The Wine Advocate

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

Cru Roncicone comes from soils with maritime deposits. It is a 10.1 hectare plot planted between 1998 and 2000 with a density of 6,000 plants per hectare. The soils are rich in marine fossils with sand at the top and thicker clay beneath the topsoil. Our impression of this wine is that it is the most immediate and softly structured.

Deep dark, fruity and smoky bouquet. Dark, violet-coloured fruit on the palate, paired with notes of forest floor, tobacco and a beautiful spiciness. The volume is full and deep, the tannins very accessible even at a young age and the finish is flanked by a well-structured acidity framework, which will also ensure very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Roncicone 2019 shows the more ethereal side of Sangiovese in this vintage. Sweet red cherries, mint, crushed stones, orange peel and rose water give it a remarkable aromatic brilliance. The Roncicone captivates with its medium-bodied, translucent personality and offers plenty of intensity." Vinous

"This spicy red wine presents itself with an explosion of bright cherry fruit, along with notes of strawberries, redcurrants, eucalyptus and tobacco. It shows an underlying minerality and dusty tannins that are present on the finish. All components are present." Wine Spectator

"Earthy forest scents accompany hedgerow berries and violet tones, with a clear petrichor note. The fine tannins allow the intensity of the juicy red and black fruits to shine through. It has a beautiful freshness with an almost mentholated character that, combined with the dense and tangy finish, gives it a sense of verticality." Decanter

"The aromas and structure of this single-vineyard Chianti Classico are something special this year. The flavours of orange peel, meat and cherries are lively and vibrant. It has a medium body with firm, chewy tannins that are dusty and fine-grained. Structured and robust with a granite-like presence. Try it after 2025, but it will impress you." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio Roncicone 2019 reflects soils rich in shells and marine fossils. These conditions provide sharpness and focus with beautiful minerality, both salty and chalky. At first glance, this Sangiovese is textbook, slender and elegant. The bouquet is refined and multi-layered with wild cherry, mint, blue flowers and blood orange. There is also a hint of rust, and the mouthfeel is polished and very fine. The tannins melt away. Francesco Ricasoli assures me that he and his team have learnt to "work the grapes". I would definitely say that. The results are stunning." Wine Advocate

Sammarco, made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon with unmistakable Tuscan roots, shines with a ripe fruit bouquet and aromas of green pepper, leather and a hint of herbal spice. The flavour is solid and the crisp tannins are perfectly integrated into the powerful structure. A grandiose pleasure that expands and intensifies into the long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby colour with violet shimmer, delicate lightening rim. Initially somewhat cloudy on the nose, clarifies with aeration, then develops fine notes of raspberry, dark currant, some cedar wood. Pithy, gripping tannins characterise the wine on the palate, still very young, but has a lot of potential, put it away for a few years!" Falstaff

"The 2019 Sammarco is a very pretty, elegant wine with gorgeous aromatic intensity from Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up the majority of the blend this year. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, dried cherry, incense and crushed leaves give this young, nascent Sammarco a remarkable aromatic presence. With time in the glass, the striking inner flavour and sweetness come to the fore. In 2019, Sammarco is more finesse than power." Vinous

"Lush and fluid, this intense red offers black currant, blackberry, wild herb, graphite, loam and tobacco flavors. Fresh, balanced and long, with lively acidity, pointed tannins and a long finish of dark fruit." Wine Spectator

"Currants and black berries with citrus undertones and flowers. Medium body with velvety tannins and a freshness and brightness. Lots of energy." James Suckling

"The 2019 Sammarco is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. It is more austere and even robust compared to the more powerful style that is appreciated in this portfolio. It is an earthy wine with a broader base of flavours ranging from black fruits, baked plums, spices, tobacco and crushed limestone. In this wine you can feel the natural concentration of the 2019 vintage and the wonderfully controlled tannins." Wine Advocate

First bottled in 1967, Roncaglie (formerly Barbaresco Masseria) comes from a vineyard in Bricco di Neive and is essentially vinified and aged like a Barolo. Since the 2018 vintage, it now comes from a small parcel that used to belong to the Socré Barbaresco winery and is now deliberately released a year later to ensure greater harmony and balance. Floral and spicy notes merge with a core of rich, generous fruit in a generous Barbaresco based on pure resonance. Barbaresco Roncaglie is vinified and matured in the same way as Vietti's single-vineyard Barolos. This means long fermentation, six months in French oak and more than two years in barrique. This, together with the broad shoulders of Neive, results in a noble Nebbiolo with clear hints of Barolo and impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Firm, concentrated raspberry-fruit nose becoming more opulent and perfumed with aeration. Impressively balanced on the palate with wired, juicy raspberry and fine tannins. Full aromatic spread on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The Vietti 2020 Barbaresco Roncaglie Masseria has bright rose, cherry, redcurrant and angel food cake with strawberries. There are mineral notes as well, and the fruit unfolds over the palate with gentle intensity. There is some oak spice, but it is very well integrated; and the wine shows good balance, especially where the tannins versus acidity is concerned." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbaresco, from vines in Roncaglie, sizzles with tension. Bright, red-toned fruit, orange peel, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks are all beautifully delineated. In many vintages, the Roncaglie is quite showy. That is hardly the case in 2020, a vintage in which the wine is classically austere and in need of time. Super-classic." Vinous

"Very perfumed and pretty with sliced strawberries and citrus blossom. Plenty of forest berries, too. Medium to full body. Creamy tannins and a fresh finish. Fine texture and gorgeous." James Suckling

Rich and refined top cuvée from the white grape varieties of Friuli. The bouquet of white flowers and yellow fruit has a pleasantly smoky note. Opulent flavours of yellow and white fruits, dried apricots and honey on the palate, the balanced acidity provides backbone and structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with delicate nuances of green. Stone fruit, peach and some apricot on the nose, subtle flint notes and a hint of vanilla. Powerful on the palate, lively acidity, delicate phenolics, mouthwatering finish." Falstaff

"Clean and mineral, with a saline undertone and vibrant flavours of freshly sliced apples and pears, blanched almonds, almond blossom and a hint of ground white pepper. Fresh, chalky finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Abbazia di Rosazzo is more delicate and nuanced, with dusty dried flowers, crushed almonds and sweet smoke on the nose. It feels silky yet almost weightless and floats on the palate with a savoury mix of white stone fruits and inner flowers. It leaves a hint of minerality and finishes with a beautiful tension that leaves flinty notes of liquid stone and Bosc pear. The Abbazia di Rosazzo is an understated beauty." Vinous

"This wine has definitely moved into tertiary aroma territory. With a deep, off-gold color and orange highlights, the Livio Felluga 2019 Rosazzo Abbazia di Rosazzo shows aged tones of preserved lemon, candied orange peel, dried guava and sweet almond. Fermentation is in stainless steel, and the wine sees some aging in large oak casks. There are mild white-wine tannins and a hint of peppermint to close." Wine Advocate

"Fascinating aromas of ash, wet stones, dried apples, hints of honey and flint. Tar. Full-bodied with great density and energy. Framed and firm. Vine bark with mushrooms. Reserved. Old vines. 80 to 100 years old." James Suckling

The annual production of this boutique winery on Etna is just 9,000 bottles. At an altitude of 950 metres above sea level, the one and a half hectares of vines are divided into eight tiny plots and have been gradually bought up by the well-known Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera phylloxera and make their way through the lava-covered terraces.

The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is extremely elegant and flavoursome and represents the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region to a remarkable degree. SUPERIORE.DE

"From ancient bush trees in high vineyards: finely chiselled aromas of raspberries and blossoms, also balsamic facets; noble texture, the acidity and tannins wonderfully modelled, long, fresh and fruity and yet extremely elegant. Very successful." Vinum

"Bright, light ruby red colour. Intriguing nose, delicate fruity notes, reminiscent of raspberries and cherries, followed by dried herbs and a hint of black truffle. Lively and precise on the palate, starts with a lot of juice, firm tannin structure and dancing acidity, spicy final, good length." Falstaff

"Transparent ruby red colour. Rich and yet with plenty of pace. And some light animal notes." Jancis Robinson

"Cola, tobacco, cinnamon and baked cherries. Freshness and lift from the start, super fresh with a juicy succulence that is so inviting. A clean palate with a gentle flavour drive. Feels well crafted with finesse. Balanced with so much juicy goodness, lovely velvety tannins and sweet strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate fruit on the palate. It will also develop superbly with time in the glass. This wine certainly has power, depth and vigour. A wine to age." Decanter

"A medium-bodied, very dense and precise red wine with focused, firm tannins framing smooth layers of cranberry, blackberry, stone, slate and tobacco. Also a hint of dried fruit. Mineral and stony. The wine has the character of old vines, with plenty of bark and spice on the finish. Try it from 2024 onwards." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese from Carlo Ferrini opens with a beautiful ruby red colour and an elegant, slender appearance. The wine offers tart cherry fruit, cassis, blue flowers, iron ore and orange peel. These different layers come together with balanced intensity. This vintage shows tremendous elegance and tannins that melt slowly and persistently on the palate. This bottle offers a very authentic and classic expression of the Sicilian volcano." Wine Advocate

"It is a pure Nerello Mascalese, preceded by a measured maceration on the skins and then refined in tonneaux. It has notes of black cherry, a hint of rhubarb, a touch of marjoram and black peppercorns. Spicy on the palate, with a fruity, spicy finish and hints of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

The Piero selection was created as a tribute to the work of Pierluigi Talenti, who has selected and worked the Sangiovese with passion over the years. A 1.95 hectare vineyard near the centre of the winery, with unique pedoclimatic characteristics, stands out from all other vineyards for its consistent quality. The gently sloping terrain is surrounded by woods rich in marl, with a south-easterly exposure at an altitude of 410 metres above sea level, where Pierluigi pursued and cultivated his personal clonal selection in the 1970s. It is a wine with an intense and persistent character, ruby red colour, fine and elegant tannins. After maturing in tonneaux for at least 24 months, it is bottled until it is released onto the market. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark red; reductive-barrelled, rubbery, ripe-fruity, multi-layered, inviting; sweetness, juicy, fruity length, coffee, very appealing." (JLF) Merum

"Uncork the bottle a few hours earlier and you will be enchanted by engaging notes of raspberries, plums, undergrowth and violets; in the mouth, the wine is full of power, vigour and yet suppleness right through to the complex finish. Impeccable style, can also mature excellently." Vinum

"Bright ruby red with a dark, sparkling centre. Open-hearted and inviting on the nose, blackberry, plum, black cherry, a mix of sealing wax and almonds on the finish. Exciting on the palate, on strawberry candy, creamy fruit, with grippy tannins, plus fine ferrous tones, keeps coming back in the mouth, still needs some time." Falstaff

"A vibrant red wine whose lively acidity brings the aromas and flavours of rose, cherry, raspberry and minerals to a lingering finish. It is supple and balanced, with a graceful feel and a long, fruity and mineral aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Deep, shiny ruby red with bright orange-coloured reflections. A little closed on the nose, more spicy than fruity and with just a hint of spicy oak. Lively, deep sour cherry palate with plenty of body and impeccable balance. Long, gravelly tannins and tangy cherry fruit with just the right touch of oak. Will age gracefully." Jancis Robinson

"Attractive flavours of crushed berries, cherries and bark follow through to a medium body, with lovely fruit and lively acidity. Balanced and delicious already, but may improve with age." James Suckling

"The Talenti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Piero is a wine with plenty of fruit and muscle. It has an intoxicating bouquet with glowing spices, stewed cherries and cured tobacco delivered in generous waves and rich volume. The wine's personality is ultimately revealed as strong and simple, and I think these adjectives hit the nail on the head. Thanks to its velvety tannins, it offers smooth transitions and is quite full-bodied on the finish." Wine Advocate

"Dedicated to the memory of the founder, from the vineyard of the same name just a few steps away from the winery. Notes of red cherry on the nose, a hint of black pepper in the grains, a hint of juniper and bergamot. The sip has citrus sensations and a memory of red cherry, return of sweet spices." Luca Gardini

"This Auslese comes from a two-hectare vineyard at an altitude of 410 metres with rocky sandstone on the surface. Riccardo Talenti says that he always produces the best fruit from the vineyard, regardless of the conditions. Aged in tonneaux, Piero opens with intense coffee flavours that mingle with spicy notes of cloves and nutmeg. On the palate, it develops a sweet and sour character, while suede permeates the dark, fleshy red cherry. The tannins are grainy and substantial, but ripe, and it cries out for a few more years to develop." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Piero is not to be missed. It blossoms slowly with a tantalising blend of spicy blackberries, violet pastille and orange zest. It impresses with its lively, ripe wild berry fruit and juicy acidity. Tactile mineral tones add contrast, and rosy inner flowers emerge towards the end. The 2019 lingers incredibly long and takes on a savoury note, while the palate lingers with a savoury tension, even as the fine tannins grip the senses. The Piero is already showing such extravagance and balance. It will be an exciting Brunello to follow over the next two decades." Wine Advocate

Classic and well-proportioned Brunello di Montalcino with a generous bouquet of red berries, cherries and spices that contrast perfectly. Lean and firm with ethereal hints and beautiful spice on the palate, the harmonious flavour moves towards a lingering finish with great finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"While this wine contains a small amount of fruit from the estate's La Lucère vineyard, it is mainly made from a lower, north and north-east facing parcel in the immediate vicinity of the winery. An abundance of sweet herbs - from sage to lavender - gives way to forest scrub and flint. On the palate, the wine is not yet as pronounced as on the nose, although a core of concentrated red cherry lies in wait. The tannins are strong and somewhat woody, but they smooth out on the finish. The 2018 should develop well after another year in bottle." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is bright and beautiful on the palate with red and purple fruits. It shows varietal acidity with a medium-bodied texture. The mouthfeel is not particularly long, but it is fresh and the tannins are polished." Wine Advocate

"This delicate red wine is saturated with aromas and flavours of raspberries, cherries, liquorice, rose hips and eucalyptus. Powerful and complex, with fine balance, plump tannins and a lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Intensity and great freshness also in San Filippo's basic Brunello. Nose with notes of black cherry, then touches of black pepper and bay leaves. Savoury on the palate, with officinal-fruity return and spicy notes. Persistence and deep finish." Luca Gardini

"Intense, spicy and flavourful with aromas of currants, sage, dried oranges, mint and bark. Full-bodied with supple and well-integrated tannins. A subtle herbal note gives it freshness. Lots of character. Drinkable from 2024." James Suckling

Luciano has been keeping back a small quantity of his Barolo Le Vigne for a few years now, allowing it to continue maturing in the bottle in his cellar. The result is called "Sibi et Paucis", an impressive and rare opportunity to experience the marvellous ageing potential of his great Baroli. SUPERIORE.DE

"This version shows ripe aromas and flavours of plum, cherry, leather and woody undergrowth. Firm and dense, with a balance that shifts towards the tannins, but long and satisfying." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis 2014 from Luciano Sandrone shows a pronounced tertiary note reminiscent of dried kitchen herbs, fennel and tarragon. The fruit transitions into dried cherries and blackcurrants. The wine has a spicy side with black pepper or chilli flakes on a medium-bodied texture. In this case, the tannins are integrated and polished. The 2014 is ready to drink now. Only 1,500 bottles were set aside for this late release." Wine Advocate

"The 2014 Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis opens with notes of cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, dried herbs, mint and dried cherry. Medium-bodied and sinewy, the 2014 is characterised by bright acids, plenty of gorgeous minerality and a medium-bodied structure. The long, lingering finish is a real beauty." Vinous

"Bright ruby red with a garnet rim. Dried cherries and Parma violets are loaded along with liquorice, but there is also a darker character of fresh plums and restrained minty minerality. Dense, velvety and relaxing, but with a full body and great concentration. The tannins are infused with spicy flavours of plum and liquorice and are carried by a powerful acidity." James Suckling

L'Alberello is a beautiful Bolgheri Superiore made primarily from Cabernet. The wine comes from a two-hectare plot planted entirely with long rows of Alberello vines planted at an altitude of 30 metres above sea level on predominantly clayey soils. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and the wine matures for 18 months in barriques. This vintage is very generous and broad in terms of flavour and texture, with finely polished tannins. Starts fresh and vehement with warm, dark fruit flavours, then opens up further with a bouquet of herbs, coffee and a pinch of pepper. Remarkably polished and juicy on the palate, everything is in balance, silky and very charismatic on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seductively spicy wild berry nose, with a touch of lilac and liquorice notes; juicy on the palate, the acidity, vivid and perfectly integrated, underpins the powdery tannins, finishes long and with lots and lots of polish." Vinum

"The Bolgheri Superiore L'Alberello 2020 from Grattamacco is impressive. Crushed red berry fruits, white pepper, mint, flowers, spices and blood oranges race across the palate, with remarkable freshness and vibrancy. This deceptively medium-bodied Maremma red wine is wonderfully refined and nuanced from start to finish. I particularly admire the energy it exudes. Pretty floral and mineral notes brighten the finish and the flavours linger." Vinous

"There is a yin and yang between the luscious fruit of blackberries, blackcurrants and cherries and the tense, grainy tannins in this red wine, which starts fluidly and then firms up on the long finish. Mineral notes and undergrowth add depth. At this stage, it simply appears more youthful than its competitors. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc." Wine Spectator

"Dark garnet with aromas of blueberry and forest floor, this is very Mediterranean and youthful, with cedar wood and liquorice candy complexity on the finish. Firm and grippy at first, it's extracted and powerful with a concentration of fruit and freshness in a tight-knit matter. A great Bordeaux blend worth waiting for." Decanter

"This is a preview of the Bolgheri Superiore l'Alberello 2020, which was tasted at the winery. This wine is very different from the winery's flagship wine, Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco. Firstly, the vines are planted according to the Alberello system in a special symmetrical grid so that each plant enjoys the same exposure. The blend consists of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. This unfinished vintage shows a strong mineral or saline signature with earth, liquorice, dried mint and damp clay." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful, clean black fruit character in this full-bodied and densely packed red wine. It also offers notes of dark chocolate, cardamom and fresh fenugreek seeds. The tannins are well embedded in the texture and draw you into the wine. The fruit is persistent. The finish is long and firm towards the end. From organically grown grapes. Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet franc. This wine is already very impressive, but it will linger in the bottle for a few more years. But it's very tempting now." James Suckling

As always, Castiglione is mainly based on grapes from Ravera, with smaller portions from Ginestra, Mosconi, Bricco Ravera (in Monforte), Le Coste, Costabelle, Meriame, Briccolina and Codana. Every year it is a dazzling wine that shows how convincing even an "entry-level wine" from a top producer can be. Rich, voluptuous and explosive, it has enormous fullness and resonance from the very first sip. On the nose, bright red cherry and plum fruit, wild flowers, mint, blood orange and spices. Its silky tannins are accompanied by a beautiful, mentholated brightness. A real charmer! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with garnet-red reflections. Elegant on the nose with notes of raspberries and black cherries, slightly ethereal after varnish, plus undergrowth and rose petal. Fresh fruit on the palate, carried by invigorating acidity and fine-grained tannins. Persistent." Falstaff

"Always a popular choice, the 2020 Barolo Castiglione has a lush approach with dark fruit, cola, wild berry coulis and smoky tar. The wine carries a hot vintage well, with approachable and powdery tannins for short- or medium-term drinkability. In terms of texture, the Castiglione has more power and body than a standard Barolo." Wine Advocate

"Fragrant, polished and vibrant, the 2020 Barolo Castiglione shows beautiful notes of crushed red berries, rose petals, mint, white pepper and orange peel from the start. This classically built, medium-bodied Barolo is noble through and through. Like all 2020s here, it will benefit from time in the bottle or good decanting." Vinous

"Fast-paced and concentrated. I like the aromas of lavender, violets and white roses alongside strawberry, cranberry and stone. Medium-bodied, with firm and fine tannins that are long and juicy. It is fine and polished. Needs three to four years to develop." James Suckling

Bòggina Bianco is an extremely deep, flavoursome and fresh Trebbiano from vines that are around 50 years old. It is the result of Luca Sanjust's encounter with Lucien Le Moine (Mounir Souma), a major producer in Burgundy, who has contributed significantly to the success of this extraordinary project with his inspiration and expertise. Vinification takes place in French oak barrels and tonneaux specially made for this wine and selected by Lucien Le Moine. The wine remains "sur lies" (on the lees) for the entire ageing period of over 2 years, which gives it an incredibly fresh flavour and harmony. An extremely rare and very delicious exceptional white wine that is only produced in small quantities of a few 1,000 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"Slightly opaque, pale straw yellow colour. Opens with appealing notes of flint and cold smoke, then some pear, grapefruit and capers. Very good tension in the attack, salty, emphatically reductive on the palate, well-integrated acidity, unfortunately somewhat bready notes in the final, phenolic." Falstaff

"This white wine is complex and engaging from the start, with smoky lemon, peach and honey flavours, with hints of white flowers and caramel. It is lively and precise and finishes on a note of salted almonds. Excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"This wine is enjoying an impressive growth trajectory. And it's made with 100% Trebbiano, which makes it even more particular. Once seen as a workhorse variety, Trebbiano reveals age-worthy qualities when made in the right hands. Starting off with initial flinty reductiveness, the Petrolo 2021 Bòggina B has an almost exotic bouquet with Indian spice, cumin and cardamom. The wine is fleshy and creamy in texture with a full-bodied style that is accented by medium acidity and waxiness. There is a distinctive note of canned corn or peach that dovetails into mineral or metallic notes." Wine Advocate

"It is fresh and perfumed with notes of beeswax, spicy herbs and orange blossom. Nuts. Honey blossom. Beautiful fruit with savoury undertones and wet stone minerality. Full-bodied, persistent and complex, with deep fruit and impressive acidity. The finish is long and straightforward, shifting from a mineral note to a steely character at the very end. Beautiful as ever. From organically grown grapes. Drink or store." James Suckling

"A Trebbiano Toscano with a distinct territorial character and personality. 45-year-old vines and skeleton-rich soils for this organic white wine: full-bodied fruit, floral and spicy nose, with notes of apricot and yellow plum, lush, generous sip, great persistence." Luca Gardini

Since Guidalberto has been vinified from its own grapes, most of which also grow in the Sassicaia DOC monopoly position, San Guido's "second wine" has grown beyond itself. Spicy, earthy bouquet with hints of tobacco, clove and lavender, dense and juicy on the palate with fresh red and black berry fruit. The tannins are well balanced and the finish is complex with a majestic elegance that will become even more refined with years of ageing in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Concentrated and dense, with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, blueberry and black currant, this red also reveals black olive and iron accents. The tannins clamp down for now, yet this is balanced overall, with everything well-proportioned." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of blackcurrants, dark cherries, chocolate, ground spices and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied with compact but supple and polished tannins. Spicy notes with hints of dried mushrooms and chocolate. Attractive with a lingering finish." James Suckling

"The Guidalberto 2021, an assemblage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from San Guido, is soft, juicy and seductive right from the start. The supple contours of the Merlot lend fleshiness to this medium-bodied, racy Maremma blend. Ripe red cherry fruit, spice, leather and tobacco are beautifully brought to the fore. Best of all, the 2021 will be easy to drink right from the start." Vinous

"The Tenuta San Guido 2021 Guidalberto, a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, shows tart cherry fruit with dark blackberry and plum tones. This vintage delivers particularly edgy and focussed fruit characteristics, elegantly framed by light spice, cola and earth. This vintage shows a heightened sense of intensity and territorial identity that is the hallmark of this storied winery." Wine Advocate

"Sparkling, intense ruby-purple colour. Opens with appealing notes of mint, blackberry and mulberry, with spicy cedar wood in the background. Fine-meshed, polished tannins characterise the palate, present, clear fruit, beautiful drinking flow." Falstaff

"According to Carlo Paoli, the winemaking director of Tenuta San Guido, the 2021 is the best Guidalberto he has ever produced. The proportion of Merlot was reduced to the typical 40% this year because the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon was so good. The Guidalberto 2021 has a very deep colour, almost black with a narrow purple rim. It took about an hour to really open up, but then it had a wonderful range of aromas and flavours. Notes of cassis and blueberries, blue flowers, violets and iris are followed by a palate full of perfectly ripe blackberries and blueberries enveloped in smooth, creamy flavours. A wine of velvety richness balanced by vibrant acidity, with very pure, concentrated aromas and flavours. Delicious!" Decanter

"This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which has now undergone a refined stylistic redesign, also stands out: a wine with a nose of blackberries, with notes of Mediterranean scrub and rhubarb, then nuances of eucalyptus. Taut and crisp, with spicy tannins, juicy and beautifully persistent." Luca Gardini

Historically, the vineyards of Castello di Fonterutoli are located in the areas of three neighbouring municipalities of Chianti Classico: Castellina in Chianti, Castelnuovo Berardenga and Radda in Chianti. With the 2017 vintage, the Mazzei family vinified all three large vineyards separately as Chianti Classico Gran Selezione for the first time in order to recognise the diversity of the terroir: Castello di Fonterutoli, Vicoregio 36 and Badiòla.

As a result of 50 years of research, 36 biotypes of the Sangiovese grape were planted on a sunny plateau near Castelnuova Berardenga, from which this extremely interesting and unique wine was created a few years ago. The overall impression is very balanced and straightforward with hints of red cherries, spices, dried blueberries and tobacco. It is the warmest and most balanced of the three Gran Selezione wines. Its intensity, richness of colour and precise fruit immediately captivate Sangiovese lovers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Archetypal for a Chianti Classico, marrying fine fruit with depth and robust, earthy-spicy grip and remaining compact and full-bodied until the long finish." Weinwisser

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Dark berry and spicy on the nose, with rich precious wood, milk chocolate, fine, resinous tones and a hint of smoke and coconut. Juicy on the palate, with compact tannins and a savoury core, the final is grippy and powerful, the wood has integrated well since the last tasting, powerful finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vicoregio 36 is a soft, fruity wine that can be drunk now or over the next few years. Crushed flowers, sweet red cherry fruit, candy and sweet floral notes permeate this uncomplicated Gran Selezione. The Vicoregio comes from a relatively cool site in Castelnuovo Berardenga and is the only wine in this range to be aged in oak." Vinous

"Very attractive combination of cherries and lightly toasted oak. A hint of cappuccino. Turns into flowers. Full-bodied with creamy tannins and light-coloured fruit. Polished tannins with a hint of vanilla at the end. Needs time to develop. Try it after 2026." James Suckling

"The Mazzei 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Fonterutoli Vicoregio 36 is made from the fruit of an experimental vineyard planted with 36 Sangiovese biotypes. It is characterised by a very linear and concentrated style. This site is particularly rocky with clay-limestone Alberese soils. The ripe fruit of the warm vintage and the lush oak spice give the wine a full-bodied finish. Finally, beautiful mineral notes lend vigour and elegance to the bouquet." Wine Advocate

"This racy red wine is characterised by its lively acidity, which highlights the flavours of cherry, raspberry and iron. Hints of wild herbs, oak spice and tobacco add detail as the wine develops into a long, complex finish that has excellent balance and energy." Wine Spectator

"Exquisite aromas of small fruits, dried roses, spices and tobacco; intriguing structure with sufficient density, but also a great deal of finesse, the tightly woven tannins and acidity in harmony, ends with a long finish. Impeccable Gran Selezione from 36 different Sangiovese biotypes." Vinum

"Marasche on the nose, touches of clementine zest and fresh sage, with peony lashes. Mouthfeel with iodized tannins, a comeback of plum." Luca Gardini

Barolo Ravera comes from a single vineyard with almost 50-year-old vines. In the glass, it impresses with a strong, aromatic opening aroma. Bright, precise and finely chiselled, the Ravera captures all the goodness the vintage has to offer. Cherry, sweet mint, candy and expressive floral notes get an extra kick of inner sweetness from the Ravera's natural energy. There is so much to look forward to as the wine develops over the next few years! SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid ruby with the beginning of orange tinges. Glorious nose of perfumed, intensely lifted cherry. Hints of black pepper and minerally stony notes. Compact, embryonic and concentrated fruit on the palate with bags of powdery tannins and succulent acidity. Great balance and length. Lots of potential." Jancis Robinson

"The 2017 Barolo Ravera is a beautiful, precise wine. Bright acids and veins of tannin give the 2017 terrific energy that carries all the way through to the finish. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, chalk, white pepper and spice all open with a bit of coaxing. This is very nicely done." Vinous

"A tightly wound, linear red, this reveals steeped cherry and plum flavors, with shadings of tar, eucalyptus and licorice. The dense matrix of tannins rules the finish, yet this shows nice equilibrium overall." Wine Spectator

"Cherry and candied strawberry with flowers and some dried earth. Full-bodied, layered and chewy. Lots of wet earth and mushroom to the red fruit." James Suckling

"The Ravera cru is seeing renewed energy and interest, thanks to the hard work of the Elvio Cogno team. They believed in Novello from the very beginning, and today a wine like the 2017 Barolo Ravera shows special confidence and pride. This pretty Barolo made with a blend of Nebbiolo clones (Lampia and Michet) reveals a slow succession of aromas with dark cherry and blackberry. The results are lasting, contoured and beautifully focused, thanks to mineral notes of rusty iron or brick. Nuanced notes of licorice and campfire ash round off the finish." Wine Advocate

"Made by the estate that put this celebrated cru on the map, and showing an enviable combination of elegance and power, this stunning wine opens with aromas of wild berries, underbrush, dark spice and balsamic notes of cedar and new leather. The tense, savory palate is loaded with youthful energy, showing succulent Marasca cherry, raspberry, cinnamon and star anise framed in tightly knit, refined tannins and surprisingly bright acidity for the vintage. A mineral note suggesting iron adds depth to the close." Wine Enthusiast

Luce Brunello has been one of the icons in the large portfolio of Frescobaldi wines from Tuscany for years. The 2019 edition opens with great power and determination with ripe fruit flavours of blackberries and candied cherries. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and very harmonious thanks to the bright acidity and the overall quality of the primary fruit flavours of this excellent vintage. The tannins are well woven into the full-bodied density of the wine. Be sure to aerate or, better still, leave to mature for a few years in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-layered aromas of ripe red fruits, spices, undergrowth and lilac; round, dense and with verve on the palate, racy tannins, combines juice and mineral character, fine tartness on the final. A successful blend of elegant juiciness and full-bodied substance." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Memorable nose with lots of fleshy plum and blackberry fruit, plus rose petals and tobacco spice. Rich and juicy in the attack and on the palate, shows wonderfully integrated tannins, opens up in many layers, with a delicate minty final." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red with a light, brick-coloured rim. Complex, spicy-minty oak with firm cherry fruit underneath. Lots of youthful, tangy cherry fruit with a deep layer of chewy tannins. Very complete and beautiful." Jancis Robinson

"The Tenuta Luce 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has a good amount of oak spice with campfire ash, forest floor, dried cherry, cassis, rye bread and something floral like hydrangea or pressed roses. There is also a balsamic note with sambuca or aniseed. It is a medium to full-bodied Brunello with flavours of dried fruit and a considerable alcohol content of 15% on the long finish." Wine Advocate

"This ripe and opulent red wine is packed with flavours of black cherries, blackberries and plums and captures your attention from the first sip. Vibrant and solidly built, with notes of wild thyme, earth and sweet spices, it shows excellent balance and length and remains fresh and juicy on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Another intense year for the Brunello from Tenuta Luce. Elegance and spiciness on the nose, with notes of cranberry, peony and a hint of chinotto, with a hint of cinnamon on the finish. Salty on the palate, with hints of blueberries and floral notes." Luca Gardini

"Black cherries and blueberries with undertones of walnut and lavender. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that run the length of the wine and caress every inch of the palate. Fresh and lively. A wine for the cellar, but already fantastic to savour now." James Suckling

Campania's winegrowers look back on 2019 as a dream year with joy and satisfaction. Everything was just right here and the quality and quantity of the grapes harvested left little to be desired. Full, rich ruby red colour. Captivating notes of black cherries, cocoa, graphite and sweet spices on the nose, with white smoke and dried flowers in the background. On the palate, it has a beguiling extract sweetness and further fruity textures, which interweave with salty flavours and a subtle minerality that make up a typical Terra di Lavoro. The polished tannins and a hint of graphite round off the endlessly long flavour experience and make the wine a true beauty to remember. Challenging and tantalising, just the way you like it! SUPERIORE.DE

"Year after year, this blend of Aglianico and Piedirosso produces one of my favourite wines from Campania. The grapes (from a blend of 40% younger vines and 60% vines up to 25 years old) are grown at an altitude of 450 metres on volcanic soils between Sessa Aurunca and Galluccio, which are predominantly west-facing. It is fermented in stainless steel with selected yeasts and matures for 12 months in French oak barrels. It has a dark purple-red colour and shows restrained notes of cassis, Modica chocolate, fresh leather and black olives. The attack is firm, broad and refined, with youthful, grainy tannins of great extraction on the mid palate, followed by a sweet aftertaste. Dark fruit acidity is abundant, well integrated yet brilliant, giving the wine a relaxed drinkability." Decanter

"The Galardi 2019 Terra di Lavoro shows pretty density and concentration that offers firmness without feeling heavy or too thick. The bouquet does show a savory character of charred spice and cured tobacco that follows dark fruit and baked plum. This is a very elegant, medium to full-bodied Campania red." Wine Advocate

"The Terra di Lavoro 2019 seduces with a dramatic bouquet that blends wild blueberries with crushed violets, cloves, dried orange peel and a lovely hint of sweet smoke. This wine is a model of elegance, velvety yet cool in flavour. A lively, acidic core keeps masses of ripe red and black fruit in constant play. The tannins are chiselled, creating a crisp feel, and although the wine is structured for the long haul, it remains surprisingly fresh and graceful. The sophistication and balance of this wine tantalises the imagination. The 2019 is not to be missed." Vinous

"The polished oak is immediately noticeable on the nose, but then comes a fabulous array of black fruits with dark plums, blackcurrants and berries, as well as some coffee cream and chocolate. Full-bodied and intense with silky layers of fruit, dark chocolate and fine, grainy tannins that pick up many of the fruit and flavour aromas and lead into a long finish. Delicious to taste now, even to drink, but it will improve in bottle. Best from 2023 onwards." James Suckling

2018 was another challenging year for classic, natural winemaking. And yet Terra di Lavoro is more classic than ever in this vintage: Dark ruby with violet reflections. Compact, initially closed nose, then the wine opens up with dark tones of blueberry, eucalyptus and liquorice root. Likewise on the palate, restrained at first and only gradually do the seemingly endless layers open up to reveal plenty of fruity notes, a sweet and sour charge of red berries and a beguilingly vinous taste experience. There is no doubt about it, this is the wildly romantic interpretation of a Terra di Lavoro that could not be more authentic and we are very curious to see how it will develop in the coming years/decades. Because so much time simply has to be. SUPERIORE.DE

"A celebrated blend of 80% Aglianico and 20% Piedirosso, the Galardi 2018 Terra di Lavoro is redolent of plum and dark cherry confit. There is a mature, baked quality to the fruit with background notes of white pepper and ample spice or vanilla from French oak. However, the wine is tannic and sharp in terms of mouthfeel, and you can't help but wonder if phenolic ripening was off in this vintage. It might just need to smooth out with more bottle age." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Terra di Lavoro is wonderfully expressive and fruit-forward, with a bouquet that blends violets with sweet autumnal spices, black cherry and blueberry jam. It’s soft and round in feel, filling the palate with ripe red fruits, as a savory-salty tension builds, and brisk acids maintain an unexpectedly vibrant impression. Its structure comes forward through the finale, pinching at the cheeks with grippy poise, while leaving a seductive mix of plum, licorice, hints of tangerine and purple-tinged inner florals. While I don’t expect the 2018 to be the longest-lived Terra di Lavoro, it will deliver many years of drinking pleasure after only a short stay in the cellar. Frankly, its bouquet alone makes it difficult to pull yourself away from the glass. This is a blend of 80% Aglianico and 20% Piedirosso that spends a year in barrique." Vinous

"Crushed berries, black pepper, cloves, ash and hot stones. It’s full-bodied and dense with chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. It’s tight and very structured in the mouth. Chewy yet polished tannins. Unique flavors of tar and black stones. Drink after 2024." James Suckling

Produced in small quantities, Vallocchio clearly stands out from pure Brunello di Montalcino. Darker, deeper and more mystical, it shows notes of ripe blackberries and plums, complemented by exotic brown spices and a hint of lemon confit. Its texture is like velvet stretching across the palate, black-fruited and ripe, underpinned by minerals and cooling herbal notes. It is youthfully monolithic and dense, revealing its austere tannin core only towards the end, where notes of black tea, liquorice and a hint of cocoa emerge. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe, intense, mineral-spicy bouquet with dark cherries, redcurrants, cassis and rose bushes. Juicy, elegant palate with fine-grained tannins, very intense, powerful and engaging on the palate, combining the ripeness with the freshness of the vintage." Weinwisser

"Aromas of raspberries and herbs are pleasing on the nose, the wood is well integrated; compact texture, robust tannins, lively acidity, pleasantly fruity finish." Vinum

"Transparent, firm and quite deep nose with noble red and black berry aromas, some tomato, slightly smoky barrel notes, bacon and dried Mediterranean herbs. Ripe, juicy, dense fruit, still relatively present, somewhat bitter chocolate, smoky and roasted wood spice, youthful, present, yet fine and ripe tannin, a little Mediterranean herbs on the palate, dark ethereal spice, lots of power, but also cooling elements, some coffee grounds in the background, good depth, very good, firm finish with dark juice and spice. Needs to mature." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby garnet colour. Initially restrained on the nose, opens up to pepper, dried kitchen herbs and wild berries, with plum in the background. Inviting on the palate, rich, juicy cherry fruit, savoury, still young in the mid-palate, nicely salty on the final." Falstaff

"Grown in the south-east of Montalcino, this wine is customarily ripe and powerful, but balances its components - a powerful body, generous alcohol and a rich structure. Noticeable oak nuances of sweet spice and vanilla are at the forefront, but a foundation of pure cherry and dark plum simmers at the core." Decanter

"Well marked by new oak, this version adds a vanilla note and a layer of tannins to its cherry, floral and iron flavours, all supported by a solid structure. In the end, it finds a nice balance and a sense of elegance." Wine Spectator

"The Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio 2019 is spicy and earthy in the glass, with a beguiling mix of ash stones, undergrowth and a hint of animal musk opening the stage and giving way to mentholated black cherries. It feels velvety and almost creamy on the palate, with a rich blend of ripe red and black fruits emphasised by salty minerals. Grippy tannins are added towards the end. The 2019 finishes structured and impressively long, with a hint of pine shavings and a hint of bitterness that lingers on and on. It should be stored in the cellar." Vinous

"Flavours of crushed berries and flowers with some bark and mushrooms. Medium to full body with medium, round tannins and fresh acidity. Nice balance and finesse." James Suckling

"The Fanti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vallocchio shows a pronounced savoury side with tobacco leaf, roasted chestnut shells, dark plums, honeycomb or honey roasted almonds. The tannins are dissolved, almost silky, and there is plenty of concentrated fruit to develop the rich texture. The alcohol content is 15%, but is well integrated into the dark fruitiness of the wine." Wine Advocate

"A selection from the five most historic vineyards, a mosaic of excellence. Black cherry on the nose, with hints of chinotto and lemon thyme. The mouthfeel is reminiscent of citrus fruits and black cherry, a hint of roasted nuts and ends with official notes." Luca Gardini

Only 3,000 bottles of this wine from the highest vineyard in Montalcino are bottled. The choice of the vineyard, which is situated over 600 metres above sea level, is also due to climate change, where winegrowers are increasingly looking for cooler sites for the Sangiovese - and the result is once again a Brunello in a class of its own: leather, tobacco, small red berries and a surprisingly fresh, clearly mineral note on the nose. Although the wine appears very graceful and bright, it is powerful and long. Its grippy tannins and finely knit acidity emphasise our impression that this wine still has a long life ahead of it. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautiful notes of wild strawberries, cedar spice and crushed stones unfold in the glass. On the palate, it glides along smoothly yet refined, with a lovely inner sweetness and brilliant acidity providing gravitas as the mineral red fruits slowly saturate. The 2018 finishes remarkably fresh yet with admirable length and power as notes of sour cherry and sage slowly fade away. What a treasure. The Passo del Lume Spento is a unique wine, based more on energy than power and is undoubtedly one of the outstanding wines of the vintage." Vinous

"The Le Ragnaie 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Passo del Lume Spento is very pretty in this vintage with tart cherry and flavours of cola, garden herbs, blue flowers and blood orange. This is usually my favourite of the three single vineyard wines from this estate. I welcome the relatively low alcohol content of 13.5%, which allows more of the wine to be savoured in one sitting. The tannins melt gently across the palate." Wine Advocate

"On the nose, aromas of blood orange, black pepper, balsamic and damp soil swirl together before subtler notes of rose petals and mint provide levity and freshness. Strawberry and cherry sweetness on the palate meet more blood orange and a powerful saline streak for a balanced, cohesive feel, before dense tannins usher in a warming finish." Wine Enthusiast

Since the 2015 vintage, Le Ragnaie has been vinifying another single-vineyard Brunello, which comes from the famous Montosoli vineyard and therefore also bears the black label. Only just under 3,000 bottles of the 2018 vintage will be released, and we are delighted that we were able to obtain at least a few of them. On the nose, graceful tones of wild cherry, pressed blueberries and small blue violets growing deep in the forest. The flavours are more vertical, with cola and medicinal tones rising straight from the top. The attack is compact and lean, with a long, medium-bodied persistence that leaves a precise and sharply drawn trail of fruit flavours. This expression and class can only be found in the wines of the Montosoli vineyard and this wine, rich in finesse, is a real treat! SUPERIORE.DE

"A fluid, iron and tobacco-coloured red wine with a core of cherry and blackcurrant flavours surrounded by a firm, well-integrated structure. The finish has earthy and savoury accents of Mediterranean scrub. Shows excellent harmony and finesse." Wine Spectator

"To preserve freshness, Riccardo Campinoti bottled all his Brunello a full year earlier than usual and reduced time in wood from 36 to 30 months. Nevertheless, Casanovina is even more closed than when I tried it a year ago, right after bottling. Of Le Ragnaie’s four new releases, this is the most complete and boasts the ripest, most dignified tannins, although they are still firm. Aromas are redolent of red berries, violet, fennel and lilac. It will need time to reveal its full potential, but for now, crunchy fruit and steely acidity distinguish the mineral-led, energetic palate." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino Casanovina Montosoli 2018 is one of three single-vineyard wines released by Le Ragnaie. It displays fresh and rich fruit flavours of dark cherries, pressed blueberries and mild spice. You can feel the soft richness of the ripe fruit. There is also a pronounced mineral signature with chalky gravel, which contributes to the dryness and powdery tannins of this wine. Despite all this, a sweet cherry note lingers on the finish. It needs a few more years to develop." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Casanovina Montosoli is a sleeping giant slowly coming to life, with a bouquet of dusty roses and brown spices over a core of dried black cherries. The palate is like crushed velvet, but surprisingly light and graceful, while dark red fruits and mineral tones soak the senses in primary concentration and linger with a hint of balsamic herbs. The fine tannins linger in beautiful contrast to the crackling residual acidity, giving the impression of youthful structure and balance. There is so much inner beauty here, but it will take years for the 2018 to fully come into its own." Vinous