leans more towards the elegant side, with great harmony and length." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Saffredi is one of the most vivid, profoundly beautiful wines I have ever tasted from Elisabetta Geppetti. Dark, layered and resonant, the 2021 offers tons of depth and yet remains wonderfully light on its feet. There is a level of finesse here I have never seen before in Saffredi. Blackberry, espresso, lavender, new leather and incense build over time, but it is the wine’s total sense of harmony that leaves me speechless. The 2021 is not a powerhouse—not an obvious wine. For those who can give this time in the glass, it’s a total stunner." Vinous

"Fascinating aromas of sandalwood, lavender, sage and blackcurrant. Mint and spearmint. Pencil shavings. Also light coffee bean. Medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins. Lasts for minutes. Already so approachable now, but it will age beautifully. Best after 2026 and beyond." James Suckling

"The symbolic wine of the house, the first to put the winery and the region "on the map". Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, nose of small black fruits, notes of laurel, mint and Mediterranean herbs, taut and dense drink, with salty tannins, closes with a fruity and oily return." Luca Gardini

Altesinos Montosoli displays the famous characteristics of this particular site, which are always characterised by a pronounced mineral intensity, with hints of crushed granite and lead pencil layers. The five-hectare vineyard has a higher concentration of Galestro clay-slate rock, and the altitude contributes to the freshness of the wine.

Dark, haunting beautiful bouquet with ripe blackberries and cherries, spicy dark flowers and a hint of animal musk. Velvety textures on the palate, emphasised by tart red and black fruits, plus juicy acidity and a hint of fine tannin. The finish is long, elegant and mineral, with dark, floral notes, ripe blackberries and sweet spices. A real prime example from the extremely harmonious 2019 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pure ruby red colour. Very fragrant nose of wild strawberries, blackberry candy, vanilla pod, with light spice, some mint and red peach on the finish. On the palate with a great fruit core, on stone fruit, fine sweetness, plus finesse-rich creaminess, comes in several layers, clear and elegant until the long finish." Falstaff

"This enticing wine is long, complex and harmonious, exuding macerated cherry, plum, lavender and spice flavors. The ripe fruit is offset by woodsy underbrush notes, all backed by a vibrant structure." Wine Spectator

"Harvested at the very end of September, the 2019 is introverted at first, but the nose eventually hints at porcini mushrooms with liquorice root and bark. On the palate, slender cherries and raspberries form the backdrop, but the earthy tone is pervasive. It's racy with soft, vertical tannins that settle in all the right places, showing a skilfully balanced structure and richness." Decanter

"A tantalising blend of macerated plums, blood oranges, sage and sweet smoke makes the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli a true delight on the nose. Elegant and soothing, it flows across the palate with a silky wave of ripe red fruit and spice, while salty minerals slowly saturate under a hint of purple inner flowers. The 2019 is seamless and harmonious, leaving a layer of edgy tannins competing with refreshing acidity, while hints of tart cranberry and a bitter hint of clove slowly fade away. This is Montosoli terroir at its best, and even at this early stage it's impossible to resist savouring another glass." Vinous

"The Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli, from a beautiful site that must be seen to be believed, smells of dark fruit, blackcurrant and slate. The mineral element of Montosoli and its slatey, galestro soils comes through beautifully in this vintage, giving the bouquet a linear sense of immediacy and verticality. The mouthfeel is particularly elegant and the wine's acidity is skilfully used to emphasise the freshness, but above all the quality of the fruit. The effect is very powerful and bright, and thanks to the careful ageing in Slavonian oak, you get a hint of baked brioche or Italian focaccia bread." Wine Advocate

"Perfumed and beautiful with raspberry and cherry aromas and flavours. Purity like a mountain stream. Medium to full body with ultra-refined tannins that are so polished and beautiful. Lasts for minutes. Beautiful and real." James Suckling

When you hear the story of the effort that went into the Colonia vineyard, you have to wonder if the fine people of Fèlsina are absolutely crazy. It took them two years to remove the imposing rock that had forced previous generations of the Poggiali family to practically abandon this noble location. But it is thanks to the ambitious Giovanni Poggiali that this spectacular vineyard (Vigneto Colonia) has become what it is today. It has reddish-brown soils, is rich in magnesium and iron and is therefore very different from all other Fèlsina vineyards.

Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia is a wine of enormous beauty and depth. Dark ruby in the glass, it smells expressively mineral and pure, with aromas of dark cherry and blackcurrant. Mineral and graphite flavours and the simply terrific focus on the Sangiovese grape make it an incomparable masterpiece. On the palate, it is extremely balanced and elegant with perfectly integrated wood - it is immediately clear that this is another top wine from the estate that is more than a match for Fontalloro. Those who are able to taste it will be lucky, as there are only 3,000 bottles per vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant ruby red colour. Open and warm on the nose, of ripe heart cherries, precious wood, fine earthy tones, plus graphite and bacon on the finish, very complex. Initially balanced on the palate with polished tannins and creamy fruit, comes across in many layers, long finish, on fine spices, still needs some time." Falstaff

"Charming bouquet with aromas of red forest fruits, violets and truffles; full-bodied with robust but well-integrated tannins, balanced with acidity, harmonious, long and multi-faceted. Convinces with its traditional, elegant style." Vinum

"Colonia is located almost 420 metres above sea level on the top of the Rancia hill, where the 2.6-hectare vineyard is surrounded by forest. Made from a selection of the healthiest grapes and aged in new French oak barriques, the 2020 is generous in its aromas of sun-kissed plums, petrichor, tobacco and espresso beans. Hints of cedar permeate the palate, where the fruit is altogether restrained. This wine is elegantly weighted with dusty earth, a gravelly crunch and citrus acidity. Grainy wood tannins on the finish." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia 2020 combines power, energy and structure. Dark red cherry fruit, blood orange, spices and sweet French oak in abundance. Colonia usually needs a few years to develop. I suspect that this will also be the case here. As always, the Colonia stands out in the Fèlsina range for its greater concentration and strong oak character." Vinous

"Cherries and orange blossom on the nose with some minerality. Medium body with fine tannins and floral undertones to hints of new wood and beautiful fruit. Needs time to develop." James Suckling

"This wine shows a very interesting character with botanical notes of dried rosemary and Mediterranean lavender. The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colonia also shows plenty of dark fruit, clay, slate, pencil shavings, spice and a hint of Italian coffee. This medium-bodied wine is lively and fresh and finishes with melting tannins. This vintage is more approachable overall compared to recent vintages." Wine Advocate

Currá is an archaic long-distance runner and presents itself very aristocratic when young with increasing bottle maturity or also good aeration. Then it reveals dark berries and a fine chocolate note in the bouquet. In its style, it is edgy at first, but then at no point denies its greatness and harmony. Tobacco, plums, smoke and tobacco: with every glass, this exceptional wine reveals new facets and a firework of impressions. This is Nebbiolo from 65-year-old vines at the highest level! SUPERIORE.DE

"With defining character and hearty bite, compact and pithy at every stage, fleshy all around with velvety tannins and animating length." Weinwisser

"Mid to deep developing ruby with narrow orange rim. Firm nose of ripe fruit spiked with sweet baking spices. Compact sour-cherry fruit palate with bags of crunchy tannins. Succulent and with tannic bite on the finish. Quite gorgeous." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 Barbaresco Currà is a dense, explosive wine endowed with huge mid-palate density and potent tannins to match. Wild cherry, tobacco, cinnamon, dried rose petal and spice emerge with a bit of coaxing. The 2016 is a powerful wine." Vinous

"A beefy style, this red buries its cherry, iron and menthol flavors in a matrix of thick tannins. The vivid acidity works in tandem, yet in the end, there's an equilibrium of all the elements, with the fruit reemerging." Wine Spectator

"Showing darker and slightly more saturated fruit, the Sottimano 2016 Barbaresco Currá is a more robust and amply endowed wine compared to the other single-vineyard expressions in this portfolio. Drawing its fruit from the village of Neive, the Currá offers ripe berry and redcurrant with softer tones of spice and tilled earth. The wine's concentration and richness are an absolute pleasure, and you could direct this bottle to a heavier roasted meat dish when the time is right. Fruit is drawn from a 1.5-hectare plot in Neive." Wine Advocate

Nerobufaleffj is a very unusual wine for Sicily. It offers an aromatic intensity that cannot be found anywhere else in southern Italy. The bouquet is explosive with strong cherries, dried blackberries, tobacco and spices. Subtle hints of cinnamon and crushed clove. An exotic red of high concentration and power with a wonderfully complex, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very ripe blackberries, baking spices, walnuts and some figs on the nose. Very flavourful and spicy on the palate with fine, silky tannins and a juicy, long finish. Beautiful dried fruit with some walnuts on the finish." James Suckling

"Dark and earthy in the glass, the 2019 NeroBufaleffj opens with a burst of crushed ash stones and earth tones before giving way to dusty blackcurrants and blood oranges. It's very structured, with silky waves of ripe red and black fruit running throughout the wine. The vibrant acidity creates a sense of boundless energy. The 2019 finishes remarkably fresh, yet colourful and long, with edgy tannins that linger as notes of spiced citrus fade. The NeroBufaleffj is already great today, but it is made for the cellar." Vinous

Grattamacco is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese, the latter grape variety certainly contributing to the fresh style of this wine. However, the overall picture is only complete when you realise that the vineyards used for this blend are among the best in the appellation. The Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso Superiore is characterised by its typical aromas of leaves and Mediterranean forest, with subtle flavours of kiwi peel, cassis, paprika and chocolate. Velvety, youthful and firm on the attack, less light than the Alberello, but more tightly woven and of great elegance. Its length is astonishing, great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Stunning berry aromas, facets of dried flowers, pepper and Mediterranean scrub; polished structure with powdery tannins, the accentuated acidity provides youthfulness in the background, then lots of charm and great length on notes of plums, Mediterranean flora and spices." Vinum

"Bright ruby red colour. Expressive, sweet-fruity bouquet of cassis and blackberry, with notes of ebony, tobacco leaf, cocoa and fumé, complex. Spreads across the palate like a silk scarf, with precise fruit and fine-grained tannins, juicy and with gentle pressure into the long finish." Falstaff

"Medium to dark crimson colour. Very complete and with slightly less obvious tannins than the 2016. Already very approachable and well balanced with a chalky texture on the finish. Really charming with a light inkiness. Long and fresh." Jancis Robinson

"A bold, sweeping wine, the 2021 Grattamacco is pretty impressive. Readers should expect a potent, extroverted red with tons of Bolgheri opulence. There’s plenty of supporting structure too, but at this stage it’s the wine’s intense, ripe profile that carries the day. A blast of blackberry, scorched earth, new leather, licorice and incense saturates the palate on the long, sustained finish." Vinous

"Blueberry, blackcurrant and pomegranate flavours are accentuated by oak spice, graphite and rosemary notes in this fresh, long red wine. Taut and lively, with excellent balance and a fine-grained tannin band on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The result in 2021 is magnificent, with the scent of blackberries and a dense, savoury palate with black and blue berries, silky tannins and sous bois complexity. The wonderful juicy softness of the fruit is enlivened by minty-fresh acidity, a savoury kick and a tasty, almost ferrous finish." Decanter

"This is a different level, with blackcurrants, blueberries and Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary and sage. Also tobacco and coffee beans. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a lingering finish. Sophisticated and thought-provoking. A new level of quality with this wine." James Suckling

Here comes the third vintage of Stefano Frascolla's heart project from the Alta Maremma. Just 2,500 bottles of this 100% Syrah are bottled, aged (on the skins) for half a year in amphorae, then filtered and matured in small French oak barrels.

Radiant ruby red. On the nose, a seductive mix of cherry with hints of chocolate, herbs and a subtle liquorice note. On the palate, cherry again, complemented by a kaleidoscope of chocolate, coffee and a subtle juniper note. A fabulous acid structure and fine-grained tannins guide the precisely composed wine into a furious final. Keir complements the winery's high-class portfolio in a very independent and emphatic way. Great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny ruby-violet with a little light rim. Opens with fine spicy notes, pepper and ivy, then some cherry, blood orange. On the palate lots of grippy, hearty tannin, dark berries, some tobacco, a little brittle on the final." Falstaff

"The green-tobacco and pepper character is very intense with blackberry and black-cherry undertones. Full-bodied and layered with soft tannins that are creamy and very pretty. A full yet soft-textured palate. Succulent and delicious." James Suckling

"A pure expression of Syrah that spends six months in amphorae, the Tua Rita 2019 Keir Rosso is a gregarious and super fun wine that is a joy to drink and a great conversation starter thanks to the crafty approach used in its winemaking. Long skin maceration times give the wine extra intensity. The tightly pored surface of the clay amphorae (that are fired in kilns at very hot temperatures and long durations) means that the wine gets less oxygen during winemaking. This contributes to its delicate and elegant flavors and ultimately to the promising longevity of this vintage. Keir is not as full-bodied as other Tuscan Syrahs, but the wine shows terrific purity and focus instead. The bouquet offers punchy black fruit, plum, tea leaf and savory tobacco." Wine Advocate

"2019 is for Stefano Frascolla an exceptional vintage - one of the best vintages of the last two decades. Bright magenta in colour with an exuberant nose of vivid sweet blackcurrant, cream and spice, this has youthful raspberry, white pepper and flint flavours mixed with concentrated yet vibrant fruit. Impossible to resist, with a lovely weightless texture and harmony, it dances seamlessly across the palate and disappears with incredible lightness but lingering flavours. Syrah meets Burgundy!" Decanter

Only around 2,000 bottles of this noble Riserva are filled each year. With a rich aroma of black berries, balsamic nuances and spices as well as an expansive flavour - full and clear - this great wine perfectly combines finesse, elegance and softness. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the nose with wild herbal aromas and earthy-mineral notes, undergrowth, walnuts, ash and warm earth. Full-bodied in the mouth with a well-defined body, beautiful substance with savoury nuances, quite long with a salty final." Weinwisser

"This is a wild and earthy red wine with notes of watermelon, walnuts, ash, minerals and earth. It has a medium body and nice substance. Long, savoury and spicy." James Suckling

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Zottorinoto is dark, floral and earthy in the glass, with a mix of grilled herbs, crushed rocks and blackberries making up its bouquet. It shows silky textures and masses of mineral red and black fruits. Hints of cocoa emerge towards the end. It finishes with a layer of fine tannins and a hint of primary concentration, balanced by a touch of residual acidity that maintains a fantastic freshness despite its youthful structure." Vinous

"Slightly creamy and with a silky texture, it combines balsamic herbal touches with red and blue berries, ending on a twist of orange peel. Undergoing extended ageing this Riserva from contrada Zottorinoto in Castiglione di Sicilia is bigger and also has higher perceived acidity compared to Feudo di Mezzo. Sapid, saline and intense, it's a beautifully crafted wine." Decanter

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship wine and a stunningly perfect wine. The grapes come from 1000-metre-high northern Etna vineyard sites, where the soils are ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness adds elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding drop. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Franchetti is a unique wine that perfectly interprets the high volcanic soils. Power, structure and then such a straightforward concentration of aromas: deep scent of black cherries, plums, orange zest and mint. Then comes a distinct minerality. Dark chocolate and blueberry show on the palate, spiced with fresh tarragon. A great wine to know from Etna." Vinum

"The Vini Franchetti 2020 Franchetti is very spicy and savory with inky black fruit aromas. You feel the 15.5% alcohol content over the wine's thick, full-bodied texture." Wine Advocate

"Dark ruby red with a softly lightening rim. In the nose of ripe heart cherries, paired with cold smoke, mulberries as well as freshly roasted coffee and a hint of Ras-el-Hanout. Extremely polished and compact on the palate, opens to juicy tannin, punchy and with plenty of finesse, keeps coming back, dense, long and balanced." Falstaff

"The 2020 Franchetti is beautiful, jumping out of the glass, spicy and intense, showing off its Cesanese aromas with a mix of blackberries, lavender, sage, white pepper and smoke that make it impossible to ignore. This wine is very structured, almost creamy yet tangy, with medium body and a salty core of minerality that balances the masses of ripe dark fruit and sweet herbal notes. The length is amazing, as is the harmony within. It finishes structured yet supple, with violet flowers and nuances of plum jam that linger. This wine is already very appealing, elegance personified, but the best is surely yet to come." Vinous

Ester Canale Nebbiolo Langhe comes from younger vines of Davide Rosso in Vigna Rionda. Soft, sensual and beautifully perfumed, it is a real charmer. The wine glides smoothly over the palate and is driven by concentrated cherries, blackberries, blood oranges, smoky tar and liquorice. Firm, dense tannins form the backbone of this masterpiece, the dark berry fruit builds slowly and steadily and finally leads to an almost infinitely long finish. The Langhe Nebbiolo is undoubtedly the hidden jewel in the portfolio of this small, exceptional winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. The nose is fragrant with dried flower petals, oranges and candied wild strawberries, very refined and elegant. Enormously juicy and precise on the palate, with creamy fruit that stretches across the tongue, vibrant, savoury, long and very elegant." Falstaff

"The 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo Ester Canale Rosso is gorgeous. Dark and pliant, the 2021 has an air of mystery that is palpable. It’s a wine with myriad shades of dimension that emerge over time. Black cherry, plum, incense, leather and lavender open with some coaxing. This young-vine Langhe Nebbiolo from Vigna Rionda is not ready yet to be Barolo, but it is far above most wines in its peer group." Vinous

"A Nebbiolo that shines for its concentration, it has a bark-like, fleshy character with dark violet and blood orange complexity. The attack is super-rich, tannins vibrant and grainy then polished on the finish, with lively integrated acidity and a sweet note of smoky woodland. One of the best and, not by chance, one of the most expensive Langhe Nebbiolo bottlings. ‘It's a sort of Barolo bottled young,’ says winemaker Andrea Delpiano." Decanter

Vecchie Vigne by Siro Pacenti is still one of the most modern wines to emerge from this sun-drenched appellation in southern Tuscany. The grapes come from old vines that are between 38 and 53 years old. You can immediately taste the great 2019 vintage and the richness and suppleness of its dark fruit and lush blackberry flavours. Vecchie Vigne offers that certain hint of exotic spices, savoury tobacco and even notes of talcum powder or buttered popcorn, which come from the oak - it is aged for 24 months in French barriques - which does it a world of good and makes it unmistakable. All the attributes of this exceptional wine are clearly pronounced and unmistakably convincing, all of which contribute to a creamy and infinitely long-lasting mouthfeel and make this wine one of the best of the vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a fine garnet rim. Initially shows slightly earthy notes on the nose, some rust, then lots of black cherry and blackberry, fine spice. Full-bodied and firm on the palate, shows plenty of grippy tannins, juicy berry fruit, then slightly drying on the final, still needs ageing." Falstaff

"The Vecchie Vigne combines fruit from Siro Pacenti's 35+ year old vineyards in the northern and southern quadrants of Montalcino and shows even greater intensity and power than the Pelagrilli bottling, but also more nuance and sophistication. With its deep ruby red colour, it offers an intriguing blend of grilled herbs, toasted cedar, incense and ferrous minerals. On the palate, it is highly concentrated and full in its purity of black fruits accompanied by sweet herbs and spices. The powerful, well-padded tannins are polished and slowly dissolve into a tactile powderiness on the long liquorice finish." Decanter

"Vines over 35 years old, a Brunello of pleasant finesse. Notes of cranberry, rhubarb and peony on the nose, with hints of cinnamon. The palate reveals salty tannins, recurring notes of small fruits and undergrowth. Finishes with a hint of sweet spices." Luca Gardini

"The Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne 2019 is intense. It smells of rosemary and spiced blood oranges before developing into dried black cherries and a hint of incense. On the palate, it flows with a velvety texture complicated by tactile mineral tones and savoury acidity, while cool red and black fruits slowly saturate. A web of fine-grained tannins envelops the senses as the 2019 finishes dramatically long and colourful, leaving traces of cedar spice and inner rose that linger on and on. This is a formidable VecchieVigne that will pay dividends in the cellar." Vinous

"A darker expression of the vintage, showing aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, iron, tar and tobacco. Dense and muscular, but with lively acidity that keeps it long and concentrated. The tannins are resonant and the lasting impression is one of sweet fruit." Wine Spectator

"The Siro Pacenti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne has a dark appearance and is made from old vines. It has notes of baked blackberry pie crust, raspberry jam, barbecue smoke, cigar box and every other fairly extreme aromatic description you can apply to a heavily barrel-aged red wine. It is certainly exaggerated, especially at this young age, but experience teaches us that Siro Pacenti's wines need time, a lot of time, before all the elements mesh. The alcohol content is 15% and the tannins are a real hammer." Wine Advocate

"Black cherries, lavender, black mushrooms, pencil and violets on the nose. Full-bodied with a powerful and polished tannin structure that lasts until the end. Pure, silky texture. Fascinating aftertaste of ripe fruit that is nevertheless fresh and taut. Also some orange peel. Wonderful on the finish. So well elaborated and pointed. This wine still needs three to five years to develop, but it is already very impressive." James Suckling

The great Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra from the historic Clerico vineyard. Bright garnet red colour. Open-hearted bouquet of ripe fruit and spices, the elegant tannins are accompanied by a pleasant freshness in the complex flavour, deep and long on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fairly firm, concentrated, somewhat ethereal aroma of ripe red and black berries with restrained cherry notes, Provençal herbs and tomato essence. Ripe, dense and warm, fairly juicy fruit with present but crumbly, very ripe tannins, some cocoa and a hint of coffee, persistent and deep on the palate, still rather undeveloped, but already with a certain charm, some bite, fine smoky and ethereal-herbal spice, also some pepper, salty-mineral tones in the background, a little black olive and again tomato essence, fine tobacco flavours, very good, firm, juicy finish with complex spice." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. svelte on the nose with aromas of crisp cherry and raspberry, plus hints of hibiscus and liquorice. On the palate with a fine alternation of fresh acidity, precise fruit and tightly woven tannins, harmonious and persistent." Falstaff

"Rich fruit and dried fruit flavours. Really captivating." Jancis Robinson

"Initially restrained, the nose gradually reveals ripe berries ready for preserving, accompanied by sweet spices, savoury herbs and fresh rose petals. On the palate, this wine is elegant and refined, with exceptionally pure tannins that are well integrated but unobtrusive. The flavours are pure and the warmth of the vintage comes through fully on the palate, which is rich and forward. Well structured and polished, this is a top class wine." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright ruby red colour that suggests youth. The nose is very floral with notes of fresh roses, violets, pomegranate, cherries and gentle spices. The medium-bodied palate is soft with velvety tannins, refreshing acidity, some vibrancy and a polished finish. A really enjoyable wine." James Suckling

"Cru Ginestra, a refined and multi-layered Barolo. On the nose, notes of cherry, a hint of wild mint, star anise and rosemary, with a hint of clementine peel. Salty tannins, mentholated hints and notes of medicinal plants on the palate. Finish with citrus fruit flavours." Luca Gardini

"The Domenico Clerico 2020 Barolo Ginestra Ciabot Mentin shows a really great balance in terms of the integration of oak. For the first time, the winery has decided to use large oak barrels (the barrique has been completely removed), and the results are exceptional. There are lots of dark fruits, such as cranberries and redcurrants, which characterise the wine throughout. There is also black tea and spice, but these tones work with the fruit rather than against it. The wine finishes supple, with polished tannins, lovely acidity and a much brighter and lighter overall personality." Wine Advocate

"Year after year, the Ciabot Mentin shines with its remarkable consistency. This 2020 begins somewhat closed, with restrained blood orange, but then reveals an exquisite blend of red cherry, violet, leafy lightness and liquorice depth. Graphite and a hint of yellow fruit dominate the palate, carried by a lively acidity and velvety, elegant and very polished tannins." Decanter

"This red is pure and elegant, with rose, cherry, raspberry and mineral aromas and flavors fused to a firm, vibrant structure. Shows fine intensity and verve, with a long, detailed aftertaste of fruit, mineral and spice notes." Wine Spectator

A beautiful, very sensual, feminine wine that is only vinified in the best vintages. Exquisitely flavoured with dark fruit, elegant and fine on the palate with plenty of fruit and length. It was named after the nickname once given to the young wild Clerico by his father: Aeroplan Servaj - wild aeroplane. And the labelling is just as wild and creative - there are six different labels! SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; caramel-fruity, inviting; juicy attack, fullness, round, dark fruity, lots of good tannin, pleasing." Merum

"Medium ruby red colour. Complex, spicy nose of red fruits and pure red fruits with enveloping tannins on the palate. Great balance and length. Firmly structured, yet elegant and with a certain suppleness." Jancis Robinson

"Aeroplanservaj is a kind of futuristic label for the first Barolo produced in Serralunga by Domenico Clerico. Oscar Arrivabene, the winery's winemaker, explained that 10% of the oak barrels are used for ageing in barriques; this is more of a logistical decision than a stylistic one, as the plot in Serralunga is so small. The wine has hints of smoky woods, dried cherries, cinnamon spice and a heady violet note that permeates the structure. The attack is austere, not rustic, just wild and youthful. The tannins need to be tamed at the moment, but it's a Serralunga full of detail and I'd wager it will age well." Decanter

"Firm, complex and deep, slightly iodised, also fleshy and a little herbal aroma of ripe black rather than red berries with a hint of soy sauce, tomato essence and floral nuances. Firm, tart and juicy fruit, surprisingly fresh despite all its power, a certain acid bite and fine, youthful tannins, slightly smoky notes on the palate, a little cocoa and hints of coffee, peppery notes in the background, a little herbs and salt, good depth, still barely developed, tobacco traces, very good, firm, juicy and tart-spicy, again slightly smoky finish with peppery, juniper-like tones and noticeable alcoholic strength." Wein-plus

"Flavours of cherries and plums with some fresh roses follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Bright and lively. Taut. Firm and structured." James Suckling

"This red wine is rich but densely woven, providing a backdrop for the flavours of cherries, wild strawberries, earth, minerals and wild herbs. Balanced, even graceful, with fine intensity and a lingering aftertaste of fruit, minerals and herbs." Wine Spectator

"Brilliant ruby red with garnet-coloured rim. On the nose, initially fine earthy tones, some cold smoke, after some time Assam tea, ripe raspberries, cranberries, precious wood. Polished, creamy fruit on the palate, extremely energetic and with vibrant acidity, the tannins are powerful and firm, currently still a little young and wide-meshed, will mature well." Falstaff

"The first Serralunga from the historic Monforte winery, bottled for the first time in 2006, comes from a beautiful family story. Notes of cranberry on the nose, nuances of peony, undergrowth and eucalyptus." Luca Gardini

"With its colourful fantasy label, the Domenico Clerico 2019 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj shows dark fruit and a velvety texture with rusty nails and pencil shavings. This vintage is more concentrated and structured overall, and the result is both rich and very beautiful. The fruit comes from vines planted in 1994. The wine is aged mostly in large oak barrels and about 10% in barriques." Wine Advocate

A beautiful, very sensual, feminine wine that is only vinified in the best vintages. Exquisitely flavoured with dark fruit, elegant and fine on the palate with plenty of fruit and length. It was named after the nickname once given to the young wild Clerico by his father: Aeroplan Servaj - wild aeroplane. And the labelling is just as wild and creative - there are six different labels! SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; caramel-fruity, inviting; juicy attack, fullness, round, dark fruity, lots of good tannin, pleasing." Merum

"Medium ruby red colour. Complex, spicy nose of red fruits and pure red fruits with enveloping tannins on the palate. Great balance and length. Firmly structured, yet elegant and with a certain suppleness." Jancis Robinson

"Aeroplanservaj is a kind of futuristic label for the first Barolo produced in Serralunga by Domenico Clerico. Oscar Arrivabene, the winery's winemaker, explained that 10% of the oak barrels are used for ageing in barriques; this is more of a logistical decision than a stylistic one, as the plot in Serralunga is so small. The wine has hints of smoky woods, dried cherries, cinnamon spice and a heady violet note that permeates the structure. The attack is austere, not rustic, just wild and youthful. The tannins need to be tamed at the moment, but it's a Serralunga full of detail and I'd wager it will age well." Decanter

"Firm, complex and deep, slightly iodised, also fleshy and a little herbal aroma of ripe black rather than red berries with a hint of soy sauce, tomato essence and floral nuances. Firm, tart and juicy fruit, surprisingly fresh despite all its power, a certain acid bite and fine, youthful tannins, slightly smoky notes on the palate, a little cocoa and hints of coffee, peppery notes in the background, a little herbs and salt, good depth, still barely developed, tobacco traces, very good, firm, juicy and tart-spicy, again slightly smoky finish with peppery, juniper-like tones and noticeable alcoholic strength." Wein-plus

"Flavours of cherries and plums with some fresh roses follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Bright and lively. Taut. Firm and structured." James Suckling

"This red wine is rich but densely woven, providing a backdrop for the flavours of cherries, wild strawberries, earth, minerals and wild herbs. Balanced, even graceful, with fine intensity and a lingering aftertaste of fruit, minerals and herbs." Wine Spectator

"Brilliant ruby red with garnet-coloured rim. On the nose, initially fine earthy tones, some cold smoke, after some time Assam tea, ripe raspberries, cranberries, precious wood. Polished, creamy fruit on the palate, extremely energetic and with vibrant acidity, the tannins are powerful and firm, currently still a little young and wide-meshed, will mature well." Falstaff

"The first Serralunga from the historic Monforte winery, bottled for the first time in 2006, comes from a beautiful family story. Notes of cranberry on the nose, nuances of peony, undergrowth and eucalyptus." Luca Gardini

"With its colourful fantasy label, the Domenico Clerico 2019 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj shows dark fruit and a velvety texture with rusty nails and pencil shavings. This vintage is more concentrated and structured overall, and the result is both rich and very beautiful. The fruit comes from vines planted in 1994. The wine is aged mostly in large oak barrels and about 10% in barriques." Wine Advocate

A beautiful, very sensual, feminine wine that is only vinified in the best vintages. Exquisitely flavoured with dark fruit, elegant and fine on the palate with plenty of fruit and length. It was named after the nickname once given to the young wild Clerico by his father: Aeroplan Servaj - wild aeroplane. And the labelling is just as wild and creative - there are six different labels! SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; caramel-fruity, inviting; juicy attack, fullness, round, dark fruity, lots of good tannin, pleasing." Merum

"Medium ruby red colour. Complex, spicy nose of red fruits and pure red fruits with enveloping tannins on the palate. Great balance and length. Firmly structured, yet elegant and with a certain suppleness." Jancis Robinson

"Aeroplanservaj is a kind of futuristic label for the first Barolo produced in Serralunga by Domenico Clerico. Oscar Arrivabene, the winery's winemaker, explained that 10% of the oak barrels are used for ageing in barriques; this is more of a logistical decision than a stylistic one, as the plot in Serralunga is so small. The wine has hints of smoky woods, dried cherries, cinnamon spice and a heady violet note that permeates the structure. The attack is austere, not rustic, just wild and youthful. The tannins need to be tamed at the moment, but it's a Serralunga full of detail and I'd wager it will age well." Decanter

"Firm, complex and deep, slightly iodised, also fleshy and a little herbal aroma of ripe black rather than red berries with a hint of soy sauce, tomato essence and floral nuances. Firm, tart and juicy fruit, surprisingly fresh despite all its power, a certain acid bite and fine, youthful tannins, slightly smoky notes on the palate, a little cocoa and hints of coffee, peppery notes in the background, a little herbs and salt, good depth, still barely developed, tobacco traces, very good, firm, juicy and tart-spicy, again slightly smoky finish with peppery, juniper-like tones and noticeable alcoholic strength." Wein-plus

"Flavours of cherries and plums with some fresh roses follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Bright and lively. Taut. Firm and structured." James Suckling

"This red wine is rich but densely woven, providing a backdrop for the flavours of cherries, wild strawberries, earth, minerals and wild herbs. Balanced, even graceful, with fine intensity and a lingering aftertaste of fruit, minerals and herbs." Wine Spectator

"Brilliant ruby red with garnet-coloured rim. On the nose, initially fine earthy tones, some cold smoke, after some time Assam tea, ripe raspberries, cranberries, precious wood. Polished, creamy fruit on the palate, extremely energetic and with vibrant acidity, the tannins are powerful and firm, currently still a little young and wide-meshed, will mature well." Falstaff

"The first Serralunga from the historic Monforte winery, bottled for the first time in 2006, comes from a beautiful family story. Notes of cranberry on the nose, nuances of peony, undergrowth and eucalyptus." Luca Gardini

"With its colourful fantasy label, the Domenico Clerico 2019 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj shows dark fruit and a velvety texture with rusty nails and pencil shavings. This vintage is more concentrated and structured overall, and the result is both rich and very beautiful. The fruit comes from vines planted in 1994. The wine is aged mostly in large oak barrels and about 10% in barriques." Wine Advocate

A beautiful, very sensual, feminine wine that is only vinified in the best vintages. Exquisitely flavoured with dark fruit, elegant and fine on the palate with plenty of fruit and length. It was named after the nickname once given to the young wild Clerico by his father: Aeroplan Servaj - wild aeroplane. And the labelling is just as wild and creative - there are six different labels! SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; caramel-fruity, inviting; juicy attack, fullness, round, dark fruity, lots of good tannin, pleasing." Merum

"Medium ruby red colour. Complex, spicy nose of red fruits and pure red fruits with enveloping tannins on the palate. Great balance and length. Firmly structured, yet elegant and with a certain suppleness." Jancis Robinson

"Aeroplanservaj is a kind of futuristic label for the first Barolo produced in Serralunga by Domenico Clerico. Oscar Arrivabene, the winery's winemaker, explained that 10% of the oak barrels are used for ageing in barriques; this is more of a logistical decision than a stylistic one, as the plot in Serralunga is so small. The wine has hints of smoky woods, dried cherries, cinnamon spice and a heady violet note that permeates the structure. The attack is austere, not rustic, just wild and youthful. The tannins need to be tamed at the moment, but it's a Serralunga full of detail and I'd wager it will age well." Decanter

"Firm, complex and deep, slightly iodised, also fleshy and a little herbal aroma of ripe black rather than red berries with a hint of soy sauce, tomato essence and floral nuances. Firm, tart and juicy fruit, surprisingly fresh despite all its power, a certain acid bite and fine, youthful tannins, slightly smoky notes on the palate, a little cocoa and hints of coffee, peppery notes in the background, a little herbs and salt, good depth, still barely developed, tobacco traces, very good, firm, juicy and tart-spicy, again slightly smoky finish with peppery, juniper-like tones and noticeable alcoholic strength." Wein-plus

"Flavours of cherries and plums with some fresh roses follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Bright and lively. Taut. Firm and structured." James Suckling

"This red wine is rich but densely woven, providing a backdrop for the flavours of cherries, wild strawberries, earth, minerals and wild herbs. Balanced, even graceful, with fine intensity and a lingering aftertaste of fruit, minerals and herbs." Wine Spectator

"Brilliant ruby red with garnet-coloured rim. On the nose, initially fine earthy tones, some cold smoke, after some time Assam tea, ripe raspberries, cranberries, precious wood. Polished, creamy fruit on the palate, extremely energetic and with vibrant acidity, the tannins are powerful and firm, currently still a little young and wide-meshed, will mature well." Falstaff

"The first Serralunga from the historic Monforte winery, bottled for the first time in 2006, comes from a beautiful family story. Notes of cranberry on the nose, nuances of peony, undergrowth and eucalyptus." Luca Gardini

"With its colourful fantasy label, the Domenico Clerico 2019 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj shows dark fruit and a velvety texture with rusty nails and pencil shavings. This vintage is more concentrated and structured overall, and the result is both rich and very beautiful. The fruit comes from vines planted in 1994. The wine is aged mostly in large oak barrels and about 10% in barriques." Wine Advocate

A beautiful, very sensual, feminine wine that is only vinified in the best vintages. Exquisitely flavoured with dark fruit, elegant and fine on the palate with plenty of fruit and length. It was named after the nickname once given to the young wild Clerico by his father: Aeroplan Servaj - wild aeroplane. And the labelling is just as wild and creative - there are six different labels! SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; caramel-fruity, inviting; juicy attack, fullness, round, dark fruity, lots of good tannin, pleasing." Merum

"Medium ruby red colour. Complex, spicy nose of red fruits and pure red fruits with enveloping tannins on the palate. Great balance and length. Firmly structured, yet elegant and with a certain suppleness." Jancis Robinson

"Aeroplanservaj is a kind of futuristic label for the first Barolo produced in Serralunga by Domenico Clerico. Oscar Arrivabene, the winery's winemaker, explained that 10% of the oak barrels are used for ageing in barriques; this is more of a logistical decision than a stylistic one, as the plot in Serralunga is so small. The wine has hints of smoky woods, dried cherries, cinnamon spice and a heady violet note that permeates the structure. The attack is austere, not rustic, just wild and youthful. The tannins need to be tamed at the moment, but it's a Serralunga full of detail and I'd wager it will age well." Decanter

"Firm, complex and deep, slightly iodised, also fleshy and a little herbal aroma of ripe black rather than red berries with a hint of soy sauce, tomato essence and floral nuances. Firm, tart and juicy fruit, surprisingly fresh despite all its power, a certain acid bite and fine, youthful tannins, slightly smoky notes on the palate, a little cocoa and hints of coffee, peppery notes in the background, a little herbs and salt, good depth, still barely developed, tobacco traces, very good, firm, juicy and tart-spicy, again slightly smoky finish with peppery, juniper-like tones and noticeable alcoholic strength." Wein-plus

"Flavours of cherries and plums with some fresh roses follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Bright and lively. Taut. Firm and structured." James Suckling

"This red wine is rich but densely woven, providing a backdrop for the flavours of cherries, wild strawberries, earth, minerals and wild herbs. Balanced, even graceful, with fine intensity and a lingering aftertaste of fruit, minerals and herbs." Wine Spectator

"Brilliant ruby red with garnet-coloured rim. On the nose, initially fine earthy tones, some cold smoke, after some time Assam tea, ripe raspberries, cranberries, precious wood. Polished, creamy fruit on the palate, extremely energetic and with vibrant acidity, the tannins are powerful and firm, currently still a little young and wide-meshed, will mature well." Falstaff

"The first Serralunga from the historic Monforte winery, bottled for the first time in 2006, comes from a beautiful family story. Notes of cranberry on the nose, nuances of peony, undergrowth and eucalyptus." Luca Gardini

"With its colourful fantasy label, the Domenico Clerico 2019 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj shows dark fruit and a velvety texture with rusty nails and pencil shavings. This vintage is more concentrated and structured overall, and the result is both rich and very beautiful. The fruit comes from vines planted in 1994. The wine is aged mostly in large oak barrels and about 10% in barriques." Wine Advocate

Valter Fissore bottles less than 4,000 bottles of this incredibly classic Barolo every year. Dark cherries, menthol, flowers and tar are just some of the classic notes in the complex bouquet of the Bricco Pernice from the single vineyard Ravera. On the palate, the austere structure and great power are joined by a fine inner sweetness. The long finish is reminiscent of damp earth, dried herbs and wild flowers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, sparkling ruby with garnet-coloured tendencies. Elegant, fruity-floral bouquet of roses and ripe wild berries, backed by fine wood spice and meadow herbs. Fine fruit melt on the palate, with a compact fruit core and firm tannins, very exciting and incredibly long." Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. A breathtaking, multi-layered and complex bouquet with raspberry fruit, salty, mineral notes and a hint of leather. Compact but lush, juicy cherry and raspberry fruit, which develops slowly, and long, grainy, tangible tannins. Mouth-filling, but by no means heavy." Jancis Robinson

"Attractive primary flavours of crushed strawberries and stones follow through to a full body, with fine and polished tannins and a lovely, fresh finish. Lively is a good word to describe this wine overall." James Suckling

"Cherry, plum, tar, tobacco and wild herb flavours permeate this muscular red wine, which is rather austere today, not showing much fruit and has a dense base of powerful tannins. The super-long, ferrous finish shows the future potential of this wine, so keep your hands off it for now." Wine Spectator

Ruby red, with a fine cherry scent, in which there are also hints of nuts and wild berries, vanilla, cinnamon, sage and tobacco. Concentrated, rich flavour with harmonious tannins and a long, velvety final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. Restrained but balanced nose, appears multilayered although filigree. On the palate very juicy, dense, with clear fruit and tightly meshed enveloping tannin, shows elegant pressure, builds up in many layers, great length and finesse." Falstaff

"Deep crimson ruby. A lifted, perfumed raspberry nose with beautiful concentration, a peppery tingle and perfectly integrated oak. Vibrant, crushed red-berry fruit on the palate with long, finely chiselled tannins. Closes up a little on the finish, so expect much more to come, but right now it is already irresistible. Great balance and very elegant." Jancis Robinson

"This historic wine was Sicily's first single-vineyard bottling, from a five-hectare vineyard planted in 1959 then extended by 1.5 hectares in 1965. During its long history, Rosso del Conte has adopted various maturation mediums, including chestnut, Slavonian oak and, today, French oak. The 2016 - the current release - was fermented in stainless steel tanks before spending 18 months in small new French oak barriques. Perricone's spiciness immediately comes through in both aroma and flavour, bolstered by Nero d'Avola's rich, sticky and plummy fruits, accompanied by streaks of tangy red berries, black cherry and tobacco." Decanter

"This is a really pretty Sicilian red with dried-cherry, smoke, walnut and mushroom aromas and flavors. The sour-cherry character kicks in at the finish." James Suckling

"The 2016 Rosso del Conte lifts up with an intense and heady bouquet of sweet herbs and tobacco, which deepens as notes of exotic spice, medicinal cherry and hints of menthol form in the glass. It’s silky in texture, delivering a stunning mix of tart wild berries, salty minerals and sage that creates a pleasantly savory expression, as tannins slowly saturate toward the close. This tapers off structured and dry, nearly masking notes of blackberry and cacao that echo on through the finale. A towering and powerful vintage for Rosso del Conte that will require cellaring to show its best." Vinous

"The Tasca Conti d'Almerita 2016 Sicilia Contea di Sclafani Rosso del Conte Tenuta Regaleali is an historic estate blend of Nero d'Avola and Perricone, and it is the latest release of a wine that forever changed the enological future of Sicily by pegging it to a quality-driven production philosophy. The wine is darkly saturated and boasts pretty dark garnet concentration. Both grapes impart a lasting Sicilian imprint on the bouquet with those aromas of toasted fennel, pistachio and black olive that are always associated with this school of winemaking. The wine sits tight and long on the palate, thanks to its generous (but not overdone) full-bodied style." Wine Advocate

Galatrona is a pure Merlot in a class of its own. Black-red ruby in the glass. Black berries, fine woody spice and some leather on the nose. Very generous fruit flavours and extremely complex on the palate, it glides elegantly into the depths until it is picked up by a finely woven tannin and leads into a long and finesse-rich finish. A wine that has no need to hide behind Masseto & Co. On the contrary, for us it has been Italy's Merlot benchmark for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Galatrona from Petrolo is a highly acclaimed Merlot from Tuscany. It is aged for 18 months in large wooden barrels. Viscous, dark colour. The 2021 Galatrona has an aroma of herbs and spices, liquorice and some wood. Full, juicy and melting, it is much more aromatic in the mouth than on the nose. Intense tannins and a very racy acidity create a full structure of medium depth." Weinwisser

"Although seamless and lusciously saturated with aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, violet, iron, tobacco and spice, this red is also solidly built, with polished tannins. Yet it's more about finesse and elegance than power, with a lively profile and a super-long finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright purple in the glass, gorgeous aromas of black cherry and blackcurrant with floral notes - this 100% Merlot smells wonderfully fragrant and inviting. On the palate it is supple, full-bodied and really seductive, sensual with silky but grippy tannins, beautifully ripe blackcurrant and cherry fruit and crisp acidity that is not too sharp or obvious but enlivens the palate and adds a kick and wonderful freshness to the overall expression. Beautifully presented, harmonious, balanced and absolutely enjoyable from the first to the last sip. A great wine, intense yet energetic, full of nuances of flavour and texture. A wine not to be sneezed at, although it still has plenty of potential for further ageing." Decanter

"The nose shows a wide world of spicy aromas, from red chalk and metal to wood and earth, with cranberries, redcurrants and dark berries as a sweet contrast. The palate reveals a lively flavour with the warmth of earth and freshly ripened fruit, accompanied by tart tannins that promise a long finish. An absolutely acrobatic feat when it comes to Merlot." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Val d'Arno di Sopra Galatrona shows extremely focused aromas, but very generous ones all the while, with soft mint, cherry and stracciatella over a full-bodied texture with soft layers of spice and cedarwood. The wine boasts an elegantly chalky quality to the tannins, but the mouthfeel is so generous, everything irons out beautifully over the palate." Wine Advocate

"The Galatrona 2021 is a good successor to the 2020. In most vintages, the Galatrona is very noticeable right from the start. This is not at all the case with the 2021. This wine will need a few more years to show its best side. Black cherry, plum, mocha, leather, liquorice and incense give the 2021 enormous complexity. More than anything, I admire the sense of vertical, explosive energy that catapults the 2021 into the stratosphere. This is a great wine in every way." Vinous

"The flavours here are very pronounced with dried flowers such as lavender and violets. Also some sage. Black berries and black olive skin. Full-bodied yet straightforward and energetic with very fine tannins and a fantastic length. Fresh and lively on the finish. Best after 2026." James Suckling

"Brilliant dark ruby red colour. Noble, spicy nose of blackcurrants, fine earthy notes, a hint of dried rose petal, cigar box. Sweet and melting on the palate, interwoven with savoury, juicy tannins, elegant on the palate, comes back long and juicy on the final, with fine spicy notes, still a little young." Falstaff

As every year, the secret star of the house is the Dominator in the Dal-Forno style. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with jammy aromas of red and dark fruit, alongside spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate. At the same time, the youthful, stormy flavour is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, dark ruby red colour. Expressive and fragrant nose of dried rose petal, raspberries, cooked oranges, blackberries, precious wood, dark chocolate, fine mint tones on the finish. On the palate with a polished entry, savoury, with great juiciness and clear fruit, coated with noble wood tannin, powerful, elegant, long." Falstaff

"The 2016 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is intense, with a captivating bouquet that combines cedar shavings, savoury herbs and balsamic spices with rum-soaked cherries, sweet lavender and dark chocolate. The palate is lapped by a silky texture that offers an abundance of tart red and black fruits and a hint of espresso. Crisp mineral tones and zesty acidity provide a dramatic lift. The 2016 finishes long and colourful, with a pleasantly bitter hint of cocoa as grippy tannins linger. The 2016 is a muscular dancer that still writhes youthfully." Vinous

"The Dal Forno Romano 2016 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is a wine of characteristically dark intensity and rich extraction. If there is one thing this winery knows how to do, it is to produce great wines with high intensity that find a balance and are complex at the same time. Dal Forno's production is always an artful expression, as these are wines that cannot be made in any other hands. This is due to the unique characteristics of the Lodoletta vineyard with its clayey alluvial soils and the special technology used during fermentation and vinification. This classic vintage shows black fruits, olives, dark tar, mahogany and sweet barbecue spices. The wine has a soft and rich texture with firm tannins, but finishes relatively dry with an alcohol content of 14%." Wine Advocate

"Dense garnet color, full of polished aromas of balsamic, cedar wood, earthy minerality, licorice, leather, restrained bramble fruit and coffee grounds. Dry, full-bodied and velvety on the palate, with lifted acidity and an austere finish. Long, slightly chocolatey aftertaste." James Suckling

"Compared to the 2017 Valpolicella, it is darker and richer in flavour. It has a nutty, reductive character with hints of mint and fenugreek. In the mouth, it is fleshy and powerful, less vertical than the 2017. The ripe, concentrated red and black berries have a slightly fleshy touch, enhanced by floral notes of iris and violet as well as crushed rock and exotic spices. A lush black cherry emerges towards the end, but this wine still feels quite tight and closed; the best is yet to come." Decanter

Dievoles Gran Selezione Vigna Sessina is dark, deep and with wonderfully powerful cherry and blackberry flavours. Very defined and precise on the palate with an archetypal interpretation of the grape variety. Everything is in the right place here, the balance and clarity impresses with every sip. The finish has terrificlength and depth. This is Sangiovese in its purest form with infinite energy and expression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seems a little cheesy with its "sugary" fruit and sweetness, but can please with the juicy vein and the robust tannin as well as the fine acidity and lets the wood resonate skilfully in the background." Weinwisser

"From a vineyard 420 metres above sea level: profound bouquet of red berries, lilacs and herbs; juicy on the palate, beautifully polished, supple tannins and crisp acidity, fruity and spicy finish. Successful." Vinum

"Medium ruby red with first orange-coloured reflections. A little dusty, probably from the oak, with shy, fragrant raspberry fruit underneath. With aeration, the nose becomes finer and more concentrated, with a hint of iron. The palate is elegant and delicate, with plenty of freshness." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Sessina 2019 comes from a one-hectare parcel with a mixture of clay and rock. Cured meat, lavender, spices, dried herbs and sweet tobacco lend the distinctive bouquet a beguiling complexity. The 2019 has a medium body, remarkable structural depth and the necessary structure to age." Vinous

"Sessina is a 5.5-hectare, south-facing vineyard on Macigno (sandstone soil), but with a limestone vein running through it. It shines in the fresh 2019 vintage - it is the best bottling of this wine that I have tasted. It has a lively aroma of mint, sage and a hint of chocolate. The dark plum core is ripe yet crisp, with tannins that are gently textured and grip in all the right places. Refined and elegant, but not without depth, it offers a tantalising interplay of warm Mediterranean balsamic notes with cooler forest tones. Delicious." Decanter

"Polished and pretty nose of dried flowers, cloves, mocha, dried cherries and chocolate orange. It is medium-bodied with firm tannins. Beautiful freshness and balance, with a long and elegant finish." James Suckling

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna di Sessina is a true beauty, offering elegance and power in two ways in this vintage. There are plenty of black fruit flavours that delicately fade into crushed stone, spices and grilled herbs. The winery opts for fermentation in cement and rapid ageing in oak for about a year. These steps ensure intact primary aromas and the wine is characterised by energy and lively flavours." Wine Advocate

"With aromas and flavours of strawberries, cherries, roses and minerals, this pretty red wine is firmly structured and closes tightly on the finish. Nevertheless, it is very fruity and has a very long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

The extremely complex Barbera d'Asti La Crena comes from vines up to 90 years old in the heart of the Nizza Monferrato region and smells of ripe red fruits, hay and pastries. The full-bodied, warm taste lingers long with plenty of dark fruit, well-proportioned acidity and fine cocoa tones. SUPERIORE.DE

"Barbera from Asti is noticeably different from Barbera from Alba. You will recognize Asti for the brighter aromas, the tart fruit flavors and the freshness. The Vietti 2020 Barbera d'Asti La Crena makes this point with lifted aromas of sour cherry, unripe plum and pomegranate seed. The wine remains juicy and very fruit-forward, but the high tones are given more prominence here." Wine Advocate

"Notes of candied dark berries, chocolate, roasted spices and burnt orange peel. Full-bodied and intense with a toasted, chocolaty character. The juicy fruit is supported by a bed of broad but soft tannins. Long finish." James Suckling

"The Barbera d'Asti La Crena 2020 is soft and lush from the start. In this vintage, the La Crena is particularly forward and fruit-driven. The 2020 needs at least a couple of years to fully develop the classic aromas and flavours of La Crena. Hints of gravel, crushed rock and dried herbs hint at what is to come. La Crena usually blossoms with time in the bottle. I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case here too." Vinous

Only a few thousand bottles of this private collection exist. Impressive, dynamic and radiant. Aromas of dark berries, cloves, menthol, tar, liquorice, herbs and grilled meat, the wood tones very restrained. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Isole e Olena 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata boasts luscious dark concentration with black fruit, grilled herb, crushed stone and sweet crème de cassis. Those bold flavors are followed by a 15% alcohol content that is gracefully integrated here. This is another long-term proposition for your cellar." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata is another stellar wine in this range from Isole e Olena and Paolo De Marchi. Still pretty tightly wound, the 2018 is going to need at least a few years to fully unwind. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, mocha and espresso are some of the many aromas and flavors that start to open with a bit of aeration. The Isole Cabernet has a brilliant track record of aging. I expect the 2018 will one day take its place among the very finest editions." Vinous

"Lots of blackcurrants and currant bush with some graphite and black ink on the nose. Full-bodied with a chewy and polished tannin backbone and lots of blue fruit and stones in the finish. Sandalwood and violets, too. Great structure at the end. Give this time to soften. Try after 2025, but will age for a long time." James Suckling