James Suckling

Since the exceptional 2019 harvest, Luca Sanjust has taken another step in the direction of "quality without compromise" with his Boggina C. The yields per plant have been reduced even further and the selection of grapes from the identified plot has been made even more rigorous. This led to a reduction in the number of bottles available to around 3,000. The same meticulousness was applied in the cellar, selecting the most suitable 7 hectolitre barrels for ageing "sur lie". Great attention was paid to their wood grain and toasting in order to achieve the harmony and flavour that a pure Grand Cru Sangiovese should have.

Bòggina C Riserva uniquely highlights the fragrance, brightness and expressive depth of Sangiovese from the Bòggina vineyard. This version highlights the inimitable and unmistakable character of this wine, which originates in the midst of the Chianti mountains overlooking the Val d'Arno di Sopra, from where it derives the unmistakable magic of its aromas, its colours and its brightness. A wine that not only warms Luca's heart, but also shows the great path that the winery has been following for years. Boggina C is the archetype of a taut and wonderfully precise Sangiovese with impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby with a fine garnet rim. Clearly marked, intense nose, shows notes of blackberry, dark cherry and some plum, light graphite notes in the background. Grippy, savoury tannin on the palate, builds well, juicy and with good tension, crisp cherry and blackberry fruit, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"A really beautiful florality on the nose, fragrant roses and violets mingle with blackcurrants and black cherries, it smells divine. On the palate sweet, juicy, mouth watering and full of fragrant and expressive black fruits. It loses a little momentum in the mid-palate, the density of the ripe fruit is a little heavy at the moment, but it has concentration and smooth definition. I like the freshness on the finish and the hint of wet stone and graphite minerality that gives it a little more nuance. It will drink very well." Decanter

"Although rich, this is balanced by a lively structure with flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar, violet and iron. Juicy and solidly built, with a long aftertaste of fruit, iron and herbs." Wine Spectator

"The organic Petrolo 2020 Val d'Arno di Sopra Bòggina C, a Sangiovese from a single vineyard, is particularly rich and concentrated. Aromas of ripe fruit and black cherry are offset by delicate flavours of cola, blue flowers and stones. The tannins are fine and carefully woven into the wine's velvety and generous texture." Wine Advocate

"This wine is so perfumed and beautiful, with brightness and aromatic complexity. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, lingering finish. Spicy and lively. Undertones of orange peel." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sangiovese Riserva Vigna Boggina is another stellar wine in this range from Luca Sanjust. Deep, rich and explosive, the 2020 possesses remarkable intensity from start to finish. It is more a wine of place than a truly varietal Sangiovese, but does that matter? The Riserva spends 16-18 months in wood, mostly cask with some medium-sized barrels as well." Vinous

Sauvignon Andrius matures on the lees for six months and is a lively, well-structured white wine with great varietal typicity. Ripe peaches, dried apricots, juicy honeydew melon, candied almonds, flowers and a hint of mint and white pepper combine with the elegant style to create a remarkable overall picture. Great class! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with greenish reflections. Slightly reductive at first, but opens up in the glass, fresh, fruity, citrus notes, peach, pineapple, tomato leaf, gooseberry. Fresh on the palate, tangy acidity, nose is reflected on the palate, but more restrained, slightly smoky on the back palate, full-bodied and persistent." Falstaff

"The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Andrius opens with a smoky blend of flint and dried herbs that fades into crushed green apples. It is luxuriously round and soft with ripe lime zest and green melon, all accompanied by juicy acidity. The 2022 finishes with good length that is lightly textured and ends with candied lemon peel and hints of mint. Wonderful." Vinous

"A tangy acidity enlivens the flavours of tangerine, lime zest, yellow peach and chive blossom in this white wine, which has a light, pleasant richness that is well underpinned by mouthwatering acidity and mineral flint." Wine Spectator

"Initially restrained, as if it needed time to wake up, this Sauvignon Blanc is serious. Every aroma has a purity and place that shines in the glass with tangerine, lime, grapefruit, fresh mountain herbs and a flinty minerality. The palate is bright and vibrant with a focus on mixed citrus flavours complemented by zesty notes and mouth-watering acidity on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A mouth-filling Sauvignon with aromas and flavours of sliced grapefruit, pineapple and rind. It is full and layered with a freshness and brightness. Intense yet complex." James Suckling

"Aromatic, with a nose of matchsticks, kiwi and lime, then lemon and invigorating grassy herbal notes on the palate." Decanter

"From the very first moments of fermentation of this wine, we realise every year that we are dealing with a very high expression of Nebbiolo. The MGA Albesani is a very beautiful vineyard in the municipality of Neive with an ideal orientation and perfect altitude. From there comes a rich, elegant, sometimes austere wine that combines its great appeal with excellent ageing potential." Franco Massolino

Barbaresco Albesani shows all the breadth and resonance that is so typical of this famous hillside vineyard in Neive. Red-purple fruit, spices, rose petals, lavender, menthol and liquorice develop with a little time in the glass. Bright acids and lively tannins give this classic, inviting Barbaresco from Massolino plenty of energy and persistence. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium garnet red with ruby reflections and a brightening rim. Fine and elegant nose of raspberries and strawberries, some sour cherry and pomegranate as well as a hint of forest floor. Very fresh and juicy on the palate with polished and gripping tannins and a spicy final." Falstaff

"Firm and structured, this wine boasts dark ripe fruits that draw the attention as aromas of blue violets lead deeper into the glass. Juicy dark cherries flavors form the core of the palate as drying blackberries, and hints of plum weave across the firm and tannic palate that is lifted by mouthwatering acidity. Elegant and savory flavors offer a respite from the richness of the fruit on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Barbaresco Albesani is a super-classic wine that is going to need time to come around. It possesses notable structure and the understated depth that is common of Barbaresco. Time in the glass brings out scents of herbs, white pepper, autumn leaves and spice. All this needs is time in bottle." Vinous

"Bright and fresh with notes of red berries, dried rose hips and asphalt. Medium-bodied. It has a meaty structure with very fine tannins and bright acidity. Shows tension and focus. Spicy at the end. Try after 2026." James Suckling

The anniversary edition of the Novecento opens on the nose with layers of dark fruits, spices, tar and smoke. Then on the palate, there is terrific depth and hints of earth or crushed black rock. Novecento offers a great texture that is velvety and rich without ever seeming heavy or sluggish. Long and crisp on the spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe nose with aromas of maraschino, herbs and leather; the tannins robust, showing character and length, solid finish. Pair with a T-bone steak." Vinum

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento opens slowly and is neutral on the first nose. It eventually shows some dark fruits and wild cherries that blend nicely with spices, leather and tar. The wine has a warm and spicy quality with autumn leaves and forest floor. The blend is 95% Sangiovese, 3% Canaiolo and 2% Colorino. This release celebrates the 30th vintage of this wine." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 vintage was one of the most balanced in recent years in Chianti Classico. Here, as Antonini confessed, there is no intention to make an accessible wine. The colour glows ruby red, the nose is intensely fresh, floral and slightly reductive at first before an orange tone rises from the depths, overlaying black cherries and creamy strawberries. The attack is firm, crisp and rich in extract. Powerful acidity supports the youthful expression of the cherry fruit with sufficient concentration and a dense finish. Quite austere for 2019, but amazing considering how well it can age." Decanter

"A tight, tannic version, this red has a strong grip on its currant, cherry and strawberry fruit. Revealing mineral and tar details, this remains succulent and breezy through the lingering aftertaste; just needs to absorb the tannins." Wine Spectator

"This wine is very aromatic, with notes of strawberries and cherries and hints of orange peel and flowers. Medium body with very fine tannins that are integrated and polished. Bright acidity on the finish. Made from a blend of plots from Dievole's highest vineyards. Lovely to drink now, but it will also age." James Suckling

Noble, typically Tuscan notes of cherries, blackberries, violets and spices on the nose. Extraordinarily complex, multi-layered and excellently structured on the palate. Firm tannins, intense fruit and pleasant acidity are already in perfect harmony. The drinking pleasure builds beautifully and increases in the long final. For us, it has been an attractive alternative to Antinori's famous Tignanello for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of dried cherries, bark, mahogany and porcini mushrooms. Also lemons and herbs. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and tangy acidity. Juicy, flavoursome and supple." James Suckling

"This red wine is made from Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role. The Poggio Bonelli 2018 Poggiassai is velvety, rich and full of dark fruits, cherry liqueur, barbecue spices and grilled herbs. The wine shows a beautiful dark colour and dense concentration to complete what is ultimately a very contemporary style of wine." Wine Advocate

Nosiola - an ancient grape variety of Trentino - was once cultivated throughout the country. Today, its cultivation is limited to the mountains and valleys of Trento. The Nosiola grape produces wines of great finesse and longevity. Elisabetta's Nosiola also gains exceptional vigour and energy through biodynamics and ageing in amphora. Give the Nosiola time and be patient: Only after sufficient aeration and at a serving temperature of around 13 degrees does this white wine reveal its full potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Broad and dry, with lightly chalky texture and lip-smacking acidity carrying notes of dehydrated white peach, pink grapefruit pith, heather and green almond. There's a zesty energy to the lasting finish of cracked white and pink peppercorn." Wine Spectator

"The Nosiola Fontanasanta 2022 seduces with a bouquet in which tropical citrus fruits and sweet spices mingle with nectarines and wet stone. It is a model of purity with zesty orange citrus and vibrant acidity on the attack, giving way to an array of exotic flowers and a hint of raw honey. The 2022 finishes long and colourful but is still remarkably fresh, leaving candied lime contrasting with sour melon. Wow, the Nosiola 2022 is a real treat that still maintains an impeccable balance." Vinous

"Crazy floral aromas of honeysuckle, sage, lemon blossom and sliced lemons that are strong and prominent on the nose and palate. Full-bodied with flavours of dried fruit and white apricot. Creamy texture. Lots of flavour." James Suckling

Sgarzon is a single vineyard, hardly more than a kilometre from Morei as the crow flies, but here the Noce has deposited more sand in the upper soil layers, the plot is more open and thus less protected from cold winds. The grapes ripen about a week later. Teroldego Sgarzon is fabulous, filigree and yet full of richness and energy from the attack to the final. The bouquet - an exciting mix of dark fruits, tobacco, flowers, liquorice, mint and minerals. Very clear, pure and clean on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Teroldego Sgarzon 2021 is an elegant beauty. Roses and cloves complement bright cherries and strawberries. It is silky through and through, balancing sweet red fruits and acidity for a perfectly harmonious red wine. The Sgarzon finishes remarkably fresh yet powerful and long, with a framework of gentle tannins and hints of liquorice and minerals that linger. The 2021 is possibly the finest interpretation of the Sgarzon to date." Vinous

"Engagingly fresh nose with white pepper, stems, blue fruit, longyan and some fine geraniums. Really crunchy and fresh on the palate with a linear medium body and pure dark cherry fruit. Chalky, firm tannins round it off before a pure-fruit finish. Long and succulent." James Suckling

The Teroldego from Foradori are all a great experience. Elisabetta presses highly interesting wines from the autochthonous grape variety from the foot of the Dolomites. And they do so purely organically and partly in amphorae.

Morei (dark in Trentino dialect) is an original red wine, true to the terroir, and at the same time of irresistible elegance and finesse. Warm, dense and mineral like the soil on which it grows. Morei is protected from the cold north winds by the nearby steep rock faces. The rock stores heat during the day, which radiates to the vineyard at night. The soil here is very stony, therefore relatively warm, dense, dark, mineral, like the eponymous wine Morei Teroldego. The average age of the vines (30 years) also contributes to its depth of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Teroldego Morei is intense in the glass. Exotic spices and dark, dusty flowers offset crushed stone and dried cherry notes. The palate is flooded with ripe red fruits and mineral notes driven by zesty acidity. The grippy tannins assert themselves on the final, allowing purple flowers and clove notes to live on within. A touch of sour citrus perfectly underscores the experience." Vinous

"This is so lively, blooming with such purity of red and blue fruit, with hints of fresh violets, savory herbs, white pepper and savory, citrus undertones. Medium- to full-bodied, juicy and vibrant with crunchy, very fine tannins and a structured, chalky backbone to it. Crushed stones. So much life and energy here with stunning acidity and a lingering, savory finish." James Suckling

Since the exceptional 2019 harvest, Luca Sanjust has taken another step towards "quality without compromise" with his Boggina C. The yields per plant have been reduced even further and the selection of grapes from the identified parcel has been made even stricter. This led to a reduction in the number of bottles available to around 3,000. The same meticulousness was also applied in the cellar by selecting the most suitable 7 hectolitre barrels for ageing "sur lie". Great attention was paid to their wood grain and toasting in order to achieve the harmony and flavour that a pure Grand Cru Sangiovese should have.

Bòggina C Riserva brings out the fragrance, brightness and depth of expression of Sangiovese from the Bòggina vineyard in a unique way. This version underlines the inimitable and unmistakable character of this wine, which comes from the heart of the Chianti mountains overlooking the Val d'Arno di Sopra, from where it derives the unmistakable magic of its aromas, colours and brilliance. A wine that not only warms Luca's heart, but also shows the great path that the winery has been following for years. Boggina C is the archetype of a taut and wonderfully precise Sangiovese with impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, dark ruby colour with a slight violet tinge. Very clear and memorable nose, intense aromas of violets, plums and blood oranges, some smoky, earthy notes in the background. Polished and finely meshed on the palate, with plenty of juicy fruit, rich cherry and raspberry flavours and a very long finish." Falstaff

"The 2021 Boggina C is a potent, brooding wine. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, mocha and dried herbs bring out the darker side of Sangiovese. I would give this a year or two to soften, as the tannins are pretty imposing today." Vinous

"Saturated with flavours of cherries, raspberries, roses, iron and wild herbs, this red wine is expressive yet well-structured. The lively acidity accompanies it through to the long aftertaste, in which refined tannins linger on the finish, which has a peppery quality." Wine Spectator

"A wonderful Sangiovese with aromas and flavours of orange peel, cherries, cherry blossom and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that extend over the entire length of the wine. Fresh and lively with a solid fruit centre on the finish. Stylish is the right word. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"The Petrolo 2021 Val d'Arno di Sopra Riserva Bòggina C from organic farming with the beautiful artwork on the label is quite dense and rich, especially for a young Sangiovese like this. The wine shows a medium-dark appearance with dried cherries, blackcurrants and baked plums. In the mouth, the wine is noticeably lighter, with powdery tannins and a medium-weight texture that adds to its overall elegance. The wine is authentic and has personality." Wine Advocate

Giuseppe Russo cultivates part of the 12-hectare San Lorenzo vineyard at an altitude of around 750 metres on the slopes of Mount Etna near Randazzo. The lava flows of recent decades have created a porous soil here, rich in volcanic rock and therefore providing excellent drainage.

San Lorenzo, named after the Roman deacon and martyr, boasts irresistible aromas of red cherry, marzipan, quinine, blood orange and mineral stones. Excellently nuanced on the palate with polished tannins, remarkable length and great elegance. San Lorenzo from Etna - a commitment and one of many examples of the fact that the red wines from Etna can certainly hold their own with the finely elegant representatives of Nebbiolo. SUPERIORE.DE

"Balsamic red fruits mingle with sweet black berries and black cherries, with some strawberry, cherry and pomegranate on the mid palate. Fine, grainy tannins support the fruit, while some dried fruit and more balsamic take centre stage on the long, fresh finish." Decanter

"Subtle notes of ripe red berries, such as cherries and strawberries, with hints of lilac, red spices and crushed stones. Also some blood orange. Medium-bodied, polished and even on the palate with supple tannins that have a dusty texture. Juicy acidity and a crisp, mineral finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo entices with a bouquet of candied black cherry and minty herbs accentuated by sweet smoke and cloves. This displays silky textures and ripe red berry fruits with a crunchy mineral core. A zesty stream of acidity creates abundant energy. Classically dry and structured yet not severe, the 2021 finishes long with a pleasantly bitter note, leaving behind a tart cranberry concentration that puckers the cheeks. What a darling." Vinous

"The Etna Rosso San Lorenzo 2021 is a very exciting wine with lots of energy and vigour. It opens with a lean, concentrated body and a bright ruby red colour. The wine displays a long array of wild fruit and small berry flavours, underpinned by crushed white pepper and crushed stone. San Lorenzo is one of the most impressive interpretations of Etna. I highly recommend tasting and cellaring this wine." Wine Advocate

Giacomo Neri's Pietradonice is Cabernet Sauvignon at the highest level and has become a legend, as there is hardly a wine in Montalcino that can even come close to it. Monumental and very concentrated, with hints of sour cherries and a fine cedar and liquorice note. The exciting thing: Pietradonice is clearly recognisable as a Montalcino growth and yet, with its herbaceous spiciness, it is just as typical of Neri as it is of the grape variety and thus again as if from another larger world. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Pietradonice, a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon from the south-east of Montalcino, is dark as it grumbles up from the glass, showing dusty rose, currents, cherries and smoke. This is velvety in feel yet wonderfully lifted and fresh, steadily building in tannic heft yet packed full of graphite-like mineral-tinged black fruits and dark inner florals. A hint of sour citrus keeps you coming back for more even as the Pietradonice flexes its structural heft. Give the 2018 five to seven years before attempting to enjoy the full potential buried within." Vinous

"Aromas of blackberry, plum, dark chocolate, mushroom, earth and five spice. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Chewy and structured on the palate with a chalky texture. Balanced, layered and well defined. Long, savory finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2023." James Suckling

Bright garnet red with a copper-coloured rim. Fine olfactory cinema of red fruits and sea buckthorn. In addition, forest earth paired with a hint of tobacco and bitter almond. In the glass still young, initially loud tannins, with some air then softer tones and a powerful, lasting final. An elegant, aristocratic wine that leaves a lasting impression not only on the first glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red has a warm, brambly, woodsy quality that downplays the muted fruit. Boasts burly tannins, with a spicy, complex finish. Shows the more muscular side of Barbaresco." Wine Spectator

"Notes of raspberries and plum skins with walnuts, bark, ground spices and damp earth. Polished and a little chewy with medium to full body and chalky texture of the tannins. Firm and consistent. Straightforward finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Barbaresco Cottá shows an austere character with pronounced rust or iodine aromas intermingled with dark fruits and dried cherries. The wine has a generous, medium-weight texture that offers a good amount of firmness to the palate. Give this pretty wine a little more time to develop." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbaresco Cottá is dense, powerful and self-contained. Black cherry, plum, spice, menthol, mocha and earthiness contribute to an impression of gravitas. Huge tannins add plenty of structure to this powerful, brooding wine. This impressive young Barbaresco needs time." Vinous

The Riserva Poggio Lombrone is produced according to traditional winemaking methods and organically. Distinctive bouquet of red fruits, roses, violets and sweet spices. Polished, rich texture on the palate, full of finesse, juicy and with balanced tannins. A great Sangiovese full of character with good ageing Storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-layered bouquet of raspberries, flowers, cloves and pepper; combines polish and character, acidity and tightly woven tannins in perfect harmony, precise development with a complex, elegant finish. Also convincing in this vintage." Vinum

"Bright garnet with ruby red nuances. Complex on the nose, plum compote, iodine, tobacco, cocoa, slightly animal. Soft fruit on the palate, tightly woven tannins, very juicy until the lingering final." Falstaff

"The 2017 Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva Poggio Lombrone is dark and rich in the glass, with sweet sage and hints of basil giving way to black cherries and savory spice. It's silky and round on the palate, with depths of ripe, fleshy red and blue fruits that slowly saturate under an air of violet inner florals. Clove and dark chocolate linger as the 2017 finishes grippy and tannic, all while a bump of residual acidity keeps the mouth watering for more. This warm vintage interpretation of Poggio Lombrone has maintained lovely balance and is already showing quite well." Vinous

"This wine has an attractive bouquet of dried flowers, blackberries, grilled herbs, walnuts, orange peel and spices. Medium-bodied, firm and structured with a range of savoury herb and spice notes. Rich and flavourful finish." James Suckling

"The Riserva Poggio Lombrone is an emblem of Sangiovese from the Maremma and has been at the forefront of the quality of this variety for years. A refined bouquet, notes of marasca cherries under alcohol, a hint of wild iris, a hint of cinnamon and finally mentholation. On the palate, it is juicy and savoury, with a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

The grapes for the exceptionally deep Vigna del Gris come from vines over 40 years old from the 1-hectare plot of the same name in Monforte d'Alba. The bouquet is beguilingly harmonious, with a convincing attack, weightless and powerful at the same time. Firm tannins and plenty of flavour on the palate, with a great texture and very juicy. Long, rich finish. Don't make the mistake of opening this wine until it has gained in maturity, personality and elegance after a few more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is another great wine from Conterno-Fantino. Crushed flowers, cedar wood, pipe tobacco, mint, dried flowers and worn leather give the 2019 an impressive aromatic presence. Fabio Conterno has also managed to tame the tannins of the Monforte here. The Gris is really impressive. I would drink it before the other 2019s." Vinous

"Offers attractive notes of cherry and raspberry as well as flavours of iron, tar and undergrowth, wrapped in an embrace of toasted oak. Overall, this red wine is balanced, and the fruit should develop over the next decade as all the elements integrate. Long, resonant finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is very robust and powerful on the nose. It needs more time in the bottle to develop and overcome its youthful phase. This wine is definitely ready to give more to those who wait. It opens with a dark garnet colour and ripe aromas of cherries, plums, roses and orange peel. After a few minutes, additional spices and nutmeg emerge. The tannins are still grippy." Wine Advocate

"Notes of red berries, crushed herbs and orange blossom with hints of lilac and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied. Fleshy and mouth-filling with polished tannins. Refined and supple. A hint of slightly bitter spices on the finish." James Suckling

Deep ruby red colour. Intense aroma of raspberry, red cherry, violets and spices. Sweet, spicy and yet light-footed, it convinces with a great inner energy that gives the red fruits, herbs and mineral flavours an impressive expression. In the never-ending finish, Nerobaronj is vibrant and with striking tannins, which lend additional emphasis. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smoke, balsamic blackberries and baked black cherries on the nose. Rich and medium- to full-bodied on the palate with supportive, fine tannins and a lengthy, coated finish. Really fine-grained." James Suckling

"Depths of black cherry, plum sauce, sage and clove are grounded by animal musk as the 2019 NeroBaronj smolders up from the glass. It flows across the palate like pure silk, refined and seamless in feel, with ripe wild berry fruits and exotic citrus tones that add contrast toward the close. The 2019 finishes long yet closes in upon itself with youthful poise, allowing fine tannins to resonate. Sour cherry notes stick around for a bit. This is elegance personified." Vinous

Do you know the small vineyard Basarin near Neive? A bright ruby garnet awaits you and a wine from a particularly beautiful vintage: on the nose, a cornucopia of aromas of wild sour cherry, herbs, some liquorice and tobacco. Firm and very clearly structured on the palate, muscular and yet with an elegance that never loses control due to its power. Basarin is a highly energetic and precise Nebbiolo that reveals its complexity only with some patience and aeration. The neighbouring terroir Neive shows itself with distinguished elegance and marries harmoniously with the volume and weight typical of the site - and in a depth that only vines over 50 years old can produce. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dense red, solidly built and displaying mint, eucalyptus, vanilla and resin flavors, while berry and cherry fruit elements struggle to emerge. Despite its freshness and length, this is locked up tight." Wine Spectator

"The Barbaresco Basarin 2020 with fruit from the village of Neive is a generous and full-bodied wine with soft fruit tones and lots of powerful cherry. Sottimano Maggiore likes to work with ambient yeasts and submerged cap. This is a fruit-driven Nebbiolo from a warm vintage. It shows above average concentration, but not much, and feels quite soft and supple on the palate." Wine Advocate

"The Barbaresco Basarin 2020 is a wine of pure and perfect sensuality. For a young Barbaresco that has just been bottled, the Basarin has great balance. On the palate, a firework of dark red fruits, spices, rose petals, mint and blood orange unfolds, followed by a powerful kick of Nebbiolo acidity and tannin. The harvestmust be patient. This heady, explosive Barbaresco is shaping up to be a real gem." Vinous

"Aromas of dried cherries, cocoa, cinnamon and bark with hints of dried rose petals. Medium to full-bodied and structured with taut but fine tannins that linger. Shows tension and depth. Long lingering finish." James Suckling

The Carménère grape, which is hardly ever found in Italy and is normally found in the Médoc, is reinterpreted in a masterly way at Tenuta San Leonardo. Deep, dark ruby red, with a broad-shouldered bouquet of dark fruit and very harmonious spice. The barely noticeable acidity makes it round on the palate, silky smooth and extremely long and elegant. With this single-varietal red, too, the winery impressively demonstrates its lone class in the region. SUPERIORE.DE

"This medium- to full-bodied red feels almost effortlessly integrated, with fine-grained tannins and an underlying tar-tinged minerality framing woven flavors of ripe black currant, herbed black olive, ground coffee and loamy earth. Long, creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Carménère is darkly floral and intense, displaying mentholated herbs, peppery florals, blackberries and mint. This is pure elegance on the palate, soothingly soft and expressive, with ripe red and black fruits underscored by savory mineral tones and vibrant acidity that maintains a lovely energy throughout. It finishes remarkably fresh with a gentle tug of tannins, leaving licorice and violet inner florals to fade. The 2018 is a darling, impressing on its elegance and grace. There was no 2017 produced due to the low quantities of the vintage." Vinous

"This unique and delicious 100% Carmenère from the mountains of Alto Adige opens with aromas of dark cherry, black plum and cassis. As the wine opens it offers notes of black tea, dried mountain herbs and tobacco. The palate showcases the structure of the grape with opulent fruit that is hemmed in by ripe tannins, finishing with notes of baking spice and bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Black cherries, cigar box, haw fruit, oriental herbs, black pepper, roasted red chili pepper and tapenade on the nose. A hint of savory cocoa powder, too. Juicy and very fresh on the medium-bodied palate with firm, fresh tannins and a long, peppery finish. Racy, cool and energetic. Very drinkable." James Suckling

Feudo - a radiant ruby-garnet colour - displays lively aromas of raspberry, mint, minerals and flowers, which continue on the palate full of energy. This richness, harmony and freshness also accompany the almost endless and highly elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the mouth, it shows a good balance between sticky red fruits, acidity, balsamic freshness and grainy tannins. It is intense and concentrated, with a beautiful texture and a fresh finish. Very Burgundian, with juicy, ripe, tangy red fruits." Decanter

"Very open with fresh flowers and cut oranges with undertones of cherry and ash. Medium-bodied with open-grained tannins that spread out in the mouth. Juicy and flavourful. Very smoky on the finish." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso Feudo 2021 is a little more approachable overall, but I love the way the bouquet and mouthfeel unfold in this vintage. The wine offers precision and clean straightforwardness. The fruit comes from 70 year old vines and the flavours are nuanced and delicate with wild fruits, roses and flint. The finish is very soft and silky with melting tannins." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Feudo is dark and brooding in the glass, slowly unfurling with an enticing mix of dried black cherries, incense, clove and crushed ashen stones. This sweeps across the palate with velvety textures, quickly firming up as masses of black raspberry and salty minerals saturate. Edgy tannins linger along with an enlivening bump of vibrant acidity, keeping the mouth watering despite the 2021's youthfully structured state. The balance of power and elegance here is utterly spellbinding." Vinous

Around 2,000 bottles of this single-vineyard wine are sold each year. Extremely complex bouquet of blackberry, blackcurrant and sour cherry, with perfectly integrated notes of Mediterranean herbs. Broad and elegant on the palate, supported by a delicate acid wire that makes it fresh and lively. A great wine with excellent structure and remarkable persistence and depth of flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana stuns with a perfumed bouquet that blends lavender and cloves with crushed raspberries and dried roses. It's lifted and finessed, amazingly pure in style, with floral-laced wild berry fruits elevated by zesty acidity. Inner Violet tones resonate throughout as the 2021 finishes with silky tannins, a confectionery licorice tinge and youthful concentration, leaving behind a resonance of liquid stone on the close. While ripe in style, this maintains an abundance of energy and complexity." Vinous

"Ripe and sweet red and black berries are underpinned by chocolaty notes and fine, chalky tannins. Very balsamic, savoury and vertical, it shows an impressive concentration of pure, juicy fruit. Patience will be rewarded." Decanter

"Sweet berry and floral aromas with orange peel and flowers. Very intense and flavourful, yet discreet and concentrated. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that extend over the entire length of the wine. Powerful and polished. It should only be drunk after 2025, but is already very attractive now." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2021 turns out to be one of the best wines produced on Mount Etna in recent years. The bouquet is nuanced and rich with many moving parts ranging from red fruits, cassis, blue flowers and campfire ash. These tones are seamlessly intertwined, yet remain vibrant and bright. On the finish, the wine shows a fine structure and plenty of minerality." Wine Advocate

Here comes the second vintage of Barbara Widmer's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. It is vinified from the estate's best Sangiovese grapes, all of which come from clay soils at an altitude of around 200 metres. Complex and very aromatic bouquet with notes of red fruit, herbs, leather and liquorice, rounded off with a fine toasted note. Multi-layered and radiant on the palate, yet never opulent or broad, the well-balanced tannins guide it into a deep and refined finish. Even at a young age, Brancaia's Gran Selezione combines the unmistakably aristocratic style of a pure Sangiovese with impressive elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"As so often, scores with a fine balance of fruit and appropriate use of wood and shows a compact core, vitality and a fine acidity; then goes on for a long time with red berry fruit and mineral spice." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby red colour, slight edge brightening. Complex on the nose, sour cherry, cigar box, subtle ethereal notes, reminiscent of eucalyptus. Elegant, prancing on the palate, vibrant acidity, silky tannins, lots of herbs towards the end, lingering finish." Falstaff

"This is another impressive organic wine from the talented winemaking team at Brancaia and owner Barbara Widmer. The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is rich and endowed with dark cherry, spice, clove and grilled herbs. This vintage is a real pleasure to drink straight away." Wine Advocate

"Captivating bouquet of berries and lilac, casually accompanied by spicy notes; the attack is pithy, the lively acidity and excellent tannins well balanced, the finish long on notes of fresh currants and lots of suppleness. Can still mature." Vinum

"Notes of ripe cherries and redcurrants with savoury herbs, ground spices and crushed stones. Full and structured with dense and compact tannins that are ripe and well integrated into the wine. Refreshed by a consistent acidity that gives it crispness and emphasises the red fruits. I like the texture and length of the wine." James Suckling