Jancis Robinson

For Biondi Santis Riserva, the fruits of the oldest vines of Il Greppo (30 years and older) are used, the wine matures for three years in traditional oak barrels. On the nose, initially fine aromas of wild berries, blue flowers, eucalyptus and lightly grilled smoke. The intensity increases in small steps. With time, the wine is magnificent and focused, with a very direct and impressive presentation of its aromas. The wine leaves a lasting impression in the mouth, thanks to the textural tautness of its tannins and the refreshing crispness of the acidity, finally showing more power, volume and persistence than expected on the long final. Subtle and big! SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby garnet red colour. The nose is very dense and youthful, with a brilliant purity of bright cherry fruit and tobacco leaf. The palate is similarly taut and difficult to penetrate. The fruit is ripe, but the energy of acidity and tannins provides harmony. With plenty of air, the nose begins to open up, revealing layers of flowers, herbs and savoury spices. It remains a little difficult to see how this concentrated, refined and tightly wound wine will develop into the edgy and characterful wines of the 1970s and 1980s, but there is no doubting its ageing potential and quality." Jancis Robinson

"Savory, red currants, underbrush, dried roses, worn leather, hints of iodine and cedar - these are the aromas that shimmer from the seductive Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016. It impresses first with its purity, then with its energy, seamlessly silky and refined, but almost racy in style, with salty wild berries and nuances of sour citrus drenching the palate, lifted by a hint of mint. The 2016 finishes with crystalline tannins that create an almost crisp sensation as the tart red fruits and nuances of liquorice slowly fade away. The 2016 Riserva has an invigorating feel unlike anything I have ever experienced in a bottle of Biondi Santi Brunello, which combined with a depth of wonderfully pure and delineated fruit makes it an absolute delight. That said, the 2016 is structured and set up for a long and successful ageing." Vinous

"The 2016 Riserva is the last vintage harvested and vinified by the Biondi Santi family and was subsequently blended by technical director Federico Radi under the new ownership of EPI. It is seamless but difficult to deconstruct in its youth. Eventually the dark and earthy personality reveals itself, exuding liquorice root, moss, damp earth and heather. The tannins are compact and tight-knit, but with a gentle texture of fine chalk. They give just enough to let the inner fruit sweetness shine through. Think red cherries and a hint of tarragon; then a hint of blood orange that fades effortlessly into a bright beam of racy acidity." Decanter

"The classic convinces already with its fine spicy bouquet with aromas of red forest fruits, cherry blossoms and tobacco; excellent course, the fine-grained tannins and the acid perfectly integrated, shows a lot of polish and elegance until the ellong finish. Can and should age." Vinum

"Medium crimson garnet, violet reflections, broad ochre rim brightening. Hints of dark berries, fresh plums, red currants, fine fruit sweetness, a hint of orange zest and figs, nuances of nougat. Complex, substantial, silky tannins, salty on the finish, pleasant extract sweetness, delicate and fresh, gripping minerality on the finish, lingers for minutes, red berry on the back palate, an immensely multifaceted food companion, sure further ageing potential that will fill many decades." Falstaff

"A harmonious, balanced red wine that perfectly showcases the aromas of cherry, strawberry, flowers, iron and tobacco. Fresh and detailed, with a linear profile and a refined structure that drives the seemingly endless finish. Outstanding." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of strawberries, flowers, fresh mushrooms, forest flowers, sandalwood and a hint of balsamic. Full-bodied and dense on the finish. A straightforward red wine with fine tannins. Needs about five more years to develop its full potential. New classic. Better after 2026." James Suckling

"Wow, this is a vintage I have been eagerly waiting for. The 2016 growing season was one of the best in recent times in Montalcino, and if we look back in time, this vintage marks the year Biondi-Santi was sold to a French group. The prestigious Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2016 proves to be a powerful collector's bottle that will undoubtedly gain in complexity and depth with careful bottle ageing. The wine offers wild nuances of wild berries and sour cherries, and there are herbal notes as well as floral tones of dried violets and lilac. The tannins are soft, powdery and feel like they are melting on the palate." Wine Advocate

Sassicaia 2020 is in one word: magical. Even at a young age, it shows an aromatic richness and intensity that inspires us. The optimal climate has favoured its very Mediterranean character, and so here presents a fresh and very direct wine that delights all the senses. Everything is in its place here and the omnipresent fruit gets an extra place on the podium in this vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium purple red, the bottom of the glass is clearly visible. Intense nose with a hint of iodine. Great spiciness that seems more Tuscan than Bordeaux. Long lasting with a very long finish. Embryonic but convincing that it has a bright future ahead of it. Subtle rather than showy. I wouldn't guess it was 14%. I aerated it and left it in a young wine decanter for an hour and it was a delight. It has more appeal than many previous vintages." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Sassicaia is a real beauty and shows great purity, elegance and silkiness. On the nose, it is a typical, noble Sassicaia with the typical liaison of Cabernet and Mediterranean spice, reminiscent of the neighbouring maquis forest. There are notes of lavender, but also Mediterranean herbs such as sage, myrrh and rosemary, refined with dark cherries, cassis, wild berries, graphite, tobacco and earth. Also in the mouth with noble restraint, the fine fruit presence is majestically underpinned by earthy and herbaceous notes, even a touch of olive tapenade resonates. Despite the present fruit, it appears fresh thanks to its penetrating acidity, with a silky texture and an elegant, grippy tannin structure. It is a seductive temptation to drink it young, but it will benefit from a few years of ageing. So patience will be rewarded with more complexity." Weinwisser

"The Tenuta San Guido 2020 Bolgheri Sassicaia appeals to those seeking a more lush, opulent and ultimately approachable wine. This vintage is an accurate reflection of coastal Tuscany, as opposed to a more generic 'Tuscan' wine from other parts of this great central Italian region. You can taste the ripeness and soft fruit weight that come from a coastal appellation with particularly bright light and warm Mediterranean breezes. Sassicaia from the cool vintages is notoriously a reticent wine in its early years, needing a long lead time before it settles into an ideal drinking window. That is definitely not the case here. This wine is beautiful and compelling from the start. It shows a beautiful blend of dark fruits, oak spice, balanced freshness, rich texture, soft tannins and a skilfully controlled alcohol level of 14%. The immediate character of the wine is what makes this vintage stand out and I wouldn't get too hung up on over-ambition for cellaring. The wine is a pure pleasure as it is, with overwhelming primary fruit and high intensity in the near and medium term." Wine Advocate

"A very fragrant Sassicaia on the nose with forest floor, citrus and dark fruits. Blackcurrants. Cedarwood and black tea. Some balsamic. Pine needles. Full and very juicy. Very long, structured and complete. Spicy and energetic with a linear line of fresh tannins and acidity. Very Sassicaia throughout. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest is Cabernet Franc. Very attractive now in a youthful and vibrant way but this will be better in three to four years. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sassicaia is a bold, rapturous wine. Dark, fleshy and expansive on the palate, the 2020 offers scents of blackberry jam, gravel, spices, new leather, liquorice and crème de cassis. The powerful tannins are almost masked by the sheer intensity of the fruit. The 2020 seems to have an added dimension of textural intensity. An intensity that is very appealing." Vinous

"Complex aromas and flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, iron, sweet tobacco and Mediterranean herbs are the hallmarks of this elegant, exciting red wine, which already reveals a lot, yet seems restrained, as if there are still many facets to discover. It impresses with harmony, freshness and a long finish." Wine Spectator

"The frost damaged the earlier developing Cabernet Franc at the end of March, resulting in lower production but excellent quality fruit. The spring was mild and the summer generally warm, but a rapid acceleration of ripening in late summer forced the team to start harvesting in the first week of September to avoid over-ripening. This traditional blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc features an intense and balsamic flavour that brings out the character of blackcurrants, dust, leaves and cedar. It is balanced and light on its feet, with super-fresh acidity and a fine-grained, almost imperceptible tannin structure. Ripe and tangy raspberry and blueberry fruit linger on the mid palate, leading to a long, fresh finish with notes of cream and chocolate. This wine will reward ageing into the 2050s, but it will also provide much pleasure in its youth. We recommend storing it in the bottle for at least 10 months before opening it," says Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta." Decanter

"An - after aeration - increasingly promising bouquet of wild berries, with subtle hints of Mediterranean maquis and truffles; perfectly chiselled texture with youthful, tightly meshed tannins, the acidity provides that certain extra, in the persistent multi-faceted finish lots of fruit, but also spice. Timelessly elegant." Vinum

"Ruby red colour, compact and brilliant. The nose has clear notes of blackberries, with slightly wild notes of marjoram, floral nuances of peony and an iodine-balsamic finish. In the mouth crisp red fruits, tannins that combine well with the fresh-salty component, balsamic and liquorice on the finish, excellent drinkability. A wine that will last a long time." Luca Gardini

"Sassicaia really was our house wine back then," says Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, daughter of the president of San Guido, Marquis Nicolò Incisa della Rocchetta. "It was more of a wine experiment that was only tested within the family and among friends, until we went on the market for the first time with the 1968 vintage. Today, this wine is all about elegance and balance. We like this style, which is not so much about the body. Sassicaia is a good representative of what we want to convey as a style."

Enough of the elegant understatement: Sassicaia 2021 is stunning and beguiling. Very elegant on the nose, it displays energy and character of a decidedly noble and fascinatingly spicy nature. Notes of wild violets mingle with original myrtle, juniper berries and coriander. The core of the wine is rich with nuances of black plums, dark tea leaves and cloves. Full-bodied, soft and enveloping on the palate, it displays perfectly ripe, noble tannins and a truly exciting finish that ignites from mid-palate and draws a progressive, ascending parabola as it progresses. A great wine from a great 2021 vintage that has added an extra dimension of freshness and precision to arguably Italy's best red wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex bouquet with rich cassis and wild berry fruit, earthy-tobacco and liquorice notes, with wonderful truffle and tobacco notes. Very dense on the palate, but also tightly meshed, you can feel the maturity of the vintage, but the wine remains tightly meshed and elegant throughout, almost virtuoso with delicate hints, the almost perfect tannin is grippy and silky. This will be a long-distance runner. An exciting Sassicaia that could even reach the dream score with maturity." Weinwisser

"Brilliant ruby with a delicately brightening rim. A nose to fall in love with: Smells initially of roses, then of cassis, dark cherries and a little cardamom. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, opens with well-integrated, fine-meshed tannins, savoury and endlessly long." Falstaff

"Medium to dark crimson, but no attempt to break any records for colour intensity. Much more subtle nose than most - no obvious sweetness and certainly no oak. Spicy and savoury and introverted. Everything is geared towards longevity. Bone-dry finish. Very different from the Ornellaia! Well-groomed, self-confident and unobtrusive. But so balanced and appetising that I enjoyed it!" Jancis Robinson

"Very stylish and typical of Sassicaia with blackcurrant, tobacco, chocolate, sage and lavender on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with very integrated and refined tannins that are caressing and pretty, with a lovely length and beauty. Such finesse and structure at the same time. Best from 2028 and beyond, but a joy to taste now." James Suckling

"Comforting and luxurious on the nose, though initially restrained, like hot coffee with a slice of warm berry pie, then suddenly more serious, with aromas of leather-bound books and crisp autumn air. The palate is full of berries, but also vibrant acids, and the tannins feel like a silky fabric, strong and supple, tightly stitched and flowing in an endless finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Rich yet elegant, with aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, cedar, minerals and oak spice, this resonant red wine builds to a long, detailed finish. It shows great balance, with lively acidity and refined tannins, but will benefit from a few more years of ageing." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Sassicaia is one of the best young Sassicaias I can remember tasting, certainly on a par with any recent wine. Sassicaia is more a wine of refinement than opulence. During a long growing season, all the elements came together to produce a rich, deep wine that combines textural intensity with classicism. Dark cherry and plum fruit, spice, new leather, menthol, liquorice and spice race across the palate. After some time in the glass, the intensity of the texture and the sheer power of the wine come to the fore. The 2021 is one of the most concentrated Sassicaias ever made. In a word: great." Vinous

"Rich aromas of dark fruits and herbs are infused with blueberry and petrichor, leading to an intense and vertical palate that is super-fresh with a delightfully airy, savoury character. Textured, integrated tannins emphasise Sassicaia's finesse and show just a hint of youthful dustiness. Spicy, bright black, blue and red berry fruit overlay underlying notes of dark chocolate and forest undergrowth with remarkable precision, with pomegranate and a stony minerality emerging on the mid-palate. The 2021 shows a wonderful richness of fruit with the characteristic freshness and lightness of step and finishes long and balanced. Outstanding." Decanter

"Here it is: a quintessential Sassicaia that represents the excellence of the vintage while respecting the unique flavour profile of this outstanding Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc. The Tenuta San Guido 2021 Bolgheri Sassicaia offers impeccable balance, excellent freshness and absolutely no signs of over-ripeness. The fruit balance is ideal, with a hint of crispness and lingering tension from the flesh and skin. The tannins are skilfully handled, with a firm grip and enough velvety texture to give volume and length. The bouquet is not green, instead offering mulled wine herbs and spices such as cinnamon and cloves delicately layered between the mostly red and some purple berry fruit. Redcurrant, blueberry, sweet pomegranate and Rainier cherry are strongly represented in this vintage. Over time, a fragrant hint of heritage rose unfolds. The oak tones are centred on gingerbread, hazelnut, cigar, sandalwood and something like grilled red pepper. On the palate, it offers a nice weight without heavy glycerin and an acidity flush that supports the wine's natural energy, brightness and viscosity. This pronounced freshness gives the wine a long ageing potential, but it needs to be given more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

Tasting the different lots of Il Marroneto from the barrel is a fascinating task. The vines are all similarly situated at high altitude, on coarse sand of marine origin, and predominantly north-facing. While they have subtle differences, the distinct character of Madonna delle Grazie often merits a separate bottling - as the 2018 proves. The aromas take on the darkest, most heady purple florals, tangled in allspice and smoky incense. The wine is muscular with firm tannins that grip it tightly and don't let go, though it is never beefy, heavy or angular. At the moment it is still developing, but the finish already reveals a refined balsamic core and a spicy, salted plum. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderfully clear-cut and multi-faceted on the nose, noble appearance, shows a lot of herbaceous-floral spice, white pepper, rose and violet blossoms, but also sour cherry and wild berries, behind it a dazzling peppery-spicy backdrop reminiscent of exotic spices. On the palate, enormously complex and finesse-rich with delicate, crisp fruit, carried by finely meshed tannin and a fantastically integrated acidity, wonderfully animating with beautiful spiciness and spice on the final. Once again belongs to the absolute top wines of the vintage." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, fine ruby red with a light rim. Extremely clear nose of ripe, dark cherries, rose petals and cloves, with some smoky notes in the background. On the palate, lots of sweet fruit, finely meshed tannin that is integrated into lots of melting, pithy and with firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Shiny, deep ruby red. A little closed, but with great purity of fruit on the nose. Waves of concentrated, intense fruit on the palate. Supple, elegant and generous at the same time, it shows true cru quality. Fantastic tannins following the fruit on the finish, chewy and tactile. Classic. Can be drunk now, but will continue to develop for some time." Jancis Robinson

"This wine has an array of red and dark fruits with coffee, dark chocolate, sweet spices and upturned earth. Medium to full-bodied with fine tannins and a distinct dark berry character on the palate. A little dense and textured, with a firm and long finish that leaves notes of nutshells and crushed stones. Taste after 2025." James Suckling

"The single vineyard bottling of Il Marroneto is a selection of small, loose grapes, which manifests itself in the density of the fruit and the secure structure. Next to the winery's "classic" Brunello, it often shows a more earthy, autumnal face. The 2018 corresponds with scents of chestnut and undergrowth that combine with the fruity sweetness of the vintage. Long, suede-like layers of tannin envelop the fleshy black cherry. As the wine progresses, subtle traces of pepper, leather and incense emerge, suggesting more to come. Above all, Madonna delle Grazie embodies the most positive qualities of the vintage as it flows with agility and grace." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie takes time to open up in the glass. It is complex and seductive with its musky redcurrants and savoury spices, but also with pretty pink tones. A hint of sweet smoke emerges and contrasts nicely. Its textures are like liquid velvet, with a chalky mineral tinge that comes on quickly and is perfectly balanced by a massive wave of dark red berries; yet the balance is expertly maintained by a streamlined acidity that creates a sense of total internal harmony. The 2018 leaves a structured impression, yet its tannins are silky and fine, coupled with a finish of violet pastille and lavender that I find very attractive. Remarkably, I have tasted this wine for the past two years and have accompanied this current bottle for 48 hours, never faltering and only increasing in depth and complexity. Il Marroneto's 2018 Madonna delle Grazie is undoubtedly one of the three best wines of the vintage. I take my hat off to Alessandro Mori and his team." Vinous

"The Il Marroneto 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie shows elegance and power in one go. The fruit quality is crisp and tangy, but the wine supports a medium-heavy concentration and a more elaborate style. This vintage of Il Marroneto has two personalities. On the one hand, you get a wine with beautiful primary fruit but a little more immediate, and on the other, a wine that promises good ageing thanks to its freshness and silky tannins that melt on the palate. It is young, but also mature. It is racy, but also complex." Wine Advocate

"Alessandro Mori's Brunello is more of a historical legacy than a vineyard. On the nose, notes of blackcurrant jam, with nuances of bay leaf and white pepper. The mouthfeel is dense and savoury, with a return of fruit and sweet spices. Persistent." Luca Gardini

This dazzling wine is something for Sangiovese purists and lovers of extreme finesse. It literally vibrates with electric energy and charm. Opening with enticing aromas of roses, violets, berries, ploughed earth and new leather, it is youthfully intense but already a classic at this stage. With its velvety texture, it envelops everything it touches with masses of dark red fruit, liquid violet blossom, notes of lavender and sage, plus a subtle savoury note. Taut, refined tannins and bright acidity ensure a perfect balance and a promising, long ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby garnet colour. Appealing, compact nose of dark cherry and plum, then some tobacco and cigar box, with a background of molasses and balsamic flavours. Spreads out richly on the palate, hearty, pithy tannin that is very well integrated into the overall context, builds steadily towards the final, juicy and with firm pressure." Falstaff

"Deep, youthful ruby red colour. Compared to the estate wine from Il Marroneto from 2019, it is one step higher. Minerals infused with rich raspberry with hints of fresh garden herbs and mace. Wonderfully juicy fruit with enormous focus and amazing, fine, long, deep tannins." Jancis Robinson

"This is a racy wine with deep layers, infinite complexity and a wild, almost mischievous personality. I've noticed other Brunellos imitating this style, but none come close to this one and only. Il Marroneto 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie immediately exudes aromas that are lively, elegant and full of energy. This wine is light and powerful, especially when you consider that it has a unique vigour. Sweet cranberries, coriander seeds, cola, liquorice and white pepper stand out clearly. There is a hint of sweetness that feels like summer is singing from the glass. The mouthfeel is very lively, with great freshness and fine, dusty tannins that coat the whole mouth." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie seduces the imagination with a dark veil of exotic flowers and spices that slowly lifts to reveal dried blackberries and cherries enlivened by a hint of mint and a touch of clove. The silky texture and ripe red berry fruit soothe as a mix of savoury minerals and fine tannins slowly build towards the finish. Structured yet incredibly long and deep, it tapers like a black hole, inward facing and youthfully tense, mingling sweet tannins with soaked plums and balsamic herbs. The 2019 is one of the most energetic yet complex offerings from Madonna delle Grazie I've tasted. I could lose myself in this wine for days." Vinous

"The winery is located on the northern flank of Montalcino on a Jurassic soil, one of the oldest in Italy. An old "botte grande" gurgles, murmurs and bubbles slowly in the cellar. Fermentation here takes place naturally, including malolactic fermentation, exclusively in oak. This 2019 is supple and fresh on the nose, with redcurrants and dark cherries and a graceful depth of incense and smoky woods, sweet violet, cinnamon and orange peel. Vibrancy dominates the palate, with long, powerful acidity and dense, velvety tannins leading to a sweet, lingering aftertaste." Decanter

"Alessandro Mori's Brunello, which in the best sense resembles only himself. Notes of cranberry jam on the nose, with a hint of marjoram and star anise. The flavour is dense and salty, with a hint of freshness and balsamic vinegar. Very long-lasting, spicy finish." Luca Gardini