Vinous | 95–100 Points

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

"Rich, sparkling ruby garnet. Opens with slightly smoky notes, lush cedar, then lots of blackberry and ripe dark cherry, some tobacco in the background. Lush and present in attack and progression, shows lots of juicy, present fruit, opens with fine-meshed, pithy tannin, describes a long arc, good tension." Falstaff

"The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, essentially a selection of the best barrels of Cepparello, is a gorgeous wine. More than anything, the 2015 is remarkable considering the challenges of a growing season in which rain during harvest created significant challenges. Nevertheless, Paolo De Marchi coaxed all of the potential out of his vines in 2015, adding a good dollop of Petit Verdot to the Sangiovese in crafting the Gran Selezione. Dense, powerful and beautifully textured, with intense underpinnings of saline minerality. The 2015 has a brilliant future." Vinous

The grapes come from the single vineyard MGA Rabajà in the municipality of Barbaresco. 2019 is a retro vintage, so to speak, as it marks a return for Vietti, who vinified Rabajà back in the 1980s. The soils are calcareous and clayey, with a south/south-west exposure and an altitude of around 235-315 metres above sea level. The average age of the vines is 51 years and they are cultivated according to the Guyot system. Intense garnet red colour. Opulent and delicate on the nose with floral scents of rosehips and violets and ripe black cherry. Amazingly fresh and enveloping for a mature Riserva from the very first sip. The tannins are ripe, soft, silky and wonderfully integrated, giving the wine a great structure and elegance. What completely won us over during the tasting was the almost immeasurable length of the wine, which is still resonating as we write this. Complimenti! SUPERIORE.DE

"This Barbaresco leaps from the glass with aromas of black raspberry jam from the farmers' market, including seeds, blue violets, sweet spices and subtle herbal notes. The palate is polished and lush, with tart cherries that stand out, while lively acidity keeps the palate fresh and rounded tannins carry the wine through to the savoury finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Transparent and clear flavours of cherries and berries with some cedar and lavender, which fade into a medium body, with fine and round tannins and a delicious finish. Now very accessible and refined." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà 2019 is a new wine from Vietti. It emerges from the glass with a captivating bouquet reminiscent of crushed flowers, herbs, mint and orange peel. The aromas alone are beguiling. Vibrant and classic in structure, with a wonderful inner sweetness, the 2019 is absolutely irresistible." Vinous

"Bright with strawberry, cherry, rose, wild rosemary and iron aromas and flavors, this red is expressive but also firmly structured, harmonious and elegant, lingering with a complex aftertaste of fruit, mineral and savory elements." Wine Spectator

"Vietti worked at Cru Rabajà in the 1980s and has now returned to produce this inaugural vintage of the portfolio's latest wine. And what a stunning wine it is. The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà has lush, well-rounded fruit and a generous disposition of wild mountain blueberries, grenadine and watermelon candy. There are also hints of resin, tar, linseed oil, fern or forest plants. The nose is one thing, but the palate is even more powerful, with very solid tannins, fresh acidity and generous fruit intensity. This Riserva is firing on all cylinders." Wine Advocate

Allegrini's top Riserva Fieramonte presents itself deeply concentrated and almost black in the glass. The palate is firm and equally concentrated, with dense waves of dark fruits, spices, toast and cinnamon. The aromatic panorama of this wine is impressive, its dimension, depth and texture make it one of the greatest wines of the appellation. Wow! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red with violet reflections. The nose is intense and structured, elite. It presents ripe notes of red fruit flesh, jammy figs, followed by warm tones of tobacco, coffee and spices such as cloves and pepper. The palate is dense, full and enveloping with pronounced tannins, long, captivating finish." Falstaff

"The 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Fieramonte is totally captivating, with a mentholated bouquet that mixes cedar spice box with cloves, dried blood orange and cinnamon-dusted black cherries. This envelopes the palate, elegant and seamlessly silky, as a core of racy acidity perfectly balances a dense wave of ripe red fruits. It lingers impossibly long, with framing tannins that punctuate the wine nicely without slowing its momentum. The 2015 Fieramonte is gorgeous today but also packed full of potential. What's more, there's no shame in bringing this beautifully sculpted Amarone to the dinner table." Vinous

"Aromas of blackberries, cherry pie and cooked plums combine with cloves, vanilla, freshly turned earth and dried violets. Framed by fine and polished tannins with notes of dried plums and gingerbread biscuits." Wine Enthusiast

"Plush and opulent, with a creamy chocolate edge to the concentrated minty blackberries, dark walnuts, shells and pine cones. Rich, broad and full-bodied with lots of oak now, but still very fresh and tangy. Lots of fine-grained tannins tie in the dark fruits and sweet spices on a long finish. It still needs some time for the oak to settle better. Drinkable from 2024." James Suckling

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Fieramonte 2015 captivates with its mentholated bouquet, where cedar spices mingle with cloves, dried blood oranges and cinnamon-dusted black cherries. The palate is enveloped by an elegant and seamlessly silky note, while a core of racy acidity perfectly balances a dense wave of ripe red fruits. The finish is incredibly long and the tannins frame the wine without slowing its momentum. The 2015 Fieramonte is beautiful today, but also full of potential. Plus, there's no shame in bringing this beautifully shaped Amarone to the table." Vinous

"From an 8 ha vineyard at 415 m altitude. Rich aroma on the nose with a beautiful nuance of dark fruits, floral scents and sweet spices all melding together. The texture is so appealing, rich yet smooth and silky, dominating the palate with flavours of stewed blackcurrants, coffee beans, orange peel, slightly bitter medicinal herbs, juicy balsamic pepper fruit and a beguiling saltiness. It is enveloping in the best sense, yet juicy and lively, leaving a lasting impression on the palate, an absolute vitality. The tannins are rather chewy and grippy, coating the mouth and tongue, but the presentation of flavours is so precise and detailed. This wine is amazingly good and has excellent freshness." Decanter

Barolo La Serra emerges from the glass with a playful bouquet of dark red fruits, tar, smoke, liquorice, spices and new leather. The high-pitched notes of rose petals, which are typical of this vineyard near La Morra, are complemented by fine strawberry and raspberry notes and, in this wonderfully elegant and subtle overall package, result in an attractive, extremely elegant Barolo that is hard to beat in terms of finesse, purity and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Barolo La Serra is one of the best editions from this vineyard, one of the vineyards that Roberto Voerzio started with. It offers a beguiling blend of dark cherry, plum, liquorice, lavender and sage. The dark side of Nebbiolo comes alive in this striking, translucent Barolo from Roberto Voerzio. The tannins are firm and engaging, but there is more than enough fruit to provide balance." Vinous

"Fresh and lively with raspberry, lime and honeysuckle on the nose. Medium-bodied with taut and polished tannins that are fully integrated. Polished and fine. Needs time to open up and show itself. Try it after 2028. Fresh and lively with notes of raspberry, lime and honeysuckle on the nose. Medium-bodied with taut and polished tannins that are fully integrated. Polished and fine. Needs time to open up and show itself. Try after 2028." James Suckling

"The nose opens with notes of pomegranate, hints of wild iris, juniper and rhubarb. The mouthfeel is elegant and crisp, with spicy tannins and a very long finish that returns fruity and subtle." Luca Gardini

Barolo Brunate is a breathtaking expression of great complexity and finesse. The wine has a lively garnet red colour with a balanced and intense bouquet: sage, mint, undergrowth, tar, tobacco and liquorice nuances give Brunate a striking aromatic complexity. At the heart of the bouquet, as well as on the palate, there is plenty of dark fruit, including blackcurrants and plums. Gains breadth with time in the glass and the already fine tannins will certainly become even smoother with further ageing in the bottle. A Barolo with real presence and stature and for us the most accessible Barolo in Voerzio's exceptional collection! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barolo Brunate 2019 is a dark, virile wine. In other words, a classic Brunate. Black cherry, liquorice, sage, menthol, liquorice, dried herbs, lavender and graphite are some of the many notes that develop as this strong, taut Barolo shows its irrepressible personality. This is one of the most impressive Barolos I have tasted from Roberto Voerzio in quite some time." Vinous

"Lots of notes of rose petals with pure fruits like raspberries and fresh strawberries. Full and powerful with lots of tannins, but the core of the fruit is fresh and beautiful. It is not overly chewy or aggressive. It shows purity and focus. A fantastic wine." James Suckling

"The sand and marl of Sant'Agata, together with natural, inspired and impeccable winemaking, contribute to the success of one of the masterpieces of typology. Cranberry jam, a hint of blood orange peel, a touch of lemon thyme, ginger and capers. The sip is dense, with a spicy, citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

Allegrini's top-quality Riserva Fieramonte is deeply concentrated and almost black in the glass. The palate is firm and equally concentrated, with dense waves of dark fruit, spices, toast and cinnamon. The aromatic panorama of this wine is impressive, its dimension, depth and texture make it one of the greatest wines of the appellation. Wow! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby red colour. Fragrant and expressive nose of ripe blackberries, dried plums, cinnamon stick, precious wood, milk chocolate, sultanas and dried rose petal. Great finesse and elegance on the palate, spreads oily over the tongue, with tightly woven, powerful tannins, builds for an extremely long time, with a savoury finish and light alcohol." Falstaff

"A cooler year in more recent times. This cuvée (single vineyard) was produced from 1965 to 1985, before the vineyard was infected with Esca. The vineyard was then rejuvenated and the Fieramonte was revitalised from 2011. After four years in 225-litre Liters, it is a rich, racy and throaty wine. The grapes are dried for 130-140 days, which is very long even for the region. A big wine with lots of extract, dark fruits, menthol and aniseed. Very impressive." James Suckling

"Brings a sense of finesse to an otherwise rich and concentrated, full-bodied red wine. It offers taut, fine-grained tannins as a firm frame, wrapped in a silky texture and flavours of red-hot black cherries, smoked tobacco, dried figs, cocoa powder and a savoury hint of cracked pink peppercorn. Long, fragrant finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 is powerful on the attack with concentrated blackberry flavours merging into macerated Bing cherries, wrapped in allspice, vanilla and a hint of savoury spice. As the wine progresses, drying violets and dark earthy notes emerge. The palate is full-bodied with concentrated baked plums, cocoa and chalk and finishes with powerful tannins and lively acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Fieramonte 2016 is captivating. It opens with a minty freshness complicated by hints of tangerine and dill, giving way to mentholated black cherries and a touch of cocoa. It's cool and smooth, with an appropriate inner sweetness and racy acidity to balance it out. Polished red and blue fruits glide across the palate with ease, leaving a bitter hint of espresso and mocha that lingers towards the finish. Tactile mineral tones ground the experience, while a web of fine-grained tannins settles in, leaving a classic dry tension. The 2016 finishes with enormous length and potency. Allegrini takes the Fieramonte to new heights, the balance of this wine is otherworldly. This is not to be missed." Vinous

"Another amazing wine from Allegrini. If you didn't buy the Fiermonte last year, now's your chance to buy something just as good. The most gorgeous nose; full of flowers, chocolate truffles, red fruits and dried berries - fragrant and just so inviting, so pure too. The texture and mouthfeel are just perfect - round, enveloping, the perfect weight to give structure and body with intensity and fleshiness, but nothing is overdone or too much. Delicious crisp and fleshy fruit, wonderful minty freshness with accents of incense scent, wood spice and exotic spices before a long chalky finish with an underlying salinity. Pure, precise, clearly defined, juicy and very flavoursome. What more could you ask for? Slightly less friendly and charming than the 2015 at the same time last year, this wine has more power, opulence, vigour and boldness, but it has exceptional forward movement and freshness. It excites and captivates in equal measure from the first sip! Simply wow!" Decanter

Just 3,500 bottles are produced from the oldest vines of the Salco vineyard and are only sold in the best vintages. In the glass, we are delighted by an extremely elegant Sangiovese with a very harmonious texture and very classic, earthy-spicy notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cherries and chocolate jump off the nose before earthy aromas take over, from mushrooms to dirt to underbrush and moss. The palate echoes these notes, carrying them through a long mocha-infused finish with rigid, durable tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The haunting dark and floral 2019 Nobile di Montepulciano Vecchie Viti del Salco combines exotic spices with crushed dried flowers, spiced cherries and ginger nuances. It is extremely silky, with no hard edges in sight. A polished wave of ripe red berries washes over the palate, leaving a hint of minerality and fine tannins. The 2019 is powerful and incredibly long, with a primary concentration that lasts until the long and structured final. Made from 100% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese) from thirty-five year old vines, it's a real stunner." Vinous

After many years of identifying the best Merlot, Cabernet and Petit Verdot parcels within the boundaries of their Bolgheri estate with the support of the famous OenologistMichel Rolland, the Antinori family discovered in the early 2000s that in the midst of this microclimate and terroir there was an even more special small vineyard whose results once again surpassed those of the larger area. It was immediately clear to all involved that this unique character had to be vinified and highlighted separately - this was the birth of today's cult wine Lodovico.

The 2008 vintage, for all its complexity, is a youthful and at the same time dense wine that only gradually opens up in the glass to reveal a multitude of layers. The rich bouquet has fruity, floral and spicy notes, as well as wild berries, blackcurrants and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is highly refined textured with fine tannins, sweet fruit and excellent length. Lodovico 2008 is a balanced wine of elegance and refinement, with depth, power and longevity, and it is the archetype of the level that the Tenuta di Biserno terroir can produce. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, rich wine with currant, powdered chocolate and hints of vanilla. Full body with chewy tannins and a powerful, rich, chewy finish." James Suckling

"Though rich, this red is elegant and harmonious, featuring flavors of black currant, cherry, cedar, graphite and spice. A supple and polished wine, with a beam of fruit persisting through the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2008 Lodovico has developed beautifully. Today, the 2008 is complex, beguiling and wonderfully expressive. The tannins remain formidable though, and will require additional time in bottle to soften. A blast of dark red/black fruit, smoke and incense hits the palate on the explosive finish. The 2008 is just beginning to enter its tertiary phase. Hints of smoke, tobacco, savory herbs and licorice inform the deeply expressive finish. What a gorgeous wine this is." Vinous

"Layers of espresso, mocha, blackberry jam and spices take shape in the glass. The 2008 shows remarkable depth and polish all the way through to the finish. The Lodovico is another big, persistent wine endowed with tons of Maremma warmth and personality. These vines are just 6-7 years old. The potential for the future seems very, very bright." Wine Advocate

"It's a dark ruby colour, with generous aromas of plums, sweet red and black fruit, coal, mineral and smoke. It has a voluptuous weight in the mouth, and a velvety texture offset by dark chocolate, smoke and a faded herb note. This is super-harmonious and long with very fine, compact tannins." Decanter

"From the coastal Tuscan estate of Lodovico Antinori (brother of Piero), here comes a gorgeous blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot and a small percentage of Petit Verdot. Soft chocolate and black cherry opens the nose and segues to enormous richness and length. The wine is excellent but the jury is out on whether it becomes one of the great cult classics of Italy." Wine Enthusiast

Every year, the release of the strictly limited artist's edition of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia is a special treat. Today, too, we are pleased to be able to offer you some copies of the latest and 15th edition "La Proporzione" exclusively as a 0.75l single bottle. The original wooden box with 6 bottles contains only one bottle of this sought-after collector's item.

The artist's edition "Vendemmia d'Artista" has been around since 2006. Since then, renowned artists have been invited every year to decorate a small edition of single and large bottles of the world-famous Bolgheri Superiore. The 15th edition of the Ornellaia Vendemmia d'Arstista is called "La Proporzione" and for estate director Axel Heinz, this title sums up the essence of the vintage, which is characterised by cold and rain as well as long periods of heat:

"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

For this edition of Vendemmia d'Artista, American artist Joseph Kosuth has interpreted the character of Ornellaia 2020 "La Proporzione" and created a series of conceptual artworks. Kosuth's interpretation is expressed in a project that evolves from the labels of the 750 ml bottles as well as double magnum and imperial bottles to the site-specific artworks in the winery itself. On the Vendemmia d'Artista label of a 750-ml bottle, each found on a bottle in a case of 6, a quotation from Vitruvius (De architectura 3.1.3) is engraved in English on paper. On the other hand, the etymological family tree of the word "vino" is placed in relief on the bottle of the 100 double magnums.

As every year, the majority of the noble special editions will be auctioned at Sotheby's in autumn to get into the hands of lucky collectors. The proceeds are donated to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation to support the innovative "Mind's Eye" programme. In the meantime, more than two million dollars have been donated to charitable causes since the launch of the Vendemmia d'Artista. An impressive success that gives blind or visually impaired people the opportunity to discover and experience contemporary art.

"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

As always, the stunning Vigneti del Versante offers a spicy and seductive fruit of black cherries and plums, along with flowers, tobacco, minerals and undergrowth. The wine shows great fibre and density, with much of this power coming from the heavier soils of the selected vineyard sites. The overall impression is captivating with its intensity, yet luxurious and mysteriously dark. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a fascinating interpretation of the Vigneti di Versante, taking the floral, exotic nature of the vintage and combining it with the finesse and sophistication of Pian dell'Orino. Mint leaves, crushed stones, hints of camphor and dried strawberries are complemented in the glass by hints of ground ginger. This wine is elegant and refined, silky to the core, with tantalising acidity and mineral tones enlivened by hints of orange, while red plums linger on the senses. The tannins are soft and dusty, with an admirable concentration rarely found in 2018, finishing fresh and lightly textured. It is simply delicious. There will be no Bassolino di Sopra in 2018. All the juice went to the Vigneti del Versante." Vinous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The "25 Anni" from Caprai has been THE ambassador for Umbria's top wines for many years. It captivates with a beguiling bouquet that combines black fruits with citrus fruits, exotic spices, a hint of oregano, menthol and a hint of cocoa. The texture is more like pure silk that lays delicately across the palate, leaving a satisfying mix of intense dark fruits, minerals and fine-grained tannin. There is so much depth and concentration to work with that even when it finishes youthfully structured and dry, it lingers for well over a minute with notes of redcurrant, sage and dark chocolate. This exceptional Sagrantino is undisputedly not only Caprai's top wine, but also one of Italy's most characterful wines, which, with a little more ageing, is an incredible pleasure and should therefore definitely be aerated for 3-4 hours when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, ruby-red centre with a brightening rim. Pronounced, complex bouquet with notes of juicy cherries and mulberries, followed by cocoa, pickled rose petals and leather. Silky on the palate, rich fruit, covered in chocolate, on powerful tannins, very long." Falstaff

"Balsamic spice mingles with cocoa and mentholated herbs as the dark and brooding 2020 Montefalco Sagrantino 25 Anni slowly awakens in the glass. It is youthfully dense and velvety and flows across the palate like melted chocolate, with ripe wild berries contrasted by tangible minerals and spices. Its acidity provides fantastic balance, while the 2020 leaves a layer of sweet tannins and primary fruit flavours that finish long and pleasantly chewy. This is a much more approachable vintage, but no less complex." Vinous

"The nose is dominated by graphite, with restrained notes of wild blackberry, meat, balsamic and aromatic herbs. The attack is supple, with a full body, youthful fruit character and muscular but very fine tannins that combine with a refreshing acidity and a polished tobacco aftertaste. It needs another year or two of ageing to integrate the oak, but it will last for decades." James Suckling

The name Poggio al Granchio comes from the small pond in the centre of the vineyard, which is located under an imposing holm oak tree and is home to a number of freshwater crayfish that have landed with energy. It is the area with the highest vineyards on the hill of Montalcino. It is a vineyard that receives the morning sun and is exposed to the strong climatic influence of Monte Amiata (former volcano and sacred mountain of the Etruscans), which rises opposite. This area of Montalcino has rich Galestro soils, which are particularly good for Brunello. On Galestro, the Sangiovese becomes mineral and savoury, with silky tannins; on the nose it has notes of ripe undergrowth fruit combined with that unmistakable hint of flint that you can smell directly on the slate. On the palate, the wine has a subtle, elegant but assertive entry and proves to be flavoursome and mineral. The Brunello here is dark in colour and has great ageing potential.

Intense ruby red colour with violet hues. Powerful and spicy bouquet of fresh cherries, redcurrants, blackberries, aniseed and myrtle. On the palate, it has an unmistakably subtle Sangiovese typicity, the wonderfully varied primary flavours are flanked by long, silky tannins. It has a very flavoursome and mineral finish that only this region can give Sangiovese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red with a sparkling centre. Cool nose of citrus, elderberries, reminiscent of cold butter, herbs and graphite. On the palate with grippy, youthful tannins, red fruit and good freshness, medium weight, still a little rough at the back." Falstaff

"A shade deeper than the Vigna del Lago and with orange-coloured reflections. It is also a little richer and riper, with plenty of deep plum fruit and spicy notes of black pepper. The tangy cherry fruit is lined with sandy tannins. Great balance and length." Jancis Robinson

"Pretty cherries and chocolate with some violets, leading to a medium body with fine tannins and an orange peel finish. Refined and beautiful." James Suckling

"Poggio al Granchio, which stretches south-east towards Monte Amiata, lies at an altitude of 450 metres on slate-rich Galestro soil. The area is characterised by warm days and cool nights, resulting in firmly structured wines. The 2019 is a virile wine that opens with smoky ash, incense and iron. On the palate, it shows blackberry and blackcurrant flavours wrapped in dusty, dry, stony earth. Pungent, gravelly tannins sprinkle the mouth, while the acidity provides a tangy bite. It gradually finishes with a rust-like aura." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Granchio 2019 draws the taster close to the glass to take in its beguiling aromas. Aromas of roses and cloves give way to cinnamon-dusted redcurrants and a hint of camphor. An elegant style with a silky texture and ripe, rich wild berries balanced by lively acidity. Salty minerals colour the palate as the 2019 finishes long and structured. It holds its power in reserve, while a pleasantly bitter note mingles with fine-grained tannins to create a youthfully exciting sensation. This is a Poggio al Granchio for the ages. Bury your bottles deep." Vinous

"A deep well of blackberry, blackcurrant and cherry fruit characterises this juicy red wine, with accents of wild rosemary and minerals. Well-structured and complex, with a long finish that reflects the fruit and savoury notes. Excellent balance and harmony." Wine Spectator

"This, one of the finest, nose of red currant, touches of rosemary and staranise, with hints of ginger. Lovely persistence." Luca Gardini