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 garnet red with ruby reflections. Intense nose of sour cherry and rosehip, then some leather, tobacco and forest floor, complex. On the palate filigree mouth entry, with soft tannin, harmonious and well balanced, elegant, juicy finish." Falstaff

"This has aromas of oak and toasted nut that come to the forefront while berry and spice stay in the background. Tightly wound and primary, the palate offers raspberry jam, vanilla and licorice alongside close-grained tannins that grip the close. Fresh acidity keeps it bright." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Barbaresco is bright and nicely focused. Crushed red berry fruit, cedar, tobacco and spice are lifted. Veins of supporting tannin and acid give this mid-weight, nervy Barbaresco lovely energy. The 2019 is elegant and also quite promising." Vinous

"The 2019 Barbaresco displays high-toned aromas of sweet raspberries, rose petals and liquorice that anticipates an open-knit palate with clear-cut flavours of crunchy raspberries and redcurrants. Ripe acidity and well-extracted tannins extend the attractively floral and balsamic finish." Decanter

"This is a very firm young Barbaresco with dried strawberry, crunchy fruit and fresh flowers, such as roses. Bitter lemon and tar, too. Full-bodied, chewy and polished. Flavorful finish." James Suckling

"The Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco is an organic wine that paints a clear picture of a beautiful vintage. Tart cherry, white licorice and dusty earth lift from the bouquet and give this wine a sharp sense of focus and intensity. Ceretto has released a superb set of Barbarescos this year, starting with this classic expression." Wine Advocate

The grapes for this single-varietal Grenache come from a plot planted in 2014 at 350 metres above sea level. The rocky, calcareous clay is mixed with some soils of volcanic origin. The maceration on the skins in amphorae (called "orcio" in Italian) lasts up to five months and the stems are included. The last three months of ageing are spent in barriques, as this contributes to the natural clarification of this essentially unfiltered wine. No sulphites are added except at bottling. Just 2,000 bottles are produced each year.

This beautiful red is bursting with energy and electricity from the absolute purity and clarity of the fruit. On the nose, lots of fresh blackberries with freshly turned soil, lavender, herbs and lemon peel. You taste every little juicy detail with sour cherry, red berries, dried oregano, aniseed and a hint of preserved peach. G. Punto is vertical with a distinct personality. Slightly salty on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, luminous cherry red. Fresh, appealing nose, notes of raspberry, blood orange, plus fine herbal spice. On the palate hearty, surprisingly present tannin, fine fruit melting, still needs time." Falstaff

"Made with an extended six-month maceration on the skins and aged in Tuscan amphorae (called orcio), this is a bold and bright red wine that offers more sweetness and ripeness in this expression. The organic and biodynamic Duemani 2020 G. Punto has an open texture with baked fruits, cooked cherries, basil leaves and hazelnut nutella. There are some metallic or tin can flavours to go with Grenache, and lots of dried raspberry and strawberry." Wine Advocate

"A beautiful and refined red wine with cranberries, orange peel and a hint of cedar on the nose and palate. Also lavender. Medium to light body. Fine tannins. Undertone of cement. Creamy texture. Persistent finish." James Suckling

Complex and exotic bouquet of spices, black olive, rosemary, plum and cherry. Firm, compact and initially introverted on the palate, followed by mint, spices, dark red fruit, cassis and graphite. The flavours come to light rather in slices, with this outstanding red it is worth waiting like nowhere else to fully discover the depth and complexity of this Tuscan jewel. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable, rich ruby violet colour. Opens with appealing notes of cassis and blackberries, plus some smoke and mint. Grippy, finely woven tannins at the core, opens up in many layers, dark berry fruit, still needs a few years." Falstaff

"Blackcurrants, fresh flowers and blue berries with sandalwood. Medium body with very fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very fine, focussed and bright." James Suckling

"The 2019 D'Alceo from Rampolla is creamy and resonant in the glass. Dark fruits, lavender, blackberries and spices come together in a wine that combines power and elegance. Seamless tannins effortlessly extend the finish. In many vintages, the D'Alceo is a powerhouse. The 2019 is sublime." Vinous

"This is a classic beauty. Made from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, the 2019 d'Alceo is dark and rich, but magically never heavy or bulky. It carries its weight with feather-light grace, supported by dry tannins and a beautiful layering of fruit. There is blackcurrant, kirsch, blackberry liqueur, exotic spices, black roses and crushed stone. The mineral note stands out like a delicate, shiny silver that runs through the rich, velvety texture of the wine." Wine Advocate

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

"Complex bouquet characterised by red and blue fruits, wild cherry, also wonderfully floral with violets and rose petals. Grippy and elegant on the palate with a terrificattack thanks to the virile freshness and energy, incredibly mineral and gripping in the mid-palate. A great arc of tension." Weinwisser

"Brilliant ruby colour, sparkling, slightly brightening rim. Very clear and precise, flavours of finely ripened cherry and plum, fine spice. Firm, very fine-meshed tannins, has very good tension, juicy." Falstaff

"The 2013 Amarone della Valpolicella initially shows a generous and exuberant style with all kinds of black fruits, tar, spices and a hint of saltiness. But this vintage is also characterised by a particular strength and power, expressed in firm tannins and a solid structural backbone that is best displayed in cooler vintages like this one. The 2013 offers linear power and determination and will certainly stand up to long bottle ageing." Wine Advocate

"This classic Amarone exudes a robust essence of dark fruit and earthy undertones reminiscent of a rich oak forest and worn leather. On the palate, it reveals a captivating story of ripe cherries, plums and a hint of spice, culminating in a velvety finish that lingers like a timeless song." Wine Enthusiast

"A great, dense core of mixed dried berries, along with notes of caramel and a mix of mild Indian spices, from coriander to mace. Full-bodied with a liqueur-like pearl of fruit running through the long, long finish with ample but well-integrated tannins. Excellent and so fresh." James Suckling

"Tenuta Novare, a blend of Corvina Veronese and Rondinella, matured for 7 years in large Slavonian barrels, followed by a year in the bottle, an example of classicism and moderation. Blackberry plum on the nose, a hint of liquorice powder, then eucalyptus. Salty minerality with a balsamic finish." Luca Gardini

The Piero selection was created as a tribute to the work of Pierluigi Talenti, who has selected and worked the Sangiovese with passion over the years. A 1.95 hectare vineyard near the centre of the winery, with unique pedoclimatic characteristics, is distinguished from all other vineyards by its consistent quality. The gently sloping terrain is surrounded by woods rich in marl, with a south-eastern exposure at an altitude of 410 metres above sea level, where Pierluigi followed and cultivated his personal clonal selection in the 1970s. It is a wine with intense and persistent character, ruby colour, fine and elegant tannins. After ageing in tonneaux for at least 24 months, it is bottled until it is released to the market. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium intensity, warm red; red fruity, subtly spicy, caramel; round approach, fruit deep, nice tannin, pronounced length, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"Needs some aeration, but then aromas of wild berries and flowers, well cushioned by the wood, entice; juicy, fresh, full of race, the tannins robust and well integrated, intense and yet of great elegance the final." Vinum

"The bouquet is incredibly finely woven and complex, noble in its own way. Very sweet cherries, strawberries and wild berries, behind them a lot of Mediterranean herbal spice, plus fine floral notes. Wide and deep in the mouth with sweet-juicy tannins and fantastic freshness, because the ethereal notes are just wonderfully lingering and keep the wine quite long and spicy-fresh until the final. Delightful!" Weinwisser

"Tart, firm, somewhat dried-vegetable, fleshy and slightly tarry aroma of mixed berries with a hint of plums, tarragon, nutty aromas, a hint of leaves, pepper and iodine. Almost cool, juicy, quite taut fruit with acid bite and present, yet relatively fine tannins, herbal spice on the palate, nutty hints, a touch of chocolate, a little peppery ethereal tones in the background, smoky nuances, capers, rosemary and salt, some depth, still undeveloped, very good, taut finish, again with bite and ethereal spice." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby-garnet, sparkling. Classic nose with notes of ripe dark cherries, plus plum, some blood orange and cardamom. Moves along quietly and richly, showing lots of present, ripe fruit, fine-meshed tannin, juicy and long finish." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with brick coloured rim. Brooding sweet and sour cherry with hints of cinnamon sticks. Lush sour cherry on the palate with lots of finely ground but firm tannins. Great balance, substance and length, with decent oak management." Jancis Robinson

"Pretty hazelnut, dried flower and chocolate notes in the raspberries and ripe cherries. Medium-bodied, deliciously open and juicy, framed by taut tannins, with excellent drinkability. Fresh and balanced on the finish with tension." James Suckling

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Piero has more textural richness compared to the Brunello annata. This extra intensity is used in all the right places, both in terms of aromas and mouthfeel with extra stuffing here and aromatic accents there. The bouquet is infused with dark fruits, spices and grilled herbs. Like the Brunello annata, this wine has an accessible, medium-term drinking window in this vintage. Production of Piero is limited to 4,000 bottles and the grapes come from a two-hectare site at a cool 400 metres above sea level." Wine Advocate

"While less expressive than Talenti's classic Brunello, the Piero is by no means austere, and the 2018 may be my favourite vintage of this single-vineyard selection to date. It presents a beautiful purity of wild wild berry aromas lifted by mint, lavender and fennel, while blood orange and cocoa resound on the palate. Aged in 500 LitersFrench oak barrels - 30% of which are new - the wood has digested well, giving it a well-built, polished frame that doesn't overpower the fruit. A sneaky concentration and crisp acidity balance it all out." Decanter

"One of the standout wines of the vintage, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Piero starts dark and restrained in the glass, slowly coming to life with an array of dusty roses, dried strawberries, crushed plums, smoke and hints of fresh mint. The palate is velvety smooth and powerful, with admirable weight for the vintage, but also finesse as the wild berry fruit is supported by a core of vibrant acidity and violet flowers emerge towards the finish. The 2018 finishes with a bitter aftertaste of sour citrus and tart currants, but retains its fresh personality as grippy tannins linger on the palate and hints of lavender slowly fade." Vinous

"This juicy red wine features bright cherry and raspberry aromas that combine with thyme, mint and floral notes on the finish. Complex and lively, with a fine length in the refined, mineral aftertaste. Very elegant and long." Wine Spectator

"The nose is a coastal manor house, where the untamed sea air persistently intrudes on the domesticated aromas of vanilla and leather. The palate turns fruitier, with notes of cherry and strawberry, before salted dark chocolate explodes into a kaleidoscope of oranges on the finish, which is emphasized by strong tannins and acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A beautiful project overseen by Riccardo and dedicated in memory of the progenitor Pierluigi. Fine nose, notes of red mulberry, citrus thyme and a hint of orange peel. Juicy-juicy, with a finish of fruity-citrus notes." Luca Gardini

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

Silvia Imparato's noble Montevetrano is one of Riccardo Cotarella's first creations and certainly one of his most important to this day. Deep ruby red in colour with violet reflections. Rich aromas of dark plums, blackcurrants, cedar wood, graphite and minerals on the captivating nose. Clean, fresh, juicy and with an engaging, refined texture on the palate. The long, graceful and multi-layered finish has liquorice and violet aromas. A very promising, still young Montevetrano with a great future! SUPERIORE.DE

"From a very warm and sunny vintage, the 2020 Montevetrano is a robust, soft and full-bodied expression with concentrated and very ripe fruit. The wine starts with lots of baked blackberry and plum, then moves into sweet spice and campfire ash." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Montevetrano is remarkably pretty, wafting up with a rose-tinged array of black cherries, exotic spices and cedar shavings, complicated by hints of balsam herbs. This is a total pleasure on the palate, velvety in texture yet lifted in feel with depths of dark red fruits and tactile mineral tones. A collection of fine tannins amasses toward the close. It finishes long and classically structured, with a pleasantly bitter tinge that puckers the cheeks and a bump of residual acidity that keeps the mouth watering for more. The 2020 is supremely elegant yet refined. It’s geared up for a long, steady evolution." Vinous

"An elegant red with a ripe, appealing dark core of blackberry compote, black plum reduction, liquorice, tea leaf and dried mint. The frame of soft tannins and supple acidity is smooth and well blended, while the finish reveals lingering notes of minerals, tobacco and ground coffee. Marvellous." Wine Spectator

"I love the nose and it reminds me of Campania with gravel, pumice, blackberries and crushed pepper. A little tar. The palate is full-bodied with polished and fine tannins that give structure to this young wine. It lingers on the palate for a very long time. Smoky and ashy on the finish. Drink it after 2025." James Suckling

NA as in Nals, MA as in Margreid. A tribute to two outstanding sites where something special can be –, – and felt, and which have inspired cellarmaster Harald Schraffl to create something equally special from their grapes. A wine and essence that expresses the essence of the small plots in its purest form, whose typicity tells the South Tyrol of tomorrow, a timeless wine with recognition value in an international context. In 2016, this special marriage of – and –grapes finds its way into the bottle for the first time. NAMA is born – a cuvée of 85% Chardonnay, married with Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon.

Harald Schraffl describes the wine as follows: "The Chardonnay brings the power, the timelessness and the international length to the wine, the Pinot Blanc the regionality, the rootedness with our soil and our homeland, the Sauvignon the spice."

The vines for the Cuvée NAMA are between 30 and 40 years old. The grapes are harvested and selected by hand. After the gentle whole bunch pressing, the must is pre-clarified by natural, static sedimentation, fermentation and ageing in small oak barrels for 18 months on the lees. The grapes are then assembled and matured together on the lees for a further year in stainless steel tanks. The Cuvée NAMA is then bottled, where it matures for another year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich straw yellow with light green components. Finely marked nose with notes of apricots and mirabelles, plus slightly resinous components, after spruce shoots. Plays up nicely on the palate, good pressure, salty, some green components on the final." Falstaff

"This wine is inspired by some of the great international expressions of Chardonnay. The Nals Margreid 2018 Alto Adige Bianco Nama is 90% Chardonnay with 7% Pinot Bianco and 3% Sauvignon Blanc just to give a little aromatic lift to the bouquet. Starting with the 2019 vintage, it becomes 100% Chardonnay. This gorgeous wine hits a perfect crosspoint of intensity, elegance and complexity. A light mineral dusting frames white peach, pear and quince. This medium–bodied white is plush and rich, but never heavy. Dolomitic notes give it lift and a convincing vertical push. Only 2,000 bottles were made plus specially numbered magnums." Wine Advocate

"A dense and layered white with cooked–apple, stone and light honey character, as well as pie crust and honeysuckle. It’s full–bodied and layered with a gorgeous, soft texture. Long and composed, with persistence and focus." James Suckling

The area around the small town of Milo is the only vineyard site on Etna where an Etna Bianco is allowed to be bottled as Superiore - and for good reason: only Carricante may be planted on the steep vineyard, which consists of dozens of small terraces. The vines are trained like a small tree on poles made of chestnut wood. The eastern exposure and the proximity of the sea allow the grapes to ripen late, resulting in consistently high acidity levels and a white wine with an aromatic finesse and freshness that is unrivalled even on Etna.

Pietra Marina is a single-varietal Carricante from vines over 80 years old at an altitude of around 950 metres on the eastern side of the volcano. The grapes are not harvested until October each year. Orange blossom, lychee, elderberry and apple on the nose. Harmonious and balanced on the palate, with perfectly integrated acidity and a beautiful finish. Distinct character, full of elegance, profound, sensual and endowed with a stunningly clean spectrum of flavours. One of the rarest and certainly most interesting white wines in Italy! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with light green notes. Opens with notes of flint and matchstick, lots of grapefruit. Beautiful interplay of acidity and salt on the palate, straightforward, fresh citrus fruit." Falstaff

"A statuesque white with razor-sharp acidity, interwoven with finely woven flavours of apricot, persimmon and Marcona almond, showing accents of lemon oil, honeysuckle and pine. The silky texture has a beautiful, feather-light quality, while a racy hint of salinity defines the very long finish." Wine Spectator

"This intense Etna is full of tension, showing candied cedar, kerosene, apricots and orange blossoms. Light- to medium-bodied, it has a bone-dry style with crisp acidity, minerals and a tight, slightly austere finish." James Suckling

"The Etna Bianco Superiore Pietra Marina 2019 is captivating. It is perfumed and floral, with enriching notes of almond paste and candy spice that perfectly accentuate a smoky core of white peaches. The palate has more verve but is somewhat restrained, with wiry textures and an intense mineral core that adds depth to the citrus-influenced orchard fruits. The nervy acidity makes the mouth water and provides a dazzling freshness, while flowers and sour limes linger on the inside. The 2019 is still a small child today, compact yet complex, balanced and full of character." Vinous

The single-varietal Duemani is for us one of the best representatives of the West Tuscan coastal region. The bouquet of exceptional clarity of dark plum, coffee and wild roses. Rich and with perfectly integrated wood notes on the palate, its structure and elegance are particularly fascinating. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby-violet. Very intense and clear nose, full of ripe wild raspberries, blackberries, in the background some pickled beetroot, discreet earthy notes, also tobacco. Very juicy on the palate, ripe berry fruit, opens with fine-meshed tannin, great drinking flow, tobacco on the final." Falstaff

"The 2018 Duemani, 100% Cabernet Franc, is polished, classy and sensual. It is one of the most polished wines I have ever tasted here. Fine tannins frame a core of red fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice and blood orange. The 2018 is perhaps not as varietally expressive as in some editions, but it more than makes up for that with its grace. There is a feeling of youthful austerity that emerges with time in the glass." Vinous

"An organic and biodynamic wine, the 2018 Cabernet Franc Duemani presents a thick and nearly impenetrable wall of dark fruit, pressed blackberry, spice, smoky tar and tobacco. This wine shows impeccable aromatic integration with the high notes and the baritone notes delivered in beautiful synchronization. This wine outpaced my initial expectations following my first tasting of this vintage from barrel. The tannins are integrated and there is a sweet, fruity note on the full-bodied close." Wine Advocate

"This has an aromatic array of ripe red and black cherries, blackcurrants, blueberries, cloves, cedar, fresh herbs and licorice. It’s full-bodied, incredibly smooth and polished with layers of ripe fruit and chocolate, yet with lifting freshness. Fine, silky tannins and a long finish. Lingering chocolate and spices. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification." James Suckling

Syrah Suisassi is rich and expressive. The bouquet is convincing with aromas of sage, rosemary, wild flowers, liquorice, violets and plums. On the palate very full and round with memories of berries, chocolate and nuts. Elegant and intellectual. SUPERIORE.DE

"4000 bottles are produced from this wine, which is aged in wood: Inviting nose of juniper berries, tobacco and herbs; juicy, compact on the palate, with accurately integrated acidity, elegant and long." Vinum

"The 2016 Suisassi brings together power and freshness to a degree that is quite rare on the coast. Inky dark purplish fruit, leather, licorice, plum, lavender and spice come together in a deep Syrah endowed with tremendous concentration as well as power. Time in the glass brings out the wine's explosive energy and tension. The 30% whole clusters are evident, but not overly so." Vinous

"There is a lot of gorgeous spice in the 2016 Syrah Suisassi, along with candied fruit, cherry and notes of blackberry. The Syrah takes very well to 20 months in oak, retaining a freshness and fruity sweetness to accompany the spice. The mouthfeel is velvety and rich. In the end, this is a fine and elegant expression of Syrah that I could envision serving with a creamy steak au poivre." Wine Advocate

"Wow. This shows amazing aromas of foie gras, game, pepper and spice with the dark fruit. Full body and soft, juicy tannins that form the wild and exotic, syrah character in the aftertaste. Love this. From biodynamically grown grapes. Demeter-certified." James Suckling

Suisassi is rich and expressive. The bouquet convinces with aromas of sage, rosemary, wild flowers, liquorice, violets and plums. The palate is very full and round with memories of berries, chocolate and nuts. Elegant and intellectual. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, dark ruby-violet. Very expressive and appealing nose, full of ripe blueberries and blackberries, ripe plums, very clear fruit, also rich spice in the background. Juicy and rich on the palate, shows lots of incisive berry fruit, grippy, tightly meshed tannin, very long finish." Falstaff

"One of the icons of the Tuscan coast, this wine is a pioneer in organic and biodynamic farming, especially in this neck of the woods. The Duemani 2018 Syrah Suisassi is beautifully generous and full-bodied. The wine delivers uninterrupted waves of black and purple fruit, all followed up by spice, baker's chocolate and softly cured tobacco. As is the case with Luca D'Attoma's Cabernet Franc Duemani that I also tasted as an unfinished wine, I am pleased to say that these final results more than delivered on my expectations. This is mostly thanks to the wine's balance and power." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Suisassi (Syrah) is another exceptional wine in this range. Dark and racy, the 2018 offers up copious blue/blackish fruit, lavender, menthol and chocolate. There's real depth and density here, but not the heaviness of the past. Once again, Luca D'Attoma and Elena Celli crafted a unique and totally distinctive wine. Superb." Vinous

"Ripe black cherries, wild blackberries, blackcurrants, nutmeg, licorice, mahogany, musk and some dried thyme on the nose. It’s full-bodied and polished with intense blue and black-fruit flavors, wonderfully balanced with wood, spice and smoky notes. Velvety, integrated tannins. Such focus and precision. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Already stunning and hard to resist now, but better in a couple of years." James Suckling

A few years ago, Pio Boffa, who has sadly since passed away, bought himself a "small" present for his 60th birthday. Not a new set of golf clubs, a picture to hang in the hall, a holiday for him and his family. No. Just a vineyard called Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba, a region of Piedmont where four generations of the Pio Cesare dynasty were never able to gain a foothold. Originally, the grapes from the 10-hectare vineyard were intended to enhance the quality of his classic Barolo, but after the first barrel samples, Pio Boffa realised unmistakably that this would be at least an equal - albeit stylistically different - counterpart to the hitherto undisputed flagship Ornato.

Mosconi is more light-footed than Ornato, the nose is dominated by red rather than black fruit, with an irresistible liquorice and a juiciness that will immediately put it at the top of the entire appellation. On the palate, it has a precision that is unrivalled; it is less powerful than Ornato, but more elegant and subtle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a delicate garnet rim. Very fragrant and surprisingly fresh nose of dewy roses, with pithy plums and some dark cherries. Full-bodied and straightforward on the palate, initially showing fine fruit, then spicy components of fennel seed and leather, full-bodied pressure on the final." Falstaff

"The Mosconi unfolds with a medley of ripe plums and cherries, underpinned by the gentle scent of blue violets and rosebuds, with sandalwood, wild herbs and roasted shiitake adding depth. On the palate, the red fruits shine with a refined and silky structure, flanked by a rich carpet of savoury spices and a hint of salty minerality." Wine Enthusiast

"The Mosconi opens with an appealing rusty aroma intermingled with macerated cherry and balsamic herbs. Its character is vertical, with a more red-fruited profile compared to the broader, palate-spanning, dark-fruited Ornato. Dusty tannins and savoury red and black cherries at the core are surrounded by flecks of orange peel, iron, salt, herbs, black pepper and oak. A beautiful, complex and age-worthy Barolo." Decanter

"Enchanting flavours of flowers such as violets and lemon blossom, with raspberries and cranberries. Full-bodied yet focused, with a structure that builds and builds and builds on the palate, remaining fresh and lively. The tannins are energetic and very, very long. A contemporary jewel. Fascinating. A thoughtful wine." James Suckling

Amarone Sergio Zenato Riserva - seductive complexity. Deep bouquet of black berries and cocoa, violets and lavender. The taste with aromas of cherries, blackberries and wild berries, in the long finish the invigorating fresh impressions of medicinal herbs. A noble wine of the upper class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, shiny ruby. Opened with slightly earthy notes, of porcini mushrooms and dried tomatoes, pickled cherries, chocolate. Dense and compact on the palate, opening with many layers of soft and dense tannin, dark berry fruit, in the finale to noble dark chocolate." Falstaff

"Dried thyme and rosemary are a fragrant entry point for this sleek, sculpted red, cloaking muscular tannins in a well-spiced robe of currant pâte de fruit, tarry mineral, fruit cake and rich hints of melted licorice and mocha." Wine Spectator

"This Amarone shows shaved-chocolate, dried-strawberry and burnt-orange undertones. Full-bodied, round and juicy. Soft tannins. Very intense and flavorful. A complex, layered riserva Amarone." James Suckling

This coveted Riserva is only vinified in top vintages and comes from the highest vineyards of the winery. On the nose, the essence of dark cherries, blackberries, flowers, violets, liquorice and spices, which are then carried away on the palate by firm, structured tannins. The Brunello Riserva 2016 impresses with its remarkable fruit and a big, explosive finish. It presents itself fresh and surprisingly lively, yet very focused and balanced. A great wine that is already a real joy to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

"Andrea Cortonesi crafts distinctly umami Brunello from various parcels at diverse altitudes and exposures in the warm reaches of Castelnuovo dell’Abate. After trying the sensuous 2015 Riserva at the estate in September 2021, I was excited to taste the 2016 release. It too is voluptuously shaped yet shored up by sturdy, muscular tannins. Pronounced clove and nutmeg meet prune, dried raspberry and tar. And there is a saline beef broth undertow. While it offers plenty to unpack over the years, I actually prefer to drink Uccelliera’s wines when they are still full of vim and vigour." Decanter

"This is really polished and refined, yet remains polished and beautiful, with cherries and berries, as well as light hazelnut and walnut undertones. Compact and silky. Drink after 2024, but already so attractive." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a terrific wine: bold, well-defined, powerful and balanced. There are many good things to relate, but the high alcohol content (measured at 15.5%) is the only distraction. This is a trend in the Riserva category in the 2016 vintage. The bouquet shows black cherry, cassis, earth, leather and dried roses. The palate offers soft fruit flavors supported by firm oak tannins." Wine Advocate

"Rich and deeply alluring, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva wafts up to display crushed ashen stone mixed with hints of ginger, dusty florals and black cherry preserves. This is velvety-smooth and pliant in feel, lifted by cooling herbal and mineral tones, as an opulent wave of ripe red and black fruits washes across the palate, leaving a staining of minerals and spice in its wake. It’s long and structured, in need of further time to come fully into focus, yet somehow the 2016 Riserva remains completely fresh, tapering off to inner earth tones and hints of blueberry. Time will reveal further depths. This is an utterly classic Uccelliera Brunello in the making." Vinous

"Offers forthcoming aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, licorice, tobacco and vanilla backed by vivid acidity and dusty tannins, with a long, saline finish. Showing enough fruit and structure to absorb the oakiness over time, this is balanced overall and poised for a promising future." Wine Spectator

Complex aromas with notes of wild berries, chocolate and mint, plenty of power, fruit and fullness on the palate, spicy and opulent final. A Barbera that can and should mature. The small edition of this exquisite extract from just under 1.4 hectares of vineyard usually sells out in no time at all. SUPERIORE.DE

"A smooth, lively red wine with sweet spices centred around a core of plum, black cherry and blueberry. Smooth in texture, with a line of dusty tannins on the finish. Balanced, just needs time. Decant now." Wine Spectator

"Floral aromas with sandalwood to the character of black berries and black cherries. Medium-bodied with firm and racy tannins. A juicy and bright finish. 50% of the vineyards were planted in 1918." James Suckling

"As if staring into a purple void, this deep Barbera draws the attention immediately open with aromas of framboise liquor, dried violets and baking spice. Forward, fun and serious at the same time, the wine pops with tart cherry jam and wild herb flavors with vibrant acidity keeping the palate fresh." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barbera d'Alba Scarrone Vigna Vecchia 2021 is endowed with enormous depth and resonance. Black cherry, plum, smoke, liquorice and chocolate are all turned up to the max. The Vigna Vecchia is Vietti's most extracted Barbera. As such, it is also the one most clearly associated with the wines of the past. It is certainly a good performance, but it is not significantly better than the Scarrone." Vinous

Suisassi is rich and expressive. The bouquet convinces with aromas of sage, rosemary, wild flowers, liquorice, violets and plums. The palate is very full and round with memories of berries, chocolate and nuts. Elegant and intellectual. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby violet. Very inviting nose with notes of elderberries, raspberries, dark pepper, some galangal, candy floss. Lots of fruit on the palate, of mulberry, fine-meshed tannin, builds well, still a bit rough on the final." Falstaff

"Tasted in a preview capacity, the Duemani 2019 Syrah Suisassi shows enormous potential, although this grape definitely requires more time to integrate. At this young stage, you really get a sense of the power and richness inherent to this growing season. Some 30% of the fruit is whole cluster and that obviously adds considerably to the ample fruit weight and texture displayed here. The tannins are shaping up nicely with lots of firmness, dimension and no evident astringency. This will be a Syrah to put at the back of your cellar. This is a knockout edition of Suisassi." Wine Advocate

"Very deep and dark fruit in the nose, with violets, ink, blackberries, roasted meat, asphalt and spices. Wet earth, too. Medium-to full-bodied with creamy tannins and a wonderful finish. Ink and slate notes develop." James Suckling

Cellole Gran Selezione impresses with its usual elegance and sophistication. Its masterfully balanced flavour profile of wild berry and blackberry with cassis, blueberry and candied rose is fantastic. On closer inspection, the wine reveals orange peel, rosemary and iron ore. It is a silky and elegant wine with some firm tannin, lots of bright fruit and a hint of crisp acidity. Undoubtedly a great wine with great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Walnuts, cloves, sandalwood, plums and cherry stones on the nose. It is medium-bodied, creamy and beautifully polished, with firm yet silky tannins and elegant layers of spiced fruit. Long and supple." James Suckling

"A nose that sticks on notes of blueberry, then rhubarb and juniper. Intense sip, closed on notes of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Fuligni's Brunello Riserva 2013 opens with a bouquet of wild berries, almonds, grilled rosemary, balsam and cassis. As always, the highly elegant style of this family-run winery, which wins awards every year, is immediately recognisable. After good aeration, it is already rich, complex, with beautiful freshness and a precise tannin structure, suggesting at least 20 years of ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, rich garnet red colour. Very dense and appealing nose, full of raspberry, rose petals and cherry jam. Very present on the palate, juicy and with fine tannins, literally rolls over the palate, long finish of ripe cherries." Falstaff

"Medium ruby red colour.Excellent nose of dark fruits. Really ripe yet tangy and with lovely chewy tannins supporting the fruit. Powerful but not overwhelming." Jancis Robinson

"A dense, muscular red wine with aromas and flavours of cherries, redcurrants, tobacco, iron and wild herbs. Bright and juicy, with a fine balance and a refreshing finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is initially closed and shy and needs a little more time in the glass before it begins to shine. The wine is made according to a very classic scheme that emphasises the delicate freshness of the primary fruit, the fully integrated tannins (which are enhanced by the Slavonian oak barrels) and the bright acidity. The fruit for this wine comes from 20-year-old vines, which provide the extract and concentration worthy of a Riserva. This wine is impeccably balanced and radiant. It is immediately drinkable but also has the natural DNA to ensure graceful ageing." Wine Advocate

"Delicately floral, the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva slowly awakens in the glass, coy at first, with a subtle mix of mint leaf and dried strawberry. Further coaxing brings out a seductive darkening effect, as the fruit evolves to black cherry, complicated by a whiff of incense, sage and spiced cedar. This is a model of purity, with textures of pure silk and polished red berry fruits that flood the palate. A burst of zesty acidity and sour citrus adds tension but also a sense of boundless energy. Fine-grained tannins emerge as the 2013 flexes its structural muscle, leaving a tart cranberry crunchiness and savory herbal tones to resonate. There are still many years, possibly a decade or more, of positive maturity in store for patient collectors." Vinous

"Very intense aromas of ripe dark fruits with plums and cherries intermingled with old meat, warm stones and sweet, dried wood nuances. The concentrated palate has a soft and plush core with tannins that build in impressive layers to hold a long, flavourful finish." James Suckling

"Rose, wild berries, camphor and a hint of exotic spices float from the glass, along with a touch of new leather. The taut, elegantly structured palate shows juicy red cherries, strawberry compote, baking spices and liquorice, while fine-grained tannins and lively acidity provide balance and grip." (Cellar Selection) Wine Enthusiast

As a result of extensive soil analyses, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three micro-vineyards, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. In addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione range now includes three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are planted 100% with Sangiovese. In close correspondence with their terroir, they differ in structure and flavour and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

Cru Roncicone comes from soils with maritime deposits. It is a 10.1 hectare plot planted between 1998 and 2000 with a density of 6,000 plants per hectare. The soils are rich in marine fossils with sand at the top and thicker clay beneath the topsoil. Our impression of this wine is that it is the most immediate and softly structured.

Deep dark, fruity and smoky bouquet. Dark, violet-coloured fruit on the palate, paired with notes of forest floor, tobacco and a beautiful spiciness. The volume is full and deep, the tannins very accessible even at a young age and the finish is flanked by a well-structured acidity framework, which will also ensure very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Roncicone 2019 shows the more ethereal side of Sangiovese in this vintage. Sweet red cherries, mint, crushed stones, orange peel and rose water give it a remarkable aromatic brilliance. The Roncicone captivates with its medium-bodied, translucent personality and offers plenty of intensity." Vinous

"This spicy red wine presents itself with an explosion of bright cherry fruit, along with notes of strawberries, redcurrants, eucalyptus and tobacco. It shows an underlying minerality and dusty tannins that are present on the finish. All components are present." Wine Spectator

"Earthy forest scents accompany hedgerow berries and violet tones, with a clear petrichor note. The fine tannins allow the intensity of the juicy red and black fruits to shine through. It has a beautiful freshness with an almost mentholated character that, combined with the dense and tangy finish, gives it a sense of verticality." Decanter

"The aromas and structure of this single-vineyard Chianti Classico are something special this year. The flavours of orange peel, meat and cherries are lively and vibrant. It has a medium body with firm, chewy tannins that are dusty and fine-grained. Structured and robust with a granite-like presence. Try it after 2025, but it will impress you." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio Roncicone 2019 reflects soils rich in shells and marine fossils. These conditions provide sharpness and focus with beautiful minerality, both salty and chalky. At first glance, this Sangiovese is textbook, slender and elegant. The bouquet is refined and multi-layered with wild cherry, mint, blue flowers and blood orange. There is also a hint of rust, and the mouthfeel is polished and very fine. The tannins melt away. Francesco Ricasoli assures me that he and his team have learnt to "work the grapes". I would definitely say that. The results are stunning." Wine Advocate

Sammarco, made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon with unmistakable Tuscan roots, shines with a ripe fruit bouquet and aromas of green pepper, leather and a hint of herbal spice. The flavour is solid and the crisp tannins are perfectly integrated into the powerful structure. A grandiose pleasure that expands and intensifies into the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby colour with violet shimmer, delicate lightening rim. Initially somewhat cloudy on the nose, clarifies with aeration, then develops fine notes of raspberry, dark currant, some cedar wood. Pithy, gripping tannins characterise the wine on the palate, still very young, but has a lot of potential, put it away for a few years!" Falstaff

"The 2019 Sammarco is a very pretty, elegant wine with gorgeous aromatic intensity from Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up the majority of the blend this year. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, dried cherry, incense and crushed leaves give this young, nascent Sammarco a remarkable aromatic presence. With time in the glass, the striking inner flavour and sweetness come to the fore. In 2019, Sammarco is more finesse than power." Vinous

"Lush and fluid, this intense red offers black currant, blackberry, wild herb, graphite, loam and tobacco flavors. Fresh, balanced and long, with lively acidity, pointed tannins and a long finish of dark fruit." Wine Spectator

"Currants and black berries with citrus undertones and flowers. Medium body with velvety tannins and a freshness and brightness. Lots of energy." James Suckling

"The 2019 Sammarco is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. It is more austere and even robust compared to the more powerful style that is appreciated in this portfolio. It is an earthy wine with a broader base of flavours ranging from black fruits, baked plums, spices, tobacco and crushed limestone. In this wine you can feel the natural concentration of the 2019 vintage and the wonderfully controlled tannins." Wine Advocate

Rich and refined top cuvée from the white grape varieties of Friuli. The bouquet of white flowers and yellow fruit has a pleasantly smoky note. Opulent flavours of yellow and white fruits, dried apricots and honey on the palate, the balanced acidity provides backbone and structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with delicate nuances of green. Stone fruit, peach and some apricot on the nose, subtle flint notes and a hint of vanilla. Powerful on the palate, lively acidity, delicate phenolics, mouthwatering finish." Falstaff

"Clean and mineral, with a saline undertone and vibrant flavours of freshly sliced apples and pears, blanched almonds, almond blossom and a hint of ground white pepper. Fresh, chalky finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Abbazia di Rosazzo is more delicate and nuanced, with dusty dried flowers, crushed almonds and sweet smoke on the nose. It feels silky yet almost weightless and floats on the palate with a savoury mix of white stone fruits and inner flowers. It leaves a hint of minerality and finishes with a beautiful tension that leaves flinty notes of liquid stone and Bosc pear. The Abbazia di Rosazzo is an understated beauty." Vinous

"This wine has definitely moved into tertiary aroma territory. With a deep, off-gold color and orange highlights, the Livio Felluga 2019 Rosazzo Abbazia di Rosazzo shows aged tones of preserved lemon, candied orange peel, dried guava and sweet almond. Fermentation is in stainless steel, and the wine sees some aging in large oak casks. There are mild white-wine tannins and a hint of peppermint to close." Wine Advocate

"Fascinating aromas of ash, wet stones, dried apples, hints of honey and flint. Tar. Full-bodied with great density and energy. Framed and firm. Vine bark with mushrooms. Reserved. Old vines. 80 to 100 years old." James Suckling

Marco Bacci's Brunello Riserva from the dream vintage 2016 presents itself full and generous on the nose. Cascades of violet and black fruits wash over the senses with black cherry, blackberry jam and smoked tobacco. The opulent overall impression is completed with a hint of bitter almond and subtle notes of smoke and nuts. These give the wine a deep and dark character. Very well structured on the palate and built for a long life with its well-formed acid-tannin framework. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of camphor, new leather, blue flowers and dark spices come to the fore. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the savoury palate offers ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, liquorice and tobacco, framed by tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. The fresh acidity provides balance. It's still youthfully tart and needs a few more years to unwind." Wine Enthusiast

"The Renieri 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is balanced and bright, but it also shows the unmistakable power and strength of this classic vintage. Cassis and cherry are framed by fragrant balsamic aromas with tarry smoke, cola and liquorice. There's a bright note here too, reminiscent of natural rubber, followed by lovely mineral tones that add elegance." Wine Advocate

"An intense red wine that offers a wealth of concentrated aromas of black cherries, blackcurrants, violets, chocolate and earth. It firms up at the end, with the dense tannins leaving a compact impression for now. Spicy elements shimmer through on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Southern part of the appellation, from a farm with great history, a refined Brunello, nose of redcurrants, with hints of Mediterranean scrub and balsamic, of eucalyptus. The mouthfeel is dense with salty tannins and a return to fruity notes." Luca Gardini

"Enticing aromas of black truffle with cherry and strawberry. The palate is full and dense with super polished tannins that are layered and refined. Great length. Goes on and on. Not to be tasted until after 2025, but already captivating." James Suckling

First bottled in 1967, Roncaglie (formerly Barbaresco Masseria) comes from a vineyard in Bricco di Neive and is essentially vinified and aged like a Barolo. Since the 2018 vintage, it now comes from a small parcel that used to belong to the Socré Barbaresco winery and is now deliberately released a year later to ensure greater harmony and balance. Floral and spicy notes merge with a core of rich, generous fruit in a generous Barbaresco based on pure resonance. Barbaresco Roncaglie is vinified and matured in the same way as Vietti's single-vineyard Barolos. This means long fermentation, six months in French oak and more than two years in barrique. This, together with the broad shoulders of Neive, results in a noble Nebbiolo with clear hints of Barolo and impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Firm, concentrated raspberry-fruit nose becoming more opulent and perfumed with aeration. Impressively balanced on the palate with wired, juicy raspberry and fine tannins. Full aromatic spread on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The Vietti 2020 Barbaresco Roncaglie Masseria has bright rose, cherry, redcurrant and angel food cake with strawberries. There are mineral notes as well, and the fruit unfolds over the palate with gentle intensity. There is some oak spice, but it is very well integrated; and the wine shows good balance, especially where the tannins versus acidity is concerned." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbaresco, from vines in Roncaglie, sizzles with tension. Bright, red-toned fruit, orange peel, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks are all beautifully delineated. In many vintages, the Roncaglie is quite showy. That is hardly the case in 2020, a vintage in which the wine is classically austere and in need of time. Super-classic." Vinous

"Very perfumed and pretty with sliced strawberries and citrus blossom. Plenty of forest berries, too. Medium to full body. Creamy tannins and a fresh finish. Fine texture and gorgeous." James Suckling