Jancis Robinson

Bright and radiant, with lots of Nebbiolo character, it is a successful interpretation of the terroir and shows the great class of the winery. On the nose, sweet red cherries, tobacco, mint, anise and white pepper. Medium-bodied and graceful on the palate with a good balance of perfume, acidity and structure. With further bottle ageing, it looks forward to a great evolution. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-light red; fruity-smoky, also barrel, caramel, rubber, inviting; fruit, medium-bodied, powerful, lots of round tannin, length." Merum

"Sparkling, medium-dense ruby garnet. Inviting, very finely marked nose with pronounced notes of wild raspberry, rosehip and black tea. Substantial, with pithy tannin on the palate, showing lots of pressure, savoury, lingers long." Falstaff

"Straight medium ruby. Perfumed cherry fruit with subtle oak and a hint of cumin. Fresh, supple cherry fruit with a spicy note and firm but ripe and crisp tannins. Great length and juiciness." Jancis Robinson

"A rich, earthy style that evokes aromas of cherry, raspberry, iron and tobacco. Broad tannins announce the finish, but it remains balanced and long." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Barbaresco Pio is noble, elegant and wonderfully polished. Sweet spices, cedar, tobacco, leather and dried cherries open up effortlessly. This graceful, medium-bodied Barbaresco has a lot going for it and is very drinkable from the start. The silky, ethereal qualities of the Nebbiolo are evident." Vinous

"Pio Cesare stands out for its classics, and this wine is one of them. The 2018 Barbaresco (released a year later than its competitors) offers a light ripeness of candied raspberry with lilac, tarry smoke, cedar and spice. The mouthfeel is silky smooth with gently integrated tannins." Wine Advocate

"Strawberries with notes of walnuts, asphalt and bark. Also dried flowers. Full-bodied with fine, racy tannins and a very long, beautiful finish. Fine tannins. Shows excellent length for the vintage." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco of Pio Cesare, always a certainty, from the Treiso and San Rocco sub-areas. On the nose, red currants in jam, with nuances of star anise and rhubarb. The mouthfeel is crisp, dense, with spicy tannins and a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

Beautifully balanced on the nose with dried roses, blackcurrants, earth and balsamic herbs. The Brunello di Montalcino La Pieve, with its tannins and strong, primary fruity core on the palate, shows a somewhat greater firmness and power than the Annata. This wine is so youthful yet full of balanced components; salty minerals, liquorice and tart blackberries linger incredibly long under a hint of purple flowers. It needs a little more bottle ageing before it begins to shine. With this single-vineyard Brunello from Castelnuovo dell'Abate, La Gerla succeeds in bringing out the purity of Sangiovese in a remarkable way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, red berry, super floral bouquet, tobacco, leather. Juicy palate, supple, sweet berries, nice ripeness, super juicy style, grippy but sweet ripe tannin, a typical 2019. " Weinwisser

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Fragrant nose of wax, stone pine, cane sugar, then rich dark berry fruit and undergrowth, with a delicate balsamic note, complex and inviting. Harmonious entry and progression on the palate, balanced, with well-integrated tannins and great juiciness, shows beautiful Sangiovese character, good length, with a finish of citrus fruit." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Sublime, concentrated cherry nose with a hint of spicy, complex oak, but in a very subtle way. Lush, tangy cherry fruit with finely milled, firm tannins that support the fruit without ever becoming dominant. Great balance." Jancis Robinson

"With intensity to the cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruit, this red is shaded with elements of tobacco, earth and wild herbs. Dusty tannins and lively acidity provide support, while a mineral component gathers steam on the salty, lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino La Pieve opens with a mentholated freshness that mingles with dusty roses, crushed stones and dried cherries. It shows a silky texture contrasted by cool acidity and minerals, while the tart red fruits slowly saturate. The 2019 leaves edgy tannins on the palate as it takes on a balsamic note and traces of cloves slowly fade. La Pieve is a classic wine, but it also has a powerful structure. Bury your bottles deep." Vinous

"In the black label bottle, the La Gerla 2019 Brunello di Montalcino La Pieve reveals a 360-degree bouquet of generous fruit, dark currant, petrichor, wet slate and a mix of rosemary and grilled herb. This wine presents a classic Brunello bouquet combined with medium fruit weight and very fine, grippy tannins. Production is limited to 6,320 bottles this year." Wine Advocate

"Once again the raw material on the shields for a compact and intense Brunello. On the nose, notes of red blackberries, a hint of cinnamon and Valdostan mint, finishing on notes of wild iris. Juicy and taut sip, salty tannins, closes with a return of menthol notes." Luca Gardini

Here comes the second vintage of Zerbina's single-vineyard Sangiovese, with which the winery once again proves in a very small edition (< 1,000 bottles) once again proves what great Sangiovese Romagna can produce. Dark-fruited, full nose with a cornucopia of dark berry fruits and hints of forest floor, tar and white ash. Firm on the palate, enormously complex, the concentrated fruit gradually opens up with further airing and a Sangiovese work of art is revealed that could not be more typical, pure and at the same time more complex. Great compliment! SUPERIORE.DE

"Hedonist factor max. Mid to deep ruby. A super-enticing nose of chalky, concentrated cherry and damson fruit dabbed with sweet oak notes and with the merest suggestion of rosemary and cinnamon. The tannins add the fireworks. They are simply perfect, gravelly and ripe. Long, lush and finely balanced, this will age gracefully but I caught it at just this irresistible stage. A wine that makes you happy. The generous character of this vintage shines through in the ripe fruit, but it will be rewarding to see this age." Jancis Robinson

"Dark, elegant ruby red, brightening rim. Complex, inviting nose of fine noble wood, then ripe cherries, wild strawberries, also a hint of dried red petals, light leather and cedar in the finish. Tightly meshed and compact on the palate, opens with a juicy undertone, lovely elegant red fruit, currently still a little marked by the wood, will come together magnificently, long." Falstaff

The Carnasciale Rosso also impressively reflects the lineage of this small winery. Elegance and minerality take centre stage, with aromas reminiscent of black cherries, plums, juniper berries and menthol. Fresh, lively and beautifully structured with impressively diverse nuances on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE,

"Cosy aromas of blueberries and herbs; has fullness and polish on the palate, finishes long and very harmonious. Convinces with its polish." Vinum

"Bright ruby red colour. Elegant spice on the nose, redcurrants, red peppers, some graphite and blood, precious wood, cold smoke, elderberries. Juicy, clear on the palate, with an exciting entry and progression, savoury, young tannins, repeatedly juicy on the finish, good foresight." Falstaff

"Impenetrable, deep ruby red colour. Deep and gentle red fruit flavours with a hint of oak on the nose. Elegant and a little lively on the palate. Light yet concentrated, cool red fruit with polished, fine, long tannins." Jancis Robinson

"The wine has dark underlying tones of blackberries and plums and shows good support and structure on the back end. With time, you get pronounced herbal or green notes, and the medium-bodied mouthfeel is infused with powdery tannins." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Carnasciale is infused with dark berries, mocha, new leather, liquorice and rose petals. This is a particularly aromatic, restrained vintage for the Carnasciale, where the flavours are quite prominent, while the fruit is more in the background and hidden by the structure of the wine. This wine really demands aeration or, even better, a few years in the bottle. It is a very serious, deep second wine from the estate." Vinous

"Dried herbs and peppercorns reminiscent of Chinese herbs and black beans. Also dark cherries and mushrooms. I love the freshness of this wine with a steady, crisp palate of medium weight releasing fresh acidity and very refined tannins. Fresh and savoury finish at the end. Excellent length." James Suckling

"With aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, violets, liquorice and iron, this pure red wine is racy and well-structured. Harmonious and persistent, with a long aftertaste that has a salty flavour alongside the fruit, it is simply radiant." Wine Spectator

Pisapola from the vineyard of the same name in the municipality of Verduno offers a beautiful richness of texture and an impressive softness. This wine is open and honest, with an approachable style that highlights red cherries, undergrowth, wild berries and roses in a very harmonious way. The tannin is precisely measured, and on the finish, its harmony and balance are again inspiring. Not a powerhouse, it brings out the character and elegance of this great Nebbiolo site all the more amiably and authentically. SUPERIORE.DE

"Tasted blind. Medium ruby red with orange reflections. Compact and still reserved nose with a hint of Moroccan leather. Supple and generous palate that doesn't quite open up yet. Polished, chewy tannins that taste of liquorice. Long, but needs more time in the bottle to reveal its hidden depths." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 Barolo Pisapola is the most airy and perfumed wine in this range. Crushed flowers, mint, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and red berry fruit grace this finely meshed, medium-bodied Barolo. The 2016 is understated, stylish and very pretty." Vinous

"Enticing aromas of macerated cherry, licorice, leather and spice greet the senses, with sweet fruit, licorice, tobacco and spice flavors. Balanced and open, this is will be approachable soon, yet also has the structure to age." Wine Spectator

"The Ascheri 2016 Barolo Pisapola is the most immediate and approachable wine from Matteo Ascheri's series of single-vineyard wines, which makes perfect sense given the geologically younger Tortonian marl and Messinian limestone of the site. The Pisapola site is in Verduno and the wine shows a loose, thin texture characteristic of this subzone. The bouquet is subtle and elegant, although the overall intensity of the wine is lower compared to some of the better-known comuni or villages in the Barolo appellation. It offers a mild structure and a silky finish." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of roses, wild berries, scrub and new leather characterise the elegant nose. The savoury palate mirrors the nose, with ripe Marasca cherry, liquorice, menthol and a mineral note reminiscent of rusty nails. Taut, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity give support, while a hint of game signals the finish." Wine Enthusiast

Rio Sordo Riserva is particularly dense, rich and balanced. On the nose we find roses, spices and raspberries. Very complex on the palate, with marvellous depth and juiciness. Rio Sordo offers a taut and sharp fruit on the nose, which is rounded off with some tannin and crispness on the finish. The floral notes that develop with good aeration or further ageing in the bottle through to the final make this Barbaresco Riserva irresistible even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"Blackish ruby red colour. Sweet, albeit somewhat restrained nose. Powerful on the palate with plenty of tannin and liquorice. Dry finish. Very promising!" Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is quite profound in this vintage, with remarkable depth in its dark-toned fruit. This is a particularly powerful Rio Sordo that is still emerging. Its intensity is palpable, even if I see less of the finesse that I associate with wines from this site. Today, all the energy of the wine is directed inwards." Vinous

"This red starts out on the opulent side, featuring cherry, raspberry, mint and iron flavors, before the beefy tannins take over midpalate, informing the long, gripping finish. Yet this remains vibrant and long, just needs time to shed its tannins." Wine Spectator

"Bright ruby red colour with a surprisingly restrained character and floral lightness. Very elegant, with flavours of liquorice, sweet violet, minerals, cherry stones and peach skin. Over this layered complexity, the wine is firm, with still dusty tannins, but velvety and ripe. A viscous finish is balanced by a full body and crisp acidity. Delicious." James Suckling

Elegant Pinot Nero with a complex bouquet of blackberry and raspberry, candied orange peel in the background. Clear and straightforward on the palate; polished, fine tannins and a beautiful melt in the very long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Healthy, youthful ruby. An enticing, complex, sweet oak and balsamic red-fruit nose. Juicy cherry and raspberry palate. Elegant and long with super-fine tannins and plenty of freshness." Jancis Robinson

Poggio San Polo Brunello is a selection of the best grapes from the estate's various vineyard sites. It opens very engagingly with dark fruit, including plenty of black cherry and dark plum, optimally rounded off by a fine balsamic herbal spice and notes of white pepper. The palate has an almost perfect texture, a suppleness and silkiness that is refreshed and carried by a well-proportioned, refined Sangiovese acidity. Dark berry flavours, long, deep and with a very remarkable, slightly mineral final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-intense, warm red colour; fruit and cassis notes; round attack, sweetness, juicy, good tannin, length." Merum

"Brilliant ruby garnet colour. Fragrant nose of Amarena cherry and raspberry syrup, reminiscent of marjoram and cocoa butter in the aftertaste. Grippy and powerful on the palate, grippy, fine-grained tannins, clear berry fruit, accompanied by sweet tobacco, vibrant, subtly bitter in the lingering final. Best decanted before drinking." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Balsamic nose with a hint of fresh mint, but still very closed in the fruit. Supple cherry fruit with tangy acidity and structuring, chewy tannins. Well balanced and not yet ripe." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino excites the senses with an inviting bouquet that blends vibrant black cherries with spiced oranges, sweet roses and cedar. It is silky smooth yet energetic with a wave of mineral red berry fruit that slowly saturates. A layer of fine tannins coats the palate as it finishes classically structured, savoury and long, promising many years of positive evolution." Vinous

"The cherries come through on the nose, as does the wood. Also some Spanish cedar. Medium body. Solid fruit core and fine tannins on the finish. From organically grown grapes. Seems balanced at this stage, but will be even better in three or more years." James Suckling

"This red wine, with its bright flavours of raspberry, strawberry, boysenberry and white pepper, also shows notes of peony and a hint of wild herbs, with tremendous balance and a stony finish. Graceful, charming and ready to savour, but without haste." Wine Spectator

"Redcurrant on the nose, hints of white pepper and nuances of wild sage. Iodised on the palate, with a memory of red spices and sensations of small red fruits." Luca Gardini

What begins with a seductive bouquet of delicate plums and a hint of mint gains volume and depth as grilled sage and rum-soaked blackcurrants mingle with sweet tobacco and allspice. Its texture is silky and fleshy, accompanied by a nervous acidity, while ripe black cherries and a hint of cranberry sauce create a sweet and sour tension on the palate. The concentration is astonishing, yet the energy remains incredibly high, even if the grippy tannins increase towards the end. Notes of sour citrus fruits, savoury herbs and tart wild berries linger incredibly long in the structured yet remarkably fresh final. Only around 3,000 bottles of this cru are produced and it is a real must-have for all Aglianico lovers! SUPERIORE.DE

"Very dark carmine red colour. The first impression is oak spice, but no sweetness. Spicy black fruits with a hint of smoke. Powerful yet very elegant, fine tannin structure, with the tannins increasing on the finish. Refined and long and yet so youthful." Jancis Robinson

"You certainly won't regret it if you give the Aglianico Siope 2016 some time to open up in the glass. What starts as delicate plums with a hint of mint gains volume and depth as grilled sage and rum-soaked blackcurrants mingle with sweet tobacco and allspice. To be honest, you could get lost in this bouquet. Its texture is silky and fleshy, accompanied by a nervous acidity, while ripe black cherries and a hint of cranberry sauce create a sweet and sour tug-of-war on the palate. The concentration is amazing, yet the energy remains incredibly high, even as the grippy tannins pick up towards the finish. Notes of sour citrus, savoury herbs and tart wild berries linger incredibly long on the structured yet remarkably fresh final. Only 3080 bottles of this cru bottling were produced, and lovers of Aglianico owe it to themselves to discover this wine." Vinous

Fine, silky tannins frame a core of crushed berries, flowers, liquorice and new leather. The wine's inner extract sweetness reveals itself only with time of aeration, adding harmony and class. Already today, a super-elegant and at the same time refined and open Brunello presents itself, which always remains graceful and fresh at the same time, despite all its fruit fullness. Our perspective: With increasing bottle maturity, the drinking pleasure of this first-class Sangiovese increases even more! SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid ruby. Deep savoury cherry nose with hints of pine. Racy cherry fruit on the palate with fine coating tannins. Long, vibrant and concentrated. Gorgeous length and freshness." Jancis Robinson

"Ripe, sweet plum, cherry and blackberry flavors are complemented by iron and tobacco accents in this suave red. Shows fine balance and texture, with well-integrated tannins and acidity and a long, mouthwatering finish." Wine Spectator

"A debut on the Place this year from a vintage hailed as one of the best in the last decade. Grapes come from a 30-hectare vineyard bought in 2017 by Belgian businessman Marcel van Poecke who has invested heavily in replantings and new cellar facilities. The texture and overall feel here are lovely - powerful and succulent bramble fruits fill the palate, gliding across the tongue while coffee grounds and dried herbs settle in the background giving structure and definition. This has an aerial quality with real finesse." Decanter

"This is so aromatic and floral with cedar, dried roses, and black cherries. It’s full-bodied, yet so refined and tight with silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Tight and focused. Needs time to open, but shows beautiful finesse and focus." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino offers a pure and classic expression of the vintage with bright fruit tones, wild cherry, toasted nut, blue flower and forest floor. Whereas the other wines in the Poggio Antico portfolio undergo aging in smaller tonneaux, this wine is aged in large Slavonian casks instead. You taste the lift and brightness of the fruit, and it's all quite lovely. Grapes are sourced across a 13-hectare site at a very high 500 meters in elevation. The name of this area is I Poggi, and the soils here are a bit lighter and rockier with both schistous galestro and limestone alberese. I love the delicate approach here, the intensity of those floral aromas, and the silky nature of the mouthfeel. This classic Brunello really stands out." Wine Advocate

"Classic Sangiovese aromas of underbrush, wild berry and new leather mingle with whiffs of camphor. Supremely elegant, the focused palate shows precision and great energy, featuring juicy red cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and black tea set against chiseled, refined tannins. Vibrant acidity keeps it balanced while a salty mineral note lingers on the close. Fantastic showing." Wine Enthusiast

Laura Brunelli's Brunello is an outstanding reflection of the appellation every year. A floral bouquet, the purest expression of cherry and strawberry imaginable, hints of mint, sage and cedar dust - all are found in its stunning bouquet. The youthful density of the ripe primary fruit contrasts with salty minerality and lively acidity, leaving a cascading and crisp impression on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Scents of wild strawberries and violets; well balanced texture, the tannins tight, elegant course, pithy fresh finish." Vinum

"Shiny medium ruby red. Spicy, mineral nose with fragrant fruit but not really opening up yet. Elegant, long flavours of raspberry and fruit with plenty of fresh acidity and grippy, gravelly tannins. Still youthful and will take some time to come together." Jancis Robinson

"Enticing nose of rosemary, wild cherries, lemon peel, chocolate strawberries and pralines. It is medium-bodied with a bright, fruit-driven palate framed by fine-grained tannins. All in balance. Drinkable from 2023." James Suckling

"The dark, seductive Brunello di Montalcino 2018 rumbles from the glass with a blend of crushed plums and black cherries, complemented by nuances of grated sage. It is soft and deep, engulfing the palate with ripe wild berries and spices, underlined by a spicy herbaceous steak. A web of fine tannins creates a truly classic impression, while mentholated herbs and hints of wild strawberries keep popping up. This youthfully masked beauty will need minimal ageing to be at its best." Vinous

"As with the 2017 vintage, Laura Brunelli will not be releasing a Riserva. Instead, the Olmo vineyard, which typically forms the backbone of the Riserva, is an important component in this Annata Brunello, making a beautiful and complete wine. Mint, lavender and fennel lead on the nose, while sweet, juicy persimmon and crisp pomegranate provide the backdrop on the palate, and the chalky tannins are quite insidious in their grip. On the surface it's approachable, but its substance, intrigue and backbone suggest more to come." Decanter

"This red wine with its cherry and raspberry aromas also offers flavours of eucalyptus, minerals, earth and almonds. Lively and balanced, with an intense, delicious finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino captures the essence and spirit of the Sangiovese grape very well, a grape that in the right hands delivers endlessly nuanced and complex results. This wine reveals wild cherry, blue violet, blood orange, rusty nail and sweet earth. Hints of scorched earth or baked clay highlight the warmest months in this growing cycle. The result is balanced and fresh. I have mentioned alcohol levels throughout this review, and although the 14% registered here is still quite high, it is below the average of its peers. This is a very well done job." Wine Advocate

Elegant, delicate Chianti Classico and one of the best of its appellation every year: light red colour, aromas of strawberry and elderberry, fresh fruit on the palate, beautifully juicy and balanced, enormously supple in the finish. Possesses polish, elegance and, despite its visually high price, a very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, warm red; reductive, somewhat shrubby, subtly fruity; sweetness, juicy, fruity, fluid, also length, drinky, very pleasing." (JLF) Merum

"Intense, bright ruby red colour. Complex nose of mocha, dark chocolate, ripe cherry, forest floor and a touch of leather. Soft and supple on entry, silky tannins with invigorating acidity, very harmonious and long on the finish." Falstaff

"Just medium carmine red. Finely scented, sweet raspberry nose. Beautiful precision on the palate with crushed raspberry fruit and polished, fine tannins." Jancis Robinson

"The Isole e Olena 2020 Chianti Classico opens with a dark ruby red colour and medium concentration. The bouquet offers beautiful fruit flavours with dried cherries and raspberries. These bright base tones fade into gravel and potting soil. This playful entry-level wine finishes with a bright spot of sweet cherry." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Chianti Classico is a wine of great class. Deep and layered, yet wonderfully translucent, the 2020 is one of the best editions of this wine that I can remember tasting. Macerated dark cherry, kirsch, cedar and pipe tobacco unfold on the nose, but what attracts me most is the textural resonance and sheer power of the wine. The 2020 possesses remarkable depth yet retains the transparency that is so characteristic of it. This is a fabulous performance." Vinous

"This 2020 needs some time to unfold its seductive aroma. A hint of flint, cardamom and pepper gives way to spring flowers and red berries. It has a graceful flow with a lushness and juiciness of raspberries and red plums. Fine, powdery tannins frame it." Decanter

"A complex red, with a core of cherry and strawberry fruit framed by almond, loamy earth and iron notes. Silky yet solidly built, with excellent balance and a long, fruit- and mineral-tinged aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"A Chianti that simply resembles itself. Very multi-faceted nose, notes of blackcurrants and strawberries, then undergrowth, notes of eucalyptus and euphorbia, very balsamic finish. Persistent and exciting on the palate, closing with a fruity return and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Dievoles Chianti Classico Petrignano is the result of the endeavour to highlight the identity characteristics of particularly suitable vineyards, leading to ever more precise expressions of Sangiovese. Petrignano is the name of a characteristic area with a soil rich in minerals and stones. At an altitude of around 330 metres, rocks protrude from the ground that are typical of the geological formation of Monte Morello. The abundance of stones, the depth of the roots and the low growth of the vines result in an expressive and lush wine from this characteristic and authentic cru site.

Intense ruby red colour. Very appealing bouquet dominated by ripe fruit, cherry and blackberry flavours. Juicy, full and rich on the palate, with flavours of blackberries and ripe fruit. Warm and velvety finish with fine and soft tannins that are very accentuated and interwoven with the fine acidity structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange reflections. Lively cherry nose with some signs of development and hints of tobacco leaf and sweet spice. Flavoursome, juicy cherry fruit and crisp tannins. More energetic on the palate than on the nose, and that's where it hits the spot." Jancis Robinson

"Dark forest fruit with an earthy character offers great appeal. High acidity and tannins with very good length." Decanter

"This is a new addition to the Dievole portfolio with a cool retro-style label. The Chianti Classico Petrignano 2020 from organic farming is made from 100% Sangiovese, fermented in cement tulips and aged for 12 months in large oak barrels. The winemaking process is simple and to the point. The results show a vibrant freshness and a beautiful purity of fruit with a concentrated finish." Wine Advocate

"A supple red, imbued with a ray of cherry and strawberry fruit, with a texture that is silky at first, only to be overtaken by firm, dusty tannins. The finish reveals almond, earth and herbal notes that linger for a long time. Give it time for the two halves to come together." Wine Spectator

"A delicious, crisp red with very fine tannins and a lovely, delicate finish. Very tasty and with a creamy texture. Fresh finish." James Suckling

"From soils with a great limestone component, in particular Alberese, a pure Sangiovese with a blackberry aroma, hints of citron thyme and orange zest, then a finish with floral notes. Compact and dense palate, citrus-officinal return." Luca Gardini

Fantastic wine from terrific2019, which embodies the style of the winery just as convincingly as its high-altitude terroir. Fruity aromas of wild cherry, baking spices and savoury herbs characterise its hauntingbouquet. Elegance and fullness in the perfectly contoured flavour, which gives all the components the necessary freedom. One of the best Poggio Antico in a long time: deep, long and multi-faceted - a real beauty! SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Great, inviting nose of fresh raspberry fruit, some watermelon, red peach and wild strawberries, with elegant hints of mint. Juicy and elegant on the palate, with clear, radiant fruit, full-bodied, with tightly woven, slightly salty tannins, well-integrated alcohol, accessible and easy to drink!" Falstaff

"Dark ruby red with orange reflections. Deep, dramatic balsamic nose with a hint of oak. The palate is very precise without losing concentration. Polished, tangy fruit with a layer of sandy tannins to round it off." Jancis Robinson

"Very fragrant and lively, it combines scents of Mediterranean forest, pine and fresh mint with cooler notes of juniper and pepper. On the palate, it is very smooth and polished, with an almost shiny lustre. It's deliciously full-bodied with layers of ripe, macerated cherries accompanied by chinotto bitters. The tension comes from the tangy acidity rather than the soft tannins. Finishes with cinnamon spice." Decanter

"An explosion of pure cherry fruit bursts from the glass, with notes of iron, tobacco and spice adding complexity. Lively and balanced, with chalky tannins on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of aromas of bark, mushrooms and wild flowers with crushed cherries. Multi-layered. Medium body with nice acidity and a racy and beautiful finish. Very fine tannins. Lots of energy here." James Suckling

"A deeply savory, almost briny nose of balsamic, seaweed, salt, pepper and black sesame draws just enough sweetness from ripe black cherries. The palate brings more incisive notes of blackberry, along with more salt, more pepper and an emergent earthiness, which, along with symbiotic tannins and acid, create a sensation of easy balance." Wine Enthusiast

The world-famous Caiarossa is an extremely exciting blend of the varieties Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Alicante, with the rich and dark fruit aromas of the Cabernet grapes in the foreground. On the nose, a beautiful first wave of dark fruits that never seem too ripe, which greatly benefits the wine's elegance. In the drink very balanced and focused with blackberries, cassis and slight hints of salty or rusty minerals. Caiarossa shows a good degree of elegance, not least because of its fine and taut tannins, and despite its density and complexity, it never seems opulent or even overloaded. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Opens with notes of cold smoke, slightly metallic components, behind that blueberries and cranberries, some pepper. Plucky, sturdy tannin, opens in many layers, fine liquorice notes in the final." Falstaff

"Everything about this wine is seamless. It cannot shake off its French mould, but this goes further than just imitation. Gorgeous nose of oak, black fruit and cassis building a real unity. Velvet-like, cool and supple on the palate and effortlessly elegant while generous too. Stony, mineral fruit on the finish. This vintage comes close to the most prestigious of Bolgheri at a far more advantageous price tag. Caiarossa shines a light on the unjustly unknown terroir of Riparbella. Keep this at least for another year for it to show its potential." Jancis Robinson

"Richly scented plums and black cherries on the nose. Weighty and full in the mouth but smooth and soft, the fine tannins well integrated and supporting the bright strawberry, creamy red cherry and plum fruit flavours. Tannins give a chalky texture to the palate, gently supporting the fruit which has a subtle toasted spice to the finish. I love the acidity, the intensity of the sweet yet full fruit at the beginning, a smoky spiced element to the mid palate and a mineral tinged - wet stone, saline finish. Still feels very youthful." Decanter

"The Caiarossa 2019 is a complex blend featuring Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Alicante from vineyard sites across this beautiful property in the high hills off the Tuscan coast. This organic and biodynamic wine is full and generous to the palate, yet it never feels heavy or too extracted. The wine is balanced and fresh with thick layers of dark fruit, crushed stone, tobacco and exotic spice." Wine Advocate

"This is an intense, full-bodied yet very well-balanced and polished red with velvety, firm and caressing tannins. Ripe black plums, blueberries, chocolate, mocha, sweet spice and dried lavender. Some oyster shells, too. Layered and full of character. Creamy at the end from the polished tannins." James Suckling

The latest addition to Vajra's Barolo line-up comes from a 1.5-hectare plot in Coste di Rose, a small MGA (Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive) in the Barolo region. This is a steep slope at 310 metres above sea level with a high proportion of sandy soils with good drainage, whose vines and soils are cultivated close to nature. This very accessible Barolo is straightforward, forward and impresses even at a young age with its refreshing candour. A very precise bouquet of cherry, plum, liquorice, spices and menthol, followed by a broad and multi-layered fruity palate with plenty of juice and power, supportive tannins and a full, long, mineral and minty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Compared to Bricco delle Viole, Coste di Rose is characterised by sandstone soils at lower altitudes of 340 to 350 metres above sea level. Elegant bouquet with fine red fruit and blue berries, plus smoky and floral tones reminiscent of violets and rose petals. In the mouth, a finely spun, fragrant Barolo with an elegant acidic nerve and juicy fruit sweetness in the finish." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby colour with a slight garnet sheen. Clear and memorable, opens with notes of dried roses, then some cloves, plus plenty of plums. Juicy on the palate, shows very good tension, savoury, present, fine-meshed tannins at the core, builds up over a long time." Falstaff

"Truly floral aroma. Very fruity, expressive and flattering. Just a little dry on the finish. Lots of energy." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Barolo Coste di Rose is an attractive, medium-bodied wine. Black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol and liquorice are beautifully interwoven. The Coste di Rose is not the most complex Barolo in the range, but it offers plenty of pure appeal in a sensual, open style that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring time." Vinous

"White pepper, dried roses, berries and minerals on the nose. Very elegant and chalky on the palate with a medium to full body and a linear finish. Pure and powerful." James Suckling

"Coste di Rose is the lowest of the Vajra vineyards and the most recent, 2015, was the first vintage. It is relatively unknown, although it is quite central between Canubi and Brunate. Red-fruited and forward, perhaps with a little less structure, red and blue berries, a hint of lavender and clove and raspberry leaves offer a bright, herbaceous character that lifts the finish." Decanter

"A Barolo of remarkable elegance and complexity. Sublime aromas of mixed wild berries, candied rose petals, cinnamon and whole cloves are accompanied by warm, earthy notes. Tart cherries and cranberries dominate the palate, with woody undertones and chewy tannins that add power without overpowering. Savoury and medicinal herbs linger on the finish, making this wine a captivating expression of this famous cru." Wine Enthusiast

"A beam of fresh cherries and strawberries permeate this graceful red wine, which is carried by a lively structure. Flashes of sun-kissed hay, iron and mint add depth as this wine builds to a lingering finish. Very harmonious, with a chalky sensation in the long, complex aftertaste." Wine Spectator