Vinous | 95–100 Points

Andrea Franchetti began positioning Palazzi as an equal red alongside his flagship Tenuta di Trinoro in the 1990s, with the aim of producing two exceptional wines that evoke the left and right banks of Bordeaux.

Just three words: power, intensity and concentration. With a very manageable production of 1,660 bottles, here comes a full-throttle Tuscan wine that exudes generous black fruit, spice and sweet tobacco all the time. There is also black cherry and plum, which give the wine soft contours and sweetness. On the palate, it is firm, well-structured and delights with a mouth-filling richness that is second to none. Take a good piece of red meat, marinate it in rosemary and olive oil before heading to the charcoal grill and then embark on this monumental adventure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby with a black core. Intense and inviting nose with notes of cocoa, blackberry, plum and fine spices. Dense and concentrated on the palate, very lush, grippy, savoury tannins, rich tobacco on the long final." Falstaff

"This vibrant red is pure and well-defined, with cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavors detailed by iron and wild thyme, supported from dense yet refined tannins. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta di Trinoro 2019 Palazzi is a pure expression of Merlot with incoming fruit from the Palazzi vineyard that is characterized by dense clay soils. The wine's intensity is what stands out most, and that power is fueled by lovely nuances of black fruit, spice, sweet tobacco and baker's chocolate. Palazzi excels in terms of mouthfeel. The smooth richness and deep softness achieved here is only possible with this grape. Furthermore, it seems only possible in this spectacular, sun-drenched corner of undiscovered Tuscany known as Sarteano." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Palazzi is a classic Trinoro wine, with maybe a bit less bombastic intensity than some of the earlier wines, but all of the seamless elegance that has long made these reds so compelling. All the elements are wonderfully put together in the 2019, a wine that impresses with its mix of elegance, flamboyant intensity and sheer allure. I loved it." 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

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

For Biondi Santis Riserva, the fruits of the oldest vines of Il Greppo (30 years and older) are used, the wine matures for three years in traditional oak barrels. On the nose, initially fine aromas of wild berries, blue flowers, eucalyptus and lightly grilled smoke. The intensity increases in small steps. With time, the wine is magnificent and focused, with a very direct and impressive presentation of its aromas. The wine leaves a lasting impression in the mouth, thanks to the textural tautness of its tannins and the refreshing crispness of the acidity, finally showing more power, volume and persistence than expected on the long final. Subtle and big! SUPERIORE.DE

"The classic appears with a year's delay compared to most other Riserve Montalcinos and is, as always, a fruit of the (also in this case excellent) vintage: fine garnet red; delicate bouquet of red forest fruits, violets, liquorice, also spice, which becomes increasingly complex with aeration; the attack finely chiselled with fine-grained tannin, then more and more character and yet above all much, much elegance." Vinum

"Fascinating dark spice, Assam tea, small red fruit, cranberry, subtle wood, light forest floor; tight tannin, bitter chocolate, has a long life ahead of it." Meiningers Sommelier

"Bright, elegant ruby red with a brightening rim. Finely marked nose of ripe raspberries and juicy plums, great cedar, reverberating with blood orange and delicate flint. Very juicy and balanced on the palate, with great tension, comes along in many layers, seems pure and precise, presses again on the palate in the finish, finesse-rich and endless." Falstaff

"Round and fruity, with an accent of white pepper against cherry, raspberry and floral aromas. Elegant and almost racy, with a firm, well-integrated structure and excellent length on the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"Complex yet pure, subtle and refined nose that unfolds smoothly, with mossy red cherries, dried roses, chalk, tar and dried orange peel. Hints of clove and eucalyptus make it so distinctive. A powerful medium to full-bodied Brunello, yet seamless and bright, with a fine, transparent mid-palate and an understated, mineral austerity. An understated complexity that needs time to develop." James Suckling

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva seduces with a deep and seductive aroma of black raspberries complemented by sweet sage, dried roses and pipe tobacco. With further coaxing, it gains volume and lift, taking on hints of mint and camphor. On the palate, it presents with undeniable elegance, with velvety flavours of purple wild berries and sweet spices embraced by juicy acidity, while a fine coating of round tannins builds towards the finish. Although structured and incredibly long, the energy remains high as nuances of cherry pit finish with acidic citrus and a hint of cedar. It is amazing to experience such energy and purity in a young Biondi Santi Riserva. As beautiful as last year's Annata was, I was worried that the extended ageing of the Riserva would rob the wine of some of its fruit; instead, the complete opposite is true, as this wine contains the depth and complexity of the vintage's best wines. I can't wait to see how the 2015 matures over the next few decades." Vinous

"The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is initially a restrained wine that does not immediately join the exaggerated richness and exuberance of the vintage. Give it time. I have written this review after several tastings over several days to better reflect the elegant evolution of the wine. Thoughtful and extremely nuanced in personality, with wild berries, underbrush, ferruginous earth and candied orange peel, this wine has everything you could hope for from its future evolution in bottle. It shows a beautiful ruby colour bordering on garnet and polished copper. A silky, medium-bodied palate is underlined by beautifully managed and silky tannins (this aspect of the mouthfeel is exceptional), bright freshness and long-lasting fruit drive. The alcohol level is slightly higher in this wine (14.5%), but the effect is still supple and soft." Wine Advocate

"I have always preferred balanced wines and wines with a special character. Wines that have a balanced relationship between body, smell, tannins and acidity. Old and also very old wines that have matured without losing their characteristic features. Wines that reflect the tradition of the wine-growing area and the local diversity". Franco Biondi Santi

Only 38 vintages of Brunello di Montalcino Riserva have been available since 1888 - 24 of which were produced under the direction of Franco Biondi Santi. 2012 Riserva is the last vintage supervised and dedicated to Franco himself. A milestone in the history of Biondi Santi. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm, but not too hot summer, some precipitation at the end of August, September then cooling off; harvest on 10 September. Bright, powerful ruby-garnet, brightening edge. In the nose notes of fresh cherries, lots of pomegranate, in the background some saffron. Dense, powerful tannin characterizes the course, opens in many layers, salty and deep, has everything for a long life!" Falstaff

"A glorious nose to the wine with blackberries, plums, balsamic, mushrooms and bark. Floral. Some tile and terracotta undertones. Full-bodied with fine tannins and vivid, linear acidity running through the middle palate. Light toffee and smoke. Extremely long and lively. Traditional, yet very clean and beautiful. Drinkable now, but better after 2025." James Suckling

"Luminous garnet red. Perfumed nose of orange peel, cinnamon, sour red cherries, strawberries, talcum powder, and old fine leather, plus sneaky hints of slightly air-dried berries (not surprising, given how hot 2012 was, even taking into consideration that Biondi-Santi is one of the first estates to pick each year). Then juicy and dense with a silky mouthfeel to the flavors of red berries, blood orange and spices. Finishes long and silky now, but this specific Brunello Riserva was especially austere in its youth and so the estate decided to release it one year later than usual for sale. The wine carries an extra label "Dedicato a Franco Biondi Santi” (dedicated to Franco Biondi Santi) who passed away in 2013; CEO Giampiero Bertolino explained to me that everyone at the estate believed this wine was a real snapshot of Franco and the Brunellos he most enjoyed drinking, and so it was decided to dedicate it to him. Actually, there’s an air-dried quality to this wine that is absolutely enchanting, if in my opinion not altogether typical of Franco’s work. No matter, it’s one of the top three Brunello Riservas of the 2012 vintage." Vinous

"You will notice the dedication printed below the label of the wine label. It reads: "Dedicato a Franco Biondi Santi." Indeed, the Biondi-Santi 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is the last vintage made by the towering father figure of Brunello whom most everyone referred to as the "gentleman of Montalcino." Il Dottore, as he was also respectfully addressed, died at age 91 in April 2013, and he was very active in the winery as this magnificent wine took shape. This Riserva is a true work of beauty. It is released one year later than usual. The wine reflects the natural heft and power of the 2012 vintage, and it also shows that distinctive open-knit and accessible personality that characterizes this warm and sunny growing season. Il Dottore's magic touch is revealed in the level of fine detail and precision that transcends vintage, grape and territory. That extreme focus is an achievement of this estate alone located in the celebrated Il Greppo property. This Brunello pours from the bottle with a magnificent garnet color, and it evolves in the glass with dark fruit, candied orange peel, spice, licorice, anise seed, cola and balsam herb. The aromas are magical and ethereal, albeit slightly ripe and soft as expected of this vintage." Wine Advocate

"2012 is considered a warm vintage, more dry than hot and with an advanced harvest on 10 September: quite early for a Sangiovese from higher vineyards in Montalcino. The age of the vines has helped to give the wine outstanding complexity. It shows the typical freshness of Biondi Santi with red currant, pomegranate and orris root aromas, becoming more austere on the palate with rhubarb radice flavour, firm acidity and firm yet ripe tannins. The extraction is great and the tight-knit integration between fruit and structural elements gives it the depth to age for decades." Decanter

"This is the final Riserva to benefit from the late Franco Biondi Santi's masterful hand. It boasts enticing scents of rose, underbrush, red berry, new leather and crushed mint. The chiseled palate features succulent Morello cherry, pomegranate, orange zest, star anise and a hint of tobacco, all framed in taut, polished tannins. Firm acidity lends youthful tension and keeps it impeccably balanced." Wine Enthusiast

Energy and elegance are the hallmarks of the 2013 Brunello vintage. The top wines are stunning, with a vibrancy that is missing in many of the muscular, approachable and higher alcohol Brunellos from recent vintages. However, the 2013s will also require some patience to reach their maximum potential. In contrast to the extremely warm, dry years that have become the norm in Montalcino since the mid-1990s (the exceptions being 1998, 2002 and 2005), the 2013 vintage was a reminiscence of the past. It was a cool year with lots of rain in spring and the first half of summer.

So in 2013 in particular, it was especially important to find the right harvest. The 2013 Riserva presents itself multilayered, silky and translucent, but also with remarkable depth, power and the classic Biondi Santi austerity that will only reward the patient connoisseur. On the nose, which opens slowly with aeration, there are delicate hints of vibrant red cherry, underbrush and flint. Rich, dense and supple, with outstandingly precise red berry and mineral flavours accompanied by delicate notes of liquorice, chestnut and underbrush. The finish is very long and pure, with a seamless quality of classic Sangiovese flavours. Very promising and perfectly poised for the future! SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, intense ruby with a pronounced garnet tongue. Opens with slightly earthy notes, black truffle, also some anchovy, then lots of ripe plum, balsamic notes in the background. Very good volume in the attack, fills the palate immediately and full, lots of juicy cherry fruit, shows fine-meshed tannin in many layers, very good tension, spicy notes of coriander seeds in the final, salty." Falstaff

"Day one: Just mid ruby with orange tinges. Cool yet intense and complex on the nose. Contained yet deep. Minerally notes of cherry and blood orange. Compact transparent and with embryonic austerity. Reluctant to show it all, but the balance is sheer perfection. Finely powdered tannins and an elegant, medium palate weight. Furls up quickly on the finish into a dormant state. Needs at least half a decade more in bottle.
Day two: Just mid ruby with orange tinges. More brooding and introvert on the nose than yesterday, but no signs at all of oxidation. Great purity of fruit. Minerally peppery hints. Quite closed but exceedingly fine on the palate with finely chiselled tannins and succulent cherry and raspberry fruit. It's all a tad better integrated showing this wine needs a lot of bottle age. Transparent and long, but closes up on the finish.
Day three: Just mid ruby with broad orange rim. The nose is even more closed than the day before, but absolutely no signs of oxidation. Cool sour-cherry nose with a peppery tingle. Great depth, but brooding rather than expressive. Notes of iron. Racy, but stubborn palate firmly closed on the fruit and fine long powdery tannins. After having been open for over 72 hours it is still too young to approach." Jancis Robinson

"The 2013 vintage is the estate's latest Riserva to be released, the winery’s 40th Riserva since 1888 and the first vintage in over 40 years without the leadership of Franco Biondi-Santi. Due to rainstorms in September, the family delayed picking until the end of the month, making 2013 a relatively late harvest for Biondi-Santi. Classic sour red cherry notes are accented by orange, sandalwood and fennel. The palate charms with its savoury expression, finely textured sandy tannins and underlying minerality. Understated and refined, it flows gracefully but will nevertheless benefit from a couple of years in the cellar." Decanter

"Tense and elegant, this red evokes strawberry, cherry, floral, iron and rosemary aromas and flavors. Harmonious in its linear profile and smooth, yet with adequate tannins for a long life ahead. The fresh finish balances fruit and balsamic elements." Wine Spectator

"A fresh, linear 2013 with cherry, mushroom and cedar character. Lots of blue fruit as well. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins and a creamy finish. Still very tight, this needs time to open if you want to drink it now, Try decanting two or three hours in advance." James Suckling

"The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva blossoms in the glass in a display of understated power mixed with purity. This unfolds more like a whisper than a shout, wafting up with a delicate bouquet of fresh violets, lavender and a dusting of shaved cedar and clove. With time, it deepens further, pulling you down to earth with aromas of wild strawberry and underbrush. The textures are like pure silk gently draped across the palate, but what they leave behind is a more engaging and classic mix of salty mineral tones and tart red berries, all lifted by juicy acidity. This then takes another turn, now toward the savory spectrum, as wild herbal and inner earth tones mix with a fine layer of sweet tannin to create a youthfully austere yet not overtly structured expression, leaving a nuance of tobacco to linger long. The 2013 presents an intriguing interpretation of the Biondi Santi Riserva, one that shrugs off the grippy, gruff, almost rustic tannins of the past in exchange for a more youthfully harmonious expression. Will it age? Maybe not for 50 years, but considering that this beauty was open and tasted over the course of three days, I'm convinced that it will be thrilling for the next few decades to come." Vinous

"Fragrant and loaded with finesse, this stunning red still shows the estate's hallmark of elegance and structure, opening with enticing scents of rose, iris, wild red berry and a whiff of new leather. The vibrant palate is dazzling and almost ethereal, delivering flavors of succulent red cherry, pomegranate, star anise and a hint of forest floor. Taut, polished tannins and bright acidity provide impeccable balance." Wine Enthusiast

"The Biondi-Santi 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a stunning wine from all points of view. Seamless integration and elegant complexity are what stand out, and it's worth dedicating a few extra lines to the aromatic depth that is put so beautifully on display as the wine slowly unfolds. The bouquet starts off with wild cherry, earth, wet ash, crème de cassis and pruny chocolate. With extra time, there are hints of dried tobacco leaf, sandalwood and mossy forest floor. These lead to a fine tail of dried herb, bay leaf and a touch of rusty nail. The Riserva comes in numbered bottles, and I opened number 04277. To the palate, the wine is streamlined and silky with smooth tannins and a well-managed 13.5% alcohol content. The oak presence is reduced to a minimum, offering mild hints of spice and the delicate sandalwood or dried fig aroma I described above. Fresh acidity is the glue that gives the wine buoyancy and staying power. At this young stage, this 2013 vintage could be considered a bit shy or slow to start, but this will play out to great advantage in the long term as the wine continues its bottle evolution." Wine Advocate

Elisabetta Geppetti's Saffredi is one of Italy's great red wines every year, full of elegance! Dark, polished ruby red colour with purple-violet edges. The explosive aroma of blackcurrants, blackberries, plums, violets and oak spices is accompanied by fascinating spicy, ethereal and wonderfully floral accents with earthy tobacco notes. Dense and velvety on the palate, framed by firm tannins and a juicy freshness that leads the wine full of energy into an endless finish. The flavour profile, which is very typical of Saffredi, is wonderfully balanced, yet multi-layered and very focused with its spiciness. Saffredi 2021 is a genuine and multi-dimensional beauty that should mature for a few more years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex, elegant bouquet with fine concentration and precisely contoured fruit body, a basket of blue berries and ripe red cherries, plus a floral backdrop, violets, Mediterranean herbs and maquis as well as undergrowth. Polished, clear and radiant on the palate, juicy and tightly woven with velvety, super-fine tannins, a radiant and elegant Saffredi." Weinwisser

"Spicy-berry perfume, cassis, lots of dark fruit flavours, also nuances of black pepper; the attack is compact, the tannins fine-grained, carried by a soft acidity, finishes long and multi-faceted. Also very successful in this vintage." Vinum

"Dark ruby red core with purple nuances. Blackcurrant and mulberry on the nose, on damp earth, dark chocolate and alabaster. Dense on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, precise fear, comes in many layers, powerful, but with great finesse and incredibly long." Falstaff

"The Fattoria le Pupille 2021 Saffredi offers a seamless integration of dark fruit flavours that segue directly into spice, Tuscan cigar and earthy orris root. This vintage is compact and firm, especially in terms of mouthfeel, and there are graceful floral tones to close." Wine Advocate

"This pure, intense red wine displays aromas and flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, blueberries and violets, underlined by graphite and wild herbs. Very tightly wound, even racy, with invigorating acidity and refined tannins, this noble red wine leans more towards the elegant side, with great harmony and length." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Saffredi is one of the most vivid, profoundly beautiful wines I have ever tasted from Elisabetta Geppetti. Dark, layered and resonant, the 2021 offers tons of depth and yet remains wonderfully light on its feet. There is a level of finesse here I have never seen before in Saffredi. Blackberry, espresso, lavender, new leather and incense build over time, but it is the wine’s total sense of harmony that leaves me speechless. The 2021 is not a powerhouse—not an obvious wine. For those who can give this time in the glass, it’s a total stunner." Vinous

"Fascinating aromas of sandalwood, lavender, sage and blackcurrant. Mint and spearmint. Pencil shavings. Also light coffee bean. Medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins. Lasts for minutes. Already so approachable now, but it will age beautifully. Best after 2026 and beyond." James Suckling

"The symbolic wine of the house, the first to put the winery and the region "on the map". Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, nose of small black fruits, notes of laurel, mint and Mediterranean herbs, taut and dense drink, with salty tannins, closes with a fruity and oily return." Luca Gardini

Only a few thousand bottles of this private collection exist. Impressive, dynamic and radiant. Aromas of dark berries, cloves, menthol, tar, liquorice, herbs and grilled meat, the wood tones very restrained. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Isole e Olena 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata boasts luscious dark concentration with black fruit, grilled herb, crushed stone and sweet crème de cassis. Those bold flavors are followed by a 15% alcohol content that is gracefully integrated here. This is another long-term proposition for your cellar." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata is another stellar wine in this range from Isole e Olena and Paolo De Marchi. Still pretty tightly wound, the 2018 is going to need at least a few years to fully unwind. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, mocha and espresso are some of the many aromas and flavors that start to open with a bit of aeration. The Isole Cabernet has a brilliant track record of aging. I expect the 2018 will one day take its place among the very finest editions." Vinous

"Lots of blackcurrants and currant bush with some graphite and black ink on the nose. Full-bodied with a chewy and polished tannin backbone and lots of blue fruit and stones in the finish. Sandalwood and violets, too. Great structure at the end. Give this time to soften. Try after 2025, but will age for a long time." James Suckling

The wine icon, rare every year and very highly rated, presents itself in a shiny, rich ruby. On the nose, crisp berry fruit, ripe dark cherries, sweet plums and delicate notes of cinnamon. In the mouth it is full-bodied and firm, very juicy, unfolds a finely woven tannin and glides in a wide arc into a powerful, long final. A great wine full of tension and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, sweet and with great seductiveness, it smells out of the glass with lots of chocolate and nutty aromas. Fine-grained and clearly structured on the palate, it has excellent breed with playful acidity, which in turn gives it depth and length. Impressively typical I Sodi, which has never lost its traditional character. Even though it was one of the more modern top wines from Tuscany in the 90s because of its ageing in barriques, today it has to be classified rather with the classics." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby with a slightly pale rim. Opens clear and deep on the nose, with plums and blackberries, discreet smoky notes, some cardamom. Firm and sturdy on the palate, shows lots of tightly woven tannin, builds up firm pressure, lots of plum, long final." Falstaff

"This is marked by new oak initially, then the plum and cherry flavors shine through. Vibrant, with leather and earth elements joining in before the oak spice and tannins frame the finish. Fresh and complex, with a lot going on—just needs time." Wine Spectator

"Bright and vibrant, the trademark lively and vibrant acidity at the fore straight away giving life and lift to the caramelised cherries, pomegranates and strawberry fruit. The wood is a little apparent, giving the frame a spiced edge that sticks out a little and pulls the fruit forwardness back a bit. Clearly powerful, there is a richness and ripeness to the fruit with massy tannins. Nuanced and generous with precision and focus from beginning to the end." Decanter

"This celebrated Tuscan red is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with a smaller part of Malvasia Nera. The Castellare di Castellina 2018 I Sodi di S. Niccolò shows the elegance and grace of these native grapes with aromas of red and purple fruit, cherry, wild rose and gardening soil. However, there is also a strong oak element that adds spice and toast to the bouquet and textural weight to the wine's generous build." Wine Advocate

"A vibrant, balanced and fresh red with raspberries, pomegranates, cherry stones and spice box on the nose. Sleek, tight tannins. Focused, with a very fine structure and wound-up energy." James Suckling

"The 2018 I Sodi di San Niccolò is the most elegant Sodi I have ever tasted, and I have tasted them all. Sodi can be quite the bruiser in its youth, as the tannins are often imposing, but the 2018 is impressive because there is more than enough fruit to balance things out. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and gravel build in a Sodi endowed with mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse. Superb!" Vinous

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

"Sparkling, intense ruby with violet glints. Opens with notes of forest floor, cedar wood and pine needles, then blueberry and blackberry, inviting. Very juicy, lots of dark fruit, opens with fine-meshed, very well-placed tannin, shows good drinking flow, juicy, very long finish." Falstaff

"Bright cassis, straw and graphite on the nose - all are the more overt characters typical of Bolgheri's solar Merlot. The concentrated fruit is dense and fleshy on the palate, with an oaky, slightly chalky and austere character as well as velvety tannins and a graceful finish of cedar. Assertive yet integrated acidity balances the alcohol. Great ageing potential." Decanter

"Le Macchiole is always distinguished by its deadly balance, and the Messorio is no exception. Cherries, cranberries, wild herbs and earth on the nose continue on the palate before pepper, charred meat and a juicy spiciness emerge on the finish. Tannins that unwind with ease and a palpable spiciness keep things exciting; a pleasure in the moment, but seeing what happens next will be worth the wait." Wine Enthusiast

"Le Macchiole's great challenge on pure Merlot, obtained with a prophetic 'subtraction' work. Black raspberry, juniper and liquorice on the nose, with small touches of nutmeg, on the palate tense-dense and juicy-savoury, with a fruity and undergrowth return." Luca Gardini

"Blackberry, oyster shell, iodine and black olive. Also some caraway and thyme. Full-bodied with a very tight palate of firm tannins and fresh, mineral blue fruits. Needs time to open up and show its true potential. Try it after 2025." James Suckling

"At this stage it is strongly marked by new oak, with vanilla and toasted spices wrapped around a core of plum, black cherry, earth and cedar. Graceful and balanced, it firms up on the lingering finish. This is all about purity of fruit, finesse and length. Decant it now or let it age for 2-3 years." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Messorio combines the natural opulence of Merlot on the Tuscan coast with a finesse I have never seen here before. It has a lot of depth and resonance, but none of the heaviness that has been so en vogue for many years. Dark cherry, plum, spice, mocha and floral notes lead into a racy, exotic finish." Vinous

"The stunning Le Macchiole 2019 Messorio is a pure Merlot from a special 2.5 hectare parcel with a classic blend of Bolgheri soils with clay, silt, sandstone and limestone. The wine ferments in concrete and is aged in new barriques for 18 months. This beautiful wine exudes scents of cherries, blue flowers, iris roots, gravel and slate. Balanced oak tones add power and texture to the full-bodied finish." Wine Advocate

Flaccianello della Pieve has dispelled all doubts in recent decades and is the result of extremely skilful winemaking and not only for us one of the best single-varietal Sangiovese in central Tuscany. It has always been the result of an ingenious blend of organic grapes from the estate's best plots. The personality of the wine reveals a certain distance and austerity when young, these impressions are reinforced by spicy tones of cigar smoke and earthy leather. Its inner core is dense and richly concentrated with generous blackberry and plum flavours. The velvety tannins are integrated but still youthful and grippy. Like the Vigna del Sorbo, the Flaccianello is not a monumental and particularly opulent wine, but a very special growth that radiates liveliness, energy and lonely class from start to finish. You should definitely give this elegant wine a little more time in the bottle, if you have the patience ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising nose of wild berry jam, with a subtle hint of undergrowth and vanilla; youthful, tight-knit tannins, the acidity provides the underpinning, precise evolution, finishing on flavours of black cherries and hot stone. Timelessly elegant Sangiovese, superbly made." Vinum

"Powerful ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Very appealing and intense nose, showing notes of blackberry and mulberry, some orange peel, some milk chocolate and light tobacco in the background. Polished and precise on the palate, with plenty of fine tannins, savoury and a long finish." Falstaff

"A young red with black cherry, flint, matchstick, blackberry and bark aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and chewy tannins that show a slightly angular mouthfeel in the finish. Needs three or four years to soften." James Suckling

"Featuring a deep well of blackberry, black cherry, violet, mineral and spices on the nose, this red is rich and dense, saturated with dark fruit flavors, yet with a sense of gracefulness. A light dusting of tannins frames the finish, needing a few years to integrate with the other components. Shows the harmony, freshness and depth of the vintage." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve opens to a medium-dark inky appearance and solid aromas of black fruit and pressed blackberry. The Flaccianello is a touch more accessible at this early stage compared to the Vigna del Sorbo, but both wines are undoubtedly built to withstand ample cellar aging. Flaccianello is the more powerful or the two, and the Vigna del Sorbo is more delicate in comparison. These dueling character traits are especially evident in this classic vintage. This wine also boasts a more generous mouthfeel supported by softly integrated tannins." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve is another exceptional wine from Fontodi this year. Ripe, silky tannins wrap around a core of dark fruit as the 2021 makes its presence felt from the first taste. Sumptuous, racy and dense, this is just magnificent. As has been the case for some time, Flaccianello is a blend of mostly three parcels throughout the estate but closer to town. " Vinous

Cepparello is one of the great single-varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Radiant ruby red. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed onset, enveloping palate that delivers a perfectly measured acid framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and finesse-rich. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, strong ruby with a light garnet shimmer. The nose is very compact, with dark cherries, lots of blackberries and fine spicy notes. Radiant on the palate, shows lots of ripe red berry fruit, grippy, dense tannin coated with beautiful melting, firm and compact, long final." Falstaff

"Lots of liquorice and fennel seeds with black cherry and a hint of tomato paste. Medium body, round texture and savoury flavours. Nice and fresh on the finish, with subtle flavours." James Suckling

"Fragrant potpourri and medicinal aromas recall the 2006, while the structured palate shows pure, ripe cherry with some damp earth and even an umami hint of mushroom, infused with bright acidity. Vibrant and complex, it's still in its youthful phase but will be great once it's had time to develop." Decanter

"The 2019 Cepparello is very impressive, even though it has just been bottled. Generous and creamy, with its classic medium-bodied structure, the 2019 has so much to offer. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red and purple berry fruit. New leather, spice and a touch of oak meld together effortlessly in the glass. I can't wait to taste it in another 6-12 months or so. The 2019 is shaping up to be an absolute top wine." Vinous

"One of the iconic wines of Tuscany, Isole e Olena 2019 Cepparello is a pure Sangiovese made by the loving hands of a winemaking legend, the great Paolo De Marchi. Indeed, this wine opens a discussion about the future of this famous IGT Toscana, a wine that followed an austere vision and style under De Marchi. It is elegant and rich with delicate aromas of black and purple fruits. It is fermented in oak barrels and aged for 20 months in French barriques, one third of which is in new oak." Wine Advocate

Grattamacco is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese, the latter grape variety certainly contributing to the fresh style of this wine. However, the overall picture is only complete when you realise that the vineyards used for this blend are among the best in the appellation. The Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso Superiore is characterised by its typical aromas of leaves and Mediterranean forest, with subtle flavours of kiwi peel, cassis, paprika and chocolate. Velvety, youthful and firm on the attack, less light than the Alberello, but more tightly woven and of great elegance. Its length is astonishing, great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Stunning berry aromas, facets of dried flowers, pepper and Mediterranean scrub; polished structure with powdery tannins, the accentuated acidity provides youthfulness in the background, then lots of charm and great length on notes of plums, Mediterranean flora and spices." Vinum

"Bright ruby red colour. Expressive, sweet-fruity bouquet of cassis and blackberry, with notes of ebony, tobacco leaf, cocoa and fumé, complex. Spreads across the palate like a silk scarf, with precise fruit and fine-grained tannins, juicy and with gentle pressure right into the long finish." Falstaff

"Medium to dark crimson colour. Very complete and with slightly less obvious tannins than the 2016. Already very approachable and well balanced with a chalky texture at the end. Really charming with a light inkiness. Long and fresh." Jancis Robinson

"A bold, sweeping wine, the 2021 Grattamacco is pretty impressive. Readers should expect a potent, extroverted red with tons of Bolgheri opulence. There’s plenty of supporting structure too, but at this stage it’s the wine’s intense, ripe profile that carries the day. A blast of blackberry, scorched earth, new leather, licorice and incense saturates the palate on the long, sustained finish." Vinous

"Blueberry, blackcurrant and pomegranate flavours are accentuated by oak spice, graphite and rosemary notes in this fresh, long red wine. Taut and lively, with excellent balance and a fine-grained tannin band on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The result in 2021 is magnificent, with the scent of blackberries and a dense, savoury palate with black and blue berries, silky tannins and sous bois complexity. The wonderful juicy softness of the fruit is enlivened by minty-fresh acidity, a savoury kick and a tasty, almost ferrous finish." Decanter

"This is a different level, with blackcurrants, blueberries and Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary and sage. Also tobacco and coffee beans. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a lingering finish. Sophisticated and thought-provoking. A new level of quality with this wine." James Suckling

In the exceptional year of 2016, Filippo Chia decided to vinify a Riserva for the first time. The Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta Riserva comes from a unique vineyard site characterised by a greater presence of slate or slate-like shards in the soils. These conditions contribute to the very typical, sharp and concentrated aromas that are offered here on a silver platter. One automatically thinks of pencil shavings and granite rock. However, the wine is equally impressive when it comes to its rich fruit and floral profile, and there is enough spice and soft leather or tobacco to bring it all together in one happy package. A magnificent masterpiece! SUPERIORE.DE

"The first ever Riserva from Castello Romitorio’s Filo di Seta plot, this is crafted from a handful of selected tonneaux – mostly used but a couple new. Significantly, it comes predominantly from early-picked grapes. Still in its infancy, the 2016 is not ready to divulge everything. Weighty with depths of wild, spicy, dark fruit, yet radiant in its acidity, a sturdy framework of tannins sticks to the palate with a pulverised, chalky texture giving immense grip. Anise, mint and clove show up on the finish." Decanter

"This red is linear, dense and concentrated, both for its black cherry, black currant and blueberry fruit and its fine-grained, dusty tannins. Lively and balanced, yet needs time to unwind and gain more of the complexity that's buried within. The fresh, lingering finish reveals mineral, soy and spice accents." Wine Spectator

"Here's a new wine from Castello Romitorio, and it makes perfect sense that the Filo di Seta project should also be presented as a Riserva. The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Filo di Seta is elongated and silky. It wraps smoothly over the palate with well-dosed fruit, tannic structure and brilliant acidity. It should be exciting to follow this wine over the cooler and the warmer vintages of the future. Only 3,900 bottles were created." Wine Advocate

"This is really powerful and intense with a full body, yet it remains agile and vivid. Chewy, but polished and classy. Persistent, yet weightless and floating. Black-cherry and dark-plum flavors with pine-cone and mushroom undertones. Give it at least five years to soften. Best after 2025." James Suckling

"I had high expectations for the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta Riserva. This is youthfully restrained and grumbling in the glass, but it’s worth waiting for, as a captivating display of mentholated herbs, dusty rose, lavender, black cherries, hints of animal musk and crushed ashen stone evolves before your eyes. It’s deeply textural and polished in feel, but also full of zesty, cooling acidity that enlivens the sultry core of dark fruits and exotic spices. A saturation of tannin coats the palate, creating a massively structured and long finale with lingering remnants of salted licorice and inner violet tones. The 2016 Riserva Filo di Seta may be a masterpiece in the making, though it will be many years before it shows all of its hidden beauty." Vinous

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

"Multi-layered bouquet with concentrated elegance, mint, tar, liquorice, cocoa, blueberry, blackberry and blood orange. Very broad and deeply layered. The elegant palate continues with ethereal spice and melting, this Merlot is dense and tightly woven, enormously long and persistent, with a lot of mineral, balsamic spice and saltiness on the finish." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, rich ruby colour with a slightly brightening rim. Opens with fine spicy notes of cardamom and graphite, then lots of blackberry and mulberry. Full-bodied and rich in attack and finish, lots of dark berry fruit, tightly woven, densely woven tannins, surrounded by fine enamel, full-bodied pressure." Falstaff

"In the glass, the wine is dark garnet in colour and captivates with its aromas of cassis and leaves, which contrast with a dark, fleshy note and a loamy minerality. The dense, viscous and velvety palate is balanced by crisp acidity, slightly grainy, youthful tannins and a polished finish." Decanter

"Pure and elegant, with a core of blackberry, black cherry, violet, iron and oak spice flavours. The solid tannins provide some backbone, while the velvety texture emphasises the grace of this wine. Excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Intense aromas of sandalwood, lavender, crushed stone, inkwell and blue fruit transition into a medium body, with beautiful tannins and tension that add energy and vibrancy. Excellent freshness for 2020, with blackcurrants, black olives and violets in the aftertaste." James Suckling

"The Messorio 2020 is a deep and richly structured wine that has become one of the flagships of winemaker Cinza Merli. Ripe fruit, dark cherries, oak spice and roasted aromas combine with balanced intensity to characterise this generous expression from Tuscany. The problem with Merlot, especially in a hot vintage like this one, is ripeness, or more precisely, over-ripeness. Messorio masters a difficult growth phase with flying colours." Wine Advocate

"The Messorio 2020 is fabulous. Once an opulent, full-bodied wine, the Messorio has now evolved into a much more restrained Merlot. The 2020 has a lot of energy and seems to have a great future once it has developed properly. I really admire the vibrancy of this wine. The 2020 matured for 18 months in 100% French oak, 5% of the wine was aged in amphorae." Wine Advocate

"The nose is reminiscent of a private library with old books on the shelves, dried lavender and violets on the desk and rays of sunshine and humid air from outside streaming through the curtains, held in check by a smoky warmth from the fireplace. The palate unfolds with an abundance of berries, chocolate and spice, with a salty astringency in the background. Tannins and acidity that are quiet at first, but then flare up." Wine Enthusiast

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 oenologist Michel 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.

Lodovico from the rather "plump" and very balanced year 2015 in Western Tuscany immediately inspires in the glass with its rich, deeply saturated colour and the bouquet of dark plums, cedar wood, white smoke and vanilla. Compact and clear on the palate, the multi-layered aromas of black berries only gradually reveal themselves, but at no point do they seem overloaded. On the contrary: the balanced, bright acidity and the perfectly woven tannin keep the vintage-related opulence well in check and ensure that the DNA of this famous exceptional red wine is not only preserved but especially accentuated. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a light garnet edge. Very incisive nose, of sour cherries, blackberries and plums, underpinned by fine spices. Dense and gripping on the palate, firm tannin built into lots of sweet melt, baroque richness, a firework of spice flavours." Falstaff

"The 2015 Lodovico is a wine of real character and personality. Espresso, mocha, blackberry, spice, leather, cedar and a host of Cabernet Franc-infused aromas and flavors race out of the glass. Deep and brooding in voice, the 2015 speaks with real authority. A hint of reduction is going to need time in bottle to dissipate." Vinous

"The spectacular 2015 Lodovico is shaping up to be wine of stratospheric intensity, depth and succulence. Lodovico is a six-hectare parcel found within the greater Bellaria vineyard (that makes the Biserno wine) at this important estate in Bibbona, Coastal Tuscany. The entire site is planted to Bordeaux grapes Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. This vintage delivers power and momentum that drives this wine smoothly over the palate. The bouquet is seamless with dark fruit tones that segue to spice, tar, smoke and cured leather." Wine Advocate

"This has a very deep and intense nose of dark plums, black pepper, charcuterie, vanilla, cedar, bark and dried nutmeg. Yet, there’s underlying freshness, thanks to hints of blueberries and fresh spices. Full-bodied and really plush, but framed in a fine coat of chewy tannins. Linear acidity throughout keeps it fresh and spicy." James Suckling

Rich, concentrated Bordeaux-style red with the unmistakable signature of top oenological consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. Multi-layered black fruit on the nose, plus rock, liquorice, camphor and graphite. Impressively supple on the palate, the fruit is always juicy and centred, wonderful and almost perfect in structure, polish, elegance and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, noble ruby red colour. Compact nose of rich cherries, black truffle, some pepper, then again plenty of rich berry fruit in the aftertaste, blackberry and cassis. Densely woven on the palate, with a beautiful melting texture and powerful tannins, opens up in many layers, with sparse stony components, radiant and powerful, lingers for a long time, magnificent." Falstaff

"The fresh, inviting nose is like carpaccio with a caprese-inspired garnish of cherry tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. The palate continues blending sanguine and umami notes above a latent sweetness, creating a wine that deliciously coats the mouth and then lingers there." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Giorgio Primo is a worth follow up to the stellar 2018. Dense, rich and explosive, the 2019 races across the palate with dark fruit, chocolate, leather, incense and spice. This sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon-based Panzano red has a ton to offer. The oak is a bit prominent; otherwise, the 2019 is nicely done." Vinous

"Extremely complex aromas of crushed currants, spices and sandalwood with some bark. Violets, too! Full-bodied with creamy, polished tannins and great intensity. Layered and beautiful. Better in 2024, but already beautiful to try." James Suckling

"Vintner Giampaolo Motta's inspiration is the great wines of Bordeaux, and his vision has never changed despite many passing trends. But perhaps his most important choice as a winemaker (born outside of Tuscany) is his firm commitment to Panzano in Chianti as the ideal home for the French grapes he cultivates. This is an etched and polished wine with dark fruit, spice, graphite and pencil shavings. The tannins are beautifully managed, and the wine is long and complex." Wine Advocate

Mazzei's top wine Siepi is not only an outstanding Tuscan wine every year, but also a 6-hectare vineyard in the middle of dense oak forests with an ideal altitude and a unique climate. The sunshine is optimal throughout the day and a constant breeze from the west prevents excessive heat and creates a mild, Mediterranean climate. The oak forests also provide an ideal protective barrier against extreme weather conditions. Rocky soils of marl, limestone and clay from the Pliocene period ensure a special balance of elements in this geological complex.

Siepi's greatest strength every year is its pronounced sense of integration and harmony, and this excellent 2021 vintage is no exception. The bouquet is fresh and lively with lots of wild cherry, spices, wild rose, lilac and lavender. On the palate, it delights with soft fruit and delicate spice and shows an increasingly fluid personality in the glass, gradually revealing a beautiful sequence of background flavours. The 2021 edition is already very elegant, even polished, but Siepi connoisseurs know that it will need at least five more years of careful bottle ageing before this monumental red begins to show its true greatness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Massive, viscous colour. The Siepi 2021 has a youthful aroma of fine, fresh wood, offensive and brash, with fleshy intensity and limited depth. Its actual flavour has not yet really come through. It is rich and melting, round and lush, sweet and wood-accentuated in the mouth. It is less dense in its core flavours and lives more from its melting, lively flow, which asserts itself clearly and straightforwardly." Weinwisser

"A formidable wine with an appealing bouquet of black cherry and vanilla flavours; powerful in the mouth with a lot of density and fullness, but also very nice, tightly woven tannins and invigorating acidity, with an incredibly long finish." Vinum

"Rich, deep dark ruby violet colour. Compact and dense nose, showing notes of redcurrant, blackberry, ripe cherry, fresh herbal notes in the background. Lots of polished, very well-integrated tannins on the palate, smooth and long finish, juicy and fine melting." Falstaff

"The nose is savory, warm and tangy, with aromas of hot tar, balsamic glaze, espresso, dried figs and blackberries. On the palate, black cherries and dark chocolate enhance that rich blackberry note, while undertones of bitter citrus pith provide balance. Tannins are polished, but grippy, especially as heat creeps up on the finish. This remains a benchmark for its elegance, but also for the sheer pleasure it delivers." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Siepi opens with sweet fruit flavours of cooked cherry, blackberry jam, cinnamon and nutmeg. This full-bodied wine is supple and very smooth in the mouthfeel, and its flavour profile is rich and all-encompassing. This wine is balanced and seamless, and the 2021 vintage is certainly one of the best editions of Siepi we've seen to date." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Siepi is impressive. Blue/purple fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and mocha are beautifully balanced. This lush, juicy blend of Sangiovese and Merlot is, as so often, a real charmer. The 2021 is exceptionally elegant and polished, certainly one of the best editions of recent times. Nevertheless, I feel that the Siepi would benefit from longer ageing in wood or in glass, as it is coming to market too early for a wine of its size and potential." Vinous

"Intense blackcurrant on the nose, baked and ripe, so expressive and inviting with little hints of liquorice and tar. Supple, generous, juicy and bright, this 50/50 Sangiovese Merlot is so well crafted and harmonious - rich, broad and full in the mouth, it runs with life and energy and such underlying vigour. You can feel the intensity and sculpting that is evident here. This wine is no wallflower, but it's so neat and beautifully presented. I love the tannins, massive but controlled and a perfect counterpart to the fresh and ripe red and black fruits with black pepper, tar, tobacco and bitter orange as well as soft floral notes. The brightness is a great match for the depth and complexity delivered by a nuanced glass of wine that has so much to say. I love the tannins and the sense of direction and confidence. It's still in its brooding, flashy, youthful phase with plenty of warmth and spice, but it's a beauty." Decanter

"An opulent yet exciting young red wine with the character of blackberries, violets and black olive skin. Full-bodied. But with so much energy and focus. Lasts for minutes. Best opened after 2028." James Suckling

As every year, the secret star of the house gives the Dominator in Dal-Forno style. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with marmalade-like aromas of red and dark fruits, alongside which spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate echo. At the same time, the youthful, stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A compact, focused red, this presents pretty violet, medicinal herb and anise notes on the nose as it slowly expands -- flavors that are more subdued at first on the palate. This is supported by dense, plushly textured tannins, flavors of mulled cherry, dark chocolate and amaro, loamy earth and smoke that are slowly revealed, gaining momentum and lingering on the long finish. Give this some air or time in the glass to allow it to shine brightest." Wine Spectator

"Pungent nose of violets, Amarena cherries, dried figs and slightly charred oak. With air, some toffee notes and pressed flowers emerge. Not so much full-bodied as full-bodied, with silky, fine and polished tannins. Still very young and powerful at the moment. Shows exceptional quality. To be tasted from 2024." James Suckling

"The 2017 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta reminds me of all the desserts, spices and sweets you experience at Christmas. A range of medicinal cherries, plum sauce, ginger biscuits, cloves, cinnamon and dried roses are captivating. The wine has enormous depth, but at the same time it has fantastic freshness. The brilliant acidity gives it an energy rarely found in Valpolicella, enlivening the crisp red fruits and pretty flowers within. The 2017 finishes dramatically long and perfumed, with sour blackberries, currants and a bitter hint of cocoa. It far exceeds expectations for a Valpolicella, with the power and flavours of an Amarone, but with a vibrancy that allows it to hold its own at the dinner table." Vinous

The grapes for the "Suolo" Brunello selection come from the vineyard of the same name and from the estate's oldest vines. They are 65 years old and lie at an altitude of 320 metres on soils of clay-limestone marl rich in skeletons and fossils. It is the ideal terroir to fully express the character of the old Sangiovese Grosso clones and gives the wine an acidic, spicy profile. Only part of the vineyard parcels are used for this label. Long ageing in 15-hectolitre Allier oak barrels and a resting period in the bottle complete it and prepare it for the market and the challenge of time. Around 5,000 bottles are bottled only in the best vintages.

The name "Vineyard of the Soil" says it all: opens with warm, earthy notes, the fruit emerges in a second wave with dried raspberries, cassis and dried cherries. The theme of earthiness runs through the entire experience and is also evoked by the powdery dryness of the tannins. There are many flavours lurking in this textured, full-bodied Brunello, including orange, mint and a hint of salty sea air. A very special and highly elegant wine that certainly needs some time in the bottle to gain depth and volume. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby-garnet colour with a brightening rim. Charming and inviting nose of fresh wild raspberries and ripe cherries, along with pomegranate and tobacco. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, again cherry and raspberry, then opens up with lots of fine-meshed, present tannins, very good tension and a long finish." Falstaff

"This wine will really come into its own with the 2019 vintage. Intoxicatingly fragrant, it offers notes of mint, fennel and tarragon infusing dark cherry and plum. Not big, but lush and expansive, a sense of baked stone underpins the deliciously tart sour cherry centre. Silky, suede-like tannins are graceful in their draw, while the acidity cleanses the mouth and is crisp. An explosion of apricot pits and juicy minerals prolong the finish." Decanter

"The dark Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo 2019 exudes a hint of cocoa, violet pastille and sweet sage, which complements redcurrants. Like pure velvet, the Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo slowly spreads across the palate, weighty and youthfully dense, with an abundance of mineral, dark red fruits that swirl over a steadily building wall of fine tannins. The 2019 finishes with enormous length and structure and shows fantastic balance. A hint of residual acidity refreshes the senses and balsamic herbs slowly fade away. This is a Vigna del Suolo that is made to last." Vinous

"The Argiano 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo has an elegant, ever-changing bouquet of black fruits and a pronounced mineral signature of dusty slate and gravel. This site with 63-year-old vines is located on the picturesque cypress-lined gravel road that leads to this imposing castello (one of the greatest architectural works of Italian wine). The bouquet unfolds with tobacco leaves, lime leaves, balsamic herbs, exotic spices and a particularly fresh berry fruit that is on the verge of over-ripeness. The fruit tastes sweet, but in a delicate way, and the tannins are elegant with a dryness that is not exaggerated. This is a very nice wine." Wine Advocate

"Plenty of dark fruit flavours of black cherries, blackberries and dried herbs, followed by dried meat and sweetish tobacco notes. Medium-bodied with crisp, fine-grained tannins and strong acidity. Very precise and dense, yet beautifully balanced and savoury. Great ageing potential." James Suckling

"Aromas and flavours of iron, minerals and wild herbs frame the cherry and raspberry fruit in this lean, racy red wine, which is harmonious and full of energy, with a long aftertaste defined by the firm structure and strong acidity, as well as flint and stone elements. This is something special." Wine Spectator

"On the nose precision and extreme cleanliness, hints of wild strawberry and yellow raspberry. With the oxygenation, the tension and the balsamicmentholated part emerge, with a finish wild and of graphite. In the mouth elegance and tension, extremely fine tannins with hints of blood orange and pomegranate. Closure of eucalyptus, extraordinary drinkability." Luca Gardini

The grapes for the "Suolo" Brunello selection come from the vineyard of the same name and from the estate's oldest vines. They lie at an altitude of 320 metres on soils of clay-limestone marl rich in skeletons and fossils. It is the ideal terroir to fully express the character of the old Sangiovese Grosso clones and gives the wine an acidic, spicy profile. Only part of the vineyard parcels are used for this label. Long ageing in 15-hectolitre Allier oak barrels and a resting period in the bottle complete it and prepare it for the market and the challenge of time. Around 5,000 bottles are bottled only in the best vintages.

The wine announces itself with a deep ruby red colour and opens with a seductive bouquet in which ripe cherries and small fruits give way to more complex notes of tobacco, flowers and undergrowth, before fading into spice and citrus peel. The palate is broad, deep and crisp, supported by a rich acidic framework that carries intact fruit and tannins of spectacular finesse. Rich but not too dense, it is assertive, profound and elegant, with an exceptional vitality that promises glorious ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour with a delicately brightening rim. Expressive and clear on the nose of fresh wild strawberries, mint, precious wood, dried tomato, underpinned by light spice and maquis. On the palate with a polished entry and progression, builds up fleshy and juicy, with elegant pressure, profound and elegant, in the final on noble earthy notes, will mature excellently." Falstaff

"The Argiano 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo (5,000 bottles) shows good fruit richness with cherry, dried raspberry and plum. The tannins are silky and fine, and the wine envelops the palate with a medium-weight texture and balanced freshness." Wine Advocate

"Argiano is back on track with this 2018 Brunello at an excellent price. Packed with flavour, it shows the vintage well: while the colour is scarce - pale garnet - the aromas are vibrant and enticing with spiced cherry and Mediterranean flowers bursting from the glass. It is medium-bodied and fluid, revealing the warm southern exposure of the vineyards. The tannins are fine and layered, with a chalky texture. Although the winery has released its Vigna del Suolo selection, there will be no Riserva bottling for 2018." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo is seductive and understated in the glass, showing musky blackcurrant flavours accompanied by hints of sage and clove. It is graceful and refined, yet enveloping, with bright acidity enlivening the red plums and ripe strawberries, while a hint of balsamic spice resonates. The 2018 finishes with grippy tension as the fine tannins penetrate deeply, leaving notes of dried cherry and lavender that slowly fade away. The Vigna del Suolo will need patience to fully unfold and develop its flavours. But it will be worth the wait. This is a beauty." Decanter

"A very fine and polished Brunello with fine, creamy tannins that are polished and very curated. Character of cherry and bark. Medium to full body with ripe tannins. Juicy. Orange peel flavours. Try it after 2025, but it's delicious now." James Suckling

"This supple, clean-lined red grabs your attention with a beam of cherry and blackcurrant flavours, while lacy tannins line the finish. It shows flavours of earth, menthol, white pepper and juicy red berries that are expressive and delicious. Super long finish." Wine Spectator

"An essential part of Ilcine history, a wine that is the result of Bernardino Sani's great zoning work. Multi-faceted on the nose, with notes of wild plum, pepper leaf and star anise. Exciting and flavoursome on the palate, with a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"A sweet, floral nose welcomes you with a warm embrace of vanilla and cherry before an earthy savoriness surprises you with notes of soil, leather, sun-dried tomato and oregano. The tomatoes sweeten on the palate joined by cherries and chili heat before a saline finish. A wine that defines itself with fruit so alive you could take its pulse, and contoured, seductive tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Giacomo Neri's rather new top Brunello was born with the purchase of a very special vineyard. True to the winery's philosophy of producing wines only from the best terroirs around Montalcino, a small 7-hectare parcel with over 45-year-old vines was acquired a few years ago. This was preceded by over 40 years of friendship with the previous owners, with whom Giacomo's father Giovanni Neri planted the vines and nurtured them over the past decades.

Brunello Giovanni Neri exudes all the outstanding qualities of the raw material and the winemaker's craft. Man and nature unite here in perfect precision and harmony. Its balance is exquisite. Strong cherry and blackberry notes are followed by crushed minerals, liquorice, smoke and slightly fragrant cedar wood notes. The wine spreads evenly and powerfully on the palate, and its flavour intensity can be counted on for many minutes. Giovanni Neri Brunello is wonderfully concentrated and rich, but never too heavy or even too dense. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Presents itself with a memorable nose, lots of crisp fruit, blood orange and cherry, some lemon balm. On the palate, fine-meshed tannins that spread out in many layers, builds up over a long time, with very well-developed fruit and a very long finish with full-bodied pressure." Falstaff

"This ripe red wine is bursting with aromas and flavours of plums, cherries, rosehips and minerals, while a light tannin content and lively acidity provide lift. Balanced, pure and long, with a ray of cherry that lingers in the long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Giovanni Neri showcases a seductive blend of dried cherry, clove, incense, cedar spice box and hints of rosemary in its dramatic bouquet. This possesses a lovely inner sweetness and vividly ripe red and blue fruits. Tactile mineral tones add tension and saturated, edgy tannins settle in toward the close. Classically structured and incredibly long, it leaves the palate reeling. The 2019 is youthfully poised and structured yet remains fresh as rosy inner florals slowly fade." Vinous

"Wow, this wine steals the show. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Giovanni Neri is a new addition to the Casanova di Neri portfolio in its second year of existence. It is a tribute to Giacomo Neri's father and represents a stylistic shift to the elegant side of Montalcino. The wine shows a very nuanced bouquet with roasted cherry stones, Luxardo syrup and balsamic herbs. Dark slate and stony minerals merge into a very clean and beautiful earthiness. The tannins are slightly sweeter compared to other wines of this vintage, and there are fragrant tones of old rose and lilac. The balance between tannin and fruit is excellent and I can imagine that this wine will age for a long time." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of cherries, flowers and cedar are followed by a full body with plenty of pure and juicy fruit character. Creamy and savoury with an aftertaste of crushed beans and cherries. The Brunello of today is characterised by purity and perfection of the fruit. The best of an outstanding vintage." James Suckling

"A Brunello of tension and balance, a stylistic masterpiece. The nose is multi-faceted, with hints of blackberry, then blood orange and mint. A balsamic, full, dense and compact bouquet with hints of geranium and clementine peel. The flavour combines elegance and texture, with a return of laurel and a strong salty note on the finish." Luca Gardini

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 farmer's market, including pips, 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

As always, Madonna delle Grazie presents itself in a highly aristocratic manner, with a radiance and perfection that is unparalleled. When this wine enters the glass, there is simply silence in the room. After a few minutes of aeration, its bouquet exudes probably the purest and most purist form of Sangiovese, combined with numerous hints of grenadine, cassis, jasmine and a mysterious, exotic note. Perfectly structured on the palate, everything is in its place and you can almost taste that the grape material was perfect and hand-picked. With each sip, it becomes more complete and, in addition, reveals - wonderfully fine and subtly layered - ever new taste experiences that will continue to increase in smoothness and complexity as the wine matures in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is already an outstanding, very clearly marked, vital Brunello on the nose: delicately balsamic-fresh scent with notes of red and blue berries, in which a bright, juicy raspberry fruit unites with the blue-fruity and floral notes to form a multi-faceted aroma. On the palate, it has a wonderfully juicy and fresh Sangiovese fruit with many cherry shades that marry with the crisp and fresh wild berry fruit. In general, it seems grippy and gripping, as the precise fruit is firmly embraced by the dense, but never dry tannin. The final is wonderfully red berry with the typical "sapid" Sangiovese spiciness and freshness, plus ethereal, salty notes. A great wine in a challenging year. Bravo! An example of how the higher, north to north-eastern sites clearly benefited." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby garnet. Fragrant and inviting nose, full of raspberries, blackberries and fresh plums, very clear. Also shows rich fruit on the palate, lots of raspberry and dark cherry, then opens with dense, grippy tannin, spicy and salty in the finish." Falstaff

"The historic vineyard of Alessandro Mori in his most iconic bottle. Blackberries on the nose, touches of marjoram, caper fruits and a finish with notes of star anise. The mouthfeel is juicy, with nice density, iodized tannins and a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"This single-vineyard selection is breathtakingly enticing. Autumnal in persona, it conveys wet leaves, smoke and very subtle spice as aromas float from the glass. You feel the warmth in the dried violet and baked brick notes but otherwise it is fresh cherries and red currants that fill the mouth. As elegantly structured as it is eloquent, long lean tannins stretch across the palate of this enigmatically seductive Brunello, finishing with a touch of paprika." Decanter

"The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie lights up the senses from the very first moment. Its aromatics alone are worth the price of entry; an exotic, spicy bouquet blends lavender, blood orange and tart raspberries with mentholated herbs, smoke and crushed stone. The textures are unbelievably soft, like liquid velvet, enveloping with mineral-tinged ripe cherries and sweet, sweet spice. This is so pretty and expressive, yet also juicy and fresh. Fine tannins mount, though they are only noticeable through the finale, where saline-minerals mix with sour citrus and autumnal spice in an expression that just goes on and on. The 2017 transcends the vintage, and while it may not possess the power typical of Madonna delle Grazie, it instead communicates its undeniable beauty and grace. I tasted the 2017 both in Montalcino, at the winery, and in our office, where it only got better over the three days I followed it. It's a total classic." Vinous

"This is one of the icon wines of the appellation. The Il Marroneto 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie shows an elegantly streamlined appearance with shiny ruby highlights. This warm-vintage expression does not have the same vertical lift that we saw in the glorious 2016 edition, but that wine sets the bar very high (and it earned a 100-point score). This vintage is perhaps shapelier and more saturated with rose, wild cherry, peat moss and blood orange. The house style embraces extreme finesse, and you get that here. Alessandro Mori has also expertly managed the tannins, with results that appear silky and almost glossy. Thanks to elevation and soils, this cool growing site north of Montalcino village performs very nicely in the hot vintages such as this." Wine Advocate