Merum

The 2019 Brunello vintage from Altesino stands proudly among its peers. The bouquet has a pronounced floral character with delightful notes of pressed rose petals and dried violets. The fruit tones are elegant and harmonious, ranging from light red cherries to redcurrants. Firm and well-structured on the palate, the multi-layered fruit is accentuated by a refined fennel and liquorice note. Long and stately in the final, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, ripe red; warm nose, deep ripe notes, inviting; powerful, coffee, cassis, matching tannin, length." Merum

"Already firm and compact on the nose with a fine, complex character, as is often the case on the dark red, black berry side (cassis, dark cherries), with earthy and ethereal notes reminiscent of mint. Very present and again grippy on the palate, the ripe fruit is clasped by a fine tannin corset, the delicate acidity embraces the athletic body. This has power and fine tension. A very typical 2019." Weinwisser

"Bright, light ruby red colour. Very fragrant on the nose, of ripe currants, reminiscent of raspberries, orange juice and cold fruit tea. Shows earthy notes on the palate, ripe berry fruit and full-bodied tannins, with good pressure, warm and grippy with good length on the finish." Falstaff

"This red wine has a solid structure and shows macerated flavours of cherry, plum, earth and wild herbs, supported by a lively acidity. A hint of chocolate adorns the finish alongside dense tannins." Wine Spectator

"Altesino covers around 50 hectares in the northern and southern parts of Montalcino. The estate's Brunello is a blend of different vineyards and is one of the best wines in the appellation. While the bottling from Montosoli has a rather solemn tone, this 2019 is cheerful and bright. Strong redcurrants and cherries mingle with plums and aniseed. The lush, fruity, plush palate is mouth-filling yet agile. Sandy tannins envelop and caress it, while the citrus-like acidity lightens the whole. It's already approachable and has enough depth, concentration and backbone for a solid decade of enjoyment." Decanter

"A medium-bodied red wine with beautiful plum and berry aromas and flavours. Fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very fine and concentrated. This is all about finesse and polish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has a dark ruby red colour in the glass and opens with a beguiling mix of dusty earth, crushed rock, spicy herbs and dried roses. It is racy and supple, with vibrant ripe wild berries underscored by orange and sage, all with a lively acidity. The grippy tannins take control on the finish, but hints of bitter liquorice and dark chocolate leave the mouth wanting more." Vinous

"The Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows a rich and flavoursome side that this wine carries very well. There is a nice amount of dark fruit that blends into the velvety texture of the wine. Blackberry and plum envelop the palate, adding elegant, full-bodied volume and fine tannins." Wine Advocate

The Paesaggio Inatteso selection comes from Camigliano's 3.5 hectare vineyard "La Magia", which has mineral and calcareous soils. Bright ruby red. Cherry, raspberry, spice and tobacco aromas on the nose, taut, precise and full of personality on the palate. The tannins are soft and well integrated, making it an opulent, powerful and long-lasting pleasure even when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. In the nose a slight hint of strawberry, then of ripe cherries and wild berries, shows nuances of pomegranate and dried rose petal. Juicy and clear on the palate, stretches out in many layers, beautiful red fruit, with persistence." Falstaff

"Plum and black cherry aromas and flavors highlight this dense, muscular red, accented by wild herb, iron and sanguine notes. Staying vibrant and long, this is balanced, with the quality of tannins in line with the southwestern sector of Montalcino." Wine Spectator

"The Camigliano 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Paesaggio Inatteso is a tiny production of just 2,600 bottles, all drawn from a two-hectare site with sandy limestone, located apart from the estate's core vineyard block, which the Ghezzi family holds in special regard. Indeed, the character of this wine is quite different from the classic 2016 Brunello. I don't get those heavier aromas of asphalt or charred earth here. This wine is much softer in approach with delicate and pure fruit. Cherry, plum and dried raspberry cede to light spice and tobacco. Paesaggio Inatteso means "unexpected landscape" in Italian, and this wine does stand apart from the others in the Camigliano portfolio." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of forest floor, eucalyptus, violet and coffee bean take shape in the glass. Full bodied and savory, the firm palate doles out mouthfuls of ripe black cherry, mature plum, licorice and baking spice alongside enveloping, fine-grained tannins, a great showing." Wine Enthusiast

"A rich, decadent red with black-cherry and flower aromas, as well as citrus and crushed stone. Some wet bark, too. It's full-bodied, yet reserved and toned with nicely crafted tannins that melt into the wine. Vivid acidity. A poised, polished red." James Suckling

Piccolomini's single-vineyard Brunello Vigna di Pianrosso 2017 comes from a south-western site of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone at an altitude of about 300 metres. It is beautiful and delicate from the start and spontaneously impresses with its vitality, depth and balance. Compared to the basic Brunello, the wine matures for another year in oak barrels and you can feel the added spice on the nose. Rich spices, leather and tar are followed by dark fruits, plum, blackberry and cassis. The finish is graceful and silky, its length is impressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripening, quite dark red; ripe fruit notes, dried figs, appealing; round approach, fullness, fruit ripeness, juicy, long, pleasant tartness, pleasing." Merum

"Seductive fruity nose with notes of wild flowers and spices, spiced up with notes of maquis and tobacco; polished on the palate, the tightly woven tannin and accentuated acidity in perfect balance, the finish exceedingly elegant and long as an oak. Superbly made and with potential." Vinum

"The CruWein has one more gear than the Annata. Multifaceted bouquet with wonderfully fresh ethereal notes, earthy hints as well as refined grilled aromas that remind us a little of red peppers, behind which leathery and herbaceous as well as floral nuances emerge, reminiscent of rose petals and violets. Finesse-rich palate with fresh, juicy fruit expression at the core, skilfully framed by fine polished tannin, wonderfully fresh and gripping, elegant style, with dark, ethereal spicy notes on the long final. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Brightening, sparkling garnet red. Opens with emphatically fragrant notes, of fresh dark cherries, some rosehip, fine rose petals, amazingly fresh notes. Round and supple on the attack, opens with beautifully ripened fruit notes, grippy tannin, very well placed." Falstaff

"A nuanced, delicate bouquet of dried strawberries, roses, hints of sweet spice and crushed rocks lifts up from the charming 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso. This is remarkably lifted, yet juicy and energetic, as ripe red berries and minerals cascade across the palate. It leaves a coating of violet-tinged florals, along with persistent raspberry and cherry tones. The tannin management here is absolutely stunning, as the Pianrosso finishes structured yet vividly fresh." Vinous

"This is a beautifully crafted and polished Brunello for this vintage, with full body and creamy, lightly chewy tannins. Dark berries, walnuts and cedar with dried-flower undertones. Needs time to soften, but very pretty. Drink after 2024." James Suckling

"The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso shows nice balance and elegance, and it definitely shows the deft hand of the winemaking team in what was not an easy vintage by any stretch. This pretty wine delivers lots of fresh cherry and wild rose, with ferrous earthy, licorice and grilled herb; I also get bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Like the annata 2017 Brunello produced by this estate, the single-vineyard Brunello Pianrosso is distinguished by a sweet cherry note that accompanies the wine from start to finish." Wine Advocate

The Paesaggio Inatteso selection comes from Camigliano's 3.5-hectare "La Magia" vineyard, which has mineral and calcareous soils. Only just under 3,000 bottles are bottled. It offers a more robust style and a stronger aromatic intensity than the Annata. Bright red with an amber-coloured rim. On the nose, round notes of walnut shells, roasted hazelnuts and linseed, as well as red plums, pomegranate seeds and green olives. Traces of incense and cardamom in the background. Full-bodied, lively tannins on the palate, with hints of red berries and flowers leading to an intense and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium-intense red; inviting fruit and gum notes; round, sweetness, depth of fruit, lots of good tannin, long, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"Nose of blackberries and tobacco; the attack is pithy, the tannins powerful, has race and polish." Vinum

"Attractive bouquet with wonderfully crisp red berry fruit, raspberry, fragolino, tobacco. Juicy in the mouth, clearly red-fruity, fine tannins, good freshness, crisp, fresh style, fine tannic grip, elegant and powerful, long, fresh, mineral final." Weinwisser

"Clear, bright ruby red colour. Mint, blackberry and juicy cherry on the nose, with a hint of candle wax, reminiscent of fresh honey, complex and inviting. Compact on the palate, with tightly woven tannins and fine pressure, constantly juicy again, also slightly salty hints, great harmony." Falstaff

"The organic Camigliano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Paesaggio Inatteso shows plenty of ripe fruit with dark plums, prunes and blackcurrants. It also shows notes of smoked tobacco and cigar box. The difference between this wine and the village bottling is that the Paesaggio Inatteso matures a little longer in oak (30 months instead of 24 months) and the oak barrels are smaller (25 hectolitres instead of 60 hectolitres). A medium-heavy mouthfeel ends with still dusty tannins." Wine Advocate

"This version has it all, from the cherry, plum, earth and iron aromas and flavours to the well-integrated structure and long aftertaste. Fresh, supple and powerful, it shows finesse with a lingering mineral element on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Vibrant and vibrant red fruits of cranberry, red cherry and potpourri, followed by dried rosemary and pleasant orange peel that enhance the experience. Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and firm but soft tannins. Pure and elegant. Needs time." James Suckling

Piccolomini's single-vineyard Brunello Vigna di Pianrosso 2017 comes from a south-western site of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone at an altitude of about 300 metres. It is beautiful and delicate from the start and spontaneously impresses with its vitality, depth and balance. Compared to the basic Brunello, the wine matures for another year in oak barrels and you can feel the added spice on the nose. Rich spices, leather and tar are followed by dark fruits, plum, blackberry and cassis. The finish is graceful and silky, its length is impressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripening, quite dark red; ripe fruit notes, dried figs, appealing; round approach, fullness, fruit ripeness, juicy, long, pleasant tartness, pleasing." Merum

"Seductive fruity nose with notes of wild flowers and spices, spiced up with notes of maquis and tobacco; polished on the palate, the tightly woven tannin and accentuated acidity in perfect balance, the finish exceedingly elegant and long as an oak. Superbly made and with potential." Vinum

"The CruWein has one more gear than the Annata. Multifaceted bouquet with wonderfully fresh ethereal notes, earthy hints as well as refined grilled aromas that remind us a little of red peppers, behind which leathery and herbaceous as well as floral nuances emerge, reminiscent of rose petals and violets. Finesse-rich palate with fresh, juicy fruit expression at the core, skilfully framed by fine polished tannin, wonderfully fresh and gripping, elegant style, with dark, ethereal spicy notes on the long final. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Brightening, sparkling garnet red. Opens with emphatically fragrant notes, of fresh dark cherries, some rosehip, fine rose petals, amazingly fresh notes. Round and supple on the attack, opens with beautifully ripened fruit notes, grippy tannin, very well placed." Falstaff

"A nuanced, delicate bouquet of dried strawberries, roses, hints of sweet spice and crushed rocks lifts up from the charming 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso. This is remarkably lifted, yet juicy and energetic, as ripe red berries and minerals cascade across the palate. It leaves a coating of violet-tinged florals, along with persistent raspberry and cherry tones. The tannin management here is absolutely stunning, as the Pianrosso finishes structured yet vividly fresh." Vinous

"This is a beautifully crafted and polished Brunello for this vintage, with full body and creamy, lightly chewy tannins. Dark berries, walnuts and cedar with dried-flower undertones. Needs time to soften, but very pretty. Drink after 2024." James Suckling

"The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso shows nice balance and elegance, and it definitely shows the deft hand of the winemaking team in what was not an easy vintage by any stretch. This pretty wine delivers lots of fresh cherry and wild rose, with ferrous earthy, licorice and grilled herb; I also get bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Like the annata 2017 Brunello produced by this estate, the single-vineyard Brunello Pianrosso is distinguished by a sweet cherry note that accompanies the wine from start to finish." Wine Advocate

Ceretto's Barolo Bussia comes from one of the most famous cru sites bordering the municipalities of Monforte d'Alba and Barolo, it draws its Nebbiolo fruit from a 7,000 sqm parcel in Bussia Soprana in Monforte d'Alba. Just 3,500 1/1 bottles and 200 magnums are bottled.

Sparkling, luminous garnet red. On the nose, it seduces with delicate notes of wild berries, white cherry, liquorice and truffle. On the palate, it is explosive, lively and full of energy. Its rich and lively aromas of cranberries and pomegranate are very finely elaborated, impressive its sweetness in the middle of the palate and the fine creaminess and its finely meshed tannin, which is characteristic of the best Bussia Barolos. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; intense fruit notes, inviting; dense, powerful, depth of fruit, lots of fine tannin, length." Merum

"Just mid ruby with orange tinges. Spicy, complex and brooding nose with hints of cardamon and stony, minerally hints, which normally come out only after longer bottle ageing. With aeration it shows impressive concentration of cherry fruit with a complex oak hints and a layer of succulent marasca-cherry fruit. Lots of juicy acidity and really light of touch while very long. Fine tannins cling to the fruit." Jancis Robinson

"The 2018 Bussia sports lovely aromas of crunchy redcurrants, rose petals, animal musk and sandalwood. It's all about finesse and exotic charm, the slim silhouette and textural delicacy strengthened by the mid-weight style of the vintage. Perfumed and expressive, with supple tannins and wafts of oriental spice extending the aftertaste, this is a wonderfully approachable Barolo." Decanter

"Rose, violet, camphor and oak-driven spice aromas come to the forefront on this lovely red. Focused and elegant, the vibrant palate features juicy red cherry, pomegranate, licorice and a hint of coconut framed in taut, refined tannins. It's well balanced, with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Here is a relatively new addition to the Ceretto portfolio (first introduced with the 2015 vintage and made in the years since). The organic 2018 Barolo Bussia has a bright note of sweet cherry or candied orange that frames the wine's generous, open-knit character. There are some dusty earth aromas that add layering and texture to the background." Wine Advocate

"Quite a tight nose for now, but already showing lovely aromas of raspberries, together with perfumed, stony minerals and roses. Full-bodied with a compact palate and an array of firm, spicy tannins that builds steadily through the finish. This is excellent Barolo that’s only just beginning its journey. Tiny production. Cellar it until at least 2025." James Suckling