Falstaff - West Coast Tuscany

Grottolo Rosato has a rich pink colour, a delicate red winey bouquet and a juicy taste of wild berries and peach with a pleasantly balanced acidity. Spicy and fresh, compact, with a remarkably fresh flavour on the palate and a beautiful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of Sangiovese with plenty of Ciliegiolo and Montepulciano, tinged with roses and fresh raspberries; creamy in the mouth, the acidity accompanies the evolution into a lingering berry-floral final." Vinum

"Bright, luminous old rose colour. Pleasant aroma of raspberry, wild strawberry and cherry. Fresh on the palate with pleasantly noticeable tannins and a medium, fruity finish." Falstaff

"It is bright and red-fruited with notes of sour cherries, pomegranate peel and flowers. Medium-bodied, supple and structured, with a refreshing, citrusy finish." James Suckling

Classic Vermentino from the Montecucco region: intensely floral, fruity bouquet with clear notes of hawthorn, green apple, grapefruit and white peach. Fresh and juicy on the palate, the elegant acidity opens up a beautiful fan, then salty notes in the well-proportioned final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Convinces with its refreshing bouquet of elderflower and pineapple; classic style, fine Mediterranean flavour, beautiful polish, balanced through to the animating finish." Vinum

"Bright straw yellow colour with brightening edges. Pleasant aroma of quince, apple and citrus fruit on the nose. Crisp and juicy on the palate with fine fruit flavours and a medium finish." Falstaff

"Fern and sage-like, restrained herbaceous character with mirabelle plum fruit. Light body with crisp acidity and a silky texture. Spicy, very well integrated and persistent." James Suckling

Wonderfully balanced and delicious rosato: silky, with beautiful wild berry fruit and a beguiling harmony - Cassiopea is an ideal aperitif and, with its slightly salty note, goes perfectly with light fish and vegetable dishes and bruschetta. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light salmon pink with onion-coloured nuances. Grapefruit and orange zest on the nose, underpinned by fine herbal spice. Lively acidity and pleasant juiciness on the palate with a slightly salty finish." Falstaff

"Pale golden pink. Bursting at the seams with juicy tangerine, watermelon, salty grapefruit, crisp nectarine and bursting with energy and fresh fruit. Beautiful long backbone of cold chalk. Great structure. Really, really good. Super-appetising." Jancis Robinson

"Refreshing, red-fruited character with notes of raspberries, nectarines and a hint of cherry blossom. Medium-bodied, crisp and crunchy with good length and intensity. Well made and focused." James Suckling

Bright yellow organic Vermentino with a small proportion of Grechetto. The idea came from Maurizio Castelli, who also advises the Barberani winery in Umbria. Maurizio Castelli creates this marvellous white wine from the Tuscan coast from a traditional, local blend based on a historical model and always picks the grapes quite late. The nose has a bright aroma of apple, pear, flint and a certain exoticism. Complex and full on the palate, the rich flavour is accompanied by an invigorating, fresh acidity right through to the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense straw yellow colour. Pleasant aroma of ripe fruit, honey and wild herbs on the nose. Fine acidity on the palate, firm structure, great citrus notes and final lingering final." Falstaff

"This wine is waxy and citrusy with notes of dried lemons, savoury herbs and hints of tropical fruit and caramel. Juicy and racy with a medium body. Firm and a little phenolic, with crisp, energetic acidity." James Suckling

Occhione is a racy, fresh cuvée made from 90% Vermentino and 10% Viognier. Bright light yellow in colour with greenish reflections. Fine notes of peach, mango and grapefruit on the nose, medium-bodied on the palate with floral, fruity notes and well-balanced acidity. Overall, a lively and elegant wine that not only goes perfectly with fine Mediterranean fish dishes, but also brings the typical Maremma maquis into the glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with silver-grey tendencies. Fresh nose of crisp apple, citrus fruit and warm grass. Full-bodied on the palate, with concentrated fruit at the core, animating acidity and a lovely persistent finish." Falstaff

Pure Cabernet Sauvignon from Barbara Widmer's Maremma estate. Deep, dark ruby red in colour, with an animating aroma of dark berries, coffee, cocoa, eucalyptus and spices on the nose. Notes of green pepper, fine sweetness and juiciness on the palate. The tannins are polished and pave the way for a long, racy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, very dense ruby colour with a light sheen. Open nose with black cherry, plum jam, followed by some undergrowth and leather. Full-bodied palate, wide-ranging acidity, taut tannins. Good palate pressure with tension, retronasal sour cherry, long-lasting, slightly acidic finish." Falstaff

"This wine is very pure and delicious, with notes of dark and blue fruits, crushed stones and spice box. Medium-bodied with firm but very fine tannins and a juicy mid-palate. Already very attractive. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"The 2022 No. 2 is packed with blackberries, chocolate, cloves, liquorice and espresso. This friendly, racy Maremma red wine has a lot of appeal to offer. Soft contours round it off. " Vinous

Rich bouquet of sweet red berries, balsamic notes, fine flavours of tobacco and chocolate. Very harmonious on the palate of dark cherries, flatteringly full flavour, perfectly balanced tannins, fresh acidity and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable ruby red with violet reflections. Pickled plum and amarena on the nose, followed by mocha, clove and tobacco. Balanced on the palate with velvety tannins and lively flavour, long-lasting." Falstaff

"The 2022 Le Volte dell’Ornellaia is a tasty Sangiovese-based blend. Crushed flowers, plum, cinnamon, leather and spice are front and center. Plump and inviting, with lovely forward fruit, Le Volte is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years." Vinous

"A fresh, expressive red that also shows tension and adds energy to its blackcurrant, cherry, liquorice and cedar flavours. Graphite and savoury accents add detail on the long, tightly wound finish." Wine Spectator

"Very aromatic, with flavours of raspberries, orange peel and flowers. Beautiful transparency. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Drinkable now, but better from 2026." James Suckling

40 years after acquiring the Montalcino branch Campogiovanni, the Tuscan flagship winery San Felice, which belongs to the Allianz insurance group, has decided on a further expansion called Bell'Aja. In the Bolgheri locality of Le Sondraie, 6 hectares of vineyards with clayey-sandy soils were selected, where mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were planted over 12 years ago. There are only two wines from this new Bell'Aja appellation, Bolgheri Rosso and Bolgheri Rosso Superiore.

Bright purple in colour, the bouquet is full of dark forest berries. The palate is then full of harmony with a delicate acidity and soft, very enveloping tannins. A warm, flattering red with a profile that fully lives up to its noble origins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby colour with purple hues. Intense on the nose, with notes of blackberries and blueberries, dark chocolate, leather and cedar. Powerful and gripping on the palate, with compact fruit, tightly woven tannins and a lingering finish." Falstaff

"A fruity red wine with aromas and flavours of plums, redcurrants and tobacco. A hint of walnuts. It is medium-bodied, creamy and balanced. Excellent drinkability." James Suckling

Lots of fullness and personality in the elegant aroma of lush fruit with spicy, toasty accents, notes of cherry, plum, herbs and undergrowth. The flavour is rich in contrast and full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins, well-balanced acidity and a fruity, berry finish. This powerful Morellino Riserva still needs some time to show its best side. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry red with a ruby red centre. Intense aroma of violets, raspberries and strawberries, reminiscent of mandarin mint on the finish. Spans the palate with gentle pressure, showing juicy berry fruit and fine herbal notes, with a beautiful acidity and fine tannins on the final." Falstaff

"Promising raspberry bouquet, fine spice and violet notes; flawlessly built with tightly woven tannins, invigorating acidity, finishes on flavours of forest fruits and spices. With game birds." Vinum

A convincing and racy cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, as well as small parts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot with a marvellous bouquet of dark cherries, leather, mocha and lavender. Multi-layered and powerful on the palate with a cornucopia of spice and dark fruit. Well-structured tannins flank the extremely flavourful and expressive finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark, ruby-red centre with a delicate rim. Initially shows earthy notes on the nose, then cassis, plum and toasted wood. Full-bodied fruit on the palate with velvety tannins, balanced and persistent through to the juicy finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Il Bruciato is a fine entry-level offering from Antinori's Guado al Tasso property. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, licorice, cloves and espresso are front and center. This juicy, lush red is classic Bolgheri." Vinous

"Smooth and expressive, with aromas of blackcurrants, black cherries and blackberries as well as hints of liquorice, iron and rosemary. This red wine is taut, with firm tannins that give it a compact finish." Wine Spectator

"The popular Marchesi Antinori 2022 Bolgheri Rosso Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that offers generous black fruit, plum, black prune, spice and light toasty flavours. On the palate, the wine tapers to a medium-weight texture. This hot vintage reveals ripe fruit characteristics with soft tannins and an approachable style." Wine Advocate

The elegant blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot surprises with its aroma full of purity and intensely aromatic fruit flavour. Elegance and finesse trump muscle in Turpino, a wine that is always light on its feet. Fermentation in wooden barrels and ageing in barriques lend the spicy, balsamic notes of the grape blend a softness, a fine frame and a beguilingly long finish on the palate. With its tangy acidity balancing the ripe fruit, Turpino manages to be generous and restrained at the same time, making it a great accompaniment to Mediterranean meat dishes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, dark ruby red colour. Captivating nose with aromas of black cherry, tobacco and ebony, also some iodine. On the palate, with a good length, young but fine tannins, lots of chocolate, still needs time, lots of potential." Falstaff

"Infused with plum, cherry and blackberry fruit, this well-balanced red wine is soft in texture. Hints of Mediterranean scrub, iron, earth and tobacco complete the flavour profile. The finish is fresh and long." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black liquorice and aniseed with blackberries and blueberries. Medium-bodied with very refined and polished tannins that run the length of the wine. Crisp, firm and juicy. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot. Needs time to mellow, but is very nice." James Suckling

"The Turpino 2020, which I tasted from the barrel last year, has developed wonderfully. The 2020 is rich, multi-layered and expansive and captivates from the very first sip. The blend of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot is very well done. The Syrah contains some whole bunches (50%), another good choice that works very well. All the elements are very harmonious. This is another fabulous wine from Querciabella." Vinous

Poggio Valente comes from a single vineyard of the same name at an altitude of around 300 metres. Opulent floral and small-fruited Sangiovese nose with optimally nuanced hints of tobacco, cedar and mint. Precise on the palate with plenty of pressure and power, then towards the end the furious resolution of all the well-dosed components in a fine, silky texture and an unforgettable, long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderfully clear red-fruity bouquet with cherries, wild berries and wonderful floral (lavender, roses) and spicy notes. Still very delicate, but juicy and elegant as well as precisely woven with a lively style, lives from the red berry fruit, the fine tannin riff and the wonderfully ethereal freshness with wonderful liquorice notes on the final." Weinwisser

"Brilliant, medium ruby colour with reflections. Initially delicate and subtle on the nose, with a little oxygen the wine opens up with aromas of black cherries and cedar wood. Elegant fruity sweetness on the palate, with fine tannins and a beautiful tension to the final." Falstaff

"Pure Sangiovese from the coast, also animating in this vintage: notes of forest fruits, blackberries, pepper and violets in the multi-faceted bouquet; precise construction with perfectly integrated, well-built tannins and vivid acidity, combining polish and length." Vinum

"The 2021 is ripe and silky, showing an intensity of soft, creamy red fruits with a lovely mineral note. Pure, balanced and precise, it is not quite as vertical as some of its predecessors, but instead has an appealing roundness." Decanter

"Ripe flavours of plum, black cherry and blackberry accentuate this dense red wine, whose lively structure conveys an energetic feel. Notes of earth, iron, eucalyptus and spice add complexity on the finish, with an aftertaste of fruit, wild undergrowth and spice." Wine Spectator

"This pure Sangiovese wine is celebrating its 25th anniversary. I was told that it is made according to a Burgundian model. The Fattoria le Pupille 2021 Poggio Valente offers good fruit concentration, freshness and an open character. It has a lot of character of red fruits, iris, blue flowers and earth, and the tannins are present, albeit powdery." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Poggio Valente is fabulous. I can’t remember tasting a Poggio Valente with this much finesse. Rose petal, spice and red cherry fruit open in an effusive bouquet that is immediately appealing. Silky, medium in body and gracious, with finesse to burn, the 2021 shows what is possible within the appellation. I love its total class." Vinous

"Aromas of cherries, chocolate and walnuts. Some undertones of lavender and rose petals. Medium-bodied, with superfine tannins and notes of chocolate and vanilla. Give it time to open up." James Suckling

With Cifra, star oenologist Luca D'Attoma has vinified a wonderfully agile and elegant Cabernet Franc. Dark ruby purple in colour, with a deep aroma and notes of blackberries and liquorice. Rich fruit on the palate with firm tannins and a mineral final. A delight from the Tuscan coast from biodynamic (Demeter) cultivation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Gently shimmering ruby red colour. Dark and deep on the nose, of blackcurrant, blackberry, also smoky, with a hint of cinnamon. Velvety texture on the palate with concentrated fruit on tightly woven tannins right into the long finish." Falstaff

"A fresh and delicious Cabernet Franc with blackcurrant and notes of lemon blossom and light stones. It is medium-bodied and crisp with a delicious and energetic finish." James Suckling

Piastraia fully lives up to the classic image of a great and delicate Bolgheri Rosso Superiore. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller portions of Merlot and Sangiovese, it fills the glass with its intense aroma of fruit and a hint of leather flavours. The flavour is powerful, concentrated and pure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising bouquet of blueberries and cherries, also sandalwood, liquorice and flowers; the tannins are powdery, the acidity skilfully integrated, combines race, juiciness and a lot of melting and at the same time not at all pretentious, but very drinkable." Vinum

"Dark and full ruby colour. Open, elegant bouquet of blackberry, underlaid with spicy notes of liquorice, leather and undergrowth. Powerful on the palate, round, juicy and easy to drink. The tannins are well integrated, retronasal black cherry and chocolate, long final." Falstaff

"A firm and compact red wine that shows walnuts, dried herbs, loam, black fruit and cedar on the nose. It is full-bodied, polished and compact, with firm but fine-grained tannins. Roasted walnut notes on the long finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Piastraia is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. It's a great example of where the house style is heading under the direction of Giacomo Satta. Syrah is gone from the blend, and yet the wine offers plenty of textural depth and energy. Dark red cherry, spice, new leather, rose petal and dried flowers open gradually in the glass. This is beautifully done." Vinous

"The core flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry and pomegranate are overlaid with notes of mint, violet, iron and toasted oak. This red wine is dense and rich, with a matrix of polished tannins in support. The balance and finish are outstanding." Wine Spectator

Here comes a great and completely underrated wine from the Tuscan coastal region. Tenuta Belguardo Riserva is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, with 70% of the wine aged for 18 months in new French oak. It is matured in cement barrels before being bottled. The bouquet is broad with dark fruits, spices and toasted oak that are well integrated and elegant. Fresh on the palate with still young but fine tannins, it opens up very well, with elegant, precise fruit and plenty of potential. Everything hits the right note here! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark shimmering ruby colour at the core, fine rim. Elegant and multi-layered nose of dark chocolate, ripe blackberries, coffee and a touch of sealing wax. Spans the palate with a velvety texture, firm tannins, concentrated fruit and a round, long finish." Falstaff

"Sweet vanilla oak and rich blueberry fruit with herbal notes, juicy and powerful with woody notes and length." Decanter

"A perfect balance between freshness and ripeness with aromas of cassis, tobacco, pencil shavings, dark cherries and black olives on the nose. It is juicy and medium to full-bodied with fresh tannins and a long, fruit-driven finish adorned with some fine spices." James Suckling

Prima Pietra is the flagship wine of the small Maremma branch of Castiglion del Bosco. The grapes come from what is probably the highest vineyard site on the Costa Toscana, 450 metres above sea level. Bright ruby red in colour with violet hues. Inviting spicy notes on the nose, finely characterised, with lots of dark berries and some dark chocolate, very profound. Full of tension on the palate, shows good density, with lots of fine-meshed tannins, polished, but also juicy, present fruit. Very precise progression into the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark, ruby-red centre with a delicate rim. Deep and seductive nose of dark chocolate, blackberry compote and cherry jam, on ebony. Polished attack, with precise fruit, on a tightly woven tannin structure, harmonious and persistent." Falstaff

Dark ruby purple in colour, with a blackcurrant aroma and an excellent length, firm tannins, fine extract sweetness and a pronounced spicy note on the final. We are excited to see what elegant heights this great Tuscan Merlot will reach in the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, ruby-red core, with a brightening rim. Dark, fleshy fruit on the nose of blackberry, black cherry, on ebony, pipe tobacco, juniper. Soft and creamy on the palate, juicy fruit coated in chocolate, firm tannins, long finish." Falstaff

"The 2022 Cont'Ugo, offers terrific freshness, especially for the year. There's a bit of edginess in the tannin from the challenges of the growing season. Even so, what comes through most is the move toward greater vibrancy in the wines." Vinous

"This is a wonderfully polished and creamy red wine. Notes of chocolate biscuits, dark plums, cloves and dark cherries on the nose, as well as some graphite, followed by a full-bodied, lush and supple palate." James Suckling

"This red wine is decidedly fruity with aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, plums, liquorice, cedar wood and oak spices. A smooth version with excellent balance and a long aftertaste. Shows just enough grip to give it weight." Wine Spectator

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

"The Guidalberto is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and has its own vines, some of which are inside and some outside the Sassicaia DOC. A very subtle wine with ripe, charming fruit and a velvety texture. It is more elegant and refined than before." Weinwisser

"Gently shining ruby red colour. Multi-layered bouquet, opens on ripe wild berries, redcurrant, notes of juniper, cedar and black pepper, a touch of lilac. Silky attack, precise fruit on very well-integrated, fine tannins, elegant and with gentle pressure in the long final." Falstaff

"The 2022 is full of aromas of herbs and sea breeze amid bright, tangy berries. In the mouth, it is savoury and precise, with a juiciness to the concentrated core of plums and black berries and a gracefulness to the tannin and acidity structures that weave through it. Juicy and incredibly flavoursome, with a wonderfully ripe red berry finish, this wine really stands on its own two feet." Decanter

"Lots of mint with sage and fresh rosemary to go with the redcurrants and oranges on the nose, as well as some ripe raspberries. The palate is very refined with creamy and crisp tannins that run the length of the wine. It shows a crisp and energetic personality. It should be given another year or two to develop, but it is already very good for the vintage." James Suckling

"The Guidalberto 2022 gives you a good taste of the same DNA that gives us one of Italy's greatest wines, Sassicaia, but it is offered here in a more immediate style. This warm vintage opens with a medium-dark concentration and very powerful aromas that immediately remind you of blackberries and blackcurrants lying in the sun at the farmers' market. The wine shows a soft and gentle side with a nice level of elegance conveyed by the freshness of the fruit and the slight oak spice that is noticeable here, but with grace." Wine Advocate

"This red wine is elegant, despite its firm structure and dense tannins. The flavours of black cherry, blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, iron and rosemary hold court, with all components balanced. The finish is long, with a salty flavour." Wine Spectator

Poggio Alle Gazze is a very elegant Sauvignon Blanc with a large amount of Vermentino and small amounts of Viognier, Verdicchio and Semillon. Fabulous flavours of flowers, pineapple, peach and a little mint. Refined and expressive on the palate, well-structured and wonderfully long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium straw yellow with light golden reflections. Intense and present on the nose of elderflower, sage, citrus and pineapple. Juicy and full-bodied on the palate with beautiful freshness, present fruit, slightly salty notes and good tension." Falstaff

"The 2022 Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia, composed of 53% Sauvignon Blanc, 37% Vermentino, 6% Viognier, 2% Verdicchio and 2% Semillon, is fragrant and fresh with aromas of lemongrass, sweet sage, honey and green apple floating high in the glass. Pretty mineral notes of flint and gravel round it off. A tart, beautifully drinkable white wine." Wine Advocate

"Expressive aromas and flavours of elderflower, passion fruit, gooseberry and chives combine with the silky texture of this balanced and seamless white wine, which has floral and grapefruit accents on the finish. Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia is a very pretty, harmonious white. Soft contours wrap around a core of lemon peel, sage, tomato leaf, mint and varietal Sauvignon notes. Airy and impeccable in its balance, the Poggio alle Gazze is a winner." Vinous

"Lots of sliced grapefruit with lemon peel and aniseed. Medium body. Lively. Shows beautiful brightness." James Suckling

L'Alberello is a beautiful Rosso 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. 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

"Previously a Bolgheri Superiore, now a Toscana IGT, the timeless style has not changed: A cosy bouquet of chocolate, herbs and undergrowth, including pepper; juicy in the mouth, robust tannins, the acidity perfectly integrated, beautiful smoothness and polish, elegant final. Convincing." Vinum

"Dark ruby red with purple reflections. Dense, spicy bouquet of blackcurrant, tomato leaf and red pepper, backed by precious wood and a touch of graphite. Very juicy and with ripe fruit in the centre, very present on the palate, with firm tannins and a lingering, fruit-driven finish." Falstaff

"This red wine is concentrated but overall elegant, with flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, herbs and iron accompanied by lively acidity. Assertive, dusty tannins line the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Bolgheri Superiore L’Alberello is deep and beautifully layered in the glass. Dark-toned fruit, scorched earth, tobacco, cedar and spice all run through this powerhouse Bolgheri red. The 2021 can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring, but a few years in bottle should help soften the formidable tannins. This is impressive juice." Vinous

"A precise and powerful young red wine with flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, sandalwood and lavender leading to an extremely pure and polished palate that is quite endless on the finish. Lots of energy here." James Suckling

Rich bouquet of sweet red berries, balsamic notes, fine flavours of tobacco and chocolate. Very harmonious on the palate of dark cherries, flatteringly full flavour, perfectly balanced tannins, fresh acidity and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable ruby red with violet reflections. Pickled plum and amarena on the nose, followed by mocha, clove and tobacco. Balanced on the palate with velvety tannins and lively flavour, long-lasting." Falstaff

"The 2022 Le Volte dell’Ornellaia is a tasty Sangiovese-based blend. Crushed flowers, plum, cinnamon, leather and spice are front and center. Plump and inviting, with lovely forward fruit, Le Volte is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years." Vinous

"A fresh, expressive red that also shows tension and adds energy to its blackcurrant, cherry, liquorice and cedar flavours. Graphite and savoury accents add detail on the long, tightly wound finish." Wine Spectator

"Very aromatic, with flavours of raspberries, orange peel and flowers. Beautiful transparency. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Drinkable now, but better from 2026." James Suckling

40 years after acquiring the Montalcino branch Campogiovanni, the Tuscan flagship winery San Felice, which belongs to the Allianz insurance group, has decided on a further expansion called Bell'Aja. In the Bolgheri locality of Le Sondraie, 6 hectares of vineyards with clayey-sandy soils were selected, where mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were planted over 12 years ago. There are only two wines from this new Bell'Aja appellation, Bolgheri Rosso and Bolgheri Rosso Superiore.

Rich ruby-garnet colour with a rusty-brown rim. Opens on the nose with delicate, ripe plums, dried blackberries, some cassis, then dark chocolate. Spans a wide arc on the palate with plenty of juice and volume, carried by fine, ripe tannins. Powerful as it progresses, with notes of bitter almond on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multifaceted perfume of cherries, eucalyptus and pepper, also fine macchia spice; polished in the mouth, the acidity lively and in harmony with the tannins, the final ripe and plummy with balsamic components." Vinum

"Bright, elegant ruby red colour. Hints of sealing wax on the nose at the beginning, then opens up to rich berry fruit, strawberry jam, blackcurrant, a hint of precious wood. Taut on the palate, with earthy tannins and clear fruit, rich in structure and somewhat alcoholic on the finish, goes well with savoury dishes." Falstaff

"Bright and fresh nose with dark cherries, blackberries and hints of chocolate, liquorice and wet stones. Also some black olives. Medium to full body with a juicy, racy mid-palate and lively acidity. Ripe and polished tannins and a lingering aftertaste. An exciting and well-formed red wine." James Suckling

"Lush and supple in texture, but with lively acidity and finely crafted tannins, this red wine displays aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, plum, vanilla, coffee, iron and wild herbs. Powerful yet graceful, energetic and long, with a complex aftertaste that reflects fruit, mineral and oak elements." Wine Spectator

"This Superiore has a rich, concentrated and dark character, full of menthol, spiced plum, astringent chocolaty tannins, powerful cassis and a savoury undertone. Streaks of red fruit and ferrous intrigue on the mid-palate lighten the mood and finish on an herbal, minty note, but it really needs more time to develop." Decanter