James Suckling

Massimo Piccin is living the dream of giving new expression to Bordeaux growths from Bolgheri and producing wines that combine power, elegance and longevity. And so the Sapaio offers its full, vital and tannin-rich style magnificently and allows plenty of time for the finish. Once again, some of the grapes come from Bibbona, i.e. outside the Bolgheri DOC, so that this great wine can only bear the addition Toscana IGT.

Wonderful, animating bouquet of blackcurrants, blueberries, lavender and a delicate hint of chocolate. Firm on the palate, full-bodied, multi-layered with an attractive sweetness of extract, finely woven but very present tannins and a resting, seamless substance that leaves nothing to be desired right through to the long and flavoursome finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. Finely characterised nose with notes of blackberries and cassis, some cedar wood, fine spice. Shows a lot of present fruit on the palate, cassis and blackberry, opens up with dense tannins, firm pressure." Falstaff

"Reductive and restrained on the nose, with green pepper, violets and cassis infused with spice, it leads to a full, dense, extracted and fierce palate with almost dusty tannins. The wine is savoury, but above all very fresh, pithy and dynamic. The finish is still a little austere and needs more bottle ageing, but it deserves attention in the long term." Decanter

"Impressive depth with lots of dark cherries, black pepper, cocoa powder, roasted red pepper and grilled herbs on the nose. Full-bodied and intense on the palate with lots of silty tannins that meld with the dark fruits and fine spices. Long-lasting and very fine-grained. This wine should drink well over the next ten years." James Suckling

"The Podere Sapaio 2020 Sapaio needs a few moments in the glass before the wine starts to sing. You get a full bouquet that includes ripe fruit, balanced spices, sweet cinnamon, cloves and an earthy note of minerals or gravel. The fruit generously coats the palate with depth, firm structure, integrated tannins and further layers of dark fruit that unfold over time." Wine Advocate

"Rich, supple and expressive, offering black cherry, blackberry, violet, mineral and spice aromas and flavors. This red builds on the palate to the saturated finish, with lively acidity and civilized tannins. Shows fine balance and length, though this is still a bit compact in the end." Wine Spectator

Every year, Barolo Via Nuova proves anew why the blending of several vineyards was the favoured method of Barolo producers until the 1960s, when the fascination with single-vineyard wines began. Its grapes come from the Liste, Terlo, Baudana, Gabutti, Ravera di Monforte and Mosconi cru sites.

And certainly the old days were not so bad: silky and fragrant and with exceptional balance, Via Nuova is a real eye-catcher. On the palate, it has plenty of volume and power with beautiful mineral tones that stand proudly above the dark fruit, cassis and wild roses. A mineral, salty note on the finish, which together with the wonderful acidity gives it freshness and great potential. Wonderful balance and convincing in every respect! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with a fine garnet rim. Seductive nose with lots of sweet fruit of raspberries and plums, some liquorice in the background. Firm, gripping tannins characterise the palate, juicy and with good tension." Falstaff

"A rich, ripe style, boasting cherry, raspberry, iron, tobacco, herb and spice flavors. This is dense, with aggressive tannins tipping the balance slightly in their favor, yet remains long and full of fruit to the end, with fine length." Wine Spectator

"Barolo Via Nuova 2020 opens with a little more dark fruit and ripe berries in this vintage. The wine is a small package of flavours from all sides. There is orange peel, bright cherries and fragrant spring flowers. There are hints of herbs, tar, violets and chalky minerals. The tannins are finely honed and soft." Wine Advocate

"The Barolo Via Nuova 2020 is outstanding. It clearly benefits from a blend of several vineyard sites. Dark cherry, gravel, spice, menthol, liquorice and dried herbs are all present in this powerful, structured Barolo. As always, the blend includes Paiagallo, Liste, Terlo, Gabutti, Baudana, Ravera di Monforte and Mosconi - an approach that works very well. This is an outstanding achievement by Chiara Boschis." Vinous

"Bright and complex nose with excellent depth and complexity. Expect fresh strawberries, white pepper, stones, fine herbs, chalk and even a hint of mezcal. The palate is broad and savoury with fine, chalky tannins that drive it to a long and luscious finish." James Suckling

"On the nose, notes of sour cherry and liquorice root, complemented by hints of eucalyptus and star anise. The sip returns to black fruits and balsamic notes, with a finish of spicy flavours." Luca Gardini

Korem is a wine that perfectly interprets the Argiolas family philosophy: Innovation with deep respect for Sardinian tradition. A wine born from the desire to enhance and perfect the Bovale vine. Bovale is a low-yielding grape variety, as it requires well-aerated soils with excellent exposure. It is refined in Korem by the addition of Carignano and Cannonau, two other traditional Sardinian grape varieties.

Korem shines in deep ruby red from the glass. Intense aromas of black cherry, sandalwood and lavender on the nose. Velvety, full-bodied, warm and round in the mouth. A refined top wine that impressively reflects the great potential of the family winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"I love the aromas of blackberries, graphite and walnut with cedar. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine, showing class and sophistication. Creamy and finely textured. Needs three to four years to soften." James Suckling

Full of character and profound, the Sangiovese shows its feminine side with sweet and soft contours of cherry and blackberry. Enormously complex and perfectly balanced in flavour, velvety, fruity and with precisely proportioned tannins, infinitely long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby colour with a slight garnet sheen. Very intense and inviting nose, full of ripe wild raspberries and dark cherries, slightly smoky-mineral components in the background. Very dense on the palate, dark berry fruit, then unfortunately shows quite rough and coarse tannins in the back, earthy notes in the final." Falstaff

"The Carla 6 2018, the estate's best Sangiovese, is superb. Like all La Massa wines, it is deep, fleshy and very expressive. Juicy dark cherry, cedar wood, tobacco and spices can be found in this beautifully structured wine. The Carla 6 skilfully combines power with transparency." Vinous

"The Carla 6 2018 from Fattoria La Massa is 100% Sangiovese and comes from a 1.5-hectare vineyard planted in 1999 on slate and clay soils. This vintage shows a fleshy side with more fruit weight and concentration. The wine feels broad and rich on the palate, finishing with dark fruits, tobacco, crushed stone and even a hint of capers or green olives." Wine Advocate

"This red offers fruity, floral flavors signaled by aromas of ripe raspberry, cassis and violet, with earth, lavender and wild herb details. Elegant and silky, with firm tannins lurking beneath." Wine Spectator

"A very fine, pure Sangiovese from Super Tuscany with notes of gravel, blueberries, blackberries and black cherries. This wine has a real terroir character with balanced, intense and fine tannins and a long finish." James Suckling

Ornus dell'Ornellaia, the sweet, golden-coloured late harvest from Petit Manseng, has an extraordinarily complex bouquet with clear notes of ripe tropical fruit, dried apricots and blossom honey. The palate is multi-layered and intense with an impressive balance between suppleness, self-confident fruit and precise, lively acidity. In the endless finish, subtle notes of toasted oak and crème brûlée. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Ornellaia 2021 Ornus dell'Ornellaia is all Petit Manseng. This is an unexpected dessert wine with a note of mossy peat, forest floor or button mushroom that adds an extra layer to the bouquet. Otherwise, you get plenty of dried fruit, honey and candied fruit over a medium-weight finish. The acidity and the residual sugar of the wine are well balanced." Wine Advocate

"An elegant white dessert wine that exudes aromas of apricot, orange blossom, honey and caramel. The core flavours are rather grapey, with accents of honey and spices. The lively acidity keeps it fresh and long on the finish, where a hint of orange peel shines through." Wine Spectator

"Dried peach and apricot. A hint of caramel. Lemon peel and orange peel. Medium to full body, very sweet but so energetic with very low pH and lively acidity. Some phenolic flavour. Tension and excitement." James Suckling

Since its debut in 1988, Il Blu has been the result of constant striving for perfection. With ultra-fine tannins and a smooth and full finish, this full-bodied wine captivates with its complexity and elegance. Il Blu is made from only the best hand-picked and selected grapes from the two vineyards in the Chianti region. Although Sangiovese plays a leading role in the blend, its influence and signature contribute significantly to the overall identity of this special wine.

Rich, unfathomable ruby red. Explosive aromas of black cherries and blackberries on the nose. The texture is wonderfully balanced, on the palate Il Blu presents itself fresh, persistently powerful and with wonderfully articulated tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with a subtly lightening rim. Spicy, noble nose of ripe sour cherries, blackcurrants and elegant use of wood. Juicy on the palate, with clear, well-developed fruit, with still young tannin, still needs some time, salty and punchy on the final." Falstaff

"This is an organic blend that enjoys near iconic status here in Tuscany. Thanks to its long track record, you can count on this Tuscan blended red to deliver top quality. The Brancaia 2020 Il Blu is a full-bodied red with sweet fruit flavors and a rich, velvety texture." Wine Advocate

"Shows a resinous note from the oak that envelops ripe black cherry, plum, leather, mineral and tobacco flavors. This red just keeps building in intensity and fruit on the palate, ending with a succulent, fruit- and spice-infused aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Il Blu is superb. Dark and mysterious at first, the Blu offers up an exotic mélange of blue fruits, mocha, new leather, licorice and lavender. Bright acids play off some of the more over leanings beautifully. Il Blu has long been one of the most distinctive wines in Chianti Classico. The 2020 is another fine edition of Il Blu." Vinous

"Attractive blueberries, brambles and cherries with spiced orange peel and lilac blossom, as well as some smoky dark spices and cocoa. Full, concentrated and very tense, with tightly packed but very polished and fine tannins. Shows a succulence and vibrancy to the fruit with a mineral, slightly chalky finish." James Suckling

Piancornello's Riserva delivers a classic Brunello bouquet, combining earthy elements of leather and potting soil with dark plum fruit. These equally sweet and savoury sides are skilfully interwoven, and the rich, concentrated fruit helps to smooth out the full-bodied flavours. An action that is crowned with success, because as a result the Riserva presents itself with an impressive, enhanced overall intensity. The great interplay aptly reflects the beauty of Brunello. It is a magnificent wine with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Plum, dried-berry, cherry and rose-stem aromas follow through to a medium body with firm, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows length and structure, yet a creamy mouth-feel. Lovely craftsmanship to this. Drink in 2024 and onwards." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva pulls you close with a bouquet of fresh tobacco and brown spice that evolves further to let dried cherries, roses and cedar shavings come to the fore. This is dark and youthfully inward, with dense waves of red and black fruits carried across velvety textures. Salty minerals combine with fine-grained tannins, creating tension toward the close, as brisk acids work to maintain balance, giving way to a long and structured yet fresh finale. The 2016 Riserva is a dark beauty of a wine that will require some time to reveal all of its charms." Vinous

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is faithful to Sangiovese with perfumed aromas of crushed flower, ferrous earth, redcurrant and grilled rosemary. This pretty wine is nicely balanced and elegant with a mid-weight approach and a terrific sense of aromatic purity and delivery. That underlying power does continue to the palate, where the wine is tightly stitched together and quite determined in length. The tannins do a good job of keeping the wine tight and focused. This is another impressive effort from Piancornello." Wine Advocate

"A", as it is called in the winery, represents the qualitative peak of Schiopetto. This wine is made from Chardonnay grapes and a small part of Friulano, which come from a historic single vineyard site of the winery in the Colli Orientali and achieve a unique expression. A perfect synthesis between the expressiveness of Chardonnay and the aromatic complexity of Friulano, this white wine shows the quintessence and full personality of the Friulian territory and is dedicated to Mario Schiopetto. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a very serious chardonnay with subtle aromas of apple pie, flint and lemon curd. Holding back, but enticing you with every scent. Full-bodied with density and energy and lots of flavors, yet it’s dry and racy at the end." James Suckling

Here it is, the impressive first Gran Selezione from Riecine, showing more grace than muscle and delivering a Riecine-typical and very precise Burgundian interpretation of the Sangiovese grape.

The grapes come from the single vineyard of the same name in a 2.25 hectare Chianti Classico vineyard planted in 1971 with a density of 3,400 vines per hectare and situated on old terraces facing south. Riecine has leased these plots since the 1980s, and now the winery has managed to purchase this site, which is one of the best terroirs in the Chianti Classico area. So it is only logical that the 50th anniversary of the winery and the outstanding 2019 vintage should mark the debut of the new top wine. The bottles are numbered, just 3,233 0.Liters and 50 magnum bottles were bottled.

Spicy bouquet, delicate accents of vanilla and toasted bread that combine with notes of cherry, strawberry and violet. Rich in the mouth, with a solid structure and a long, polished final characterised by fruit, Mediterranean grass and a mineral note. Develops wonderfully - and should be one of the best Gran Selezione of the vintage "right off the bat". Congratulations on the anniversary! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a gently brightening rim. Expressive nose, clear, initially of fine wild strawberries and some raspberries, red currants and delicate vegetal aromas in the aftertaste. Shows extremely elegant and polished on the palate, with tightly meshed, pithy tannin, very juicy on the back end, with minimally persistent tannin." Falstaff

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Gittori is a plump, juicy wine. Black cherry, leather, incense, tobacco and dried herbs meld together nicely in this attractive, curvy Gran Selezione. Deceptive in its mid-weight feel, the 2019 shows terrific depth and fine overall balance." Vinous

"Here is a new and exciting submission from Riecine in Gaiole in Chianti. The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Gittori is being released as a special way of commemorating the estate's 50th anniversary. The number 50 appears on the front label. This top-end wine comes off with dark fruit, austere spice and dry wood. Those are the aromas; however, the wine is surprisingly soft and silky in texture. It's a nice dual effect. 3,233 bottles and 50 magnums were released." Wine Advocate

"Blackberry, orange-peel and Spanish-cedar aromas. Exotic fruit, too. Full-bodied with seamless tannins and a very, very long finish. A benchmark Gran Selezione. Structured, yet fine at the same time." James Suckling

"Riecine's first ever Gran Selezione is a true beauty. It comes from the Gittori vineyard, a south-facing plot which sits above 500 metres, planted in 1971 - after renting it for 20 years, the estate was finally able to purchase it in 2019. The nose shows pure, precise fragrances of rose, wildflower, raspberry and spice. Fruit is at the fore, with integrated oak in the background – simply there to support. Youthfully plump and joyful at the moment, the succulent acidity and silky tannins bring vibrancy and alluring texture respectively. It has the depth and complexity worthy of Gran Selezione and is a glorious demonstration that the category isn't solely reserved for muscle-bound powerhouses." Decanter

Korem is a wine that perfectly interprets the philosophy of the Argiolas family: Innovation with deep respect for Sardinian tradition. A wine born from the desire to enhance and perfect the Bovale grape. Bovale is a low-yielding grape variety, as it requires well-ventilated soils with excellent exposure. It is enhanced in Korem by the addition of Carignano and Cannonau, two other traditional Sardinian grape varieties.

Korem radiates a deep ruby red colour from the glass. Intense berry flavours on the nose, velvety, full-bodied, warm and round on the palate. A top wine that impressively reflects the great potential of the family winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"Scorched earth blows off to reveal depths of licorice, crushed blackberries and a dusting of cocoa as the 2019 Korem smolders up from the glass. This is silky yet sleek, with cooling acidity and saline minerals up front. Zesty acidity enlivens its tart wild berry fruit. A web of fine tannins wraps the palate in youthful poise as the 2019 finishes structured and long with a mocha tinge elevated by suggestions of sour citrus. This is going to be an exciting vintage of Korem to follow." Vinous

"The flavours of black cherry, sandalwood and lavender merge into a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a long finish. This year it is very flavoursome and refined, with some sage and rosemary on the finish." James Suckling

Rich aromas of black and red berries such as black cherry and blueberry, joined by notes of ripe plum and tamarind. With further aeration then multi-layered notes of ivy, forest floor and freshly cut bark with hints of leather, sweet tobacco and liquorice. The full and silky body is framed by firm but well-integrated tannins supported by excellent acidity. Then, just before the long finish, ripe black fruits enriched by nutmeg and sweet spices. Great its Tuscan identity full of energy and liveliness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red. In the nose notes of small ripe red fruits, cassis, elderberries, violets with a hint of mint and liquorice. On the palate rich, juicy, fruity and with a hint of sweet spice. Persistent finish with well integrated tannins." Falstaff

"This supple red wine features aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, plums, Mediterranean herbs and leather. It shows fine intensity and a lively structure that makes it clear and long on the earthy finish." Wine Spectator

"Currant and floral aromas with some cement and violets. Medium bodied, firm tannins and tangy acidity with lots of citrus peel. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two when it has mellowed." James Suckling

"The organic Camartina 2018 is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese. A consistent performer year after year, this Tuscan blend shows an exotic quality, with barbecue spice or steak sauce framing a core of smooth dark fruit. But the flavours don't stop there. They unfold in the form of balsamic herbs, blue flowers and grilled rosemary." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Camartina is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Dark, brooding and quite closed, the 2018 is going to require cellaring and a good bit of patience, too. Dark-fleshed fruit, leather, spice, menthol and grilled herbs emerge with some coaxing. The Cabernet is quite evident in both the flavor profile and overall structure, which likely explains the wine's general feel today." Vinous

Dark, translucent ruby red shimmers in the glass, looks elegant at first sight. Inviting scent of red and black fruit aromas, almost a forest berry mix with sour cherries. And then again this spiciness so typical for Tenuta di Valgiano, herbal and mineral, fresh and yet Mediterranean, simply incomparable. On the palate, full-bodied, very juicy, extract-sweet fruit, again accompanied by this mineral spiciness. Juicy, deep, with silky elegant tannin structure, with wonderfully balanced fruit-acid play. A wine with finesse and piquancy, length and ageing potential for a good fifteen to twenty years. This wine should be decanted and allowed to breathe in the carafe for at least one to two hours before drinking. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with a light garnet edge. Opens with emphatically ripe notes on the nose, of dried plums, lots of blackberry, some cassis. Finely woven tannin on the palate, builds up in many layers, plus well-integrated sweet melting, long and smooth." Falstaff

"The 2017 Tenuta di Valgiano is dense, powerful and beautifully resonant in the glass. There's plenty of richness, but also a feeling of translucence I find quite intriguing. Sweet dried cherry, cedar, tobacco, mint and dried flowers open with a bit of coaxing. The 2017 is a gorgeous wine." Vinous

"The aromas of violets, berries, tar and sandalwood give a perfumed and subtle impression. Full-bodied with a firm, racy tannin structure and a long, curated finish. Shows freshness and tension for this hot vintage. Serious. Drink after 2025." James Suckling

Pacenti's Vecchie Vigne is every year a prime example of the high class of the appellation around the small village of Montalcino. But what can one say about this wine when it is young? It has the potential to be one of the best Brunellos of this outstanding vintage, but it is too early to sum up its true class. Only this much: Pacenti's Vecchie Vigne has everything that reveals the power, size and finesse of this vintage. Aromas of cherry, forest floor, leather, spices, tobacco and plenty of other primary notes of deep black fruit. Explosive, full-bodied and still very closed on the palate, the tannins firm and even stubborn at first - but you can feel the existing depth and balance with every sip, which will make it one of the most convincing and at the same time charming drops of the appellation with further bottle ageing. Impressive, too, is the power and structure that builds up in waves and that it will reveal with each further year of patience and maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Siro Pacenti's wines always offer a full concert. This one seems a bit more restrained at first, but opens up clearly with air. Complex aroma with ripe red and blue plums, blueberries, hibiscus, blue-purple flowers (lavender, iris), dark chocolate, behind it many balsamic nuances. Enormously powerful and exciting, very intense and full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and vibrant freshness." Weinwisser

"Giancarlo Pacenti's selection from old vines is also convincing in 2016: multi-layered bouquet of wild berries, black pepper and violets; polished in the mouth, with plenty of richness and crisp acidity, the tannins finely meshed and youthful, ending on notes of red berries, flowers and tobacco. Convincing, but should still mature." Vinum

"Sparkling, dark ruby red. Lots of dark berry fruit, mulberries, fresh dark plums, some cardamom. On the palate a lot of compact, grippy tannin, opens up in many layers, gripping and sturdy, grippy tannin forms the backbone of the wine, then drying wood in the final." Falstaff

"This wine opens to a nicely saturated appearance with dark berry, spice and tobacco. The wine is structured and firm, owning its tannins to both the fruit and the barrique. I do find the tannins to be astringent at this young stage, so I would hold off from opening this release for a long while. Like many of the other producers in Montalcino, Giancarlo Pacenti has captured the linearity and focus of the vintage, but his house style ultimately leaves a bigger mark on the fruit." Wine Advocate

"Broad and dense, this red reveals power behind the plum, cherry, earth, leather and underbrush flavors. Will need time to shed its beefy tannins, but the fruit keeps pace on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Menthol, new leather, French oak and spiced blueberry aromas come to the forefront. Full bodied and concentrated, the firmly structured palate delivers dried cherry, grilled Porcini, vanilla and licorice set against assertive, close-grained tannins before closing on a coconut note. Give it time to flesh out in the bottle." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne from Siro Pacenti is dark and youthfully folded in upon itself. This pulls you closer to the glass, as it slowly reveals a nuanced display of olive-tinged blackberry and plum, with hints of mocha, balsamic spice and tanned leather. It's deeply textural, with velvety waves of ripe black fruits laced with tactile minerals, propelled by vibrant acids which carry its medium-bodied weight with ease. Youthfully dense, poised and geared for the long term, the 2016 Vecchie Vigne will require a good amount of cellaring to show all of its charms. Hints of licorice and violet florals echo throughout the long and structured finale." Vinous

"Such wonderful opulence and beauty. The nose shows dried flowers and minerals with blackberries and black cherries. Purity is the word. Full-bodied with incredible depth and structure and polished, silky tannins that envelop your palate. The length is really impressive." James Suckling

Ugolaia is a 1.7-hectare, south-west-facing plot with a view of the sea, where the temperature fluctuations between day and night are considerable. The estate's oldest vines grow here on red iron soil.

Lively, full red colour. Cool notes of watercress and mint complement fresh red cherries and crunchy chocolate-covered redcurrants. Rich, subtly sweet and very supple on the palate, with a juicy brightness that highlights the excellent cut and clarity of its red fruit and floral flavours. The characterful finish is refreshing with its lingering violet flavour. Very polished and velvety at the same time, a great wine every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful berry nose, spiced up with notes of pepper and leather; the attack is compact, the tannins robust, the acidity noticeable, has fullness, power and juice. The beguiling final completes the perfect impression." Vinum

"Brilliant, deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Mineral and brooding on the nose and still quite closed. Lots of soft yet spicy fruit. Still somewhat powerful at the moment, but very promising and with firm but very fine tannins. Long, complex and juicy finish. Stunning, but still far from mature." Jancis Robinson

"Rich ruby colour with a slightly brightening garnet rim. Inviting, rich nose with lots of fleshy fruit, cloves, blackberries and plums. Shows beautifully present fruit on the palate, round and balanced, grippy, dense tannins, lingers for a long time, full-bodied." Falstaff

"The Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia 2017 comes from a hot and very dry vintage and shows a dark garnet red colour with particular concentration and texture. The bouquet smells of dark fruits, baked plums and roasted spices. The Ugolaia is complex and rich, but despite the intensity of the vintage, the mouthfeel is of medium length and the wine finishes with a bright freshness." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolaia smells of dried roses and cherries as well as cinnamon and cloves in the glass. It feels almost velvety, with a dense wave of tart wild berries accompanied by a hint of sour citrus and balsamic spice. Nuances of plum and liquorice linger as the 2017 finishes structured, but not austere, with hints of mocha and redcurrant. The Ugolaia is another example of Lisini's success in this difficult vintage. Nevertheless, it will need a few more years to fully develop." Vinous

"Full-bodied with ripe and dried cherries, spiced plums, chocolate and blueberries, supported by polished tannins. Also well-integrated spices and dried flowers. Ripe and expansive, with a soft and supple texture that makes it very approachable and satisfying." James Suckling

"Lisini's single-vineyard selection shows its usual exotic side in 2017. It opens with an intoxicating blend of incense, juniper, pressed lilac and lavender. There's also that polished wood nuance that I associate with the wine's six months of ageing in chestnut barrels. On the palate, it is even denser than the estate's Brunello annata, showing flavours of myrtle and redcurrant underpinned by an appetising salty core. The powerful tannins require another year in the bottle, but are admirably voluptuous. Undoubtedly one of the successes of the vintage." Decanter

"The nose takes you to a forest cabin, full of savory, umami aromas of damp earth, leather and mushrooms, with sharper notes of balsamic and Luxardo cherries coming through. On the palate, the cherry element freshens and brightens, and is lifted by undertones of orange and anise, along with springy tannins and buoyant acid." Wine Enthusiast

"Lush and fruity, this red wine offers flavours of cherries, raspberries, eucalyptus, wild rosemary and minerals, supported by a lively acidity and dense, refined tannins. It offers a balanced overall picture with a long, tasty aftertaste characterised by fruity and mineral elements." Wine Spectator

The vineyards of the Löwengang estate in Margreid have been owned by the Lageder family since 1934. Here, on the rubble cone of ancient dolomite rock below steep cliffs, grape varieties such as Carménère and Cabernet find ideal conditions in the mild climate of the valley.

Löwengang emphasises the unique DNA of the grapes from which this wine is made. Parts of the vineyard are around 145 years old and the vines are among the oldest vineyards in South Tyrol. Count Melchiori, the former owner, planted the plots in Margreid with Cabernet around 1875. At least that's what he thought - because a large proportion of the vines planted at that time were actually Carménère vines. Through intensive study of the vineyard and extensive genetic analyses, the Alois Lageder winery discovered that the vineyard was in fact a mixed set of Carménère, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. In order to emphasise the special origin of the grapes, the wine will be offered as the "Löwengang Historischer gemischter Satz" from the 2018 vintage onwards.

Complex, concentrated bouquet with fruity hints of cherries and blackcurrants, spicy aromas of tobacco, floral notes of violets and mint and a very elegant woody note. Powerful, straightforward attack, concentrated and dense on the palate. Long-lasting, fresh and fruity final with powerful but by no means aggressive tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The plot planted with Carmenère, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in the heart of the Löwengang vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in South Tyrol with vines up to 140 years old. Wild nose with lots of vegetal freshness, mint and floral notes, light-footed and slender on the palate, but with a strong structure, crisp acidity, leafy and earthy notes, raspberry and blackberry jelly, candied violets, tomato spice, traces of dark chocolate, youthfully rough and impetuous tannins, stubborn and exciting." Weinwisser

"Cool, polished, firm and very fine aroma of black and red berries with tobacco and fleshy-animal nuances as well as a little juniper and tobacco. Tart, firm and again quite cool in the mouth, fine juicy fruit with nutty, juniper and herbaceous tones, noticeable acid bite and youthful, yet fine tannin, persistent and dense on the palate, yet slender, good depth, restrained, somewhat cedary wood spice, a little tomato paste, iron and blood, plenty of salt, very good, firm, tart, gripping finish. The absolute opposite of a heavyweight and yet dense, complex and deep - that is an art in itself." Wein-Plus

"Aromas of earth, leather, chocolate and licorice, very spicy and smoky. The attack is soft, with ripe, velvety, almost silky tannins that are chewier on the refreshing, medium-bodied finish." James Suckling

The vineyards of the Löwengang estate in Margreid have been owned by the Lageder family since 1934. Here, on the rubble cone of ancient dolomite rock below steep cliffs, grape varieties such as Carménère and Cabernet find ideal conditions in the mild climate of the valley.

Löwengang emphasises the unique DNA of the grapes from which this wine is made. Parts of the vineyard are around 145 years old and the vines are among the oldest vineyards in South Tyrol. Count Melchiori, the former owner, planted the plots in Margreid with Cabernet around 1875. At least that's what he thought - because a large proportion of the vines planted at that time were actually Carménère vines. Through intensive study of the vineyard and extensive genetic analyses, the Alois Lageder winery discovered that the vineyard was actually a mixed set of Carménère, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. In order to emphasise the special origin of the grapes, the wine will be offered as the "Löwengang Historischer gemischter Satz" from the 2018 vintage onwards.

Complex, concentrated bouquet with fruity hints of cherries and blackcurrants, spicy aromas of tobacco, floral notes of violets and mint and a very elegant woody note. Powerful, straightforward attack, concentrated and dense on the palate. Long-lasting, fresh and fruity final with powerful but by no means aggressive tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Made from Carmenère, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Alois Lageder 2019 Alto Adige Löwengang Uvaggio Storico shows dark fruit with a healthy pinch of white pepper and exotic spice. It is a full-bodied red wine with rich concentration and dark fruit, followed by dried mint. With an edition of 3,500 bottles, this is a selection of the best fruit from Tenuta Löwengang in Magrè." Wine Advocate

"Super restrained and fresh yet with bright cassis fruit character, showing rosemary, licorice, leaf and pepper aromas. Soft attack with dense, velvety tannins, crisp acidity, a medium to full body and a savory finish. Intended for the long haul." James Suckling