Weinwisser

Deep, dark ruby red colour. Floral nose with lots of red, warm fruit and delicate herbal notes. Smooth and elegant on the palate with wonderful depth and complexity with notes of black cherry, herbs, violets, plums and a hint of tar and leather. Saffredi literally sneaks up on you until it fades into a very long and harmonious finish with an impressive presence and finesse. One of Italy's great wines, full of elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Still slightly closed. Very multi-faceted on the nose, despite the hot and dry vintage with cool accents, balsamic and herbal-spicy notes, liquorice and pencil lead, certain Bordeaux allure. Quite linear on the palate with a juicy, intense attack, still very youthful fruit, healthy, polished tannin structure, finely arranged and detailed, this will be another great Saffredi." Weinwisser

"Well structured and linear, this red frames a core of black currant and black cherry fruit with accents of toasty oak, sweet spices, tobacco and iron. Refined and harmonious, with the stuffing to develop over the next decade." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Saffredi shows a very ripe and rich interpretation of this iconic wine made by Elisabetta Geppetti and her family. The blend of fruit is the same, but 2020 actually has less oak use to allow the dark fruit to shine through. You'll find blackberries, fragrant roses, dried apricots, spices and sweet cinnamon. All in all, the wine offers immediate fruit and a vertical delivery of flavours." Wine Advocate

"A rich, juicy nose presents a handful of cherries and mulberries, along with slices of passion fruit, but a fresh spice keeps the sweetness in check. On the palate, dark chocolate adds depth to the wine, while tannins and acidity attack in tandem. Bold and confident - a precise wine." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Saffredi is compelling. Deep yet quite structured, the 2020 is unlike any other Saffredi I can recall tasting because of its balance of intense dark fruit and vertical structure. Plum, blackberry, pencil shavings, lavender and spice saturate the palate." Vinous

"Grand Cru from the coast made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Multi-faceted, dynamic nose with notes of blackcurrant, undergrowth, rosemary and liquorice; full-bodied structure with perfectly structured, tightly woven tannins, balanced by plenty of freshness, also mineral salinity, long and full of esprit." Vinum

"Impressive aromas of fresh herbs from the Tuscan coast, such as sage, mint, rosemary and thyme. Also blackcurrants. Full-bodied with fine, chewy tannins that have lovely length and texture. Racy and beautiful, with plenty of subtle and refined character. There is a little more Cabernet Sauvignon in this year, which adds class to the wine. Give this wine about three or four years of bottle age." James Suckling

"Bright ruby red colour. Initially a nose of freshly baked black bread, cranberries, fine earthy notes, a hint of dark chocolate, fragrant precious wood in the aftertaste. Juicy, clear, radiant, present on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, comes back continuously juicy, great length!" Falstaff

Piccolomini's single-vineyard Brunello Vigna di Pianrosso 2017 comes from a south-western site of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone at an altitude of about 300 metres. It is beautiful and delicate from the start and spontaneously impresses with its vitality, depth and balance. Compared to the basic Brunello, the wine matures for another year in oak barrels and you can feel the added spice on the nose. Rich spices, leather and tar are followed by dark fruits, plum, blackberry and cassis. The finish is graceful and silky, its length is impressive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripening, quite dark red; ripe fruit notes, dried figs, appealing; round approach, fullness, fruit ripeness, juicy, long, pleasant tartness, pleasing." Merum

"Seductive fruity nose with notes of wild flowers and spices, spiced up with notes of maquis and tobacco; polished on the palate, the tightly woven tannin and accentuated acidity in perfect balance, the finish exceedingly elegant and long as an oak. Superbly made and with potential." Vinum

"The CruWein has one more gear than the Annata. Multifaceted bouquet with wonderfully fresh ethereal notes, earthy hints as well as refined grilled aromas that remind us a little of red peppers, behind which leathery and herbaceous as well as floral nuances emerge, reminiscent of rose petals and violets. Finesse-rich palate with fresh, juicy fruit expression at the core, skilfully framed by fine polished tannin, wonderfully fresh and gripping, elegant style, with dark, ethereal spicy notes on the long final. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Brightening, sparkling garnet red. Opens with emphatically fragrant notes, of fresh dark cherries, some rosehip, fine rose petals, amazingly fresh notes. Round and supple on the attack, opens with beautifully ripened fruit notes, grippy tannin, very well placed." Falstaff

"A nuanced, delicate bouquet of dried strawberries, roses, hints of sweet spice and crushed rocks lifts up from the charming 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso. This is remarkably lifted, yet juicy and energetic, as ripe red berries and minerals cascade across the palate. It leaves a coating of violet-tinged florals, along with persistent raspberry and cherry tones. The tannin management here is absolutely stunning, as the Pianrosso finishes structured yet vividly fresh." Vinous

"This is a beautifully crafted and polished Brunello for this vintage, with full body and creamy, lightly chewy tannins. Dark berries, walnuts and cedar with dried-flower undertones. Needs time to soften, but very pretty. Drink after 2024." James Suckling

"The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso shows nice balance and elegance, and it definitely shows the deft hand of the winemaking team in what was not an easy vintage by any stretch. This pretty wine delivers lots of fresh cherry and wild rose, with ferrous earthy, licorice and grilled herb; I also get bay leaf and rosemary sprig. Like the annata 2017 Brunello produced by this estate, the single-vineyard Brunello Pianrosso is distinguished by a sweet cherry note that accompanies the wine from start to finish." Wine Advocate

The grapes for Testamatta are selected and sourced from the winery's 6 best vineyards: Vincigliata, Londa, Lamole, Montefili and Siena. Each vineyard, which is divided into plots, is harvested up to 8 times to ensure that all the grapes are harvested at the perfect point of ripeness. These five vineyards (up to 80 years old) are located in different areas of Tuscany: Lamole and Montefili in the heart of Chianti Classico at 600 and 400 metres above sea level, Vincigliata near Florence at 280 metres above sea level, Londa north of Florence towards the Rufina Valley and Siena, in the south of Tuscany, at 250 metres above sea level.

Dark red in colour with black edges and a bright red hue. The nose is perfumed and smells of rose petals, which fade into ripe red to dried cherries and redcurrants. This is accompanied by flavours of earth, light tobacco, black pepper, fresh herbs and spicy cedar wood. Seemingly weightless on the palate, it is then flooded with a mixture of red to dark cherry and redcurrant flavours, complemented by an appealing spiciness. The complexity is complemented by spicy cedar wood notes, forest floor and dried herbs. Testamatta is characterised by a beautiful freshness with muscular but finely drawn tannins that lead into a powerful yet refined finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"For the wines of Bibi Graetz, 2021 is one of the most convincing vintages to date. The Testamatta is once again a very independent, single-varietal Sangiovese with a light, delicate colour. Deep, very fragrant and seductive, the characterful bouquet then develops in a very clear manner. Juicy and transparent on the palate, long and profoundly multi-faceted, very harmonious and polished, it has a wiry, energetic acidity that gives it length and complexity. Its filigree structure is rich in finesse and expansive, slightly brittle, with a lot of Sangiovese character." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red colour with a sparkling core. Youthful and fresh on the nose, floral, violets and fresh cherries, light pepper spice and a vegetal touch. Juicy on the palate, with present acidity, plus clear fruit in the centre and a juicy finish." Falstaff

"Brilliant and only medium ruby red in colour. Restrained nose of red fruits with exotic spice notes and a hint of soya. Very fine, still very closed and very fresh. Fairly firm tannins, which are still a little bitter at the moment, but will undoubtedly develop with further ageing. Cranberries on the finish and very elegant, although still tannic at the moment." Jancis Robinson

"The 2021 Testamatta blossoms with an array of wild strawberry, rose petal and dusty sage, yet is very understated and refined. It is silky to the core, with an elegant wave of ripe red and blue fruits flowing over a stream of fresh acidity. The wine finishes with a palpable mineral note and a crisp concentration of wild berries, while a hint of liquorice fades amidst a gentle tannin. Bibi Graetz's ongoing pursuit of purity is on full display here." Vinous

"A pure, resonant red, with strawberry, cherry, rose, wild thyme, black pepper and mineral aromas and flavors. Though taut and linear now, this offers a center of ripe fruit, terrific balance and a long aftertaste of fruit, herb and mineral notes." Wine Spectator

"The nose starts light and sweet with aromas of vanilla and cedar before becoming richer with notes of cherries and candied oranges. On the palate, an undertone of fresh earth blossoms under a starry sky of cherries and strawberries. Silky tannins invite you to linger now, while lively acidity suggests you should come back for more fun in a few years." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Testamatta is a Sangiovese that comes from different vineyards with different cool microclimates. The ideal is to emphasise the transparency and fragility of the variety. The fruit from the Olmo vineyard plays a major role and "gives this wine a strong character", says Bibi. Testamatta offers fresh aromas of violets, roses, forest green and candied orange peel. Testamatta shows an earthy note that gives the wine a slightly more accessible personality. The tannins are easy to handle and oak ageing is kept to an elegant minimum. The vinification is as natural as possible. The beautiful results are classic and radiant." Wine Advocate

"Beautifully fragrant on the nose, delicately perfumed and inviting with subtle wildflower scents, red and black berries and sweet spices. Chalky and powdery tannins support the super bright acidity that gives this wine such a sharp, exciting and vibrant expression. The tannins are very fine but have a savoury note that maintains interest and allows the acidity and bright fruit flavours to shine through. Beautifully delineated and expressed, elegant, refined, utterly beguiling yet with layers of flavour and intensity and such a long finish. It is extremely drinkable, and that is quite an achievement at this young stage. Well crafted, balanced and pleasant with a hint of heat and spice on the finish. Really wonderful and totally charming." Decanter

"Fabulous aromas of strawberries, orange zest and orange blossom. So pure on the nose. Very perfumed. Medium-bodied with intense, linear tannins that have an ultra-fine texture. It is fresh and savoury, bright and concentrated. Mineral and crisp. The pH is 3.4, emphasising the strength of the acidity. Crisp. Salty. So delicious now, but it will age incredibly well." James Suckling

"Twenty years in the wine business is nothing, but for me it is twenty years of my life. A life entirely dedicated to wine as a means of expression, and with the current vintage I have finally achieved the finesse I have been looking for for so long. Elegance, that is the word that describes Testamatta 2019. The 20th anniversary of Testamatta is a real milestone, the pinnacle of quality that I have been looking for in my Sangiovese since the first vintage in 2000. Testamatta 2019 is perfectly balanced with deep layers that show incredible complexity."

With these words, Bibi Graetz presented the latest vintage of his Testamatta, the fulfilment of this creative winemaker's dream. Bibi decided twenty years ago to set out from Fiesole on an extraordinary journey into the world of Tuscan wine - with the intention of striving for excellence by assembling plots of great quality, even if they are far apart. A "crazy", innovative, fascinating journey that has grown year after year.

And Testamatta means what describes this Bibi Graetz best: a smiling, creative and passionate person. The wine tells of the purity, minerality and transparency of Sangiovese from old vines and speaks of stony soils and hillside vineyards.

The grapes for Testamatta are selected and sourced from the estate's 5 best vineyards: Vincigliata, Londa, Lamole, Montefili and Siena. Each vineyard, divided into plots, is harvested up to 8 times to ensure that all grapes are picked at the perfect time of ripeness. These five vineyards (up to 80 years old) are located in different areas of Tuscany: Lamole and Montefili in the heart of Chianti Classico at 600 and 400 metres above sea level, Vincigliata near Florence at 280 metres above sea level, Londa north of Florence towards the Rufina Valley and Siena, in the south of Tuscany, at 250 metres above sea level.

Dark red in colour with black edges and a bright red hue. The nose is perfumed, with scents of rose petals that transition into ripe red to dried cherries and red currants. This is joined by aromas of earth, light tobacco, black pepper, fresh herbs and spicy cedar. Seemingly weightless on the palate, it is then flooded with a mix of red to dark cherry and redcurrant flavours, complemented by an appealing spiciness. The complexity is complemented by spicy cedar notes, forest floor and dried herbs. Testamatta 2019 is characterised by a lovely freshness with muscular but finely drawn tannins leading into a powerful yet refined finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 20 on the label tells of the 2019 anniversary vintage for Bibi Graetz. The Testamatta consists of pure Sangiovese and has a super delicate colour. Delicate, delicate and super light, it presents itself on the nose, very fragrant and floral, with fine, spicy notes of tobacco and herbal sweets. In the bulbous Hermitage glass of the Veritas series, it smells much fresher than in a Bordeaux goblet, a little tomato sauce and broth in the background. Superfine and fragrant, it opens with Pinot-like delicacy in the mouth. Very charming and delicate, juicy and ripe, with excellent balance. The tannins are slenderly arranged and slightly rough. Complex, idiosyncratic Sangiovese that is clearly leaner than a Chianti Classico Riserva or a Brunello di Montalcino." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby, luminous. Intense and appealing nose with lots of ripe plums, black cherry, plus some porcini mushrooms and dark olive paste. Powerful on the palate, crisp, precise fruit, juicy, lots of fine-grained tannin, long finish." Falstaff

"Smooth and sophisticated with polished tannin and a lovely seam of pure aromatics - sour cherry, subtle tobacco, and straw." Decanter

"A pure expression of Sangiovese, the Bibi Graetz 2019 Testamatta is a wine in constant evolution. Bibi has added 17 more hectares of vineyard to the program, with 12 hectares in Fiesole (north of Florence) and 5 hectares in San Donato in Colle (south of Florence) with 70-year-old vines. The base of the wine sees fruit from old vines planted in the 1950s in the cool-climate Lamole subzone of Chianti Classico. These new terroirs bring a lot more aromatic nuance and complexity to the wine with perfumed blue flower, candied orange peel, wet earth and plumy black fruit. White Alberese soils add a strong chalky mineral signature to the finish of this elegantly streamlined and linear Tuscan red." Wine Advocate

"Yet another fine year, however some wines in 2019 - although not Testamatta - lacked a little concentration. Relatively light in colour, it's at the other end of the density scale to the wines of the early 2000s. There are piquant raspberry and redcurrant aromas and both the nose and palate show admirable delicacy and restraint. Very elegant and pure, its fine acidity gives excellent length and ageing potential." Decanter

"Very attractive combination of dried fruit and spices with black cherries and plums. Aromas of flowers and sandalwood, too. Full-bodied and very refined, yet intense, with plush, velvety tannins that are wonderfully integrated and intertwined with the fruit. Ripe center palate. Tight at the end, suggesting the need for some serious bottle age. Very structured. Try after 2025." James Suckling

Vintage 2018 marks Vietti's exciting Barolo debut from one of Piedmont's most famous vineyards, characterised by exuberant aromas and bright, red-tinged fruit. The bouquet is enormously opulent with ripe fruit aromas ranging from wild cherry to red currant. This is joined by original tones of jam, plum and a hint of ragout. The palate is nuanced and very deep, with enormous complexity, volume and character. Vietti's Cerequio is stunning right off the bat! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Vietti winery is a newcomer to this prestigious MGA: multi-layered aromatics of red fruits, flowers, wood spice; the approach is polished, possesses precise acidity and pithy tannin, intense fresh fruit finish. Pleases with its elegant style." Vinum

"Wonderfully fruit-presence of cassis and blood oranges, fresh tea leaves, roses and moss; highly refined velvety substance, casually taut draw, mineral notes, lively and playful with great length and fine fruity finish, great class. Vietti's new site is one of the best of the vintage!" Weinwisser

"Shiny, rich ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Compact and appealing nose, full of ripe plums, some blackberry, plus lots of white truffle. Shows fine melting on the palate, opens with grippy, present tannin in fine layers, juicy and salty on the final." Falstaff

"Aromas of raspberries and citrus transition to a medium-bodied palate with very fine tannins and a slightly firm finish. Quite a lightweight, but nicely balanced." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo Cerequio is a new wine in this range. The Cerequio is characterised by its exuberant aromas and bright, red-tinged fruit. Nuanced and deep, with tremendous complexity and lots of character, the Cerequio is stunning. This is everything a great Barolo from Cerequio should be. In other words, textbook. More than that, it is one of the best wines of this very inconsistent vintage." Vinous

"Here is an exciting new submission from Vietti. The 2018 Barolo Cerequio is beautiful, with a broad and rich bouquet that paints a panoramic vision of this MGA spanning the villages of La Morra and Barolo. Despite this broad vision, this wine also stands out for its subtle aromas of wild cherry, gravel and black liquorice. Cerequio is a wine of great breadth and depth. Taut tannins help to bring it together into a comprehensive whole. Only 4,925 bottles of this first release were made. Congratulations." Wine Advocate

"From a small parcel in the classic cru of the commune of Barolo, about 35 years old plants. The aroma has a nice intensity, notes of red cherries, then undergrowth, eucalyptus and a nice finish. On the palate, balsamic and juniper notes, spicy tannins and great persistence." Luca Gardini

"This is one of the 50 wines that have changed Italian wine culture." Gambero Rosso

Siepi 2020 impresses even at a young age with its volume, fruit and richness. It is made from equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese and both grapes bring their best qualities to the blend. The Sangiovese grape shows a distinct personality with localised notes of small berries and spices and also offers a wonderfully fresh acidity. Merlot plays a strong role in the background, adding softness, fullness and richness. Siepi is an intense, powerful wine that has a terrificarc of tension, ranging from its highly attractive extract sweetness to polished tannins in a fresh, savoury finish with an interesting salty note. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Siepi 2020 consists of half Sangiovese and half Merlot. The former is matured in large wooden barrels, the latter in 70% new barriques. On the nose, the Siepi has a very finely honed and clear Sangiovese fruit, with a purist face and excellent depth. In the mouth, too, the Merlot appears to have little aromatic presence. Rather slender and full of finesse on the tongue, the Siepi is clearly defined and very elegantly differentiated." Weinwisser

"Black cherry and blackberry, wrapped in a coat of toasted, resinous oak. Cedar and iron notes give the wine depth on the long finish. It opened up after an hour in the glass and showed its polish, but still needs time to absorb the oak." Wine Spectator

"Dark ruby colour with a drop of violet. On the nose, rich cherry fruit, blackberries, fine chocolate and leather, delicately characterised, exciting. Expressive and radiant on the palate, with compact, dark berry fruit and polished, creamy tannins, without denying its Tuscan roots, grippy and powerful on the finish." Falstaff

"Transparent carmine red colour with a pale rim. Penetrating, ripe aroma, probably due to the Merlot, but without too much sweetness. The palate shows the spice and vibrancy of the Sangiovese. But these two elements already seem to be beautifully combined with a slight hint of tea. Long. Already a really beautiful expression of the fruit of the Tuscan hills. Good balance between freshness and ripeness." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Siepi is stylish, elegant and highly polished. Dark blue fruits, lavender, new leather, cloves and mocha blend together effortlessly. The 2020 is characterised by a precision that is incredibly inviting. Nevertheless, the 2020 is still very young and does not fully express its potential. It simply needs time to develop, but all the elements are there." Vinous

"The nose balances dense, fiery aromas of grilled meat, pepper and gunpowder with lighter, friendlier notes of cherries and wild berries. The berries take a leading role on the palate, but the spicy smokiness lingers as an assertive undertone, leading into a hot finish. Tannins have grit without being rustic, emphasizing a saliva-inducing savoriness throughout." Wine Enthusiast

"Dried herbs and sweet spices on the nose, forest notes with blackberry fruit, concentrated and expressive. On the palate, the tannins glide gently over the tongue and give the sweet strawberry, raspberry and plum fruit time to develop in the mouth, while the acidity provides a pleasant mouthfeel. This wine is very lively and vibrant - it shouts loudly for its energy. It feels extremely good, with clear definition, finesse and balance. Such a marvellous fruit profile, the high-toned strawberry and cherry, bright and penetrating, but also round and generous with tobacco and wood nuances. The fine but present tannins are very present and give grip. All in all, an exceptionally beautiful wine. I love it. It offers an immediate and youthful pleasure, but it will continue to age well." Decanter

"Graphite and pencil come through, along with violets and blackberries. Also some tar and tarmac. Full-bodied, but creamy and crisp, with an agile liveliness that lasts for minutes. Fabulous length. Drinkable now, but it will continue to mature for decades." James Suckling

Barbaresco Bricco di Treiso presents itself with more power and depth than the normal Barbaresco. On the nose, dark red stone fruit, menthol, spices, leather and some cedar. On the palate, punchy even when young and with a great deal of muscularity, which, together with the harmoniously balanced tannin and acid structure, foreshadows a great, long life with a hopeful development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Combines the elegance promised by the provenance with sweet aromatics and abundant fruit, always underpinned by a certain sweetness with a hint of nougat, offering depth, salinity and fine acidity on the quite long finish. Shows what is in the 2018 vintage." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, intense ruby garnet, light rim. Shows notes of rose petals, raspberries, some tobacco and truffle on the nose. Pithy tannin, spreads out richly, lots of tobacco and leather, then slightly sandy tannin in the back." Falstaff

"Lustrous mid ruby. Like an amplified version of their straight Barbaresco. Firm nose which is perfumed at the same time. Cherry with hints of tobacco leaf, iron, orange skin and cumin. Increasingly minerally with aeration. Iron and orange and a hint again of cumin. Fine-grained, long tannins carrying the supple fruit. Can be approached now, but ideally should get more time in the bottle." Jancis Robinson

"A rich, well-defined style, this red evokes cherry, raspberry, iron, menthol and tobacco flavors. Broad tannins announce the finish, yet this remains balanced, intense and energetic, with a lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Barbaresco Il Bricco is a worthy follow-up to the stellar 2017. Menthol, licorice, gravel, incense and a range of deeply-pitched spice notes open first, but it is the wine's overall depth that I find especially alluring. Racy and complex, yet so refined, the 2018 has a ton to offer. Best of all, it can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. It's a gorgeous Barbaresco that captures the essence of Treiso." Vinous

"The 2018 Barbaresco Il Bricco shows ample depth and intensity with dark fruit, smoke, toasted spice and cured tobacco. This is a production of 6,393 numbered bottles. This vintage shows a mid-weight approach with rich fruit weight and polished tannins." Wine Advocate

"This is a very solid red for the vintage, with a medium to full body and extremely refined and focused tannins that run the length of the wine. Bitter-lemon, strawberry and spice flavors. Compact and long. Try after 2025." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco ‘selection’ of Pio Cesare, coming from 3 microzones located in the highest part of the vineyards of Cascina Il Bricco in Treiso. Great freshness on the nose, with notes of raspberry, blood orange, gardenia, then cloves. Palate of density and tension, savory tannins, finish of pleasant persistence." Luca Gardini

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

"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

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 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

Only around 2,000 bottles of this noble Riserva are filled each year. With a rich aroma of black berries, balsamic nuances and spices as well as an expansive flavour - full and clear - this great wine perfectly combines finesse, elegance and softness. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the nose with wild herbal aromas and earthy-mineral notes, undergrowth, walnuts, ash and warm earth. Full-bodied in the mouth with a well-defined body, beautiful substance with savoury nuances, quite long with a salty final." Weinwisser

"This is a wild and earthy red wine with notes of watermelon, walnuts, ash, minerals and earth. It has a medium body and nice substance. Long, savoury and spicy." James Suckling

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Zottorinoto is dark, floral and earthy in the glass, with a mix of grilled herbs, crushed rocks and blackberries making up its bouquet. It shows silky textures and masses of mineral red and black fruits. Hints of cocoa emerge towards the end. It finishes with a layer of fine tannins and a hint of primary concentration, balanced by a touch of residual acidity that maintains a fantastic freshness despite its youthful structure." Vinous

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 another five 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 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 so far." 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 perfectly matches 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 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

If there is one thing that Giacomo Neri has mastered 100%, it is harvesting at the optimum ripening time. He knows his estate and his vines better than most and it shows. The fruit for Tenuta Nuova is harvested from a south and south-east facing slope at 250 to 300 metres above sea level. The soils are loose and mixed with gravel, which allows access to air and moisture.

The flavours of Tenuta Nuova 2019 flow with seamless transitions, and this fluid and ever-changing nature of the bouquet helps to develop intensity and persistence. In the beautifully drawn bouquet, blackberry, plum and summer cherry merge into lingering flavours of spice, leather and herbs. These are always an unmistakable feature of this winery's Brunello and develop steadily with further aeration. The palate reveals a great structure with mineral accents, a fine orange peel flavour, present fruit and numerous spicy components. This wine is a bit like an iron fist in a velvet glove - but with much more velvet glove than iron fist. The finish is long and, as so often with Neri, invigoratingly salty with an undertone of oyster shells. Great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, deeply layered bouquet, wide-ranging with dark red flavours, wow, it's captivating. The palate is also complex and multi-layered with earthy, truffled nuances, very territorial, firm structure, penetrating acidity, firm tannic grip, a wine for the ages. The single vineyard Tenuta Nuova is once again one of the best in the tasting. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Dark ruby red with light violet reflections. Complex on the nose, iron, dark cherry fruit, rich plum, some lovage. On the palate with lots of salt and juice, complex, comes in many layers, with tightly woven tannins, powerful and with full splendour, keeps coming back, big." Falstaff

"Black cherries with violets and other flowers on the nose. Full-bodied with powerful tannins and a juicy finish. Needs time to mellow." James Suckling

"The fruit profile of this red wine is ripe, with flavours of boysenberries, cherries and raspberries, with nuances of earth, iron and tobacco. More linear than square, with a steely line of acidity and tannins in support. Although balanced, it is compact for the moment and has a nice length." Wine Spectator

"In my opinion, this is the wine that best represents the Casanova di Neri style. With 30 months of ageing, it shows enormous richness and texture, and the outstanding fruit quality appears with more primary elegance compared to the more expensive Cerretalto. This dynamic is particularly pronounced in the comparison between the 2019 and 2018 vintages. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova has a dark vein of roasted spices, black fruits, ink, blackberry compote, liquorice and star anise. Dark as night, it is exceptionally well-crafted with a robust delivery of concentrated fruit and solid tannin structure. It has excellent cellaring potential." Wine Advocate

"Notes of cherries and pepper leaves, with a hint of iodine. Opens juicy and taut on the palate, then expands in breadth and depth. Salty, juicy tannins and an officinal trace mark the finish is deep, big drink and long persistence." Luca Gardini

A long-cherished vision of Elisabetta and her daughter Clara finds its completion in this crescent. This 100% Syrah builds on all that the winery has achieved in recent years and for which it has gained world renown. The best grapes, careful selection and a sensitive, clever and innovative vinification combined with a clearly recognisable signature and the already proverbial quality fanaticism.

The grapes come from the two estate-owned vineyards Pian di Fiora and La Vigna del Palo. Pian di Fiora is the cooler site with just 5 ha, the grapes are destemmed by hand and then fermented in 500l clay amphorae. The grapes from the east-facing vineyard La Vigna del Palo are fermented in open 500l barrels. The wines are then blended and matured in 300l barriques for a further 10 months before facing a further 22 months of bottle ageing.

Intense, deep red with dark ruby reflections. On the nose, fresh notes of red berry fruits and spices, hints of black pepper. The palate is complex, with gripping tannins, a fine acid wire and a wonderfully balanced body. It has great ageing potential and is for us the classic meditation wine in impression and expression. SUPERIORE.DE

"The second vintage of this single-varietal Syrah from the coast, a selection of grapes from two vineyards: still somewhat restrained nose with notes of plums, dark berries and spices; complex texture with accentuated acidity and fine-meshed tannin, the final elegant and long. Wonderfully built wine with ageing potential." Vinum

"The grapes come from the cooler, east-facing vineyard "La Vigna del Palo". They are fermented in different clay amphorae and then matured in 300-litre barriques for a further 10 months, followed by a further 22 months in bottle. The bouquet is expansively spicy, expressive, with red and a hint of green pepper, red pepper, plus tobacco, liquorice and ripe blackberries. Has become much more precise and a bit "calmer" compared to the online tasting in January, because quite young it presented itself with wild, iodine notes. It is much finer now. What has remained is the wonderful spiciness with the salty-mineral notes." Weinwisser

"The Fattoria le Pupille 2016 Le Pupille is an ambitious expression of amphorae-fermented Syrah. It presents cherry and dark plum, with earthy tones followed by tarry spice and campfire smoke. The meaty intensity normally associated with the Syrah grape is replaced here by plump and rich dark fruit. Give the wine a little extra time in your cellar to evolve and unwind." Wine Advocate

"The 2016 Syrah is a dense, potent wine. Wild cherry, game, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and coffee are front and center. This is an especially rich style. Then, again we are in Maremma. The 2016 is a bit wild, but in the best sense of the term. It will offer its finest drinking alongside similarly hearty cuisine. It was fermented in a mix of terracotta and cocciopesto, then moved into oak for 2-3 months before going into bottle, where it spent more than two years before being released." Vinous

"Fabulous complexity on the nose with crushed blackberries, chocolate, walnuts and tar. Lots of dried flowers. Full body. Layered and creamy with superb tannin texture and length. Hints of stone. Half made in amphora and half in casks. Aged one year in old casks." James Suckling

The Barolo Falletto from the vineyard of the same name in Serralunga, where the winery is located, has a wonderfully complex and racy personality. It impresses with the depth and intensity of its dark fruit and the outstanding overall balance that can only be found in this coveted vineyard. Its spectrum ranges from small dark berries to menthol, flowers and liquorice through to a present yet consistently elegant tannin. It is a particularly precise and direct Barolo, without being loud. However, its full character, variety of flavours and finesse will only really come to the fore with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smoky cherry and wild berry fruit, nutmeg, Amarena cherry. Melting and powerful in the mouth, also grippy with a flattering sweetness and texture, will only develop its full potential in 5-8 years." Weinwisser

"Transparent carmine red. Again slightly spicy and slightly floral. Sweet and rich and very flattering. Long and by no means simple. More fruit than tannin at this early stage." Jancis Robinson

"Strawberry, cherry, rose, eucalyptus and stony mineral flavors are framed by dense, fine-grained tannins in this graceful, firmly structured red. Elegant and very Burgundy in profile, with a vibrant character and excellent length." Wine Spectator

"The depth and beauty of this wine are so tantalising and attractive that you want to drink the whole bottle. It's medium to full-bodied with cherries, strawberries and white truffle. Juicy and precise, with a real presence and complexity when it opens up. Best after 2027, but already beautiful now." James Suckling

From some of the oldest Sangiovese vineyards comes Colore every year, the maximum expression of Bibi Graetz' dream. The barren, sandy soils at high altitudes create the perfect terroir for a wine that can tell the true story of Tuscany and its inhabitants. The grapes for Colore were selected from vineyards in Lamole, Vincigliata and Siena. Each vineyard was harvested up to eight times in order to achieve the optimum ripening time for as many grapes as possible. Each parcel is matured separately in barriques for almost two years before the final blend is decided. Only the best Sangiovese barriques from each vintage become Colore. SUPERIORE.DE

The Colore 2021 is an irresistibly delicate Sangiovese with a distinctly high-altitude character. Darker and denser in colour than usual. It smells rich, dense, sweet and intense from the glass, much more aromatic than in previous years. Deep, spicy and very youthful with a slightly reductive note, the Colore 2021 has plenty of juice and fullness on the nose. Rich, velvety and fleshy on the tongue, it is very profound, mature and full-bodied. A great, delicate and finesse-rich Sangiovese with penetrating power and delicate acidity. Delicate, elegant and extremely persistent, it leaves a much fuller and fuller body than usual. An inspiring colore with a long finish." Weinwisser

"Brilliant medium to deep ruby red colour. Brooding and with aeration, showing a cloud of fragrant but spicy raspberry and cherry fruit and then pet shop! Just a hint of cigar box. Plenty of powdery tannins that support the fruit rather than dominate the finish. Long, tannic and supple at the same time. It will age gracefully." Jancis Robinson

"Pure and elegant, offering a beam of cherry, strawberry, pomegranate, rose and mineral aromas and flavors. This harmonious version builds in intensity to the long, fruit-filled finish, where a hint of blood orange peeks through." Wine Spectator

"The nose reveals aromas of dark fruits and berries, which are surrounded by rubbery, slightly smoky notes. A juicier, denser berry flavour defines the velvety palate, while bitter undertones of orange and chocolate provide structure. Firm, taut tannins emerge in a warm finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The Bibi Graetz 2021 Colore is a Sangiovese from old vines, but otherwise the vinification and oak ageing is identical to the other top red wine Testamatta. In this case, the fruit comes from the Lamole area with vineyards at 600 metres above sea level. Some of them face south, but are located high up on the mountain. As Bibi explains: "The Colore provides vigour and freshness, while the Testamatta offers transparency and freshness." The Colore shows the pure energy and vibrancy of Sangiovese with violets, wild cherry and orange zest. The wine shows an elegant, earthy side with a very fine mouthfeel supported by very fine, gentle tannins. This is a beautiful wine with a delicately sweet cherry finish. Bibi has changed this wine very little over the years (apart from giving it a new home at the estate in Fiesole) to create an ideal or benchmark for Sangiovese. His 2021 is his best wine yet." Wine Advocate

"Another excellent wine from Bibi Graetz made from selected old Sangiovese vines. Herbaceous and spicy on the nose, fragrant but with savoury aspects rather than overtly floral or fruity. Intense and direct, with energy and forwardness, it hits you straight away. So supple and well defined, soft yet lively and energetic with tannins that are so beautifully executed. Almost plush and chewy, adding weight and texture to the palate, while overall quite light and airy. Complex and invigorating, fresh and wild at the same time - I love the character, it's pure but with a sense of authenticity that summarises the terroir and winemaking philosophy so beautifully. The finish is extremely flavoursome with mint, liquorice, spiced blackcurrants and cool cherries!" Decanter

"Intense aromas of violet fruits such as raspberries, spices, pencil and granite. Also fragrant flowers. Full-bodied, dense with balanced tannins that show transparency and focus. Crisp and very long. Better after 2028, when it opens up and integrates beautifully." James Suckling

2020 is the first organic Oreno vintage. Deep dark ruby violet. On the nose, cassis, blackcurrant and a powerful herbal spice with a good dose of pipe tobacco, tar and crushed boulders. On the palate, dark berries, chocolate and a cornucopia of herbs define the full body. This juicy wine monument has precisely integrated tannins, an enormous silkiness and a seemingly endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Oreno is the top wine of the Tenuta Sette Ponti of the Moretti Cuseri family. The estate is located near Arezzo. The Oreno 2020 consists of 50 % Merlot, 40 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 10 % Petit Verdot. It is matured for 18 months in French oak barriques. Dense and clear, as well as with beautiful race, the Oreno presents itself somewhat finer than the Orma from the sister estate from the Maremma. Clearly more fresh and with more acid kick, the Oreno shines with a fleshy presence and great sweetness. The tannins are somewhat rounder, with good, creamy richness and solid length. In the finish, it seems a little slippery." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red. The nose smells softly of blackberries, ripe forest fruits, some liquorice and mint, plus fine sealing wax in the reverberation. On the palate radiant, clear, tightly woven tannin, plus present fruit, very juicy on the back end, seems balanced and profound, long finish." Falstaff

"Beautiful detail on the nose, a sweet floral scent with hints of dried herbs, coffee and mint. Structured and fleshy, this wine has weight and power from the start, focusing more on the tannins and concentration of the crisp fruit than the obvious vibrancy at this stage. A serious, contemplative wine that has a lot going for it. I love the intensity of this wine, it is confident and has a clear direction and energy. I also like the salty, smoked stone flavour at the end, which adds nuance and a sense of place. Detailed and expressive, great winemaking and there's a lot to discover." Decanter

"The Tenuta Sette Ponti 2020 Oreno from a warm vintage is very rich and full-bodied and definitely softer compared to the previous 2019 vintage. This wine shows lots of savoury fruit and velvety concentration with blackberry jam and baked cherry. The Oreno gives you a very generous expression of Tuscany to enjoy over the short or medium term." Wine Advocate

"The Oreno 2020 is a dark, brooding beauty. Black cherry, plum, tobacco, spices, menthol, liquorice and dried herbs race across the palate. Deep, fleshy and very expressive, the 2020 Oreno has a lot to offer. It should drink well with minimal cellaring, but also has enough substance to drink well for many years to come." Vinous

"This wine is lush, dense and vibrant, with aromas of black cherries, blackberries and blackcurrants accompanied by mineral, cedary and spicy elements. It firms up on the finish, with fruity, mineral and spicy accents and a nice length." Wine Spectator

"Wow. Wonderful nose of dark cherries, chocolate and spices; deep texture, the tannins fine-grained, cushioned by the acidity, of great length with a multi-faceted finish that makes you want to take another sip. Excellent." Vinum

"A red wine with a layered, velvety texture, showing blackberry and black olive character, plus some iodine and graphite. Full-bodied and rich with lots of fruit and chewy tannins." James Suckling

Deep ruby red, intense, fresh aroma of dark fruit underpinned with delicate toasted aromas. Complex and full-bodied on the palate, with balsamic notes, perfectly integrated tannins and a finely balanced fruity-spicy finish. An intense wine that also doesn't want to be a lightweight and that plays off its power perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Orma 2020 from the Moretti Cuseri family is half Merlot with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc. As usual, the Orma brings a fair amount of weight with it at 15% by volume, resulting in a massive, dark colour. Rich in smell and less liqueur-like than usual, the Orma 2020 has more freshness and also the fruit aromas seem clearer, underpinned with fresh herbs, pithy and berry-cherry oriented. Initially round and juicy-melting on the tongue, the powerful tannins then still seem a little raw, with glassy-steely structure." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Intense nose with notes of cloves, some mint, fine blackberry, slightly earthy components in the background. Spreads out great on the palate, has lots of fine-meshed, hearty tannin, nice juiciness, crisp fruit, long final." Falstaff

"The Orma 2020 is richly concentrated and midnight black in colour. It shows considerable intensity in terms of its inky aromas of wild plums, blackberry jam, dark spices and smoked tobacco. The wine coats the palate strongly and adds important textural richness. Best served with a wine of this depth and size with a classic bistecca alla fiorentina with T-bone." Wine Advocate

"Fragrances delicately, then increasingly beguiling of blueberries, maquis, with fine spice; the attack multi-faceted, the tannins youthful, though perfectly contoured, of great character and length to an opulent wild berry-pepper final." Vinum

"Fragrant and expressive on the nose, the floral and herbal scents mingle on the nose and transport you straight to Tuscany. Sublime and beautiful, a sensationally vibrant, lively, pure and pristine wine. The texture of the wine is so meticulous that the fruit flavours and mineral aspects have a joyful quality - a purity and precision. Detailed and refined. Impressive with fleshy but well-integrated tannins and a drive through to a long, fresh finish. Complexity and structure, very well balanced. A top choice and a great value!" Decanter

"Tobacco, sage and rosemary come through well, along with redcurrant and cassis. Full-bodied but polished, with a solid and dense mid-palate. It's tight on the finish at the moment, but it will open up nicely." James Suckling

Tasting the different lots of Il Marroneto from the barrel is a fascinating task. The vines are all similarly situated at high altitude, on coarse sand of marine origin, and predominantly north-facing. While they have subtle differences, the distinct character of Madonna delle Grazie often merits a separate bottling - as the 2018 proves. The aromas take on the darkest, most heady purple florals, tangled in allspice and smoky incense. The wine is muscular with firm tannins that grip it tightly and don't let go, though it is never beefy, heavy or angular. At the moment it is still developing, but the finish already reveals a refined balsamic core and a spicy, salted plum. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderfully clear-cut and multi-faceted on the nose, noble appearance, shows a lot of herbaceous-floral spice, white pepper, rose and violet blossoms, but also sour cherry and wild berries, behind it a dazzling peppery-spicy backdrop reminiscent of exotic spices. On the palate, enormously complex and finesse-rich with delicate, crisp fruit, carried by finely meshed tannin and a fantastically integrated acidity, wonderfully animating with beautiful spiciness and spice on the final. Once again belongs to the absolute top wines of the vintage." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, fine ruby red with a light rim. Extremely clear nose of ripe, dark cherries, rose petals and cloves, with some smoky notes in the background. On the palate, lots of sweet fruit, finely meshed tannin that is integrated into lots of melting, pithy and with firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Shiny, deep ruby red. A little closed, but with great purity of fruit on the nose. Waves of concentrated, intense fruit on the palate. Supple, elegant and generous at the same time, it shows true cru quality. Fantastic tannins accompanying the fruit on the finish. A classic. Can be drunk now, but will continue to develop for some time." Jancis Robinson

"This wine has an array of red and dark fruits with coffee, dark chocolate, sweet spices and upturned earth. Medium to full-bodied with fine tannins and a distinct dark berry character on the palate. A little dense and textured, with a firm and long finish that leaves notes of nutshells and crushed stones. Taste after 2025." James Suckling

"The single vineyard bottling of Il Marroneto is a selection of small, loose grapes, which manifests itself in the density of the fruit and the secure structure. Next to the winery's "classic" Brunello, it often shows a more earthy, autumnal face. The 2018 corresponds with scents of chestnut and undergrowth that combine with the fruity sweetness of the vintage. Long, suede-like layers of tannin envelop the fleshy black cherry. As the wine progresses, subtle traces of pepper, leather and incense emerge, suggesting more to come. Above all, Madonna delle Grazie embodies the most positive qualities of the vintage as it flows with agility and grace." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie takes time to open up in the glass. It is complex and seductive with its musky redcurrants and savoury spices, but also with a hint of roses. A hint of sweet smoke emerges and contrasts beautifully. Its textures are like liquid velvet, with a chalky mineral tinge that comes on quickly and is perfectly balanced by a massive wave of dark red berries; yet the balance is expertly maintained by a streamlined acidity that creates a sense of total internal harmony. The 2018 leaves a structured impression, yet its tannins are silky and fine, coupled with a finish of violet pastille and lavender that I find very attractive. Remarkably, I have tasted this wine for the past two years and have accompanied this current bottle for 48 hours, never faltering and only increasing in depth and complexity. Il Marroneto's 2018 Madonna delle Grazie is undoubtedly one of the three best wines of the vintage. I take my hat off to Alessandro Mori and his team." Vinous

"The Il Marroneto 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie shows elegance and power in one go. The fruit quality is crisp and tangy, but the wine supports a medium-heavy concentration and a more elaborate style. This vintage of Il Marroneto has two personalities. On the one hand, you get a wine with beautiful primary fruit but a little more immediate, and on the other, a wine that promises good ageing thanks to its freshness and silky tannins that melt on the palate. It is young, but also mature. It is racy, but also complex." Wine Advocate

"Alessandro Mori's Brunello is more of a historical legacy than a vineyard. On the nose, notes of blackcurrant jam, with nuances of bay leaf and white pepper. The mouthfeel is dense and savoury, with a return of fruit and sweet spices. Persistent." Luca Gardini

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ornellaia Bianco is a cuvée of mainly Sauvignon Bianco from three selected, small vineyards of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia. It ferments on the lees for 10 months, which gives it freshness, precision and a fine citrus note. Delicate golden yellow. A cornucopia of bright fruits on the nose, along with wonderful mint and citrus notes. Complex, lush and multi-layered on the palate. One of the very great white wines of Italy, completely in the style of the house. SUPERIORE.DE

"We had a very cool spring in 2019 and almost as much rain as 2018. The biggest difference between the two years is that the summer of 2019 was much drier. We saw good day shifts that led to a late harvest. For example, we didn't have to harvest the Merlots as quickly as we often do. The harvest was a week later than in 2018." Axel Heinz, Weingutsdirektor

"Ornellaia Bianco 2019 has a straw yellow colour with green reflections. On the nose, it reveals a delightful complexity of pronounced vegetal and balsamic notes of sage, thyme and herbs, accompanied by the scent of fruits with bright flesh. The aromatic profile is complemented by a delicate vanilla note. In the mouth, the wine presents itself expansive and velvety, with a beautiful density that finely coats the palate. The tasting concludes with a long and tasty final, marked by a typical minerality that unmistakably reflects the wine's original terroir." Olga Fusari, Oenologist

"It has a dense, racy nose with a fine Sauvignon aroma and fresh, yellow fruit, deep and spicy. Intense and clear, the Ornellaia bianco 2019 appears in the mouth with lots of mineral pressure on the tongue. Excellent freshness, independent and intense, salty and long." Weinwisser

"Bright straw yellow. In the nose with strong expression, fragrant, after juicy grapefruit, cassis, in addition elderflowers and crisp Granny Smith, in the background after noble white chocolate. Juicy on the palate with a polished entry, delicately creamy, has a lot of radiance, with an elegant final and fine pressure." Falstaff

"The 2019 Ornellaia Bianco is a very reserved wine. It does not appear to have the depth of some of its predecessors, but that is mostly attributable to a shift in picking earlier and using more large format oak. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint, sage and green pear lend energy to this taut, Bordeaux-inspired blend. Readers should plan on cellaring this for at least a year." Vinous

"The Ornellaia 2019 Ornellaia Bianco is fragrant and fresh, but the wine also shows a rather robust side with extra concentration. This is a hallmark of the vintage, and you even notice it in the distinctive light golden hue that shines prettily from the glass. To the nose, the wine displays a summery set of aromas with stone fruit, ripe peach, midnight jasmine and a touch of fragrant beeswax. There is some density to the otherwise streamlined mouthfeel, with white almond flavors on the close and an elegant touch of crushed stone or chalk. This 2019 vintage is poised for more years of bottle age." Wine Advocate

"Lots of sweat pear and ripe green apple on the nose with some lemon grass and green melon. Medium-to full-bodied with a solid core of fruit that is tight and focused. Stone and dried-flower undertones to it. Vivid, lemony finish. Serious phenolic tension and framing to the wine. Drinkable now, but will age beautifully in time." James Suckling

"So sophisticated and elegant, a brilliant expression of Sauvignon Blanc with smoky, stone, lemon aromas alongside pear and green apple - aromatic and so open. Excellent mouthfeel, there's such a lovely weight, slightly viscous with a hint of sweetness but then you get this clarity and complexity from clear aromatics but also the freshness. Nothing is too much, each part playing out in terms of weight, structure, acidity and length. It's the succulence then at the same time the salinity that captivated me, the two playing against each other with the support from plumped up and cushioned fruit giving the overall weight. Really lovely - a treat to taste." Decanter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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