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Medium, radiant ruby red. Complex nose of sweet and cedar wood, paired with Mediterranean maquis and delicate sweet cherry. In the mouth, balsamic notes, very finely woven tannins and a wonderful complexity that envelops the juicy fruit core and gives the wine an impressive depth and length. The elegance is also very impressive and will certainly increase with further maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep aromas of cherries and flowers; compact construction, the tannins racy and well integrated, beautiful melt and polish and of great elegance." Vinum

"Dense spicy bouquet, tart fruit and spice on the palate; elegant, compact style with racy flow, very classic, noticeable tannin and grip, nice freshness and ethereality. Needs time." Weinwisser

"Brilliant medium ruby red. A seductive richness on the nose, combined with cool red fruits and notes of iron and black pepper. The spicy note on the finish adds depth to the fresh red fruit, accompanied by a long vein of persistent grainy tannins. Super-elegant." Jancis Robinson

"Castello Romitorio's classic Brunello, which comes from the estate's highest plots - between 350 and 450 metres - embodies the vintage's grace without sacrificing depth or flavour. The aromas are ethereal at first, then join the scents of rosehip, liquorice root and juniper. The sweetness of the pure cherry in the mouth is balanced by a juicy acidity and powdery tannins. The wine has a sneaky substance and a long-lasting presence. The Filo di Seta may have more reserves for ageing, but I can't help but be completely charmed (for the price) by the sheer elegance of this wine." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino impresses with a blend of dried citrus peel, cedar chips, floral scrub, black cherry and Tuscan dust. It is soft, even buoyant, with a depth of velvety, textured red and blue fruits and sweet, liquid purple tones colouring the palate. The 2018 finishes fresh and long with notes of wild blueberries and a touch of balsamic spice, framed by a layer of fine tannin. This is a complete success for the vintage." Vinous

"I like the dried purple undertones of the red and blue fruits, along with some walnut shell and olive. There is so much flavour here, packed into a compact core framed by silky, firm tannins. Dense and concentrated. Try it after 2024." James Suckling

"The Castello Romitorio 2018 Brunello di Montalcino shows crisp and tart fruit with cherry, cassis and wild plum. This medium-bodied wine offers plenty of freshness and brightness in a vintage that was challenging for many. This expression is unique thanks to the inner energy on display; the red fruits are prominent and the wine's balanced acidity rounds it all out." Wine Advocate

"A graceful red characterised by cherry, strawberry, rose, minerals and Mediterranean herbs. Supple and juicy, but firm, with a mineral finish. Lively and long." Wine Spectator

Sandro Chias Annata presents itself taut, forward and downright bold in the glass. On the palate, its natural richness and lushness of fruit is convincing, complemented by varietal elements of wild cherry, blue flowers and soft earth. Then, in quick succession, secondary aromas of tobacco, cedar and cinnamon surprise, giving complexity and personality to the wine built up in many deep layers. This Brunello has wonderful potential for further bottle ageing, but it is already an absolute delight and the quality of the fruit and its length make it irresistible. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate bouquet of red berries, flowers and undergrowth; juicy in the mouth, compact, the tannins robust, nice melting, fine-meshed tannins, good length." Vinum

"To the northwest of Montalcino, Castello Romitorio’s vineyards are surrounded by thick woods receiving moderate sun exposure. The relatively cool setting was an advantage in 2017. Well put together with a graceful flow, this Brunello echoes its setting and opens with pronounced cedar and evocative forest floor accents. Neither heavy nor over-concentrated, the palate is replete with pulpy red berries. There is a succulence to the fruit and a silkiness to the texture, and nuances of pulverised stone weave throughout." Decanter

"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is dusty, dark and floral at first, but with time, it becomes exotic and spicy. Black cherries lifted by minty herbs and camphor give way to floral undergrowth and tobacco as the 2017 gains in volume with each swirl of the glass. It’s silky-smooth and pliant yet shows remarkable purity and cooling acidity, as you perceive its red and hints of blue fruit slowly drenching the palate, leaving salty minerals and a coating of primary concentration. The long, penetrating finale mixes fine tannins and nuances of sour citrus in a powerful yet wonderfully balanced expression of the Romitorio vineyards." Vinous

"The Castello Romitorio 2017 Brunello di Montalcino comes from an estate that is quickly becoming a leader in a special niche of the Montalcino market. The wine is modern and soft, showing lots of contained ripeness and creaminess, yet it successfully embraces the fundamentals of the appellation and Sangiovese, thanks to its bright acidity and finely tuned structure. Few wines reach this level of precision, especially in a challenging vintage such as this." Wine Advocate

The grapes for Fornacinas Riserva come from a small 5 hectare plot and the result offers a wonderfully firm structure with plenty of warmth and harmony. On the palate, it convinces with textural richness and wonderful secondary aromas that come with three years of oak ageing. The initially crisp tannins will stand another year or two of bottle ageing to become softer and more relaxed. A top-year classic with a wonderfully intense and long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is very fine-tannined and silky with cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with lots of berry, earth, walnut and dried-flower character at the end. From organically grown grapes. Very attractive now, better in a few years." James Suckling

"Traditional stone farmhouses in Tuscany always have a bread oven, or "forno" in Italian, somewhere near the entrance of the home. That wood-burning oven is a symbol of family warmth, inclusiveness and home. I'd like to think that this is the spirit with which Fornacina (the "little oven") is named. The estate's 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (a certified-organic wine) is a bottle I happily recommend to those looking for under-the-radar names in Montalcino. I love the delicate and bright nature of this wine and the subtle manner in which the wine's acidity and lean-bodied texture enlivens the palate." Wine Advocate

The individual parcels (micro-locations) on Etna are called Contrade and the Contrada Passochianche (PC) is the Chardonnay Cru from the magic hand of Andrea Franchetti. As early as 2000, he had planted Chardonnay here at an altitude of about 900 metres with a high vine density. The 2018 vintage marked the debut of a wine that impressively reflects the sum of Franchetti's many years of experience on Etna. Like all Contrade wines, it has its very own personality and demonstrates very clearly how a grape variety gains its very own form of expression in different locations. Just 2,660 bottles of this fresh, characterful and salty-mineral Chardonnay were filled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant light straw yellow with silver reflections. Opens with notes of flint, then fresh apple, pear and some capers. Good tension on the palate, very juicy, shows well-developed fruit, long finish." Falstaff

"Baked apples and pears, laced with white flowers, are complemented by hints of raw almond as the 2020 Bianco Contrada Passochianche (PC) blossoms in the glass. It’s elegant and silky in feel, with ripe melon and inner florals that cascade across the palate, as a core of minerality and hints of spice reveal themselves toward the close. The 2020 tapers off incredibly long with a bitter twang, as hints of young peach and inner herbal tones fade. The Passochianche is just a baby today, yet it’s packed full of potential. The balance here is unreal. It hails from high-elevation vines planted in deep, sandy volcanic soils." Vinous

"A single parcel chardonnay from Contrada Guardiola that delivers a poised and focused white with depth and intensity. Crushed lime and mineral. Some honeysuckle." James Suckling

Clear, relatively cool, polished and deep nose with fine berry tones, a little dry herbs, pepper, hints of tobacco, ash and floral nuances. Taut, tart, fresh and precise fruit with noticeable acidity and present, fine tannins. Dense and persistent on the palate, smoky traces, some dry herbs, salt in the background, very good depth. For all its power, elegant style with a hint of bitter chocolate, very good, taut, tangy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine has aromas of cherry pits, plums, nutmeg, cedar and some balsamic. It is full-bodied with tangy acidity and spicy, fleshy layers of fruit accompanied by sinewy tannins. A little linear. Powerful finish." James Suckling

"The La Gerla 2018 Brunello di Montalcino La Pieve also shows a thicker and more concentrated side, similar to the Brunello annata. I would argue that this density even goes a step further, with more texture and weight perceived on the palate. This powerful, full-bodied approach is accompanied by ripe cherries, blackberries, smoked spices and leather. There is a hint of sour fruit on the finish." Wine Advocate

"Deep and savoury, this red shows aromas of black cherry, blackberry, eucalyptus, rosemary, iron and earth. With assertive tannins, this finishes with a chewy, compact feel." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino La Pieve exudes ripe strawberry and blueberry fruit in the glass, accompanied by crushed stone and violet pastilles. It is silky-soft and supple, with a depth of ripe red and black berries supported by a core of vibrant acidity. The final is of great depth and length, along with classic tannins that slowly fade lavender-scented plums and a hint of cocoa. The 2018 La Pieve is a real charmer." Vinous

"Raw material of great crispness for this new jewel, result of Sergio Rossi's vision. Notes of red plums on the nose, hints of undergrowth and wild mint, rhubarb on the finish. The mouthfeel is juicy and taut, with succulent tannins, mentholated notes return on the finish." Luca Gardini

"The sanguine, umami nose is a well-laid charcuterie board of carpaccio, Parmesan, dried tomatoes, olives and a cup of pomegranate seeds, with a dusting of oregano and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. The palate turns sweeter and juicier with dried fruit, but the tomatoes and herbs linger through a sophisticated, bitter finish." Wine Enthusiast

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

"Bright ruby red colour with delicate garnet-red rim highlights. Alternating cherry fruit and cigar box on the nose. Harmonious and fresh on the palate, lively acidity, well-integrated tannins, lots of marzipan on the finish, lingers for a remarkably long time." Falstaff

"San Polo is located on the south-eastern flank of Montalcino. Monte Amiata rises above the estate and provides a constant breeze that keeps the humidity low. The 16 hectares are divided into eight plots and are blended depending on the vintage. The brick-coloured 2018 opens with aromas of charcoal, then is joined by smoky wild berries, dried orange peel and a hint of juniper. The core is richly concentrated without being overbearing, while supple tannins fill the mouth with an assertive, balanced structure. It finishes with an earthy hint of liquorice root." Decanter

"Shows earthy, rustic aromas that hint at a slight reduction, giving way to flavours of plum, cherry, rose, juniper, eucalyptus and iron. The powerful tannins characterise the compact finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino, a certified organic wine, shows a savoury character that accompanies the wine from start to finish on the palate. There is a core of black fruit, but the real highlight is the spicy contour of dark chestnut shells, acacia honey, ploughed earth and roasted rosemary that fills the balloon of the glass. This Brunello finishes on an acidic note and shows tannins that could use a few more years to soften. This is a wine of medium concentration." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of sour plums, cherry stones, bark and iodine, with some dried herbs. So fresh, tangy and flavourful, with bright berry fruit and savoury moss notes. Fine and integrated tannins. Medium body. Everything is about balance." James Suckling

"The mainly earthy, sanguine nose is enlivened by the slightly tart sweetness of the plums. This pleasant dynamic continues on the palate before finally giving way to a chocolaty, coffee-like finish. Firm but supple tannins provide structure, while the acidity brings warmth." Wine Enthusiast

"South-east of the denomination, a project of the Allegrini family, still relatively young but at the highest quality level, like this 2018. Pomegranate on the nose, with a hint of wild mint and juniper. Crisp on the palate, with salty tannins and a fruity-menthol finish." Luca Gardini

Morei (dark in Trentino dialect) is an original red wine that is true to its terroir and yet irresistibly elegant and refined. Warm, dense and mineral like the soil on which it grows. Morei is protected from cold northerly winds by the nearby, abruptly rising rock faces.

Morei Cilindrica is the Demeter-certified Teroldego cru in Riserva quality and a racy wine with intense and mineral-driven flavours. The vineyard is planted in an old river bed lying in rocks and sand. This and the 12 months of ageing in cylindrical amphorae give the site wine its terroir-typical, clear profile. SUPERIORE.DE

"Vibrant, wild, dark-red fruit, a little peppery. The tannins are extremely fine, especially for Teroldego, and increase the freshness of the fruit. pep, tender texture. Delicate and long." Jancis Robinson

"The 2018 Teroldego Morei Cilindrica smells of wild berries, melon and gravel. It is soft with a deep minerality, but also with juicy acids that create a lively and joyful feel, even as the tart wild berries saturate. It leaves a subtle layer of tannin and a hint of spice as it finishes dry and fresh. This limited edition version of Morei has spent an extra year on a Cilindrica Amphora, which essentially means two years of refinement." Vinous

Sgarzon is a single vineyard, hardly more than a kilometre from Morei as the crow flies, but here the Noce has deposited more sand in the upper soil layers, the plot is more open and thus less protected from cold winds. The grapes ripen about a week later. Teroldego Sgarzon is fabulous, filigree and yet full of richness and energy from the attack to the final.

Sgarzon Cilindrica is a Demeter-certified Teroldego Cru in Riserva quality and a delicate wine that is at the same time full of richness and energy from the start to the final. The extended ageing of 12 months in cylindrical amphorae underlines the character of the site wine once again in an impressive way. Only 350 bottles of this "project wine" were bottled! SUPERIORE.DE

There are not 8,000 bottles of this great Brunello, a powerful and at the same time highly elegant wine. Ettore and Enrica Bandirola learned how to make wine from scratch at no less than Giancarlo (Siro) Pacenti. Insider tip! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino shows impressive balance with a dark appearance that is not heavy and a compact texture that remains light and elegant all at once. Bold cherry fruit segues to licorice, tar and tangy cedar wood. The wine is silky and fresh with moderate to long persistence." Wine Advocate

"Dark and mysterious, this red offers plum, black cherry, leather, leafy tobacco and tar flavors. Fresh and lifted up by a layer of beefy tannins, lingering with a spicy, underbrush aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"A red with plenty of ripe and floral fruit on the nose as well as orange peel and cherry. Full body, linear and very fine with beautiful fruit. White pepper, too. Shows energy." James Suckling

"Elegantly scented, this fragrant red opens with scents of perfumed berry, iris, pipe tobacco and exotic spice. The vibrant linear palate evokes juicy cranberry, sour cherry and star anise framed in tightly wound fine-grained tannins while bright acidity provides balance. A savory saline note lingers on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

Franciacorta satèn brut with a clear bouquet of yellow fruit and medicinal herbs and a fresh style. Crisp fruit flavours of peach, citrus and melon in harmony with the opulent creaminess of freshly baked brioche. Very relaxed and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Distinctive golden yellow colour with fine perlage. Intense nose of hazelnut, buttery toast, followed by baked apple and hints of tropical fruit. Builds gently and elegantly on the palate with a soft mousse, great balance, lingers for a long time." Falstaff

"The 2019 Brut Satèn Vintage Collection tempts the imagination as an airy bouquet of dried flowers, toasted brioche, orange sorbet and hazelnut wafts up from the glass. This soothes with silken bubbles and juicy acidity as a savory wave of white pit fruits and gingery spice cascade across the palate. Long and spicy, the 2019 leaves the senses reeling with youthful tension as hints of orange zest mingle with a salty flourish through the remarkably fresh finale." Vinous

"Intense nose of white pepper, orange blossom, white peaches and apricots with deep cedar notes. The medium body has a round mousse, a citrusy palate and a zesty, persistent acidity. The long finish is savoury and creamy." James Suckling

Massimo Piccin lives the dream of giving new expression to Bordeaux grapes from Bolgheri and producing wines that combine power, elegance and longevity. And so the Sapaio magnificently offers its full, vital and tannin-rich style and takes a lot of time for the finish. Once again, part of the grapes come from Bibbona, i.e. outside the Bolgheri DOC, so that this great wine is only allowed to bear the label Toscana IGT. Truly no reason to mope ...

Beautiful, animating bouquet of blackcurrants, blueberries, lavender and a delicate hint of chocolate. Firm, full-bodied, multi-layered on the palate with an attractive extract sweetness, finely woven but definitely present tannin and a resting, seamless substance that leaves nothing to be desired until the long and tasty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Polished aromas of blueberries, mulberries, baking spice, sandalwood and rosemary. It’s full-bodied with tight, chewy tannins. Structured and layered with a fleshy texture. Try from 2023." James Suckling

"The 2018 Sapaio is distinguished by a lovely dark garnet-toned appearance that is deep and thickly concentrated but not without its shimmer and shine. Massimo Piccin shows a deft hand in a vintage that was not easy along the Tuscan coast. This wine is especially bright and focused in terms of its aromas, with black fruit, plum and ripe blackberry. Hints of spice and pipe tobacco add vertical lift and softness. The finish is leaner than we've seen in the past, but that 2018 austerity suits this wine well." Wine Advocate

The latest addition to Vajra's Barolo line-up comes from a 1.5 hectare parcel 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 in a natural way. This very accessible Barolo presents itself straightforward, forward and impresses even at a young age with its refreshing frankness. A very precise bouquet of cherry, plum, liquorice, spices and menthol. On the palate, a wide and multi-layered arc of fruit with lots of juice and power, supporting tannins and a full, long and mineral-minty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, luminous ruby red. Rich nose with floral notes of violets, roses and a slight hint of blood orange. The palate is juicy, light, with well-integrated tannins and a pleasant aftertaste. Nice acidity, fresh and mineral finish." Falstaff

"Very clean red-berry fruit on the nose, together with citrus and cedar notes. Medium body with fine-grained tannins and a tight bead of fruit at the end." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo Coste di Rose is a delicate, understated Barolo that will need a bit of time to fully emerge. There's lovely purity to the fruit here, but also some angular contours that need to resolve. The 2018 is a mid-weight wine in the style of the vintage, and yet there is fine balance." Vinous

"Plenty of hidden depth of black cherry and plum. Notes of Raspberry and strawberries with complexity and a fine balance and length." Decanter

"With fruit from above the village of Barolo, the G.D. Vajra 2018 Barolo Coste di Rose shows a large aromatic scope and ample substance. This vineyard is characterized by very high density Diano sandstone, which explains the wine’s bigger sensorial impact. Its texture is velvety and smooth, and the wine offers lots of purple and red fruits with soft earth and perfumed flower. The vintage is open knit and broad in scope, perhaps lacking some of the brilliant focus you get in the cooler years." Wine Advocate

The even stricter selection of the grapes in 2017 led to a total of half the number of bottles compared to previous vintages. The result, however, is impressive: An extremely attractive bouquet with earthy notes, only gradually revealing ripe strawberries, spicy herbs, leather and a little coffee. As it progresses, spicy orange peel, sour cherry and mint, followed by salty minerals. The lively acidity ensures that the wine remains fresh and supple despite its compact structure. The initially firm tannins gracefully envelop the pretty fruit core with further aeration, and in the long final we then discover sweet spices and traces of white pepper. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Sassetti Livio Pertimali 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is quite bright and lifted with cherries and fresh fruits that pop from the glass. The primary intensity is radiant in this wine, setting it apart from many of its peers. It covers the palate with mid-weight intensity, nice acidity and silky tannins. The brightness you get here is so attractive now, so I see little reason to wait much longer before pulling this cork." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known with a burst of dusty black raspberries, mentholated herbs, crushed ashen stone and dark flowery undergrowth. Silky-smooth and round in feel, it impresses with a cooling wave of mint-infused wild berry fruits mixed with balsamic spices and wood-smoked salts. While the 2017 doesn’t have the weight and density you’d expect from such a young Pertimali, yet it makes up for it with grace and purity, leaving a light coating of tannins and minerals to mingle throughout the finale." Vinous

"Black cherry and mushroom with some dried flower undertones. Full-bodied with fine velvety tannins and a juicy and succulent finish. The tannins are very polished for a 2017. Try from 2023 onwards." James Suckling

"One of the founding wineries of the Brunello Consortium, an ancient wisdom that proceeds in the line of tradition to realize wines of excellence. The nose is neat and intriguing, with small red fruits, touches of red currant, star anise and undergrowth, with a finish of freshness, on the notes of wild mint. The mouthfeel is juicy and dense, closing with officinal return." Luca Gardini

40 years Brunello di Montalcino by Casanova di Neri: Intense bouquet of sour cherry with nuances of chocolate, spices, liquorice and herbs. Energetic and highly vital on the palate. Wonderfully layered and seamlessly integrated dark fruit flavours open up with each sip, paired with a subtle vein of salt. Its tannins are like velvet and silk, the long, sweeping finish reveals that Sangiovese excellence we love so much at Casanova di Neri! SUPERIORE.DE

"Also convincing in this vintage: Scents of cherries, flowers and herbs; intense on the palate, robust texture, lots of character and juice, excellent length on complex notes of wild berries and spices. Pleases with its complexity and elegance." Vinum

"Dense, still closed bouquet with dark red and blue fruits reminiscent of plum and dark cherry, clearly tobacco and chocolate as well as balsamic nuances. Powerful, immensely compact, but materially melting palate with juicy contours, quite different from the warm 2017, much more grippy with a tightly gripping, densely meshed, but definitely sweet tannin. final grippy and animated with cranberry juice. Good future potential." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby-garnet with brightening rim. Appealing nose with notes of blood orange, cranberries and crisp cherries, Mediterranean herbs in the background. Shows very good tension on the palate, lots of juicy fruit, fine-meshed tannin, saline, a classic." Falstaff

"Lots of clean cherry and plum character on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with dense, chewy tannins and a long finish. Nice freshness to the fruit, but give the tannins a year or two to settle. 40th anniversary bottling. Best from 2024." James Suckling

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino keeps me returning to the glass to savour its pretty bouquet of dusty flowers, exotic spices and dried strawberries. The palate is like pure silk, seamless and supple, with a depth of dark red fruits and mineral tones that give a more tactile feel towards the finish. Balsamic herbs, cedar and tobacco resonate on the long and dramatic final, while fine tannins frame the experience with youthful poise. As is often the case, Casanova di Neri is a master at producing one of the region's most balanced and enjoyable Brunellos." Vinous

"The Casanova di Neri 2018 Brunello di Montalcino, with a special commemorative label celebrating its 40th anniversary (1978-2018), is lush and carefully concentrated to offer intensity and richness of structure. The bright fruit remains intact in this wine, with plenty of cherry and blackberry, an encouraging indication of the future cellar potential of this bottle. Many Brunellos from this vintage show faded or dried fruit, but fortunately not this wine. The acidity is mild and fades gently into the background, and the tannins are well integrated." Wine Advocate

"A bright, fruity style that offers aromas of cherries, strawberries, currants, white pepper and minerals. Accents of almonds and earth emerge on the finish. It stands out for its balance and pleasant length." Wine Spectator

"Another fundamental label from Casanova di Neri, a compendium of craftsmanship and territorial vocation. Black raspberry, with balsamic and officinal notes, like sage, on the nose, then liquorice nuances. The mouthfeel is iodine-juicy, with a return of medicinal herbs and liquorice." Luca Gardini

Silvia Imparato's noble Montevetrano is one of Riccardo Cotarella's first creations and certainly one of his most important to this day. Deep ruby red with violet reflections. Rich aromas of dark plums, blackcurrants, cedar, graphite and minerals on the captivating nose. Clean, fresh, juicy on the palate with an engaging, refined texture. There are liquorice and violet aromas on the long, graceful and layered finish. A very promising, still young Montevetrano with a great future! SUPERIORE.DE

"There’s a decidedly floral and spicy character to the 2018 Montevetrano (Colli di Salerno) that captivates the senses and pulls you close to the glass. Its fruit is more lifted and high-toned than usual, as blackberries mix with currants and crushed violets. A wave of stone dust and minerals translates directly from the nose to the palate, as its initially-silky textures are quickly firmed up by a core of strict acidity and grippy tannins that settle in toward the close. This is incredibly long but also achingly structured, currently holding back much of its fruit, and instead showing inner rose tones and hints of black tea. The 2018 will require a number of years to fully blossom; yet once it does, you can expect a very pretty and perfumed vintage of Montevetrano." Vinous

"A suave, full-bodied red, with plush tannins firming the rich blackberry coulis and blueberry fruit. It's layered and harmonious, with hints of bay leaf, graphite and mineral unfurling on the palate and through to the racy finish." Wine Spectator

"A red with plum and cherry character with hints of bark, mushroom and clove. It’s full-bodied with layers of fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Needs time to soften, but structured and beautiful. Such finesse with strength. Really impressive. Try after 2022." James Suckling

Castello di Ama, one of the highest vineyards in the Classico region, produces one of the most delicious wines in its appellation every year with Ama. The grapes come from the single vineyards Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo, Bertinga and Montebuoni. A fresh wine with youthful charm and flavours of cherry, plum and spices. Complex, full-bodied and with fine-grained tannins on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, bright ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Spicy, fruity and slightly fleshy on the nose with aromas of cranberries, wild berries and some undergrowth. Delicate fruit flavours on the palate, good balance and still a little youthful tannin." Falstaff

"The 2022 is full of youthful vim. Scents of cinnamon, red plum and dark cherry percolate on the nose, and red rose lurks in the background. Medium in weight, it offers a mouthful of cherry pits and gravelly stones inflected with white pepper. Very juicy, peppy acidity joins a light, chalky tannin frame." Decanter

"The 2022 Chianti Classico Ama opens with a burst of dark red cherry/plum fruit. Vibrant and generous, with bright acids, the Ama is an absolute delight. Its forward personality and impeccable balance make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so." Vinous

"The fresh and floral nature of this wine is more than evident, with black cherry and orange undertones. The palate is medium-bodied and refined, with silky tannins and mineral highlights. Tangy and crisp at the end." James Suckling

Walter Massa's single-vineyard Timorasso Costa del Vento is made by a cold maceration of about 40 hours, a subsequent fermentation of about 12 months in stainless steel tanks under regular batonnage of the yeast for about 12 months. It is stronger and richer than the basic Timorasso and therefore needs more attention and further bottle ageing.

Impressive, almost lush bouquet of green and yellow stone fruit, plus notes of roasted nuts, honey and peach puree. Very powerful and multi-layered on the palate, almost viscous, but always precisely defined and without any sweetness. The fascination of this great white wine will only fully reveal itself in a few years, but its power and simultaneous balance already make it one of the most amazing and leading Timorasso monuments of the Colli Tortonesi. SUPERIORE.DE

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three micro-vineyards, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

CeniPrimo is a single-varietal Sangiovese from soils shaped by a former river course. It is a 6.4 hectare site planted in 1998 with southwest exposure. This site is in a valley on the Arbia River, and the soils are very complex at this point with alluvium and clay that is low in organic matter and lower in limestone. From our tasting, it seems to be the most nuanced and diverse of the three single vineyard Gran Selezione.

Intense, fresh and bright bouquet of violets and wild spicy notes. In the drink, an elegant acidity and fine mineral slate traces. Cherry, blackberry, plum, white pepper and a little rosemary lead the perfectly structured drop into a never-ending and multi-layered finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A complex, concentrated red wine with seductive aromas of cherries, blackcurrants, violets, minerals and spices. Dry and powerful, with a firm, mineral finish. It shows good balance and a long-lasting aftertaste, combining the fruity, mineral and spicy elements." Wine Spectator

"Straightforward fruit and floral aromas, then subtle spice too; the tannins powdery, well underpinned by the acidity, the finish on notes of sun-ripened berries. Pleases with its verve." Vinum

"The CeniPrimo, the lowest of Ricasoli's three crus, comes from a site 300 metres above sea level in the Arbia Valley on river soils. As a result, it is darker and earthier compared to the other two crus, grippier and also with an amazing acidity. There is a hint of creaminess in the background, with notes of earth, pepper and wood. It's very tasty and vertical, with balsamic freshness and beautiful purity, but definitely needs more time to show its best side." Decanter

"The Barone Ricasoli 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio CeniPrimo opens with a medium-dark, saturated appearance and a slightly more concentrated feel, with aromas of cherry liqueur, blackberries, spices and sweet earth. Thanks to the lower-lying vineyards and silty riverbed soils, this wine is a little fruitier and richer in texture. However, this wine also offers a touch of lively freshness on the finish, and that makes a big difference in a warm vintage like this. It remains very balanced throughout." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of firm-to-the-bite cherries with citrus peel. Flowers, like red roses, also come through clearly. Medium to full body, with open-grained tannins that cling like cashmere. Powerful, fresh and lively. Give this wine three to five years to develop." James Suckling

Walter Massa's single vineyard Timorasso Montecitorio is created through a cold maceration of about 40 hours, a subsequent fermentation of about 12 months in stainless steel tanks under regular batonnage of the yeast for about 12 months.

Timorasso Montecitorio smells of orange confit, petrol, wild flowers and honey. Rich and complex in the glass, it takes on Riesling-like nuances of minerality. After some aeration (or better: further bottle ageing), it reveals countless layers of aromas and a depth that, together with its overall exotic feel and salty notes, make Montecitorio distinctive and great! SUPERIORE.DE

Every year, the San Lorenzo is the result of the best grapes from the 4 classic Ama vineyards and only a few thousand bottles are sold in specialised shops and upmarket restaurants. Full bouquet of graphite, mint and black cherry. Lots of character and structure on the palate, with all the elegance that only the best Sangiovese bring to the glass. Distinctive tannins promise fantastic ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"A very seductive San Lorenzo that comes across as powerful and incredibly complex. Tobacco, cinnamon and fine leather, cherries, blackberries and dark chocolate combine to create a
cool, stimulating flavour. Full-bodied and compact on the palate, smoky, with finely polished tannins, creamy but with a firm minerality, some dark chocolate and vanilla on the finish, needs maturity." Weinwisser

"Intriguing aromas of raspberries, violets and pleasant spice; vibrant on the palate, the tannins are powerful and well integrated, the final is fruit-driven and extremely long. Always a reliable Gran Selezione from Marco Pallanti." Vinum

"Elegant, sparkling ruby colour with a thin, garnet-red rim. Delicate bouquet with earthy, smoky notes, plus fine cherry and wood spice. Pleasantly juicy on the palate, harmonious interplay of fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity, very long." Falstaff

"A fragrant blend of dusty Mediterranean vegetation ranges from tarragon and fennel to chamomile and lavender. Accents of spicy oak filter through to the palate, where a lush, cocoa-speckled plum melds with supple, velvety tannins. The acidity has a citrusy tang, and sneaky, salty minerals add an extra zest. This medium-bodied beauty is now graceful and engaging." Decanter

"The Castello di Ama 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo, made from a selection of the best Sangiovese wines (with a touch of Merlot and Malvasia Nera) from different parcels, is edgy and dark with a continuous line of dark minerality and crushed rock. This dry mineral note forms a precise frame around dark fruit and oak spice. The wine has drying tannins and a long, polished finish." Wine Advocate

"A ripe style with flavours of plums, blackberries and pomegranates underpinned by iron, wild herbs and spice accents. Straightforward, despite the lush fruit, with a firm underpinning of tannins lining the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is fabulous. It offers an irresistible blend of blackberry, graphite, crushed rock, spice, lavender and black pepper, with a striking inner sweetness, superb mid-palate suppleness and balance, all in a medium-bodied style that will be approachable with minimal cellaring. San Lorenzo remains an archetype for contemporary Chianti Classico. Due to strict selection, production will be reduced by around 30% in 2020." Vinous

"Aromas of black cherries with flowers and dried orange slices. Medium-bodied with very firm tannins and a firm and racy finish. It is polished yet powerful. Give this wine at least four or five years to open up." James Suckling

Brilliant ruby red, a fully ripe berry bouquet with warm spicy, mushroom and cocoa notes on the nose. Rich and juicy on the palate with sweet oak and lush fruit. Ravera Riserva ends with a firm finish that once again reveals ripe fruit and polished tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, rich ruby garnet colour. Fragrant and inviting nose of fresh wild strawberries, violets and elderberries, with fine sweet spices on the finish. Polished on the palate with a remarkably juicy undertone, gripping tannins accompany the attack and finish, pithy finish." Falstaff

"Bright ruby red colour. Complex nose of cherry, iron and blood orange with a hint of oak. Juicy, lush fruit with grippy but fine tannins. Lots of juice and fruit, with long, subliminal tannins. Fantastic bite and juiciness on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Very pleasant, fruity aromas of sweet wild strawberries and crushed raspberries are followed by a full-bodied palate with fine, firm tannins and plenty of fruit flavour that fades into a nutty, creamy aftertaste." James Suckling

Our insider tip for years - only 9,000 bottles are coming onto the world market this year from the 2015 vintage! What hardly anyone knows: Enrica and Ettore learned how to make wine from none other than Giancarlo Pacenti.

The grapes for this vinophile masterpiece come from a small vineyard in Castelnuovo dell'Abate. Deep, full-bodied expression with warm aromatic layers that give an impressive intensity to the bouquet of dark plum, blackberry, dried cherry, liquorice, tar, black truffle and leather. Then on the palate a beguiling extract sweetness, again very complex and resonant, in silent harmony with the characteristics of the exceptional terroir. The 36 months very slow aging in large oak barrels sort for a wonderful harmony and a very good aging potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ample and round, sporting cherry, plum, earth and saline flavors. Well-mannered tannins are integrated, lending an overall impression of freshness. Fine length. Best from 2023 through 2040." Wine Spectator

"Deep red-ruby. Almost hypnotic aromas of ripe red cherry, black cherry-cola, incense, violet, dried rose and minerals. Structured and sweet red and darker fruit flavors are graceful and finely etched, picking up savory spice and floral elements with aeration. Perhaps a touch less multifaceted than some other Brunellos from this estate, but brimming with early appeal and enough balance to easily last another fifteen to twenty years in a good cellar." Vinous

"Here's an elegant and classic expression of the vintage. The Sesta di Sopra 2015 Brunello di Montalcino shows solid balance with its dark fruit flavors offset by tart cherry and fresh menthol. The oak tones are nicely tucked in and integrated, offering substance that builds the wine's structure but does not take away from its elegance. Balanced acidity adds a pretty touch to the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful ripeness, but also balance on the nose, which features cinnamon, dried cedar, dried plums, dark chocolate and licorice. Expansive and comprehensive on the palate with outward-veering tannins and lots of treacle-tart undertones. Chewy and decadent. Drink from 2025." James Suckling

Ceretto vinifies four masterful site Baroli with the Bricco Rocche, Bussia, Brunate and Prapò. If you cannot decide between these wines, you will find this excellent alternative in the winery's basic Barolo.

Elegant, bright ruby red. Dark intensity with great aromatic richness, including ripe cherry and raspberry, paired with noble spice and gentle use of wood. Fruity and floral notes are followed by traces of iron and a delicate portion of liquorice. The aromas are delicate and fragile, and the wine cleverly hides its power in the soft folds of its slender, medium-weight mouthfeel. Polished and clear on the palate, spreads out with delicate creamy tannins, salty undertones, great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with light garnet reflections. The nose is light and elegant with notes of cherry, raspberry and blood orange followed by elegant spice. The palate is juicy with a spicy aftertaste. Pleasant length and persistence." Falstaff

"A round red, boasting plum, cherry, mint, iron and tar flavors. The tannins are firm but meld nicely already at this young stage, leaving room for an aftertaste of fruit, savory, earth and mineral notes on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Very floral and attractive already on the nose. Bright and clean fruit on the palate with medium body, dusty and fine tannins and a chewy finish. Solid and age–able. From organically grown grapes. Very well made for the vintage. Best after 2024." James Suckling

"The organic 2018 Barolo falls in line with vintage expectations with a very smooth and silky personality that caresses the palate. Dark rose, cherry and licorice cede to a polished, mid–weight palate." Wine Advocate