The Wine Advocate | 95–100 Points

You can lose yourself in the bouquet of the Brunello di Montalcino 2020 from Poggio di Sotto. One moment crushed cherries with autumnal spice, the next exotic flowers and candied orange peel, another floral undergrowth, white smoke and wild berries. It is incredibly soft and pure, lifted by salty minerals, while sweet notes of cherry and raspberry slowly begin to saturate. What they then leave behind are youthful, grippy tannins and a wonderful structure. Thanks to vibrant acids and notes of citrus fruit, it always retains its impressive freshness. It will develop superbly with further years of bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling ruby red colour with a shiny core. Inviting and fragrant nose of fresh cherry, subtle hints of geranium, pomegranate, freshly baked white bread, fine spice, complex and inviting. Very elegant on the palate with a great sweet centre, polished tannins and a salty undertone, open-hearted and accessible, drinks excellently, with an aftertaste of candle wax and mint, great." Falstaff

"Incredibly floral and minerally, the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino displays a cascade of rose petals, violets, white smoke, underbrush and dried strawberries. The Brunello di Montalcino is incredibly fresh and feminine, with a lively acidic core and juicy red berry fruit swirling throughout, complemented by a sweet herbal push. It finishes with lovely length and concentration, but is still powerful with crisp tannins and a lingering finish of savoury spice that lingers. This understated but stunningly beautiful Brunello from Poggio di Sotto should gain weight with ageing, but today it is a pleasure for its potential alone." Vinous

"Aromas are piercing and precise as this opens with orange and grapefruit rind, flint and freshly ground pepper. There is a gorgeous transparency of redcurrant and raspberry, while bergamot adds inner perfume. Although fuller than 2018, the 2020 is unequivocally elegantly weighted, with almost a delicateness to the structure, yet those fine-grained tannins persist. Appetising and buoyant, it trails off leisurely with lavender and thyme." Decanter

"Restrained strawberries and cherries, with a hint of lavender and plenty of liquorice. Very juicy on the palate with thick, chalky tannins, but these are balanced by the supple, sweet fruit. Medium to full body with a very spicy aftertaste. Although pleasant, it is not quite ready to drink yet and still has plenty of potential for the long term." James Suckling

"The Brunello di Montalcino 2020 from Poggio di Sotto, which was still very young at the time of my tasting, bears many similarities to the epic 2016 vintage in terms of its beautiful aromas and polished length. However, this elegant wine does not have the same inner power. This bottle finally offers a fresh and charming interpretation of Sangiovese. It is a delicate wine with floral aromas, wild roses, crushed stone and white cherry. As it is matured in large Slavonian oak barrels, it needs more time to develop. I love that refreshing hint of lemon zest or navel orange at the very end." Wine Advocate

Poggio di Sotto's Brunello 2019 is a true masterpiece. Bright, sparkling garnet red in colour. The multi-layered, seductive bouquet alternates cherry, autumnal spice, exotic flowers, candied orange peel with undergrowth, white smoke and wild small berries. Masterfully interwoven on the palate, with a softness and purity that, together with notes of sweet cherries and raspberries, delivers a firework of impressions. Add to this grippy tannins and an agile acidity and you have a prime example of Montalcino. It is already classic and modern at the same time, and we can only eagerly await its further development! SUPERIORE.DE

"Needs a little aeration, then beguiles with aromas of wild berries, flowers and spices, well cushioned in the mouth by tightly woven tannins and invigorating acidity, full of elegance on the final. A classic." Vinum

"Oh my, that's another seductive, elegant fragrance: ripe heart cherries and raspberries, engaging, distinctive floral notes reminiscent of violets and lavender, backed by earthy herbal spice with juicy liquorice and a touch of blood orange. Wow, this is complex. Elegant, fine-meshed style on the palate, great tension from transparent, precise fruit and balsamic, melting freshness. Once again one of the best. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Bright ruby garnet colour. Rich cherry fruit on the nose, a hint of rosemary, plus fine hints of graphite and blood orange. Great juiciness on the palate, lots of red berry fruit, beautiful salinity, grippy tannins in many layers, builds beautifully, classic, still very young." Falstaff

"Medium ruby red colour. Very restrained nose with just a hint of minerals. Elegant palate that is still firmly closed, yet supple and finely balanced with grainy but fine tannins. Very long, concentrated and exciting." Jancis Robinson

"This elegant red wine shows a combination of strawberry, cherry, rose and wild herb flavours, a firm underlying structure and excellent harmony in a stylish profile. Just a little shy on the chalky finish." Wine Spectator

"Sweet cherry and floral aromas with some orange peel and lilac character. Medium body with beautiful depth and concentration. Ripe, fine tannins and an attractive finish. Subtle richness and class. Give this wine three or four years to develop." James Suckling

"Dusty roses, worn leather, dried strawberries and dry earth form a classic bouquet when the dynamic 2019 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. It is feminine, deep and structured, with ripe plums and black cherries supported by lively acidity. Purple flowers and hints of liquorice emerge towards the end. The 2019 leaves a salty minerality intermingled with fine-grained tannins and spice, while finishing with incredible length and yet so fresh. This wine is incredibly youthful and introverted today, but it has enormous potential. I expect the 2019 to gain weight and blossom over the next five to ten years. Glorious." Vinous

"Despite heavy rain, there was very little disease in 2019 and the hot summer brought the grapes to full ripeness. The subdued cherry aromas reflect the wine's youth, though they became more expressive with aeration. The palate is rich but sleek in texture, with polished tannins and fine acidic lift. The texture is grainy without being tough, and there's so much energy and grip here that the wine clearly has great ageing potential. Very long, with a lightly peppery finish. A majestic end to the decade." Decanter

"The jewel of Collemassari Wine Estates in an impeccable version of Brunello. On the nose, notes of redcurrant jam, a hint of liquorice, myrtle and a touch of wild sage. Crisp, dense mouthfeel, saline, iodised tannins, closing with a return of small fruit notes and myrtle." Luca Gardini

"Although this wine started out very shy, the Poggio di Sotto 2019 Brunello di Montalcino finally hits all the high notes of Sangiovese. It is a wine with enormous inner tension, displaying a powerful, lifted personality with aromas of cherries and blackberries. There are also flavours of roasted cherries, glazed strawberry cake with gelatine, undergrowth, blue flowers, forget-me-nots, balsam herbs, mint and liquorice. A few hours later, the wine has developed into a classic beauty with slender lines, firm structure and sparkling, brilliant acidity. The oak is so well integrated that you can't see it, the tannins are elegant and fine, and the acidity is the proverbial cherry on top." Wine Advocate

Valter Fissore bottles less than 4,000 bottles of this incredibly classic Barolo every year. 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

"Medium ruby red with orange. A pretty, lifted, complex bouquet with spicy, mineral top notes and minty oak notes. Needs a lot of air. Cranberry and raspberry with crisp tannins. A Barolo of the cool climate. Its character is closer to the excellent 2019 vintage than 2018. Great length and precision." Jancis Robinson

"Very attractive, perfumed nose with cherries and raspberries, hints of spiced cedar, walnut and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied with grainy tannins and chalky texture. Fresh red fruits with racy, citrusy notes on the finish. Taste it from 2026." James Suckling

"Perfumed, it exudes aromas of rose, cherry, raspberry, anise and menthol, with berry fruit persisting on the palate along with mineral and herbal flavours. Although expressive and balanced, it shows tannin and should develop well." Wine Spectator

"Bright, shiny ruby garnet with brightening rim. Great, inviting nose of fresh mint, blackberries, liquorice, then raspberries and candied rose petal. Very polished and with a creamy texture on the palate, tightly woven salty tannin wraps the clear fruit, subtle notes of blood orange, very elegant and long." Falstaff

"This wine shows just how elegant Nebbiolo is with aromas of wild raspberries and cherry preserves giving way to wild herbs, rosebuds and earth. The palate is lifted and dances with vigor and energy showing its core of fruit but with all elements in harmony and balance." Wine Enthusiast

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

"Dark, impenetrable ruby red colour. Cool nose of blackcurrant with a hint of red pepper. On the palate, juicy blackcurrant with the softest tannins, as if everything had been handled with kid gloves." Jancis Robinson

"A graceful red wine that begins quietly with a pure note of ripe blackcurrant and slowly expands on the palate to interweave flavours of bay leaf and smoked tobacco, bitter cherry, minerals, graphite and cigar box spice. The fine-meshed spectrum of flavours reveals supple tannins that define the elegant finish." Wine Spectator

"A mentholated freshness introduces the 2018 San Leonardo as it slowly blossoms in the glass. As the glass is swirled, a depth of dusty sage and violets unfolds, fading into white pepper and blackcurrant. This wine is elegant, full-bodied and powerful. Sour citrus fruits highlight ripe wild berries and savoury spices. The 2018 leaves nothing out and finishes long and lightly structured, with a framework of fine tannins that gently tug at the senses as blackberry and rose notes slowly fade away. The 2018 is an understated and youthful beauty that should be left in the cellar for a few more years. That means hands off, because the best is yet to come." Vinous

"The latest edition of this outstanding northern Italian red wine offers complex aromas of tobacco, spice, earth and rich, wood-soaked black berries. In the mouth, it combines intense concentration with freshness in a vertical sense of balance and savouriness. Dark, plummy, spicy hedgerow berries are perfectly balanced by bright, savoury acidity and ripe, grainy tannins, with spicy cedar, dried currants and a hint of balsamic depth. It still has so much to offer." Decanter

"The 2018 San Leonardo from a cool vintage is incredibly fine and beautiful, with a filigree of flavours reminiscent of wild blackberries, tobacco, pressed rosemary, cherry tart and orange marmalade. The elegance of the wine is exceptional, the mouthfeel very fine and precise. This classic vintage will certainly appeal to San Leonardo purists. I recommend giving it a long maturation period." Wine Advocate

"Perhaps the only Bordeaux from Trentino capable of evolving to emerge with personality even today, in a vintage of grace. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot. Jammy cherries, undergrowth, juniper and rhubarb, dense and savoury, crisp and compact mouthfeel, wonderfully persistent finish." Luca Gardini

Firmly anchored in La Morra, Elio Altare has been vinifying a Barolo in Serralunga d'Alba on a rented plot for a few years, vinified and bottled separately. A fascinating and powerful Nebbiolo with elegant fruit, truffle, leather and floral aromas. Full-bodied, juicy and long on the palate, with a remarkably elegant tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid to deep ruby with orange tinges. Amazing depth. There are hints of mint and cardamon and a suggestion of spice. Brooding and a little rich but without being sweet. Holds back on the palate, but at the same time is transparent and layered. Long, firm, polished tannins. Still not ready by far." Jancis Robinson

"This red wine offers a blend of plum, black cherry, leather, liquorice and spice aromas. Notes of dried fig and chocolate add an exotic touch, while it finishes fresh and invigorating, with fine balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Lots of spice with flowers. Bloody and iron undertones. Full and chewy with plenty of structure. Juicy and flavorful. Very structured with lots of tannins. Needs time to soften. Aged for two years in bottle. Muscular and unique. Drink after 2027." James Suckling

"The 2017 Barolo Riserva Cerretta Vigna Bricco is pliant and creamy, with all of the depth of Serralunga backing it up. Black cherry, plum and spice all build in a sumptuous, full-bodied Barolo that captures the best the vintage had to offer. Dark fruit, smoke, game, licorice and incense add layers of dimension as the 2017 starts to open in the glass. Let's see what happens here." Vinous

"The Elio Altare 2017 Barolo Riserva Cerretta Vigna Bricco is extremely generous and rich, owing to the very hot and dry growing season. This Riserva opens to rich black fruit, plum and blackcurrant. The fruit is framed by tarry smoke and spice. The wine is very firm and structured to the palate, with an ample, full-bodied style that concludes with a hint of velvety softness." Wine Advocate

"Dark shining, slightly cloudy ruby red. In the nose of ripe cranberries, black cherries, some plums, in addition fine noble wood, reminds in the reverberation discreetly of milk chocolate. On the palate with a noble balsamic tone, hearty, with ripe dark berry fruit, shows proper pressure, in the finish abundant and still young tannin." Falstaff

Rich, concentrated Bordeaux-style red with the unmistakable signature of top oenological consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. Multi-layered black fruit on the nose, plus rock, liquorice, camphor and graphite. Impressively supple on the palate, the fruit is always juicy and centred, wonderful and almost perfect in structure, polish, elegance and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, noble ruby red colour. Compact nose of rich cherries, black truffle, some pepper, then again plenty of rich berry fruit in the aftertaste, blackberry and cassis. Densely woven on the palate, with a beautiful melting texture and powerful tannins, opens up in many layers, with sparse stony components, radiant and powerful, lingers for a long time, magnificent." Falstaff

"The fresh, inviting nose is like carpaccio with a caprese-inspired garnish of cherry tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. The palate continues blending sanguine and umami notes above a latent sweetness, creating a wine that deliciously coats the mouth and then lingers there." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Giorgio Primo is a worth follow up to the stellar 2018. Dense, rich and explosive, the 2019 races across the palate with dark fruit, chocolate, leather, incense and spice. This sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon-based Panzano red has a ton to offer. The oak is a bit prominent; otherwise, the 2019 is nicely done." Vinous

"Extremely complex aromas of crushed currants, spices and sandalwood with some bark. Violets, too! Full-bodied with creamy, polished tannins and great intensity. Layered and beautiful. Better in 2024, but already beautiful to try." James Suckling

"Vintner Giampaolo Motta's inspiration is the great wines of Bordeaux, and his vision has never changed despite many passing trends. But perhaps his most important choice as a winemaker (born outside of Tuscany) is his firm commitment to Panzano in Chianti as the ideal home for the French grapes he cultivates. This is an etched and polished wine with dark fruit, spice, graphite and pencil shavings. The tannins are beautifully managed, and the wine is long and complex." Wine Advocate

Camarcanda is a rich Bolgheri Rosso Superiore with a dark bouquet of black fruit, espresso, chocolate, liquorice and tar. The palate is extremely full-bodied, with outstanding depth, dense structure and a firm body. Opulent and long, this wine already shows a wide range of personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm-scented aromas of black cherries, herbs, spiced up with liquorice and smoke; has a lot of pressure, but also a lot of polish, the tightly woven, grippy tannins and the supporting acidity guarantee a long life, finishes long on opulent fruit flavours." Vinum

"Elegant, bright ruby red colour. Intense nose with notes of cassis and blackberry, clear and concise, fine herbal spice in the background. On the palate with savoury juiciness and dark berry fruit, opens with grippy tannins in many layers, pithy, with lots of juicy fruit, firm pressure and notes of graphite on the final." Falstaff

"The 2021 is an impressive effort with fragrant aromas of dried cherries, sous bois and minty black fruits that continue on the palate with intensity and vibrancy. Hints of balsamic herbs, raspberries and floral notes are also evident. It is powerful and minty-fresh and a real eye-catcher." Decanter

"A tasty and juicy young red wine with flavours of currants, raspberries and boysenberries that develop into a medium to full body with creamy and polished tannins and a beautiful finish. It is fresh and concentrated." James Suckling

"The Ca' Marcanda 2021 Bolgheri Rosso Camarcanda is made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in a supporting role. This is a bold and beautifully concentrated wine with a brilliant character that is best described as Rubenesque. It exhibits a supple texture and deep richness supported by sweet fruit and raspberry flavours. The ripe, well-structured tannins give way to a sparkling freshness that gives it energy and life." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Camarcanda is a fabulous wine from the Gaja family, the best they have ever made from their estate in Bolgheri. Silky, aromatic and wonderfully pure, the 2021 Camarcanda is a superb, contemporary expression of Bolgheri with plenty of coastal sunshine and warmth, but not overdone. Silky tannins frame the exceptionally polished, nuanced finish. The 2021 is so seductive." Vinous

"Pure and elegant, with saturated flavours of violets, blackcurrants, blackberries, liquorice and iron. This wine is so beautifully balanced that even at this young stage it feels almost seamless, offering a lean profile and an endless aftertaste that mirrors the fruit. The oak is very well integrated, with polished tannins." Wine Spectator

The grapes for Testamatta are selected and sourced from the winery's 6 best vineyards: Vincigliata, Londa, Lamole, Montefili and Siena. Each vineyard, which is divided into plots, is harvested up to 8 times to ensure that all the grapes are harvested at the perfect point of ripeness. These five vineyards (up to 80 years old) are located in different areas of Tuscany: Lamole and Montefili in the heart of Chianti Classico at 600 and 400 metres above sea level, Vincigliata near Florence at 280 metres above sea level, Londa north of Florence towards the Rufina Valley and Siena, in the south of Tuscany, at 250 metres above sea level.

Dark red in colour with black edges and a bright red hue. The nose is perfumed and smells of rose petals, which fade into ripe red to dried cherries and redcurrants. This is accompanied by flavours of earth, light tobacco, black pepper, fresh herbs and spicy cedar wood. Seemingly weightless on the palate, it is then flooded with a mixture of red to dark cherry and redcurrant flavours, complemented by an appealing spiciness. The complexity is complemented by spicy cedar wood notes, forest floor and dried herbs. Testamatta is characterised by a beautiful freshness with muscular but finely drawn tannins that lead into a powerful yet refined finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautiful, fresh flavours of sour cherries, orange peel and lemon shrub. Medium-bodied with firm, racy acidity and ultra-fine tannins that give the wine brightness and energy. It definitely follows the new wave of crisp, lively Tuscan Sangiovese that emphasise drinkability and transparency." James Suckling

"The 2020 Rosso Testamatta is dusty and floral in the glass, with flint, peppery herbs and tart raspberry. It is refined and pure in style, combining bright acidity and minerals with wild strawberry fruit, all carried by a seamless, silky texture. Though structured, the 2020 leaves the palate completely refreshed, while a web of fine-grained tannins frames pretty rose and sweet spice nuances. What a treasure." Vinous

"Bibi Graetz has been tinkering with his recipe for this wine for a long time, and this vintage represents a new chapter. The Testamatta 2020 is a blend of Sangiovese from old and new vines, prioritising cooler growing conditions (and even a few northern sites). In the wake of climate change and in search of elegance, Bibi is changing his approach. He also has a new vineyard near Fiesole, and the introduction of these grapes (from an airy, high-altitude site) gives Testamatta its wonderful clarity, sharpness and sublime bouquet. The result is a lively, transparent and fresh wine, both in terms of acidity and aromatic intensity. This is a wine in transition and a wine to watch." Wine Advocate

"Wild roses and wild strawberries, the nose has a beautiful fragrance and expression. The fine tannins give the wine a creamy, chalky flavour with bright, juicy strawberry and raspberry leaf elements. You can also sense the savoury side, the sweet vanilla spice and dried herbs counterbalancing the fruit and high acidity. I admire the finesse here, the sharp fruit that provides energy and the chalky texture that builds the layers. It feels well controlled, powerful yet with balance. It doesn't have as much overt weight, it's definitely more ethereal in terms of density, but the nuances of flavour are exciting and engaging, and it has a long, serene finish. A contemplative wine that leaves you wanting more and more. Produced in the new winery facilities in Fiesole. The grapes come from the six best vineyards: Vincigliata, Olmo, Londa, Lamole, Montefili and Siena, each divided into parcels and harvested up to eight times to reach the perfect ripening points." Decanter

The vineyard of the same name has been producing a very powerful and highly individual Brunello for years and it cannot be said that this Brunello is not expressive - it is downright expressionistic in its aura and presentation! On the nose, exuberant aromas of blackcurrants, blueberries, violets, porcini mushrooms and iron. On the palate, it is complex, multi-layered, supple and harmonious, with a firm backbone of tannins that are refined and integrated. It shows outstanding length and complexity and, in the top 2019 vintage, is a very dazzling red wine characterised through and through by its extraordinary terroir and with wonderful potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, round and juicy, this satiny and harmonious red sports cherry, plum, blackberry and chocolate flavors. Even the tannins are civilized and well-integrated, providing an overall charm. Expansive on the finish, with notes of mint, dusty mineral and spices." Wine Spectator

"The Brunello di Montalcino le Lucére 2019 is a dark, concentrated wine with black fruits and a very creamy side. There are aromas of coconut butter and vanilla that meet bakery flavours of croissants or pie crust. The oak ageing is considerable, but I give it good cellaring potential as it evolves, especially because there is a lot of dark primary fruit that gives it an ageing dynamic." Wine Advocate

"Black cherry, cedar and dried flowers on the nose, followed by a medium to full body with chewy tannins and a savoury finish. Lots of structure. Muscular and full-bodied, yet soft and beautiful." James Suckling

"It's full of smoky forest flavours with graphite vibes and minerality, cherry pit, heady violet and blood orange depth. On the mid palate it is very concentrated and voluminous, with fine, very precise tannins and refreshing acidity. But what impresses me most is the savoury character of this Brunello, which is built for the long haul." Decanter

Bibi Graetz: "Monumental, there is no better word to characterise this vintage of roundness in every single aspect of the wine. Colore has elegance, freshness and an incredible acidity that is surprisingly noticeable on the nose and at the first sip."

From some of the oldest Sangiovese vineyards comes Colore every year, the maximum expression of Bibi Graetz' dream. The barren, sandy soils at high altitudes create the perfect terroir for a wine that can tell the true story of Tuscany and its inhabitants. The grapes for Colore were selected from vineyards in Lamole, Vincigliata and Siena. Each vineyard was harvested up to eight times in order to achieve the optimum ripening time for as many grapes as possible. Each parcel is matured separately in barriques for almost two years before the final blend is decided. Only the best Sangiovese barriques from each vintage become Colore. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, sparkling ruby colour. Intense nose with notes of raspberry, rhubarb, beetroot, plum and cherry jam. Firm tannins in the attack and on the palate, fine raspberry and cherry fruit, good tension, some cinnamon on the final, well-made, juicy." Falstaff

"Lustrous, healthy mid ruby. This clearly has eclipsed the variety and expresses origin. Chalky, minerally hints under ripe, concentrated raspberry with hints of garden herbs. Great focus and balance of fresh, ripe, supple raspberry, with firm, powdery tannins that are gripping the finish, for now." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Colore is a pleasant surprise and an absolute feminine beauty. When I expect power, it delivers grace with a stunning bouquet of freshly cut roses, blood orange, wild strawberries and sweet smoke. It's very structured but not heavy, instead feeling like crushed velvet that lays gently across the palate, leaving mineral blackberries and redcurrants in its wake. The finish is elegant with fine-grained tannins, without slowing down the momentum, while the spicy notes slowly fade away. The Colore is made exclusively from old (70 years or older) Sangiovese vines from the Lamole, Vincigliata, Olmo and Siena vineyards." Vinous

"The Bibi Graetz 2020 Colore is a pure expression of Sangiovese that comes from old vines carefully selected in different parts of Tuscany. The majority of the fruit comes from an elevated and cool site in Lamole or from 70-year-old vines in Bagno a Ripoli or Vincigliata near Fiesole. A small percentage of the old vines in Olmo is also used. Bibi has a preference for old vines, and you can taste the beautiful depth and complexity expressed in the Colore. Compared to his other wine, Testamatta, this wine has undergone fewer stylistic changes over the years and the aim has always been elegance and finesse. The Colore has a beautiful luminosity with flavours of dark fruit and wild berries. There is also a hint of liquorice and mint. Mineral flavours and bright acidity characterise the Colore." Wine Advocate

"The subtlety and fragrance of this wine are enchanting, offering flowers, orange peel and cherries. Also wonderful ripe strawberries. Full-bodied but not over the top, with polished tannins that run the length of the wine. It's dense, but shows all the signs of a great wine. You want to drink it now, and you probably should, because it's so seductive. But it will also age beautifully." James Suckling

From some of the oldest Sangiovese vineyards comes Colore every year, the maximum expression of Bibi Graetz' dream. The barren, sandy soils at high altitudes create the perfect terroir for a wine that can tell the true story of Tuscany and its inhabitants. The grapes for Colore were selected from vineyards in Lamole, Vincigliata and Siena. Each vineyard was harvested up to eight times in order to achieve the optimum ripening time for as many grapes as possible. Each parcel is matured separately in barriques for almost two years before the final blend is decided. Only the best Sangiovese barriques from each vintage become Colore. SUPERIORE.DE

The Colore 2021 is an irresistibly delicate Sangiovese with a distinctly high-altitude character. Darker and denser in colour than usual. It smells rich, dense, sweet and intense from the glass, much more aromatic than in previous years. Deep, spicy and very youthful with a slightly reductive note, the Colore 2021 has plenty of juice and fullness on the nose. Rich, velvety and fleshy on the tongue, it is very profound, mature and full-bodied. A great, delicate and finesse-rich Sangiovese with penetrating power and delicate acidity. Delicate, elegant and extremely persistent, it leaves a much fuller and fuller body than usual. An inspiring colore with a long finish." Weinwisser

"Brilliant medium to deep ruby red colour. Brooding and with aeration, showing a cloud of fragrant but spicy raspberry and cherry fruit and then pet shop! Just a hint of cigar box. Plenty of powdery tannins that support the fruit rather than dominate the finish. Long, tannic and supple at the same time. It will age gracefully." Jancis Robinson

"Pure and elegant, offering a beam of cherry, strawberry, pomegranate, rose and mineral aromas and flavors. This harmonious version builds in intensity to the long, fruit-filled finish, where a hint of blood orange peeks through." Wine Spectator

"The nose reveals aromas of dark fruits and berries, which are surrounded by rubbery, slightly smoky notes. A juicier, denser berry flavour defines the velvety palate, while bitter undertones of orange and chocolate provide structure. Firm, taut tannins emerge in a warm finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The Bibi Graetz 2021 Colore is a Sangiovese from old vines, but otherwise the vinification and oak ageing is identical to the other top red wine Testamatta. In this case, the fruit comes from the Lamole area with vineyards at 600 metres above sea level. Some of them face south, but are located high up on the mountain. As Bibi explains: "The Colore provides vigour and freshness, while the Testamatta offers transparency and freshness." The Colore shows the pure energy and vibrancy of Sangiovese with violets, wild cherry and orange zest. The wine shows an elegant, earthy side with a very fine mouthfeel supported by very fine, gentle tannins. This is a beautiful wine with a delicately sweet cherry finish. Bibi has changed this wine very little over the years (apart from giving it a new home at the estate in Fiesole) to create an ideal or benchmark for Sangiovese. His 2021 is his best wine yet." Wine Advocate

"Another excellent wine from Bibi Graetz made from selected old Sangiovese vines. Herbaceous and spicy on the nose, fragrant but with savoury aspects rather than overtly floral or fruity. Intense and direct, it hits you straight away with energy and forward drive. So supple and well defined, soft yet lively and energetic with tannins that are so beautifully executed. Almost plush and chewy, adding weight and texture to the palate, while overall quite light and airy. Complex and invigorating, fresh and wild at the same time - I love the character, it's pure but with a sense of authenticity that summarises the terroir and winemaking philosophy so beautifully. The finish is extremely flavoursome with mint, liquorice, spiced blackcurrants and cool cherries!" Decanter

"Intense aromas of violet fruits such as raspberries, spices, pencil and granite. Also fragrant flowers. Full-bodied, dense with balanced tannins that show transparency and focus. Crisp and very long. Better after 2028, when it opens up and integrates beautifully." James Suckling

From some of the oldest Sangiovese vineyards comes Colore every year, the maximum expression of Bibi Graetz' dream. The barren, sandy soils at high altitudes create the perfect terroir for a wine that can tell the true story of Tuscany and its inhabitants. The grapes for Colore were selected from vineyards in Lamole, Vincigliata and Siena. Each vineyard was harvested up to eight times in order to achieve the optimum ripening time for as many grapes as possible. Each parcel is matured separately in barriques for almost two years before the final blend is decided. Only the best Sangiovese barriques from each vintage become Colore.

Spicier and more intensely floral than Testamatta - as if we had moved from the fresh flowers to the perfumer's laboratory, but still with plenty of vibrant fresh rose petals. This wine is bloodier, fleshier and richer than the Testamatta Rosso with an iron note in the minerality. Generous on the palate, but also with delicacy and finesse, crushed berries and notes of candle wax. Intense due to the narrow frame, which reinforces the feeling of compactness and density. Clear, bright and with an intense flavour on the sharp finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, very dense ruby colour. Very fine and inviting nose, classic Sangiovese fruit of dark cherry, then fine tobacco, plus blackberry and roses. Firm, gripping tannins on the palate, savoury and with good tension, has substance and depth, with pronounced earthy notes on the final." Falstaff

"The Bibi Graetz 2022 Colore only draws its fruit from two sites in this vintage: from 60-year-old vines in the Olmo vineyard (at an altitude of over 400 metres) and 88-year-old vines in Lamole (Chianti Classico). The vines are mostly south-facing, but the altitude is decisive. Testamatta, on the other hand, comes from predominantly cool, north-facing vineyards. The results show plenty of vertical vigour and sharp tones with bright fruit, mineral graphite and blue flowers. Bibi strives for transparency in his wines, and although the 2022 vintage delivers heavier fruit flavours overall, the wine offers a nice textural lightness." Wine Advocate

"Precisely moulded and very intense, the Colore 2022 is both padded and bright. Dark berries, spices and blood orange are picked up by a lingering, savoury finish. At the moment it is more closed than the Testamatta, but with time it will reveal more of its beauty." Decanter

"Perfect Sangiovese, with cherry blossom, chalk, shells, fine sand and violets on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with concentrated and balanced tannins that are beautifully integrated and quite endless. Crisp and chewy on the finish. So much presence. You want to spend time with this wine. A top selection from two vineyards, the Olmo and one in the village of Chianti Classico in Lamole, aged 60 and 88 years respectively. This is a wine that gives a lot of pleasure now, but will be even better in two or three years." James Suckling

Sugarille is always a little darker, richer and more opulent than Rennina. Bouquet of remarkable richness. In the drink, dark red cherry, plum, smoke, liquorice and cloves fill out the wine's broad-shouldered frame well. Hints of mocha, chocolate, spices and black-fleshed fruit add the final layers of nuance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium-dense ruby garnet. Smells of fresh, crisp cherries, blood orange and Mediterranean herbs on the nose. Spreads out very richly on the attack, juicy, crisp cherry fruit and some blackberry characterise the palate, shows grippy, savoury tannin on the back end, long final." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with orange reflections. Spicy and slightly reductive on the nose, with pure cherry underneath. Pure and concentrated on the palate, albeit slowly, with complex oak notes that slowly unfold. At the moment, the powdery tannins take the lead on the finish, but it still needs plenty of time." Jancis Robinson

"First produced in 1995, Sugarille is not made in every vintage - having been omitted in 2017, this single vineyard bottling returns. Dark cherry and black plum are peppered with bitter herbs, tobacco and wet stone. Strong tannins provide a solid framework, and tantalising acidity soars. Sweet oak nuances merge with the finish of liquorice roots. A great contender for the cellar." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille keeps me returning to the glass to enjoy its spicy yet wonderfully airy bouquet, where cedar and pine shavings evolve into mentholated herbs, flint and dried black cherries. This wine is very structured and soothing with its combination of ripe red fruits and juicy acidity, while sweet spices and mint nuances resonate towards the end. The sugarilla misses nothing, rejuvenating with impeccable balance and regal structure, while remnants of ripe wild berries and plums linger. The Gaja family has truly outdone itself in this idiosyncratic vintage." Vinous

"A dark, brooding 2018, with accents of smoke, vanilla, iron and tar surrounding a core of cherry and plum flavors. Reveals balsamic elements of eucalyptus and wild herbs on the lingering finish. On the austere side now, with a core of fruit and mineral." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is structured, rich and intense, with particular richness and texture. This wine comes from a single site characterised by slaty Galestro soils. These conditions give the Sugarille its heavier focus and its particular power and strength. Dark fruits, balsamic herbs and pencil shavings create a beautiful and precise bouquet. Give this wine more time to mature." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of red plums, sour cherries, spice box, oranges, cloves and capers. Also moss and porcini mushrooms. Wonderfully open, with a medium to full body and very fine, silky tannins. A beautiful purity of fruit with a long, seamless finish. Ethereal and transparent." James Suckling

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano 2015 is a huge, outstanding wine. Waves of vibrant, intensely fragrant fruit appear on the palate, supported by the firm, broad tannins of the plump, very rich vintage. Violets, spices, new leather and liquorice unfold in the glass, clean mineral notes frame an eruption of dark cherries, plums and camphor in a finish that fills the palate endlessly. Madonna 2015 is well on its way to becoming one of Vincenzo Abbruzzese's very great wines! SUPERIORE.DE

"There’s a mentholated freshness to the 2015 Madonna del Piano Riserva which draws you in, as a seductive display of crushed black cherries, cinnamon, sage and sweet white smoke holds your attention firm. It’s silky in feel yet far more lifted than expected, with wave after wave of tart wild berries and savory spices which drench the palate in concentrated fruit, as if you can feel the skins, pips and all. Just when you think that the 2015 will release you from its structured clenches, its coating of grippy tannins comes forward, and it remains throughout the tension-filled and purple-tinged finale. This will require many years of cellaring to reveal its charms, coming across as far more structured than most other Brunello Riservas from the vintage; yet there’s plenty of fruit to keep pace throughout the wine's evolution." Vinous

"The Valdicava 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is a lovely wine that finds nice balance between power and elegance. You get the character of the fruit with dried cherry, cassis and cranberry and delicate nuances of grilled herb, cola and blue flower. The bouquet also shows lots of balsam intensity with root beer and rosemary oil. These two sides of the wine reach equilibrium, and the only thing needed here is more cellar aging time. There is a point of youthful tannic astringency that needs to unwind and integrate." Wine Advocate

"Cherry, berry and wild herb flavors mark this linear red, which is pure and vibrant, with refined tannins and bright acidity underlying it all. The mineral-tinged finish is fresh and long, with fine harmony in the end." Wine Spectator

"Spectacular aromas of crushed fruit, plums, sous bois, porcini and black truffles. Decadent year, but fresh. Full-bodied, dense and linear on the palate, yet so much in balance and refined with incredible depth and consistency. The savory and juicy finish, with vivid acidity and fruit, is eye-opening. Greatest ever." James Suckling

Mazzei's top wine Siepi is not only an outstanding Tuscan wine every year, but also a 6-hectare vineyard in the middle of dense oak forests with an ideal altitude and a unique climate. The sunshine is optimal throughout the day and a constant breeze from the west prevents excessive heat and creates a mild, Mediterranean climate. The oak forests also provide an ideal protective barrier against extreme weather conditions. Rocky soils of marl, limestone and clay from the Pliocene period ensure a special balance of elements in this geological complex.

"The 30th anniversary of Siepi, a unique wine that bears witness to the harmony between the vineyard and its ecosystem, with great benefits for biodiversity, also celebrates our family's ancient bond with this vineyard. This encourages us to look to the future with the courage and awareness of those who have cultivated and respected the land for centuries." Philippo Mazzei

The 2022 Siepi is a stunning wine that appeals to all the senses with just the right amount of complexity. The wine is soft, brooding, velvety and long-lasting. It is made from equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese and both grapes bring their best qualities to the blend. The Sangiovese grape shows a distinct personality with region-specific notes of small berries and spices and it also offers a wonderfully fresh acidity. The Merlot plays a strong role in the background, adding softness, fullness and richness. SUPERIORE.DE

"2022 was a hot and dry year and it seems to have emphasised the Merlot power more than the Sangiovese finesse: wild forest berries, sous bois and spicy plum lead the way, with a saline touch. Grippy and spicy, round and ripe, it's a bit angular at the moment, with a drying finish, but once that oak has settled down it should show us what it's made of." Decanter

"This warm vintage offers plenty of primary fruit with bold cherry as the protagonist. Softer tones of blue flower and grilled rosemary appear at the back. However, the oak spice and cinnamon need time to integrate." Wine Advocate

"The aromas of dark berries, violets and perfume are enchanting. The palate is medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are polished and so elegant and they run the length of the wine. They are rather endless. Very classy and balanced. A merlot and sangiovese blend. Give this a year or two, but it’s already a joy to drink." James Suckling

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

"Intense, compact nose with rich notes of blackberry and dark cherry, in the background fine spicy notes, cardamom and dried ginger. Juicy and intense in attack and course, lots of cherry, some plum, fine-meshed, dense tannin in the final full pressure." Falstaff

"Camphor, dark spice, blue flower and a whiff of forest floor shape the alluring nose on this delicious red. Elegantly structured and all about finesse and flavor, the savory, focused palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, orange zest, licorice and cassis alongside taut, ultrarefined tannins. Made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera, it's beautifully balanced, with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A rich, intense red, displaying black cherry, blackberry, menthol, iron and graphite flavors, this is polished and expressive, yet with beefy tannins lining the chalky finish. All the components are there - this just needs time." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista comes roaring out the gate with intensity and power. This is a generous and exuberant wine with dark fruit, pressed blackberry, plenty of spice and great overall dimension. It's truly gorgeous, yet I might consider a slightly shorter drinking window for this full-bodied vintage." Wine Advocate

"This is a very deep and serious Chianti Classico with bark, dark-mushroom and blackberry aromas that follow through to a full body with very polished and integrated tannins that are long and classy. A sophisticated and glorious wine. Drink in 2024 and onwards, but already very pretty." James Suckling

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista marries Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, a combination that works so well. The Bellavista is a powerful, vertical wine endowed with explosive and tremendous energy. Like all the top wines, it needs the better part of a decade to show all it's got. Gravel, smoke, leather, licorice and scorched earth." Vinous

Terlano I (pronounced Primo) Grande Cuvée is the name of the white flagship of Cantina Terlano. In recent years, the winery has made a name for itself worldwide with its long-lasting, mineral white wines. Even years later, the wines still present themselves with top freshness and great complexity. With this long history of white wines, since the 2011 vintage there is now a wine in which the essence of Terlan is expressed in an even more focussed way. Terlaner I Grande Cuvée combines the Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon grape varieties from the Winkl, Kreuth and Vorberg vineyards to create a masterpiece which, due to its limited and exclusive nature, will only be available from hand-picked retailers and in selected top restaurants.

Brilliant straw yellow colour. Rich and complex on the nose with flavours of citrus fruit, white pepper and herbs as well as a delicate smoky note. Remarkable structure and refined texture that give it finesse, elegance and an unmistakable character. The extraordinarily long and salty finish leaves an almost endless impression as an expression of a unique mineral terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Highly refined and multi-layered fragrance with fine citrus, pink grapefruit and aromatic herbs. Something fascinating, almost primal with this distinctive herbal flavour. Wonderfully melting on the palate at first, but changes constantly in the glass and after a few minutes it appears very powerful with a delicate style and a juicy, vertical final, which is carried by the acidity and the spicy underlying fruit. What always fascinates me about these wines is the silky, melting mouthfeel with a refined texture." Weinwisser

"Brilliant light straw yellow with green nuances. Very clear and memorable nose, flavours of apricot, white peach, some mango, underpinned by flint and hazelnuts, exciting. Juicy and present on the palate, very clear, lots of fresh yellow fruit, salty, very long final." Falstaff

"The Terlaner Grande Cuvée Primo 2020 presents itself with a delicate blend of dusty stone, freshly spiced pear, white flowers and crushed raw almonds. It is elegance personified, silky yet lively. A hint of hazelnut custard enriches the notes of young peach, while a hint of minerality builds towards the end. The Primo finishes dramatically long yet youthfully tense, leaving a saturation of primary fruit that lingers under a bloom of citrus. The word "wow" doesn't do this wine justice. The 2020 is still a baby today. Is it Grande Cuvée or Grand Cru? Either way, it's fantastic." Vinous

"Layers of stone fruit and vanilla spice on the nose; tremendously intense and focused with mouthwatering acidity and a core of youthful citrus fruit that carries through to the long and well-defined finish. Fabulous and will only get better with age." Decanter

"It's so beautiful, with candied apples, peach peel, honeysuckle and almond biscuits. Also a hint of candied citrus and dried Mediterranean herbs. Full-bodied, so complex and concentrated. Impressively balanced and polished, with a structured mouthfeel and a delicate phenolic impression on the finish. Very long. Beautiful now, but there's no doubting its longevity." James Suckling

"The Terlaner Grand Cuvée Primo is all about texture. This beautiful wine bears the unique characteristics of oak and yeast ageing, which give it a delicate creaminess. It has plenty of richness and softness, followed by white wine tannins. Its rich and viscous mouthfeel is a perfect sounding board for lemon curd, caramel cream and the gelatine on a fruit tart." Wine Advocate

A wine that is only vinified in the very best years and then presents a breathtaking beauty with each edition. In depth, purity and structure, it is the archetype of a Brunello. It beguiles with a mix of sage, rosemary, tobacco, wild flowers and cloves through to a nuanced and endless finish. It is punchy and seductive at the same time and has great personality. Chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a late-release 2015 with extremely attractive blackberry, black-cherry and floral aromas, as well as hints of spices. Full-bodied with wonderfully integrated tannins that are polished yet powerful. Long, persistent finish, showing real purity of fruit. Try after 2023, but already impressive." James Suckling

"The Le Potazzine 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is released a year after most other Riservas hit the market (most of this winery's peers are now selling the 2016 vintage). This pretty wine is open-knit and rich, showing nice textural support. It is redolent of dried cherry, blackberry, light spice, tar and smoke. This special selection of fruit shows elegant results in this hot and sunny vintage." Wine Advocate

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva captivates as it slowly blossoms in the glass, but this is a wine that is truly worth waiting for. With each swirl, a bouquet of mentholated cherry, autumnal spice, shaved cedar and Tuscan dust gains amplitude and richness. The textures are undeniably elegant, communicating opulence while also stimulating the senses with salty minerals and an inner smokiness that I find wildly compelling. An intense array of red currants, licorice and savory spice fills the senses and translates directly to the finale, where regal tannins saturate, promising a remarkably long life. Only 3,000 bottles of this beauty were produced." Vinous

Rare, exceptional Merlot from the west of Tuscany: deep ruby red with violet reflections. The bouquet is multi-layered with hints of wild berries and blackberries, ripe cherries, but also liquorice and tobacco notes. Very structured and lively on the palate. The silky tannins emphasise the delicate minerality right through to the almost endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This lush, silky red wine is introduced by deep flavours of black cherry and blackberry, with hints of chocolate, coffee, vanilla and minerals that develop into a long, complex aftertaste. Despite its richness, it also has finesse and detail." Wine Spectator

"Bright, rich ruby colour, intense and fine nose with notes of blackberry, wild raspberry, then mint and Mediterranean herbs. Characterised by hearty, dense tannins on the palate, interwoven with a lot of sweet melting, fine spice on the finish, ends on sweet tobacco, but still needs some time." Falstaff

"The 2020 Redigaffi offers up dark red cherry, spice, leather, menthol, licorice and espresso. There is a bit of angularity in the tannins, a reminder of some of the challenges of the year. Even so, the 2020 possesses good energy and plenty of stylishness to match." Vinous

"Aromas of cigar box, black plums, cherries, mocha and roasted walnuts. Full-bodied with firm, taut and chewy tannins. Structured and deep with a sophisticated oak spice character. Still taut at the moment. Yet very fine and elegant. Finesse for Redigaffi. Give it a few years to show even more. Try it in the year 2026." James Suckling

"The nose starts sweet and classic, like berries dipped in vanilla and chocolate, and then expands to include a variety of wild herbs. On the palate, the interplay between chocolaty berries and savoury undertones continues before the acidity and tannins, so fine-grained and supple as to be almost ethereal, burst forth. It's already magical now, but will undoubtedly be even better with time." Wine Enthusiast

"The Tua Rita 2020 Redigaffi is the winery's top wine, made from Merlot. The bouquet smells of dark fruits, dried apricots, spices, leather and ashes from the campfire. You can taste the special fullness and concentration in this full-bodied red wine. On the palate, the Redigaffi is soft and accessible with rich layering and texture." Wine Advocate

The wine from the single vineyard of the same name is probably the most opulent of the selection lines of the house. The bouquet is almost brush-stroke wide with a presence of ripe fruit, spices and hints of crushed rock. On the palate it is impressively smooth and full, with a whole bouquet of dark fruit aromas flanked by firm, structured tannins. The Merlot portion gives it additional depth and power. SUPERIORE.DE

" Seductive nose of maraschino cherries, vanilla, lilac; full-bodied entry, perfectly rounded texture with tight tannins, great length and red-berry freshness, also fine leather and tobacco notes. Of great complexity." Vinum

"Deep, dark ruby with a violet tint. Opened with emphatically earthy notes, after tobacco and truffle, then lots of elderberry and blackberry. Firm and gripping tannin, shows a lot of power, full-bodied, after elderberries, in the final a bit rough, still needs storage. Falstaff

"This aromatic Chianti Classico features violet, black cherry, leather, earth and spice flavors. A laser of bracing acidity and muscular tannins runs underneath. The balance tips toward the tannins today, but put this in your cellar for another few years. Sleek and very long." Wine Spectator

"From the small vineyard facing Castello di Ama from the north, the 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto la Casuccia shows a dark and hearty side with rich fruit that flows steadily from the bouquet. Like the other new releases from this iconic estate, this wine shows a pretty earthy note that is particularly well defined and fine-tuned in this vintage. The fruit is broad, thick and horizontal. This is a Sangiovese painted with broad brush strokes. It'll stand another decade or two, or open it sooner with a pappardelle al cinghiale." Wine Advocate

"The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is rich, sensual and inviting, as it so often is. The addition of Merlot to Sangiovese yields a Chianti Classico built on textural resonance, with silky tannins, soft curves and tons of sheer allure. The 2016 won't be ready to drink anytime soon, but it is unquestionably a great wine in the making. Succulent dark cherry, red plum, menthol, licorice, cloves and new oak infuse the creamy, voluptuous finish." Vinous

"Mature black-skinned berry, rose, tilled soil and a balsamic whiff of eucalyptus shape the nose. The bright, elegant palate has energy, tension and depth, delivering ripe wild cherry, red plum, licorice and crushed botanical herb. Taut, fine-grained tannins lend polished support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. A gorgeous wine." Wine Enthusiast

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento from the dream 2015 vintage is dark, rich and seductive. It smells of ginger and hints of leather and tobacco before opening up further to reveal black cherry fruit and wild berries. Although cool and supple, it has a velvety texture that strikes a wonderful balance between the tart blackberries and exotic spices within. Its complexity is remarkable: sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, framed by youthful grippy tannins and hints of cranberries, spices and subtle saltiness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, powerful garnet red. Finely marked, fragrant nose with notes of cranberries, ripe dark cherries, some prunes and plenty of tobacco. Polished tannin on the palate, showing ripe fruit notes, with grippy tannin in many layers on the final." Falstaff

"Lustrous ruby with orange tinges. At first a tiny bit sweaty, then opening up to rich, focused cherry fruit. A palate of lush cherry fruit and sensationally balanced. The juicy fruit, lined with gravelly tannins, goes on and on." Jancis Robinson

"Lots of plum, toffee, floral and cherry aromas that follow through to a full body with ripe, round tannins that follow through to a long, gorgeous finish." James Suckling

"A powerful version, this red delivers concentrated plum, black cherry, iron and earth flavors allied to a base of muscular tannins. The balance tips to the astringent side, but it's not overbearing, with ripe fruit returning on the finish. Needs time and food." Wine Spectator

"Made with certified organic fruit, the Col d'Orcia 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is open-knit and big both in intensity and mouthfeel. This full-bodied Riserva graces us with budding tertiary notes of tobacco and cured leather, but the ripe and fundamentally very rich fruit of this vintage remains firm at its core. You also get cola, licorice and grilled rosemary. This vineyard site sees ancient soils with an important component of well-draining sand, and this helps to concentrate flavors." Wine Advocate

"The darkly alluring 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento requires coaxing to unlock its aromatics from their youthful state. However, patience is rewarded, as crushed stones and ashen earth give way to red and black wild berries offset by hints of camphor and, finally, a note of sweet tobacco. Its textures are like pure silk draped across the palate, as a saturation of salty minerals settle in. Vivid notes of tart black cherry and an air of inner rose resonate throughout as fine tannins slowly clench the senses. The result is one of hulking structure yet also a potent staining of primary concentration; yet through it all, bright acids maintain supreme balance. Wow, the 2015 Poggio al Vento is a masterpiece in the making." Vinous

Sugarille 2019 is certainly one of the greats of its vintage. A crescendo of dark berries, Amarena cherries, tar, liquorice and smoky notes on the nose. The intensity continues on the palate: Sugarille is uncompromisingly powerful, with multi-layered fruit, striking tannins and wonderful acid wire. With increasing aeration, the impressiveness and opulence give way to a wonderful finesse that will continue to refine and develop with further years of bottle ageing. A wine as wonderful as it is today - and guaranteed to be even better tomorrow! SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Much more closed and sleepy than the Rennina and with an undertone of oak. There is also a little more fullness. Restrained on the palate, with marvellous cherry, cranberry and raspberry fruit. Superfine, deep tannins. Polished and long, with a hint of tannin on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"To complete Angelo Gaja's comparison with his Langhe wines, he compares Sugarille with Barolo (as opposed to Rennina, which he equates with Barbaresco). This powerful wine will appeal to anyone looking for a powerful Brunello. Sweet oak spices and plums are accompanied by earthy forest tones. It is rich and fruity, but austere and firm in structure: dark cherry and plum hang on steely, vertical grape tannins. Thicker wood tannins build at the core, but crisp acidity balances the dense structure, and medicinal herbs are embedded in the layers. This wine is firming up in the glass and still needs plenty of time." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is dark and youthfully closed, forcing the taster to engage with its brooding blend of blackberry, sage and crushed stone. It displays textures of pure silk, polished and refined, with a dense textural wave of tart red and black fruits underscored by savoury minerals and exotic spices. Orange notes provide contrast on the finish, which is tannic and long, with a pleasant chew and angular tannins that pinch the cheeks. The 2019 is a dark Brunello stallion with plenty of muscle and flesh that will need many more years in the cellar to show its best side. But it will be worth the wait." Vinous

"An elegant version, this red exhibits cherry, graphite, earth, blood and eucalyptus aromas and flavors, turning darker and more brooding as it evolves in the mouth, with both savory and mineral elements. Yet this remains very Sangiovese, with a firm, peppery aftertaste that echoes fruit, iron and underbrush accents." Wine Spectator

"Extremely perfumed and intense with lilac, violets, violet fruit and black cherries. Full-bodied and very structured with powerful tannins that give it great length and intensity. A great wine for the cellar. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

"The Pieve Santa Restituta 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille displays a finely chiselled quality with direct and lifted fruit that gives this wine an edgy or delineated personality. This impression is reinforced by delicate mineral notes of crushed stone that give way to dark fruits, sweet plums, black cherries and earthy orris roots. The wine is elegant, but also very flavoursome and structured thanks to the natural ripeness and concentration of the fruit. Give this wine more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

Madonna del Piano is a top wine from a top vintage, what more could you want? We are deeply impressed by its energetic tension and complexity, plus a harmony only imagined in the wildest dreams. Focused and racy bouquet of dark cherries, herbs, smoke and mineral hints. Very animating in the drink, the acidity plays around the primary fruit, then the polished tannins set in and glide this beautiful red into its almost endless finish. An extremely characterful and polished wine that is already one of the most beautiful of its appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is totally captivating: deep, dark and viral. It smolders up from the glass, with a thrilling mix of cherries and plums complemented by notes of black tea, balsam herbs and ashen stone. With each return to the glass, this seems to expand further, adding nuances of smoke and animal musk. The 2016 is packed full of energy but also youthful tension, showing the radiance of the vintage with its citrus-tinged fruits and depths of minerality. Through it all, energizing acidity maintains harmony, just as fine tannins slowly saturate, resulting in a long finish that resonates on licorice and purple-tinged inner florals. The 2016 is one of the most balanced, yet also prettiest, expressions that I have ever witnessed from Valdicava’s Madonna del Piano." Vinous

"The Valdicava 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano impresses for its intensity, its balance and its freshness. The wine is medium to full-bodied with a good amount of fruit weight and power that is offset by acidity and the lifted, vibrant quality of the bouquet. If balance is the objective, this wine meets it goals, although like with many of its peers, you certainly won't miss the deep inner power of this determined Brunello." Wine Advocate

"Expressive yet complex, this red is already revealing tertiary hints of truffle, fading roses and spice. Features cherry, raspberry, iron, eucalyptus and anise flavors allied to a firm, compact structure. Balanced and long, with fresh fruit, spice and mineral accents lingering on the endless finish." Wine Spectator

"This is heavenly on the nose with fresh flowers such as violet and cherries with undertones of freshly shaved sandalwood. It’s full-bodied with very fine tannins that are focused and intense with a polished nature. This is a complete wine that impresses at every level. Give it at least five to six years to come together and resolve the tannin structure. Better after 2027." James Suckling