The Wine Advocate

If there is one thing that Giacomo Neri has mastered 100%, it is harvesting at the optimum ripening time. He knows his estate and his vines better than most and it shows. The fruit for Tenuta Nuova is harvested from a south and south-east facing slope at 250 to 300 metres above sea level. The soils are loose and mixed with gravel, which allows access to air and moisture.

The flavours of Tenuta Nuova 2019 flow with seamless transitions, and this fluid and ever-changing nature of the bouquet helps to develop intensity and persistence. In the beautifully drawn bouquet, blackberry, plum and summer cherry merge into lingering flavours of spice, leather and herbs. These are always an unmistakable feature of this winery's Brunello and develop steadily with further aeration. The palate reveals a great structure with mineral accents, a fine orange peel flavour, present fruit and numerous spicy components. This wine is a bit like an iron fist in a velvet glove - but with much more velvet glove than iron fist. The finish is long and, as so often with Neri, invigoratingly salty with an undertone of oyster shells. Great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, deeply layered bouquet, wide-ranging with dark red flavours, wow, it's captivating. The palate is also complex and multi-layered with earthy, truffled nuances, very territorial, firm structure, penetrating acidity, firm tannic grip, a wine for the ages. The single vineyard Tenuta Nuova is once again one of the best in the tasting. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Dark ruby red with light violet reflections. Complex on the nose, iron, dark cherry fruit, rich plum, some lovage. On the palate with lots of salt and juice, complex, comes in many layers, with tightly woven tannins, powerful and with full splendour, keeps coming back, big." Falstaff

"Black cherries with violets and other flowers on the nose. Full-bodied with powerful tannins and a juicy finish. Needs time to mellow." James Suckling

"The fruit profile of this red wine is ripe, with flavours of boysenberries, cherries and raspberries, with nuances of earth, iron and tobacco. More linear than square, with a steely line of acidity and tannins in support. Although balanced, it is compact for the moment and has a nice length." Wine Spectator

"In my opinion, this is the wine that best represents the Casanova di Neri style. With 30 months of ageing, it shows enormous richness and texture, and the outstanding fruit quality appears with more primary elegance compared to the more expensive Cerretalto. This dynamic is particularly pronounced in the comparison between the 2019 and 2018 vintages. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova has a dark vein of roasted spices, black fruits, ink, blackberry compote, liquorice and star anise. Dark as night, it is exceptionally well-crafted with a robust delivery of concentrated fruit and solid tannin structure. It has excellent cellaring potential." Wine Advocate

"Notes of cherries and pepper leaves, with a hint of iodine. Opens juicy and taut on the palate, then expands in breadth and depth. Salty, juicy tannins and an officinal trace mark the finish is deep, big drink and long persistence." Luca Gardini

"In making a great wine, the primary goal is to emphasise, perfect and seal in a bottle all the extraordinary characteristics of the territory: from the different soils to the microclimate, from the vibrant power of the Mediterranean maquis to the fresh sea breeze." Stanislaus Turnauer (winery owner)

Actually, the single vineyard of just 1 hectare is unique, as it only comprises a small hilltop in the shape of a fan (Italian: ventaglio). The grapes from here have always been at the top of the winery's production and so it was decided to vinify them separately from the 2015 vintage onwards - and the new top wine "Ventaglio" was born.

Due to the curious location and geographical orientation of the vineyard in all directions, there are morning grapes, midday grapes and evening grapes here and they represent the respective site-specific microclimate in an impressive way. Likewise, through the subsequent joint processing, they give their differences in aromatic development, maturity and freshness as a total work of art in this exceptional wine, in which every nuance of the terroir, no matter how small, is expressed correctly and in a balanced manner.

Complex and with a noble body, balanced by an undeniable elegance, Ventaglio appears as the overall expression of Cabernet Franc, which grows particularly well in the Bolgheri area. This first site wine of the Tenuta, symbol of decades of experience in single-varietal winemaking, is vinified only in special vintages in an extremely limited number of bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"Compact, spicy nose with rich blackberry and dark currant notes, plus cedar and cigar box, finely woven. Gripping and powerful on the palate, opens with dense tannin in many layers, spicy notes, plus dark berry fruit and some liquorice." Falstaff

"This red has a lot going on, featuring intense, saturated flavors of black cherry, plum, fig, wild rosemary and iron, with a vibrant, dense structure. Balanced, with a long, resonant finish." Wine Spectator

"A beautiful, complex red with blackcurrants, sage, rosemary and sweet tobacco. Red tile, too. Full-bodied, very linear and fine-grained with great intensity and power. Such purity and length. This 100% cabernet franc is made from only one hectare, producing 3,000 bottles. Needs another three to four years to open and definitely one for the cellar." James Suckling

"This is a new wine from Tenuta Argentiera, an estate that is positioning itself well to become an icon on the Tuscan Coast. The 2016 Ventaglio is a headline expression of Cabernet Franc from a vineyard that I have been lucky enough to visit. It is lovely to see this spot with rows of vines that fan out (hence the name Ventaglio, or "fan" in Italian) from a sole oak tree that is perfectly framed between the cobalt Tyrrhenian Sea and the blue sky above. If there is a heaven where grapevines live, the Ventaglio vineyard may just be it. This vintage is super chiseled and sharp with generous and abundant black fruit that is tightly framed by spice, tobacco, dried herb and a touch of bitter chocolate and dusty mineral. There is some phenolic tartness that points to the wine's youth and bodes well for its future aging. The finish is layered, deep and rich." Wine Advocate

Just 3,000 bottles of the exceptional 2016 vintage were released. The grapes for this exceptional Chianti Classico come from vines that grow in the south-west at an altitude of between 350 and 480 metres above sea level. The soil here is characterised by galestro and limestone. Rich, deep dark ruby colour with a velvety sheen. Multi-layered, concentrated aromas of plum, black cherry, spices and menthol. Complex on the palate with a multi-faceted flavour profile that only opens up gradually and only reveals its full spectrum to the patient. A paragon wine of great depth, class and irresistibility. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, impenetrable ruby red colour. Brooding, deep and concentrated with hints of oak and dark malt bread. Tightly knit, tangy red and dark fruits with fine, long and persistent tannins. Finely balanced. Transparent and elegant on the finish. Full-blooded." Jancis Robinson

"An intense, vibrant red, with traces of vanilla and toasted, resinous oak surrounding aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, violets and minerals. Balanced, with a resonant finish. Still youthful, with refined, mouth-flattering tannins, this wine still has a long way to go." Wine Spectator

"Intriguing blueberry-chocolate nose, also nuances of black pepper; balanced on the palate with a beautiful polish, the acidity and the tightly woven tannins accurately integrated, combines finesse and great length. Great." Vinum

"Intense and multi-faceted aroma, red raspberry, nutmeg, a hint of wild rosemary and garrigue. The drinkability is juicy, with a return of blackberry and notes of Mediterranean vegetation." Luca Gardini

"This is a beautiful wine that is only produced in the best vintages. The Isole e Olena 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is made from 90% Sangiovese, supplemented by tiny proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. The wine is hugely bright and vibrant in this classic vintage with lingering fruit and cherry that remains intact and fresh even when tasted now, five years after harvest. Hints of leather, tar and potting soil gently fill out the back end. This wine promises long and healthy ageing in the future." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016 is breathtaking. This is hardly a surprise, as Paolo De Marchi is known for making compelling Gran Seleziones in his own unique style. The 2016 is a brilliant, concentrated wine, bursting with energy from start to finish. It is the rare wine that develops superbly in the glass and opens up with time. The blend consists of 90% Sangiovese and a few drops of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah." Vinous

Fragrant and fresh on the nose with beautiful concentration and complexity. Summery aromas of stone fruit, ripe peach, jasmine and a hint of fragrant beeswax. The racy, slender mouthfeel has a certain density and reveals an elegant hint of gravel and chalk and flavours of white almonds on the finish. Everything is already in its place here, but it will gain in complexity with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Straw yellow colour with golden reflections. On the nose, it exudes impressively complex aromas, including apricot and acacia blossom, accompanied by spicy notes and roasted hazelnuts. On the palate, the wine captivates with a true panorama of aromas and flavours, spicy but at the same time full-bodied, with a very long aromatic persistence in the final.
Olga Fusari, Oenologist (bis 2023)

"Bright straw yellow with green nuances. Aromas of apricot, grapefruit and redcurrant, with delicate saline notes. Juicy on the palate, shows presence with lots of crisp fruit, fresh, lemony notes, long-lasting and savoury." Falstaff

"Complex aromas of ripe stone fruit and acacia blossom, but also subtle mint and spice notes; extremely harmonious texture, very well supported by the acidity, lots of exotic fruit with exquisite bitter almond notes on the final." Vinum

"This silky white wine has an almost creamy texture and shows flavours of flowers, peach, sage and mint with a hint of grapefruit pulp. Complex, balanced and long, with a savoury component in the lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Ornellaia Bianco 2021 is now a pure Sauvignon Blanc. This wine plays its best cards in terms of texture. It has broad shoulders and enough texture to support the many creamy citrus and delicately tropical flavours. A hint of crushed stone adds elegance." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Ornellaia Bianco is seductive. I sense a little more textural richness than in previous editions, which I see as a positive. White pear, jasmine, sage, mint, white pepper, peach and apricot fill out the layers. Light tropical accents appear with some aeration, adding a tropical flair that is very attractive. This is impeccably made." Vinous

"Perfumed, exotic, stony and honeyed, it is nonetheless a vertical and focused wine whose structure encompasses rich aromas and flavours of mango, peach, white flowers, orange peel, papaya and passion fruit." Decanter

"This is a dense and concentrated white wine, yet agile and easy to chew. Very beautiful flavours. Full-bodied, with a tension and frame that gives this wine real precision and intensity. Taut on the finish. Already beautiful now, but it will age beautifully. The best white wine ever from here?" James Suckling

Luce Brunello is dark and impenetrable, as always in its more international style. On the palate, it delivers ripe and round fruit flavours of blackberries and plums with plenty of opulence, power and breed. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and full-bodied, this juicy red shows aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and Mediterranean scrub, with hints of graphite, underpinned by muscular tannins that come through on the finish. Very balanced overall." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is generous and open in personality. It shows sweet cherries, dried raspberries, spices and fragrant roses." Wine Advocate

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Quite restrained on the nose, then opens up with notes of rose petals and tea, rich spicy components in the background. Firm and grippy on the palate, shows plenty of grippy tannin, substantial and structured, but still needs longer ageing." Falstaff

"A finely structured and concentrated Brunello with a complex palette of cherries, blackberries, dried roses, bark, liquorice and a hint of praline. Also iodine and oyster shells. Medium to full body with firm, very fine tannins. Nice texture and balance. Remains fresh and fine until the end. To be tasted from 2025." James Suckling

From the 2020 vintage, Ornellaia Bianco is a single-varietal Sauvignon Bianco from three selected, small vineyards at Tenuta dell'Ornellaia. It ferments on the lees for 10 months, which gives it freshness, precision and a fine citrus flavour. Delicate golden yellow colour. A cornucopia of light-coloured fruit on the nose, with wonderful mint and citrus notes. Complex, lush and multi-layered on the palate. One of Italy's great white wines, in the style of the house. SUPERIORE.DE

"The intense straw-yellow Ornellaia Bianco 2020 unfolds a bouquet of yellow-fleshed fruit, accompanied by aromas of white flowers and vanilla. A harmonious and complex nuance that delights with every sip. On the palate, the wine reveals a pronounced freshness, but at the same time an elegant creaminess that gives the wine an enveloping, pleasant and long-lasting mouthfeel." Olga Fusari, Oenologist

"A full-bodied white wine reminiscent of a Bordeaux Blanc, with flavours of melon, peach, lemongrass, flowers, spices and green tea. Rich but balanced by lively acidity, with a hint of grapefruit peel bitterness. Excellent balance and length, with subtle use of oak." Wine Spectator

"This wine, which used to contain Viognier, is now 100% Sauvignon Blanc. The 2020 Ornellaia Bianco is quite tropical and generous in personality with immediate flavours of papaya, Golden Delicious apple and crushed stone. The wine is beautifully structured and long-lasting." Wine Advocate

"The nose indulgently blends fruit and herbs, like pineapple sorbet drizzled with basil syrup, with umami undertones of Pecorino cheese and toasted almonds keeping things in elegant balance. On the rich palate, pineapple continues and is joined by lemon curd, but the saltiness of the cheese perseveres to cut through the luxuriousness." Wine Enthusiast

"The Ornellaia Bianco 2020 is a bright, fine, dry white wine. Lime, white flowers, mint and white pepper are all beautifully described in this crisp white. I would give it at least a year or two in the bottle, as the acids are quite aggressive today, or a few hours in a decanter, which will help soften the youthful edges." Vinous

"White flowers, jasmine, peach, apricot, clementine and citrus nuances with a minerality of wet stones. Exciting and ample at the same time, a well-controlled weight of almost oily peach and bitter nectarine fruit with a citrus pineapple and lemon kick and underlying notes of honeysuckle give the florality. Clean with balanced acidity that gives a smooth mouthfeel and adds to the complexity of the whole. Dynamic with a hint of sweetness and tension - lively and appealing." Decanter

Le Rocche is a selection from the highest parcels of Falletto in Serralunga, which explains its great finesse. The nose of raspberries and redcurrants shows great purity of fruit, balance and elegance. The palate is equally elegant, with a slender attack, polished tannins and a silky, intense texture. The tannins are grippy but not aggressive, and there are none of the rough edges often found in Serralunga. Balanced and very long, a classic Bruno Giacosa. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fascinating depth and complexity with sublime terroir notes, fine tobacco, undergrowth, iron and cocoa of the finest provenance. Plus those sublime earthy, truffled notes with that unmistakable iodine touch that always harbours something mysterious. A noble and calming effect. Extremely deep in the mouth, subtle and multi-layered, very long and glides over the tongue like a well-trained ballerina with great finesse and silky texture. Completely absorbs you. A madness." Weinwisser

"This round, rich red wine shows aromas and flavours of cherry, raspberry, iron, earth and undergrowth. It has a firm structure with strong but well-integrated tannins that give it support and the ability to age. Overall, this wine is balanced and long, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, minerals and spicy notes." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Falletto Vigna Le Rocche 2019 with white label is a generous and expansive wine that appeals to the palate from all sides. It offers lingering sensations of sweet fruit with a good amount of intensity and muscularity pushing from behind. This forward drive is fuelled by dark fruits, rusty earth, damp clay and blood orange. It shows elegance, substance and finely tuned tones with considerable tension and firmness. This is another bottle that should rest in the back of your cellar." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful aromas of roses that fill the glass, along with ripe strawberries, raspberries and wild berries. Very structured and right with finely tuned tannins that are taut, supple and racy. A wine for the cellar. Try it after 2028." James Suckling

Deep crimson ruby red colour. On the nose, it smells of raspberries with beautiful concentration, a peppery tingle and perfectly integrated oak. Lively, crushed red berry fruit on the palate with long, finely chiselled tannins. It closes up a little on the finish, so you can expect much more, but for now it is already irresistible. Balanced and very elegant. SUPERIORE.DE

"This iconic Sicilian wine is made from Nero d'Avola (58%) and Perricone (42%) and comes from the eight-hectare San Lucio vineyard. The Tenuta Regaleali Tasca d'Almerita 2017 Sicilia Contea di Sclafani Rosso del Conte is easy to recognise in a blind tasting thanks to its characteristic aromas of blackcurrant, olive, aniseed and scorched earth. The wine transports you straight to beautiful Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Rosso del Conte captivates with a burst of citrus, black cherry and grilled herbs, accompanied by hints of cedar and undergrowth. It is racy and supple, with a wave of tart wild berry and mineral tones supported by a core of vibrant acidity. Grippy tannins are added towards the end. The 2017 finishes long and persistent with a rich, primary concentration. Notes of medicinal blackberries, liquorice and cocoa linger for up to a minute. The length alone is impressive, but the 2017 will need time to fully integrate. Nevertheless, I look forward to tasting it again in four to five years." Vinous

"This historic single-vineyard blend of Nero d'Avola and Perricone in 2017 is dusty, earthy and woody, with a depth of dark fruits and overtones of lavender and violet. In the mouth it's intense, ripe and spicy, combining sweetness of dried cherry with wild strawberry and black cherry. Balsamic freshness gives contrasting lift to the hefty but fine-grained tannins, while the finish is super-bright and saline with a kick of raspberry. Superb." Decanter

"A traditional blend based on Nero d'Avola Perricone and from vines that only produce a few grams, a concentrate of intensity and history. On the nose, cherries in alcohol, mentholated notes and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it is dense and tight, with a fruity, mentholated finish." Luca Gardini

"Elegant, bright ruby red colour with a delicately brightening rim. Exciting and inviting nose of ripe raspberries, wild strawberries, a hint of elderberries, then mint and sage, delicate hints of iron. Compact on the palate with tightly woven, savoury tannins, excellent length, slightly resinous and fruity undertone, rich in finesse and long." Falstaff

The spectacular "Vendemmia d'Artista" artists' edition has been running since 2006. Every year, renowned artists are invited to design a small series of individual and large bottles of the world-famous Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore and create an artistic world around this fine wine. It is not a matter of course that we are once again able to offer you some examples of the rare 16th edition of the Ornellaia Vendemmia d'Artista 2021 in the 0.75-litre bottle this year. As usual, this special edition is rare and sought-after, as there is only one bottle of this limited collector's item in each 6-bottle wooden crate.

This year's edition bears the name "La Generosità - Generosity". This is the name Ornellaia has given to the 2021 vintage. The artist Marinella Senatore has imaginatively interpreted this character trait and transformed the pride and dedication of the people who vinify this top wine into impressive art. She says: "I have studied Ornellaia long and hard. Here, the elements of nature such as the sea, wind and stars combine with the energy of the people who work here, and completely new connections are created."

From these observations, she created unique collages that adorn 100 double magnum bottles, among other things. The artist interprets the theme of generosity in the form of artistic representations of the hands of those men and women who passionately pursue their vocation day after day. The symbolism of dance as a further element symbolises a lively community and the strong cohesion of the team.

Once again this year, a large part of the impressive special edition will be auctioned off at Sotheby's to find its way into the hands of lucky collectors. The proceeds will go to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation to support the innovative "Mind's Eye" programme. And for a very good cause, as the programme offers people with visual impairments the opportunity to discover and experience contemporary art without barriers.

Lamberto Frescobaldi, co-owner of the Ornellaia winery, summarises the intention of the work as follows: "The character of 2021 reflects the generosity of the terroir. But the artist's interpretation reveals another level of meaning: the generosity of the terroir enables an ecosystem of which we are all a part."

Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2021 is a wine of extreme precision. It offers well-proportioned power and depth with profound layers of black fruit, coffee and liquorice. It captivates with its lustre and polished texture, which merges into great richness, concentration and structure. The finish is enveloping with sweet dark fruits and dark spices that linger for a long time. Ornellaia 2021 is a wonderful, if not perfect, example of the impressive potential of this great Tuscan vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Ornellaia 2021 is the expression of a typical Bolgheri vintage, in which there was no lack of sunny periods without rainfall, resulting in rich and concentrated, but at the same time very expressive and multi-faceted wines. On the nose, typical scents of Mediterranean scrub, aromatic herbs, cypress berries and the classic flavours of blackcurrant and dark fruit, accompanied on the palate by a dense tannic texture that envelops it with precision and finesse. The final is persistent and vibrant, leaving a feeling of aromatic freshness and elegance." Olga Fusari, Oenologist (bis 2023)

"Almost black in the glass. The 2021 Ornellaia is one of the best I have tasted in recent years. The precisely contoured nose is very elegant with highly ripe, dark red cherry fruit, balsamic top notes, pencil lead and Mediterranean herbal spice. Full-bodied and full of finesse on the palate, the super fine sandy tannins lay wonderfully over the clear fruit, showing terrific balance and structure. Rarely experienced with such finesse." Weinwisser

"Enchanting aromas of blackberries, lilac, liquorice and mint, also subtle notes of blood orange; superb structure with lots of character, but also great light-footedness, the fine-grained tannin and acidity in harmony, long finish." Vinum

"Bright, rich ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Very impressive and accessible nose, showing notes of dark currants, dark cherries and fresh plums, as well as spicy macchia herbs. Lots of fine-meshed tannin on the palate, which gives the wine length and polish, dark berries and tobacco, lingers for a long time." Falstaff

"More intense, nuanced crimson than most others. Rich, hedonistic nose. Full and perfumed with many elements, including some mintiness, making up the whole. Strikingly long and rewarding. Good stuff. Already appealing and with an appetising finish." Jancis Robinson

"The Ornellaia 2021 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia offers an extra layer of richness, generosity and fullness that makes for a very open and voluptuous Tuscan red wine. You can feel the fruit and the weight of the oak, the extract and the alcohol content of 15 %. All these elements combine to great effect. Black cherries, dark fruits, sweet spices and barbecue smoke emerge from this power. The fruity tannins are young, and this edition of Ornellaia proves worthy of drinking in the medium or long term, especially as it mellows with bottle age." Wine Advocate

"Despite the warm growing season, Ornellaia 2021 feels less dense and muscular than previous vintages. It offers pretty floral and wild herb scents alongside ripe red and black fruit flavours. It's intense, fresh and vertical in character, with fine, ripe, round tannins that seem to be a hallmark of the vintage - it's a beautiful, airy iteration of the Bolgheri benchmark that's already drinking well." Decanter

"An intense red, characterised by lively acidity and framed by dense, ripe tannins that bring out its aromas and flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, violets and toasted oak. Iron and wild herb accents emerge on the finish. Although expressive at this stage, this youthful version will benefit from time in the bottle." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of blackcurrants, iodine, gravel, hints of mint and sage. Blue fruits. Full-bodied with chewy tannins that open up with air. It is racy and very long. Very tannic and energetic with power and focus. Muscular and very taut. This is the best Ornellaia for the cellar in years." James Suckling

"The Ornellaia 2021 captures all the magic of this sensational vintage on the Tuscan coast. The 2021 is rich, lush and expansive, with tremendous polish, it is pure class. Dark fruits, mocha, espresso, liquorice, plum and dried herbs abound. The tannins are present but also beautifully integrated, as is the French oak. The blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot is very well done." Vinous

Bright golden colour, explosive aromas of quince, honey, wax, granite, blood orange, vanilla, white chocolate and straw on the full bouquet. On the palate, initial notes of roasted cashew and almond, followed by fruits such as white peach, pear and citrus. Exciting and very multi-faceted. SUPERIORE.DE

"The organic Monteverro 2020 Chardonnay offers a soft and supple character with orchard fruit, quince, pear and mild spice. This wine has a Burgundian quality, especially in terms of mouthfeel and texture, but it reveals its Italian roots thanks to the electric and vibrant notes of citrus and Mediterranean herbs that also appear." Wine Advocate

"Nice, toasty spice with ripe white peaches and mangoes, as well as walnuts and dried summer herbs. Also some freshly baked bread crust. Full-bodied, creamy and mouth-filling. The clean acidity comes through well with its phenolic and mineral nature. I like the racy cut of the spicy herbs on the finish." James Suckling

"Multi-layered nose of peaches, pome fruit, pineapple, sweet spices; of engaging salty minerality on the palate, but also plenty of polish and spice, long as an ell with verve and yet also character. Great wine!" Vinum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship wine and a stunningly perfect wine. The grapes come from 1000-metre-high northern Etna vineyard sites, where the soils are ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness adds elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding drop. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Franchetti is 97% Petit Verdot with 3% Cesanese d'Affile (an indigenous grape variety that grows mainly in Lazio or central Italy) blended in. I love the elegance, dark concentration and aromatic intensity of this very unusual and bold wine (I mean, who plants Cesanese on Mount Etna?). It's extracted and deep, with black fruits and etched end notes of pencil traces and crushed white pepper." Wine Advocate

"A red with lots of energy and a linear focus with black cherry, mint, white pepper, sandalwood and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied. Fine and intense tannins. Vivid and fresh. A blend of petit verdot and cesanese. Drink or hold." James Suckling

"Expressive, of cherry syrup, ripe blackberries, graphite, a hint of grape juice, elegant spice in the finish. With great substance and concentration, without being full-bodied, clear and precise fruit, stretches wide, savoury, tightly meshed, long." Falstaff

"The 2019 Franchetti is like a dark stallion, muscular and supple. It opens slowly in the glass, inward yet viral, with dusty dried flowers giving way to nuances of plum, brown spices, cardamom, savoury herbs and a hint of cocoa. The texture is like crushed velvet, striking, almost heavy, but with a balance of vibrant acidity and tart fruit contrasting. The 2019 leaves a subtle tinge of harmonious tannins, along with dark inner flowers and hints of blackcurrant that linger incredibly long. The vines for the Franchetti were planted in 2000 in the Cru Guardiola." Vinous

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

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

Deep dark, fruity-smoky bouquet. On the palate then dark, violet fruits, paired with notes of forest floor, tobacco and a nice 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 a very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Roncicone, first released in the 2015 vintage, comes from a vineyard with richer soils with marine sediments and large pebbles. It is the most floral and fragrant of Ricasoli's three crus, intense and fleshy, with good spice of black and red cherries, spices and balsamic, finishing with sweet, floral red fruits - a very nice style." Decanter

"The spicy nose is reminiscent of a soothing café, with notes of balsamic vinegar and herbs, and a gentle fruitiness that lingers over the smell of the beans. The velvety texture on the palate is balanced by a sharp acidity and a peppery kick on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Offers aromas and flavours of cherry, blackcurrant and plum, underlined by iron and mineral notes. Accents of tobacco and wild herbs emerge on the long, delicious finish. Excellent balance." Wine Spectator

"Ripe and rich Roncicone with plums, currants and jam accompanied by fresh flowers and walnut undertones. Full-bodied, a little chewy and structured, but crisp with fine tannins. Long lasting finish. Needs at least two or three years to develop." James Suckling

"Exquisite bouquet of stone fruit and sandalwood, spiced up by fine spice; harmonious tannin-acid framework, pressure on the finish and yet full of elegance." Vinum

"This is the wine that blew me away last year (when I tasted the excellent 2019 vintage) and convinced me of the innovative work Barone Ricasoli is currently doing. Today, tasting the 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio Roncicone, I am reminded of the quality fruit that comes from this particular 10-acre site with marine fossils in the sandy topsoil. Carefully aged in oak, this Sangiovese shows brilliant clarity and focus, with aromas of roses, dried cherries, campfire ash and delicate mineral notes. This wine paints a beautiful portrait of this grape variety." Wine Advocate

With this single-vineyard Sangiovese, the Mazzei family pursues no less a goal than to make the best wine in the Chianti Classico appellation. Seven different Sangiovese clones, four of them from their own 50 years of research, form the basis for a Gran Selezione that is produced at an altitude of up to 350 m in the single vineyard Il Caggio not far from Castellina (and only in the best vintages).

Just 3,000 bottles point the way to the Sangiovese Olympus: Sparkling ruby red, opulent bouquet of cherry, dried fruit, herbs and violets. On the palate again small red berries, flanked by a present but very elegant tannin, precise and straightforward. The final is polished and very long, perfectly proportioned and harmonious. Leaves a beautiful and unique impression, it expands the standard of what one could expect from a Gran Selezione until today. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with delicately lightening rim. Fragrant nose of cedar wood, cherries, fine marzipan, a hint of dried rose petal. Opens polished and clear on the palate, in addition exciting, salty tones, compact acidity with delicately perceptible wood use decorate the bouquet, appears very energetic and radiant, will age well." Falstaff

"The Caggio 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ipsus, out now, unfolds slowly in the glass to reveal dark fruits, cassis, spices, cured leather and pressed blue flowers. A hint of something exotic like bay leaf or a touch of roasted cumin. The finish is silky and very smooth, and this wine is longer in the mouth and more finely crafted compared to the 2016 vintage I tasted at the same time." Wine Advocate

"Very perfumed with roses and other flowers. Also Spanish cedar. Medium body with creamy and fine but round tannins that continue for minutes. Super fine texture. Juicy fruit. Juicy and so beautiful. Hard not to drink it now. In fact, do. But it will also age beautifully. Vineyards of 30 years or more." James Suckling

"This 2018 brilliantly combines the darker fruit of 2016 with the mega-freshness of 2015, finishing it off with super-fine tannins. Creamy, earthy and chocolatey notes are lifted by a balsamic waft, overlaid with ripe, sapid red and black cherries, a touch of black tea and a long, sweet, pure cherry and wild strawberry finish. Superb." Decanter

With this single-vineyard Sangiovese, the Mazzei family is pursuing no less a goal than making the best wine in the Chianti Classico appellation. Seven different Sangiovese clones, four of them from the family's own 50-year research, form the basis for a Gran Selezione, which is produced at an altitude of up to 350 metres in the single vineyard Il Caggio not far from Castellina (and only in the best vintages).

Just 3,000 bottles of the top Tuscan vintage 2016 point the way to the Sangiovese Olympus: sparkling ruby red, opulent bouquet of cherry, dried fruit, herbs and violets. Small red berries again on the palate, flanked by a present but very elegant tannin, precise and straightforward. The final is polished and very long, perfectly proportioned and harmonious. Leaves a wonderful and unique impression, it extends the benchmark for what one could expect from a Gran Selezione to date. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, sparkling ruby red colour. Expressive and inviting on the nose, fresh wild strawberries, blood oranges, with fine floral notes and a finish of ripe red peach, elegant, barely perceptible use of wood. Extremely polished and elegant on the palate, spans a wide, juicy arc, many layers, gentle, persistent pressure, fine saltiness on the finish with a long finish." Falstaff

"The Caggio 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ipsus is a beautiful expression of Sangiovese. The wine captures the slightly wild and untamed side of the grape that is so compelling, but it also focuses on elegance and nuance. At first glance, the bouquet reveals an abundance of wild berries and wild cherries, but taste the glass a second and third time and you may pick up more decisive notes of crushed stone and granite. The wine is lean and streamlined, with pretty floral flourishes and a long, silky finish. More than anything, the Ipsus captures the purity and honesty of Sangiovese with a finely polished and lean mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Ipsus 2016 is the second vintage from the Caggio estate of the Mazzei family in Castellina. The soaring aromas immediately herald a Sangiovese of true distinction and class. There is something wild and seductive about Ipsus that is difficult to describe. It is at once incredibly polished and yet also very assertive. Crushed flowers, cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, star anise and cinnamon add layers of exoticism as the 2016 opens in the glass. The 2016 is deep, full of character and incredibly long-lasting. This ambitious new wine from Mazzei will certainly be fascinating to follow." Vinous

"The fruit element is pure and reminiscent of blackcurrants and black cherries, paired with a spicy side that features notes of wild rosemary, iron, tobacco and eucalyptus. All of this is held together by a lively acidity and refined tannins. A convincing combination of power and finesse." Wine Spectator

"Super perfumed, wonderful aromas of blackberries, mushrooms and bark with dried flowers and crushed stones. Also pine needles and flowers. Full-bodied and linear, very dense and long. Very polished and intense. Great length. Outstanding. From the heart of Castellina in Chianti. Try it after 2025, but it already shows incredible clarity and concentration." James Suckling

"Lots of red cherry is accompanied by a whiff of wood smoke and dried green tea, followed by similar flavours on the palate. The acidity is vibrant and crunchy, the fine-grained tannins still firm. A pure expression of Sangiovese; an elegant wine." Decanter

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

The grapes of Colledilà come from the soils of Monte Morello. The 7.6 hectare single-vineyard plot was planted in 2002 on very rocky soils rich in calcium, clay and organic matter. These characteristics give this wine its sharpness and concentration, promising long ageing in the cellar.

Ripe, dark cherry fruit and blackberry aromas, followed by tar, liquorice and potting soil. On the palate, a fine earthiness, cherry and plum, plus finely knit and slightly sweet tannins. The dense fruit and pleasant acid wire the Sangiovese provide the necessary freshness. Masterfully composed! SUPERIORE.DE

"Like a laser beam in profile, this red wine evokes aromas and flavours of cherries, currants, minerals, wild herbs and sweet spices. The lingering, incisive finish leaves a hint of fine tannins. Needs time." Wine Spectator

"Juicy, ripe and bright, it shows a delicious freshness of blackcurrant fruit with classic chalky verticality and length, but it needs more time to reveal all its complexity." Decanter

"Of these 2020 releases, I think the Barone Ricasoli 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is the most sensitive to the warm growing season. You sense more fruit ripeness in this wine with savoury spices, leather and roasted espresso beans. There is plenty of plum and purple fruit framed by gravel and campfire ash. Indeed, this 2020 expression offers a nice, balanced freshness in terms of mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"Intense perfume of stone fruit, dark chocolate and tobacco; tightly woven, the tannins polished and in perfect unison with the well-integrated acidity, the finish on notes of black cherries, clear and spot-on. Also very successful in this vintage." Vinum

"Very perfumed with aromas of hibiscus flowers, citrus and fresh cherries leading to a medium body with layers of fruit and very fine tannins that go on and on. Fully integrated. A joy to taste and drink, but it will develop beautifully in bottle. Pure harmony." James Suckling

"Elegantly bright ruby red with a delicate garnet rim. Expressive nose, of rose hips, blood oranges, fresh cherries, very inviting and fragrant, red peach, with delicate floral components. Very juicy entry on the palate, polished and clear, with great brought out red fruit, plus bright spice, long and very elegant." Falstaff

50 & 50 - Tuscan cult wine made from 50 per cent Merlot from Avignonesi and 50 per cent Sangiovese from Capannelle. Bright ruby colour with a fine garnet rim. Elegant, very elegant nose with clear notes of ripe cherries, some blackberry, wonderfully balanced. Full-bodied on the palate, shows plenty of fruit, then develops a densely structured tannin, long final with subtle tobacco and pomegranate notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 50 & 50, an equal-part blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, is darkly alluring with dusty rose, crushed black cherries, lavender and crushed stone. It's silky-smooth with a mineral tinge up front that gives way to masses of tart wild berry fruits and savory spice. This finishes long and saturating, with a coating of grippy tannins and a wild blueberry concentration." Vinous

"The subtle savoriness with some orange zest and baking spices give complexity to the steely, mineral nose. Full-bodied on the palate highlighted by its immaculate texture with firm, fine-grained tannins. Long, nicely savory and mineral finish to close." James Suckling

"The Avignonesi & Capannelle 2019 50 & 50 is a celebrated blend of equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese. The Merlot comes from the Avignonesi estate and Capannelle produces the Sangiovese in this all-Tuscan partnership that was kicked off in 1988. In fact, they claim to be one of the oldest joint ventures of this kind anywhere in the world of wine. This shows dark fruit concentration, blackberry preserves, spice and sweet tobacco. It is texturally rich thanks to its abundant fruit weight and softness." Wine Advocate

The top wine from the winery of the same name presents itself in an exemplary manner and as a kind of reference for many other so-called Super Tuscans in the region. Deep ruby red in colour with light red reflections. Dark fruit, spices, herbs, some leather and a fine tarry note on the nose. The flavours then unfold powerfully and concentrated on the palate, yet it glides velvety with a wonderfully balanced acid-tannin ratio into a rich, well-proportioned and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful attack with notes of forest fruits and spices; combines character with elegance, the tannins are fine-grained and interact with the acidity, with a polished final and length." Vinum

"On the nose, sour cherries and blackberries roll around in earth and wild herbs, then spread out on the palate over flavours of vanilla, dark chocolate and espresso. Lively acidity and penetrating spiciness emphasise the earthy saltiness that Il Borro expresses in a unique way. Lush but refined." Wine Enthusiast

"The Il Borro 2019 Il Borro shows very good definition of each of its components. The Syrah brings freshness and lift to the bouquet. The Merlot is aged in botte grande to bring out an authentic taste of the variety with earth and soil. The Cabernet Sauvignon gives firmness and structure. Bigger oak casks are used to help mitigate the alcohol content that, in the case of this wine, comes in at 15%." Wine Advocate

"Fresh and floral with aromas of black cherry and lavender, leading to a medium body with well-integrated tannins that spread nicely across the palate. It becomes silky and beautiful. A hint of smoke and spice at the end. Crisp on the finish." James Suckling

Here comes the third vintage of Stefano Frascolla's heart project from the Alta Maremma. Just 2,500 bottles of this 100% Syrah are bottled, aged (on the skins) for half a year in amphorae, then filtered and matured in small French oak barrels.

Radiant ruby red. On the nose, a seductive mix of cherry with hints of chocolate, herbs and a subtle liquorice note. On the palate, cherry again, complemented by a kaleidoscope of chocolate, coffee and a subtle juniper note. A fabulous acid structure and fine-grained tannins guide the precisely composed wine into a furious final. Keir complements the winery's high-class portfolio in a very independent and emphatic way. Great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny ruby-violet with a little light rim. Opens with fine spicy notes, pepper and ivy, then some cherry, blood orange. On the palate lots of grippy, hearty tannin, dark berries, some tobacco, a little brittle on the final." Falstaff

"The green-tobacco and pepper character is very intense with blackberry and black-cherry undertones. Full-bodied and layered with soft tannins that are creamy and very pretty. A full yet soft-textured palate. Succulent and delicious." James Suckling

"A pure expression of Syrah that spends six months in amphorae, the Tua Rita 2019 Keir Rosso is a gregarious and super fun wine that is a joy to drink and a great conversation starter thanks to the crafty approach used in its winemaking. Long skin maceration times give the wine extra intensity. The tightly pored surface of the clay amphorae (that are fired in kilns at very hot temperatures and long durations) means that the wine gets less oxygen during winemaking. This contributes to its delicate and elegant flavors and ultimately to the promising longevity of this vintage. Keir is not as full-bodied as other Tuscan Syrahs, but the wine shows terrific purity and focus instead. The bouquet offers punchy black fruit, plum, tea leaf and savory tobacco." Wine Advocate

"2019 is for Stefano Frascolla an exceptional vintage - one of the best vintages of the last two decades. Bright magenta in colour with an exuberant nose of vivid sweet blackcurrant, cream and spice, this has youthful raspberry, white pepper and flint flavours mixed with concentrated yet vibrant fruit. Impossible to resist, with a lovely weightless texture and harmony, it dances seamlessly across the palate and disappears with incredible lightness but lingering flavours. Syrah meets Burgundy!" Decanter