Falstaff

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

"Bright, rich ruby-garnet colour. Inviting and dense nose of dried roses, wild raspberries and orange peel, plus liquorice and truffles. Hearty and gripping on the palate, dense tannins in many layers, coated in sweet enamel, earthy notes in the final, dense substance, made for a long life." Falstaff

"The Ornato is deep and earthy, with a layer of sous-bois flavours underneath spicy hedgerow berries. It's framed by powerful wood, and although it has that serralunga tannin structure, they're quite silky. It's intense, but a wine that makes you think and doesn't give everything away from the start. The cherry and blackberry fruits have a gentle sweetness, and the finish is fine and savoury, with notes of wild herbs, spice and graphite. Give this wine a few years in the bottle to experience it at its best." Decanter

"This Barolo from the Ornato vineyard offers tantalising aromas of ripe black cherries, cinnamon cake, candied blood orange peel and a hint of fresh bay leaf. The palate is exceptionally balanced, with a precise, linear structure that presents flavours of juicy blackberries, dark chocolate and a hint of vanilla. The wine's impressive length and depth are evident in the long, satisfying finish." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine is firm and tightly wound, with thick, refined tannins that set the stage for cherry, eucalyptus, tobacco and iron flavours, while dusty, mouth-coating tannins characterise the finish. You have to be patient for the fruit to emerge." Wine Spectator

"This wine is very concentrated with lots of ripe tannins in the centre of the palate. Very velvety and finely structured with a lacy character. Medium to full body. Flavours of plums and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg in the fruit. Bitter citrus fruit flavours. Taut muscles. Sophisticated. Needs four or five years to develop." James Suckling

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barbaresco Bricco di Treiso presents itself with more power and depth than the normal Barbaresco. Dark red stone fruit, menthol, spices, leather and some cedar wood on the nose. Powerful on the palate, even at a young age, with plenty of muscle power which, together with the harmoniously balanced tannin and acidity structure, suggests a great, long life with a promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby-garnet colour. Inviting, accessible nose with notes of pomegranate, beetroot and fresh raspberry, plus some rust. Polished and fine in attack and finish, lots of raspberry, plus fine-meshed tannins, covers a wide range." Falstaff

"Offers a nice blend of fruit and floral tones, with aromas and flavours of cherry, rose, iron and eucalyptus. The dense tannins give the wine good grip, and the finish is graceful." Wine Spectator

"The wines from il Bricco are as classic as they can be and show the passion with which Pio Cesare makes wine. Aromas of dark cherry jam, stewed plums with crushed bay leaf and ground spices dominate the nose. Elegant with a fine tannin line that runs from start to finish, balancing the flavours of wild berries, black tea and savoury spices, a true tightrope act that succeeds almost perfectly. A jewel of a wine." Wine Enthusiast

"Exquisite aromas of strawberries, cherries, hibiscus and cranberries. A hint of cedar and sandalwood. Medium-bodied, with very fine tannins that run the length of the wine and blend beautifully with it. Give this wine four or six years to fully open up." James Suckling

Dark ruby purple in colour, with a blackcurrant aroma and an outstanding 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

"Rich ruby red colour. Ripe wild berries and plums on the nose, slightly spicy aftertaste, complex nose. Salty on the palate with fine-grained tannins, sweet and fruity, well-balanced, with a long final." Falstaff

"Spicy and peppery on the nose with new leather and graphite, this wine also offers wildflowers and berries. On the palate, it mirrors the nose but shows more depth, with coffee, earthiness and richer fruit. Firm but flexible tannins and healthy acidity provide the contours for a long finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Cont'Ugo, 100% Merlot, is rich, pliant and super-expressive. A blast of dark fruit, chocolate, new leather and licorice are front and center. There's a bit less of the bombastic intensity of the early years, but that's not a bad thing at all. Quite the contrary." Vinous

Pinot Noir, which originates from France, has been cultivated in South Tyrol since 1850. The best sites, low yields, meticulous care and perfectionism in the cellar guarantee a fine, extremely sensual Pinot Noir with considerable ageing potential. In his constant search for perfection, cellar master Hans Terzer presents the fourth edition of the Pinot Noir Riserva "The Wine Collection" this year.

Notes of sour cherry, redcurrant, rose petals, minty herbs and floral undergrowth. On the palate, it impresses at this youthful stage with ripe red and light blue berries, mineral underpinnings and bright acids that slowly mingle with savoury spices. A layer of fine tannin lingers and flexes the wine's structural muscles, even if the core of ripe primary fruit remains firm. With just 3,300 bottles, this is a real rarity and one of the great Pinot Noirs of South Tyrol every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Expressive and dark berry, rich nose, of forest fruits and ripe cherries, some mint, also of malt, complex, comes back on rich cherry. Great structure on the palate, with polished, tightly woven tannins and savoury acidity, plus fine precious wood, powerful, long. Can still spend some time in the bottle." Falstaff

"Opulent and inviting, with a nose of cigar box, leather and coffee, then the palate is laced with blackcurrant, cola and spice." Decanter

"The 2019 Pinot Noir Riserva The Wine Collection presents a smoky blend of wild berries, peppery herbs and flowers. It has a soft texture and a pure style, with red fruits and lavender tones layered over a core of zesty acidity. The wine finishes on a spicy note, while the savoury acidity leaves the mouth watering and a hint of liquorice slowly fades." Vinous

"A wonderful Pinot Noir from South Tyrol that shows excellent depth and complexity. Dark cherries, berries, dried roses, forest floor and dark mushrooms. On the palate, chalky tannins with fresh acidity and fruit. Juicy, firm and very long and airy on the finish." James Suckling

"This is a bright and vibrant expression of the Burgundian grape variety from Alpine Italy. Pinot Noir Riserva The Wine Collection 2019 shows bright berry fruit, candied orange peel, pressed violets and a sweeter note of rye bread or honey muesli. There is a hint of cinnamon or cardamom on the finish." Wine Advocate

Just like the paintings of winemaker and contemporary painter Sandro Chia, his single-vineyard Brunello is full of colours, textures and broad brushstrokes. At first glance, not everything fits together, but then you magically become aware of the symmetry between the elevated fruit flavours and the grounded spice and oak. The different elements of the wine come together harmoniously. Thanks to its gently integrated tannins, it also shows great versatility in terms of its drinking window. Filo di Seta matures for 30 months in oak and represents an ideal link between the top 2019 vintage and its terroir. Great Brunello cinema! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, spicy, elegant bouquet with dark cherry and floral-spicy notes, tobacco, cedar. Juicy, compact palate, very classic flavour that needs to mature." Weinwisser

"Complex nose of ripe stone fruit and flowers, spice and black pepper; balanced texture, mature acidity, compact final with flavour, juice and length. Convinces with its characterful, elegant style." Vinum

"Rich, bright ruby red colour. Initially somewhat restrained on the nose, then fine plum and lots of blackberry, some molasses and tar. Great fullness on the palate, lots of rich, dark fruit, fills the mouth plumply, paired with present tannin in many layers, lingers for a long time." Falstaff

"A precise style that displays flavours of cherries, blackberries, violets, wild herbs and stony minerals. Underlined by a firm, harmonious structure that provides an excellent overall balance. Long finish with strong fruit lingering in the aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Black cherries, plums and floral notes with a subtle, underlying citrus character. Full-bodied and structured. Powerful yet fine-grained tannins. Healthy and lively. Persistent length and depth. Give it more time to mellow." James Suckling

"Historic vineyards in the north-west quadrant of Montalcino, red cherry on the nose, a hint of peony, then grapefruit. Mouthfeel with juicy tannins. Closes with a return of red cherry and citrus, very persistent." Luca Gardini

"Delicate aromas of eucalyptus, tobacco, melted dark chocolate and blackberries provide a seductive overture. The palate follows with beautiful fruit clarity, bringing pressed flowers and a mineral, energetic sensation of crystallised rock. The wine is full-bodied and graceful, with polished tannins and a generous concentration that will allow it to age for a long time." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta seduces the imagination with a burst of mentholated herbs that give way to sweet violet flowers, crushed blackberries and mint. This wine has a deep, almost creamy texture with a core of vibrant acidity that floods the palate with a wave of ripe red and blue fruits. Minerality emerges on the finish, mingling with edgy tannins, tart cranberries and oranges, leaving the mouth wanting more. This truly seductive version of Filo di Seta is sure to win many hearts. Even if it is more accessible at first, the balance of this wine guarantees a long and beautiful evolution over time." Vinous

"The Castello Romitorio 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta reaches a whole other level of intensity and brilliance with dark fruits, blackberries, an etched minerality, petrichor and wet slate giving this wine an incredibly etched and vibrant presentation. The tannins are velvety and perfectly match the generous texture of this beautiful Sangiovese. Only later do you notice the delicate tones of violet flowers and iris roots that give this wine such an elegant finish. This wine needs to stay in the cellar." Wine Advocate

The Morellino Riserva has a ripe and intense nose of black fruits, raspberries and notes of violets. Wonderful texture on the palate, beautiful fruit, very harmonious flavour. An extremely elegant wine, with lovely tannins and a final that combines freshness and depth. Very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Multifaceted nose, raspberry-scented with balsamic nuances; linear on the palate, perfectly integrated compact tannins, the acidity lively, then again a beautiful persistent fruit." Vinum

"Notes of tomato leaf, eucalyptus and laurel mingle with flavours of plum, blackberry and iron in this dense, powerful red wine. A beam of acidity drives the savoury finish, with a firm grip of tannins." Wine Spectator

"This wine is very straightforward and dense with a fine and slightly muscular structure that extends over the entire length of the wine and continues to progress. Medium-bodied, fresh and lively. Firm, structured, cool and long." James Suckling

Cepparello is one of the great varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Brilliant ruby red colour. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed, enveloping flavour, which provides a perfectly measured acidity framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and full of finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Opens with fine spicy notes, some cinnamon, then plums and chocolate. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, crisp and fresh, fine tannins, very long-lasting, supple and juicy on the palate." Falstaff

"Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Also dried orange peel and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, taut and consistent with fine-grained, slightly chalky tannins. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026." James Suckling

"Expressive and lush from the start, this red wine displays aromas and flavours of cherries, strawberries, roses, orange peel, minerals and Tuscan herbs." Wine Spectator

"The Cepparello 2020 is soft and supple and elevates the Sangiovese in a way that only Paolo De Marchi can. This is his penultimate vintage before he retires and sells this historic winery. The wine opens with a medium to full concentration of dark plums and redcurrants. These segue into sweet spices, earth, crushed stone, rusty nails and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to develop in the cellar. It has a strong alcohol content of 15%." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Cepparello is a total stunner, just as it was last year. Deeply colored, layered and explosive in the glass, the 2020 possesses striking textural richness and overall intensity. Black cherry, graphite, plum, spice and lavender flesh out effortlessly. There's tremendous pedigree and sheer stature here. Cepparello is surely one of the wines of the year." Vinous

If there is one thing that Giacomo Neri has mastered 100%, it is harvesting at the optimum ripening time. He knows his estate and his vines better than most and it shows. The fruit for Tenuta Nuova is harvested from a south and south-east facing slope at 250 to 300 metres above sea level. The soils are loose and mixed with gravel, which allows access to air and moisture.

The flavours of Tenuta Nuova 2019 flow with seamless transitions, and this fluid and ever-changing nature of the bouquet helps to develop intensity and persistence. In the beautifully drawn bouquet, blackberry, plum and summer cherry merge into lingering flavours of spice, leather and herbs. These are always an unmistakable feature of this winery's Brunello and develop steadily with further aeration. The palate reveals a great structure with mineral accents, a fine orange peel flavour, present fruit and numerous spicy components. This wine is a bit like an iron fist in a velvet glove - but with much more velvet glove than iron fist. The finish is long and, as so often with Neri, invigoratingly salty with an undertone of oyster shells. Great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, deeply layered bouquet, wide-ranging with dark red flavours, wow, it's captivating. The palate is also complex and multi-layered with earthy, truffled nuances, very territorial, firm structure, penetrating acidity, firm tannic grip, a wine for the ages. The single vineyard Tenuta Nuova is once again one of the best in the tasting. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Dark ruby red with light violet reflections. Complex on the nose, iron, dark cherry fruit, rich plum, some lovage. On the palate with lots of salt and juice, complex, comes in many layers, with tightly woven tannins, powerful and with full splendour, keeps coming back, big." Falstaff

"Black cherries with violets and other flowers on the nose. Full-bodied with powerful tannins and a juicy finish. Needs time to mellow." James Suckling

"The fruit profile of this red wine is ripe, with flavours of boysenberries, cherries and raspberries, with nuances of earth, iron and tobacco. More linear than square, with a steely line of acidity and tannins in support. Although balanced, it is compact for the moment and has a nice length." Wine Spectator

"In my opinion, this is the wine that best represents the Casanova di Neri style. With 30 months of ageing, it shows enormous richness and texture, and the outstanding fruit quality appears with more primary elegance compared to the more expensive Cerretalto. This dynamic is particularly pronounced in the comparison between the 2019 and 2018 vintages. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova has a dark vein of roasted spices, black fruits, ink, blackberry compote, liquorice and star anise. Dark as night, it is exceptionally well-crafted with a robust delivery of concentrated fruit and solid tannin structure. It has excellent cellaring potential." Wine Advocate

"Notes of cherries and pepper leaves, with a hint of iodine. Opens juicy and taut on the palate, then expands in breadth and depth. Salty, juicy tannins and an officinal trace mark the finish is deep, big drink and long persistence." Luca Gardini

Podernovi is San Polo's great single-vineyard Brunello. Ruby red colour with light garnet reflections. On the nose, floral aromas of violets, cyclamen and jasmine, notes of fresh fruit and spicy notes. In the mouth, round, full of harmony and with a good structure and acidity, as well as very soft tannins that show excellent persistence overall. A wine of almost endless length, depth and with a distinct character that lingers in the memory. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex bouquet of cherries, leather and dried flowers; harmonious texture, acidity and tannins in balance, long polished final. To wild boar with polenta." Vinum

"Powerful ruby with a fine garnet rim. Opens with notes of mint and ginger, juicy cherry, a little resinous in the background. Dense and compact on the palate, shows lots of fresh, red berry fruit, gripping tannin." Falstaff

"Aromas of forest floor, grilled herb, camphor and pipe tobacco mingle on the nose of this full-bodied red. The firm, elegantly structured palate offers juicy Marasca cherry, red currant, licorice and coffee bean. Tightly wound, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity grip the close and lend an ageworthy structure." Wine Enthusiast

"A tight, chewy red with plums and berries, together with orange-peel and dried-flower undertones. It's full with fine tannins and a long, floral finish. Very reserved now." James Suckling

"A mix of wild herb, Tuscan scrub, rose, cherry and earth flavors mark this sleek red, which tiptoes between elegance and power, with a layer of chalky tannins underlying it all. With air, the ripe cherry and plum fruit comes forward." Wine Spectator

"Delicately perfumed and finessed, the San Polo 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Podernovi is very floral and lifted in personality. This vintage is very different than the inaugural 2015 vintage. I remember the previous release for its darker and blacker quality of fruit. This cooler vintage is more lithe and lighthearted, with building aromatic intensity that unfolds with caution and care. Once you've had the wine in your glass, it reveals a succession of sour cherry, wild rose and fresh lavender bud. There are light mineral dustings as well, and the wine is ultimately quite solid and structured. This bodes well for its aging evolution. Fruit comes from a two-hectare parcel in a cool and high position some 450 meters above sea level. The soils are clayey with schistous Galestro." Wine Advocate

Lisini's vineyards are located between Sant'Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the inner edge of the Sesta area and are cleansed by the constant breeze from the Tuscan coast. The stony soils with a significant proportion of limestone and the altitude of over 300 metres help to maintain the freshness of the wines.

Carlo Lisini Baldi's Brunello di Montalcino 2019 opens with dark concentration and extraction. The initial nose reveals floral aromas of pressed roses and violets, then after a few minutes in the glass the wine offers a complex potpourri of dark cherries, dried blackberries, Indian spices, teriyaki sauce, crushed rocks and a subtle note of liquorice. It clearly draws its personality from equal parts elegance and power. Extremely soft and supple on the palate, it delivers beautiful end notes of dusty minerals and some clay alongside its plump fruit. This delicious wine can't help but move forward. SUPERIORE.DE

"After a little aeration, a pleasant, multi-faceted nose of raspberries and flowers, also balsamic nuances; juicy on the palate, the ripe acidity and fine-meshed tannins balanced, fresh and fruity and yet extremely elegant on the finish." Vinum

"Very classic Sangiovese nose, sour cherry (Marasca), dark cherry, very classic style on the palate too, incredibly juicy with fine spice and salty hints, compact and structurally strong, but by no means rustic, rather balanced, with grippy juiciness. Wonderful presence, noble elegance, fantastically integrated acidity and tannins. Beautiful piquancy. Stony and firm style. A long-lasting classic!" Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with cherry-red reflections. Complex on the nose, cherry, redcurrant, then marjoram and liquorice, with a subtle cocoa butter and mint aftertaste and a renewed emphasis on fruit. Energetic on the palate, good tension and precise progression, polished tannins wrapped in a rich fruit melt, currently still somewhat drying on the finish." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Very deep and still slumbering, with mineral and exotic, dark spicy notes. Increasingly complex with aeration. Smooth, soft cherry fruit, densely packed with fine, chewy tannins. Very long and concentrated and with great potential." Jancis Robinson

"The Lisini 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has a dark and spicy bouquet with plums, cardamom, asphalt and wet stone. The wine is quite developed and for this reason I would not recommend a very long drinking time. Cola and dried rosemary twigs can be recognised in the background. This is a dark Brunello with concentrated fruit to drink in the medium term." Wine Advocate

"A smooth and structured red wine with aromas and flavours of black cherry, cedar and spice. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a chewy finish. Integrated and supple. Drink it after 2027." James Suckling

"Medicinal blackberries, sweet sage, stone dust and candied orange define the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino, which is juicy and vibrant with purple and lavender-coloured wild berries and chalky mineral tones that build to a saturation of minerality towards the finish. A web of fine-grained tannins lingers as the 2019 finishes long and spotty, but only lightly structured. Hints of salted liquorice linger. This is a stylish Brunello from the southern Montalcino region of Lisini." Vinous

"The 2019 epitomises this warm, lush, exotically fragrant southern part of Montalcino. Ripe strawberries and red roses blend beautifully with chestnuts, iron and sun-kissed earth. The wine has a lush texture, generous body and flavour that exudes fleshy persimmon and ripe strawberries. The palate is dripping with lush acidity, and a mineral drive lifts the core. The sandy tannins are relatively supple without losing their commanding grip, and the wine finishes with crushed allspice." Decanter

"Leafy undergrowth, earth and dusty mineral notes frame the core of cherry and raspberry flavours in this juicy red wine, which is supple and has a layer of chalky tannins on the finish. Overall balanced, with a long, cherry aftertaste." Wine Spectator

Ceretto's single-vineyard Barbaresco Bernadot shows off its elegance and graceful personality. From the fruit of a 4.8-hectare, organically and biodynamically farmed site in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, this pretty Barbaresco develops very specific aromas of wild berries, spices, liquorice and iron rust. These flavours are also essential components of its classic Nebbiolo game on the palate, as is its light and silky texture. Barbaresco Bernadot is very straightforward, delicately flavoured and has a supple personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby-garnet colour with a sparkling core. Rich raspberries and sugared strawberries on the nose, some pomegranate and truffles. On the palate with a red berry centre and a slightly creamy texture, shows a lot of fine-meshed tannin, appears very polished, describes a long arc." Falstaff

"Brilliant, youthful ruby red colour. Serious, still somewhat restrained aroma of cherries and strawberries. Amazing lightness and yet long and concentrated, with long, finely chiselled tannins. Super-elegant and wired at the same time." Jancis Robinson

"Very floral with orange blossom, iron, cedar wood and dried spices. Medium-bodied, firm and slightly slender in the centre of the palate. Firm and racy. Slightly viscous. Needs a few years to mellow." James Suckling

"Broad and expressive, delivering cherry, plum, earth and licorice flavors. Punctuated by lively acidity, this holds together nicely through the expansive finish." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful florality and almost baked cherry candy - cherry drops - on the nose, rose, caramac bar, vanilla, white chocolate and lavender - an infusion of sweet, fruity and floral elements. The palate is statuesque, ripe and massive but so well structured - like crushed velvet with a powdery and also fleshy aspect to the tannins so that they expand and fill the mouth leaving a lingering chalky, powdery saltiness on the tongue and cheeks. Round, rich yet defined and detailed, so much going on but without one element overpowering another, creating a really impressive overall impression. The acidity is wonderful, and there are flecks of cola that add freshness and a savoury note to the wine. The power shows at the end, where the tannins tighten and hold the final flavour, so you know this is a great wine with long ageing potential." Decanter

"The Barbaresco Bernardot 2020 is a top-class Barbaresco from Treiso. Dried cherry, spices, tobacco, leather, incense and cedar adorn this unobtrusive, exquisite Barbaresco. Time in the glass reveals an irresistible inner sweetness and perfume. This is a great wine." Vinous

"The organic Barbaresco Bernadot 2020 offers a darker fruit performance with black cherry and blackcurrant. As with the other wines of this hot and sunny vintage, you can taste the ripeness of the fruit and a certain softness in the background that comes with the territory (and the growing season). The Ceretto team has a skilful hand and you will notice the sharpness and focus of the wine in the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"From a plot in Treiso, at an altitude of around 400 metres, raw material that benefits from biodynamic cultivation. On the nose, jammy sour cherries with a hint of peony, nuances of dogwood skin and mentholated notes. Juicy and sweet on the palate, with a fruity and floral finish." Luca Gardini

Unadulterated expression of Sangiovese, terroir and the typical Riecine style, based above all on elegance. Deep, sparkling colour, complex, animating aroma of small red berries and corresponding persistence on the palate. An impressive wine with the finesse of a great Sangiovese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. Opens on the nose on juicy cherries, some plums, plus fine earthy tones and lots of pepper. Very tightly woven on the palate with juicy tannin, punchy, builds in many layers, elegant and distinctive, long, present final. " Falstaff

"Plush and racy, with soft curves and striking balance, the 2018 offers up sweet plum, cherry, rose petal, licorice and lavender. Ripe, silky tannins wrap it all together in style. This plush red has a ton to offer." Vinous

"The Riecine 2018 La Gioia is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot made from a selection of the best fruit from high-elevation vineyards ranging from 480 to 600 meters above sea level. Dark fruit, sweet cherry and spice appear over medium-rich concentration. You get more sweet fruit on the finish, and the wine produces attractive freshness. That small component of Merlot goes a long way to shape this wine's fruit-forward personality." Wine Advocate

The single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon Toren is the only red cru from Tiefenbrunner's rare Vigna line and comes from a 0.6 ha micro-location with clay and limestone gravel soils: sparkling garnet red with a slight violet tinge. Very intense and appealing nose, with aromas of cassis, blackberry, tobacco and mint. Rich, concise fruit on the palate, mountains of cassis and cranberries, juicy and dense, builds beautifully with ripe tannins, long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, impenetrable ruby colour. Dense and appealing nose with dark berry fruit, cassis and blackberry, plus spicy notes with hints of cardamom and eucalyptus. Very good presence on the palate, lots of berry fruit here too, then opens up with very well-placed, grippy tannins, spans a wide arc, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Sette is a single-varietal Merlot from 7 different individual vineyards, which is where the name Sette comes from. It is aged for 18 months in small wooden barrels. The aroma is very spicy, intense and chocolaty, with lots of wood and medium depth. Dense, sweet and wood-accentuated, it confirms the first impression in the mouth, with a racy and powerful structure. A full-bodied Merlot with enormous power." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red colour. Intense nose with an impressive aroma of wild berries, mint, milk chocolate and precious wood. Firm, beautiful structure on the palate, with finesse and elegant, grippy tannins, appears light-footed despite 15 per cent by volume and drinks finely, sweet melting in the final." Falstaff

"While Tenuta Sette Ponti takes its name from the seven bridges over the Arno, Sette is named after the seven different vineyards that provide the fruit for this 100% Merlot wine: in 2020, these are the Cypress, Salvareccio I, Salvareccio II, Poggio Sinistro, Sorbaccio, Nocetta I and Nocetta II vineyards. Aromatic and earthy, fragrant notes of cherry and cool blue fruit introduce a ripe and fresh palate that is light on its feet, vertical and balanced. The mid-palate has a stony element, while the red and blue fruits are supported by a network of tannins and good acidity." Decanter

"An unctuous, umami mix of hot tar, balsamic vinegar and wild herbs on the nose, with a hint of black pepper before blackberries flood the palate. More pepper and crushed stones on the palate insist on the savoury and austere elements at the moment, but the fruit promises to mature with time and offer a truly luxurious experience." Wine Enthusiast

"A supple, well-defined red that exudes vibrant flavours of cherry, raspberry, plum, iron, chocolate and vanilla. Beautifully balanced, with the youthful tannins now lending assertiveness on the savoury finish." Wine Spectator

"Pronounced flavours of walnuts and hazelnuts with plums and berries. Also some flowers. Full-bodied, but fresh and with powerful tannins that give the wine vibrancy and compactness. The tannins are integrated and very long." James Suckling

Palafreno 2019 is wonderfully polished and lively. Firm but well-integrated tannins form the backbone for a Merlot that is endowed with considerable energy. Spicy herbs, tobacco and wild flowers add complexity. Very nuanced on the palate, opulent to expressive, then at second glance supple, downright elegant. Almost unbeatable in complexity, depth and richness of finesse, it will reveal more and more of its first-class repertoire in the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with purple and opaque core. Very spicy on the nose, with dark berry fruit, cherries, blackberries, a hint of sealing wax, cassis and a fine fleshy component. On the palate hearty, compact and balanced, spans the palate with great dark berry fruit, shows noble resinous notes in addition, very exciting and juicy, great length, put away." Falstaff

"This is very polished and structured with a finesse to the tannins which spread across the palate. It’s full-bodied with fine fruit and a driven finish. It needs three or four years to soften and open." James Suckling

"The 2019 Palafreno, 100% Merlot from Greve's Ruffoli district, is stunning, not to mention one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted here. Silky, plush and exceptionally vivid in the glass, the Palafreno possesses breathtaking beauty that captivates all the senses. At this early stage, the 2019 is all primary dark fruit, but the layers will start to open with cellaring. Readers who can find it should not hesitate. It's a real head turner." Vinous

Every year, the San Lorenzo is the result of the best grapes from the four classic Ama vineyards and only a few thousand bottles are sold in specialised shops and upmarket restaurants. Full bouquet of graphite, mint and black cherry. Lots of character and structure on the palate, with all the elegance that only the best Sangiovese bring to the glass. Distinctive tannins promise fantastic ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red colour with a brightening rim. Very elegant and delicate nose of cherries, cranberries and some cedar wood, very slightly smoky. Very precise on the palate, pleasantly juicy with fine-grained tannins and great length." Falstaff

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is packed with dark red fruit, liquorice, spice, leather and graphite. This is a decidedly potent Gran Selezione. Clean mineral notes prolong the finish and hint at a brilliant future. The sculptural style is very appealing. Again, you will need to be patient, as the 2021 is still very young." Vinous

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo takes a few moments longer to open up in the glass, but unlike the La Casuccia, which holds back, this wine comes into its own quickly enough. The flavour profile of the wine is a little fleshier and fuller, which could be related to the warm conditions of the vintage. The San Lorenzo is a generous wine and a bottle to enjoy in the medium or long term." Wine Advocate

"This wine is really perfumed and beautiful, with black cherry, blackcurrant and violets. Full-bodied, with fully integrated tannins and a palate presence that is quite spectacular. Wonderful finish. Try after 2027." James Suckling

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

The grapes of Colledilà come from the soils of Monte Morello. The 7.6 hectare single-vineyard plot was planted in 2002 on very rocky soils rich in calcium, clay and organic matter. These characteristics give this wine its sharpness and concentration, promising long ageing in the cellar.

Ripe, dark cherry fruit and blackberry aromas, followed by tar, liquorice and potting soil. On the palate, a fine earthiness, cherry and plum, plus finely knit and slightly sweet tannins. The dense fruit and pleasant acid wire the Sangiovese provide the necessary freshness. Masterfully composed! SUPERIORE.DE

"Finely chiselled site wine from the extensive vineyards around Castello di Brolio, with a lot of polish and yet also underpinning: convincing the balanced nose with fine fruit and floral notes, discreet mineral nuances; on the palate supple and yet with great future, the tannins finely spun and of great length. Convinces with its elegance and storability." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Shows fine ripened fruit on the nose, of plum, blackberry and dark cherry, slightly earthy notes in the background, of black truffle. Firm pressure on the palate, unfolds with dense tannin, smooth at the core, after wild raspberries, good tension." Falstaff

"Focused cherry, plum, menthol and spice flavors permeate this dense red, which is vibrant and firmly structured, with the menthol and spice notes echoing on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"This is sensational, with ultra fine tannins that melt into the wine. Such intense and beautiful fruit with cherries, peaches and lightly candied cherries. Some citrus, too. Very soft and creamy with wonderful polish. Beautiful center palate and a lovely finish. A song in the bottle. A little tight now. Hard to wait, but give it two or three years to open." James Suckling

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is the most complex of the single-vineyard Gran Seleziones, as it often is. A wine of notable aromatic breadth and dimension, the Colledilà is wonderfully nuanced from start to finish. Crushed rocks, sage, blood orange and smoke infuse the 2018 with notable character. Once again, the Colledilà is quite distinctive." Vinous

Bòggina Bianco is an extremely deep, spicy and fresh Trebbiano from approximately 50-year-old vines. It was born from Luca Sanjust's meeting with Lucien Le Moine (Mounir Souma), a great producer in Burgundy, who contributed significantly to the success of this exceptional project with inspiration and know-how. Vinification takes place in French oak barrels and tonneaux specially made for this wine and selected by Lucien Le Moine. The wine remains "sur lies" (on the lees) for the entire ageing period of over 2 years, which gives it an immensely fresh aroma and harmony. An extremely rare, exceptional white wine that is only produced in a small edition of a few 1,000 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a white-gold reflex. Cream and bourbon vanilla on the nose, then intense mint, sage and medicinal herbs, some citrus and golden apple in the finish. On the palate with a certain juiciness, stretches over the tongue with delicate tannin, of medium length, drinks easily and without fuss." Falstaff

"The Trebbiano Boggina B 2020 is rich, structured and very expressive. Orchard fruit, dried flowers, chamomile and a hint of tangerine oil run through this creamy, smooth Trebbiano. This wine is very well made." Vinous

"The Petrolo 2020 Bòggina B is a pure expression of Trebbiano, a creamy, full-bodied white wine with generous aromas of honey, crushed nuts, yellow roses and flint. The quality of the 2020 vintage is particularly rich and sunny. The organically grown fruit comes from a two-hectare site with rocky Galestro soils. In Tuscany today, there is discussion about what could one day become the region's great, age-worthy white grape variety. Many winemakers are betting on Trebbiano." Wine Advocate

"Lots of lemon curd and wax with mustard floral undertones. Transitions into Brazilian lime. Also a hint of fresh bay leaf. Full-bodied, tangy and beautiful. Very long and delicious. Peanuts and white sesame. Outstanding. Unique and very Tuscan." James Suckling

After almost thirty years of experience in the vinification of the famous Etna Rosso "Rovittello", the Benanti family decided in 2015 to extend the vinification, ageing and refinement of the wine to 60 months. The result is an exclusive Riserva, produced in small quantities from vines over 100 years old from plot no. 341, which is rightly considered one of the best red wines in the region. The Nerello grapes (85% Mascalese/15% Cappuccio) come from a terraced vineyard (pre-phylloxera) in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the upper area of Rovittello, part of the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia.

Pale ruby colour with light garnet tones. Fine, ethereal, floral, intense, spicy, delicate bouquet with hints of ripe fruit, young, tanned leather and cedar wood. Firm and powerful on the palate, it only opens up gradually and then gradually reveals its depth and secrets, which are characterised by impressive weightlessness and elegance. An extremely harmonious red with meditation potential - mineral and remarkably persistent! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby-garnet colour. Complex and inviting nose, flavours of cinchona bark, ripe strawberries, some light tobacco in the background. Grippy, very finely layered tannins on the palate, clearly defined fruit, juicy, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Cedar and dried flowers with some plum and orange-peel aromas that follow through to a medium body, fine tannins and a crunchy finish. Just a hint of wood at the end." James Suckling

"Elegant yet exuberant, with flavours of cherry, rose, strawberry and juniper that glide gracefully across the silky palate. Underlined by mineral tar and leather notes, this red wine is long and refreshing, with firm but plushly textured tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

Ceretto's single-vineyard Barbaresco Bernadot plays up its elegance and graceful personality. From the fruit of a 4.8-hectare, organically and biodynamically farmed site in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, this pretty Barbaresco unfolds very specific aromas of wild berries, spices, liquorice and iron rust. These aromas are also essential components of its classic Nebbiolo game on the palate, as is its light and silky texture. Barbaresco Bernadot is very straightforward, finely spiced and with a supple personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium dense ruby garnet. Clearly marked nose with notes of sour cherry, some thyme and coriander seeds. Very precise in attack and course, opens with fine-meshed tannin, builds well, pithy and firm on the final, sweet melting on the final." Falstaff

"Youthful-looking mid ruby. Rather closed on the nose and pure and concentrated fruit on the palate that is still a little embryonic and with firm but truly ripe, complex tannins. The finish is breathtaking, with perfect balance. Simply gorgeous." Jancis Robinson

"Dried herbs, sour cherries, peaches and fresh mushrooms on the nose. Some cedar, too. Succulent and medium-bodied with fine, sleek tannins. Bright and well balanced." James Suckling

"Ceretto planted vines in Bernadot (400 metres above sea level) in 1997 and 1998. The nose shines for its elegant notes of earthy strawberry, fresh violet and a restrained bloody character. The attack is savoury with pomegranate fruit to the fore. It's full and ripe in terms of tannic structure, despite the extraction, with crisp acidity and a dusty finish. A wine full of delicacy but not without structure for the long haul. One to follow." Decanter

"A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbaresco Bernardot is dark, fleshy and wonderfully nuanced. Soft contours and silky tannins give the 2019 its racy, super-inviting personality. The Bernardot is usually a potent Barbaresco, but in 2019 it is all finesse, all the way. Rose petal, mint, dried cherry and cinnamon linger in this super-expressive Barbaresco from the Ceretto family." Vinous

"The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine." Wine Advocate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aristocratic! The whole world regards Picolit as "la Regina delle Grappe" due to its character, harmony and the emotions it evokes with every sip. Pure and crystalline, its nose is reminiscent of full honeycombs, acacia flowers, ripe quinces, fresh Moscato and freshly picked figs. In the mouth, the sensations of the nose are confirmed with the additional flavour of bread crust. Very persistent aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

Bottled by hand in hand-blown bottles with silver stoppers. The fill level may vary as each bottle is unique.

"... with a hint of delicate grape perfume; the middle nosing passages offer elegant but deceptively powerful flavours of grapes, tropical fruits (especially pineapple) and marc; the final nosing shows the multi-layered, concentrated and focused aromatic characteristics of great grappas, while the grapeiness harmonises with the alcohol ... a textbook grappa flavour that is unlike anything I have experienced before ..." Paul Pacult

"Typical spiciness on the nose, coffee and cocoa, forest floor, grassy and pine-needled, vinous, compact, but rather restrained. Resinous on the palate, very spicy, transparent, consistent, very dry, the alcohol very well integrated, coffee on the finish; an athlete." Falstaff

"A single varietal grappa made from Picolit grapes, this is clear in the glass and has a delicate floral aroma. The palate opens with zesty lemon peel, leading into white blossoms and a long finish lifted by white pepper and a faint hint of cherry." Wine Enthusiast

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

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

"Pure Merlot from (for the first time) three selected vineyards that are particularly suitable for the variety and a hit right from the start: complex nose with intriguing notes of blackcurrant, sandalwood, tobacco and pepper; harmony on the palate, which increases in fullness and density with aeration and yet retains its elegance." Vinum

"Noble, bright ruby red colour. The nose is barrel-spicy and reminiscent of precious woods, plum, blackberry, peppery-malty tones in the finish. Very fresh on the palate with crisp acidity, without missing its body, stretches out nicely, polished and with lots of juice, keeps coming back, put it down, will be a long-distance runner." Falstaff

"The 2018 Casalferro, Brolio's (Merlot) is a powerful, brooding wine, packed with dark fruit, espresso, dried herbs, menthol, liquorice, incense and cloves. This juicy, intensely flavoured red wine delivers a lot of impact, that much is clear." Vinous

"The secret of Casalferro is the fruit, which comes from different locations, including one that is 500 metres above sea level. It delivers vertical power and intensity with dark fruits, spices and dried mint. This wine is already drinking beautifully." Wine Advocate

"A very precise and beautiful Merlot with violets, spices and blackcurrants. Extremely perfumed. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, polished finish that shows finesse and complexity. Delicious to drink now, but will get even better with age." James Suckling

"Beautiful intense ruby color, on the nose intense aromas of blueberry, currant and balsamic herbs. The taste is broad, elegant and of spectacular cleaning. Silky tannins, excellent drinkability." Luca Gardini