Veronelli

Poggio Valente comes from a single vineyard of the same name at an altitude of around 300 metres. Opulent floral and small-fruited Sangiovese nose with optimally nuanced hints of tobacco, cedar and mint. Precise on the palate with plenty of pressure and power, then towards the end the furious resolution of all the well-dosed components in a fine, silky texture and an unforgettable, long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderfully clear, red-fruity bouquet with cherries, wild berries and wonderful floral (lavender, roses) and spicy notes. Still very delicate, but juicy and elegant as well as precisely woven with a lively style, lives from the red berry fruit, the fine tannin riff and the wonderfully ethereal freshness with wonderful liquorice notes on the final." Weinwisser

"Brilliant, medium ruby colour with reflections. Initially delicate and subtle on the nose, with a little oxygen the wine opens up with aromas of black cherries and cedar wood. Elegant fruity sweetness on the palate, with fine tannins and a beautiful tension to the final." Falstaff

"Pure Sangiovese from the coast, also animating in this vintage: notes of forest fruits, blackberries, pepper and violets in the multi-faceted bouquet; precise construction with perfectly integrated, well-built tannins and vivid acidity, combining polish and length." Vinum

"The 2021 is ripe and silky, showing an intensity of soft, creamy red fruit with a lovely mineral note. Pure, balanced and precise, it is not quite as vertical as some of its predecessors, but instead has an appealing roundness." Decanter

"Ripe flavours of plum, black cherry and blackberry accentuate this dense red wine, whose lively structure conveys an energetic feel. Notes of earth, iron, eucalyptus and spice add complexity on the finish, with an aftertaste of fruit, wild undergrowth and spice." Wine Spectator

"This pure Sangiovese wine is celebrating its 25th anniversary. I was told that it is made according to a Burgundian model. The Fattoria le Pupille 2021 Poggio Valente offers good fruit concentration, freshness and an open character. It has a lot of character of red fruits, iris, blue flowers and earth, and the tannins are present, albeit powdery." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Poggio Valente is fabulous. I can’t remember tasting a Poggio Valente with this much finesse. Rose petal, spice and red cherry fruit open in an effusive bouquet that is immediately appealing. Silky, medium in body and gracious, with finesse to burn, the 2021 shows what is possible within the appellation. I love its total class." Vinous

"Aromas of cherries, chocolate and walnuts. Some undertones of lavender and rose petals. Medium-bodied, with superfine tannins and notes of chocolate and vanilla. Give it time to open up." James Suckling

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

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

"Bright, pale straw yellow colour with green components. Intense and very clear nose, impressive, starts with notes of flint, then white peach, apricot and grapefruit, very clear and precise, fresh sage in the background. Juicy and extremely round in attack and finish, fresh apricot and grapefruit, salty on the final, very long finish, spans a wide range." Falstaff

"A hint of fragrant spices and white flowers surround the flavours of ripe pineapple, tangerine peel, white cherry and Marcona almond. The palate is expressive and rich, but the mouth-watering acidity provides a smooth and harmonious frame without excessive weight. This beautiful version is long and lush on the finish, where a mineral underpainting emerges to linger alongside the beautiful profile." Wine Spectator

"The Terlaner I Primo Grande Cuvée 2021 is intense and mineral from the start. It opens with a beguiling blend of flint, camphor and white smoke, before moving on to dried peaches and apricots. The palate is ripe yet refined, with a silky texture that takes on a saline note as tart fruit piles up in cascades complicated by a spicy hint of ginger. The 2021 is long, long, long, youthfully tense and gently tannic, with a crunchy feel and the impression of liquid stone lingering beneath a hint of pretty inner flowers. The potential is unmistakable. This is an I Primo for the ages." Vinous

"Tropical mango, pineapple and melon overlay the delicious grassy and floral undertones. The wine shines with its elegance, mineral structure and citrus acidity: simultaneously rich and incredibly refreshing with an amazing length. True perfection." Decanter

"Classic peach stone aroma with an elegance reminiscent of Corton Charlemagne, full of flintstone minerality, lime blossom and pink grapefruit. Initially delicate on the palate, with concentrated fruit, weight and vibrancy, with great harmony and balance. A tight structure between fruit and acidity leads to a long, fruity and very refreshing finish. Drink now or store for decades." James Suckling

Messorio has been undisputedly one of Italy's best and rarest Merlots since the mid-1990s. Soft, rich, elegant, refined and never overdone. On the nose, ripe fruit, coffee, graphite and French oak. Structured and balanced, Messorio fascinates the international wine world every year with a clarity and length that is unparalleled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Once again, proof of how suitable individual sites in Bolgheri are for the Merlot grape variety: Complex nose of wild berries, mint, pepper and tobacco; the attack is full-bodied yet finesse-rich, with supple tannins, good acid structure, the finish pleasantly mineral and of great elegance." Vinum

"Powerful, sparkling ruby with violet glints. Open and accessible on the nose, charming notes of dark cherries, wild raspberries and some cardamom. Shows very good tension on the palate, juicy, lots of crunchy fruit, opens with fine-meshed tannin, tobacco on the final." Falstaff

"The 2018 Messorio is an attractive wine, but it also feels like the most marked by the cooler style of the year. Readers will find a mid-weight Messorio endowed with striking inner sweetness and perfume, if not quite the textural richness that is the norm here. I have seen even the more delicate of Messorios blossom beautifully over time, and suspect that will be the case here as well. The purity of the fruit is remarkable." Vinous

"Le Macchiole's 2018 Messorio is soft and rich with impressive depth and intensity, all delivered with the softness that only the Merlot grape can manage. This important wine unfolds first to rich cherry and blackberry and then yields softly to secondary notes of spice, baker's chocolate and toasted almond. There is some youthful tightness in the mouth, with Merlot tannins that are hitched to firmness and softness, while showing impressive length all the while. The mouthfeel is most impressive, thanks to its seamless and supple nature that glides smoothly over the palate." Wine Advocate

"This wine's main themes are plum, blackberry and black cherry flavors, with perfumed aromas and earth, iron, tobacco and dried herb accents. Dense, firm and dry on the finish, where a green, herbal element echoes. This is underlined by a beam of acidity from beginning to end." Wine Spectator

"This is very complex, offering tobacco, brown sugar, black olives and currants. It’s full-bodied, yet tight and layered, with very fine tannins and a long, structured finish. Hints of new wood complement the long, cool fruit and phenolics. Give this three or four years to open." James Suckling

Angelo Gaja makes his wines with broad brushstrokes that form shapes of perfect harmony and grandeur, he makes them modern but never too fashionable. Rennina 2019 is a dark, lush and juicy red wine with a seamless overall integration. On the palate, bold fruit, oak spice, acidity and a well-knit tannin hold the overall composition together in an overwhelming and warm embrace. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Great nose of cherry with a hint of raspberry, becomes increasingly perfumed with aeration. The pinch of oak adds complexity. Juicy and polished with fresh, soft red fruit and a layer of fine-grained tannins. Energetic and direct." Jancis Robinson

"The Brunello di Montalcino Rennina 2019 captivates the taster with a beguiling blend of crushed ash stones and grilled herbs, which fade into red plums and purple pastilles. On the palate, it presents a silky texture and a wiry framework that gives it a sultry character. Salty mineral tones complicate the tart red berry fruits. Edgy tannins gather towards the end, accompanied by orange notes and a pleasant bitterness that lingers. At the moment, the Rennina is only on its feet, but I am very excited to see where this extremely flavoursome Brunello will develop." Vinous

"A powerful red, boasting macerated cherry, orange peel, plum, lavender, iron and eucalyptus flavors. Dense, dusty tannins emerge as this plays out on the long finish. Needs time." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of sweet cherries, roses, sweet tobacco and a hint of marmalade. Full and multi-layered. Lots of fruit. Juicy finish. Cheesy at the end and with air it becomes complex and very structured. Store it for a while. Best after 2027." James Suckling

"The Rennina bottling comes from three vineyards directly adjacent to the Pieve Santa Restituta winery in Tavernelle and, according to Angelo Gaja, is comparable to Barbaresco. The 2019 vintage was harvested between 12 September and 1 October and brings out the elegant side of Sangiovese. The sweet Mediterranean herbal nuances of tarragon, mint and sage are joined by cedar-like oak tones. Shiny, polished and balanced, but with an underlying tension, it shows red berries with a hint of bitter orange peel and tobacco on the palate. Finely powdered, loamy tannins cling confidently to the edges, while an appetising acidity permeates the core. Full-bodied but not heavy and with a satisfying crunch, this wine will be approachable before the sugarilla, but should last at least as long." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino Rennina from Pieve Santa Restituta is characterised by its balance and the proverbial Gaja Madias touch, which always brings with it a particular creaminess or fruit concentration that harmonises perfectly with the wine's acidity and velvety tannin structure. The Pieve Santa Restituta 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina is a blend of fruit from vineyards with different soil conditions and exposures. In this classic vintage, you can expect a wine that is firmly structured and important in mouthfeel, but also has delicate and soft nuances of wild rose, roasted cumin, campfire ash and grilled rosemary. The wine lingers on the palate and offers long-lasting flavours of black fruits." Wine Advocate

2017 was the very first vintage of Massetino. It was launched in 2019, exactly 30 years after the first Massetino vintage. The newly designed wine cellar by Italian architects Zito & Mori was also inaugurated in 2019. The birth of the second wine and the opening of the wine cellar represent a historic moment for Masseto and clearly contribute to its recognition as a winery.

Massetino already shows a self-confident personality, which is not surprising as he shares the same pedigree with Masseto. Just like its older brother, it skilfully showcases the contrast between power and opulence combined with restraint and class. The high quality potential, which was already evident when tasting the grapes before the harvest, is fully expressed in the quality profile of Massetino 2021. A solid, crisp wine with a bright colour. Its flavours are memorable thanks to their richness and long finish. Lively, young tannins that are constantly evolving give the wine consistency and persistence on the palate. Massetino 2021 proves to be just as powerful as the vintage from which it comes. SUPERIORE.DE

"With the Cabernet Franc in the blend, the Massetino gains more and more character and impresses as a 2021 at an extremely high level. Dark, viscous colour. Dense, sweet and offensive, the aroma of the Massetino is very fresh and polished, multi-layered and clear. It is by no means opulent, but rather extremely focussed, with fine fruit and excellent depth. Full, sweet and viscous on the palate, ripe and dense, with plenty of body and richness. Its terrific, youthful structure contains the finest wood and a great finesse, very linear, powerful and salty long. The powerful tannins appear slightly roughened in the fine finish. A great second wine, of which unfortunately only a few are produced." Weinwisser

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Dark and dense nose, showing appealing notes of cedar wood, blackberries and dark plums. Firm and full-bodied in attack and finish, with pronounced notes of tobacco, blackberry and brown butter, grippy, gripping tannins." Falstaff

"Elegant and lively, this red flows beautifully and builds to a long, savoury finish. It offers flavours of blackberries, blackcurrants, violets, cocoa, minerals and fresh herbs that linger, while lively acidity and powdery tannins provide structure." Wine Spectator

"The Massetino 2021 is an extremely elegant and graceful wine. Silky tannins caress a core of blackberries, espresso, mocha, liquorice, cloves and lavender. All elements are so beautifully balanced in this very appealing, racy second wine from Masseto." Vinous

"Sweet berries with aromas of violets and roses. Raspberries. Very perfumed. Medium body with very fine, velvety tannins that extend over the entire length of the wine. Lively on the finish. The best so far." James Suckling

"The Masseto 2021 Massetino consists mainly of Merlot with a hint of Cabernet Franc. The wine is very richly concentrated and multi-layered. You can see (and taste) the opulent texture of the wine as it slowly spreads in the glass. The high-quality fruit is accompanied by carefully selected oak, and the intensity of both unfolds on the palate. This vintage is predestined for particularly long ageing in the cellar." Wine Advocate

A modernist by the book. Balanced and impressive at the same time. 2018 Rennina with powerful aromas and flavours of violets, black cherries, tobacco and menthol. The tannins are firm yet beautifully integrated. Rennina is a complex, medium-bodied wine, which has a great positive influence on its ageing potential and makes it a success story. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny ruby-garnet. Finely marked nose with notes of raspberry and goji berries, liquorice in the background. Full-bodied and dense on the palate, lots of tightly woven tannin embedded in beautiful melting, unfolds smoothly, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Rennina brings together three neighbouring plots with varying soils, each contributing to the final expression. Sandy soil rich in marine fossils is associated with elegant perfumes, while Galestro lends structured tannins. An enchanting nose captures the dusty landscape and the sweet oily herbs of Tuscany. Flavours of cherry and violet saturate the palate, and beautifully integrated oak melds with long, chalky tannins. Tangy and sweet on the finish." Decanter

"Delicate and understated in the glass, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina whisps up with a pleasantly earthy mix of dried strawberries, roses and clove nuances. This coasts silky textural fruits across a core of brisk acidity and saline-minerals in an untethered Brunello of pure elegance. It finishes with ample tannins, but also remarkably fresh, leaving notes of red plum, mocha and tobacco to linger. This harmonious vintage of Rennina should evolve beautifully in collectors’ cellars." Vinous

"Harmonious and bordering on creamy in texture, this red features cherry, raspberry, plum, loam, almond and black pepper aromas and flavors. Reveals pleasant bitterness as this winds down on the lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Made with a blend of fruit from three vineyard sites with very different soil profiles, the Rennina maintains its distinct personality with elegant aromas of red fruit, forest berry, cassis, balsam herb and toasted almond. This vintage shows a hint of baked clay or black olive that underlines the warm vintage conditions. The wine is generous in terms of mouthfeel, with a nice fullness that remains graceful at the same time." Wine Advocate

"Complex, wild and energetic with an intellectual array of fresh truffles, bramble berries, bark, cardamom, dried porcini, miso and rosemary. Full-bodied yet agile, with firm, tight tannins and sharp acidity. Powerful and tight. Needs a few years to open. Try after 2025." James Suckling

Every year, the grapes for Solaia come from the sunniest corner of the vineyard of the same name on Antinori's Tenuta Tignanello estate. Solaia 2020 has a silky and elegant personality, the bouquet alone is fascinating. Bright and full of energy, it captures all the elegance of the vintage. Solaia 2020 is characterised by purity and focus of the fruit, with black plum, cassis, blue flowers, pencil shavings and plenty of sweet spice from the oak, reminiscent of cloves and toasted almonds. Medium-bodied on the palate with exceptional balance and beauty. Solaia becomes more elegant and aristocratic from year to year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 vintage is one of the best Solaia to date. The blend has a dark, rich colour. Sweetly chocolaty, intense and slightly mature, it appears on the nose with lavender and roasted rosemary, deep and melting. Rich, creamy, ripe and extremely full-bodied, it spreads out in the mouth with maximum invasiveness and shows enormous race and polish. Long, salty and with a savoury spiciness on the finish, it has a very powerful structure with generous tannins, as well as plenty of juice and body. A voluptuous, firm-flavoured Solaia that is more focused and fresher than usual." Weinwisser

"Deep dark ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Fragrant, memorable nose, with notes of ripe blackberry, lots of cassis, some mint, very balanced. Polished and clear on the palate, smooth, very precise, opens up with lots of fine tannins, very long finish." Falstaff

"The Solaia 2020 has a deep dark colour and consists mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. This vintage unfolds an exuberant richness and thick layers of blackberries and plums. The tannins are sweet and skilfully crafted, giving the wine depth and fruitiness. The 2020 vintage is quite bold and plays its best cards in terms of texture and mouthfeel. It is bigger and more approachable than the last two vintages on the market. Spices, roasted coffee beans and more dark fruits colour this full-bodied Tuscan red wine." Wine Advocate

"This red wine is dripping with flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry, iron and toasted oak. It's supple and polished, showing hints of tobacco and wild herbs that add even more detail on the long, kaleidoscopic finish. The civilised tannins are well integrated and give it structure." Wine Spectator

"The Solaia 2020 is an infant. I was expecting a more opulent wine, but the 2020 is more classically structured. Black cherry, plum, gravel, incense, smoke, pencil shavings and spice open up effortlessly. As always, Solaia is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine, but it's a Cabernet that's distinctly Italian, with plenty of Tuscan acidity and structure running through the mid-palate and into the finish. The 2020 is an excellent example of Antinori's recent stylistic shift. In the past, richness and opulence were qualities of a vintage that were enhanced in the vineyard and cellar. Today, the aim is to achieve a more balanced expression of these types of vintages, and this is expressed very well." Vinous

"Subtle and beautiful on the nose with aromas of redcurrant, flowers and light sage that develop into a full body with ultra-fine tannins and a long and flavourful finish. Extremely polished and balanced. Stylish." James Suckling

Every year, the grapes for Solaia come from the sunniest corner of the vineyard of the same name on Antinori's Tenuta Tignanello estate. Solaia 2020 has a silky and elegant personality, the bouquet alone is fascinating. Bright and full of energy, it captures all the elegance of the vintage. Solaia 2020 is characterised by purity and focus of the fruit, with black plum, cassis, blue flowers, pencil shavings and plenty of sweet spice from the oak, reminiscent of cloves and toasted almonds. Medium-bodied on the palate with exceptional balance and beauty. Solaia becomes more elegant and aristocratic from year to year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 vintage is one of the best Solaia to date. The blend has a dark, rich colour. Sweetly chocolaty, intense and slightly mature, it appears on the nose with lavender and roasted rosemary, deep and melting. Rich, creamy, ripe and extremely full-bodied, it spreads out in the mouth with maximum invasiveness and shows enormous race and polish. Long, salty and with a savoury spiciness on the finish, it has a very powerful structure with generous tannins, as well as plenty of juice and body. A voluptuous, firm-flavoured Solaia that is more focused and fresher than usual." Weinwisser

"Deep, dark ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Fragrant, memorable nose, with notes of ripe blackberry, lots of cassis, some mint, very balanced. Polished and clear on the palate, smooth, very precise, opens up with lots of fine tannins, very long finish." Falstaff

"The Solaia 2020 has a deep dark colour and consists mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. This vintage unfolds an exuberant richness and thick layers of blackberries and plums. The tannins are sweet and skilfully crafted, giving the wine depth and fruitiness. The 2020 vintage is quite bold and plays its best cards in terms of texture and mouthfeel. It is bigger and more approachable than the last two vintages on the market. Spices, roasted coffee beans and more dark fruits colour this full-bodied Tuscan red wine." Wine Advocate

"This red wine is dripping with flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry, iron and toasted oak. It's supple and polished, showing hints of tobacco and wild herbs that add even more detail on the long, kaleidoscopic finish. The civilised tannins are well integrated and give it structure." Wine Spectator

"The Solaia 2020 is an infant. I was expecting a more opulent wine, but the 2020 is more classically structured. Black cherry, plum, gravel, incense, smoke, pencil shavings and spice open up effortlessly. As always, Solaia is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine, but it's a Cabernet that's distinctly Italian, with plenty of Tuscan acidity and structure running through the mid-palate and into the finish. The 2020 is an excellent example of Antinori's recent stylistic shift. In the past, richness and opulence were qualities of a vintage that were enhanced in the vineyard and cellar. Today, the aim is to achieve a more balanced expression of these types of vintages, and this is expressed very well." Vinous

"Subtle and beautiful on the nose with aromas of redcurrant, flowers and light sage that develop into a full body with ultra-fine tannins and a long and flavourful finish. Extremely polished and balanced. Stylish." James Suckling

Every year, the grapes for Solaia come from the sunniest corner of the vineyard of the same name on Antinori's Tenuta Tignanello estate. Aromas of cassis, warm spices and camphor characterise the nose. The lively, linear palate shows great finesse and offers cranberries, blueberries and crushed mint alongside white pepper. It is supple and balanced, with bright acidity and polished tannins. For us, one of the best vintages ever! SUPERIORE.DE

"A lot of Cabernet (increasingly also Franc, which gives the wine more elegance, says winemaker Renzo Cotarella) and the rest Sangiovese show themselves with a spicy nose of herbs, undergrowth and blackcurrants; on the palate with a lot of character, the tannins youthful, but also fine-grained, the finish elegant and extremely animating to drink another glass." Vinum

"This is a beautifully curated Solaia with blackcurrant and raspberry and undertones of lavender and violet. Graphite underlines all of this. Just a little new wood comes through. It is full-bodied with fine, velvety tannins that run the length of the wine and caress the palate. Give it three or four years to develop." James Suckling

"For me, 2021 is one of the best vintages ever," says Renzo Cotarella, CEO and head winemaker at Antinori, about the much-praised vintage in Tuscany. The Solaia 2021 is still a baby, but its potential is immediately recognisable. On the nose, it is inky and concentrated, with a hint of dark barrique chocolate. It combines salinity with lush and juicy fruit, offering ripe black and red cherries and dark hedgerow berries alongside herbaceous freshness and finely structured tannins. After some time in the glass, ferruginous, meaty and earthy undertones emerge, providing a counterpoint to the inherent sweetness of the fruit. This muscular yet wonderfully balanced wine will only reveal its full complexity after extended ageing." Decanter

"All in all, the Marchesi Antinori 2021 Solaia is a monument to perfect winemaking. Not a single hair follicle is out of place on this coiffed supermodel. The Solaia is a wine of lasting power. The wine offers generous depth and layering with soft tannins and some of that spicy pink peppercorn you get from the 9% Cabernet Franc (to 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Sangiovese). The finish is extremely velvety and smooth, but I find that the flavours seem to get sweeter and riper the longer the wine stays in the glass." Wine Advocate

"A deep, dense red, imbued with flavours of blackberry, pomegranate, plum and sweet spices. Iron, tobacco and wild herb elements shine through, while this plays out under a strong grip of tannins on the finish. It already shows excellent balance and length now, but this should improve with a few more years in the bottle. Outstanding." Wine Spectator

"Antinori's Solaia 2021 is another wine that captures all the potential I sensed when I tasted it a few months ago. More than anything, the 2021 is a fine example of the style Antinori favours these days, an approach that favours finesse rather than opulence. Dark plum, mocha, liquorice, chocolate, spice, lavender and menthol unfold effortlessly in the glass. Oak and tannin are impeccably balanced." Vinous

Sandro Chia's vineyards have now reached their full potential and the Riserva from the top 2016 vintage is the crowning glory. This year, the winery's consistently clear style and the cool vineyard sites have come together to form a truly perfect unity that is hard to find in Montalcino. The richness and generosity of the bouquet is impressive: delicious layers of dark berries, spices, dried herbs and dark chocolate combine to create an intense composition that is rounded off on the palate. Slender and fine on the palate, yet with a subtle opulence that reveals new depths with every sip. The expression and length emphasise the qualities of this truly super Brunello, which completely captivated us. If you have time, wait for the further revelations that bottle ageing will undoubtedly bring! SUPERIORE.DE

"Beguiling raspberry and violet-pepper nose; the attack is juicy, the tannins are tightly woven and well integrated like the acidity, lots of character, suppleness and length in the final, the wood skilfully integrated." Vinum

"Medium-dense, bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Complex and open nose with notes of dried tomatoes, pickled cherries and light tobacco. Polished on the palate, as if from a single mould from start to finish, lots of finely woven tannins, coated in sweet enamel, with subtle earthy notes on the final." Falstaff

"This red wine is juicy and bursting with vibrant cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavours. It is firm and lean, with excellent intensity and a long, savoury aftertaste. It is harmonious enough to enjoy now, but should reach its peak in three to five years." Wine Spectator

"Castello Romitorio harvests in two stages. The first is an early selection of the smallest, loosest grapes from the oldest vineyards and is filled into a single tank. In years when the estate's Brunello can stand on its own, it is bottled separately as a Riserva. The 2016, the tenth since 1987, is wonderfully earthy in its overture of clay, mineral rock and iron. It develops into an autumnal smokiness and then lands on balsamic herbs and crunchy red forest berries. The youthful vigour and verve do not conceal its inherent finesse. The crisp acidity and dramatic tannins that hurt the mouth will accompany this wine for a long time to come." Decanter

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva does a marvellous job of creating a lasting sense of harmony that reflects the best characteristics of this classic vintage. Part of that playlist is power, and indeed this wine registers 15% alcohol, which is high, but the freshness of these vineyard sites and the wine's acidity do a good job of tempering that power. The fruit is polished and refined in this Riserva, and there is a nice blend of primary and even some distant tertiary character to form a bouquet that is pure but also complex." Wine Advocate

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva soars with elegance and richness as sweet lavender and violets give way to a more savoury display of black cherries, Tuscan dust and cedar chest with a hint of cool mint. The palate is awash with sweet red fruits and spice, silky yet with a delicacy that you wouldn't expect in the Riserva category, but which is very welcome. Underneath, there is a core of power and density just waiting to unfold. On the final, the minerality comes to the fore, mingling with a fine layer of tannins and a hint of spicy citrus fruit. This harmonious Brunello will have a very long life. The Riserva is a selection of two Brunello barrels, a tonneau and a large barrel, from the Romitorio cellar. Simply stunning." Vinous

"A Riserva of great flavour impact, without compromise, from the north-western part of the appellation. Great concentration on the nose, blackcurrant, notes of laurel and rhubarb. The mouthfeel has salty tannins, but also an excellent density, with a return to fruitiness and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

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

"Fragrant bouquet with rather red fruits, cherries and wild berries, framed by balsamic notes, delicately floral, lavender. Melting and smooth in the mouth with fruity and then also tart notes, salty-spicy final." Weinwisser

"Diverse bouquet of forest fruits, spicy macchia and balsamic notes; firm texture, the tannins extremely finely chiselled, underpinned by crisp acidity, the final opulent with plenty of juice, density and length. Also extremely successful in this vintage." Vinum

"Bright ruby red colour with a brightening core. On the nose, juicy cherries, sea salt, some blood orange, then fine precious wood, with a finish of fine undergrowth and ripe raspberries. Pure and clear on the palate, on juicy elderberries and fine mint, with grippy tannins, embedded in fine precious wood." Falstaff

"At this young stage, the wine shows a youthful primary fruit and impresses with its balance and integration of fruit and oak. Angelo Gaja and his team have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of elegance in these two grape varieties, which can often develop too much power and concentration if they are not controlled. The right timing of the harvest and the careful use of French oak are key to this overall result, especially with regard to the medium to full body and long silkiness of this age-worthy vintage." Wine Advocate

"The aromas of this wine are somewhat muted today, but the blackcurrant, blueberry, violet, cedar and wild herb flavours are expressive and well articulated. It is supported by lively acidity and a dense tannic matrix and finishes long and full of flavour." Wine Spectator

"The nose of this Bolgheri Superiore is captivating with its lush integration of cloves, balsam, eucalyptus leaves and restrained blackberry fruit. The attack is velvety, with a great development of youthful, fine-grained tannins in the mid-palate, a long, powerful acidity and a toasty, fruity finish. A wine that has a long life ahead of it, a great example of a Bordeaux blend with a Mediterranean identity and one of the best Bolgheri we have tasted from Ca' Marcanda." Decanter

"Redcurrants, rose petals and ink, plus some fresh herbs. Medium-bodied with fine and taut tannins that give the wine focus and beauty. This wine will develop beautifully. Taste it after 2028, but it's already excellent now." James Suckling

"The Camarcanda 2020 is smooth, elegant and wonderfully expressive. Exquisite flavours and silky tannins give the Camarcanda a lot of finesse. The 2020 is deceptively medium-bodied and has a wonderful finish. Pretty floral and spicy notes open the finish effortlessly. The 2020 is without question the best Camarcanda yet. Bravo." Vinous

The fruit for this wine comes from a single vineyard that stretches over the crest of a hill. The name Schiena d'Asino (donkey ridge) is a reminder of this unique geography. The purity of the fruit is breathtaking and the wine emphasises the qualities that make Sangiovese one of the noblest of all Italian grapes. It offers a crystalline intensity with forthcoming flavours of bright cherries, balsamic herbs, aniseed, pressed violets and spice. This ensemble is balanced and nuanced. It shows amazing depth and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby garnet colour. Clear and profound nose, rich notes of ripe heart cherries, blackberries, tobacco and some molasses. Polished attack and finish, fine-meshed tannins in many layers, interwoven with fine melting, firm pressure." Falstaff

"The 2019 vintage delivers powerful flavours with black and violet fruits. There are also spices and charcoal flavours from the extended ageing in the cellar. It finishes with grainy flavours of espresso or Turkish coffee and a generous, full-bodied mouthfeel. Only 5,928 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"Bright fruit on the nose, raspberries, fresh peach skin and citrus notes such as orange peel, plus violets and earthy minerality. Full-bodied, with mouth-filling, very aromatic concentration, crisp acidity and velvety, orange-soaked tannins. As with a wine destined for ageing, there is a controlled austerity. A real beauty now, but it will continue to develop for many years to come." James Suckling

"Dusty blackberries, sweet spices, cloves, grated sage, cedar and smoke - all of these can be found in the Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Schiena d'Asino 2019. Velvety, almost creamy yet lively, it washes over the palate with a dense wave of mineral-tinged dark red fruits underlined by salty minerals, all held together by a core of vibrant acidity. The finish is long and concentrated, with angular tannins that require patience to fully resolve. This is a glorious interpretation of the Vigna Schiena d'Asino." Vinous

Rabaja and Asili are probably the most famous sites in Barbaresco. Medium, finely fragrant nose of rose petals, cherries and blue blossoms, with restrained ethereal herbal notes. On the palate, powerful, compact and with a well-proportioned cornucopia of black fruits such as blackberry and cassis, plus some liquorice. As the wine progresses, it shows its power and a certain pressure, which, however, never comes across as wild or ostentatious, but always reflects the elegance of the site and the Giacosa-typical ageing in large wood. Impressive aroma and length! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Bruno Giacosa 2017 Barbaresco Rabajà is a fine and delicate wine that throws a curveball at our expectations of this notoriously hot and dry vintage. The wine is exceedingly generous when it comes to its fruit, especially its blackcurrant and plum, but what steals the show is that elegant mineral note that so seamlessly cedes to spice, licorice and cinnamon. Rabajà is one of the most distinctive growing sites in Barbaresco, thanks to its white stony soils that leave such a strong imprint on its wines. The wine is remarkable for its nicely linear and delicate style, but it ultimately proves its power and determination on the palate over many long minutes." Wine Advocate

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico La Fabriseria shows itself massive and with seductive complexity. Deep bouquet of black berries and cocoa, violets and lavender. The taste is immensely fruity with aromas of cherry, blackberry and wild berry, plus the invigorating impressions of medicinal herbs again and again. The finish is elegant and long with a fine sweetness and a hint of mint. For us, one of the greatest wines of the Valpolicella! SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright ruby. Very clear and intense nose, full of dark currant sweets, dark cherry juice, spicy honey and some resin in the background. Dense and full-bodied in the attack and course, shows a lot of grippy, dense tannin, flows clearly and calmly, dark pepper in the finish, very much Storage potential." Falstaff

"A pure beam of crème de cassis and baked black cherries is accented by an enticing palette of sandalwood, liquorice and Earl Grey tea leaf notes in this fine-mesh, medium to full-bodied red. Long and delicious, with a rich hint of fig cake and a touch of mineral iron on the slightly chewy finish." Wine Spectator

"In the glass, aromas of crushed violet, baked plum, underbrush and new leather combine. The palate is velvety and densely concentrated, offering delicious raspberry jam, soaked plums and baking spices before finishing with a tobaccoic finish. Despite its big, bold structure, it has refined tannins that support and polish it seamlessly." Wine Enthusiast

"Sumptuous notes of balsamic, mint, dried thyme, kirsch and mountain herb. A raft of tannins doused with dried tobacco leaf and clove, compress the fruit as much as promote it. The thick-skinned oseleta is in the blend, contributing immensely to the firm structural lattice. Drive, power and length, with no dearth of freshness. Excellent Amarone for those seeking power as much as freshness. This has a very traditional, savoury air to it. One glass is not quite sufficient in this case." James Suckling

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva La Fabriseria 2015 trades power for elegance and feminine beauty. Notes of mineral ripe cherries, currants, sage and cocoa gain volume and depth with time in the glass. The wine is seamless and silky, gliding over a core of lively acids, with juicy red and black fruits giving way to sweet spices and pretty flowers. A bitter hint of coffee and spicy herbal notes combine with tart blackberries and linger for well over a minute. This is just great." Vinous

"The Tedeschi family's top wine is their 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva la Fabriseria. The wine is a careful blend of 40% Corvina, 40% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella and 5% Oseleta, all aged in oak for 48 months. The appassimento process has produced a powerful and muscular wine that opens with thick layers of black fruits, plums, dried cherries, spices, mesquite smoke, iron and sweet rum cake. With only 2,500 bottles made, this full-bodied blockbuster wine is a lesson in all the beautiful excesses that extreme Amarone has to offer." Wine Advocate

Deep dark ruby violet. On the nose, cassis, blackcurrant and a powerful herbal spiciness with a good dose of pipe tobacco, tar and crushed boulders. On the palate, dark berries, chocolate and a cornucopia of herbs define the full body. This wine monument has precisely integrated tannins, an enormous silkiness and a seemingly endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red. Expressive and inviting on the nose, of ripe strawberries and red currants, a hint of raspberry jam, carried by nuances of fine wood and cigar box. Very polished palate entry, opens up in the mouth with delicate creaminess and velvety tannin, noble spice and fruit at the core, shows considerable juiciness at the back and thus draught, great length and elegance." Falstaff

"This vibrant red is saturated with black cherry, blackberry, iron and underbrush flavors. The tannins turn chewy on the finish, where a note of bitter almond lingers along with freshness." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta Sette Ponti 2019 Oreno celebrates the wine's 20th anniversary (1999-2019) with a special label and a heavy glass bottle. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot is beautifully ripe and generous with impeccable fruit throughout. Its primary intensity is delivered with energy and character, showcasing broad brush aromas of black fruit, exotic spice, cured tobacco and new leather. The tannins are quite strong in this edition and do make for a brief moment of astringency on the close. This is a thickly extracted blended Tuscan red, and it makes sense that its fiber and structure is also more compact and concentrated in 2019." Wine Advocate

"Wow. Fantastic aromas of blackberries, currants, minerals, violets and graphite. Full-bodied with firm, silky tannins that are incredibly polished and intense, yet ever so refined and integrated in the wine. It goes on for minutes. The is one of the best modern-day Orenos so far. Best in 2025 and onwards." James Suckling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Deep ruby with orange tinges. Savoury and slightly reductive on the nose with pure cherry underneath. Pure and focused on the palate, if slow to unfurl, and with complex oak notes slowly revealing themselves. Right now, the powdery tannins take the lead on the finish, but this needs much more time." Jancis Robinson

"First produced in 1995, Sugarille is not made every vintage - after skipping 2017, this single-vineyard bottling returns. Dark cherry and black plum are spiked with bitter herbs, tobacco and wet stone. Sturdy tannins form a solid framework and tantalising acidity soars. Sweet oak nuances melt into the liquorice root finish. A great contender for the cellar." Decanter

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

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille keeps me coming back to the glass again and again to take in its spicy yet also wonderfully lifted bouquet, as shavings of cedar and pine evolve to reveal mentholated herbs, flinty stone and dried black cherries. This is deeply textural, soothing with its combination of ripe red fruits and juicy acidity, as sweet spices and mint nuances resonate toward the close. The Sugarille doesn’t miss a beat, tapering off with impeccable balance and regal structure, while allowing remnants of ripe wild berries and plum to linger on and on. The Gaja family has really outdone themselves in this idiosyncratic vintage." Vinous

"Showing extra richness and textural weight, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is structured, rich and intense. This wine represents fruit from a single site that is characterized by schistous galestro soils. These conditions give Sugarille its heavier center of gravity and its distinguished power and heft. Dark fruit, balsam herb and pencil shavings shape a beautiful and precise bouquet. Give this wine more time to age." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of red plums, sour cherries, spice box, oranges, cloves and capers. Moss and porcini, too. Beautifully open, with a medium to full body and very fine, silky tannins. Lovely purity of fruit here, with a long, seamless finish. Ethereal and transparent." James Suckling

Dense ruby red. Elegant the articulate bouquet that reveals ripe dark berries, tobacco, liquorice and balsamic notes. Impressively persistent, the characterful and enveloping taste with silky tannins and a spicy-smoky impression. The perfect dosage of all components give this exceptional wine the complexity and harmony that makes it unforgettable. A magical wine of great class and with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with an opaque core. Fragrant and elegant nose, complex, of cassis and black currants, in addition finest precious wood, then again interplay of ripe blackberries and fine spicy components. On the palate enormously polished and finesse-rich, with clear, present fruit and well-integrated tannin, comes along in many layers, precise, very long." Falstaff

"The Marchesi Antinori 2019 Solaia is another blockbuster success from Tuscany's leading winery. This is a generous and highly expressive release with lots of dark fruits, spices and sweet tobacco. The tannins are wonderfully velvety and soft. This is a beautiful wine that collectors will love." Wine Advocate

"Wonderful nose of raspberries and black cherries, ripe, sweet and expressive, aromas pouring from the glass. Fleshy and sweet, sticky and full, this gives a whole load of ripe, plush tannins and powerful fruit but underpinned by bright acidity that keeps things lifted and alive. A very serious wine, brooding and confident. Right now it shows many elements - rich, generous, powerful and stylish with hints of red flowers, white pepper, ground coffee, herbs and chocolate. A dark horse waiting for its moment to shine fully." Decanter

"The 2019 Solaia is fabulous. Deep and layered, the 2019 is so expressive from the start. Juicy dark cherry, plum, liquorice, incense, pipe tobacco, chocolate and grilled herbs all take shape. Again, the aromatics are seductive. There is a slightly higher proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend, and that works very well here. Solaia is often a bombastic, intense wine. The 2019 is incredibly refined and buttoned up. harvestwill have to be patient. The 2019 Solaia is the kind of wine I would love to spend an entire evening with." Vinous

"This wine has a deeply spicy nose with seaweed, soy sauce, olives, tobacco, black liquorice and a rich mix of cherries, blackberries and plums. The fruity, spicy palate brings more berries, dark chocolate and chilli peppers, underlined by noticeable spiciness and sticky but gentle tannins in a seemingly endless finish. It's exceptionally drinkable now, but a few more years would guarantee a commanding performance." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine has a complex palette of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, slate, tobacco, olives and charred bark. Also some dried roses and iodine. Medium to full body with firm but refined tannins. Powerful but unobtrusive. Long. Try it in 2025." James Suckling

"This youthful version features intense blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry fruit wrapped in cedar, Mediterranean scrub and toasty oak, with a mineral touch underlining it all. A solid backbone of tannins gives it support, while the dark fruit returns on the finish. It shows excellent balance, power and unbearable length, but it still needs time in bottle." Wine Spectator

"A historic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc with great refinement and magical balance. Blueberry on the nose, with a touch of eucalyptus and dogwood peel. Crisp-dense palate, iodine-salty tannins, great persistence." Luca Gardini

Cepparello is one of the great varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Brilliant ruby red colour. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed, enveloping flavour, which provides a perfectly measured acidity framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and full of finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Opens with fine spicy notes, some cinnamon, then plums and chocolate. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, crisp and fresh, fine tannins, very long-lasting, supple and juicy on the palate." Falstaff

"Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Also dried orange peel and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, taut and consistent with fine-grained, slightly chalky tannins. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026." James Suckling

"Expressive and lush from the start, this red wine displays aromas and flavours of cherries, strawberries, roses, orange peel, minerals and Tuscan herbs." Wine Spectator

"The Cepparello 2020 is soft and supple and elevates the Sangiovese in a way that only Paolo De Marchi can. This is his penultimate vintage before he retires and sells this historic winery. The wine opens with a medium to full concentration of dark plums and redcurrants. These segue into sweet spices, earth, crushed stone, rusty nails and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to develop in the cellar. It has a strong alcohol content of 15%." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Cepparello is a total stunner, just as it was last year. Deeply colored, layered and explosive in the glass, the 2020 possesses striking textural richness and overall intensity. Black cherry, graphite, plum, spice and lavender flesh out effortlessly. There's tremendous pedigree and sheer stature here. Cepparello is surely one of the wines of the year." Vinous

Dense ruby red. Elegant the articulate bouquet that reveals ripe dark berries, tobacco, liquorice and balsamic notes. Impressively persistent, the characterful and enveloping taste with silky tannins and a spicy-smoky impression. The perfect dosage of all components give this exceptional wine the complexity and harmony that makes it unforgettable. A magical wine of great class and with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with an opaque core. Fragrant and elegant nose, complex, of cassis and black currants, in addition finest precious wood, then again interplay of ripe blackberries and fine spicy components. On the palate enormously polished and finesse-rich, with clear, present fruit and well-integrated tannin, comes along in many layers, precise, very long." Falstaff

"The Marchesi Antinori 2019 Solaia is another blockbuster success from Tuscany's leading winery. This is a generous and highly expressive release with lots of dark fruits, spices and sweet tobacco. The tannins are wonderfully velvety and soft. This is a beautiful wine that collectors will love." Wine Advocate

"Wonderful nose of raspberries and black cherries, ripe, sweet and expressive, aromas pouring from the glass. Fleshy and sweet, sticky and full, this gives a whole load of ripe, plush tannins and powerful fruit but underpinned by bright acidity that keeps things lifted and alive. A very serious wine, brooding and confident. At the moment it shows many elements - rich, generous, powerful and stylish with hints of red flowers, white pepper, ground coffee, herbs and chocolate. A dark horse waiting to make its grand entrance at the moment." Decanter

"The 2019 Solaia is fabulous. Deep and layered, the 2019 is so expressive from the start. Juicy dark cherry, plum, liquorice, incense, pipe tobacco, chocolate and grilled herbs all take shape. Again, the aromatics are seductive. There is a slightly higher proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend, and that works very well here. Solaia is often a bombastic, intense wine. The 2019 is incredibly refined and buttoned up. harvestwill have to be patient. The 2019 Solaia is the kind of wine I would love to spend an entire evening with." Vinous

"This wine has a deeply spicy nose with seaweed, soy sauce, olives, tobacco, black liquorice and a rich mix of cherries, blackberries and plums. The fruity, spicy palate brings more berries, dark chocolate and chilli peppers, underlined by noticeable spiciness and sticky but gentle tannins in a seemingly endless finish. It's exceptionally drinkable now, but a few more years would guarantee a commanding performance." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine has a complex palette of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, slate, tobacco, olives and charred bark. Also some dried roses and iodine. Medium to full body with firm but refined tannins. Powerful but unobtrusive. Long. Try it in 2025." James Suckling

"This youthful version features intense blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry fruit wrapped in cedar, Mediterranean scrub and toasty oak, with a mineral touch underlining it all. A solid backbone of tannins gives it support, while the dark fruit returns on the finish. It shows excellent balance, power and unbearable length, but it still needs time in bottle." Wine Spectator

"A historic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc with great refinement and magical balance. Blueberry on the nose, with a touch of eucalyptus and dogwood peel. Crisp-dense palate, iodine-salty tannins, great persistence." Luca Gardini

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

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

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

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

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

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

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