Matured

Villa dei Misteri - a wine with historical roots and forward-looking flavours: this Pompeiano Rosso is vinified from the limited Piedirosso grapes that now grow in the ruins of the Pompeii archaeological site. Generous, bright and fruity aromas of raspberries, spices and a hint of pepper. Concentrated and persistent flavour with fine tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

Taurasi Riserva Della Società is a powerful and complex Aglianico, the grapes for just 3,500 bottles per vintage come from a vineyard parcel of 1.2 hectares in Paternopoli. It consists of "piede franco" vines over 100 years old, planted on stratified and complex calcareous soils with a basalt substrate at an altitude of around 550 metres. The special characteristics of this Irpinia region, with the volcanic nature of the soil, the altitude of the hills and the strong temperature fluctuations, produce red wines of great vigour, but also elegance and longevity.

Intense ruby red, tending towards Burgundy, with orange-coloured reflections. Characteristic bouquet, ethereal, rich and complex with aromas of forest floor, wood, bark, tobacco and coffee, which constantly evolves in the glass and always reveals new impressions. Dry, full, harmonious and balanced on the palate, with a lingering finish. The Riserva della Società offers a great structure with noble, fine-grained tannins that are perfectly integrated and never aggressive, opening up great potential for further refinement in the future. Everything is in its place here: great acidity and freshness as a counterpart to the alcohol and the warm, extremely powerful personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"One hundred per cent Aglianico, matured in chestnut wood barrels. A very fruity, young, spicy, playful wine, drinkable, full-bodied, with densely woven but very fine tannins and a surprising lightness on the palate. A wonderful world of its own, of which there are only 2500 bottles per year." Vinum

"In the glass, the 2014 Taurasi Riserva Della Società is dark and brooding, showing deep notes of crushed plum, tobacco and earthy tones, enhanced by balsamic spices and camphor. The longer it lingers in the glass, the more complex it becomes, adding liquorice, dark chocolate and lavender to the mix. It is elegant with a texture of pure velvet, but not heavy, as a core of nervous acidity and sour citrus accentuates the tart black fruits and exotic spices. Grippy tannins and a bitter hint of sour wild berries and tangerine linger, and the 2014 retains an astonishingly fresh vibrancy through it all. The Taurasi Riserva Della Società is a resounding success for the vintage, showing incredible depth and surprising accessibility. Raffaele Pagano sources the fruit for his Riserva from an ungrafted vineyard from before the phylloxera plague, planted between 150 and 200 years ago." Vinous

This great wine is only released for sale nine years after the harvest: The slow drying of the fully ripe grapes gives this cru its immense strength and density as well as its extraordinary character with powerful ripeness, fruit fullness, beautiful concentration and great elegance. On the palate, Bertani's Amarone demonstrates freshness, noble lightness and great dynamism. An exciting wine and for decades probably the most classic Amarone - the archetype, so to speak - of the entire appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luciano has been keeping back a small quantity of his Barolo Le Vigne for a few years now, allowing it to continue maturing in the bottle in his cellar. The result is called "Sibi et Paucis", an impressive and rare opportunity to experience the marvellous ageing potential of his great Baroli. SUPERIORE.DE

"This version shows ripe aromas and flavours of plum, cherry, leather and woody undergrowth. Firm and dense, with a balance that shifts towards the tannins, but long and satisfying." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis 2014 from Luciano Sandrone shows a pronounced tertiary note reminiscent of dried kitchen herbs, fennel and tarragon. The fruit transitions into dried cherries and blackcurrants. The wine has a spicy side with black pepper or chilli flakes on a medium-bodied texture. In this case, the tannins are integrated and polished. The 2014 is ready to drink now. Only 1,500 bottles were set aside for this late release." Wine Advocate

"The 2014 Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis opens with notes of cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, dried herbs, mint and dried cherry. Medium-bodied and sinewy, the 2014 is characterised by bright acids, plenty of gorgeous minerality and a medium-bodied structure. The long, lingering finish is a real beauty." Vinous

"Bright ruby red with a garnet rim. Dried cherries and Parma violets are loaded along with liquorice, but there is also a darker character of fresh plums and restrained minty minerality. Dense, velvety and relaxing, but with a full body and great concentration. The tannins are infused with spicy flavours of plum and liquorice and are carried by a powerful acidity." James Suckling

This dry Gewürztraminer from the Pirchschrait single vineyard at Kolbenhof is a tribute to Konrad Oberhofer, who was the first to vinify the grapes from individual vineyards separately in the 1930s. Martin Foradori Hofstätter's grandfather was a pioneer of vineyard thinking. His goal was to make the special character of each site tangible in the wine.

After ten years of maturation on the fine yeast in Liters barrels, the Gewürztraminer develops a dense texture without losing freshness. The fine yeast also gives it a charming aroma of toasted bread, medlars, blossom honey and dried fruits. In contrast, the already low fruit sweetness recedes discreetly during the years of ageing, while the minerality gains in expression. In the glass, the top-quality Pirchschrait impresses with a subtle interplay of flavours. SUPERIORE.DE

Passito Seré is not a new wine from Dal Forno, but the former Recioto DOCG, which is now being marketed as an IGT - if you get to see or drink it at all. Incredibly rich and dense, lots of ripe, dark fruit and roasted coffee beans on the nose. Opulent and generous on the palate, the sweetness shows excellent balance. A particularly structured and almost magical dessert wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Has a tantalising nose of plums, tar, espresso and dried nuts. Full to medium body, with good supporting tannins that become chewy on the finish, and plenty of dark chocolate and mocha lingering at the end. It will be well worth the wait. Super intense and multi-layered. Like a little vintage port." Wine Spectator

"Dense garnet color, with aromas of fresh figs, cherries, prunes and dark chocolate. Dense and silky with stunning dried prune flavors, a full body and super-lively cleansing acidity despite. A meditation wine with definition and depth. A rarity." James Suckling

"The Rosso Passito Vino Dolce Vigna Serè 2003 is incredibly fresh. It opens like a dusty cedar box with a sweet blend of cloves, cocoa, cherry sauce and dusty rose, lifted by a hint of fresh mint. The whole flows across the palate like pure silk, seamlessly smooth yet surprisingly serene and delicate. Masses of ripe red fruits and inner spices are carried by a zesty acidity. It leaves a hint of raspberry jam and cloves and finishes with incredible length and freshness, making the 2003 a dessert in a glass, but also too easy to drink. And all this with only 140 grams of residual sugar per Liters. The Rosso Passito Vino Dolce Vigna Serè was not allowed to be bottled as a Recioto because it did not fulfil the "specific characteristics" of this category. Marco is of the opinion that this is the best Recioto his father has ever made, even if it cannot be labelled as such." Vinous

Passito Seré is not a new wine from Dal Forno, but the former Recioto DOCG, which is now on the market as IGT - if you get to see it or drink it at all. Incredibly rich and dense, lots of ripe, dark fruit and roasted coffee beans on the nose. Opulent and generous on the palate, the sweetness shows excellent balance. A particularly structured and almost magical dessert wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Labeled as “air-dried sweet red wine” instead of its traditional name “Recioto,” this is indeed a powerful and generous wine. It boasts huge density and superintense aromas of blackberry, oak spice and tobacco. Keep it for your cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright deep ruby. Intense but refined aromas and flavors of red cherry jam, licorice cocoa and flinty minerals, with a bright violet topnote. Lively but harmonious acidity really lift and extend the rich high concentrated and multilayered flavors on the long, luscious and very precise finish. In many respects, this is always my favorite wine from Dal Forno, as I find it has impeccable balance (14% alcohol, 150g/L r.s. and 7g/L total acidity) and a very high easy-drinking quality (especially given a rather crazy-high 56g/L dry extract). The extremely high quality of this wine (it used to be labeled as a Recioto della Valpolicella) and Dal Forno’s exacting standards are well demonstrated by the fact that he has only made this wine six times in the roughly thirty year lifetime of the estate! Even though the 2004 vintage was marred by an early July hailstorm, this is one of Dal Forno’s best Reciotos ever." Vinous

"The 2004 Passito Rosso Vino Dolce Vigna Seré is a masterpiece that is impossible to repeat. In fact, the wine has not been produced since 2004. Even if a vintage as good as this did come along, we'd need to wait another 13 years before we could enjoy this level of maturity and evolution. Formally a Recioto della Valpolicella, this sweet red wine is made with air-dried fruit as local tradition dictates. Luckily no botrytis set in that year, because that would have eroded the wine's deep and luscious color saturation. The bouquet delivers a generous flow of dark spice, bitter chocolate, espresso, raisin, plum, barbecue spice and teriyaki smoke. The concentration and layering of the wine are both rare and distinctive. The mouthfeel sees sweet flavors with a syrupy mouthfeel. The finish offers hints of caramelized brown sugar and savory hickory. The aging window is impossible to predict, but the wine is surely built to last. I can think of no other wine that comes close to matching this unique style." Wine Advocate

Briccolina is a cru of great complexity that takes its name from its location on the top of the hill. Enrico Serafino's Barolo Riserva is a full-bodied, austere and powerful Barolo that is the result of a sustainable cultivation process. Very complex on the palate, initially rather closed, it then opens up with multi-layered fruit, roasted herbs and a fine menthol note on the finish. It has a rather exotic flavour at first, which makes it particularly exciting and almost incomparable with the other wines from the famous appellation. You have to take your time, but the reward comes with the next sip ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Enticing aromas of dark-skinned fruit, underbrush, violet and camphor form the nose. On the smooth, full-bodied palate, notes of licorice and orange zest accent ripe Marasca cherry and hints of hazelnut set against firm, refined tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Vibrant and well-structured, this perfumed Barolo reveals hay, chamomile, strawberry, cherry, iron and spice aromas, with a silky texture and a long, savory finish." Wine Spectator

"The Enrico Serafino 2016 Barolo Riserva Briccolina is balanced and bright with ample muscle that is a characteristic of Serralunga d'Alba (the village where this wine sources its fruit). The bouquet delivers candied cherry and blackberry with iron-rich earth, black rose and fragrant tea leaf." Wine Advocate

Here comes 1st place in James Suckling's TOP wines 2024: this great wine is only released for sale nine years after the harvest. The slow drying of the fully ripe grapes gives this cru its immense power and density as well as its extraordinary character with powerful ripeness, fruit fullness, beautiful concentration and great elegance. On the palate, Bertani's Amarone demonstrates freshness, noble lightness and great dynamism. An exciting wine and for decades probably the most classic Amarone - the archetype, so to speak - of the entire appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"A vivid ruby color with a garnet tinge and super-restrained nose of licorice, oak bark, smoke, wood, cigar box, leather, dark chocolate, crushed violets and prunes. Freshness and subtlety. Full-bodied and elegant on the palate due to ripe, filigree tannins with long acidity and a toasty, savory aftertaste. One of the great Amarones. Corvina and Rondinella. Ready to drink now, but intended for the long haul." James Suckling

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

"It is a real palate pleaser with lush notes of black cherry coulis, raspberry ganache, strawberry jam, ground anise and espresso. Fine-grained tannins frame this lively, silky red, with notes of smoke, dried herbs and spices that linger on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato 2007 by Zenato is of great fascination. Truffles, tobacco, orange peel and incense give it exotic dimensions, nuances and complexity. The incredibly young 2007 will need at least a few years in the bottle, but it will always remain an opulent wine built on texture and volume. All the elements come together to create a remarkable wine that stands out for its purity and depth. This is a fabulous achievement by Zenato." VINOUS

"Tertiary aromas laden with mahogany, toasted chestnut, varnish and umami, like dried porcini rolled in coffee grind. A forceful thrust of fruit and parry of impeccably hewn tannins. An impressive wine that is as hedonistic as it is intellectual. The style is contextually dry, powerful and layered." James Suckling

Alberto Gracis top wine Quota 1000 Contrada Barbabecchi comes from the northeast slope of the Etna from the highest vineyard at 1000 to 1100m altitude. The Nerello-Mascalese vines are about 100 years old, and the yields are correspondingly low. Sparkling purple. In the bouquet fine notes of small red berries and wild cherry, in addition fig, thyme and liquorice. On the palate highly complex and of a unique harmony and elegance. A deep, almost infinite wine with an unforgettable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A harmonious red, featuring bright wild cherry and violet notes married to rich hints of fig cake and dried thyme, showing a streak of salinity. Medium-bodied and aromatic, with sculpted tannins firming the lingering finish of spice and graphite. Fresh and lively." Wine Spectator

"Luminous red. Deep spicy perfume of red cherry and minerals on the knockout nose. The pure flavors of Oriental spices and ripe red fruit are very fresh and light on their feet. Closes long and suave, with noteworthy vibrancy. Made from Nerello Mascalese grown at about 1,000 meters above sea level on the northern slope of Etna in the Barbabecchi contrada." Vinous

"Alberto Graci has created a gorgeous wine - the best I have yet tasted from his winery - in the form of the 2014 Quota 1000 Barbabecchi. This wine represents many of the ideals that I would imagine finding if I were in front of the archetypal Etna Rosso. By the way, because these vineyards are about the appellation limit of 1,000 meters above sea level, this wine is technically not in the appellation. Funny how that works out, because this wine is indeed so reflective of that specific Etna identity. I tasted this wine twice: once when I first opened the bottle and once again 12 hours later. I did this with all my top-scoring reds in this report. This vintage is powerful, tonic, dry and tart. It offers a graceful, almost fragile first impression but then delivers a song succession of berry, smoke and ash flavors that drive the very long finish." Wine Advocate

This exceptional Recioto was matured for 6 years in Slavonian oak. Deep, dark ruby red in colour. In the nose, a beguiling extract of black cherry, dried flowers and a fine spiciness, with hints of liquorice and mint. On the palate, the fruit is uniform, extremely harmonious and concentrated to the point. Notes of gingerbread, dark chocolate and black cherry glide into an almost endless finish with an unforgettable aftertaste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby with purple hues, the 2015 Recioto della Valpolicella Classico is youthfully coy, requiring coaxing to evolve in the glass. Swirling and time bring forward a more savory bouquet as exotic spices, balsamic tones and hints of incense emerge, followed by dried blueberries and violet pastille. This is pure seduction, like silk draped across the palate, revealing depths of ripe black cherry and wild berry fruits, enhanced by a core of blood orange. Even at 70 grams-per-liter of residual sugar, it's hard to perceive the 2015 as a sweet wine. Its zesty acidity adds harmony, closing with a pleasantly bitter tinge and gently grippy tannins that frame the experience so well." Vinous

Ruby red in colour with violet reflections and a black core. Dark forest berries such as blackberries and mulberries on the nose, underpinned by warm undergrowth notes. Then ripe blood oranges and subtle cedar notes. On the palate, it is defined by flavours of liquorice, the tannins are close-knit and low-pore, reminiscent of the finest dark chocolate and control the generously juicy fruit with their delicate play. Armed for many years of bottle ageing, we recommend reaching for a carafe in its youthful stage. Then it reveals itself with stimulatingly tart flavours of dark tobacco and enormous pressure, dark, dense and rich with an orchestral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The ageing of wines has always played a decisive role in the philosophy of our company. This is the reason why today we are proud to be able to offer many of the oldest vintages directly from our cellar. We differentiate as follows: We make two bottlings each year. Younger vintages, which we bring to the Italian market, come from younger vineyards and the wines from the old vines are left to mature in our cellar for at least 5 years before being gradually released onto the global market. The latter wines are labelled 'Selezione Vecchie Vigne' to make it easier to distinguish them. Another important aspect is that all bottles that are over 10 years old are decanted and individually checked before they are re-corked and sent on their journey to our customers." Emidio pepe

"Sour citrus fruit mingles with earthy tones, animal musk, cocoa and earl grey as the 2009 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Vecchie Vigne slowly unfolds in the glass. Aromatically intense and only just ripe, it is soft and enveloping on the palate, but with more vigour than expected. A lively acidity adds dimension to the dried black cherry fruit. Blood orange and saline minerals combine to create a salty citrus tone as the 2009 finishes with youthful tannins that tug at the palate. It is at a beautiful stage, already appealing to lovers of mature wines, but also showing incredible energy and freshness." Vinous

Luciano has been keeping back a small amount of his Barolo Aleste for a few years now, allowing it to continue maturing in the bottle in his cellar. The result is called "Sibi et Paucis", an impressive and rare opportunity to experience the marvellous ageing potential of his great Baroli. SUPERIORE.DE

"This broad version shows ripe aromas and flavours of plum, cherry, leather and woody undergrowth. Firm and dense, with a balance that shifts towards the tannins, but long and satisfying." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Aleste Sibi et Paucis 2014 is just reaching its early stage of maturity. Bright acids and savoury nuances give the 2014 a remarkable freshness. Medium-bodied and beautifully moulded, the 2014 offers good dynamism in the concentrated style of the vintage. The 2014 is well matured." Vinous

"The 2014 Barolo Aleste Sibi et Paucis from Luciano Sandrone is a controversial vintage that exceeded initial expectations. The tertiary notes are developed in this one, but they work well over candied cherry, earthy liquorice root and orange peel. There's a hint of undergrowth, some savoury spice and cured leather. There are only 1,500 bottles." Wine Advocate

"Garnet red colour with very lively ruby red. Aromas of plums, pitted cherries, leather, tar, earthy minerality and liquorice. Some hints of rhubarb. Full-bodied with grainy tannins of good ripeness and extraction, great fruit concentration, melting acidity and a savoury and long finish. Amazing example of the 2014 vintage." James Suckling

The "it" according to Freud: It is instinct and unbridled passion (with which this wine was also made) without conditions, without rules, beyond space and time, logic and morality. It knows neither good nor evil. It is subject to only one principle: absolute pleasure.

Intense, deep ruby red colour. Aromas of black and red cherries are complemented by sweet spices, aromatic herbs, liquorice and undergrowth on the captivating nose. Lush and seamless on the palate, with an understated elegance in the flavours of red cherries, juniper, cinnamon, sweet pipe tobacco, minerals and candied rose petals. The long, soft finish is almost endless. Only produced in the best years, this rare Primitivo in Riserva quality is one of the best representatives of its kind! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby red colour. Intense and very appealing nose, presents itself with notes of blackberry, cassis and many spices, in the background of olive paste. Fills the palate full, dark blackberry fruit, cassis, some coffee liqueur, lingers for a long time with a carpet of spices." Falstaff

"A waft of leafy herbs and tobacco is a fragrant opener for this silky red, with lovely balance. Shows seamless integration of lightly juicy acidity and a core of dense, fine-grained tannins, offering a range of dried cherry and fig fruit, strawberry preserves, spiced orange peel and mint tea flavors, plus minerally earth and smoke accents. The lasting finish echoes the ripe fruit alongside a zesty skein of ground spices." Wine Spectator

The showpiece of the Zenato winery from the terrific year 2006 with a perfect balance between expressiveness, elegance and almost infinite length. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a real beauty, with huge intensity and loads of deep chocolate fudge, black cherry, cola, barbecue and black licorice flavors. It manages contrasting tones of sweet versus savory that pleasure the tastebuds. The palate is rich, smooth and superconcentrated." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Sergio Zenato wraps around the palate with layers of mocha, espresso, Morello cherries, spices, mint and new leather. It is a wonderfully plush, expressive wine loaded with aromatic and flavor complexity. There is plenty of inner perfume and sweetness, but what impresses most is the wine's sense of structure and length. Darker notes flesh out on the finish adding a baritone register to the fruit that is highly appealing. This is a fabulous showing from Zenato." Wine Advocate

"Incredible nose of wet earth, spices, dark chocolate and blueberries. Stunning. Full body, with superfine tannins and polished texture. Balance and harmony. Better in three or four years." James Suckling

The pure Pinot Nero Franciacorta Annamaria Clementi Rosé is bright pink in colour with delicate amber tones. It beguiles the senses with a subtle bouquet of dried strawberries and zesty citrus fruits, contrasted by the richness of raw almonds and sweet white smoke. It is silky and supple, with a slowly rising structure, yet still manages to surprise with notes of apple and savoury spices, which are then enlivened by a juicy acidity. There is a lingering inner sweetness that mingles with an aftertaste of concentrated red forest berries that lingers for over a minute. One of Italy's greatest sparkling wines! SUPERIORE.DE

"A luminous shade of pink with an orange hue, the 2015 Extra Brut Rosé Annamaria Clementi Riserva is just as seductive to look at as it is to taste. A whiff of cedar shavings and dried strawberries give way to hints of brown spice and crushed almonds forming its dusty and perfumed bouquet. It impresses further with an elegant wave of super-fine bubbles that envelop the palate with mineral intensity. A tinge of tart orchard fruit adds further tension toward the close. It's rich, potent and wonderfully fresh, finishing long with an air of hazelnut custard that lingers on and on." Vinous

"Strong copper colour. Restrained nose with strawberries and leaves and a well-integrated roasted note. Medium-bodied and very fresh. On the palate, it is precise and tightly meshed, with the finest bubbles, crisp acidity and an amazing finish of redcurrants." James Suckling

This barrique-aged Passito is an absolute filet piece even for die-hard sweet wine connoisseurs and at the same time an exotic wine for the region. The Quintarelli family produces it handpicked only in the very best vintages, making it a real rarity and the small edition also, but not only, explains its price. Brilliant golden yellow with amber reflections. Candied apricot, peach, orange peel and a delicate honey note on the nose, rounded off with warm components such as sugar couleur, roasted almonds and rendered butter. Firm and ingratiating on the palate, yet retains its freshness with each sip, with great persistence and impressive, unforgettable length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ginger and incense, dried apricots, crushed almond and nuances of butterscotch lift from the 2015 Amabile del Cerè. This soothes with silken, weighty textures, yet its balance is in place with a sour citrus wave that leaves a salty sensation in its wake. It tapers off long with a smoky note and tropical florals and citrus that linger on while remaining incredibly fresh. The 2015 Amabile del Cere is pure hedonistic pleasure." Vinous

Pagus Cerbaia is the name of a first-class small plot of land with sedimentary soils. This is where the small quantities of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon come from, 50% of which is fermented in amphorae and 50% in oak barrels after the harvest. The "Selection Rosato", which is only bottled in a few hundred bottles, has an intense floral aroma and captivates the palate in a lively and cheerful way with a lingering spicy note and a wonderfully complex finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright copper colour with a sparkling core. Aromas of orange peel, ginger, honey and dried figs on the nose. Soft on the palate, expansive, carried by striking acidity, right through to the lingering finish." Falstaff

"This is complex and layered with dried strawberry bush, pastry crust, dried flowers and caramel. Medium-bodied, textural and polished with a gentle phenolic edge to it and chalky minerality." James Suckling

"Youthful, creamy aromas of red fruits open up to wonderfully ripe notes of peach, dried apricots, honey and cream, as well as hints of oak with nutmeg and cloves. Perhaps the proximity to the sea contributes to the salty, mineral notes that combine with the oak structure. The oak adds a subtle spice, the ripe fruit adds weight, the fresh acidity is perfectly balanced and gives the wine outstanding length without shouting." Decanter

This is a special Riserva from Michele Chiarlo that is late to the market. The Barolo Riserva Cerequio is a great wine, with particularly taut tannins and a concentrated richness that permeates its substantial textile fibre. The flavours of dark fruits such as blackberries and dried cherries are accompanied by spices, leather, tar and ashes from the bonfire. The wine shows the concentration and density of long oak ageing with tannins that definitely need more ageing before this exceptional wine will fully convince its connoisseurs! SUPERIORE.DE

"This red has settled into a nice groove, evoking fading cherry and ripe berry fruit, eucalyptus, menthol and mint notes, with an underlying mineral component. Tightens up on the finish, suggesting this still has some time to give." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful nose of dried red fruits, cherry chocolate, bergamot and bark with hints of citrus blossom and dry earth. So polished and refined with medium to full body and a compact tannin structure. It has savoury nuances in the fruit character and a minerality of gravel on the finish. Already attractive now, but can age further." James Suckling

"The 2016 vintage is still young. Held back for further aging at the winery, the Michele Chiarlo 2016 Barolo Riserva Cerequio has only begun to move away from primary intensity. Flavours of dried fruit and pressed roses follow through to a long, polished mouthfeel. The Cerequio is a full-bodied wine with rich fruit and savoury oak tannins." Wine Advocate

"Enchanting aromas of sour cherry jam, baking spices and rosewood only scratch the surface of what can and will emerge from this stunning Barolo. The palate strikes a firm note with a foundation of tannins and acidity built for the cellar, while tart red berry, aged tea and herbal flavours give an enticing aura to this wine." Wine Enthusiast