James Suckling

Rich, deep dark ruby red colour. The bouquet opens with dark cherries, blue flowers and earth. The tannins are taut, almost crisp, and the wine offers a deep pedigree and persistence that is carried by the distinct acidity. This depth is what stands out the most. Since 2016, a small part of the wine has been aged in clay amphorae, which has resulted in an even more elegant and refined Flaccianello. As always, it deserves a top place among the pure Sangiovese from central Tuscany and connoisseurs are giving it time to develop further. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red in colour. Opens the nose with rich earthy tones of ripe plum and ripe Amarena cherry, slightly reminiscent of rum pot, with a walnut and mint finish. In the mouth with balsamic-earthy tones, shows a lot of tannin and grip, then great juiciness in the back, still needs to come together, put it away and forget about it for a few years." Falstaff

"Classic Supertuscan from the Conca d'Oro of Panzano: Enchanting with notes of stone fruit, undergrowth and leather; the entry is dense and yet with finesse, the tannins powdery, the acidity invigorating, also mineral-salty in the further development, in the aftertaste multi-faceted and noble." Vinum

"The Flaccianello della Pieve 2020 is a blend from the Fontodi vineyards, especially from the three main vineyards planted on sites with very dense and heavy rock. Dark, supple and inviting, the 2020 is so expressive today. Black cherry, plum, spice, lavender, liquorice and mocha merge seamlessly in the glass. The 2020 is a fine Flaccianello with a bright future. The majority of this assemblage comes from three parcels on the upper slopes near the town centre." Vinous

"This pure red is sophisticated, complex and balanced, permeated with black cherry, blackberry, violet, mineral and spice aromas and flavors, with tannins that are present yet refined and well-integrated. The fruit persists from beginning to end, defining the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Flaccianello della Pieve 2020 is the complete package. This becomes clear when you taste all the other wines in the Fontodi portfolio and finish with this bottle. This organic Sangiovese shows a beautiful intensity and remains balanced throughout with dark fruits, gravel, spices and wild roses. It picks up on the themes of elegance, depth and maturity that run throughout the vintage. The wine gently envelops the palate with considerable fruit richness and sweet tannins. This expression of a warm vintage can be cellared or savoured straight away." Wine Advocate

"Very floral with sage and liquorice in the berry and dark cherry aromas, leading to a medium body with fine and silky tannins that run the length of the wine. Very crisp for a Flaccianello. Lively on the palate." James Suckling

This wine from the single vineyard of the same name is probably the most opulent of the house's selection line. On the nose, an almost brushstroke-wide presence of ripe fruit, spices and hints of crushed rock. On the palate, impressive suppleness, complexity and richness, plus a whole bouquet of dark fruit flavours flanked by firm, structured tannin. The Merlot content gives it additional depth and power. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. In the nose of rich cherry fruit, interwoven with blackberries and wild berries, fine undergrowth, plus a hint of mint and malt. Tightly woven on the palate with a magnificent fan, stretches elegantly over the tongue, great juiciness in the back, in addition noble spice in the final, powerful, will age magnificently." Falstaff

"Packed with succulent flavors of plum, blackberry and black cherry, this broad red is supported by a dense, burly structure that should allow it to evolve nicely over the next two decades. Reveals iron, earth, eucalyptus and tobacco accents on the finish. All the elements are there, this just needs time." Wine Spectator

"Cool blueberry aromas with violet fruit and an inky sheen. Also black liquorice. Full-bodied with firm and racy tannins that are polished yet structured. At the moment it is quite dense and closed. It needs time to open up and soften with bottle maturity. Try it after 2025." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto la Casuccia 2019 is a wine of intensity, volume and power. But it also shows impeccable balance thanks to the skilled hands of the winery's winemaking team. I find that this Vigneto la Casuccia, whose fruit comes from a steep vineyard overlooking the Castello, is particularly full and rich. The weight and concentration of the fruit is indeed a feature of this classic growing season, and this wine carries it well. You are treated to an abundance of blackberries, spices, tobacco and grilled herbs." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is stunning. What a wine! In this vintage, the aromas are huge and expansive, a theme that also comes through on the palate. Cedar, tobacco, dried leaves, incense and blood orange race from the glass. The 2019 is stunning in its intensity, pedigree and overall balance. It is the wine of the vintage in Chianti Classico." Vinous

Barolo Cannubi is a great wine that highlights the classic beauty of Nebbiolo. This wine is like a statue of a Greek goddess with perfect proportions and feminine aesthetics. The bouquet is complex, with bright fruits, white pepper, mint, orange peel and spicy liquorice. The tannins are polished and fine, with a hint of the characteristic limestone chalk that you sometimes taste in Cannubi. Lively acidity rounds out this extremely elegant, fresh and graceful wine. Very full-bodied and focused with great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Scents of fresh fruit, topped with notes of smoke and sandalwood; pithy palate, robust tannins, accentuated acidity, the finish promising." Vinum

"Delightful. Very beautiful nose of cherries and ripe raspberries with mineral, chalky notes and a hint of oatmeal, but always very subtle. Purity, elegance and fullness on the palate. Long, fresh, precise finish of raspberries with a long and fine tannin structure. Wonderful fragrance on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"A very refined yet structured Cannubi with fine tannins that spread across the palate. Medium bodied with lovely juicy fruit of plums, berries and cedar. Persistent finish with citrus notes in the aftertaste." James Suckling

"Bright, noble ruby garnet. In the nose on lush black currant, liquorice, slightly after heart cherries, jasmine, cedar wood. On the palate polished, elegant, with juicy tannin and very well brought out fruit, harmonious interplay, great length." Falstaff

"A red of depth and opulence, with black cherry and blackberry fruit accented by earth, green olive tapenade, green tea and tobacco flavors. Complex, with considerable power and length, this will require a bit more time to integrate than its peers." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barolo Cannubi is simply stunning. Rich and beautifully structured, the 2019 shines from start to finish. Fresh cut flowers, mint, crushed red berry fruit, orange peel, salt and dried herbs are some of the many notes that grace this exquisite, beautifully nuanced Barolo from Chiara Boschis. Sweet floral and spicy overtones build on the finish. The precision of this Barolo is incredible. Barrel ageing works so well here. What a wine!" Vinous

"Tart, firm, very deep and rather cool, finely herbal and a hint of dried floral scent of more black than red berries with a hint of tomatoes, leathery tones, a little juniper, cedar and restrained barrel notes. Clear, polished, fresh-looking, fine-juicy and yet almost massive fruit with notes of resinous herbs, some nuts and a hint of smoke, youthful, very fine tannin, some bite, persistent and dense on the palate, leathery and tobacco nuances, lots of salt in the background, a hint of roses, elegant style for all its power and firmness, enormously deep and complex, still barely developed, very good to long, tart, taut and fine-juicy, almost cool-looking finish. Outstanding in its incredible blend of massiveness, freshness. Precision and finesse." Wein-plus

"Last autumn I had the opportunity to hike the Cannubi vineyard with Chiara Boschis. You really don't get a feel for how steep the inclines are and how dusty the ground is until you are on site and struggling with each difficult step. It masters the difficult terrain effortlessly. The 2019 Barolo Cannubi shows an etched or three-dimensional quality with sharp fruit aromas, blue flower and chalky stone. There were some weather extremes during the growing season, but it all evened out in the end. Phenolic ripeness was easily achieved. Chiara Boschis describes the 2019 as a cross between 2016 and 2017." Wine Advocate

"A "blessed" vintage for one of the house's historic crus, a wine of density and crisp tension. Notes of cranberries on the nose, with hints of blood orange and liquorice root, with classic end mentholation. Salty, acidic tannins on the palate, with a fruity, mentholated finish." Luca Gardini

The Gran Selezione from the single vineyard Bellavista is rich and dark with aromas of wild cherry, smoke, liquorice, menthol and tobacco. Extremely attractive and rich on the palate, firm tannins form the backbone of this virile, potent wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. Opens hesitantly on the nose, fine resinous hints paired with rich cherry fruit, in addition dried rose petal and light spice. On the palate very juicy game with clear fruit, shows a lot of breed, plus young, fresh tannin in many layers, still needs some time, will come together splendidly." Falstaff

"The aromas of blackberries, brambles, bark and mushrooms lead into a full body with deep and chewy tannins and a long finish. It is very structured. Needs time to soften. Drink it after 2025." James Suckling

"Dark and brooding, this red evokes violet, black currant and black cherry flavors accented by notes of wild herbs, iron, sanguine and spices. Underlined by a steely structure and vibrant acidity, this shows fine balance and harmony, yet will require more time to ultimately hit its sweet spot." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista 2019 rises from the glass with breathtaking intensity in all its dimensions. The aromatics alone are impressive, but that is only the beginning. Rich and lush on the palate, the 2019 is the most refined Bellavista I've ever tasted, and I've tasted them all. A healthy proportion of Malvasia Nera gives it spicy notes and a good amount of grip, while clean mineral nuances extend the finish. The tannins are particularly polished, which they rarely are in a young Bellavista." Vinous

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista is produced only in the very best vintages. This stunning wine shows beautiful concentration with just the right amount of fruit weight that feels rich but not heavy. The wine appears compact and firm, with excellent depth reflected in the aromas of wild berries, crushed minerals, roses, tobacco and mint herbs. The complexity of the wine carefully unfolds with time in the glass." Wine Advocate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Gran Selezione from the single vineyard Bellavista is rich and dark with aromas of wild cherry, smoke, liquorice, menthol and tobacco. Extremely attractive and full-bodied on the palate, firm tannins form the backbone of this virile, potent wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"You smell this and you know it’s a solid Bellavista, with blackcurrants, black cherries, blackberries, blood oranges and orange blossoms on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with a tight and focused palate that gives such precision in fruit and tannins. It needs another five year to soften and open." James Suckling

"The Castello di Ama 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista shows dark color saturation and elegantly restrained aromas of dark cherry and blackberry. The Vigneto Bellavista is one of the Gran Cru sites in this appellation, with vines planted over the tall ridge of a sun-drenched hillside. That special positioning always gives this wine more concentration and complexity, ultimately. There is sweet fruit, ripe plum and spice, and these aromas are framed by a dark slate-like mineral note. The mouthfeel is compact and firm with a beautiful sense of lasting richness." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista is a stunner. Dense, powerful and forbidding, in classic Bellavista style, the 2021 packs an immense punch. It is also a very potent wine. All of the Bellavista signatures are present, but they are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Graphite, sage, crushed rocks, lavender, mint and dried herbs all play off a core of cool, dark-toned fruit. The 2021 is a bruiser - a beautiful, vivid bruiser. I can't wait to see how it ages." Vinous

Black cherry red with a violet rim. On the nose, notes of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, dried coriander and vanilla pod, rounded off with fruit flavours of pomegranate, cherry and floral nuances such as geranium, lavender and rose. Fresh rose sugar and graphite on the palate, with raspberry, cherry, fresh plum and cranberry flavours. Long finish with a fine hint of cassis. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby violet colour. Opens with fine spicy notes of ivy and sandalwood, crisp sour cherry, some white pepper. Polished and round on the palate, shows very well-placed tannins, many layers, interwoven with fine enamel, fun!" Falstaff

"The Monteverro 2019 Tinata, a blend of Syrah and Grenache, shows wonderful richness and concentration with a whole range of spicy and opulent dark fruit flavours. This is a great organic wine that is particularly appreciated thanks to the skilfully applied Italian face of these powerful Rhône varieties. These grapes show great promise, especially on this sun-drenched stretch of the Tuscan coast. Tinata is creamy, rich and opulent with sweet dark fruits, spices and baking chocolate." Wine Advocate

"Lots of dried meat, pink peppercorns, ink and smoky character. Medium to full-bodied with firm, layered tannins that are intense. Undertones of pencil and crushed stones. Give this wine three or four years to mellow." James Suckling

"The 2019 is a masterful creation with Bordelais elegance and brightness of character, underscored by zesty acidity and framed by powerful, elongated tannins that have real staying power. The wine shows a deep ruby colour and leads with explosive blue fruit and black cherry aromatics with elegant cedarwood and garrigue notes. Nuances of white pepper, charcuterie, blood orange, and sanguine minerality with rose petals on the long finish. One to cellar and enjoy for the next four or five decades." Decanter

Vigna San Marcellino Gran Selezione is both youthfully fresh and ripe and complexly muscular. It contains a healthy dose of the deeply coloured Pugnitello grape, and on the nose liquorice, tarragon and broom mingle with lush plum and subtle roasted aromas that are highly seductive in their complexity. Deep, taut and lively on the palate, loaded with black cherry and rich, velvety tannins. The texture is silky, while subtle chalky notes and a salty minerality give it plenty of energy and lead it into a juicy, refreshing finish. Vigna San Marcellino is a convincing wine with enormous ageing potential every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby red colour. Clearly sweet blood orange, sour cherries and black pepper on the nose, followed by an aroma of dark chocolate. Juicy, ripe cherry fruit on the palate, pleasant acidity with soft tannins, elegant and long finish." Falstaff

"Lots of Sangiovese with some Pugnitello from the vineyard of the same name: engaging bouquet of black cherries and lilac, spicy notes; the lively acidity and the excellent, still youthful tannins are well balanced, the finish is long on notes of redcurrants and minerality." Vinum

"Beautiful complexity and spice, with walnuts, grilled citrus, plums and sweet spices. Full-bodied yet quite restrained, with fine, dusty tannins and a long finish. Polished." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino 2019 is a dark, brooding wine. Black cherry, leather, smoke, incense and tobacco contribute to an impression of seriousness and pure power. This is a particularly dark, virile edition of San Marcellino. Give it a few years to mature." Vinous

"Aromas and flavours of violets, blackcurrants and black cherries take centre stage in this supple, energetic yet elegant red wine. Vibrant and straightforward, with a firm line of tannins and great length on the iron-rich finish. It ends with fruity, mineral and spicy notes and shows solid grip." Wine Spectator

The wine from the single vineyard of the same name is probably the most opulent of the house's selection line. The bouquet has an almost brushstroke-wide presence of ripe fruit, spices and hints of crushed rock. The palate is impressively supple, complex and full-bodied, with a whole bouquet of dark fruit flavours flanked by firm, structured tannins. The Merlot component gives it additional depth and power. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia 2021 is still somewhat closed on the nose, so the bouquet has not yet fully developed. I have therefore extended the drinking window. You can detect characteristic aromas of black cherry, spices and gravel. On the palate, the wine is full of flavour, richly structured and very long. The nose is still restrained, but the mouthfeel is full of vigour." Wine Advocate

"The dark blue fruit is exciting, with blackcurrants, black cherries, raspberries, dark mushrooms and pine cones both on the nose and palate. It is medium-bodied with fine and firm tannins that give it tension and structure. It is rather shy now and will need three or four years to show its true colours." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia 2021 is one of the most open and expressive wines in this range - a wine that hints at the greatness of the year. Crushed rose petals, blood orange, mint, spices, new leather and cedar wood saturate the palate. Silky tannins round off the whole. Sensual and profound, the Casuccia is both extremely enjoyable and very serious. What a wine." Vinous

The exceptional single-varietal Merlot L'Apparita is outstanding with its elegance, strength of character, fine tannin and acid structure and endless length. An oenological rarity of Tuscany and not only therefore an object of desire every year. On the nose, a combination of fruity and spicy impressions, excellent the fleshy taste, whose juicy, still quite concise tannin blends well with the warm body. SUPERIORE.DE

"A red of great depth, with a rich, fleshy profile and black cherry, plum, mineral and spice flavors yielding to a firm, racy structure. Shows enticing fruit wed to dense tannins, which should absorb well with time. Classy." Wine Spectator

"Dark, bright ruby red. In the nose on mint, cranberry, cedar wood, in addition elegant blackberry nuances. Shows very polished and multilayered on the palate, opens dark berry in the core with great grip, tightly woven, great length with rich pressure on the finish, can calmly store a bit more." Falstaff

"Enticing aromas of blackberries and violets with some fresh black olives. Fresh violets as well. Full-bodied and very rich and layered with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Lingering flavours of dark chocolate on the finish. A powerful Merlot. Drink it after 2026." James Suckling

"One of the stars of Italian oenology, this iconic wine is Merlot in name but Tuscan in spirit. L'Apparita is a great wine that gives those who drink it a tremendous sense of excitement and energy. Its texture is soft and rich, yet the tannins are gentle and round. However, it also has plenty of substance and structure, with seamless layers of black fruits, cherries, sweet spices and tobacco. The wine's complexity is enhanced by elegant mineral tones and a subtle, menthol signature. Temperature control and careful pumping over of the grapes are carefully carried out, and care is taken at harvest to ensure that the berries are not overripe. Cool, chalky soils with lots of stones help to isolate the roots and maintain freshness. The secret of this wine is the magic of the location, the exposure and the geology." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 L'Apparita is incredibly powerful in this vintage. Huge, burning tannins envelop a core of dark flesh. Incense, tobacco, chocolate, mocha, lavender and spice open up, but only hesitantly. While most 2019s in the Ama range are quite inviting at this stage, the L'Apparita is a wine for the cellar. In other words, the 2019 is a dense, backward Apparita that requires patience." Vinous

Deep dark cherry red with a violet glow at the rim. On the nose, aromas of spices like rosemary and thyme, plus fruity notes of blackcurrant and cherry. On the palate blackberry, cherry, fresh plum and cranberry, wonderful cassis note and dark chocolate on the long final. Modern Tuscan, stylistically rigorous according to the French model. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. In the nose tones of ripe Amarena cherry, wild berries and plums, in the aftertaste mint and elegant toasty aromas from the wood ageing. Juicy and mouth-filling on the palate, with fine tannin and a long finish." Falstaff

"It smells of violets and black and blue berries. In the mouth it is intense, concentrated and dense, with good acidity, fine tannins and lively, tangy dark fruits. Needs more time before it opens up." Decanter

"A medium-bodied, balanced red wine with notes of cherry, spiced plum, dried herbs and liquorice. Spicy. Slightly chewy tannins. Fresh and delicious finish. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The second wine from Monteverro. Already very tasty." James Suckling

"Fruity bouquet of stone fruit and herbs; excellently structured with fine mineral components, the finish is balanced and fruity." Vinum

"The 2019 Monteverro Terra di Monteverro is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot from organic farming and is the little brother of the winery's Monteverro (from the same grapes). This concentrated vintage shows lots of concentrated fruit, blackberry and black cherry. The wine also has a creamy side that adds to the sense of opulence and density." Wine Advocate

Luce is the iconic wine of the estate of the same name and symbolises the harmonious balance between the elegant structure of Sangiovese and the richness of Merlot. The wine marries the tradition and terroir of the Montalcino region with a personal interpretation of this extraordinary land.

Almost impenetrable ruby red colour. The bouquet is initially reductive and relatively austere, opening up soft and warm with increasing aeration and a seductive aroma of ripe berries, tobacco and leather. The flavour is concentrated, distinctive and tannic, yet silky and promising on the palate. The finish is long and deep with hints of coffee and vanilla. A great blend of Merlot and Sangiovese with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Fine fragrance on the nose, subtle, some lavender, mint, then cassis and ripe raspberry, cold smoke on the finish." Falstaff

"The wine is characterised by the vanilla of new oak and has aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, flowers and iron. Racy, with lively acidity and dusty tannins that linger on the finish. It needs air, so give it a few years to absorb the oak." Wine Spectator

"The nose is dense and powerful, with lush black fruits and chocolate, and it becomes even more perfumed with aeration. The attack is tangy and powerful, savoury and assertive, but without excessive extraction, and the tannins are polished. Despite a hint of tar and liquorice, the black fruits dominate. It is well balanced, grippy and structured, with a very long finish and will age well." Decanter

"Delicious perfume of dark forest fruits and plums, also tobacco and undergrowth; well-built with precise tannins, a subtle minerality can also be felt, the final a potpourri of fruity and balsamic notes, overall extremely polished and elegant." Vinum

"Very nice orange peel with redcurrants and blue berries. Also flowers. Medium to full body with firm and velvety tannins that are polished and impressive. Fresh fruit on the finish. Serious structure and brightness. Better after 2026." James Suckling

Undisputedly the most powerful and robust Barolo in Roberto Voerzio's top range is the Rocche dell'Annunziata from one of La Morra's best sites. For us, it is a benchmark in determination and forward-driven dynamism. Wonderfully coordinated fruit and spice components, a great wealth of impressions and precisely drawn beauty characterise this exceptional Barolo. Intensely fragrant nose of plums, pickled cherries and lots of raspberry, rounded off by cedar, spices and tobacco. In its depth, complexity and determination it does not come to rest, even 24 hours after opening the bottle the connoisseur is still surprised with fine notes of mint and balsam and this immensely expressive and charming wine shows no signs of ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried strawberry with some cherry, nutmeg and spice. Some dried meat, too. Full-bodied, chewy and rich with integration and focus. The tannins are really put together beautifully. Long and intense. Tight at the end. This needs at least four or five years to open." James Suckling

Satta's almost black-violet Syrah with an extraordinary bouquet of blueberry and blackberry liqueur, tar and graphite shines with richness and intensity. Not a flatterer, but not an edgy representative either - a sensational wine for today and the years to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brightening ruby red colour. Fragrant, appealing and clear nose of fresh cherries, ripe raspberries, some wild strawberries, rose hips and blood oranges, very fragrant, with elegant floral notes. On the palate with a savoury melt and great freshness, very lively and with a great nerve, accessible, best enjoyed a few degrees cooler, very elegant." Falstaff

"The Michele Satta 2021 Syrah shows some of the almost rusty qualities that the grape can produce, but also has hints of peppercorns and spice. It is lean for a Syrah from Tuscany, and this is a welcome characteristic. It offers delicate flavours of dusty rose, spice and powdery tannins. This expression is elegant and restrained. Only 3,300 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"A subtle and friendly syrah with green tobacco, graphite, dried earth, spices and dark fruit. Medium-bodied, refined and flavorful with a firm and bright finish. Chewy at the end." James Suckling

Dievoles Gran Selezione Vigna Sessina is dark, deep and with wonderfully powerful cherry and blackberry flavours. Very defined and precise on the palate with an archetypal interpretation of the grape variety. Everything is in the right place here, the balance and clarity impresses with every sip. The finish has terrificlength and depth. This is Sangiovese in its purest form with infinite energy and expression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seems a little cheesy with its "sugary" fruit and sweetness, but can please with the juicy vein and the robust tannin as well as the fine acidity and lets the wood resonate skilfully in the background." Weinwisser

"From a vineyard 420 metres above sea level: profound bouquet of red berries, lilacs and herbs; juicy on the palate, beautifully polished, supple tannins and crisp acidity, fruity and spicy finish. Successful." Vinum

"Medium ruby red with first orange-coloured reflections. A little dusty, probably from the oak, with shy, fragrant raspberry fruit underneath. With aeration, the nose becomes finer and more concentrated, with a hint of iron. The palate is elegant and delicate, with plenty of freshness." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Sessina 2019 comes from a one-hectare parcel with a mixture of clay and rock. Cured meat, lavender, spices, dried herbs and sweet tobacco lend the distinctive bouquet a beguiling complexity. The 2019 has a medium body, remarkable structural depth and the necessary structure to age." Vinous

"Sessina is a 5.5-hectare, south-facing vineyard on Macigno (sandstone soil), but with a limestone vein running through it. It shines in the fresh 2019 vintage - it is the best bottling of this wine that I have tasted. It has a lively aroma of mint, sage and a hint of chocolate. The dark plum core is ripe yet crisp, with tannins that are gently textured and grip in all the right places. Refined and elegant, but not without depth, it offers a tantalising interplay of warm Mediterranean balsamic notes with cooler forest tones. Delicious." Decanter

"Polished and pretty nose of dried flowers, cloves, mocha, dried cherries and chocolate orange. It is medium-bodied with firm tannins. Beautiful freshness and balance, with a long and elegant finish." James Suckling

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna di Sessina is a true beauty, offering elegance and power in two ways in this vintage. There are plenty of black fruit flavours that delicately fade into crushed stone, spices and grilled herbs. The winery opts for fermentation in cement and rapid ageing in oak for about a year. These steps ensure intact primary aromas and the wine is characterised by energy and lively flavours." Wine Advocate

"Featuring strawberry, cherry, rose and mineral aromas and flavors, this pretty red is firmly structured, closing up on the tightly wound finish. Nonetheless, there's plenty of fruit, and this is super long on the aftertaste." Wine Spectator

Its rich bouquet exudes the sweet scent of red cherries and an elegant blend of flowers, mint, spices and liquorice. The taste is velvety and inviting, with a perfect balance of powerful fruit, integrated tannins and beautifully balanced acidity. Radiance and complexity are overwhelming. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby garnet. Very present and intense nose, smells invitingly of ripe wild raspberries, plus some leather and liquorice. Very powerful on the palate, ripe cherry and plums in the aromas, grippy, gripping tannin, pithy, but also good melting, can calmly store a little longer." Falstaff

"Aromas of French oak and roasted coffee bean lead the nose along with whiffs of pressed rose petal, eucalyptus and the barest hint of berry. The firm, full-bodied palate offers licorice, coconut, vanilla and dried cherry alongside assertive, close-grained tannins. You'll also feel the warmth of alcohol on the close." Wine Enthusiast

"Expressing balsamic aromas and flavors of soy, eucalyptus, wild thyme and tobacco, this Barolo also delivers ripe plum and cherry midpalate, with earth and tar accents rounding out the profile. Gruff tannins mark the finish, so be patient." Wine Spectator

"Gaja manages two different plots in Cerequio, from where most of the grapes for Conteisa come. Both exposures - southeast and east - mark the character of this wine. If Sperss is the Yin, Conteisa would be the Yang: It's dark fruited with black cherry and plum complemented by graceful wild herbs and mint, and a bloody, olive-like savouriness. Full-bodied and crisp, the tannins are firm, thick and dusty yet evolved." Decanter

"The Gaja 2017 Barolo Conteisa opes to an immediate sense of dimension and textural width that distinguishes this hot growing season. In this case, that additional volume and power are expertly contained and refined in this wine with fruit from the Cerequio vineyard of Barolo. This wine excels most noticeably in terms of mouthfeel. The finish is silky and long and those more astringent 2017 tannins are gracefully absent here." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Barolo Conteisa is rich, ample and inviting. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar and dried flowers lend captivating aromatic presence to the Gaja family's La Morra Barolo. Even so, the 2017 is quite closed today, which is rather unusual for a wine that is typically far more open in the early going. That's probably a good sign for the future, though. Time in the glass brings out the classic Conteisa red-toned fruit profile. More than anything else, I am so impressed with how the 2017 gets better and better with air. This is a terrific showing." Vinous

"Fabulous aromas of ripe strawberry and raspberry with hazelnut and citrus follow through to a medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins and a racy and refined finish. It’s so fresh for the vintage and goes on for minutes. A classy and great wine. Better after 2025." James Suckling

The Sangiovese grapes for this wine come from the vineyard of the Empire of His Royal Highness, the Count of Turin, Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, who planted it in 1935. The soil is a mixture of clay and gravel, rich in marl and rock, which gives the grapes a spectacular minerality. The temperature fluctuations during the day play a decisive role in developing the finest flavours, which are elegant and complex. The wine, bottled in numbered bottles, is not filtered in order to preserve all the typical varietal notes and characteristics of Sangiovese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red colour. Opens on the nose with notes of oranges, juicy cherries, rose hips and wet pebbles. Rich in finesse on the palate, with a great structure, polished tannins and beautiful salinity, fine wood and spice, with a tobacco final." Falstaff

"Ripe, savoury cranberries, stones, baked grapefruit, dried herbs and some subtle sweet spices. Exciting and minerally on the palate with medium to full body, elastic, chalky tannins and a pure, almost ethereal finish. Impressive texture and savoury minerality give it definition." James Suckling

"Intriguing notes of red forest fruits, leather and tobacco; polished in the mouth, the acidity and the tightly woven tannins in balance, finishes long on notes of red berries. Pleasing with its elegant style." Vinum

"The nose intertwines delicately floral aromas with bright, tart fruit and a dense, savory earthiness. The palate is decisively fruit-forward, but undertones of coffee and dark chocolate maintain a feeling of versatility. A current of acid flows down a cobblestone path of polished, round tannins, before eventually pooling into a warm, luxurious finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Organic Sangiovese from stony and clayey soils. Multi-faceted bouquet of yellow fruits and raspberries, with a hint of orange peel, eucalyptus and balsamic notes in the background. Mouthfeel with velvety tannins: intense, persistent, balanced, spicy and mineral finish." Luca Gardini

The Gran Selezione from the single vineyard Bellavista is rich and dark with aromas of wild cherry, smoke, liquorice, menthol and tobacco. Extremely attractive and full-bodied on the palate, firm tannins form the backbone of this virile, potent wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, elegant ruby red colour. Spicy nose, leather, pepper, rich cherry fruit, roasted malt, dark chocolate. Full-bodied on the palate, with tightly woven tannins and a stony feel, presses hard on the palate, comes in many layers, still very young at the moment, needs time." Falstaff

"Dark nuances of blackberries, blueberries, violets and iron permeate this intense yet fluid red with a hint of dark chocolate. Despite its fine concentration and beautiful balance, this wine is elegant, with excellent length and lingering notes of fruit and spice." Wine Spectator

"An attractive bouquet with notes of dried strawberries, plum skin, crushed walnuts and liquorice. Full-bodied, compact and structured with velvety tannins and a chocolaty mouthfeel. Very concentrated and balanced. Long, even finish. Better after 2025." James Suckling

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista shows a particularly dark and rich character in this vintage, with black cherry, savoury barbecue spice and smoked tobacco. Of the three Gran Selezione editions, Vigneto Bellavista has the darkest and richest character. This full-bodied red wine shows etched tannins and many rich layers of fruit." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista 2020 is outrageously beautiful. Graphite, crushed rock, lavender, menthol and juniper berries rush from the glass. A dash of Malvasia Nera gives it a strikingly spicy, earthy intensity. Black fruits, gravel, incense and cloves develop over time, framed by powerful Bellavista tannins that need time to soften." Vinous

"A tempting procession of coffee, incense, sweet herbs, moist earth and truffle emerges with each swirl. The palate is a thrilling and energetic tug-of-war with dark, lush fruit set against chiselled tannins. A gravelly texture adds to the drama and intense violet pierces the finish. Generous yet still tight." Decanter

A study commissioned by Francesco Ricasoli has shown that there are 19 different types of soil on Brolio. This made it possible to precisely define the sites that are particularly good for Merlot, from which wines with a unique structure and unmistakable flavour emerge. With the 2018 vintage, Francesco Ricasoli is now presenting the "new" Casalferro, whose grapes come from the three different vineyards Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino and Vigna Sodacci. Although the production volume has been drastically reduced, the result is impressive!

A Tuscan Merlot as it is written in the book. On the nose, complex aromas of dark red fruit, delicate cedar wood, leather, very spicy. Initially taut and dense on the palate, it opens up as it progresses and expands with impressive elegance. The interplay between bouquet and complexity on the palate is perfectly balanced and its impressive size is already unmistakable. This Merlot will have a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a garnet-red rim. Fresh sour cherries and plums on the nose, with violets and a touch of coriander in the background. Fruity and juicy on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"A rich, dark expression of Merlot, this red walks the fine line between austerity and generosity, with the latter gaining prominence over the course of the fine finish. Dense, with the tight texture working in tandem with black cherry, blackberry, iron and spice flavours." Wine Spectator

"The Barone Ricasoli 2019 Casalferro showcases its potential in a classic vintage. The DNA of the wine, which is made exclusively from Merlot, is characterised by the grape variety, but the terroir also plays a major role in this presentation. You know you're drinking a wine from Tuscany thanks to a delicate bundle of flavours that includes wild cherry, violet fruit, violets and spices. This wine gives an Italian personality to a French grape variety." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Casalferro is magnificent. Ripe dark cherry and plum fruit, liquorice, spice, new leather, menthol and mocha are combined in a generous, lush Merlot that offers much of the vibrancy of a Chianti Classico." Vinous

"Blueberry, plum and red and black berry scents mingle with wildflowers, spices and a hint of roasted coffee beans. Stony and sapid in the mouth, it's all about elegance with beautiful cool blue fruits accompanied by a touch of creaminess on the mid-palate, then a long, super-fresh and poised finish." Decanter

"Super flavours of fresh violets, black olives, crushed raspberries and blackberries. Also a hint of dried flowers. Full-bodied but compact and polished, with superbly crafted tannins that compress the palate and give it a velvety texture. Taut and concentrated. The most precise and refined Casalferro ever. It needs at least three or four years to show what it's made of, but it has great potential. Best from 2026 onwards." James Suckling

"Produced for the first time not only with the best grapes from the vineyard of the same name, but also with contributions from the Pecchierino and Sodacci vineyards, this is a pure Merlot of stature with intense aromas of blueberries, currants and balsamic herbs on the nose. The flavour is elegant and spectacularly clean. Salty and spicy tannins, excellent drinkability." Luca Gardini

The wine from the single vineyard of the same name is probably the most opulent of the house's selection line. The bouquet has an almost brushstroke-wide presence of ripe fruit, spices and hints of crushed rock. The palate is impressively supple, complex and full-bodied, with a whole bouquet of dark fruit flavours flanked by firm, structured tannins. The Merlot component gives it additional depth and power. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine is dark and concentrated in this vintage with beautiful tones of ripe blackberry, baked plum, sweet earth and black rose. It has all the classic flavours of the grape variety, only in this case they are delivered with more power and vigour thanks to the warm and sunny growing season. This vintage remains somewhat more accessible overall." Wine Advocate

"Dark, noble ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Nose of black bread crust, butter biscuits, delicate vanilla, then rich dark berry fruit, precious wood. Powerful on the palate, very juicy, appears cool and fruity, with tightly woven tannins, deep, long, juicy and fresh on the final." Falstaff

"Flavours of plum, blackberry and earth show hints of caramel in this soft, muscular red wine framed by toasted oak. It feels fluid and open until the dense, powerful tannins make their presence felt on the finish. Persistent and fresh, with a long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Ripe blue plum and blackberry are embedded with smoke and toasty oak. While this is rounder than Bellavista there is no lack of structure: the dense fruit core is well padded with fleshy, broad tannins flexing assertive muscle. Bay leaf and tobacco impart a savoury edge, pushed by underlying stony minerals." Decanter

"It is beautiful and decadent with notes of ripe red and dark berries with sweet spices, bark and a hint of dried leaves. Full-bodied and dense with finely polished and compact tannins that run the length of the wine. Long and firm with a granite-like presence on the finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is normally a sensual wine, but it's a powerhouse. That's probably a good thing for its long-term aging prospects, but harvestwill have to be patient. Intense spicy and mineral notes give the 2020 enormous complexity. Even in this warm year, the 2020 is not opulent, but it is packed with tremendous intensity and pure power. The reddish fruit of the Sangiovese will emerge with time, but the 2020 will require a certain amount of patience." Vinous

"The dynamic vintage produced rich and structured wines, with each of the grape varieties expressing their particular qualities. We got a classic Ornellaia, combining sunny ripeness with elegance in a wine defined by harmony and proportion."Axel Heinz, Gutsdirektor

"As usual, the intense ruby red Ornellaia 2020 reveals notes of ripe berry fruits and light hints of vanilla and sweet tobacco on the nose. The wine has a velvety soft texture and a pleasant, enveloping mouthfeel that invites a second sip. Its dense yet elegant tannin structure carries the tasty, beautifully persistent final." Olga Fusari, Oenologist

Pure bouquet of red fruits, mocha, spices, cassis, blood orange and tobacco, very finesse for its youth. In the background, very restrained maquis, white smoke and traces of liquorice. Clear and firm on the palate, only gradually revealing a terrific structure and its perfect proportions, fanning out fruit, tannins and a harmonious acidity. One should not make the mistake of opening it too early, it will gain in elegance and depth with the years. SUPERIORE.DE

"This Ornellaia impresses already in the fragrance with a rather puristic, "luscious" bouquet - again more in the elegant Bordeaux style instead of with "Californian" airs and graces as in the past. At the same time, it remains true to its extremely spicy, ethereal, thoroughly Mediterranean vein, i.e. a typical Ornellaia of the more modern years. The clear fruit varies from red to blueberry, underpinned by a wonderful smoky-tobacco graphite note, with hints of cinnamon and sandalwood behind it. Elegant palate with linear orientation, good depth, rather elegant than concentrated, lots of tobacco spice, still very delicate BSA notes, calm and precise, tightly woven, extremely finely contoured final with firm tannic grip. Impressive finish, totally going for elegance. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Deep, brilliant crimson. Very lush nose followed by a hedonistic palate that finishes particularly fresh. Ripe but not too ripe fruit - a drier (much less sweet) vintage than usual that should age well. Unusually, there is a residual tannin on the finish. It is certainly possible to drink it now if aerated before serving, but ideally I would keep it for a while. Spicy persistence." Jancis Robinson

"The winery's director, Axel Heinz, described the 2020 as "a classic Ornellaia" and chose the theme "La Proporzione" (proportion) to describe its character. Indeed, the blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot marks a return to a more typical blend after the pendulum swung to 62% Cabernet Sauvignon in 2019 and 51% Merlot in 2018. Fine-grained and beautifully structured, its finely integrated tannins support a concentration of black fruits brightened by red berries. Aromas of black cherry, liquorice, dark chocolate, cedar and damp earth make for a fragrant wine, accompanied by menthol and balsamic notes that permeate the wine and give it plenty of freshness. The finish reveals a stony and salty element, along with chocolaty and woody hints. It is dense and tasty, its ripe fruit combined with freshness and structure cleverly telling the story of this vintage, which ripens earlier. In the mouth it lacks complexity - time will tell - but the variety of flavours gives a hint of what is to come." Decanter

"Inviting aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, anise, cedar, vanilla and tobacco draw you into this red wine that is smooth and open on the palate. This wine is so well balanced that it is immediately accessible, but also has a little reserve. On the finish, the fruit flavours come to the fore, along with mineral and spicy notes, while the lasting impression is a salty, fiery element." Wine Spectator

"The Ornellaia 2020 is a beautiful, elegant wine. Seamless and wonderfully deep on the palate, the 2020 is super refined from the start. For all its depth, the 2020 retains a great freshness and cut to play off its soft, juicy fruit. Overall, the 2020 seems to be a relatively accessible Ornellaia that drinks well with minimal cellaring. I particularly admire the precision and understated finesse of this wine." Vinous

"An all-encompassing wine that evolves over time, always surprising. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in a (masterful) blend, blackcurrant jam, eucalyptus, juniper, spicy mouthfeel, mentholated finish, very long." Luca Gardini

"La Proporzione - the proportion - is the honorary title Ornellaia gives to this vintage and perfectly proportioned is also this blend of Merlot with Cabernet (Sauvignon and Franc) and Petit Verdot: Intriguing aromas of stone fruit, spiced up with a delicate odeur of fresh flowers and macchia, also discreet wood; superb construction with a lot of pressure and fullness, the tannin thereby precise and still very young, ends long." Vinum

"This is a beauty, so generous and opulent with completely seamless transitions. The wine's traditional blend is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with tiny amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, although this warm vintage comes with a pinch less Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit is selected from 107 hectares of Ornellaia vines, with the winery recently acquiring a further eight hectares next to Guado al Tasso in Castagneto Carducci, with terraces and vines aged between 15 and 28 years. This broad and generous expression has a wonderful quality of fruit and oak that speaks to the best of Italian winemaking." Wine Advocate

"Seductive aromas of pencil and currants with gravel and iodine. Full bodied with bound tannins that are firm and concentrated. Very fresh and energetic with wonderful length and intensity for this vintage. Needs four or five years to develop. Better in 2028 and later." James Suckling

The exceptional single-varietal Merlot L'Apparita is outstanding with its elegance, strength of character, fine tannin and acid structure and endless length. An oenological rarity of Tuscany and not only therefore an object of desire every year. On the nose, a combination of fruity and spicy impressions, excellent the fleshy taste, whose juicy, still quite concise tannin blends well with the warm body. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 L'Apparita opens to a midnight black color and an impenetrable appearance. This Merlot set the benchmark for the grape in Tuscany and continues to do so today, despite the various challenges to an early-ripening variety facing climate change. The 2020 vintage remains rich and opulent, even heavy on the mid-palate, with lots of thick fruit layering and soft tannins. It ends with sweet fruit and barbecue spice." Wine Advocate

"A viscous, salted licorice–tinged red, with plum, earth and spice flavors. Reveals a solid grip of tannins lining the finish, leaving a compact feeling today. Concentrated, powerful and complex, just needs time to come together." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful focus with sage and rosemary to the plum and chocolate character. Some green olives, too. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that caress the palate. Just hints of vanilla and dried flowers to the fruit. Pretty texture and length to the wine at the end." James Suckling

"Dark, sparkling ruby red. Inviting nose, of fresh blackberries, precious wood, light honey, in addition fine stony tones, fragrant, in the finish delicate of dried flower petals and fine spice. On the palate with radiant fruit and juicy dress, elegant, polished, very well balanced, has high drinking flow despite its complexity, great salty notes in the finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 L'Apparita will soon take its place among the great Apparitas. Unctuous and layered in the glass, the 2020 possesses exceptional balance and tons of character right out of the gate. Exotic scents of blackberry jam, chocolate, new leather, licorice and smoke are so alluring. Imposing tannins need time to soften, but once that happens readers will be treated to a spectacular Apparita that captures all the best the vintage had to offer. Marco Pallanti waited until mid-September (late for the year) to bring in this fruit. That decision paid off handsomely." Vinous