0.75 liter

The Brunello from Le Chiuse is made from almost 30-year-old vines from an eight-hectare plot of calcareous clay. As soon as you pour the wine, you notice that it is bursting with energy and temperament. This is also noticeable in the crisp fruit, reminiscent of wild berries, cassis and sour cherries. These red fruit flavours are framed by light smoke, tar, potting soil, blue flowers and crushed minerals or limestone. This is an extremely balanced wine that will increase in elegance and finesse with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Expressive, elegant herbal spice, sage, sandalwood, fine minty style, blueberry, some musk, extremely delicate nose; powerful, fine, noble cocoa note, dense but not fat, clayey texture, very present but not heavy." Meinigers Sommelier

"Mid ruby. Brooding, sweet, perfumed fruit with a savoury hint. Ripe and concentrated with lots of juicy, supple fruit while the grainy tannins give it a complex edge." Jancis Robinson

"Project in strict organic management, spontaneous fermentations, for a wine with a unique character, as well as beautiful cleanliness. Refined nose, touches of red plum, laurel and floral, gardenia, with hints of juniper. The mouthfeel is taut and juicy, the tannins sapid, the finish balsamic." Luca Gardini

"This shows some balance and polish for a 2017, with plenty of integrated and nicely chewy tannins. The ripe-cherry, bark and light dry-earth character comes through clearly. Give it time to soften, but already attractive." James Suckling

"Offers key themes of black cherry, blackberry and violet aromas and flavors, with mineral, tobacco and bitter almond accents. Solidly built, with dense tannins expanding on the finish. Overall, there is a sense of elegance here, with a silkiness and persistence." Wine Spectator

"Wild herbs, crushed pomegranates, dusty rose and savory spice define the wildly exotic 2017 Brunello di Montalcino. Its textures are silky and pliant, but with a vibrant streak of acidity and mineral tones that add a more grippy yet jovial feel, as potent red fruits and lavender tones slowly saturate toward the close. Fine tannins come forward through the medium-length finale, as this tapers off to hints of sour citrus, rose and clove." Vinous

"Lorenzo Magnelli opted to pick early to avoid opulence in 2017. Along with gentler punch-downs and fewer pump-overs, he aged the wine for less time in wood – 30 months rather than 36 – as he felt it didn’t need too much oxygen. Vibrancy of expression is palpable in the tangle of spices, woodland berries, earthy mushroom and forest growth. The palate is sturdy but not aggressive as well-composed tannins sweep across the palate." Decanter

"The Le Chiuse 2017 Brunello di Montalcino (made with certified organic fruit) exhibits a silky and elegant profile that only a handful of estates in the appellation achieve with consistency. This is the desired direction of Brunello as a whole I believe, and it's nice to see these successful results in a difficult, hot vintage such as 2017. The wine is silky and glossy on the palate with wildflowers, berry and forest floor." Wine Advocate

"One of the best wines of the vintage, this stunner opens with compelling aromas of new leather, forest floor, perfumed berry and menthol. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the delicious palate delivers crushed raspberry, ripe Marasca cherry, baking spice and licorice set against firm, refined tannins. It boasts remarkable freshness and balance for the hot vintage." Wine Enthusiast

The grapes for Le Ripi's top Brunello come from a 4 ha vineyard near Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the east side of Montalcino, not far from the Lupi e Sirene vineyard. Amore e Magia inspires first of all by the beauty in the glass: a deep ruby with violet, fuchsia accents. On the nose, a very clear, concise bouquet with a disarming openness that immediately captivates. We detect candied fruits, raspberries, roasted nuts and Christmas spices, then notes of leather. The first impression on the palate is rather silky and floral, the fine saltiness and the wonderfully integrated acidity provide vital freshness and the solidly woven tannin builds up energetically and flanks every sip until the dramatic, extremely multilayered final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Still marked by clear toasty notes with ripe plums and dark cherries, spicy cedar and liquorice notes in the background. On the palate with polished richness, stylish and wonderfully melting, seems a bit modern in style but nicely balanced and lively, the tannin is quite polished and still a bit rough-gripped, still needs to complete itself." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby garnet with a rich core. Very fragrant and inviting nose, of ripe, fleshy plums, some pickled cherries, plus liquorice in the background. Round and balanced on the palate, opens with beautiful forest fruit, grippy, dense tannin, fine melting in between, firm pressure in the final." Falstaff

"The bouquet on the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Amore e Magia is seriously impressive. A beguiling mix of dusty violets, exotic spices, cedar, clove and black cherries wafts up and holds my attention firm. The textures are soothingly plush yet lifted, featuring a sweet and sour display of tart wild berries contrasted by minerals, minty herbs and hints of candied citrus. The tannins arrive late, as this finishes structured and classically dry with nuances of blood orange and wild strawberries. The 2017 Amore e Magia has taken the warmth of the vintage in stride to deliver a Brunello packed full of balanced pleasures." Vinous

"The Podere le Ripi 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Amore e Magia is emerging as this estate's top-shelf wine, even though it started its life as a Rosso di Montalcino some years ago. It sports a pretty dark ruby color with a nicely concentrated appearance. The bouquet is extremely elegant and finely tuned with sweet cherry, wild rose, lavender bud, candied orange and iron ore. The effect is graceful and delicate, with tart background notes of currant and forest fruit. The tannins are tight and still nervous, and I suggest giving this wine more time in bottle." Wine Advocate

Tasca got involved in Etna early on and the latest result of these years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante estate: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are delicate and profound, and despite their power, acidity and taut tannin, very elegant, finesse-rich and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine - due to the altitude, soil composition and morphology of the historic lava flows. A high annual rainfall ensures that the soil has all the water it needs, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the aromatic diversity of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Sciaranuova parcel is situated at an average altitude of 730 metres above sea level between the villages of Montelaguardia and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of about 4.9 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. Within the Sciaranuova parcel is a small cru site whose vines were planted in 1961. The bottles, produced in very small quantities, are labelled "Vigna Vecchia". Compared to its "younger brother", this rare wine shows increased complexity, depth and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby and already a touch developed. Elegant, beautiful even! Pure, sweet raspberry and cherry notes mingling with earth and minerals. Gorgeous fragrant raspberry and firm tannins that push the fruit on the finish. Still austere and in need of more bottle age." Jancis Robinson

"Moderately saturated ruby-red. Very pure aromas and flavors of blood orange, potpourri, red cherry nectar, minerals and sweet spices. Very light on its feet and extremely suave, with outstanding acid-sugar-tannin balance, this is actually less weighty on the palate than the regular Sciaranuova bottling. The finish is very long and pure." Vinous

"This wine is made from Tascante's oldest vines, planted in 1961. The 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova V.V. (the initials stand for Vigna Vecchia or "old vines") is a beautifully polished and glossy expression with a fine and smooth aromatic presentation. It starts off with primary notes of forest berry and cassis and spans all the way over to campfire ash and camphor. That range is as beautiful as it is impressive. The mouthfeel is silky and soft with fine, powdery tannins. Put this delicate wine aside for a few more years. Some 5,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

The Barolo Bussia DOCG comes from the vineyard of the same name in the shape of an amphitheatre in the Bussia Monforte d'Alba area. This historic wine was first made by Prunotto in 1961 as a single-vineyard wine. The balance and complexity of the Nebbiolo grapes are enhanced by the different south to south-west exposures of the vineyard and the traditional ageing in large barrels.

A great wine that combines the power of Barolo with the finesse of the Monforte terroir. A radiant ruby red with garnet reflections, the bouquet is intensely fruity with small red berries and a delicate hint of vanilla. The juicy, harmonious taste is full of character and continues well into the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red; complex, spicy, truffle, fruity; very round attack, fine, then depth and fine tannin, nice length, pleases very much." (JLF) Merum

"Scarcely medium ruby red. A little leafy with hints of garden herbs, but otherwise quite closed on the nose. Fresh, juicy cherry fruit on the palate with a layer of sandy tannins that play up a bit on the finish. While the tannins are quite demanding at the moment, the juicy fruit lingers on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Fragrant, with aromas of flowers, berries, cherries, cut hay and eucalyptus, underpinned by an open profile. Firms up but remains compact and lean overall. Shows fine balance and length." Wine Spectator

"So perfumed and beautiful on the nose with juice, roses and plums, followed by a medium body with very fine tannins and a long creamy finish. Delicious to drink now, but it will get even better with age." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo Bussia is smooth, elegant and silky. Crushed. Flowers, spices, mint, cinnamon, sweet red cherries and aniseed meld together beautifully in the glass. The 2018 is light on its feet and has tremendous depth, it has so much to offer. Sweet floral notes lift the finish beautifully." Vinous

"Prunotto is one of the most classic names of Barolo and Bussia. Today, under the direction of Antinori, the winemaking is more precise and somewhat more modern in style. The nose is dominated by dried cherry, complemented by a rhubarb note combined with sweet cinnamon spice. The acidity carries the fruit across the palate, with velvety, light and super-ripe tannins that give the wine a particularly graceful style for a Bussia." Decanter

Magari is a dark, rich and voluptuous wine that faithfully reflects the signature of Gaja in Bolgheri. On the palate, plump and supple fruit, dark berries and spices mingle with seamless intensity. The wine offers firm grip and long-lasting power on the finish. There is nothing not to love here. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impresses with lush wild berry flavours, surrounded by pepper and herbal notes; powerful on the palate, has perfectly cut tannins, ripe acidity, elegance and plenty of length." Vinum

"Aromas and flavours of tobacco, liquorice and cedar frame the core of blackcurrant and black cherry in this intense, vibrant red. An iron element also emerges, developing through to the lingering finish with fine balance and a lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Lots of Cabernet Franc character with blackcurrant bush and fresh herbs such as basil and lemongrass. Medium to full body, with firm tannins and a savoury finish. Some undertones of tomato leaf and redcurrant." James Suckling

"The 2021 Magari is the most elegant Magari I can remember tasting. Lively, nuanced and medium-bodied, the 2021 has remarkable energy from start to finish. All the elements are very well balanced. Dark cherry, mocha, dried herbs, liquorice and menthol are all delicately brought out in this expressive Bolgheri red. Fantastic." Vinous

"It brings forth a floral bouquet, showing subtle elegance at the start. Give it a few moments and the wine hits on all cylinders with integrated oak, bright fruit, black cherry, pomegranate seed, iris root and dustings of oak spice that never overshadow the fruit. The wine is refreshingly uncomplicated but shows refined nuance instead. This is the proverbial understated elegance that Gaja achieves so beautifully. It closes with lovely acidity and dusty tannins." Wine Advocate

The grapes for Le Ripi's top Brunello come from a 4-hectare vineyard near Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the eastern side of Montalcino, not far from the Lupi e Sirene vineyard.

Amore e Magia first impresses with its beauty in the glass: deep ruby with violet, fuchsia-coloured accents. The nose then reveals a very clear, concise bouquet with a disarming openness that immediately casts a spell. We discover candied fruit, raspberries, roasted nuts and Christmas spices, then notes of leather. The first impression on the palate is rather silky and floral, the fine salinity and wonderfully integrated acidity provide vital freshness and the solidly woven tannin builds up with energy and flanks every sip right through to the multi-layered final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, sparkling ruby colour with garnet shimmer. Very clear, present fruit, dark plums and raspberries, with a hint of rose petals. Round and supple on the palate, showing plenty of ripe raspberry fruit, opens up with fine tannins in many layers, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"A shade darker than the Cielo d'Ulisse and more mineral, with salty notes and a slight hint of oak. Brooding concentration with plenty of ripe fruit on the palate and rich tannins. A brooding giant that is not yet ready to be awakened." Jancis Robinson

"The Podere le Ripi 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Amore e Magia offers a blend of fresh fruit and spicy notes. Both sides of the wine help to build up its vertical intensity and brightness." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Amore e Magia possesses a rich and savoury blend of cloves, allspice and fresh mint before releasing its core of wild strawberry fruit. This is a round and silky style with polished red berries, sweet spices and mineral tones that slowly gain tension towards the finish. Nothing is out of place here as the 2018 finishes with soft tannins, mixing sour cherry with lavender tones and leaving the mouth wanting more. It will only take a short stay in the cellar for this remarkably beautiful version of Amore e Magia to show its best side." Vinous

"The nose is a complex and inviting blend of strawberry candy, wild cherries, rose petals, flint and warm tar before the palate turns rich chocolate-cherry, juicy and full with a warming heat on the finish, but austere tannins and vibrant acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Pacenti's flagship Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne 2017 is a blend of equal parts fruit from the north and south of Montalcino with great texture and resonance. The aromas are dark and textured through and through. Dark red fruits and stone fruits, new leather and cedar gradually open up in the glass, but it needs time to fully develop, partly because the Vecchie Vigne has slightly more new oak than the Pelagrilli. A powerful, spicy representative of the appellation that will only reach its true top form with a few years of bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe and concentrated bouquet with lots of wild berries, tobacco and balsamic-herbal notes, spices, juniper. In the mouth it scores with polished fullness and rich, present fruit expression, but without renouncing depth and pressure, which also shows in the beautiful length." Weinwisser

"Inviting black cherry aroma, with charismatic facets of spice, maquis and florals; complex texture with well-integrated, fine-grained tannins, subtle salty minerality, juice and richness through to the ell-long final. Excellent food companion." Vinum

"Rich, powerful ruby garnet. Compact nose with lots of wild berries, raspberry and blackberry, plus rich notes of tobacco, cloves in the background. Lots of polished, fine-meshed tannin, present fruit, shows nice pressure on the back end, long finish." Falstaff

"Maturing mid ruby with narrow orange rim. A tad closed on the nose with only the suggestion of gingerbread and with minerally, stony hints. Pure concentrated, cherry fruit with an exotic spice edge. Long and supple and with lots of acidity adding energy to the concentrated fruit. Great length, too and can already be approached. A hedonistic wine." Jancis Robinson

"Ripe fruit with lavender and sandalwood as well as some new wood on the nose. Medium to full body, with firm and structured tannins that are polished and curated. Needs time to soften and come together. Bigger style for Pacenti due to the hot vintage. Try after 2023." James Suckling

"The Siro Pacenti 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne shows an extra degree of concentration and thickness thanks both to the vintage (this hot and dry growing season produced darker, more intense berries) and the older vines that also work toward greater fruit weight. The Vecchie Vigne shows lots of depth and textural weaving with dark berries and oak spice. It offers long-lasting notes of smoke, sweet cedar and woodshop." Wine Advocate

"One of the most rightly celebrated bottles of the appellation, also in this well-balanced and decidedly worthwhile vintage. Notes of black currant and nuances of eucalyptus, then nutmeg and floral touches of carnation. Mouth with sapid tannins, fruity return and nice persistence." Luca Gardini

Altero - the flagship of the winery - is a beautiful, smooth wine with dark red cherries, cherry brandy, menthol, pine wood and spices. The silky finish is enveloped by sweet, floral notes. The top vintage 2015 is characterized by its fine texture and an impeccable overall balance with a high density. For us, it is one of the most rounded, precise and rich Brunello of this vintage, with an ageing potential that will satisfy every expectation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Engaging nose of raspberries and violets; the acidity accentuates, lots of juice and fullness, in short: a large, elegant Sangiovese with cut, fruitiness and length. Can mature." Vinum

"Bright, rich ruby grenade. Intense and clear nose, of violets and dark cherries, with cranberries in the background. Lots of crisp cherry on the palate, polished, well-integrated tannin, smooth and long." Falstaff

"One of the first things I notice in the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Altero is the increased richness or concentration (especially compared to the estate's classic Brunello from the same vintage). That wine is slightly more streamlined and contoured compared to the Altero that wears a heavier mantle made with thicker fiber and texture. This impression is especially evident on the bouquet where you pick up a hint of extra softness or ripeness that comes thanks to this warm vintage. The bouquet offers sensations of dried cherry skin or plum with sweet spice and moist potting soil." Wine Advocate

"A beautiful cascade of blue and darker fruit precedes generous, enticing notes of saffron, dried orange rind, cumin, roasted thyme and nutmeg. Balanced and tightly framed on the medium-to full-bodied palate with mouthwatering fruit and crunchy acidity, coloring an ornately woven structure of silky tannins. Very long and velvety on the finish. Everything is where it should be." James Suckling

Pajana - most modern wine of the entire Clerico range - presents itself closed, compressed and with great potential. Rich ruby with a light garnet rim. Compact nose, shows rich notes of blackberry, dark cherries, a little cinchona bark in the background. Explodes literally on the palate, lots of ripe, present fruit, then opens up with lots of fine-meshed tannin, salty depth, rich pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling garnet red with ruby reflections. In the nose after pickled plums and pomegranate, in the reverberation forest strawberry, saffron and forest floor. On the palate tight and grippy tannin, deep and complex, well balanced, harmonious and elegant, final with rich fruit." Falstaff

"Clear, polished, fresh and quite tightly knit nose of mixed berries with a hint of cherries, floral nuances, slightly fleshy hints, nutty and very fine buttery aromas, Mediterranean herbs as well as some pepper and tar. Ripe, juicy, again polished and amazingly fresh fruit, moderate, delicately cocoa and coffee spicy, also a hint of smoky wood spice, fine, present, youthful tannin, persistent on the palate, good depth, a hint of liquorice, peppery ethereal traces, still undeveloped,increasingly mineral in the background, very good, firm, juicy and spicy finish. May mature." Wein-Plus

"Mid ruby with the beginning of orange tinges. Still youthful with leafy cherry notes and oak hints. With aeration minerally and earthy notes showing through. Supple fresh cherry and raspberry fruit with touches of oak and lots of powdery tannins gaining in weight on the finish. Very long and tannic and with great lift of fresh fruit." Jancis Robinson

"Rich, raspberry-coulis nose, adding mineral and bark aromas with air. But it all remains very contained. Medium-bodied palate with very fine, firm tannins and a tight finish. Super-clean with a very tight core for now. Give it time to expand. Try from 2024." James Suckling

"It's more approachable and less austere than usual but juicy, tasty and savoury - almost salty on the palate with intoxicating flavours of fruit and flower. Despite the graceful attack, the wine is then supported by a firm structure with slightly dusty tannins. Crisp acidity carries a camphor note to the persistent finish." Decanter

"The 2018 Barolo Ginestra Pajana shows a savory character with some delicate spice and smoke that is carefully folded into dark fruit, plum and earthy flower or iris root. Fruit comes from a site in the Ginestra MGA that was planted in 1971 with additional vines added in 1991. The wine shows excellent complexity and balanced intensity that is well-suited to long cellar aging." Wine Advocate

The excellent Cabernet-Merlot blend Giusto di Notri is a concentrated wine with an intense, rich flavour. A perfectly balanced bouquet of blackberry, blackcurrant and fine herbal spice. Compact on the palate with a well-tempered balance between fruit and oak, plus a distinctive tannin, promising and powerful in the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep, dark ruby-purple colour. Present and rich nose, inspiring with notes of blackcurrant, mulberry and blackberry, spicy cedar wood, some grape sugar. Fine-meshed tannin, unfolds continuously, shows full grip, clear, dark berry fruit, firm pressure on the final, good freshness and juiciness." Falstaff

"Black currant, blackberry, plum, violet, green olive, graphite and wild rosemary aromas and flavors are the hallmarks of this impressive red, which is lively and refreshing, with dense tannins gripping the long, oak-tinged finish." Wine Spectator

"Intense aromas of redcurrant, sweet tobacco, lead pencil and terracotta. Medium to full body with polished tannins that are very well integrated into the wine. It is racy and long with lovely mocha and subtle fruit on the finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Giusto di Notri consists of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot. Intensity and depth are beautifully emphasised here. This benefits the complexity and flavours. The vintage also offers more freshness and balanced tannins. This is a beautiful wine that is designed for long cellaring." Wine Advocate

Campo Lusso, a Cabernet Sauvignon from the vineyard of the same name, is another Grand Cru from Petrolo. The small location covers only half a hectare under the tower of Galatrona. The natural terrace offers extremely favourable soil and climatic conditions. Only about 1,300 bottles of this spectacular drop can be produced per vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"The full-bodied 2016 Campo Lusso is absolutely gorgeous. This is a dark and generous expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that is grounded and centered, but so intense all the while. The bouquet is layered and rich with dark fruit, spice, leather, tar and chocolate. Campo Lusso is a beautiful expression of this French grape from Tuscany. The tannins are velvety and impeccably integrated. First produced in 2004, this wine sees fruit sourced from an isolated vineyard spot located just under the Galatrona tower (at 500 meters above sea level). Farmers referred to this site as the "campo lusso," or luxury site, because of the ideal soil composition of rocky limestone. This vintage takes this beautiful wine a giant step forward in terms of general quality and elegance, and this is due in part to the advancing age of the vines." Wine Advocate