VINOUS

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

And the 2018 vintage is now the premiere for a wine that radiates all the outstanding qualities of the source material and the winemaker's craft. Man and nature unite here in perfect precision and harmony. Its balance is exquisite. Powerful cherry and blackberry notes are followed by crushed minerals, liquorice, smoke and lightly scented cedar. The wine spreads evenly and powerfully across the palate, and its flavour intensity can be counted on for many long minutes. Giovanni Neri Brunello is wonderfully concentrated and rich, but never too heavy or dense. 2018 is the birth of a new Italian icon that will take us on an exciting journey in the years to come - patience and further bottle ageing will be princely rewarded here, we are sure! SUPERIORE.DE

"Casanova di Neri's latest Brunello comes from a 7 ha parcel acquired in 2017. The vineyard is located in the somewhat untamed area of Sesta, in the south-east of Montalcino, and has vines that are over 50 years old. The wine is extremely multi-faceted, exuding aromas of herbs and blood oranges. Velvety layers of fleshy persimmon and ample pliable tannins are countered by a citrusy acidity. There's a crisp pomegranate as well as chocolaty depths of exotic carob. Lots of drive and vibration here." Decanter

"I have waited a long time for the first release of Giovanni Neri Brunello di Montalcino, and the 2018 does not disappoint. Here I find a beguiling blend of lavender, white pepper and crushed stone giving way to dried black cherries and foreign spices. The palate is washed by a smooth wave of ripe red berries, carried by lively acidity, while nuances of sour citrus and clove resonate. The tannins are crisp, almost chiselled, but with a primary concentration that lingers under a hint of purple flowers, tapering off with tremendous length and structure for long and balanced ageing. The Giovanni Neri comes from 50-year-old vines from a vineyard acquired in the south-east of Montalcino. This is a fabulous first bottling." Vinous

"This red is finely woven, with cherry and blackcurrant fruits shadowed by floral, mineral and black pepper aromas and flavours. Smooth and fluid, with excellent balance and lively acidity driving the fruity aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Sparkling ruby-garnet with brightening rim. Very clear, ripe fruit, of blackberries, dark plums and black cherries, in the background slightly of molasses. Presents itself on the palate with lots of sweet fruit, very clear, opens with fine, slightly grippy tannin, polished, juicy and long." Falstaff

"Here is an exciting and important new addition to the Casanova di Neri portfolio. The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Giovanni Neri is shapely and enriched in an extremely pleasing way. The Neri family has perfected their approach to concentration and fruit weight over the many years they have been making excellent wines. This wine gives the impression of being full-bodied, but ultimately shows a very elegant side. Ripe cherry and blackberry are offset by oak spice, toast and white stones. The tannins are supple and sweet. 5,400 bottles of this first release were made." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful ripe fruit on the nose, with cranberries, plums, sour cherries, white truffle, red tea and white pepper. The tannins are very fine, creamy and expansive. Enveloping and generous, yet fresh. Wonderful length and depth. From a 7 hectare plot with 50 year old vines. Try this wine from 2025." James Suckling

"An impeccable interpretation, the result of excellent work both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Intense aromas of sour cherries and bay leaves on the nose, with salty and iodine notes on the finish. On the palate, it opens juicy and taut, then gains breadth and depth. Spicy tannins and a hint of hiel herbs characterise the long finish." Luca Gardini

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The single-varietal Merlot L'Apparita 2018 is outstanding - elegance, strength of character, a remarkably fine tannin and acid structure as well as the endlessly long persistence characterise this exceptional Merlot. An oenological rarity of Tuscany and not only therefore an object of desire every year. On the nose, a combination of fruity and spicy impressions, excellent fleshy taste, whose juicy, still quite concise tannin blends well with the warm body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby with a pronounced violet shimmer. Rich nose with notes of mulberries and black cherries, fine spicy components in the background. Shows a lot of dark fruit on the nose, then opens up with lots of tightly woven tannin in several layers, can quietly mature a bit more." Falstaff

"Black currant, black cherry, blueberry, wild herb and earth flavors are nicely displayed on the polished frame of this fluid and harmonious red, with dusty tannins lining the finish. More on the elegant side than powerful." Wine Spectator

"One of the rare instances where Merlot excels in Tuscany, this gorgeous wine opens with enticing aromas of dark-skinned berry, new leather, camphor and dark spice. Continuing where the nose left off, the elegant, delicious palate delivers cassis, ripe blackberry, licorice and crushed mint alongside the barest note of truffle. It's a world-class wine with breeding, extreme finesse and great depth. It's impeccably balanced, with a backbone of velvety tannins and fresh acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Hard dark-chocolate aromas with blackberries and blue fruit. Pure and gorgeous. Full-bodied with gorgeous, polished tannins that are intense and powerful, yet ever so precise and together. It’s so curated and real with a great finish. One of the best merlots from Ama in a long time." James Suckling

"The 2018 L'Apparita is a total stunner. Ama's 100% Merlot is usually a wine of bombastic intensity, but the 2018 marks a departure from that style, as it is all finesse and nuance. Blackberry jam, spice, menthol and lavender are some of the aromas and flavors that open in an Apparita that dazzles with its precision and nuance. Rain at the end of August pushed out harvest and gave Marco Pallanti the ideal conditions to craft this gorgeous wine." Vinous

"This wine has earned its spot in a world of pantheons that is grande vini Italiani. The Castello di Ama 2018 L'Apparita is one of the world's greatest Merlots, and this slightly cooler growing season delivers on all the promise and pedigree that we should expect of this collectors' favorite. L'Apparita opens to an inky dark and blackish appearance, and the bouquet slowly reveals black fruit, ripe cherry, dark spice, smoke and barbecue rub. The wine's texture and finish, which is so velvety and rich, so supple and soft, is what will ultimately win you over. Indeed, this wine excels especially in terms of the elegance and fullness of the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

An unrivalled powerhouse and at the same time of a unique beauty and finesse. Villero (only produced in the best vintages) is an overwhelming interpretation of the otherwise rather austere Nebbiolo grape, which here displays a kaleidoscope of life and vigour.

Dark leather, dried rose petals, then candied fruit and dried herbs play together with a subtle minerality to create a symphony concerto that is guaranteed to leave a lasting memory. The interplay of fruit density and structure is simply captivating. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of exotic red fruits, blood orange and floral nuances, together with a large amount of well-dosed tannin. All the elements that make up the great totality of the wine have been carefully delineated, nuanced and brought to a very elegant and beautiful common denominator. Meditation meets supreme pleasure! SUPERIORE.DE

"This wild and untamed Barolo demands attention, as the nose is dominated by tart redcurrants and fresh green herbs, while sour cherries and unripe raspberries hint at its untamed nature. On the palate, tart cranberries, wild strawberries and holly transport you to a wild forest, while the fine, well-integrated tannins provide a seamless structure." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barolo Riserva Villero 2016 is a dense, full-bodied wine. Black cherry, plum, liquorice, leather and incense contribute to an impression of brooding, virile intensity. We need to be patient, as the 2016 clearly needs time." Vinous

"Complex aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry, rose, wild herbs, stony mineral and autumn woods are the hallmarks of this elegant red, which is beginning to reveal all of its facets yet is still structured. Leaves a chalky feel of refined tannins on the long finish." Wine Spectator

Complex and multi-layered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. On the nose cedar, plum, red fruits, undergrowth and some rose scent. Balanced, spicy taste, the tannins firm and the finish precise and long. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years of bottle ageing, with a little patience it will transform into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, brightening ruby-garnet. Fragrant, finely marked nose, of raspberry, rose petals and ripe cherries, inviting. Polished, fine-meshed tannin characterises the wine on the palate, like a fine robe, salty, lots of ripe cherry, long final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Barbaresco from Gaja is magnificent. Bright and edgy, with fabulous balance, the 2019 captures all the best this difficult vintage had to offer. Gaja did not bottle any other Barbaresco crus, instead opting to use the best lots for this bottling. This decision has paid off in a 2019 that is bursting with excitement. The aromas alone are captivating. Bright acids add vibrancy to a core of beautifully pronounced Nebbiolo fruit." Vinous

"Aromas of iron, minerals, dark chocolate, wild strawberries, raw walnuts, orange peel and rotten roses. Medium to full-bodied, with supple and very chalky tannins. Lots of fruit on the palate with a fine, fresh and mineral finish. Pure and linear." James Suckling

"A complex red that reveals multi-dimensional aromas and flavours of rose, cherry, liquorice, minerals and spices. This is fused with a lively structure that gives a taut, almost racy profile at the moment. The wine combines power and grace and finishes on a long, floral and spicy aftertaste. Best from 2026 to 2045." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbaresco is striking and beautiful as a result, with tremendous depth and clarity. It is a generous wine with ample structure, plenty of lively acidity, sweet tannins and a bright core of primary fruit." Wine Advocate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Sparkling, intense ruby red. Very intense and complex nose, of violets, rose petals and sour cherry, also nice blackberry. Juicy in attack and course, opens with precise, very well placed tannin, long and deep, still has a long life ahead of it." Falstaff

"All about elegance, this fragrant red opens with aromas of cedar, dark spice, coffee bean and blue flower. Linear and polished, the palate is still rather youthfully austere, featuring juicy black cherry, cassis and licorice framed in fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"A very polished and refined bottle with creamy, velvety tannins that are poised and fine. Medium-bodied with a lovely center palate and a flavorful finish. Try after 2022 and onwards." James Suckling

"This is packed with succulent blackberry, black cherry, plum, tar, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, aligned with a base of burly tannins. Fresh and vigorous, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and wild herbs." Wine Spectator

"The Castello di Ama 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto la Casuccia offers ample volume and fruit weight, but it holds back slightly on the mid-palate. The 2018 vintage tends to deliver all of its brooding intensity up front, leaving you with plenty of black fruit, spice and tobacco to fuel a long finish." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is fabulous. A heady, opulent wine, the 2018 possesses tremendous energy to match its explosive personality. The plush fruit and soft, silky curves are pure Casuccia. The 2018 needs at least a handful of years in bottle, as it is a wine that only truly blossoms with time." Vinous

If there is one thing that Giacomo Neri has mastered 100%, it is harvesting at the optimal time of ripeness. He knows his property and his vines better than most and it shows.

The fruit of the 2018 vintage is deep and dark, with high levels of extract, intensity and flavour. It goes far beyond the standard cherry and blackberry to include plum cake, spice bread and bacon-wrapped plum. Nothing about this wine is obvious or monochromatic, everything is nuanced and ethereal. Tenuta Nuova also regularly features the mineral-salty notes that are characteristic of this single vineyard. Very supple tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"From the Cetine vineyard, located southeast of Sant'Angelo in Colle, comes this bottling of Tenuta Nuova with Mediterranean flair and sensual appeal. A relatively early harvest16 September has preserved the freshness of the grapes. Under a woody top note, lavender and balsamic herbs emerge. The ripe red cherries, infused with cinnamon and wrapped in supple tannins, show great concentration. A juicy, tangy acidity supports the whole. The supple and refined wood should digest with another year in bottle." Decanter

"Bright and focused, offering cherry, raspberry, rose hip, mushroom, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Pure and expressive, with fine harmony, an elegant frame and a lingering aftertaste. Gains support from a firm structure." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is spicy and intense, exuding a wild blend of sweet herbs, cloves, dried citrus peel and crushed red plums. It is dark, elegant and refined, with polished red and black fruits highlighted by hints of lavender and mint; yet underneath, a web of fine tannins slowly saturates the palate. Hints of cranberry and tangerine mingle with lavender on the long and textured final, and the 2018 ends wonderfully balanced and classic. With more maturity, it could earn an even higher score." Vinous

"Powerful, sparkling ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Opens on the nose with notes of wild raspberry and black cherry, along with fine spicy components, violets in the background. Substantial and dense in attack and course, shows very great, compact tannin in many layers, full bite in the final, ends on notes of cloves." Falstaff

"Here is a treat from Casanova di Neri. The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is full-bodied and rich with beautiful layers of dark fruits, dried blackberries, spices and smoked tobacco. The sour cherry of this vintage transitions into crushed flowers, balsamic herbs, liquorice and crushed stone. The bouquet is classic, but the magic of Casanova di Neri emerges thanks to the wine's balance and beautiful intensity." Wine Advocate

"Elegant and perfumed nose of dried roses, violets, lemon peel, slate, cherries, anise and truffle. Very fine, tight and precise tannins. Medium to full body. I like the floral and saline undertones. So precise and fresh with a dense finish. Crushed stones on the finish. Try it in 2025, but it is already attractive to taste and drink." James Suckling

"Southeastern area of Montalcino. From an innovative wine project, a refined and taut Brunello, one of the symbols of this typology now. Vertical on the nose, with notes of redcurrant, wild mint and chinotto, with hints of peony and blood orange. Crisp-tight drinkability, with saline tannins. Finishes fruity and citrusy again." Luca Gardini

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The vines for Masseto are on a 6.63 hectare vineyard site belonging to Tenuta dell'Ornellaia. Located at an altitude of 120m, the soil consists of sand, gravel and clay. It ensures that the precipitation does not seep through but is stored. Bolgheri often suffers from drought in summer. Masseto 2015 wanders impressively between power and elegance. It presents a balance and just the right amount of integration to promise a long and healthy future. It is densely woven, has a beautiful texture and creaminess that makes it sheerly seductive. Aromas of dark cherries and spices that are superbly in harmony. A rich Merlot, downright lush - without ever seeming wasteful. SUPERIORE.DE

"There are not many purely varietal Merlots of this class in the world, although it should not be forgotten that the Masseto is characterised by a Mediterranean climate. It is softer, juicier, sweeter than the wines from Pomerol, which grow in the Atlantic-continental climate and have a different style. The 2015 could go down in the annals of Masseto: a dark, crazy complex wine, still in barrel and masked by toasty, toasty notes. The summer of 2015 was dry and hot, while September was cool, so this Masseto has a great tension and a vibrant freshness. A very balanced wine with masses of sweet, concentrated tannin that has melded perfectly. 'Future legendary vintage' says Axel Heinz. He might be right." Dr Jens Priewe (weinkenner.de)

"Darkly spicy, extremely complex and interwoven with ethereal, toasty notes, it expresses this often encountered, typically mysterious and "dark side" of Masseto. In the mouth, it is multi-faceted and of finesse-rich elegance, with a silky, almost chocolate-like tannin structure on the one hand and its vital, almost energetic freshness on the other. A wine that already scores with great balance and amazing grip and gives the experienced taster a first glimpse into its wide-stretched ramifications. For this, I give the very rarely awarded maximum score in the sense of a potential score of 99-100." Weinwisser

"Shiny, rich ruby with violet glints. Very appealing, almost plump nose, full of ripe blackberries, some blueberries, plus nuances of dark chocolate, fine cedar wood. Gripping and full-bodied on the palate, lots of rich, densely meshed tannin, unfolds in fine layers, lots of ripe berry fruit, plus fine spicy components, salty and with great tension, a dream wine!" Falstaff

"Celebrated as one of Masseto's best vintages, warm and rich yet balanced, the 2015 does not disappoint. Dark crimson in the glass, it packs a punch with clove, face powder, a minty character and plummy fruit. The palate is stylish with graphite minerality, chocolate and sweet tobacco finely knitted with firm tannins of an outstanding weight on the mid-palate. A high-flying Masseto built to last." Decanter

"This red leads off with exquisite notes of vanilla and toast, framing black cherry, blackberry, cedar and iron flavors. Ripe and powerful, yet polished and silky, with dense tannins well-integrated into the structure. The fruit returns in the end, along with a licorice note. A superb young version, showing fine potential." Wine Spectator

"The 2015 Masseto is simply extraordinary. Soft, silky and seamless, the 2015 possesses remarkable balance and harmony from the very first taste. What surprises me most about the 2015 is how fresh and vibrant the flavors are. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, mint, and wild flowers are all beautifully lifted in this exquisitely perfumed, gracious Masseto. Despite the warm, drought conditions of the early summer, the 2015 is a wine of mid-weight structure, polish and restraint. In this tasting, it positively dazzles. I can't remember ever tasting a young Masseto with this much pure harmony. Other vintages have been super-impressive upon release. The 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2013 all come to mind. But the 2015 has a level of pure sensuality and allure none of those vintages had when young, with the possible exception of the 2004." VINOUS

"The aromas are profound here with a deep and vast character of black olives, cedar, chocolate and berries, as well as vanilla essence and light coffee. Flamboyant. Full-bodied, this powerful young Masseto is chewy, muscular and rich. Dusty tannins, yet wonderfully polished. A wine for the cellar." James Suckling

"The release of this wine comes at a very happy time for the Masseto brand. The stunning 2015 Masseto is hitting the market just as the final touches are being made to the new Masseto winery. I'm told that Masseto might one day see other wines made under that same roof, so we can't exclude a future enlargement of the Masseto portfolio. The Masseto vineyard now covers seven hectares (divided into three plots), and the vines range from 30 to 40 years old. The wine is absolutely teeming with sensorial spirit that is transmitted through the bounty of the bouquet and the solid tannins of the mouthfeel. Nothing about the wine goes unnoticed or unchecked. Its many working pieces fit together with precision like a well-oiled machine. The 2015 vintage is characterized by a level of sheer exuberance that also defined the 2004 and 2007 vintages. Yet, it also reveals similar power, directness and linearity that we saw in the 2010 vintage. The 2015 Masseto takes the best of all those past vintages and confines those qualities to this single, spectacular bottle." Wine Advocate

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

"Intense, compact nose with rich notes of blackberry and dark cherry, in the background fine spicy notes, cardamom and dried ginger. Juicy and intense in the attack and course, lots of cherry, some plum, fine-meshed, dense tannin in the final full pressure." Falstaff

"Camphor, dark spice, blue flower and a whiff of forest floor shape the alluring nose on this delicious red. Elegantly structured and all about finesse and flavor, the savory, focused palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, orange zest, licorice and cassis alongside taut, ultrarefined tannins. Made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera, it's beautifully balanced, with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A rich, intense red, displaying black cherry, blackberry, menthol, iron and graphite flavors, this is polished and expressive, yet with beefy tannins lining the chalky finish. All the components are there - this just needs time." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista comes roaring out the gate with intensity and power. This is a generous and exuberant wine with dark fruit, pressed blackberry, plenty of spice and great overall dimension. It's truly gorgeous, yet I might consider a slightly shorter drinking window for this full-bodied vintage." Wine Advocate

"This is a very deep and serious Chianti Classico with bark, dark-mushroom and blackberry aromas that follow through to a full body with very polished and integrated tannins that are long and classy. A sophisticated and glorious wine. Drink in 2024 and onwards, but already very pretty." James Suckling

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista marries Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, a combination that works so well. The Bellavista is a powerful, vertical wine endowed with explosive and tremendous energy. Like all the top wines, it needs the better part of a decade to show all it's got. Gravel, smoke, leather, licorice and scorched earth." Vinous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano 2015 is a huge, outstanding wine. Waves of vibrant, intensely fragrant fruit appear on the palate, supported by the firm, broad tannins of the plump, very rich vintage. Violets, spices, new leather and liquorice unfold in the glass, clean mineral notes frame an eruption of dark cherries, plums and camphor in a finish that fills the palate endlessly. Madonna 2015 is well on its way to becoming one of Vincenzo Abbruzzese's very great wines! SUPERIORE.DE

"There’s a mentholated freshness to the 2015 Madonna del Piano Riserva which draws you in, as a seductive display of crushed black cherries, cinnamon, sage and sweet white smoke holds your attention firm. It’s silky in feel yet far more lifted than expected, with wave after wave of tart wild berries and savory spices which drench the palate in concentrated fruit, as if you can feel the skins, pips and all. Just when you think that the 2015 will release you from its structured clenches, its coating of grippy tannins comes forward, and it remains throughout the tension-filled and purple-tinged finale. This will require many years of cellaring to reveal its charms, coming across as far more structured than most other Brunello Riservas from the vintage; yet there’s plenty of fruit to keep pace throughout the wine's evolution." Vinous

"The Valdicava 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is a lovely wine that finds nice balance between power and elegance. You get the character of the fruit with dried cherry, cassis and cranberry and delicate nuances of grilled herb, cola and blue flower. The bouquet also shows lots of balsam intensity with root beer and rosemary oil. These two sides of the wine reach equilibrium, and the only thing needed here is more cellar aging time. There is a point of youthful tannic astringency that needs to unwind and integrate." Wine Advocate

"Cherry, berry and wild herb flavors mark this linear red, which is pure and vibrant, with refined tannins and bright acidity underlying it all. The mineral-tinged finish is fresh and long, with fine harmony in the end." Wine Spectator

"Spectacular aromas of crushed fruit, plums, sous bois, porcini and black truffles. Decadent year, but fresh. Full-bodied, dense and linear on the palate, yet so much in balance and refined with incredible depth and consistency. The savory and juicy finish, with vivid acidity and fruit, is eye-opening. Greatest ever." James Suckling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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