SALE

The grapes for Roberto's "entry-level Barolo" come from four of his best vineyards, which are harvested a few weeks earlier than those reserved for his Grand Crus. It is also the most balanced of his Barolo wines, even if the fruit and acidity are anything but restrained, but the proportions are just right here. The structure is great, its length and elegance inspiring - the refined layered components such as raspberry, cherry and its subtle salty vein make it without doubt one of the most serious wines of the entire appellation - a real Voerzio for comparatively little money. SUPERIORE.DE

"A fine and straightforward red with dark berries, bark, mushrooms and a hint of dried spices. Firm and racy tannins and a flavourful finish. Dried orange peel. Needs four or five years to mellow." James Suckling

"Refined nose, notes of red blackberry in jam, then star anise, touches of red orange and rosehip. The mouthfeel is taut, complex and intense, with salty tannins and a fruity-spicy return." Luca Gardini

Emanuele Pangrazi is probably Lazio's most ambitious winemaker at the moment. With his extreme planting density and radical yield restriction, he is following a path that is trend-setting for Lazio. After he had fundamentally analysed his terroir and also the climatic conditions, it was clear to him in 2006 that he would plant mainly French grape varieties here according to the principle of the great wines of the Rhone. In addition to his famous Cuvée Habemus (Etichetta Bianca) and the San Giovenale Rosso (assemblage from two vintages of Habemus), he also vinifies four single-varietal Habemus wines, but these are absolutely small.

Habemus Etichetta Rossa, with a production volume of approx. 1,000 bottles, is a pure Cabernet Franc of the absolute extra class. Deep dark ruby red. The bouquet is broad, complex and elegant with a balsamic carpet of graphite, cinchona bark, blood orange and rhubarb. As it progresses, notes of Mediterranean scrub, sweet spices and cherries open up. The palate is full, punchy and warm, the tannins are silky and the alcohol fully integrated. On the finish, those beguiling balsamic notes and sweet spices reappear. If you have patience, you will be richly rewarded with this rare exceptional wine! SUPERIORE.DE

Barolo Riserva Ravera Vigna Elena is a beautiful wine from Elvio Cogno and, not surprisingly, as is so often the case, the best from the collection of the family-run winery from Novello. It is aged in large Slavonian oak barrels and produced only in selected vintages. It exudes delicate truffle notes and aromas of wild berries with a hint of exotic spice. The wine is soft, lush and well-structured, and it makes your mouth water. This Barolo shows the power and inner structure of the Ravera Cru and should age beautifully over the next two decades. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just medium ruby red with orange reflections. Still very backward and closed on the nose. Amazing depth and fine mineral notes coming out of the glass. Wonderful richness of cherry fruit, underpinned by long, velvety tannins. Juicy integrated acidity. Perfect balance. Hedonistic without sacrificing elegance." Jancis Robinson

"Needs some aeration, but then aromas of wild berries, pepper and flowers entice, well cushioned by the wood; in the mouth harmonious and yet with race, the tannins promising and well integrated, intense and yet of great elegance the final." Vinum

"The Barolo Riserva Ravera Vigna Elena 2017 is a very beautiful, aromatic wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, spices and mint give the Vigna Elena its characteristic aromas. The 2017 is a very nice medium-bodied Barolo and very graceful. I imagine it will drink well with minimal ageing." Vinous

"Notes of dried cherries and strawberries, ground spices, ripe orange peel, walnuts and sandalwood. Medium to full-bodied. The tannins are velvety and well integrated with a dusty texture. Complete and balanced with a polished finish." James Suckling

"This is Cogno's top wine, a micro-vinification of the rosé Nebbiolo clone from an even more tightly defined parcel. The 2017 Barolo Riserva Ravera Vigna Elena is a hot-season expression with a broad and rich personality that matches the character of the growing season. In addition to this textural support, this wine is also more approachable and ready to go. Blackberries mingle with liquorice roots, cola and spices." Wine Advocate

"Bright, medium dense garnet red. Finely marked nose with rich notes of raspberry, some pickled peach, fresh plum in the background. Shows very interwoven on the palate, pithy tannin, well integrated as it progresses, has rich pressure, fine spice in the finish, lots of tobacco." Falstaff

"This 2017 shines with its elegance of Parma violets combined with cinnamon spice, an understated soapy rosewater scent and a spicy depth of camphor and subtle balsam. The attack is velvety, full, smooth and refreshing. The palate is dominant, and the finish shows a glycerine layer and lifted acidity with extremely elegant tannins." Decanter

"Supple and with aromas of cherries, raspberries, roses, liquorice and minerals, this Barolo is complex, harmonious and long. The silky texture is as important as all the other elements that make this wine so compelling. Excellent length on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Though it was a very dry year, this vintage still managed to keep its impressive elegance. The wine opens with enticing aromas of wild cherry, fresh and dried roses, incense, wild herbs and savory spice. The palate is an example of thoughtfulness and craft with a core of deep wild berries, black tea, and crushed stones that are all supported by supple tannins and lifted acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Graci's third vintage, Sopra il Pozzo, is a "selection from the selection" and comes from the Arcurìa vineyard. It is the red archetype of an Etna Rosso, a Nerello cru with the clear DNA of the volcanic-stony terroir. Pale ruby with orange highlights, the nose has candied fruit, cooling firewood, some aniseed and herbs. On the palate, it is silky without being slippery, its subtle wood and delicate acid wire harmonising perfectly with the flanking tannin into an unforgettable, mineral-salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Graci's top-shelf red, the 2017 Etna Rosso Arcurìa Sopra il Pozzo has started to embrace the complexity that comes with bottle aging, and there are hints of spice, leather, dried fruit and more tertiary definition overall. The 2017 vintage was also very hot and dry, and the wine's open-knit presentation is surely due to those conditions. It offers accessible drinking. It wraps thickly over the palate with fine, dry tannin and lots of dried cherry and cassis. Production is 2,300 bottles." Wine Advocate

"Bright, sparkling cherry red. In the nose of dried roses, raspberries, cherries, gentle orange blossom, in addition fine cold smoke, distantly reminiscent of red peach. Very polished and round on the palate, taut with salt, energetic and with fine pressure, everything is in its place, spicy on the final, drinks very well." Falstaff

"Sweet berry and cherry flavours with a creamy texture and plenty of berry and spice notes on the finish. Medium to full body. Soy, oyster shell and salt." James Suckling

"The 2017 Etna Rosso Arcuria Sopra il Pozzo captivates with a blend of rich cherry sauce and sage with dusty rose and a hint of smoke. It is silky smooth, contrasted by bright acids and mineral tones and continues to gain grip as a saturation of tart wild berries sets in. The finish is long with subtle hints of spiced citrus, wild herbs and sweet, sweet tannins. What a great expression of Arcuria, a vineyard on the northern slope of Mount Etna, at an altitude of about 700 metres. The Sopra il Pozzo is a selection from the vineyard, refined for two years in perfectly integrated Stockinger barrels." Vinous

"Sopra il Pozzo" in Contrada Arcuria was identified after research in 2004 as a vineyard that differs from all the other vineyards in the area in its soil composition: alternating layers of stone and coarse sand. This wine, produced only in the best years, is traditionally fermented in oak barrels with a very long maceration period. Ageing takes place for 18 months in large oak barrels, followed by 12 months in bottle. The 2017 vintage was a difficult year and the team had to do a green harvest. The resulting wine is full of fragrant and tangy red fruits. Grainy tannins on a structured palate lead to a mineral, stony finish with hints of black cherry and balsamic. Tense, delicious and long. Very impressive." Decanter

The metal version of the popular LM-250 Black in elegant design and high-quality look is comfortable and easy to use. With a simple lever movement the cork is removed. The patented technology is specially designed for all cork types, including plastic and natural corks.

In high-quality gift box, including capsule cutter FC-110.

The grapes for the estate's classic Barolo come from the vineyards/communes of Ornato, La Serra, Briccolina in Serralunga d'Alba, Gustava and Garretti in Grinzane Cavour, Roncaglie in La Morra, Ravera in Novello and, from the 2015 vintage, also from Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba. It is more of a traditional, classic Barolo with an exciting bouquet of deep, dark fruit and a pretty potpourri of rose petals, spices, smoke and tar. It is full-bodied and firm on the palate, opening up with a lot of dense tannin, very powerful, with pressure and a full bite on the finish, designed for a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, warm red colour; red fruity, caramel, coffee-like, leafy, deep, very inviting; round, fine, then dense, warm tannin, caramel, length, pleasing." Merum

"Even the colour is surprisingly transparent and light-coloured. The entry-level Barolo has an open, attractive bouquet with freshly picked cranberries and redcurrants, persimmon, ripe cherries, playful, shimmering, linear and multi-layered. Rather cool than opulent. Very finely woven on the palate, very elegant and almost floating, a finesse piece for elegance drinkers." Weinwisser

"Clearly fleshy-animalic aroma with red berry and fine vegetal flavours, a little dried herbs, a hint of juniper and dried floral traces. Clear, taut, almost cool, tart and juicy fruit, a little cocoa, coffee and allspice, also juniper tones, present, youthful, yet very fine tannin, some bite, persistent, elegant style, very good, juicy and finely spiced finish. A beauty." Wein-Plus

"Bright, radiant ruby red colour. Delicately spicy on the nose, some cherries and raspberries, with a hint of undergrowth, medium expression overall, yet inviting. Polished on the palate, with velvety tannins, already extremely accessible, drinks excellently, salty and radiant on the final." Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Balsamic nose that slowly rises from the glass. Hints of garden herbs, brooding cherry and cranberry. Still a little tight on the nose, but more approachable on the palate with ripe, supple fruit and plenty of richness without being heavy. Lots of grainy, flavoursome tannins and a fairly firmly structured, fruit-driven finish." Jancis Robinson

"Classic bright garnet red in the glass, the wine focuses on cherry stones with tar, violets, a little camphor and sweet spices. The attack is firm and crisp, with a brilliant crispness on the palate and grainy tannins that carry through to a slightly austere finish. There's a little lack of flesh - a feature of the 2018 vintage - but this is one of the best Barolo from the village this year." Decanter

"Pio Cesare is on a roll, producing outstanding Barolo vintage after vintage. This wine is of tremendous intensity and beauty, with fragrant layers of pressed flowers, wild berries, vanilla and spice. It boasts a dark, powerful appearance and firm tannins supported by an excellent quality of fruit." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barolo Pio is once again impressive in 2018. Deep, multi-layered and so expressive, the 2018 offers an unusual elegance right from the start. The dark, mentholated aromas and flavours are fascinating. In 2018, the Barolo Pio also offers a certain depth that is rare in wines of this level. All the elements are perfectly balanced. This is a very good vintage for the Pio." Vinous

"The 2018 Barolo opens with ripe aromas of dried plums and tobacco. This vintage lacks some of the complexity of a cooler growing season, but the results are anything but monochromatic. Those tobacco flavours recede to cedar, earth, forest floor and a hint of shaved truffle." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of spicy red cherries on a loamy base, along with savoury notes of forest floor and walnut shells. Also some orange peel. Full-bodied with very fine, firm and silky tannins and lots of long, concentrated fruit and spice flavours. Good structure for 2018, best from 2024." James Suckling

Poggio Alle Gazze is a very elegant Sauvignon Blanc with a small addition of Vermentino and Viognier. Fabulously scented with flowers, pineapple, peach and a little mint. Refined and expressive on the palate, well structured and wonderfully long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seductive fruit and flower aromas, also balsamic tea aromas; juicy in the mouth, beautiful melting, with a lot of elegance and a smooth final on notes of exotic fruits. Combines elegance and power." Vinum

"Deep, serious and spicy, the Poggio alle Gazze has a hugely substantial presence, with lovely breadth and racy, lively acidity, the juicy Sauvignon fruit coming across as slightly less focused and serving to enhance the full-bodied overall impression." Weinwisser

"Bright, radiant straw yellow. In the nose clearly of Sauvignon, flint, limes and grapefruit, in addition fine salty components. Very juicy and very salty on the palate, spreads nicely across the tongue, prancing, then breaks in a bit on the back end, great aromatic food companion." Falstaff

"The 2020 Poggio Alle Gazze is a bright, aromatic white to drink now and over the next few years. White flowers, sage, mint, pear and citrus are all finely delineated. There’s great energy and focus. The Sauvignon Blanc is quite expressive in the 2020." Vinous

"The Ornellaia 2020 Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia is a delightfully fresh and tonic white blend made primarily with Sauvignon Blanc supplemented by Vermentino and Viognier. It pours from the bottle with crystalline luminosity and displays a full range of varietal flavors from lime to lemon grass, white flower and acacia. Despite the hot growing season, the wine's acidity is vibrant and bright." Wine Advocate

"The grapefruit and white-peach character is very lively in this young white, with a zesty lemon undertone to it all. It’s medium-to full-bodied with crisp acidity and a flavorful finish. I keep thinking about oysters while I taste this!" James Suckling

Barolo Prapò comes from Serralunga d'Alba and is, as expected, the most powerful and structured of the various single-vineyard wines from this ambitious winery. At the same time, it is also the most closed at the beginning and, with its introverted nature, made for a long maturing period. This site is one of the last where the grapes ripen, so they have plenty of time to develop slowly and carefully each year.

Bright, medium-bodied ruby garnet. A potpourri of floral and spicy notes on the nose, plus some peach and strawberry. Very firm on the palate with initially sinewy serralunga tannin and notes of iron, savory, menthol, licorice, lavender, preserved dark cherries and dried blackberries. With further aeration, there is a thrilling round and full mouthfeel with such precise Nebbiolo style that it is just a joy. Patience is required for this exceptional Barolo, which is guaranteed to be rewarded after further years of bottle ageing! SUPERIORE.DE

"A shade deeper than the rest, a lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Lots of concentration on the nose while poised at the same time. Much more brooding and slumbering on the palate with perfectly integrated oak and just the merest hint of cinnamon bark. A big impact of fruit on the palate without being heavy. Fantastic layer of coating tannins underneath the fruit adding structure and depth to the finish. Long tannins, enormously long strawberry flavours." Jancis Robinson

"The 2018 Barolo Prapò is a tightly wound bundle of energy. Today, the Prapò comes across as reticent, but there is enough depth beneath the tannins and acid to make me think all it needs is time to unwind. Sage, tobacco, dried leaves, licorice, leather and earthy tones add gravitas to this potent Serralunga Barolo from the Ceretto family." Vinous

"The 2018 Prapò comes across as surprisingly gracious. The floral verve that is typical of the 2018 vintage superimposes classic Serralunga aromas of forest floor and iron. Similar flavours echo on the palate along with mounting salinity and slightly powdery tannins. This is an early-drinking Barolo by Serralunga d’Alba standards." Decanter

"Star anise, camphor, rose and underbrush aromas shape the nose. On the palate, tightly wound, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity accompany cranberry, orange rind and oak-driven spice before a grippy, rather drying close." Wine Enthusiast

"Pleasant, fresh nose of raspberries and creamy minerals, colored with hints of sous-bois that verge on truffle character. Full-to medium-bodied and very silky, with a lighter framework of fine tannin this year. Long, balanced finish. Prapò is always a pretty Barolo and 2018 is no exception. Should be nicely approachable from 2024." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo Prapò is firm, structured and built like a little tank. This organic wine showcases that distinctive power that is always part of the Serralunga d'Alba playlist and defies even this lower-intensity vintage. The bouquet shows dark fruit, ferrous earth and crushed stone. The mineral character is strong in this wine." Wine Advocate

After a hot August and a relatively early harvest at the end of September, owner Christoph Künzli was more than surprised by the first barrel samples. Instead of a rather ripe, muscular red, he had a wine in his glass that could hardly be surpassed in elegance. Therefore, he opted for a longer ageing and the bottling took place only after 4 years of barrel ageing. The result is a soft, extremely complex wine with a drinkability that is further enhanced by its great texture.

Powerful nose with aromas of fine spices and small red berries. On the palate, very complex and forward: The red fruits, plums and cherries furiously play around all the taste buds. A hint of liquorice, the perfectly balanced interplay of tannin and acidity flank the aromatic charge with finesse and freshness into an almost endless final. Majestic and excellently structured.

The grapes for Christoph Künzli's top wine come from the best small vineyards of the Boca DOC. The soils there consist of humus-poor porphyry of vucan origin with a light red colour and are rich in salts and minerals. This minerality of the soils and the distinctive structure and class of the Nebbiolo grape combine in the winery's flagship to create an expressive, brilliant dream of a wine that has long enjoyed cult status among connoisseurs. SUPERIORE.DE

"Le Piane's 2011 Boca is simply dazzling. Rich, translucent and remarkably vivid, the 2011 encapsulates all the reasons the wines from Alto Piemonte are so compelling. Sweet red cherry, rose petal, chalk, blood orange and mint are front and center, but it is the wine's superb textural polish that elevates it among some pretty lofty company among the great wines of Italy. The flavors are bold and pungent, but there is also striking depth to the fruit that ensures the savory notes aren't overpowering. This is simply a magical bottle. That's all there is to it." Vinous

Chianti Classico La Casuccia from a single vineyard of the same name with Gran-Selezione status combines in its typical way exemplary excellent structure with highest elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a light garnet edge. Cool, exciting nose, opened with pronounced spicy notes, lots of cloves, some cardamom, then full of blackberry and dark cherries. Round and extremely supple at the base and in the course, it blooms beautifully, opens with fine, elegant tannins, rich draught, lots of dark berry fruit, very long aftertaste". Falstaff

"The 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is opulent and voluptuous with thick lines of dark fruit and spice that characterize the bouquet. More than heft and power, this wine delivers excellent complexity with layers of black truffle, grilled herb and cherry cola that add vertical lift." Wine Advocate

"A wine of pure femininity and grace, the 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is wonderfully fleshy and radiant in the glass. Rose petal, sweet red cherry, tobacco, mint and spices meld together as this effortless, supple wine shows off its undeniably appealing personality. Sweet, silky tannins wrap around a super-expressive finish laced with knock-out aromatics. The 2011 is firing on all cylinders today." Antonio Galloni

"Rich and modern, pure and expressive, with violet, black currant, cherry and spice flavors that ride the racy profile and dense tannic structure to a long, lingering aftertaste of fruit and spice." Wine Spectator

"Amazing aromas of crushed dark fruits with raspberry, blueberry and blackberry. Dried flowers and violets too, plus tanned leather. Full body, ultra-fine yet dense tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Stunning texture. One of the greatest Chianti Classicos ever made." James Suckling

Finely layered aroma of rose petals, red cherries, flowers, herbs and spices. Wonderful tension between primary aromas of fruit and secondary aromas of ageing in large oak. Elegant, full-bodied and muscular on the palate, impressive depth and silky tannins, long and intense. Excites already today and with a promising future. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucere Riserva blends dusty ripe cherries and earth tones, with notes of sage and exotic spice to form a slightly extroverted yet gorgeous display. It boasts creamy textures cast across a medium-bodied frame, yet it's wonderfully balanced by zesty, mouthwatering acidity. Cherries, blackberries and currants can all be found here, along with salty minerals adding a tactile feel under an air of violet florals. This is tamed by fine tannins through the finish, ending with a youthfully restrained yet fresh display. The 2015 Riserva is packed full of character and fruit-forward, it's sure to have a lot of fans." Vinous

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva le Lucére reveals rich and well-concentrated fruit with blackberry, prune and plum. The bouquet also has a moment of scorched earth or toasted oak that is quite developed and, to my palate, subtracts from the purity of the fruit. It is only made in the best years, and this edition saw 4,000 bottles produced. There are soft cherry notes on the finish." Wine Advocate

"Floral, black cherry, black currant, spice, earth and mineral flavors abound in this appealing red. Smooth and lively, offers excellent balance and a lingering aftertaste, with a complex finish that is resonant and promising." Wine Spectator

"The opulence and decadence is really something here with dried fruit, figs, meat and black truffles on the nose and palate. It's full-bodied, layered and creamy with intense, round tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Best after 2022, but already a joy to taste." James Suckling

Gulfi's top Pinò is a pure expression of Pinot Nero from Etna. When the Etna appellation began its rise about ten years ago, many producers committed themselves to growing the Burgundian grape variety on the charred slopes of this mighty volcano. Significant plantings of Pinot Nero never occurred, however, as many winemakers opted instead for the autochthonous Nerello Mascalese grape variety. Gulfi remains faithful to Pinot Nero on Etna, the grapes for Pinò come from 800 metres above sea level on the northern slope of the volcano.

It opens with a dark saturated colour and heavy aromas of dried cherries and cassis, plus a hint of floral notes. Its mouthfeel is polished and fresh, on the palate Pinò shows all the characteristics of a lean, compact but very intense wine that has plenty of tension and energy. Its slightly bitter note, a combination of cherry pits and sour citrus fruits, lasts until the tense final. Ultimately, this wine is more an expression of the Etna than the grape variety, its proud yet joyful personality making it irresistible. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Pinò, or Pinot Noir, is much darker in the glass that you might anticipate. It delivers masses of ripe black cherries and sweet autumnal spice, all engulfed in an air of crushed-stone minerality. The textures are silky, cast upon a medium-bodied frame, with tart cherry and balsam herbs energized by brisk acidity. Notes of licorice and rich plum sauce linger as this tapers off with a delicate feel. The Pinò hails from the northern slope of Etna, with vines planted in 2008 at 800 meters of elevation." Vinous

"An excellent pinot noir from Sicily? Yes! The wild-strawberry and sour-cherry nose pulls you into this ripe yet elegant red that's very silky, in spite of the healthy tannins that anchor it at the deep, dark finish. Plenty of life ahead of it!" James Suckling

"The organic Gulfi 2016 Pinò gives us a good look at Pinot Noir cultivated on the volcanic soils of Etna at an impressive 850 meters above sea level where solar luminosity is aplenty but average temperatures are cooler. With a restrained 13% alcohol content, this wine delivers elegant and lean fruit weight with steady aromas of cassis, wild cherry and summer rose. The wine's overall personality remains subdued and true to the grape with plenty of fresh berry fruit spread over a lean and crisp mouthfeel. The results are terrific in this 3,000-bottle release that should hold firm to the 10-year mark and beyond. Despite these extreme growing conditions, this wine remains elegant and pure." Wine Advocate

The 2011 edition of the Gran Selezione from the Bellavista vineyard is rich and dark with aromas of wild cherry, smoke, liquorice, menthol and tobacco. Extremely attractive and full-bodied on the palate, firm tannins form the backbone of this virile, potent wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Full, dark ruby, light violet shimmer. Opened in the nose with fine spicy notes, to sandalwood, some vanilla, then full of plums. In the beginning much present fruit, opens with dense, hearty tannin, discreet earthy notes, in the finale long reverberation, fine and elegant." Falstaff

"The 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista opens to dark concentration, bold intensity and an immediate delivery of ripe fruit flavors. Stylistically speaking, this single-vineyard Grand Selezione is extracted, muscular and extremely fruit forward. The heat of the 2011 vintage comes through loud and clear. Happily, the mouthfeel is tighter and more focused with dusty minerality on the tannins and long persistency." Wine Advocate

"Ama's 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista shows the darker, more brooding style of Sangiovese at Ama. Graphite, smoke, tar, licorice, incense and cloves wrap around a core of dark fruit. A wine of gravitas and vertical structure, the 2011 will reward several decades of cellaring. This is an unusually stern wine for the vintage though. Readers will have to be patient to experience the Bellavista at its best. Still, I can't help notice how much the 2011 has grown in bottle over the last year." Antonio Galloni

"Rich and elegant, with black cherry, black currant, violet and boysenberry flavors allied to a sleek frame. Dense and weightless at once, with a lingering aftertaste of tobacco and tea. Presents a fine balance and aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"A fresh and layered red with blackberry, blueberry and mint character. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Minerally." James Suckling

Barolo Campè occupies top positions among its high-profile competitors almost every year. Fittingly, the majestic red bears the king of beasts, a lion, on its ornate yellow label. We think: There is hardly a better graphic interpretation of this powerful, stately wine. An all-around successful experience

On the nose, aromas of flowers and berries, with notes of vanilla and a hint of rosebud, full-bodied and very concentrated, with great, initially chewy tannin and a long, powerful final. SUPERIORE.DE

"La Spinetta's 2018 Barolo Campè possesses uncommon depth for the year. There's terrific breadth in the dark red cherry/plum fruit. New leather, spice, tobacco, menthol, licorice and orange peel notes. Like all wines in 2018, the Campè is on the lighter side. Even so, proprietor Giorgio Rivetti and longtime winemaker Stefano Mazzetta clearly got the best out of the vintage." Vinous

"Boasting an orange lion on the label meant to symbolize "Barolo, the king on wines," the La Spinetta 2018 Barolo Campè Vürsù is bold, elegant and firm. In a vintage that often delivers understated wines, this expression feels especially intense, ripe and thickly layered. Dark fruit, plum, earth and spice rose from the bouquet. The tannins stand out in the 2018." Wine Advocate

"A solid and powerful 2018 with plum, earth, black truffle and mahogany aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, chewy and rich at the end for the vintage. Try after 2025." James Suckling

The Brunello Riserva PS, produced only in the best vintages and thus for the first time since 2007 again in the top vintages 2010 and 2012, has a lot to offer. Rich, structured and lively bouquet of fruit and menthol. Complex, exceptionally balanced and elegant on the palate with silky tannins and a refined finish. A highly impressive wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright ruby with garnet rim. Compact, dark berry fruit in the nose, blackberry and raspberry, fine leather note in the background. Very present on the palate, shows lots of ripe fruit, lots of cherry, some raspberry, opens up with dense, fine-meshed tannin in many chutes, firm and very long lasting on the final." Falstaff

"Riper and rounder Brunello with plums, berries and hints of dried fruit and vanilla. Full-bodied and layered with lots of fruit. Slightly extracted tannins." James Suckling

"The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva PS is absolutely impressive, but with only 4,500 bottles made, it may not prove easy to locate. This precious expression of Sangiovese exhibits a gorgeous level of intensity and power, coupled by elegance and poise. The long presentation of aromas starts with black fruit and cherry confit and continues to crushed stone, toasted spice, cola and medicinal herb. The wine's texture sticks firmly to the palate. This Brunello ages in French oak for two years." Wine Advocate

"Rich and heady in the glass, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva PS smolders up with a captivating mix of plum sauce, grilled sage, crushed rocks and a dusting of savory spice. Its velvety textures soothe the palate, nearly creamy in feel, while ushering in a wave of ripe red and black fruits complicated by saline-mineral tones that add an almost-crunchy feel toward the close. This remains structured and youthfully dry, with super-fine tannins that saturate, along with a tart wild berry concentration and subtle nuances of tangerine. Keep the 2012 buried deep for at least another few years, as this serious wine has a story that only time will tell. The PS hails from a 1.5-hectares parcel in the oldest part of the Pelagrilli vineyards in the Northeast of Montalcino. " Vinous

"A modern style, exuding coffee, vanilla, cherry and tobacco flavors. Vibrant, offering grip and picking up mineral accents as this winds down on the finish. An elegant, minerally red under the oak." Wine Spectator

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

Here comes the first vintage of the new Titolo Riserva, which will be bottled exclusively in 400 numbered magnum bottles and will thus hardly appear in the trade. A highly complex red with the scent of dried flowers, blackberry and crushed rock. The tannins are excellently integrated and this wine is already not only a coveted rarity, but a new star in the firmament of southern Italian wines. SUPERIORE.DE

"From magnum. Lustrous mid ruby. Cherry-laced palate with savoury, exotic, spice notes and liquorice. Gorgeous freshness and bite and length. Wonderful vibrant stuff." Jancis Robinson

"The 2013 Aglianico del Vulture Titolo Riserva takes things to a whole new level for Elena Fucci. It opens with an intense display of crushed cherry, exotic spices and sweet herbal tones; as the bouquet evolves, it gains haunting richness and a darker fruit profile with marine-tinged minerality and notes of lavender. Its silky textures coast along a medium-bodied framework, as a polished yet dense display of blackberry and currant gives way to saturating spice and a tightly wound web of tannin. This finishes long, intense and structured, leaving the palate drenched in black fruit concentrate, yet all lifted by residual acids. A stunning example of Aglianico and Vulture terroir." Vinous

"Here's a new discovery that I'd like to broadcast far and near. This Riserva is a new wine from Elena Fucci that was initiated with this vintage. It is a limited-edition wine made only in magnums. In fact, I tasted bottle number 1 of 400 made to write this review. The 2013 Aglianico del Vulture Superiore Riserva Titolo is a dark and savory expression with an evolved and profound bouquet that covers all the bases. It offers dried fruit and blackberry with smoke, ash and crushed river stone. That mineral identity is the wine's most important defining characteristic. Aglianico tends to deliver astringent tannins, but this Riserva shows excellent integration and structural management. A new benchmark wine for southern Italy has just been created." Wine Advocate

Rennina from the dream year 2016 is a proud parade drop - everything is in the right place here and, for the true connoisseur, a lot more besides. Deep, almost impenetrable ruby red colour. Initially a rather closed nose with mineral notes and a hint of oak sawdust. Then gravel road, mint and hints of caraway. Fleshy, powerful on the palate, with concentrated sour cherry fruit and a present but never intrusive tannin. Despite a certain opulence, it is a balanced wine that - away from the mainstream - is guaranteed to find its friends who will give it the necessary understanding, plenty of experience and patience. SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry, hot stone and dark chocolate flavours, precisely applied wood; the attack is powerful yet round, with plenty of polished tannins and an opulent finish. Combines richness and elegance." Vinum

"Rich, sparkling ruby colour with a fine garnet rim. Compact nose with notes of ripe raspberry and plum, followed by cold smoke and leather. Juicy, ripe fruit on the palate, lots of grippy tannins, with a sweet melting flavour and a firm final." Falstaff

"The two Cru Brunello from Gaja show the generous warmth and salty breeze of the Tavernelle zone in the central south-west of Montalcino. Rennina, assembled from three parcels around the church after which the winery is named, is the more extroverted of the two. It is still very young in its structure and fruit and has a lively aroma of garden herbs, juniper, liquorice and summer berries. The powerful, rich fruit is framed by polished but lush tannins. This full-bodied, impetuous Rennina will need some time to tame itself." Decanter

"Aromas of espresso, clove and liquorice mingle with balsamic notes of camphor. Elegantly structured, the focused, linear palate offers dried cherry, blood orange and star anise, framed by firm, tightly knit tannins that grip the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A hint of mint adorns the cherry, plum and tar flavours of this densely packed red wine, which feels balanced overall despite the powerful tannins, with a lingering, sanguine and ferrous finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina is captivating as balsam herbs, wilted violets, and stone dust smolder up, slowly giving way to a core of crushed blackberry. This is pure class, silky and elegant yet racy. Brisk acidity and masses of mineral-tinged dark red fruits saturate the palate, which is lifted by a orange hint toward the close as salty minerals penetrate. Like liquid stone, the 2016 remains youthfully structured, with a wall of fine tannins that grips the senses and a coating of primary concentration that promises balance for a long life. This is an absolutely stunning vintage for Rennina." Vinous

"The Pieve Santa Restituta 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina offers intensity and wonderfully concentrated fruit. The bouquet reveals layers of wild cherries, roses, blue flowers and candied orange peel. However, if you are expecting a more subdued Rennina, you will be disappointed with this classic 2016 vintage. The wine is bursting with energy and vitality, with a lifted and particularly brilliant palette of flavours. You can also detect hints of fresh peppercorns or coriander seeds, which add a touch of exoticism to the wine." Wine Advocate

"The flavours of blackberries, walnuts and chocolate are reminiscent of shaved black truffles. It is full-bodied and complex with chewy but soft tannins and a long, flavourful finish. Undertones of smoke, mahogany and damp earth. It needs three or four years to mellow and develop." James Suckling

San Leonardo is the flagship of the eponymous winery and one of the best red wines of Trentino every year. Opulent bouquet with nuances of dark fruits such as blackberry and sour cherry. Delicate spicy, leather and tobacco notes give it a terrific complexity, which is then extended on the palate by a harmonious play of dark berries, plums, the whole then flanked by clearly contoured tannin. A masterful red with a strong personality that will rise to its true greatness after a few more years of bottle ageing and live up to its reputation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich ruby red. In the nose floral aromas of lavender, geranium, then fresh cassis and elderberry, in addition some liquorice, in the background fine spice of mint and sage. Opens radiantly and with a juicy core on the palate, clear fruit accompanies the course, in addition noble spice, still youthful, currently with almost hardly perceptible wide-meshedness in the finish." Falstaff

"The 2017 San Leonardo is dark, inward and intense with masses of crushed black currants, mint, sage, and balsamic spice. This pulls you close, as further depths of clove and tobacco form in the glass. It coasts along the palate with dense and polished textural fruits, mineral to the core, yet also elevated by brisk acids, while slowly drenching the senses in concentration. This leaves a web of fine tannins and a salty flourish, while tapering off with remarkable length. It's poised with savory herbs that linger long. In 2017, production was down by over 50% due to multiple hail events and a cask that was damaged during maturation." Vinous

"You could easily mistake the stunningly deep and subtle nose of this Sub–Alpine red for a high–end Medoc wine from the same vintage (which was on the restrained side). A super–elegant, mid–weight cabernet sauvignon–dominated blend with plenty of fine tannin married to blackcurrant and forest–berry fruit, plus touches of licorice, savory notes and bitter chocolate at the very long finish." James Suckling

"The Tenuta San Leonardo 2017 San Leonardo shows subtle but unmistakable generosity and exuberance that is absolutely in line with this hot vintage. In this regard, the 2017 stands apart from past vintages from this estate that is celebrated for its elegant, undertone and long–term approach. This wine is slightly more accessible too, with plush, dark fruit, balanced oak spice and perfumed rose over a polished, silky mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

The Barolo Cannubi with its interpretation of the Nebbiolo grape, probably the purest at Altare, has been the ambitious project of daughter Silvia since 2011 and represents an exciting rounding off of the already almost unique collection. Sparkling, brightening ruby garnet. A very clear and inviting nose, smelling of ripe raspberries and plums, a little rose petals, subtle hints of cloves in the background. Round and balanced on the palate, plump ripe fruit, then starts with bundled, dense tannin, fills the palate full, a firework of spices in the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant ruby garnet. Exciting nose of ripe raspberries, ripe cranberries, in addition noble nuances of black tea, fine undergrowth in the reverberation. At first juicy and tightly woven on the palate, opens profoundly and long, with very great tension, firm pressure in the final, pure Nebbiolo elegance." Falstaff

"The 2018 Barolo Cannubi is silky and gracious, and yet there is a good deal of stuffing behind all of that Cannubi finesse. Crushed rose petal, mint, sweet dried cherry and licorice build with a bit of time. It's all class and pedigree here. Impressive." Vinous

"Fluid and elegant, boasting strawberry, cherry, rose, mineral, spice and wild herb aromas and flavors. Firm, harmonious and long, with finely wrought tannins and a graceful profile." Wine Spectator

"This is a collectors' wine that owes its high bottle price to the prestige of the Cannubi cru and availability. A mere 1,500 bottles were produced of the Elio Altare 2018 Barolo Cannubi. The Altare family was able to get a lease on this special vineyard, and the first vintage made was 2011. This wine shows classic elegance, a graceful bouquet and fine tannins that give structure to the wine's mid–weight texture." Wine Advocate

Viettis Ravera is one of the great stars of Piedmont in its precision and structure. Rose petals, chalk, pepper and a hint of pomegranate make this Barolo one of the most sought-after appellations every year. With a little storage maturity, the strong tannins give way to an elegant appearance that does not deviate one millimetre from the coveted style of this large site. A monument to Barolo, which apart from Vietti and Giacosa, only a few other Piedmontese winegrowers bring into the bottle with such consistency! SUPERIORE.DE

"This red is full of sweet ripe plum, cherry and tar flavors, accented by tobacco and underbrush notes. Thick, dusty tannins coat the gums and put a clamp on the finish for now, but this shows potential." Wine Spectator

"The beautifully fragrant roses are impossible to resist. This oozes charm. Also, there are red cherries, cocoa powder and an array of wild herbs in the mix. The palate has toned yet muscular tannins that build nicely to deliver a concentrated core of ripe red-cherry flavor that holds long, fresh and youthful. Great Barolo." James Suckling

"The 2015 Barolo Ravera is once again the head of the class at Vietti. Bright, sculpted and wonderfully nuanced, the Ravera is very pretty. Floral aromatics and the pointed, brilliant fruit that is such a Ravera signature are very much in evidence. Hints of blood orange, mint, crushed rocks and flowers add shades of complexity as the 2015 gradually opens up in the glass. This is one of the finer wines of the year. Don't miss it!" Vinous

"Starting off a bit shy and closed at first, the 2015 Barolo Ravera showed noticeably better in the sample that had been opened a few hours prior to my arrival at the winery for my annual visit. This makes perfect sense as Vietti’s wines are intentionally slow at first but are built to endure the long haul. From the Novello township, this vineyard site is recognized for it power, structure and the uniquely broad approach it shows to the palate. There is a larger span of black fruit at its core. The positioning of the Ravera cru means it is open to the elements and the cold air from the Alps, and the wines result in freshness and mineral character as well. Luca Currado describes a salty, anchovy-like aroma that does indeed appear. Otherwise, this wine shows tightly polished and glossy tannins." Wine Advocate

Dark cherries, menthol, flowers and tar are just some of the classic notes in the complex bouquet of the Bricco Pernice from the Ravera single vineyard. On the palate, the austere structure and great power are joined by a fine inner sweetness. In the long finish, memories of damp earth, dried herbs and wild flowers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. A little rich on the nose but not lacking in precision and showing great depth. Still not completely open. Brooding but with aeration becomes more floral and perfumed. Mouth-filling juicy fruit with polished, fine, almost velvety tannins. Closes up on the finish but showing impeccable balance. Outstanding for the vintage." Jancis Robinson

"Deep-set nose of bright, spicy cherry with layers of minerals, from chalk to river stones. Medium-to full-bodied with really nicely placed, still firm tannins and excellent spicy and mineral drive on the finish. There’s a cool feel to the palate. This is in the full bloom of youth and, though attractive now, will age nicely. Try from 2024." James Suckling

"This is a medium-bodied Nebbiolo from a hot vintage with a ruby-tinged appearance. The 2017 Barolo Ravera Bricco Pernice shows generous inner fiber and richness with dried cherry, blackberry, plum and dark spice. Fruit for this wine comes from a beautiful amphitheater of vines with the perched town of Novello high up on the skyline. I love the especially smooth and soft quality to what is a powerful and lasting wine. Only 3,500 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

"A pretty red, boasting rose, strawberry and raspberry flavors accented by mown hay, leather, iron and tobacco. In terms of texture and structure, this is like an iron fist in a velvet glove. Fine length." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Barolo Bricco Pernice is superb. Silky and soft, with gorgeous textural finesse, the 2017 is all class right out of the gate. Hints of rose petal, orange zest, cinnamon and star anise meld into sweet red cherry and raspberry fruit. The 2017 can be enjoyed now or cellared. It's a gorgeous, gorgeous wine in every way." Vinous

"Defying the heat of the scorching vintage, this fragrant red has aromas of iris, violet, wild berry, leather and eucalyptus. On the full-bodied, delicious palate, fresh acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins support dried cherry, nutmeg and licorice before a tobacco finish." Wine Enthusiast

Barolo Riserva Bussia Vigna Colonnello shows its noble lineage in a delicate and restrained way. The bouquet is very complex with a long succession of fascinating aromas ranging from pressed flowers to wild berries and exotic spices. These elements are brought together with extreme precision. In the mouth, the wine shows a hint of acidity, but it also moves across the palate with silky intensity and firm texture. Gentle, infinitely long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of purple flowers on the nose, then a burst of bright red fruit, such as wild strawberries, raspberries and orange notes on the palate, together with a hint of spicy vanilla. Medium to full body with fine, still lightly firm tannins. Elegant feel. Very good now, but will improve with another year in bottle." James Suckling

"The 2015 Barolo Riserva Bussia Vigna Colonnello is a wild, eccentric wine. The use of whole clusters lends quite a bit of savory intensity. Sage, tobacco, holiday spicecake, cedar, blood orange and macerated cherry all develop with a bit of aeration. The tannins just need to soften. If they do this could be a very intriguing wine, but slight hints of oxidation make it hard to understand the direction the 2017 is headed in. No matter what, the Colonnello is a pretty exotic Barolo with a lot of character." Vinous

The Barolo Falletto from the hillside of the same name in Serralunga, where the winery is also located, has a wonderfully complex and racy personality. It impresses with the intensity of its dark fruit and the excellent overall balance that can only be found in this coveted site. The 2017 vintage has allowed a complex, fruit-driven Falletto to mature, with a spectrum ranging from small dark berries, menthol, flowers and liquorice to a tannin that is present yet trimmed for consistent elegance. It is a particularly precise and direct Barolo without being loud. However, its full character, aromatic diversity and delicacy will only really come to the fore with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"From the glorious traditionalist comes a powerful but highly distinctive and complex Falleto in a hot year that denies neither vintage nor varietal. The smoky floral scent is
accompanied by engaging sweet berries, tar and cedar. In the mouth, the rich, seductive and subtle Nebbiolo fruit is skilfully contrasted by a confident tannic structure that frames the powerful stature and ripe fruit. final with delicate orange zest and mineral notes. Rounded up. Let lie!" Weinwisser

"This is broad and open-knit, offering plum, cherry, eucalyptus, juniper, licorice, tar and tobacco flavors. Dense tannins add grip as this turns more compact on the finish. The smooth texture and balance bode well for the future." Wine Spectator

"Sweet berries, smoke, cedar and olives on the nose. Floral. Full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and a pretty background and ripe fruit. Flavorful finish. Hints of bitter citrus and smoke, too. Very complex. Powerful for Falletto." James Suckling