Gambero-Rosso

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

"Bright ruby red with a sparkling centre and delicately brightening rim. Great, appealing and open nose, of fresh cinnamon powder, ripe raspberries, plus some sealing wax and white pepper, savoury and inviting. Very elegant and polished on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, beautiful salinity and a very long finish." Falstaff

"The Barbaresco Il Bricco 2019 is a very beautiful, beguiling wine. Sweet red cherry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, mint and spices give the 2019 an impressive dimension and complexity. This deceptively medium-bodied Barbaresco shows great depth and power." Vinous

"Packed with cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavours, this red is restrained but harmonious and structured, with notes of iron, tobacco and undergrowth adding complexity in the long, dense aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Subtle, pure and pretty, this wine carries an intentional character. It offers dark cherry notes, both fresh and warmed, enhanced by sweet spice. Earthy and leathery undertones accompany fine but present tannins finishing with lifted acidity, built to last." Wine Enthusiast

"The fruit for this wine comes from the Bricco di Treiso MGA and immediately shows more softness and textural definition. The Barbaresco Il Bricco 2019 is multi-layered and rich with black fruits, spices, tar and a sweet hint of cinnamon. Il Bricco offers more overall power and structure for longer ageing in the cellar." Wine Advocate

"A solid and powerful Barbaresco with fantastic depth of fruit and multi-layered tannins. Full and so deep and concentrated, with great length and structure. Bark, berries, minerals and deep terroir and gravitas. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

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, shiny ruby-garnet colour. Nose of toast, mint, then fine raspberries and rosehips, fine earthy tones, cardamom. Great entry on the palate, deep and multi-layered, savoury, comes in several waves, lingers remarkably long and juicy." Falstaff

"An inviting red that offers ripe plums, cherries, earth, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco flavours. It becomes denser and slightly viscous on the finish, with earthy and herbal elements echoing. All components are present, so be patient." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Ornato 2019 is a big, tightly wound Serralunga Barolo that needs time to unfold. Iron, white pepper, mint, dried herbs and orange peel open up, but with great restraint. Today, the Ornato is impenetrable. We'll see what happens over time." Vinous

"The Pio Cesare 2019 Barolo Ornato comes from one of the most famous MGA vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba. The character of this wine is always characterised by structure and power, and these qualities are particularly evident in a vintage like 2019, which offers more concentrated fruit at the start. The Ornato is imbued with dark berry flavours that contrast with spicy tones, tar and smoke. It finishes with finely structured tannins." Wine Advocate

"The Ornato 2019 emphasises the special nature of this vineyard with its grace and structure, which combine to create pure class. Dark cherry flavours are nestled among wild herbs, flowers and savoury spices that grab and draw your attention with every sip. This robust and well-structured wine is built for the future, when all the parts relax into each other and show just how great this wine is." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine is beautiful with ultra-fine tannins, cherries, berries and flowers. Medium to full body. Wonderful length. Very classic in structure. Straightforward and racy. Taut on the finish. Give it four to six years in the bottle." James Suckling

"From Cascina Ornato, the first cru in the history of the estate, a sculptural Barolo with power and structure. Blackcurrant on the nose, notes of liquorice and peony. Salty on the palate, with liquorice notes on the finish." Luca Gardini

Paleo - unmistakable Cabernet Franc and one of Bolgheri's most important wines, full of elegance and class. The name goes back quite unspectacularly to a weed that has long since been removed from the vineyards of Le Macchiole. Rich ruby red with violet reflections. On the nose, mint, white pepper, blackberry fruit and some pomegranate. Fine melting on the palate with hints of tobacco and poppy. Wonderfully structured and with a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cabernet Franc in purezza, a grape variety that is perfectly suited to some sites near Bolgheri: Needs some aeration, then multi-layered aromas of cassis, undergrowth, maquis and spices; superb construction with powerful complexity, the tannin precise, finishes long and seductive. Great wine." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby-violet with a slightly lightening rim. Opens on the nose with emphatically spicy notes of white pepper, oregano and thyme, then raspberry and cassis. On the palate, lots of sweet, dark berry fruit, shows gripping, firm tannin, plus fine sweet melting, firm pressure in the final and a long finish." Falstaff

"A beam of blackcurrants paired with aromas and flavours of black olives, peppers, wild rosemary, tar and vanilla. A crisp and concentrated red wine with light tannins on the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"A full-bodied, powerful and polished red wine with aromas of dark plums, dark cherries, tobacco, bay leaves, dark chocolate, mocha and cedar. Firm, ripe tannins. Compact and muscular. Yet it remains fresh. Will soften even more. Taste after 2025." James Suckling

"In 2019, Paleo recovers its precise and stylish character and amazing concentration. This Cabernet Franc was fermented and macerated in concrete and then aged for 18 months in new French oak. Its dark purple colour shows subtle cassis wrapped in spice and milk chocolate, with assertive eucalyptus and delicious parma violet. The palate is juicy and almost savoury, velvety and with tannins infused with violets and cassis. Remarkable length with integrated toasty flavours." Decanter

"Cedar chips, wild herbs, black pepper, bergamot and undergrowth on the nose, sour cherry, mixed berries, soy sauce and liquorice sweets on the palate. Tannins that feel like a firm hand and an acidic heat bubbling underneath combine to create a showstopper." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Paleo is an absolute stunner. Deep, plush and explosive, the 2019 has fabulous density and yet is not heavy at all. All the elements are so well balanced. Dark cherry, plum, chocolate, mocha, espresso and grilled herbs meld together in the glass. The purity and persistence of the flavours is absolutely compelling. The 2019 is really impressive. I loved it." Vinous

"Originated as a blend with Sangiovese, now proudly Cabernet Franc in purity, unique in the area, the result of very careful varietal work, nose with notes of blackcurrant, undergrowth and eucalyptus, then notes of black peppercorns. Fruity and spicy finish." Luca Gardini

"The Le Macchiole 2019 Paleo shows an extremely precise and distinct personality, perfectly suited to this classic vintage. If you love Cabernet Franc, this is your wine. The bouquet is linear and dense with wet gravel, pencil and graphite forming an elegant frame around blackberries and black plums. You can taste every little detail in this complex and powerful wine. The fruit comes from a 5.5 hectare plot that rises from 37 to 70 metres above sea level. The soils are a mixture of clay, sand, silt, stone and limestone, characteristic of this stretch of Tuscan coastline. On the second nose, the Paleo offers cardamom pods, exotic spices and fragrant rose water." Wine Advocate

The Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento 2016, which comes onto the market seven years after the grape harvest, is a breathtaking wine. It soars to the highest heights in terms of elegance and power. These opposing forces - power and grace - are what characterise this classic vintage. Col d'Orcia has effortlessly captured and immortalised both sides of the continuum. The bouquet displays a long array of aromas, including dried cherries, liquorice, cola, lavender flowers, cured meat and black truffles. The velvety finish is smooth and lingering. A wonderful creation from the top 2016 vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Memorable nose with notes of plums, some cranberries, dark cherries, very clear. Firm, full-bodied tannins on the palate, opens with a lot of pressure, coated in ripe berry fruit, savoury and profound, subtle earthy notes on the final." Falstaff

"Brilliant, medium to deep ruby red colour with only light orange tones. Some development on the nose, but otherwise still very closed. Supple and concentrated, with fine, tangy acidity and astonishing balance. Finely chiselled tannins and supple, concentrated fruit on the finish. An elegant wine whose 15% alcohol is imperceptible." Jancis Robinson

"The organic Col d'Orcia 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is beautiful, to be honest, with a unique sense of direct power, medium-rich texture and evolved fruit. This Riserva takes us back in time to one of the most successful vintages in Montalcino's history. The bouquet is characterised by dried fruit, rose potpourri and roasted chestnut shells. The tannins are dissolved and the wine ends on a soft, silky note." Wine Advocate

"The nose is primarily spicy, with aromas of old leather, dirt and mixed spices, like a general shop in the old west with cherry and liquorice candy in bins. The palate is more fruit-driven, with notes of cherries and figs mingling with coffee and sambuca flavours to create a subtle hint of spiciness. The tannins and acidity oversee the proceedings without imposing themselves, like a good host at a party." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Vento is a classic wine that takes its time in the glass, slowly gaining depth and nuance: dusty roses and leather give way to dried strawberries, then notes of cedar and spiced blood orange. It is elegant and refined, with polished red berry fruit and a silky texture contrasted by notes of sour orange. A core of lively acidity provides a wonderfully fresh appeal. The finish is long and colourful, but also youthfully structured. A layer of fine tannins holds on to the remnants of redcurrant and spice. Ultimately, the 2016 Poggio al Vento leaves the taster longing for another sip and regretting its incredibly youthful state. It will be many years before we can fully enjoy the depth and complexity it currently harbours, but I hope to be there when that day finally comes." Vinous

"Packed with vibrant cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors, this red is racy and pure, with a superb aftertaste. Defined by its bracing acidity and precise fruit flavors, this still has some tannins to resolve. So youthful and fresh, it feels like this has hardly budged in its evolution." Wine Spectator

"Super classic Brunello from a classic vintage that is now coming onto the market. The fragrance has it all: cherries, flowers, pencil and slight hints of graphite. This is followed by raspberries and black cherries with some sandalwood shavings. You just want to smell it. Clear and transparent. Full-bodied with very fine and incisive tannins that fill the mouth and show great tension and shape. Extremely long and structured. Beautiful now, but it will age for decades to come." James Suckling

Noble, white cuvée made from Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, as majestic as the Terlan castle ruins of the same name. Powerful and complex, multi-faceted, exotic and mineral, this classic Terlaner brings out the advantages of the growing region with a strong character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, bright straw yellow colour with a green sparkle. Polished and very precise nose, opens with notes of ripe apple, some pear, then walnuts, but also grapefruit and subtle thyme spice in the background. Very tense on the palate, very precise, salty, with fine yellow fruit notes, lingers for a very long time, juicy." Falstaff

"The Terlaner Riserva Cuvée Nova Domus 2021 presents itself with an airy bouquet in which ground ginger mingles with dusty dried flowers, crushed green apples and spice flavours. The palate is lapped up by a silky texture and ripe fruit. Sour citrus notes provide a contrast, accompanied by lively acidity. The 2021 finishes full of youthful tension and with light tannins that leave a savoury sensation and a hint of bitter lemon peel that lead the taster back to the glass." Vinous

"Pretty aromas of hazelnut, beeswax and floral notes, yuzu, mandarin, preserved lemon and spices on the palate." Decanter

"Aromas of warmed pears with spices, delicate white flowers and the peel of lemons, limes and kumquats. On the palate, there is an invigorating acidity carried by citrus oils, fresh herbs and a pronounced sharpness that not only revitalises the palate but also the soul." Wine Enthusiast

"This is a very straightforward white wine with tension and acidity that kicks in at the end, giving it fantastic energy and length. It is medium to full-bodied with sliced pineapple, lemon and green apple before a lively finish. There are also undertones of lemongrass and tarragon. Complex and complete. Better after 2025, but already exciting to drink now." James Suckling

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. The 2018 is wonderfully fragrant, almost exotic. Plump red fruits and sweet summer herbs fill the mouth, but instead of being heavy, it is balanced and transparent. The powdery tannins are fine and lead to a long, maritime finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, shiny ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Very closed and backward on the nose. Cherry on the palate with a slight hint of dried fruit, but much more convincing than it sounds. Long yet restrained on the finish, with fine-grained tannins that only reveal their complex depth at the very end. Skilfully made, and there is more to come." Jancis Robinson

"Warm, fragrant aromas of red berries and flowers open the round; elegant attack, but also with character, melting and good length. Pleasing with its elegant yet powerful texture." Vinum

"Very classic Sangiovese nose, dark cherries, sour cherry (Marasca), fine wood, very classic style on the palate too, incredibly juicy with fine spice and salty hints, compact but by no means rustic, rather balanced and with a lot of structure. Compact juiciness. Wonderful presence, noble elegance, fantastically integrated acidity and tannins. Beautiful piquancy. Stony and firm style. Long-lasting." Weinwisser

"Like a kid in a sweet shop, it's a pleasure to take in the candy, medicinal cherry, blueberry compote and liquorice aromas of the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino. While the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is silky and elegant, it is also racy and full of character, as the red and black berries are complemented by notes of cinnamon, cloves and a bitter hint of cocoa. The 2018 finishes powerful and long, but only slightly structured, which suggests a certain amount of ageing, but also that it is showing off all its skills. Almost a minute passes and nuances of violet pastilles and red sweets still linger." Vinous

"Strawberry liqueur with herbal notes on the nose. Juicy and refreshing, modern in style, but promising for the coming years." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of medium volume and intensity with dark fruits, ripe cherries, black plums, spices and sweet floral earth. This theme of sweetness continues on the soft, lightly structured palate. The wine is ready to drink in the short to medium term; the tannins are round and ready, and it finishes with bright acidity." Wine Advocate

"Rich and deep, with base notes of plum and loamy earth balancing the flavours of cherry, hibiscus and eucalyptus. Dense, with muscular tannins and a lively acidity to support it. The long aftertaste is reminiscent of earth and Mediterranean scrub." Wine Spectator

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Fragrant, inviting nose of ripe wild berries, candle wax, fine spicy tones and some liquorice. On the palate, with pithy tannins that beautifully envelop the clear fruit, balanced and elegant." Falstaff

"Dark fruit aromas stretch across the nose but don't entirely mask hints of vanilla, pencil shavings and a salty, peppery stoniness. On the palate, the vanilla escalates to initially further emphasize the dark fruits, before new undertones of bitter orange and meaty umami elements emerge. Acid zips around dense tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Sant'Angelo in Colle, a wine of excellent juiciness that expresses Lisini's great craftsmanship. Notes of dogwood, then chinotto and juniper. The palate has juicy tannins, beautiful citrus-olfactory nuances and a fruity return." Luca Gardini

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

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

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

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

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family has for the first time vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione to reflect the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiòla.

Vicoregio 36 is the successor to the ambitious Mix 36 and, since 2017, a true Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. As a result of 50 years of research, 36 biotypes of the Sangiovese grape were planted on a sunny plateau near Castelnuova Berardenga, from which this extremely interesting and independent wine was created a few years ago. The overall impression is very balanced and straightforward with hints of red cherries, spices, dried blueberries and tobacco. It is the warmest and most balanced of the three Gran Selezione wines. Its intensity, richness of colour and precise fruit instantly captivate the Sangiovese lover. SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry-scented seducer with floral and herbal notes; flattering on the palate, silky tannin, embedded in fine acidity, ends long and fresh. Pleases with its elegance and no-frills style. Among the best cuts of Viennese beef cuisine." Vinum

"Bright ruby red. In the nose initially marked by rich noble wood, then after blood orange and fresh raspberries, pink roses in the finish. Compact and with clear fruit on the palate, shows itself polished and radiant, pithy, minimal afterdrying in the final." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with orange reflections. Brooding and with the faintest suggestion of gingerbread and sweet oak. In this youthful state, the palate is similar to that of the Castello di Fonterutoli Gran Selezione of the same vintage, but this is slightly richer and with firmer, if polished, tannins. Enormous length. Monumental and far from finished." Jancis Robinson

"Mazzei's expression of the Vagliagli commune comes from a vineyard planted with 36 different Sangiovese biotypes, the result of 50 years of research. At an altitude of 350 metres, it is the lowest of the winery's three Gran Selezione sites and also the most expansive and supple. It leads with mocha, dried cherry and balsam wood and wears its oak well. The purity of the red berries shows on the palate with toasty flavours. This wine is full yet gracefully structured, with appetisingly integrated acidity." Decanter

"This classy red boasts a core of ripe, juicy plum, cherry and blackberry fruit framed by a subtle touch of new oak and a mineral underpinning. Reveals refined tannins, which should come into the fold over the next five to seven years as this integrates fully. Shows terrific balance and length, with finesse and complexity." Wine Spectator

"This is the third vintage in which this wine has the Gran Selezione designation. The fruit comes from an experimental vineyard at an altitude of 350 metres with compact clay soils (with some stones for loosening), good aeration and a dominant southern exposure. The property is 12.5 hectares and was acquired in 1997. Following the graceful 2018 vintage, the Mazzei 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Fonterutoli Vicoregio 36 shows medium-bodied concentration and sweet tannins with plenty of dark fruit, spice, scrub and wild mint." Wine Advocate

"A very straightforward and fine Chianti Classico with crisp cherry fruit and a hint of minerals. Medium body. Crisp and lively finish. Closed and dense on the mid palate." James Suckling

Ceretto's entry-level Barbaresco comes from different sites, mostly younger vines from Asili (35%) and the lower part of Bernadot (65%). Bright, elegant ruby red. It has full energy and vivacity and offers excellent persistence and remarkable balance. On the nose, sweet red cherry, mint, pine, liquorice and candied orange peel. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish. After good aeration already impressively accessible when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. In the nose noble, perceptible use of wood, discreet spice, red fruit core, blood orange, light leather. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish." Falstaff

"Pure flavors of cherry, strawberry and rose highlight this elegant red, accented by cut hay, white pepper and tobacco. It's solid and long, with a chalky feel on the finish. Best from 2023." Wine Spectator

"Ceretto's classic 2017 Barbaresco opens quickly and nicely in the glass. That playful accessibility is a trait that I found in many of the Barbarescos from this vintage. Compared to the two vineyard-specific expressions (Asili from Barbaresco and Bernadot from Treiso), this wine offers broad brush strokes of wild berry, spice, licorice and iron ore. That's exactly the mission of this wine: It provides an authentic portrait of a grape. Fruit represents a blend from various sites, including young vines from Asili and the lower parts of Bernadot. This wine is poised for near and medium-term drinking." Wine Advocate

"Really open, rich and complex on the nose, showing dried roses, strawberries and cherries. Full-bodied, layered, rich and flavorful with dried-strawberry, white-truffle and mushroom undertones. Juicy and fruity at the end. A little more opulence than normal." James Suckling

Paleo Rosso - unmistakable Cabernet Franc and one of Bolgheri's most important wines, full of elegance and class. The name is unspectacularly derived from a weed that has long since been removed from the vineyards of Le Macchiole. Rich ruby red colour with violet reflections. Mint, white pepper, blackberry fruit and a hint of pomegranate on the nose. Finely melting on the palate with hints of tobacco and poppy seeds. Wonderfully structured and with a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich bouquet, characterised by hints of iron, which combine with ethereal medicinal notes to create a recognisable signature. Tobacco, fir wood and dark herbs characterise the distinctive expression of this top wine. On the palate, it is gripping with an elegant structure, emphasising an expressive yet subtle spiciness, a real spicy orgy of exotic spices, cardamom, cloves and slightly smoky peppers. Cabernet Franc at its finest, eternally salty and savoury aftertaste. Great cinema." Weinwisser

"Intensely reflective ruby-purple colour. Opens on the nose with pronounced spicy notes of graphite and cedar, then black cherry, dark currants and white pepper. Grippy, gripping tannins characterise the palate, dark fruit components, with an emphatically spicy final." Falstaff

"Precise, with accents of herbs and peppers in the blackcurrant, black olive, iron and tobacco flavours. Shows subliminal vanilla and spice elements from the discreet use of new oak, which unfold with harmony and finesse on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black berries and black olives with blackcurrants and rosemary. Full-bodied, chewy and rich with intense tannins and a long, powerful finish. Muscular and taut." James Suckling

"Its aroma is a heady combination of leafy and cedar scents, saturated with vibrant graphite minerality, citrus fruit and liquorice depth. On the palate, this is supported by tremendous extraction and power, with firm, oaky tannins and a graphite aftertaste of astonishing elegance." Decanter

"The Le Macchiole 2020 Paleo is one of the best Cabernet Francs in Italy. It is very dense and richly concentrated, with an amount of dark fruit that can only be broken down by slow maturation in the cellar. Paleo is always a wine for the long haul. The oak needs time to integrate and focus. Even at this young stage, the quality of the tannins and the precise ripeness of the fruit are convincing. A hint of sweet cherry, exotic spice and dark chocolate ensure a long finish." Wine Advocate

"The Paleo Rosso 2020 is noble, elegant and wonderfully polished. Crushed flowers, spices and blood orange lend it brightness. The Paleo Rosso impresses with its medium-bodied structure and offers great depth. It has performed very well in the past. I assume that this will also be the case here, as the 2020 radiates balance from start to finish. The 2020 matured for 18 months in 100% French oak and 5% of the wine was aged in amphorae." Vinous

"A firework of pepper lights up the nose, from black pepper to green peppercorns and hot chilli. Undertones of flint and leather intensify the spiciness, while flavours of raspberry jam and vanilla provide balance. On the palate, the spiciness remains, with biting, assertive acidity, but a sweetness lingers, and a finish of chilli and chocolate ties it all together. Transcendent." Wine Enthusiast

Bricco della Bigotta smells of cherries, cinnamon, black pepper and a hint of tobacco. On the palate, great finesse and harmonious balance between acidity and alcohol. Lingers long with character and class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Very intense and deep nose of dark wild raspberries and black cherries, in the background cinnamon and some red beet. Round and mouth-filling on the palate, showing lots of ripe cherry fruit, embedded in fine melting, unfolds elegantly and with persistence." Falstaff

"Aromas of baked plum, baking spice and mocha emerge from the glass. The bold, full-bodied palate offers cherry marinated in spirits, white pepper and cocoa alongside smooth tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Like all the Barberas from Braida in this flight, the alcohol content is recorded at a hefty 15.5% here, but the 2018 Barbera d'Asti Bricco della Bigotta shows a lot more ripeness, sweetness and rich concentration across the board. This expression is just heavier and denser. You sink your teeth into this red wine. There is oak spice and toasted cinnamon, and the wine carries extra fruit weight." Wine Advocate

Luce Brunello is dark and impenetrable, as always in its more international style. On the palate, it delivers ripe and round fruit flavours of blackberries and plums with plenty of opulence, power and breed. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and full-bodied, this juicy red shows aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and Mediterranean scrub, with hints of graphite, underpinned by muscular tannins that come through on the finish. Very balanced overall." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is generous and open in personality. It shows sweet cherries, dried raspberries, spices and fragrant roses." Wine Advocate

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Quite restrained on the nose, then opens up with notes of rose petals and tea, rich spicy components in the background. Firm and grippy on the palate, shows plenty of grippy tannin, substantial and structured, but still needs longer ageing." Falstaff

"A finely structured and concentrated Brunello with a complex palette of cherries, blackberries, dried roses, bark, liquorice and a hint of praline. Also iodine and oyster shells. Medium to full body with firm, very fine tannins. Nice texture and balance. Remains fresh and fine until the end. To be tasted from 2025." James Suckling

Emanuele Pangrazi is probably Lazio's most ambitious winemaker at the moment. With his extreme planting density and radical yield restriction, he is following a path that is trend-setting for Lazio. After he had fundamentally analysed his terroir and also the climatic conditions, it was clear to him in 2006 that he would plant mainly French grape varieties here according to the principle of the great wines of the Rhone. In addition to his famous Cuvée Habemus (Etichetta Bianca) and the San Giovenale Rosso (assemblage from two vintages of Habemus), he also vinifies four single-varietal Habemus wines, but these are absolutely small.

Habemus Etichetta Rossa, with a production volume of approx. 1,000 bottles, is a pure Cabernet Franc of the absolute extra class. Deep dark ruby red. The bouquet is broad, complex and elegant with a balsamic carpet of graphite, cinchona bark, blood orange and rhubarb. As it progresses, notes of Mediterranean scrub, sweet spices and cherries open up. The palate is full, punchy and warm, the tannins are silky and the alcohol fully integrated. On the finish, those beguiling balsamic notes and sweet spices reappear. If you have patience, you will be richly rewarded with this rare exceptional wine! SUPERIORE.DE

Coltassala Gran Selezione is an impeccable representative of the royal class in Chianti Classico. The immensely fragrant bouquet shows black fruits, spices and ploughed earth. All the aromas are on the dark and spicy side, but the wine always remains fresh, dense, buoyant and very linear. Shows rich volume and a strong personality and precision. SUPERIORE.DE

"As always at this young stage, the wood notes accompany the fine and bright fruit; the strengths lie in the inner tension, the elegance, the solid style of the fine tannin and the eternal length. Confirms the upward trend of this great classic, which has been organically farmed since 2000." Weinwisser

"Charismatic attack of cherries and black pepper, delicately tinged with liquorice notes; the tannins youthful, the acidity perfectly integrated, plenty of richness and power through to the long complex final." Vinum

"The organic Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Coltassala 2019 is 95% Sangiovese with a tiny 5% Mammolo. The production is 9,000 bottles in this vintage. The wine shows medium fruit weight with a nice blend of creamy black fruits, Christmas spices and crushed stone or granite. The wine is both fruity and contemporary." Wine Advocate

"Bright ruby red. In the nose initially fine mint, some fruit tea, also fine liquorice, in the aftertaste of ripe blackberries and cardamom. On the palate with clear, radiant fruit, tense powerful tannin, also on the palate with ripe berry fruit, in the final with delicate earthy-spicy nuances, grippy." Falstaff

"Aromas of black cherries and citrus fruits with some graphite and smoke. Medium-bodied with firm, juicy tannins that are still chewy now but will soften with age. Racy and long on the finish. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"Lovely cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavours take centre stage in this graceful red wine. Lively and elegant, with well-integrated tannins and a long, supple, mineral finish. In about 5 to 6 years, this wine will be truly charming." Wine Spectator

"An exceptional Gran Selezione from Volpaia, sourced from the winery's historic vines and clones. On the nose, red raspberry, hints of rhubarb and juniper, then balsamic eucalyptus. Salty-sweet on the palate, with a fruity finish and balsamic notes, very long lasting." Luca Gardini

Just 3,500 bottles are produced from the oldest vines of the Salco vineyard and are only sold in the best vintages. In the glass, we are delighted by an extremely elegant Sangiovese with a very harmonious texture and very classic, earthy-spicy notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cherries and chocolate jump off the nose before earthy aromas take over, from mushrooms to dirt to underbrush and moss. The palate echoes these notes, carrying them through a long mocha-infused finish with rigid, durable tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The haunting dark and floral 2019 Nobile di Montepulciano Vecchie Viti del Salco combines exotic spices with crushed dried flowers, spiced cherries and ginger nuances. It is extremely silky, with no hard edges in sight. A polished wave of ripe red berries washes over the palate, leaving a hint of minerality and fine tannins. The 2019 is powerful and incredibly long, with a primary concentration that lasts until the long and structured final. Made from 100% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) from thirty-five year old vines, it's a real stunner." Vinous

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

"Starts with a lot of esprit on warm-scented berry and flower flavours; complex attack, the acidity and the fine-grained tannins in perfect balance, salty-mineral nuances, the final opulent and yet full of elegance. Should be left for a few more years." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby colour of medium density. Finely characterised nose, with notes of raspberry and dark cherries, plus some eucalyptus. Juicy from the beginning to the end, shows plump cherry fruit, some blackberry, present tannin in many fine layers, pomegranate on the final." Falstaff

"Despite its medium-weight structure, the Cepparello 2021 is a restrained, tight-knit wine. Today, the 2021 still seems quite nervous and lean, even for a young Cepparello. It will be interesting to see how it develops with a little more time in the bottle. I really like the energy of this wine." Vinous

"Plum, cherry and pomegranate fruit are framed by toasted oak and mineral flavours in this lively and juicy red wine that offers plenty of energy, with elements of tar and oak on the lingering finish. It shows good balance, with the dense tannins leaving room for the fruit at the end. Needs time." Wine Spectator

"The Isole e Olena 2021 Cepparello, one of Tuscany's flagship wines, immediately offers ripe fruit flavours that are firm, even crisp, which bodes well for the future development of this classic vintage. The wine is packed with tart fruit flavours, followed by balanced acidity. Compared to previous vintages, which are more extracted and dense, this vintage is delightfully bright and transparent. I appreciate the age-worthy path Cepparello is taking." Wine Advocate

"In this vintage, the Cepparello shows very restrained notes of red cherries, dried violets and plenty of stony minerality. There is a fleshy and spicy character in the depths. Overall very precise and integrated. The palate is dominated by velvety tannins that have a chalky, even dusty texture, with a full body, amazing concentration and very refreshing acidity. The finish is bright and focused on cherry stones. A good wine for longer ageing. Possibly one of the best Cepparello ever." James Suckling

Campo del Drago is a single vineyard of just 1.5 hectares and is located on a high plateau in the Montalcino appellation with a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The grapes from here are only vinified separately in the best years for the Brunello of the same name and the result is then eagerly awaited around 5 years later. Dark, concentrated colour with beautiful saturation and density. The bouquet reveals a unique minerality and complexity. The palate is intense, complex and deep. The tannins are present, but remain very elegant thanks to the Sangiovese acidity. Can still mature, but is already irresistible today. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very similar to the Annata, with a touch more reduction and more polished tannins. Dense, fruity bouquet, ripe, rich cherry fruit, sweet tobacco, touch of green olives, pomegranate juice. Meltingly dense palate again with lots of pomegranate, redcurrant, somewhat more gracious in the slightly astringent tannin, the beautiful fruit has a contrasting effect. Needs to mature." Weinwisser

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Fragrant and inviting nose, trimmed with flowers and citrus, violets, orange, tangerine, fragrant peach, cherry, light spice in the background. Polished on the palate with plenty of juiciness and beautiful savoury play, clear fruit, great texture, grippy tannins on the finish, will age well and for a long time." Falstaff

"In the glass, the wine is reminiscent of the forest after a rain shower, when the sun dries out the vegetation. The aromas of warm cedar, porcini mushrooms and liquorice roots are intoxicating. The palate is dense and concentrated, with an abundance of red summer berries and a taut structure. Strong tannins provide the necessary support. Notes of oak-derived vanilla permeate the palate, while hints of leather and game hint at what is to come as this wine develops." Decanter

"Complex and rich, even lush, with flavours of cherry, plum, leather, minerals, dark spices and tobacco, underscored by a stream of dense, dusty tannins. The finish is tactile and reminiscent of ripe fruit and mineral accents." Wine Spectator

"Nose that opens on notes of raspberry, with hints of Valdostan mint, juniper and touches of grapefruit. Sip with sapid-briny tannins, close with a memory of red fruit and citrus." Luca Gardini

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago is dark and savoury in the glass with a bouquet of grilled herbs, exotic spices, ashy stones and dried wild berries. It is soft and enveloping, yet with a certain energy. Zesty acidity drives the tart red fruits, which are underscored by a salty minerality. The finish is long and spotty with a layer of grippy tannins, yet remarkably fresh. Rosy, floral notes linger. The textures here are stunning, as is the 2019's vibrant personality." Vinous

"Berry flavours with fresh herbs, such as lemongrass and basil, from the mostly full fermentation. Lots of fresh flowers too. Medium-bodied with a solid fruit core and very fine tannins that are polished and nicely honed. Beautiful presence and harmony." James Suckling