Supertuscan

Al Passo is named after the small forest on the highest hill of Tolaini - a magical place with a breathtaking view of the countryside and the sunsets over the towers of Siena. The wine is as unique as the forest, showcasing the natural affinity of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich garnet with ruby colour. Intense and enticing bouquet of ripe fruit, orange zest and spicy oak notes, on the palate with ripe fruit and fresh acidity, balanced, medium body, long final with a fine salty vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of cassis, meat, leather and earth. Firm acidity and tannins with a chalky texture, full body and supple fruit that balances the structure. Tart on the finish." James Suckling

"An intense red that evokes flavours of cherries, raspberries, pomegranates, minerals, tobacco and wild herbs. Silky and juicy, with fine-grained tannins that linger on the finish. Overall, it shows finesse." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Al Passo is a very beautiful and expressive wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, cedar wood, liquorice and incense give it remarkable aromatic nuances. This blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon has a lot to offer. Bright acids round off the whole thing in style." Vinous

Ornello is an open wine with beautiful, inviting aromas of ripe, dark fruit, cedar wood, dried herbs, tobacco and incense. All of this has a pleasant depth. Medium to full-bodied with supple tannins and a juicy, ripe finish. Very good value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Plum, cherry, tar and wild herb aromas and flavors are the themes in this firmly structured red. A touch of new oak lends a vanilla note as this plays out on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Notes of ripe dark berries, raspberry jam, spicy herbs, chocolate and oranges on the nose. Rich but balanced, with a medium to full body and creamy tannins. Succulent, with an intense, fruit-driven finish." James Suckling

"The 2022 Ornello offers up scents of sweet pipe tobacco, herbs, mint, dried flowers and turned earth. This blend of Sangioveto, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah is complex, dynamic and full of character. As with all the top wines here, I am impressed with its freshness given the brutally hot, arid year." Vinous

Il Randagio (the stray) is wonderfully complex and nuanced. Initially quite closed, the delicately spicy nose creeps up with increasing aeration and opens further into a wonderfully complex bouquet of dark red to black berries. Rising floral, savoury and spicy accents point to a wine that says more about the style of the house than anything else. The palate is wide-ranging with delicate wild berry flavours, perfectly polished tannins and a fresh, very invigorating acid wire that uninhibitedly enhances the drinkability of this once again typically different red. The best days of this wine still lie in the future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with violet shimmer. Opens with notes of dark smoke, then lots of blackberry and elderberry. Firm tannins, spicy and savoury, crisp fruit, still a little rough on the final." Falstaff

"A very juicy and drinkable Toscana, with fresh red berries, cherries, chopped herbs and subtle dark earth funk to encourage drinking. Fluid and bright, with lively strawberry fruit and chunky tannins. Firm, juicy and quite relaxed." James Suckling

"The 2022 Il Randagio, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is fabulous. Bright acids and floral nuances adorn this exquisite, nuanced red wine. The 2022 spent four months on the skins in cement tanks and open vats. Above all, the freshness and purity of this wine stand out. What a great wine this is." Vinous

"The Tenuta di Carleone 2022 Il Randagio is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc and comes in a screw-top bottle with a drawing of a one-eyed bulldog on the label, which is surely the alter ego of Sean O'Callaghan. He experiments with long maceration times and alternative cement containers. There's a lot of creative spirit in a wine like this, which reveals fresh, bright berry tones. The style is full of energy. This is a good value red wine that I'm happy to recommend, especially if you're looking for a casual but spirited expression." Wine Advocate

Dark ruby red colour with an elegant shimmer. Intense and appealing nose with delicate spicy notes, opens up after a little time and then dark notes of wild berries and some undergrowth predominate. Very dense, with a continuation of the spicy notes already found on the nose, well integrated with plenty of fruit, which allows the wine to rest powerfully on the palate with a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with brightening edges. A balsamic nose of preserved cherries and cinnamon. Sweet and fruity on the palate with stimulating acidity and a velvety tannin finish." Falstaff

"A dense bouquet of crushed black fruit and lightly charred oak that develops into a medium-bodied palate with the same oaky fruit character and firm, fine-grained tannins. Well made and nicely balanced, but still needs to mature a little to gain both complexity and accessibility." James Suckling

"The 2021 Le Sughere di Frassinello is a beautiful wine. Crushed flowers, spices, mint, dried herbs and crushed red berry fruit give this medium-bodied, juicy Maremma red wine a remarkably exuberant presence. Espresso, lavender and mocha lead into a sonorous finish." Vinous

Le Redini Rosso consists mainly of Merlot and a small proportion of Alicante. The wine opens with dark intensity and a velvety texture with lots of fresh blackberry, plum, earth and wild rose. Pure red fruit on the palate, very supple, the delicate wood note well integrated. The refined notes of a Merlot from the Conca d'Oro come across wonderfully. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense floral nose of roses, violets, black cherries and subtle spice. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity and taut, chalky tannins that need to soften with bottle ageing. Clean and simple." James Suckling

"The Tenuta degli Dei 2022 Le Redini shows a dry finish, enhanced by dusty tannins and parched fruit notes of blackcurrant and fig tart. The effect is soft and immediate, but I have the feeling that the 2022 vintage skilfully prevents it from becoming too ripe. Instead of jammy notes, you get dried fruit." Wine Advocate

"The 2022 Le Redini is great. Deep and full-bodied, it hits all the right notes. Considering the heat of the year, I'm very surprised by its bright acidity. Blackberries, gravel, crushed rock, incense, liquorice and mocha saturate the palate. The Alicante component in the blend works very well here. This full-bodied, opulent red wine is one of the most distinctive wines produced in Tuscany." Vinous

Pergolaia consists mainly of Sangiovese with smaller proportions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine opens with a medium-bodied attack and a bright bouquet characterised by notes of cherry, wild plum, ploughed earth and pressed blue flowers. This very Mediterranean-style red with a strong personality envelops the palate with a delicate, silky intensity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive red fruit character with orange peel, cured meat and wet stones on offer. Medium to full-bodied, firm and straightforward with fine tannins and juicy acidity that gives it freshness and crispness. Bright and velvety finish." James Suckling

"Aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, black olive tapenade, violets and cedar dominate this red wine, which is characterised by purity and precision, while densely woven tannins contribute to a velvety texture. Balanced and long." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, aromas of rose petals soften a bold, tart fruitiness, while savoury notes of earth and ash lead to a palate that starts fleshy and spicy before a gentle, tempering sweetness emerges, providing a sense of comfort. Intentional and satisfying." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Pergolaia, the winery's Sangiovese blend, is a beautiful, exotic wine. Ripe red cherry fruit, white pepper, mint, rose petals and cinnamon bring out the racy side of the Sangiovese. Small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon round off the blend. All the elements are so beautifully balanced." Vinous

The grapes for this Supertuscan come from the San Giovanni vineyard near San Giovanni a Cerreto. In the church next to the vineyard there is a painting by Rutilo Manetti depicting St John the Baptist (San Giovanni). Deep ruby red, youthful, rich, dark fruit, berry and cassis flavours meld with French oak. On the palate with deep, subtle fruit flavours and an excellent balance of fruit and tannin, plus some smoke, liquorice and tar. A rich but not too heavy red with excellent structure and great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Valdisanti is a bright, punchy wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc speak with a decidedly Tuscan accent in this vibrant, mid-weight offering. The 2021 is a distinctive wine with much to offer. Crushed rocks, graphite, lavender and plum all build into the resonant finish." Vinous

"The Tolaini 2021 Valdisanti is a lush expression with a big, upfront delivery of bold black fruit. On the palate, that intensity tapers off somewhat to reveal a silky and elegant mid to full-bodied approach. It shows great length and a softer texture than you might expect given the first impact of the bouquet. You get lingering notes of pencil shaving and toasted oak, but the wine is ready to drink now." Wine Advocate

"Focused like a laser, this racy red features black currant, black cherry, cedar, licorice and graphite aromas and flavors. A balanced version, with a light dusting of tannins shoring up the finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"Clove, vanilla, restrained cherry, milk chocolate and balsamic aromas. The attack is soft and velvety, with dense tannins, a savory character, a full body and crisp, refreshing acidity. Great mid-palate extraction and details. Embracing finish, long and consistent." James Suckling

This successful blend of Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc opens with dark concentration and great density. Fornace offers impressive juiciness and rich flavours of red cherries, blackberries, spices and grilled herbs. Its full body, restrained acidity and silky tannins are perfectly balanced, with balsamic hints accompanying this attractive Supertuscan into a supple and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Interesting blend with lots of Cabernet Franc: Intense yet elegant nose of dark forest fruits, tobacco, also subtle eucalyptus notes; dense and full-bodied in the mouth, the tannins are fine-grained, dark fruity and spicy on the finish. Perfect with game and wild fowl." Vinum

"Though there are still tannins present on the finish, this red is ready to enjoy. Sweet spice notes frame the plum and cherry fruit at the heart of this version, which is fluid and supple, with touches of wild rosemary, thyme and earth on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Notes of ripe cherries, wild berries, dried orange peel, cedar and crushed stones. Dry and tense on the palate, with lightly chewy but very fine tannins. Medium-bodied. It’s concentrated and characterful, with a zesty, minerally aftertaste and some savory, peppery nuances. Really tense and energetic." James Suckling

Le Difese is the freshest and most accessible of the three wines from Tenuta San Guido. For us, it is one of the most beautiful price-quality wonders of Tuscany. Magnificent, sweetly perfumed fruit aromas in the opulent bouquet, equally generous and broad in the long-lasting flavour of dark cherries, wild strawberries and tangy rosehips. Le Difese shows the great class of the winery in a more playful way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, transparent garnet colour. Juicy, accessible nose. Quite a charmer with a little Sangiovese bite on the finish for the short term. Decent, medium finish." Jancis Robinson

"Bright and appealing flavours of raspberry and cranberry with some cedar follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Fresh and crisp." James Suckling

"Bright red and violet scents with a creamy background and herbal notes lead to a soft and structured palate full of fresh, tangy cherries and dark hedgerow berries. Ripe, precise and flavoursome with a long, airy, balsamic finish, Le Difese should be enjoyed over the next ten years." Decanter

"The 2022 Le Difese is full-bodied, juicy and expressive, making it a good choice to drink now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, juicy red cherry fruit, mint, spice and blood oranges race across the palate. This exuberant yet medium-bodied Tuscan coastal red wine is a true delight. The 2022 is a particularly beautiful edition. It benefits from a warm year, an earlier bottling and an earlier selection." Vinous

Noble, typically Tuscan notes of cherries, blackberries, violets and spices on the nose. Extraordinarily complex, multi-layered and excellently structured on the palate. Firm tannins, intense fruit and pleasant acidity are already in perfect harmony. The drinking pleasure builds beautifully and increases in the long final. For us, it has been an attractive alternative to Antinori's famous Tignanello for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of dried cherries, bark, mahogany and porcini mushrooms. Also lemons and herbs. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and tangy acidity. Juicy, flavoursome and supple." James Suckling

"This red wine is made from Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role. The Poggio Bonelli 2018 Poggiassai is velvety, rich and full of dark fruits, cherry liqueur, barbecue spices and grilled herbs. The wine shows a beautiful dark colour and dense concentration to complete what is ultimately a very contemporary style of wine." Wine Advocate

Valletta is a blend of Sangiovese from the Gagliole vineyards in Castellina and Merlot from the Panzano vineyards. The wine is fermented in stainless steel (each variety is processed separately) and then aged in oak, some of which is new. Supple and racy, it offers enormous appeal from the very first sip. Ripe black cherry, mint, spices, espresso and blood orange open up with a little time in the glass. An open, sensual Tuscan red wine that has a lot to offer. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of plums, dried flowers and bark follow through to a medium body with round, juicy tannins and a soft, bright finish. Half Merlot from Panzano and half Sangiovese from Castellina in Chianti. Beautiful finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Valletta is a blend of equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot. It's a combination that works very well in this vintage. Juicy dark cherry and plum fruit opens first, followed by sweet tobacco, mocha, dried herbs, leather and cedar. The flavours of the Sangiovese and bright acidity complement the fruit of the Merlot very well." Vinous

Uccelliera is not only famous for its outstanding Brunello every year, the Rapace, which has now become an icon, also demonstrates the high quality with which the winery has been delighting wine connoisseurs all over the world for decades. Deep dark ruby red in colour, the aroma spectrum is skilfully balanced with a mix of dark red cherries, plums, liquorice, smoke, spices and menthol. The beautifully cherry-like primary fruit is embedded in a warm texture, the silky tannin skilfully takes over on the sidelines and the wine storms into a long, nuanced and delicately mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Aria di Caiarossa is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Alicante, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon - in decreasing order. At this young stage, you can taste the purity of the primary flavours with wild cherry and raspberry, underpinned by dark spice and a hint of crushed mineral. These elegant mineral notes can be found throughout the Caiarossa portfolio. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, almost impenetrable ruby red colour with slightly brightening edges. Ripe wild berries and rich plums on the nose, with hints of dark chocolate and wet leather on the finish. Full-bodied on the palate, with fine tannins, juicy and a long-lasting final." Falstaff

"Although fruity, with flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry, this red wine has a certain weight. It finds a nice balance, with an earthy note and a slight tactile feel of tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Aria di Caiarossa is very generous and rich with full-bodied flavours of black fruits, sweet spices and cinnamon. The oak needs another year or two to integrate. Black fruits are the main protagonists, but baking chocolate and a hint of crushed limestone play a supporting role." Wine Advocate

"The Aria di Caiarossa 2020 is dark, fleshy and very expressive. Black cherry, mocha, new leather, liquorice, spices and lavender are beautifully enhanced. Resonant and wonderfully deep, the Aria 2020 is showing very well today. Silky tannins round off the whole in style." Vinous

"This fascinating blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache has a real minerality. It exudes light balsamic notes with hints of cardamom and chocolate. Juicy and succulent, with flavours of dark cherries and plums, silky tannins and a juicy background. It comes from the estate's youngest vineyards, planted at an altitude of 200-350 metres." Decanter

"The nose offers a captivating mix of nuanced fruit flavours, from Bing cherries to rhubarb and pomegranate, and then a fresh herbal note, with mint and fennel. On the palate, the tannins lead to dark fruits that finally explode in a powerful, peppery finish. A reminder that Bolgheri is not the only part of Maremma worth plundering, especially in this price range." Wine Enthusiast

"It is fresh and crisp with notes of red and dark berries as well as spices and citrus peel. Medium to full-bodied. It is polished and velvety, with balanced acidity and a polished finish." James Suckling

The combination of two such different personalities as Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend brilliantly in Grifi, giving this wine a unique character. The Cabernet gives the wine an extra kick of depth in the mid-palate as well as a tannic backbone that gives the wine plenty of persistence and energy.

Dark ruby red with violet reflections. The nose opens with hints of blueberries, blackberries and incense through to sandalwood and graphite. Dense and complex on the palate with hints of blackberry jam and cinnamon. On the palate, it develops like a balsamic explosion, supported by good acidity. The lively tannin accompanies the savoury and persistent, very linear finish. Grifi is a wonderfully sophisticated and elegant pleasure from the best vineyards around Montepulciano and Cortona. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant red, featuring a gleam of pure cherry, currant and strawberry fruit. This is also intense and firmly built, with a layer of dense tannins guarding the finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"Excellent purity and ripeness in the fruit-accentuated nose, but also a certain complexity. Some violets, graphite and spices to the fresh blue fruits and slate. On the palate, I like the texture with fresh, fine-grained tannins and a cool finish. Long, fresh and juicy." James Suckling

The top wine Cavalli Rosso comes from loose marl soils at an altitude of 400 metres facing south. It reveals a dark and lush fruit profile with intense blackberry, sour cherry, plum and graphite. On the palate, it has a high primary intensity and medium weight, finishing with a very crisp acidity. It is polished and deep, balanced and supple with plenty of fruity power, weight and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine is rich and fully loaded with dark fruit flavors, but it never strays from a careful sense of balance. There is some ripe fruit with blackberry mostly, followed by spice and cured tobacco. It ages in a combination of oak, stainless steel and cement." Wine Advocate

"A modern and very well-made Toscana here showing excellent depth and complexity. Some plush cocoa powder to the minty blackberries, dark cherries, violets and hints of pine cone, black pepper and stones. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate with firm, juicy tannins and a focused finish. Long and tangy." James Suckling

"The 2020 Tenuta degli Dei is wonderfully poised and vibrant. Cavalli's blend of (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Franc) stands out for its precision. The heaviness of some previous years thankfully belongs to the past. Bright acid lift a core of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and espresso. The 2020 might be the best vintage yet for this wine." Vinous

The grapes for Villa Donoratico, like those for Bolgheri Superiore, have recently been sourced from the estate's very best vineyards. Immediately after manual harvesting, they are rigorously selected by 12 employees at 2 sorting tables and the ageing in 500 litre tonneaux ensures even more elegance and finesse. The qualitative gap to Argentiera, the winery's flagship, has thus been noticeably reduced and the wine sets new standards in the entire Bolgheri DOC.

Rich, sparkling ruby colour. Fine, subtle nose of redcurrant and herbal spice, some rosewood and fresh forest floor. Very complex and multi-layered on the palate, revealing more facets with every sip, the well-articulated fruit core is flanked by a fine-meshed tannin and leads into a very elegant, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, rich dark ruby red colour. On the nose, clearly preserved plums, black bread crust, later toasted notes of roasted hazelnuts, some mocha and dark chocolate. Tightly woven tannins on the palate, compact with a full body, slightly drying palate in the long final." Falstaff

"At first glance, the 2022 Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico is rich and velvety, with a generous bouquet. The wine shows aromas of black cherries and blackberry jam. The 2022 growing season was hot, with heat peaks that lasted until mid-August. These conditions produced a powerful red wine. Accompany it with grilled meat and ribs." Wine Advocate

"A powerful, mineral red wine with aromas of graphite, blackberries, laurel and bark. It is medium to full-bodied, firm and concentrated. Still firm at the moment. Try it from 2026 onwards." James Suckling

Deep ruby red colour, lush notes of cherries, strawberries and sweet oak spice, vanilla and black pepper. The Sangiovese gives the blend great freshness and is in perfect balance with the silky and soft tannins of the Merlot. Overall rich, but always elegant and with great persistence. A complex, excellently structured red of absolute Supertuscan quality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto 2020 Amor Costante is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese and offers a lovely richness with a medium body interwoven with blackberry, wild plum, spice and sweet tobacco. The softness and texture come from the Merlot, while the Sangiovese provides freshness and fresh cherry flavours. Only 2,360 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Amor Costante keeps the glass swirling as dried violets, stone dust and exotic spices accentuate an enticing blend of wild berries and red plums. This is velvety smooth with medium-bodied weight, ushering in textural waves of red and blue fruits offset by sour citrus tones and saline-tinged acidity. It finishes long and structured with fine-grained tannins and a tart resonance of currants and licorice, yet the 2020 remains surprisingly fresh through it all. Patience will be required, yet also rewarded. What a treat." Vinous

Piastraia fully lives up to the classic image of a great and delicate Bolgheri Rosso Superiore. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller portions of Merlot and Sangiovese, it fills the glass with its intense aroma of fruit and a hint of leather flavours. The flavour is powerful, concentrated and pure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising bouquet of blueberries and cherries, also sandalwood, liquorice and flowers; the tannins are powdery, the acidity skilfully integrated, combines race, juiciness and a lot of melting and at the same time not at all pretentious, but very drinkable." Vinum

"Dark and full ruby colour. Open, elegant bouquet of blackberry, underlaid with spicy notes of liquorice, leather and undergrowth. Powerful on the palate, round, juicy and easy to drink. The tannins are well integrated, retronasal black cherry and chocolate, long final." Falstaff

"A firm and compact red wine that shows walnuts, dried herbs, loam, black fruit and cedar on the nose. It is full-bodied, polished and compact, with firm but fine-grained tannins. Roasted walnut notes on the long finish." James Suckling

"The Piastraia 2021 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. It is a great example of where the house style is heading under the direction of Giacomo Satta. The Syrah has disappeared from the blend, but the wine still offers plenty of textural depth and energy. Dark red cherries, spices, new leather, rose petals and dried flowers gradually open up in the glass. This is beautifully made." Vinous

"The 2021 Bolgheri Superiore Piastraia shows great balance with an overall restrained personality that harkens back to a classic interpretation of Bolgheri you might have seen a decade or more ago. The wine offers just enough blackcurrant and cherry to keep you wanting more. There are also pencil shavings and a hint of savoury spice." Wine Advocate

"The core flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry and pomegranate are overlaid with notes of mint, violet, iron and toasted oak. This red wine is dense and rich, with a matrix of polished tannins in support. The balance and finish are outstanding." Wine Spectator