Formats

Mazzei's top wine Siepi is not only an outstanding Tuscan wine every year, but also a 6-hectare vineyard in the middle of dense oak forests with an ideal altitude and a unique climate. The sunshine is optimal throughout the day and a constant breeze from the west prevents excessive heat and creates a mild, Mediterranean climate. The oak forests also provide an ideal protective barrier against extreme weather conditions. Rocky soils of marl, limestone and clay from the Pliocene period ensure a special balance of elements in this geological complex.

"The 30th anniversary of Siepi, a unique wine that bears witness to the harmony between the vineyard and its ecosystem, with great benefits for biodiversity, also celebrates our family's ancient bond with this vineyard. This encourages us to look to the future with the courage and awareness of those who have cultivated and respected the land for centuries." Philippo Mazzei

The 2022 Siepi is a stunning wine that appeals to all the senses with just the right amount of complexity. The wine is soft, brooding, velvety and long-lasting. It is made from equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese and both grapes bring their best qualities to the blend. The Sangiovese grape shows a distinct personality with region-specific notes of small berries and spices and it also offers a wonderfully fresh acidity. The Merlot plays a strong role in the background, adding softness, fullness and richness. SUPERIORE.DE

"2022 was a hot and dry year and it seems to have emphasised the Merlot power more than the Sangiovese finesse: wild forest berries, sous bois and spicy plum lead the way, with a saline touch. Grippy and spicy, round and ripe, it's a bit angular at the moment, with a drying finish, but once that oak has settled down it should show us what it's made of." Decanter

"This warm vintage offers plenty of primary fruit with bold cherry as the protagonist. Softer tones of blue flower and grilled rosemary appear at the back. However, the oak spice and cinnamon need time to integrate." Wine Advocate

"The aromas of dark berries, violets and perfume are enchanting. The palate is medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are polished and so elegant and they run the length of the wine. They are rather endless. Very classy and balanced. A merlot and sangiovese blend. Give this a year or two, but it’s already a joy to drink." James Suckling

Every year, La Crena is one of the best and most refined Barbera wines that Piedmont produces. The vines in the Vigna del Nove parcel date back to the 1930s. This vintage will also need many years to develop its full expressiveness, but that's the way it is and we love this crazy development potential so much. La Crena is creamy and rich in the glass, dense, very concentrated with an abundance of layers of fruit that only develop fully with further years of ageing and make for an energetic, exciting wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense violet colour with ruby reflections and a brightening rim. Ripe fruit of blueberries and blackberries on the nose, some thyme, underlaid with cinnamon and dark chocolate. Powerful and balanced on the palate with a good acid structure and harmonious tannins, ending with a long final of fruit and spice." Falstaff

"The certified organic Vietti 2021 Barbera d'Asti La Crena shows a very good sense of balance with sweet and savory sides that transcend the bouquet. It starts off with redcurrant, a lightly floral note, rose hip and Amarena cherry. In fact, that sour cherry note continues to the palate, giving this wine a bright, red fruit quality that works with the darker side the Barbera grape." Wine Advocate

"Opulent bouquet with dark fruits, softened by a stylish oak. Smooth and juicy, fine texture, balanced by a strong acidity that adds some spice and flair to the finish. Vincenzo Arnese: Candied aromas of sour cherry and wild strawberry, very expressive. Powerful on the palate with robust tannins that will smooth out over time, but still very rich and pleasant." Decanter

"The Barbera d'Asti La Crena 2021 is exceptional. Bright, reddish fruit, chalk, mint, white pepper and rose petals are beautifully emphasised. Vietti has recently placed more emphasis on freshness in his Barberas, and this is particularly evident in La Crena - a wine that used to be very dark and heavy, but is now far from it. Clean, mineral notes prolong the lively finish. Give this wine a few years to develop the full range of its flavours. What a wine!" Vinous

La Poja from the vineyard of the same name is a great terroir wine in which Allegrini does not dry the grapes. Made from the indigenous Corvina grape variety, this red wine opens with inviting aromas of ripe black-skinned berries, cedar wood and spices. The elegantly structured, full-bodied palate offers spiced blackberries, liquorice and black pepper alongside fine-grained tannins. Dynamic, precise and very elegant in all its components, it offers maximum enjoyment and promises a terrific development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich ruby colour. Opens with notes of fresh red cherries, some blackcurrant, but is also somewhat closed. Lots of velvety, well-integrated tannins, plus some milk chocolate with redcurrant, pithy, spans a wide arc, savoury." Falstaff

"The 2018 La Poja opens slowly in the glass as notes of crushed ashen stone and savory herbs give way to crushed cherries and blueberries. This is a decidedly delicate and finessed style. Brisk acidity enlivens its tart wild berry fruits as plum and dark chocolate notes evolve toward the close. The 2018 leaves a coating of fine tannins to linger, finishing with admirable length yet structured. Always a standout, La Poja is a varietal Corvina made entirely from fresh (not dried) grapes." Vinous

"Attractive aromas of dark raspberry jam, dried strawberries and figs with hints of dark chocolate, flowers and orange rind. Medium-to full-bodied with very silky tannins and lovely dryness to the mid-palate. Impressive concentration and length, showing a very long, persistent finish with juicy black cherries and bitter chocolate at the end. Nothing sweetish here." James Suckling

"Aromas of black cherry and plum combine with sandalwood, clove, allspice and savory herbs to woo you into the glass. Elegant, refined, structured and full in body, this wine is pure class. The dark-hued fruit flavors are integrated with the savory elements of the wine, where each plays a key role. The star of the show is on the finish where a distinct minerality reminiscent of chalk stands firm with a lift of acidity around it." Wine Enthusiast

"This 2018 La Poja is super-bright and herbal, with cool, sapid black and red berries accompanied by balsam, violet and lavender overtones. Precise and vertical yet silky-soft and succulent, it perfectly balances high acidity with creamy intensity, and needs more time to show its best." Decanter

The top red Riserva from the Bolzano winery has been the undisputed Lagrein Taber for years, with a fine bouquet of wild berry fruit, herbal flavours and spicy notes. Taber is a dense, full-bodied wine with a pleasant acidity and silky tannins, finishing with notes of candied fruit. A top wine from over 80-year-old vines on the Taberhof farm near Gries and a contender for the "Tre Bicchieri" of the Gambero Rosso almost every year. The best Lagrein Riserva in South Tyrol? Find out for yourself! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark purple colour. On the nose, rich heart cherry, blackberry juice, dried violets, with fragrant black bread notes and some precious wood. Very juicy on the palate, tightly woven, fruity, stretches over the tongue with great and fresh notes, savoury, complex and drinky at the same time, exciting and vibrant." Falstaff

"The 2021 Lagrein Riserva Taber opens to plummy and very ripe aromas of blackberry confit, pitted prunes and a savory tone of suede or new leather. Lagrein usually has a pronounced creamy side, and you feel that here, especially in terms of the wine's thick texture and soft tannins. This 2021 vintage is thickly extracted and dense." Wine Advocate

"A dark and ripe red that impresses with aromas of liquorice, chocolate, cassis and mulberries. Full-bodied and fleshy, with chewy but soft tannins and generous, spicy oak that complements the ripe fruit. An intense Lagrein." James Suckling

"The classic, almost impenetrable, deep blackberry red colour that is so typical of this grape variety. Blackberry and sloe fruit dominate the nose and palate, with notes of dark chocolate and roasted spices. Full and round with ripe tannins, the wine is approaching an early peak but should keep well over the next five to seven years." Decanter

Deep, shiny red colour. A beguiling blend of dark cherries, plums, mocha, liquorice, leather and cloves on the nose. Very compact and powerful fruit on the palate, characterised by deep intensity, dense layers and a velvety texture. Very focussed, balanced and certainly needs a few more years to develop fully. Outstanding elegance and length. In short: an absolute beauty! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a young wine with terrific depth and layers of fruit. It’s full-bodied with notes of eucalyptus, lavender and sage and hints of matchsticks and oranges. It’s linear and tight at the end, with an energetic finish. Very Saffredi in nature." James Suckling

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

"Rich ruby colour with a violet hue. Shows a lot of sweet, dark berry fruit on the nose, lots of blackberry and wild raspberry, plus fine tobacco and chocolate notes, some cardamom. Fresh, dark berry fruit on the palate, juicy and with good tension, very easy to drink, fine, elegant tannins." Falstaff

"The Galatrona 2022 with 100% Merlot, is another very attractive wine from Petrolo. It offers a beautiful upfront appeal that matches its uncomplicated personality. Blue and violet fruits, liquorice, lavender, spices and mocha blend together." Vinous

"The floral aromas are captivating, with flavours of violets, lilacs, orange peel, raspberries, rose petals and some oranges. It is medium to full-bodied with crisp and open-grained tannins that are creamy and flattering. The finish is endless. Crisp and energetic. A wine that makes you think and gives great pleasure. Of such purity. It's like eating perfectly ripened grape must. In many ways already drinkable now, but it will develop wonderfully. A new reference point for Merlot in Italy." James Suckling

Bright yellow colour. Apple jelly, lime, lemon curd and sweet herbs on the enthralling nose. Soft and supple on the palate, with corresponding flavours and a hint of ginger spice on the long, juicy finish. Hardly any white wine from Abruzzo will be more exciting over the next few years than the white flagship of extreme winemaker Emidio pep- so patience will pay off! SUPERIORE.DE

"The ageing of wines has always played a decisive role in the philosophy of our company. This is the reason why today we are proud to be able to offer many of the oldest vintages directly from our cellar. We differentiate as follows: We make two bottlings each year. Younger vintages, which we bring to the Italian market, come from younger vineyards and the wines from the old vines are left to mature in our cellar for at least 5 years before being gradually released onto the global market. The latter wines are labelled 'Selezione Vecchie Vigne' to make it easier to distinguish them. Another important aspect is that all bottles that are over 10 years old are decanted and individually checked before they are re-corked and sent on their journey to our customers." Emidio pepe

"The 2021 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo has a tropical flair, even as it displays fantastic refinement and poise. A blend of lime zest, lychee, minty herbs, stone dust, and camphor aromas waft from the glass. This fills the palate with soothingly round textures, displaying a nearly oily feel. Raw almond notes enrich yellow apples and gingery spices. The 2021 tapers off potent and long, allowing its minerality to surface as a lovely hint of peach sorbet and tropical citrus slowly fades." Vinous

Born in 1932, Emidio peplives by the motto "Life in wine". His respect for his 18 hectares of vineyards, the traditional values of viticulture in Abruzzo and the certified organic and biodynamic techniques result in wines with an unmistakable, genuine character. This Trebbiano, which is pressed with the feet, is fermented in concrete vats where it matures for two years. The aromas of broom, golden plums and white pepper lead to a wonderfully spicy, full-bodied flavour that is characterised by old-world charm and pleasant balance." Decanter

Complex bouquet of ripe fruit, sage and tobacco flavours. Dense and firm on the palate with savoury tannins, very well structured and of outstanding quality and purity, long and powerful on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Haiku shows an inky dark appearance with black fruit aromas, dark granite, spice and iron ore. The 2020 vintage reveals an especially dark core of ripe fruit. The primary aromas are surrounded by spice, tarry smoke and leather. This edition is full-bodied and generous in only a manner 2020 can manage." Wine Advocate

"It is a herbal red, intense and with wonderfully zesty acidity. Black and red fruits are accompanied by flecks of blood orange and chocolate, while the soft tannins lend a plush mouthfeel – yet it remains vertical and fresh with a spicy finish. Delicious." Decanter

"This is really intense and energetic with black berries, black cherries and black earth with some black truffle and orange peel. It's medium- to full-bodied with chewy tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Already impressive for a young wine but needs two or three years to soften." James Suckling

"The 2020 Haiku is once again impressive. Dark, explosive and layered, the 2020 delivers the goods. It's a wine that offers a mix of regional character with an international flair. One of the more expressive wines in the range, Haiku shows the more exuberant side of the year off in spades. Time in the glass releases the Franc aromatics very nicely." Vinous

Firmly rooted in La Morra, Elio Altare has been vinifying a Barolo on a rented plot in Serralunga d'Alba for a few years, which is vinified and bottled separately. A fascinating and powerful Nebbiolo with elegant fruit, truffle, leather and floral aromas. Full-bodied, juicy and long in flavour, with a remarkably elegant, well-built tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Opens with slightly earthy notes of black truffle and balsamic tones, then ripe plum, some dried tomato, wild raspberry. A substantial and gripping attack, lots of dark fruit, opens up with powerful tannins, full-bodied pressure on the final, ends on earthy notes." Falstaff

"The Elio Altare 2018 Barolo Riserva Cerretta has plenty of dark blackberry flavours complemented by spicy oak, all to great effect. The oak continues on the palate and in the tannins with roasted spices, nutmeg and vanilla pods." Wine Advocate

"The Barolo Riserva Cerretta Vigna Bricco 2018 is a big, powerful wine that shows the full range of Serralunga. Black cherry, smoke, tobacco, gravel, liquorice and incense open up to reveal a Barolo of enormous depth and resonance. The Cerretta clearly stands out in this range due to its size, but the whole works so well. The 2018 is still developing. It is very promising." Vinous

Filo di Seta is produced in small batches and is an impressive wine. With only 4,000 bottles produced, it reflects the extreme power and depth that can be achieved in this cooler microclimate of Montalcino. The vineyards are located on steep slopes and surrounded by dense forest and vegetation. One cannot help but detect a wild and thorny element in this wine, reminiscent of forest floor, truffles and autumnal foliage. These pretty accents add complexity to the solid core of dark fruit. The powerful mouthfeel is polished and dense. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is on the berry side, a hint of mocha, gracefully underpinned by peppery notes; the attack is delicate and homogeneous, crisp acidity, the finish fruity and long. Also in this vintage harmonious and very successful." Vinum

"Brilliant red with brick-like reflections. Spicy, deep cherry with complex spice notes but not obviously dried. Elegant, supple red fruits with a touch of sweet oak that is fully integrated. Fresh, gem-like acidity. Beautiful elegance and grippy but fine-grained tannins." Jancis Robinson

"Originally planted in the late 1980s with a variety of clones, Filo di Seta is at a lower altitude than the other Romitorio plots. The soil here is also richer in clay. The result is usually a riper and denser expression compared to classic Brunello, which is indeed the case here. Plush cherry and plum are dusted with allspice and nutmeg, and there is a seductive hint of chocolate on the palate that I often find in this wine, along with polished oak. It's already open and approachable, but not without a solid backbone, and will steadily develop its charms over the next ten years." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta emerges from the glass with a beguiling bouquet that opens with violets, lavender and stone dust that evolve into pretty dried strawberries and hints of clove. This is a Brunello of contrasts, as the velvety texture is punctuated by a salty minerality before red and black fruits unfold on the palate, leaving a primary colour. Blue and purple flowers mingle with acidic citrus as the 2018 finishes with tremendous length and complexity that is completely uncharacteristic of this vintage. Fine tannins linger, promising a long and steady evolution. The Filo di Seta is a complete success for 2018, but will still need some time to fully develop." Vinous

"A rich, concentrated red, expressing plum, cherry, earth, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Shows sweetness from the ripe fruit midpalate, along with a balanced, harmonious texture. Features fine length backed by vibrant acidity and refined tannins." Wine Spectator

"This wine is fast becoming one of the most interesting sites to have emerged in the Montalcino appellation thanks to the cool microclimate and black slate soils of the site. The Castello Romitorio 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta is a wine of unique dimension and depth. It shows tart, almost crunchy red fruits and cassis, with notes of cola, balsamic herbs, gravel and pencil shavings in the background. The tannins need another two to three years to become silky." Wine Advocate

"Complex and refined with seamless layers of ripe and dried cherries, truffle, caramel, dried flowers, nutmeg, chocolate orange and cassis. It is full-bodied, layered and polished, with firm tannins that are well integrated. Long and elegant. Delicious already, but even better after 2024." James Suckling

Smells intensely of redcurrants and black cherries, leather, spices and liquorice. Lush and flowing on the palate, all elements merge into a great, striking wine. Great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby colour with a hint of violet and a delicately brightening rim. A compact nose of ripe blackberry and rich cherry, with elegant peppery spice and a fine malt flavour rounding off the bouquet. Polished and juicy on the palate, shows great entry with a racy, gripping finish, with a fine salty undertone, can be stored for a long time." Falstaff

"Impenetrable dark ruby. Rich blackberry and blueberry fruit with touches of cassis, bell pepper, black pepper and fully integrated oak. Juicy blackberry fruit with gritty elegant tannins and a lush finish. A very good wine from an unremarkable year." Jancis Robinson

"On the nose, there are spicy notes of thyme, sour cherries, lemon leaves and blackcurrants as well as black olives. It is full-bodied with firm, well-integrated tannins and a tangy kick of acidity. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable from 2023." James Suckling

"Outstanding, elegant blend of Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon: spicy forest fruit flavours, a powerful start, the tannins are fine-meshed and in balance with the acidity, the finish is berry-spicy and long." Vinum

"The Geremia 2018 is outstanding. A wine full of energy and finesse, the 2018 Geremia is more about persistence than volume. Blueberry, blackberry, lavender, liquorice and scorched earth are abundant. In 2018, Geremia is a wine of tension and restraint. Its best days are still far in the future. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon." Vinous

Gabbro in a small edition of just 2,500 bottles each year is the essence of Montepeloso's noblest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, the vines are over 40 years old. Impressively complex bouquet of dark fruits, smoke and grilled vegetables. Reveals its pedigree and great class on the palate, powerful and muscular. Exquisite, complex, nuanced, persistent, long ... Gabbro truly offers everything that belongs to an unforgettable wine experience at world-class Cabernet level. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, deep ruby red. Great, expressive nose of cassis, mint, elderberries, in addition fine noble wood and stony hints, ripe red pepper in the aftertaste, noble spice. On the palate full-bodied, with radiant fruit, embedded in still young wood tannin, shows itself closely interwoven, in addition much juiciness, elegant drinking flow, still a child, still needs rest." Falstaff

"Gorgeous aromas of currants, flowers, bark and pine needles. Crushed stone. Full-bodied with crunchy and chewy tannins as well as fresh mushroom and spices. Dark fruits with graphite. Lead pencil. Fresh tannins that are vertical. Drink after 2027 but already so enticing to taste." James Suckling

"The 2021 Gabbro is another hugely promising 2021 from Fabio Chiarelotto. Deep, sensual and layered, the 2021 offers up a heady mix of dark fruit intermingled with scents of tobacco, scorched earth, leather, incense and menthol. Potent and yet quite elegant, the 2021 has a ton going on. It's another super-elegant wine from Montepeloso. Superb." Vinous

Bright ruby-garnet colour. Smooth and expressive on the palate, with sweet red cherries, blood orange, mint, wild flowers, cedar wood, sweet tobacco and aniseed. Very fine tannins on the palate, spicy, delicate and at the same time very rich and clear, with a long, balsamic final. Every year, Cascina Nuova is a prime example of how excellent Barolos can be produced at moderate prices. SUPERIORE.DE

"A beguiling bouquet of cherries, dried flowers and herbs; juicy on the palate with perfectly integrated tannins, striking acidity and a long final." Vinum

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Still a little closed and with savoury, spicy notes. Serious and complex, it opens slowly to red fruits with a hint of black pepper, but more mineral than fruity or sweet. Still very compact and closed on the palate. Really elegant and refreshing, with firm tannins accompanying the fresh fruit on the finish. Serious stuff." Jancis Robinson

"The Barolo Cascina Nuova 2019 is bright, exuberant and beautifully lifted, straight out of the gate. Crushed flowers, dried herbs, sweet red cherries, cinnamon, spices and candy rise from the glass. Light and medium-bodied, with plenty of vigour, the 2019 is an absolute delight. I really like its energy. The concise Ravera tannins are also handled well." Vinous

"Balanced and harmonious, this red wine offers flavours of cherries, raspberries, spices, minerals and chocolate, supported by a backbone of refined tannins. It becomes even more concentrated in the long, mineral and spicy aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The Cascina Nuova 2019 is initially somewhat reductive, but then opens up and reveals the freshness of lemon leaves, redcurrants and pomegranate as well as the aromatic depth of lemon thyme. The attack is very elegant, almost silky at first, then a little dusty on the finish with a light extraction. Possibly not too concentrated, but impressively good and graceful." Decanter

"This aromatic Barolo opens with wild red berries, fresh herbs and dried roses to create an aromatic lift that will captivate you. On the palate, it delights with light-footed, macerated raspberries dusted with spice, leading to a minerality of crushed chalk and fine tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Attractive primary flavours of crushed strawberries and stones follow through to a full body with fine and polished tannins and a lovely, fresh finish. Vibrant is a good word to describe this wine overall. Best after 2026." James Suckling

"The Elvio Cogno 2019 Barolo Cascina Nuova is the most accessible of the many excellent Barolos produced by this leading winery in the municipality of Novello. The fundamental value this wine offers is even more irresistible in a classic vintage like 2019. The wine opens beautifully in the glass and unfolds its aromas of redcurrants and wild berries. This is accompanied by varietal notes of liquorice, cola and camphor ash in a firm, medium-weight texture." Wine Advocate

"Brilliant garnet red with a ruby red shimmer. Rich raspberries and ripe plums on the nose, with a slightly smoky aftertaste and forest floor flavour. Fresh and juicy on the palate, with fine-grained tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"A Barolo of great freshness, with the proverbial cleanliness of Elvio Cogno, coming from the younger vineyards. Raspberry on the nose, with notes of peony and clementine peel, closed by hints of mint Valdostana. The mouthfeel shows iodized tannins, supported by citrus-floral return." Luca Gardini

Bright, powerful ruby colour, aromas of cherry, redcurrant, cocoa and tar. Juicy, spicy and bright, with firm acidity and taut tannins that give it definition and lift to the flavours. Very fresh and precise, persistent and smooth. It has outstanding potential. If you taste the decades-old wines from Mastroberardino (dating back to 1928), it becomes clear: these wines are monumental, immortal or at least for eternity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Ripe blackberries and rich plums on the nose, with a subtle hint of dark chocolate, coffee grounds, liquorice and a touch of leather in the background. Powerful but well-integrated tannins on the palate, with plenty of ripe fruit and a long final." Falstaff

"The nose is tart, spicy and assertive, with aromas of blackberry, pepper and hot iron. On the palate, black cherries reinforce the blackberry tartness before a new intrigue comes in the form of fresh herbs and a coffee bitterness. The acidity bumps up against the powerful but quiet tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Dark and intense, the 2017 Taurasi Radici Riserva glows with an intriguing blend of crushed ash stones, graphite, lavender and dried wild berries. Initially lean on the palate, it gains energy from a core of tart citrus and savoury spice, while tart red fruits saturate the senses. The 2017 leaves the mouth reeling with a mesh of fine tannins and a hint of sour orange that tickles the cheeks. It's still a baby today, but it has the balance to mature beautifully with time." Vinous

"Complex and deep character with ripe blackberries, sultanas, dried roses, dark chocolate, roasted walnuts, dark liquorice and wild mushrooms with some tar. Full-bodied, multi-layered and compact with a broad and velvety tannin structure that lingers on the palate. Classic, restrained style with a hint of sweet tobacco on the finish. Needs three to four years to fully develop." James Suckling

"An indispensable part of the peninsula's winemaking history, a Taurasi that is impossible not to call iconic. Cherries and laurel on the nose, a hint of eucalyptus, dogwood peel and undergrowth, salty, dense and compact in the mouth, with a citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

If there is one thing that Giacomo Neri has mastered 100%, it is harvesting at the optimal time of ripeness. He knows his property and his vines better than most and it shows.

The fruit of the 2018 vintage is deep and dark, with high levels of extract, intensity and flavour. It goes far beyond the standard cherry and blackberry to include plum cake, spice bread and bacon-wrapped plum. Nothing about this wine is obvious or monochromatic, everything is nuanced and ethereal. Tenuta Nuova also regularly features the mineral-salty notes that are characteristic of this single vineyard. Very supple tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"From the Cetine vineyard, located southeast of Sant'Angelo in Colle, comes this bottling of Tenuta Nuova with Mediterranean flair and sensual appeal. The relatively early harvest16 September has preserved the freshness of the grapes. Under a woody top note, lavender and balsamic herbs emerge. The ripe red cherries, infused with cinnamon and wrapped in supple tannins, show a high concentration. A juicy, tangy acidity supports the whole. The supple and refined wood should digest with another year in bottle." Decanter

"Bright and concentrated, with aromas and flavours of cherries, raspberries, rose hips, mushrooms, iron and tobacco. Pure and expressive, with fine harmony, an elegant frame and a long-lasting aftertaste. Supported by a firm structure." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is spicy and intense, exuding a wild blend of sweet herbs, cloves, dried citrus peel and crushed red plums. It is dark, elegant and refined, with polished red and black fruits highlighted by hints of lavender and mint; yet underneath, a web of fine tannins slowly saturates the palate. Hints of cranberry and tangerine mingle with lavender on the long and textured final, and the 2018 ends wonderfully balanced and classic. With more maturity, it could earn an even higher score." Vinous

"Powerful, sparkling ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Opens on the nose with notes of wild raspberry and black cherry, along with fine spicy components, violets in the background. Substantial and dense in attack and course, shows very great, compact tannin in many layers, full bite in the final, ends on notes of cloves." Falstaff

"Here is a treat from Casanova di Neri. The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is full-bodied and rich with beautiful layers of dark fruits, dried blackberries, spices and smoked tobacco. The sour cherry of this vintage transitions into crushed flowers, balsamic herbs, liquorice and crushed stone. The bouquet is classic, but the magic of Casanova di Neri emerges thanks to the wine's balance and beautiful intensity." Wine Advocate

"Elegant and perfumed nose of dried roses, violets, lemon peel, slate, cherries, anise and truffle. Very fine, tight and precise tannins. Medium to full body. I like the floral and saline undertones. So precise and fresh with a dense finish. Crushed stones on the finish. Try the 2025, but it is already attractive to taste and drink." James Suckling

"Southeastern area of Montalcino. From an innovative wine project, a refined and taut Brunello, one of the symbols of this typology now. Vertical on the nose, with notes of redcurrant, wild mint and chinotto, with hints of peony and blood orange. Crisp-tight drinkability, with saline tannins. Finishes fruity and citrusy again." Luca Gardini

Barbera d'Alba Scarrone from the vineyard of the same name is a beautifully complex, rich Barbera cru. Aromas of dark, fragrant fruit, spices, liquorice and minerals. Opulent and impeccably balanced, silky tannins, sweet floral notes on the long, dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spicy, with flavours of black cherry, violet, cumin and cardamom and a hint of toasted oak. Fresh and harmonious, with a long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black berries and black liquorice on the nose, medium body, very fine tannins and a fresh and lively finish. Fine texture." James Suckling

"This single-vineyard Barbera pops out of the glass with tart blueberry and boysenberry jam aromas accented by candied violets and savory spices. Round and giving, the wine aims to please while still being serious. Ripe mixed berries combine with dried herbs and finish with such great structure and acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone 2021 is dense, lush and explosive. An onslaught of dark red cherry and plum fruit, mocha, liquorice, spices, rose petals and a hint of French oak builds in the glass. The Scarrone is another excellent Barbera from Vietti, powerful and quite deep. The Scarrone has developed very well in recent years." Vinous

The 2016 edition of Vincenzo Abbruzzese's Brunello is a dense and full-bodied wine whose harmony and roundness reflect the outstanding vintage in a very convincing way. Rich bouquet of small dark red and black fruits, plum, crushed rose petals and hints of cinnamon. Taut and savoury on the palate, with great structure and a soft texture, the tannins nestle with the fruit and lead into a wonderfully polished, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Super fine tyre notes, prune, lots of noble tobacco, a touch of plank, cedar, behind menthol and eucalyptus, cornelian cherry, some sea buckthorn and orange peel; focused, youthful and punchy on the palate, very clear tannic flanks, pithy mineral, holds the tension." Meiningers Sommelier

"The Valdicava 2016 Brunello di Montalcino shows a subtle bouquet that needs extra time to open. In fact, I suggest you open your bottle about four hours before serving. This Brunello takes its time, but it inches over the senses with carefully increasing intensity. Wild cherry, toasted almond and even a touch of sweet apple or orange peel distinguish the bouquet. The tannins are firm and young, but all they need is extra time to evolve. This wine is like being introduced to a stranger who takes his time to reveal his personality, but who then turns into a true friend and confidant. Patience is required." Wine Advocate

"Fleeting aromas of cherry, cedar, sanguine and leather give way to a beam of ripe cherry, berry and earth flavors in this elegant red. Firm and resonant, with a matrix of dusty tannins on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is one of those young wines that, from the moment you put your nose to the glass, you know you’re in for a treat. A sweetly alluring and remarkably fresh bouquet of crushed cherries, strawberries and plums is further complicated by hints of clove, spiced orange peels and mint. It’s velvety-smooth and radiant with a display of dark red fruits, all tightly wound up in a web of minerals, with an air of savory herbs and inner florals that develop toward the close. Try to keep your hands off for another four or five years, and then reap the rewards for a decade or more." Vinous

"Attractive aromas of balsamic, tea, dark berry, walnut and coffee bean. Full-bodied, yet tight and very intense with ripe tannins that are fine and reserved. Racy and polished. Beautiful length to this wine. Needs at least two to three years to come. Try after 2024." James Suckling