Vinous | 95–100 Points

"This is our flagship wine, a Barolo recognised the world over, which we have always nourished and cared for with greatest respect. Nothing will change. This is why I will dedicate this special wine to my grandchildren Alessia and Stefano. From now on, it will carry their names." Luciano Sandrone on his intention to rename his world-famous Barolo Cannubi Boschis "Aleste" with the 2013 vintage. This Barolo is a masterpiece from Luciano Sandrone in every respect. Not only a historic product but also the only cru of the house from the renowned Cannubi area in Barolo. Rich ruby colour, balsamic bouquet, ripe and sweet. Great suppleness on the palate, lots of fruit, dense tannins, very persistent final with Burgundian elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby colour with a fine garnet shimmer. Opens with notes of plums, rose petals and pickled peach. Polished on the palate, shows layers of tannin, juicy strawberry fruit, flows calmly, very elegant and long." Falstaff

"This wine captivates with aromas of oil-infused rose petals and Maresca cherries overlaid with notes of incense that rise from the glass. The palate is intense, dark and rich, offering a mouth-filling experience of dark plums and an abundance of mixed sweet spices accompanied by dried bay leaves and black tea. The wine finishes with elegant tannins and a powerful acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"This red wine shows broad flavours of cherry, plum, tar, eucalyptus and sweet spices, with an accent of liquorice. It walks a fine line between power and elegance, with a well-integrated structure, refined tannins and a racy, resonant finish." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Aleste 2020 is a noble, elegant wine that is easy to drink right from the start. Black cherry, plum, mocha, liquorice and dark spices resonate beautifully. Soft and juicy, with silky tannins, the 2020 Aleste is an absolute charmer." Vinous

"The 2020 Barolo Aleste is multi-layered with sweet earth and drunken cherry. It shows seamless integration and a crescendo of intensity that starts with ripe fruit and moves into oak elements, liquorice, spice and balanced acidity. This wine has a beautiful mouthfeel, with length and complexity. The Aleste is made from the fruit of Cannubi Boschis in the commune of Barolo. This is the full programme." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of cherries and hibiscus with hints of tar and dried flowers such as roses. Full-bodied and complex, with lots of juicy and rich fruit that shows the warmth of the vintage but is framed by creamy and chewy tannins that give it shape and intensity. A very serious and structured 2020." James Suckling

Granato has been an exceptional Teroldego for years: It convinces in the bouquet with its rich balsamic scent of sour cherries and red currants. Extract-rich and intense, powerful and extremely precise on the palate. A great wine that reflects the long-standing consistency and competence of this winemaker. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Teroldego Granato is so youthful yet so beautiful, rising from the glass with an infectiously spicy bouquet that is at times autumnal, at times savoury, mingling with dark red fruits. The palate is flooded with a wave of intense raspberries and wild berries that quickly saturate, but with a hint of sour citrus for a nice balance. A pretty inner sweetness lingers as it finishes structured and remarkably long with a refreshing hint of inner rose and wild strawberry that lingers on. It's powerful but also elegant and perfectly balanced for a long evolution." Vinous

"This wine shows deep red and dark berries with peppery notes, dark chocolate, hibiscus and grapefruit peel. Just a hint of cedar and smoked herbs. Full and concentrated, so stable and dense with lively, finely honed tannins and vibrant acidity giving the wine power and highlighting the savoury fruit and minerality. Very long and tense." James Suckling

"Iconic wine, one of the expressive peaks of Teroldego. Fermentation in open oak vats, ageing in acacia and cement casks, great freshness on the nose, redcurrants, touches of wild mint and rhubarb, on the palate it is dense-sweet, with a fruity-balsamic return and a finish on underbrush notes." Luca Gardini

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

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Fine black cherry on the nose, with fine yeasty tones, black bread, blackcurrants, precious wood, cold smoke. Great texture on the palate, full on the tongue, with spicy fruit and rich tannins, fiery, with some wood overhang, still very young, needs patience." Falstaff

"Exuding black currant, blackberry, plum and iron flavors, this sleek version is also powerful, with beefy tannins, yet it's the vivid acidity that drives the long, toasty oak–infused aftertaste in the end." Wine Spectator

"The Tua Rita 2021 Redigaffi is a wine with dense character and dark extraction. This 100% Merlot offers tension and extreme balance with very generous flavours of dark cherries, plums, dried blackberries, spices and tobacco. Its texture is spectacularly soft and velvety, its body is full-bodied. Redigaffi is often monolithic and monotonous when young, and it needs more time in the bottle to develop." Wine Advocate

"Wow. The flavours are really something else with red fruits, black olives, spices like cardamom and nutmeg and hints of tar and meat. It's full-bodied yet controlled and focused with fine, subtle tannins that roll across the palate and create beautiful movement. Powerful yet silky and endless. A great young Merlot and one of the best for a few years." James Suckling

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. Enveloping as it progresses 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 tannins on the palate, giving the wine length and polish, dark berries and tobacco, with a long finish." Falstaff

"More intense, nuanced crimson than most. 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

Rich, deep dark ruby red colour. The bouquet opens with dark cherries, blue flowers and earth. The tannins are taut, almost crisp, and the wine offers a deep pedigree and persistence that is carried by the distinct acidity. This depth is what stands out the most. Since 2016, a small part of the wine has been aged in clay amphorae, which has resulted in an even more elegant and refined Flaccianello. As always, it deserves a top place among the pure Sangiovese from central Tuscany and connoisseurs are giving it time to develop further. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red in colour. Opens the nose with rich earthy tones of ripe plum and ripe Amarena cherry, slightly reminiscent of rum pot, with a walnut and mint finish. In the mouth with balsamic-earthy tones, shows a lot of tannin and grip, then great juiciness in the back, still needs to come together, put it away and forget about it for a few years." Falstaff

"Classic Supertuscan from the Conca d'Oro of Panzano: Enchanting with notes of stone fruit, undergrowth and leather; the entry is dense and yet with finesse, the tannins powdery, the acidity invigorating, also mineral-salty in the further development, in the aftertaste multi-faceted and noble." Vinum

"The Flaccianello della Pieve 2020 is a blend from the Fontodi vineyards, especially from the three main vineyards planted on sites with very dense and heavy rock. Dark, supple and inviting, the 2020 is so expressive today. Black cherry, plum, spice, lavender, liquorice and mocha merge seamlessly in the glass. The 2020 is a fine Flaccianello with a bright future. The majority of this assemblage comes from three parcels on the upper slopes near the town centre." Vinous

"This pure red is sophisticated, complex and balanced, permeated with black cherry, blackberry, violet, mineral and spice aromas and flavors, with tannins that are present yet refined and well-integrated. The fruit persists from beginning to end, defining the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Flaccianello della Pieve 2020 is the complete package. This becomes clear when you taste all the other wines in the Fontodi portfolio and finish with this bottle. This organic Sangiovese shows a beautiful intensity and remains balanced throughout with dark fruits, gravel, spices and wild roses. It picks up on the themes of elegance, depth and maturity that run throughout the vintage. The wine gently envelops the palate with considerable fruit richness and sweet tannins. This expression of a warm vintage can be cellared or savoured straight away." Wine Advocate

"Very floral with sage and liquorice in the berry and dark cherry aromas, leading to a medium body with fine and silky tannins that run the length of the wine. Very crisp for a Flaccianello. Lively on the palate." James Suckling

Complex and exotic bouquet of spices, black olive, rosemary, plum and cherry. Firm, compact and initially introverted on the palate, followed by mint, spices, dark red fruit, cassis and graphite. The flavours come to light rather in slices, with this outstanding red it is worth waiting like nowhere else to fully discover the depth and complexity of this Tuscan jewel. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable, rich ruby violet colour. Opens with appealing notes of cassis and blackberries, plus some smoke and mint. Grippy, fine-meshed tannins at the core, opens up in many layers, dark berry fruit, still needs a few years." Falstaff

"Blackcurrants, fresh flowers and blue berries with sandalwood. Medium body with very fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very fine, focussed and bright." James Suckling

"The 2019 D'Alceo from Rampolla is creamy and resonant in the glass. Dark fruits, lavender, blackberries and spices come together in a wine that combines power and elegance. Seamless tannins effortlessly extend the finish. In many vintages, the D'Alceo is a powerhouse. The 2019 is sublime." Vinous

"This is a classic beauty. Made from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, the 2019 d'Alceo is dark and rich, but magically never heavy or bulky. It carries its weight with feather-light grace, supported by dry tannins and a beautiful layering of fruit. There is blackcurrant, kirsch, blackberry liqueur, exotic spices, black roses and crushed stone. The mineral note stands out like a delicate, shiny silver that runs through the rich, velvety texture of the wine." Wine Advocate

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

"You smell this and you know it’s a solid Bellavista, with blackcurrants, black cherries, blackberries, blood oranges and orange blossoms on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with a tight and focused palate that gives such precision in fruit and tannins. It needs another five year to soften and open." James Suckling

"The Castello di Ama 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista shows dark color saturation and elegantly restrained aromas of dark cherry and blackberry. The Vigneto Bellavista is one of the Gran Cru sites in this appellation, with vines planted over the tall ridge of a sun-drenched hillside. That special positioning always gives this wine more concentration and complexity, ultimately. There is sweet fruit, ripe plum and spice, and these aromas are framed by a dark slate-like mineral note. The mouthfeel is compact and firm with a beautiful sense of lasting richness." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista is a stunner. Dense, powerful and forbidding, in classic Bellavista style, the 2021 packs an immense punch. It is also a very potent wine. All of the Bellavista signatures are present, but they are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Graphite, sage, crushed rocks, lavender, mint and dried herbs all play off a core of cool, dark-toned fruit. The 2021 is a bruiser - a beautiful, vivid bruiser. I can't wait to see how it ages." Vinous

Paleo Rosso - unmistakable Cabernet Franc and one of Bolgheri's most important wines, full of elegance and class. The name is unspectacularly derived from a weed that has long since been removed from the vineyards of Le Macchiole. Rich ruby red colour with violet reflections. Mint, white pepper, blackberry fruit and a hint of pomegranate on the nose. Finely melting on the palate with hints of tobacco and poppy seeds. Wonderfully structured and with a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich bouquet, characterised by hints of iron, which combine with ethereal medicinal notes to create a recognisable signature. Tobacco, fir wood and dark herbs characterise the distinctive expression of this top wine. On the palate, it is gripping with an elegant structure, emphasising an expressive yet subtle spiciness, a real spicy orgy of exotic spices, cardamom, cloves and slightly smoky peppers. Cabernet Franc at its finest, eternally salty and savoury aftertaste. Great cinema." Weinwisser

"Intensely reflective ruby-purple colour. Opens on the nose with pronounced spicy notes of graphite and cedar, then black cherry, dark currants and white pepper. Grippy, gripping tannins characterise the palate, dark fruit components, with an emphatically spicy final." Falstaff

"Precise, with accents of herbs and peppers in the blackcurrant, black olive, iron and tobacco flavours. Shows subliminal vanilla and spice elements from the discreet use of new oak, which unfold with harmony and finesse on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of black berries and black olives with blackcurrants and rosemary. Full-bodied, chewy and rich with intense tannins and a long, powerful finish. Muscular and taut." James Suckling

"Its aroma is a heady combination of deciduous and cedar scents, saturated with vibrant graphite minerality, citrus fruit and liquorice depth. On the palate, this is supported by tremendous extraction and power, with firm, oaky tannins and a graphite aftertaste of astonishing elegance." Decanter

"The Le Macchiole 2020 Paleo is one of the best Cabernet Francs in Italy. It is very dense and richly concentrated, with an amount of dark fruit that can only be broken down by slow maturation in the cellar. Paleo is always a wine for the long haul. The oak needs time to integrate and focus. Even at this young stage, the quality of the tannins and the precise ripeness of the fruit are convincing. A hint of sweet cherry, exotic spice and dark chocolate ensure a long finish." Wine Advocate

"The Paleo Rosso 2020 is noble, elegant and wonderfully polished. Crushed flowers, spices and blood orange lend it brightness. The Paleo Rosso impresses with its medium-bodied structure and offers great depth. It has performed very well in the past. I assume that this will also be the case here, as the 2020 radiates balance from start to finish. The 2020 matured for 18 months in 100% French oak and 5% of the wine was aged in amphorae." Vinous

"A firework of pepper lights up the nose, from black pepper to green peppercorns and hot chilli. Undertones of flint and leather intensify the spiciness, while flavours of raspberry jam and vanilla provide balance. On the palate, the spiciness remains, with biting, assertive acidity, but a sweetness lingers, and a finish of chilli and chocolate ties it all together. Transcendent." Wine Enthusiast

This wine from the single vineyard of the same name is probably the most opulent of the house's selection line. On the nose, an almost brushstroke-wide presence of ripe fruit, spices and hints of crushed rock. On the palate, impressive suppleness, complexity and richness, plus a whole bouquet of dark fruit flavours flanked by firm, structured tannin. The Merlot content gives it additional depth and power. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red. In the nose of rich cherry fruit, interwoven with blackberries and wild berries, fine undergrowth, plus a hint of mint and malt. Tightly woven on the palate with a magnificent fan, stretches elegantly over the tongue, great juiciness in the back, in addition noble spice in the final, powerful, will age magnificently." Falstaff

"Packed with succulent flavors of plum, blackberry and black cherry, this broad red is supported by a dense, burly structure that should allow it to evolve nicely over the next two decades. Reveals iron, earth, eucalyptus and tobacco accents on the finish. All the elements are there, this just needs time." Wine Spectator

"Cool blueberry aromas with violet fruit and an inky sheen. Also black liquorice. Full-bodied with firm and racy tannins that are polished yet structured. At the moment it is quite dense and closed. It needs time to open up and soften with bottle maturity. Try it after 2025." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto la Casuccia 2019 is a wine of intensity, volume and power. But it also shows impeccable balance thanks to the skilled hands of the winery's winemaking team. I find that this Vigneto la Casuccia, whose fruit comes from a steep vineyard overlooking the Castello, is particularly full and rich. The weight and concentration of the fruit is indeed a feature of this classic growing season, and this wine carries it well. You are treated to an abundance of blackberries, spices, tobacco and grilled herbs." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is stunning. What a wine! In this vintage, the aromas are huge and expansive, a theme that also comes through on the palate. Cedar, tobacco, dried leaves, incense and blood orange race from the glass. The 2019 is stunning in its intensity, pedigree and overall balance. It is the wine of the vintage in Chianti Classico." Vinous

Barolo Cannubi is a great wine that highlights the classic beauty of Nebbiolo. This wine is like a statue of a Greek goddess with perfect proportions and feminine aesthetics. The bouquet is complex, with bright fruits, white pepper, mint, orange peel and spicy liquorice. The tannins are polished and fine, with a hint of the characteristic limestone chalk that you sometimes taste in Cannubi. Lively acidity rounds out this extremely elegant, fresh and graceful wine. Very full-bodied and focused with great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Scents of fresh fruit, topped with notes of smoke and sandalwood; pithy palate, robust tannins, accentuated acidity, the finish promising." Vinum

"Delightful. Very beautiful nose of cherries and ripe raspberries with mineral, chalky notes and a hint of oatmeal, but always very subtle. Purity, elegance and fullness on the palate. Long, fresh, precise finish of raspberries with a long and fine tannin structure. Wonderful fragrance on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"A very refined yet structured Cannubi with fine tannins that spread across the palate. Medium bodied with lovely juicy fruit of plums, berries and cedar. Persistent finish with citrus notes in the aftertaste." James Suckling

"Bright, noble ruby garnet. In the nose on lush black currant, liquorice, slightly after heart cherries, jasmine, cedar wood. On the palate polished, elegant, with juicy tannin and very well brought out fruit, harmonious interplay, great length." Falstaff

"A red of depth and opulence, with black cherry and blackberry fruit accented by earth, green olive tapenade, green tea and tobacco flavors. Complex, with considerable power and length, this will require a bit more time to integrate than its peers." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barolo Cannubi is simply stunning. Rich and beautifully structured, the 2019 shines from start to finish. Fresh cut flowers, mint, crushed red berry fruit, orange peel, salt and dried herbs are some of the many notes that grace this exquisite, beautifully nuanced Barolo from Chiara Boschis. Sweet floral and spicy overtones build on the finish. The precision of this Barolo is incredible. Barrel ageing works so well here. What a wine!" Vinous

"Tart, firm, very deep and rather cool, finely herbal and a hint of dried floral scent of more black than red berries with a hint of tomatoes, leathery tones, a little juniper, cedar and restrained barrel notes. Clear, polished, fresh-looking, fine-juicy and yet almost massive fruit with notes of resinous herbs, some nuts and a hint of smoke, youthful, very fine tannin, some bite, persistent and dense on the palate, leathery and tobacco nuances, lots of salt in the background, a hint of roses, elegant style for all its power and firmness, enormously deep and complex, still barely developed, very good to long, tart, taut and fine-juicy, almost cool-looking finish. Outstanding in its incredible blend of massiveness, freshness. Precision and finesse." Wein-plus

"Last autumn I had the opportunity to hike the Cannubi vineyard with Chiara Boschis. You really don't get a feel for how steep the inclines are and how dusty the ground is until you are on site and struggling with each difficult step. It masters the difficult terrain effortlessly. The 2019 Barolo Cannubi shows an etched or three-dimensional quality with sharp fruit aromas, blue flower and chalky stone. There were some weather extremes during the growing season, but it all evened out in the end. Phenolic ripeness was easily achieved. Chiara Boschis describes the 2019 as a cross between 2016 and 2017." Wine Advocate

"A "blessed" vintage for one of the house's historic crus, a wine of density and crisp tension. Notes of cranberries on the nose, with hints of blood orange and liquorice root, with classic end mentholation. Salty, acidic tannins on the palate, with a fruity, mentholated finish." Luca Gardini

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

"Dark ruby red. Opens hesitantly on the nose, fine resinous hints paired with rich cherry fruit, in addition dried rose petal and light spice. On the palate very juicy game with clear fruit, shows a lot of breed, plus young, fresh tannin in many layers, still needs some time, will come together splendidly." Falstaff

"The aromas of blackberries, brambles, bark and mushrooms lead into a full body with deep and chewy tannins and a long finish. It is very structured. Needs time to soften. Drink it after 2025." James Suckling

"Dark and brooding, this red evokes violet, black currant and black cherry flavors accented by notes of wild herbs, iron, sanguine and spices. Underlined by a steely structure and vibrant acidity, this shows fine balance and harmony, yet will require more time to ultimately hit its sweet spot." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista 2019 rises from the glass with breathtaking intensity in all its dimensions. The aromatics alone are impressive, but that is only the beginning. Rich and lush on the palate, the 2019 is the most refined Bellavista I've ever tasted, and I've tasted them all. A healthy proportion of Malvasia Nera gives it spicy notes and a good amount of grip, while clean mineral nuances extend the finish. The tannins are particularly polished, which they rarely are in a young Bellavista." Vinous

"The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista is produced only in the very best vintages. This stunning wine shows beautiful concentration with just the right amount of fruit weight that feels rich but not heavy. The wine appears compact and firm, with excellent depth reflected in the aromas of wild berries, crushed minerals, roses, tobacco and mint herbs. The complexity of the wine carefully unfolds with time in the glass." Wine Advocate

The wine from the single vineyard of the same name is probably the most opulent of the house's selection line. The bouquet has an almost brushstroke-wide presence of ripe fruit, spices and hints of crushed rock. The palate is impressively supple, complex and full-bodied, with a whole bouquet of dark fruit flavours flanked by firm, structured tannins. The Merlot component gives it additional depth and power. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia 2021 is still somewhat closed on the nose, so the bouquet has not yet fully developed. I have therefore extended the drinking window. You can detect characteristic aromas of black cherry, spices and gravel. On the palate, the wine is full of flavour, richly structured and very long. The nose is still restrained, but the mouthfeel is full of vigour." Wine Advocate

"The dark blue fruit is exciting, with blackcurrants, black cherries, raspberries, dark mushrooms and pine cones both on the nose and palate. It is medium-bodied with fine and firm tannins that give it tension and structure. It is rather shy now and will need three or four years to show its true colours." James Suckling

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia 2021 is one of the most open and expressive wines in this range - a wine that hints at the greatness of the year. Crushed rose petals, blood orange, mint, spices, new leather and cedar wood saturate the palate. Silky tannins round off the whole. Sensual and profound, the Casuccia is both extremely enjoyable and very serious. What a wine." Vinous

Warm, very seductive aromas of black cherries, flowers, tobacco, minerals and undergrowth emerge from the bright ruby red. The interplay between the rich fruit and the classic structure is ingenious. The taste captivates with its intensity, luxurious and mysteriously dark. Love at first sight! SUPERIORE.DE

"Stands out positively; gossamer reduction, liquorice, violets, cool herbal spice, menthol and mint, blue fruit, ultra elegant already in the aroma; continues on the palate spicy and drinky, contemporary and classic at the same time, animating for all its power." Meiningers Sommelier

"The organic and biodynamic Pian dell'Orino 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante is drinking beautifully right now. Released later than its peers, this Sangiovese showcases the power, precision and elegance of the iconic 2016 vintage. Yet the wine also offers enough distance from the harvest to enable additional complexity thanks to barrel and bottle aging. A dark garnet appearance sets the stage, and the bouquet follows in lockstep with pressed cherry, dark plum, spice, balsam herb and an unexpected interjection of freshly cut red rose. The wine's aromas are delivered with generous and transparent intensity. On the palate, Vigneti del Versante is rich and dense, offering silky tannins with crunch. There is a hint of salty mineral at the very end. Exactly 7,556 bottles exist." Wine Advocate

"Crushed stone, wild herbs and tart black cherries lift up from the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante, but that’s only the beginning. With time, this blossoms further, gaining a sweeter fruit profile and autumnal spices with hints of shaved cedar. Its textures are remarkably refined and silky in feel, with an intense concentration of tart red fruits, yet energy is maintained through brilliant acidity, as grippy tannins build steadily toward the close. The Vigneti del Versante tapers off with amazing length, youthful poise and a balanced structure, promising many, many years of positive evolution. This is really something to behold. I tasted the 2016 from a freshly opened bottle and from one that had been opened for two days prior that showed no signs of decline; in fact, it blossomed further. Simply stunning." Vinous

The exceptional single-varietal Merlot L'Apparita is outstanding with its elegance, strength of character, fine tannin and acid structure and endless length. An oenological rarity of Tuscany and not only therefore an object of desire every year. On the nose, a combination of fruity and spicy impressions, excellent the fleshy taste, whose juicy, still quite concise tannin blends well with the warm body. SUPERIORE.DE

"A red of great depth, with a rich, fleshy profile and black cherry, plum, mineral and spice flavors yielding to a firm, racy structure. Shows enticing fruit wed to dense tannins, which should absorb well with time. Classy." Wine Spectator

"Dark, bright ruby red. In the nose on mint, cranberry, cedar wood, in addition elegant blackberry nuances. Shows very polished and multilayered on the palate, opens dark berry in the core with great grip, tightly woven, great length with rich pressure on the finish, can calmly store a bit more." Falstaff

"Enticing aromas of blackberries and violets with some fresh black olives. Fresh violets as well. Full-bodied and very rich and layered with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Lingering flavours of dark chocolate on the finish. A powerful Merlot. Drink it after 2026." James Suckling

"One of the stars of Italian oenology, this iconic wine is Merlot in name but Tuscan in spirit. L'Apparita is a great wine that gives those who drink it a tremendous sense of excitement and energy. Its texture is soft and rich, yet the tannins are gentle and round. However, it also has plenty of substance and structure, with seamless layers of black fruits, cherries, sweet spices and tobacco. The wine's complexity is enhanced by elegant mineral tones and a subtle, menthol signature. Temperature control and careful pumping over of the grapes are carefully carried out, and care is taken at harvest to ensure that the berries are not overripe. Cool, chalky soils with lots of stones help to isolate the roots and maintain freshness. The secret of this wine is the magic of the location, the exposure and the geology." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 L'Apparita is incredibly powerful in this vintage. Huge, burning tannins envelop a core of dark flesh. Incense, tobacco, chocolate, mocha, lavender and spice open up, but only hesitantly. While most 2019s in the Ama range are quite inviting at this stage, the L'Apparita is a wine for the cellar. In other words, the 2019 is a dense, backward Apparita that requires patience." Vinous

Its rich bouquet exudes the sweet scent of red cherries and an elegant blend of flowers, mint, spices and liquorice. The taste is velvety and inviting, with a perfect balance of powerful fruit, integrated tannins and beautifully balanced acidity. Radiance and complexity are overwhelming. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby garnet. Very present and intense nose, smells invitingly of ripe wild raspberries, plus some leather and liquorice. Very powerful on the palate, ripe cherry and plums in the aromas, grippy, gripping tannin, pithy, but also good melting, can calmly store a little longer." Falstaff

"Aromas of French oak and roasted coffee bean lead the nose along with whiffs of pressed rose petal, eucalyptus and the barest hint of berry. The firm, full-bodied palate offers licorice, coconut, vanilla and dried cherry alongside assertive, close-grained tannins. You'll also feel the warmth of alcohol on the close." Wine Enthusiast

"Expressing balsamic aromas and flavors of soy, eucalyptus, wild thyme and tobacco, this Barolo also delivers ripe plum and cherry midpalate, with earth and tar accents rounding out the profile. Gruff tannins mark the finish, so be patient." Wine Spectator

"Gaja manages two different plots in Cerequio, from where most of the grapes for Conteisa come. Both exposures - southeast and east - mark the character of this wine. If Sperss is the Yin, Conteisa would be the Yang: It's dark fruited with black cherry and plum complemented by graceful wild herbs and mint, and a bloody, olive-like savouriness. Full-bodied and crisp, the tannins are firm, thick and dusty yet evolved." Decanter

"The Gaja 2017 Barolo Conteisa opes to an immediate sense of dimension and textural width that distinguishes this hot growing season. In this case, that additional volume and power are expertly contained and refined in this wine with fruit from the Cerequio vineyard of Barolo. This wine excels most noticeably in terms of mouthfeel. The finish is silky and long and those more astringent 2017 tannins are gracefully absent here." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Barolo Conteisa is rich, ample and inviting. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar and dried flowers lend captivating aromatic presence to the Gaja family's La Morra Barolo. Even so, the 2017 is quite closed today, which is rather unusual for a wine that is typically far more open in the early going. That's probably a good sign for the future, though. Time in the glass brings out the classic Conteisa red-toned fruit profile. More than anything else, I am so impressed with how the 2017 gets better and better with air. This is a terrific showing." Vinous

"Fabulous aromas of ripe strawberry and raspberry with hazelnut and citrus follow through to a medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins and a racy and refined finish. It’s so fresh for the vintage and goes on for minutes. A classy and great wine. Better after 2025." James Suckling

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

"Dark, elegant ruby red colour. Spicy nose, leather, pepper, rich cherry fruit, roasted malt, dark chocolate. Full-bodied on the palate, with tightly woven tannins and a stony feel, presses hard on the palate, comes in many layers, still very young at the moment, needs time." Falstaff

"Dark nuances of blackberries, blueberries, violets and iron permeate this intense yet fluid red with a hint of dark chocolate. Despite its fine concentration and beautiful balance, this wine is elegant, with excellent length and lingering notes of fruit and spice." Wine Spectator

"An attractive bouquet with notes of dried strawberries, plum skin, crushed walnuts and liquorice. Full-bodied, compact and structured with velvety tannins and a chocolaty mouthfeel. Very concentrated and balanced. Long, even finish. Better after 2025." James Suckling

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista shows a particularly dark and rich character in this vintage, with black cherry, savoury barbecue spice and smoked tobacco. Of the three Gran Selezione editions, Vigneto Bellavista has the darkest and richest character. This full-bodied red wine shows etched tannins and many rich layers of fruit." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista 2020 is outrageously beautiful. Graphite, crushed rock, lavender, menthol and juniper berries rush from the glass. A dash of Malvasia Nera gives it a strikingly spicy, earthy intensity. Black fruits, gravel, incense and cloves develop over time, framed by powerful Bellavista tannins that need time to soften." Vinous

"A tempting procession of coffee, incense, sweet herbs, moist earth and truffle emerges with each swirl. The palate is a thrilling and energetic tug-of-war with dark, lush fruit set against chiselled tannins. A gravelly texture adds to the drama and intense violet pierces the finish. Generous yet still tight." Decanter

The wine from the single vineyard of the same name is probably the most opulent of the house's selection line. The bouquet has an almost brushstroke-wide presence of ripe fruit, spices and hints of crushed rock. The palate is impressively supple, complex and full-bodied, with a whole bouquet of dark fruit flavours flanked by firm, structured tannins. The Merlot component gives it additional depth and power. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine is dark and concentrated in this vintage with beautiful tones of ripe blackberry, baked plum, sweet earth and black rose. It has all the classic flavours of the grape variety, only in this case they are delivered with more power and vigour thanks to the warm and sunny growing season. This vintage remains somewhat more accessible overall." Wine Advocate

"Dark, noble ruby red with a subtly brightening rim. Nose of black bread crust, butter biscuits, delicate vanilla, then rich dark berry fruit, precious wood. Powerful on the palate, very juicy, appears cool and fruity, with tightly woven tannins, deep, long, juicy and fresh on the final." Falstaff

"Flavours of plum, blackberry and earth show hints of caramel in this soft, muscular red wine framed by toasted oak. It feels fluid and open until the dense, powerful tannins make their presence felt on the finish. Persistent and fresh, with a long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Ripe blue plum and blackberry are embedded with smoke and toasty oak. While this is rounder than Bellavista there is no lack of structure: the dense fruit core is well padded with fleshy, broad tannins flexing assertive muscle. Bay leaf and tobacco impart a savoury edge, pushed by underlying stony minerals." Decanter

"It is beautiful and decadent with notes of ripe red and dark berries with sweet spices, bark and a hint of dried leaves. Full-bodied and dense with finely polished and compact tannins that run the length of the wine. Long and firm with a granite-like presence on the finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is normally a sensual wine, but it's a powerhouse. That's probably a good thing for its long-term aging prospects, but harvestwill have to be patient. Intense spicy and mineral notes give the 2020 enormous complexity. Even in this warm year, the 2020 is not opulent, but it is packed with tremendous intensity and pure power. The reddish fruit of the Sangiovese will emerge with time, but the 2020 will require a certain amount of patience." Vinous

"The dynamic vintage produced rich and structured wines, with each of the grape varieties expressing their particular qualities. We got a classic Ornellaia, combining sunny ripeness with elegance in a wine defined by harmony and proportion."Axel Heinz, Gutsdirektor

"As usual, the intense ruby red Ornellaia 2020 reveals notes of ripe berry fruits and light hints of vanilla and sweet tobacco on the nose. The wine has a velvety soft texture and a pleasant, enveloping mouthfeel that invites a second sip. Its dense yet elegant tannin structure carries the tasty, beautifully persistent final." Olga Fusari, Oenologist

Pure bouquet of red fruits, mocha, spices, cassis, blood orange and tobacco, very finesse for its youth. In the background, very restrained maquis, white smoke and traces of liquorice. Clear and firm on the palate, only gradually revealing a terrific structure and its perfect proportions, fanning out fruit, tannins and a harmonious acidity. One should not make the mistake of opening it too early, it will gain in elegance and depth with the years. SUPERIORE.DE

"This Ornellaia impresses already in the fragrance with a rather puristic, "luscious" bouquet - again more in the elegant Bordeaux style instead of with "Californian" airs and graces as in the past. At the same time, it remains true to its extremely spicy, ethereal, thoroughly Mediterranean vein, i.e. a typical Ornellaia of the more modern years. The clear fruit varies from red to blueberry, underpinned by a wonderful smoky-tobacco graphite note, with hints of cinnamon and sandalwood behind it. Elegant palate with linear orientation, good depth, rather elegant than concentrated, lots of tobacco spice, still very delicate BSA notes, calm and precise, tightly woven, extremely finely contoured final with firm tannic grip. Impressive finish, totally going for elegance. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Deep, brilliant crimson. Very lush nose followed by a hedonistic palate that finishes particularly fresh. Ripe but not too ripe fruit - a drier (much less sweet) vintage than usual that should age well. Unusually, there is a residual tannin on the finish. It is certainly possible to drink it now if aerated before serving, but ideally I would keep it for a while. Spicy persistence." Jancis Robinson

"The winery's director, Axel Heinz, described the 2020 as "a classic Ornellaia" and chose the theme "La Proporzione" (proportion) to describe its character. Indeed, the blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot marks a return to a more typical blend after the pendulum swung to 62% Cabernet Sauvignon in 2019 and 51% Merlot in 2018. Fine-grained and beautifully structured, its finely integrated tannins support a concentration of black fruits brightened by red berries. Aromas of black cherry, liquorice, dark chocolate, cedar and damp earth make for a fragrant wine, accompanied by menthol and balsamic notes that permeate the wine and give it plenty of freshness. The finish reveals a stony and salty element, along with chocolaty and woody hints. It is dense and tasty, its ripe fruit combined with freshness and structure cleverly telling the story of this vintage, which ripens earlier. In the mouth it lacks complexity - time will tell - but the variety of flavours gives a hint of what is to come." Decanter

"Inviting aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, anise, cedar, vanilla and tobacco draw you into this red wine that is smooth and open on the palate. This wine is so well balanced that it is immediately accessible, but also has a little reserve. On the finish, the fruit flavours come to the fore, along with mineral and spicy notes, while the lasting impression is a salty, fiery element." Wine Spectator

"The Ornellaia 2020 is a beautiful, elegant wine. Seamless and wonderfully deep on the palate, the 2020 is super refined from the start. For all its depth, the 2020 retains a great freshness and cut to play off its soft, juicy fruit. Overall, the 2020 seems to be a relatively accessible Ornellaia that drinks well with minimal cellaring. I particularly admire the precision and understated finesse of this wine." Vinous

"An all-encompassing wine that evolves over time, always surprising. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in a (masterful) blend, blackcurrant jam, eucalyptus, juniper, spicy mouthfeel, mentholated finish, very long." Luca Gardini

"La Proporzione - the proportion - is the honorary title Ornellaia gives to this vintage and perfectly proportioned is also this blend of Merlot with Cabernet (Sauvignon and Franc) and Petit Verdot: Intriguing aromas of stone fruit, spiced up with a delicate odeur of fresh flowers and macchia, also discreet wood; superb construction with a lot of pressure and fullness, the tannin thereby precise and still very young, ends long." Vinum

"This is a beauty, so generous and opulent with completely seamless transitions. The wine's traditional blend is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with tiny amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, although this warm vintage comes with a pinch less Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit is selected from 107 hectares of Ornellaia vines, with the winery recently acquiring a further eight hectares next to Guado al Tasso in Castagneto Carducci, with terraces and vines aged between 15 and 28 years. This broad and generous expression has a wonderful quality of fruit and oak that speaks to the best of Italian winemaking." Wine Advocate

"Seductive aromas of pencil and currants with gravel and iodine. Full bodied with bound tannins that are firm and concentrated. Very fresh and energetic with wonderful length and intensity for this vintage. Needs four or five years to develop. Better in 2028 and later." James Suckling

Complex and exotic bouquet of spices, black olive, rosemary, plum and cherry. Firm, compact and initially introverted on the palate, followed by mint, spices, dark red fruit, cassis and graphite. The flavours come to light rather in slices, with this outstanding red it is worth waiting like nowhere else to fully discover the depth and complexity of this Tuscan jewel. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, rich ruby red with violet reflections. Ripe forest fruits on the nose, some cassis, light undergrowth aromas, some mint and graphite, very complex. Elegant and straightforward on the palate, with plenty of tension and a long-lasting final as well as fine-meshed tannins, lots of potential." Falstaff

"On the nose, this wine is very perfumed with blackcurrants, violets, lilacs and mandarins. Medium to full-bodied with very well integrated and slightly chewy tannins that give the wine focus and tension. A round and fine velvet texture gives this wine wonderful grace and refinement. Unfiltered. Best after 2028." James Suckling

"The 2020 d'Alceo, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, is one of my favourite wines from this corner of Tuscany, and this latest vintage is exactly what I expected. The d'Alceo is certainly a highlight of Tuscany, and in this hot growing season the wine is particularly characterised by its rich and velvety texture. It feels creamy on the finish and offers a whole range of concentrated dark fruits with balanced spice along the way." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 D'Alceo is a wine of stature and greatness. Deep and layered in the glass, the 2020 offers plenty of dark fruit, macerated black cherry, liquorice, spice, lavender and mocha. The D'Alceo is a rich wine, but it is not overdone. It comes from high-density terraced vineyards with a south or south-east exposure, first planted in 1991 and naturally low yielding, giving the wine a rich texture. harvestwill find a D'Alceo with a lot of finesse." Vinous

The exceptional single-varietal Merlot L'Apparita is outstanding with its elegance, strength of character, fine tannin and acid structure and endless length. An oenological rarity of Tuscany and not only therefore an object of desire every year. On the nose, a combination of fruity and spicy impressions, excellent the fleshy taste, whose juicy, still quite concise tannin blends well with the warm body. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 L'Apparita opens to a midnight black color and an impenetrable appearance. This Merlot set the benchmark for the grape in Tuscany and continues to do so today, despite the various challenges to an early-ripening variety facing climate change. The 2020 vintage remains rich and opulent, even heavy on the mid-palate, with lots of thick fruit layering and soft tannins. It ends with sweet fruit and barbecue spice." Wine Advocate

"A viscous, salted licorice–tinged red, with plum, earth and spice flavors. Reveals a solid grip of tannins lining the finish, leaving a compact feeling today. Concentrated, powerful and complex, just needs time to come together." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful focus with sage and rosemary to the plum and chocolate character. Some green olives, too. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that caress the palate. Just hints of vanilla and dried flowers to the fruit. Pretty texture and length to the wine at the end." James Suckling

"Dark, sparkling ruby red. Inviting nose, of fresh blackberries, precious wood, light honey, in addition fine stony tones, fragrant, in the finish delicate of dried flower petals and fine spice. On the palate with radiant fruit and juicy dress, elegant, polished, very well balanced, has high drinking flow despite its complexity, great salty notes in the finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 L'Apparita will soon take its place among the great Apparitas. Unctuous and layered in the glass, the 2020 possesses exceptional balance and tons of character right out of the gate. Exotic scents of blackberry jam, chocolate, new leather, licorice and smoke are so alluring. Imposing tannins need time to soften, but once that happens readers will be treated to a spectacular Apparita that captures all the best the vintage had to offer. Marco Pallanti waited until mid-September (late for the year) to bring in this fruit. That decision paid off handsomely." Vinous

Palafreno 2019 is wonderfully polished and lively. Firm but well-integrated tannins form the backbone for a Merlot that is endowed with considerable energy. Spicy herbs, tobacco and wild flowers add complexity. Very nuanced on the palate, opulent to expressive, then at second glance supple, downright elegant. Almost unbeatable in complexity, depth and richness of finesse, it will reveal more and more of its first-class repertoire in the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with purple and opaque core. Very spicy on the nose, with dark berry fruit, cherries, blackberries, a hint of sealing wax, cassis and a fine fleshy component. On the palate hearty, compact and balanced, spans the palate with great dark berry fruit, shows noble resinous notes in addition, very exciting and juicy, great length, put away." Falstaff

"This is very polished and structured with a finesse to the tannins which spread across the palate. It’s full-bodied with fine fruit and a driven finish. It needs three or four years to soften and open." James Suckling

"The 2019 Palafreno, 100% Merlot from Greve's Ruffoli district, is stunning, not to mention one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted here. Silky, plush and exceptionally vivid in the glass, the Palafreno possesses breathtaking beauty that captivates all the senses. At this early stage, the 2019 is all primary dark fruit, but the layers will start to open with cellaring. Readers who can find it should not hesitate. It's a real head turner." Vinous

Once upon a time, there was a vineyard that was particularly spoilt by the Montalcino sun; it still bears the name Vigna Loreto to this day. Only in the best vintages does a Brunello come from this exposed site that is bursting with richness, complexity and assertiveness. It possesses a textural depth and balance that is captivating. Fruit, spice and very unique nuances such as savoury herbs, liquorice, tobacco and a firm tannin make this impressive wine monument linger on the palate and in the memory for a long time. With every sip, it opens up further layers and you might almost sink into it, such is the shift in the boundaries of what is comparable. The 2019 Vigna Loreto is not only extremely elegant, but also profound and almost outrageously juicy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Opulent nose with woody spice, backed by ripe red and blue fruits (redcurrants, wild berries) with ethereal herbal aromas, also floral notes such as lavender. Rich palate with intense fruit, ripe and taut, framed by grippy, polished tannins and supporting freshness." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby-garnet colour with a brightening rim. Opens with notes of smoke and tobacco, then lots of pomegranate and plum, light mineral components. Present tannin on the palate, which is very well integrated over the course, firm pressure, lots of juicy fruit." Falstaff

"Overlooking the River Orcia, the south-east-facing Loreto vineyard rises 400 metres above sea level. Tasted alongside the estate's Brunello, it definitely shows a greater stage presence. Intense plum and cherry flavours intertwine with exotic spices, chinotto and sweet herbs. The inner flavours of the vintage are in the foreground and emphasise the compact fruit. The gravelly tannins support the whole, but are more elegant than powerful. The wine finishes with a hint of liquorice." Decanter

"Blackberries, menthol, sage, stone dust and cloves characterise the youthful, restrained 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto. It flows lightly across the palate, silky with depths of ripe raspberries and sour cherries, while fine-grained tannins saturate the finish. The finish is savoury and long, structured yet lively and stimulates the imagination with its future potential. Hints of cocoa, lavender and topical leaf linger and seem to last well over a minute. I am impressed." Vinous

"This wine shows cracked white pepper and wet slate, giving you a clear sense of place. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto is precise and well-defined, but as the wine opens up, you get interludes of ripe fruit, blackcurrant and oak spice. The wine is multi-faceted with many layers and angles. The palate is bright cherry with good length that leads into fine, chalky tannins. This wine offers an authentic flavour of Montalcino." Wine Advocate

"A soil with tufa prevalence that gives this Brunello great tension. Red mulberry, notes of lemon thyme and peony. Salty tannins on the palate finish with thyme and floral notes." Luca Gardini

A Riserva is produced in the winery only in the best years, and the result is just over 3,000 bottles of the finest Sangiovese, which presents itself in the 2015 edition undisputedly in the first league of Montalcino. Medium light red, wonderfully balanced aromas and an almost seamless transition from nose to palate. Notes of wild berries, spices and forest floor come together like a team to create a rich, deep and highly balanced growth, which is already on the podium after the first sip. Texture, structure and tannins are not to be surpassed in harmony and leave an impression in the long reverberation, dan one does not forget again. 2015 was a very harmonious and rich year, this Brunello captures the character of the vintage impressively precisely. Chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"A full-bodied, structured red with smoke, tar and grilled mushrooms on the nose. Some bitter berries to go with the earthy mushrooms. Chewy tannins and a long, savory finish. Lots of citrus." James Suckling

"The Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is another beauty from this bijoux estate. This wine offers texture and depth, but it does not have the same level of luminosity or brightness that we got in the 2016 Brunello. It shows some charred aromas with spice and ripe fruit, with wide and large ambition. I got a touch of Graham cracker and brown sugar, followed by spice and ripe fruit. This is a long and generous wine, with soft fruit and texture on the long finish." Wine Advocate

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino from Gianni Brunelli didn’t leave much room for improvement; yet somehow the Riserva manages to take things to a whole new level. The bouquet alone is absolutely stunning, as you could sit with this glass for an hour and never grow tired of taking in its mix of sweet wild herbs, dusty florals and bright cherry fruit. Sage, lavender, spiced orange and flowery undergrowth complete this already-dazzling expression. It’s deep and silky, verging on fleshy but not quite, as a tactile mix of acids, minerals and fine tannin settle in. That said, while the 2015 Riserva is classically structured and dry, it prioritizes purity of fruit above all else, seeming to hover upon the senses and never grow tiring. Fans of Gianni Brunelli will be very happy to have a few of these resting in the cellar. The Riserva is typically made from a higher percentage of fruit from the Olmo vineyard at Podernovone in the south balanced out by a parcel from Le Chiuse in the north, which adds freshness." Vinous

A few years ago, Pio Boffa, who has sadly since passed away, bought himself a "small" present for his 60th birthday. Not a new set of golf clubs, a picture to hang in the hall, a holiday for him and his family. No. Just a vineyard called Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba, a region of Piedmont where four generations of the Pio Cesare dynasty were never able to gain a foothold. Originally, the grapes from the 10-hectare vineyard were intended to enhance the quality of his classic Barolo, but after the first barrel samples, Pio Boffa realised unmistakably that this would be at least an equal - albeit stylistically different - counterpart to the hitherto undisputed flagship Ornato.

Mosconi is more light-footed than Ornato, the nose is dominated by red rather than black fruit, with an irresistible liquorice and a juiciness that will immediately put it at the top of the entire appellation. On the palate, it has a precision that is unrivalled; it is less powerful than Ornato, but more elegant and subtle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby-garnet colour. Mysterious nose, initially of cold black tea, then delicate earthy notes, then mint, cinchona bark, then delicate wild berry and raspberry fruit in the second area. Shows a lot of tannin and pressure on the palate, builds up like a pyramid, noble earthy tones on the finish, lingers for a very long time." Falstaff

"Mid-to-deep ruby with orange tinges. Less exalted that the Parusso version but with the same perfumed undertow and with savoury, minerally and oaky hints. Totally seductive palate of succulent, round fruit spiked with gripping tannins." Jancis Robinson

"This red wine with its cherry and raspberry fruit is ripe and lively, with a solid basic structure. It gains depth with notes of iron, liquorice and tar, while a salty note emerges on the long, intense finish. Ripe, with a sense of restraint - a fascinating combination. Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barolo Mosconi is a great wine from this vineyard. Rich and explosive, the 2019 offers plenty of Mosconi intensity along with the more classic sense of structure that is now a signature of the house. Dark red fruits, sage, blood orange, tobacco and cedar all come through beautifully in this dramatic, full-bodied Barolo." Vinous

"The Pio Cesare 2019 Barolo Mosconi offers the structure and length of a Nebbiolo from Monforte d'Alba. You also get a salty mineral tone or rusty iron framing a core of wild berries and blackcurrants. The Mosconi always strikes me as very straightforward and direct, and this particular sharpness is what I like most about this vintage." Wine Advocate

"Macerated raspberries combine with wild roses and crushed chalk in this evocative wine that captivates from the first sniff. Mixed cherries emerge on the palate, dusted with aniseed, liquorice and savoury herbs, with superfine tannins leading to a long finish that I wish would never end." Wine Enthusiast

"Cru Mosconi, the house's latest acquisition, a perfect snapshot of the Monforte terroir. Dogwood on the nose, with notes of pink grapefruit and clove, in the mouth with iodised tannins, crisp and exciting, beautiful finish." Luca Gardini

"The flavours of blue fruits such as raspberries and blueberries are very pronounced. Liquorice. Crushed stone. Violets. Full-bodied. So noble with ultra-fine tannins that last forever. Wonderful depth with cool and concentrated fruit. A lively and sophisticated wine with power and finesse. A classic." James Suckling