wine classics

Piancornello's Brunello di Montalcino 2019 is initially elegantly restrained with rosy flowers, nuances of cherry and worn leather, contrasted by a hint of sour citrus fruit. It then impresses on the palate with a silky texture and cool radiance, while the lively acidity brings out ripe red berries and minerals. The finish is structured, very savoury with notes of plum and liquorice that linger incredibly long under a hint of violet-tinged flowers. A beautiful, taut and firm Brunello from an equally beautiful vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose is wistful and comforting, with aromas of dried cherries, rose petals, old leather, crushed rocks, soil and wild fennel. Plums and fresh cherries brighten the palate, although a pinch of salt and pepper accentuates an enduring earthiness. Tannins are firm and toothy, but approachable, like a wild animal that has learned to trust." Wine Enthusiast

"The youthfully intense Brunello di Montalcino 2019 seduces with a dusty blend of dried black cherries, incense, dark chocolate and spices. It floods the palate with soft, enveloping textures and ripe red and blue fruits, while purple flowers resonate within and fine tannins slowly gather towards the finish. The wine is incredibly long and powerful, with a hint of primary concentration that lingers as cedar and a bitter hint of tart cranberry slowly fade. Piancornello is back on form with the 2019 vintage. Very well done." Vinous

"Black cherries and plums with notes of mocha, liquorice and reduced balsamic on the nose. So bright and focused on the palate, with a medium to full body and very fine but firm and chewy tannins framing the core of juicy fruit. It's nervy and energetic with excellent balance and length. Structured." James Suckling

The vineyard on the western side of the Montalcino hills is so secluded that you can enjoy the starry sky to the full without being disturbed. It is therefore not surprising that this supple, very classic Brunello bears the name "Sky of Ulysses". As is well known, Odysseus had the ability to navigate the seas without a compass and by simply orientating himself by the stars.

Deep dark ruby with light-coloured inclusions. The bouquet is a potpourri of aromas that unfold almost endlessly, with floral notes of light roses and white flowers alongside black and red fruits. On the palate, power, flavour and a freshness that, together with the well-proportioned tannins, suggest a harmonious and exciting development! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. On the nose, dried herbs, leather, ripe raspberries, cranberries and light spice. Compact on the palate, with a creamy texture and slightly grippy tannins, as well as beautiful juiciness and ripe fruit, with a fine swing." Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Notes of oak and roasted coffee beans, including cool red fruit. Lush cherry fruit on the palate with firm tannins on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"An elegant red, offering vivid cherry and strawberry flavors driven by vibrant acidity, with sinewy tannins underneath. Accents of earth and flowers chime in as this winds down on the dense finish." Wine Spectator

"The Brunello di Montalcino Cielo d'Ulisse 2019 is dark and intense, enticing with exotic spices, mandarin zest, cedar shavings and rum-soaked cherries. It is cool and racy in style, with crisp wild berries supported by lively acidity. Violet, floral notes arch across the palate. The momentum remains even as crisp tannins assault the senses, leaving a stain of tart cranberry and orange that slowly fades. I expect that three to five years of ageing will reveal a Brunello of boundless energy. The Cielo d'Ulisse is a single-vineyard wine that comes from vineyards in the extreme south-west of Montalcino." Vinous

Its dense, intense colour has a lush bouquet, whose fruity hints of blackberries, sour cherries and blueberries are given an elegant touch by the delicate, very subtle wood spice. In the rich, firm flavour, the smooth tannin is well fused with the structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm-scented nose with a potpourri of berry fruit and fine spice, floral aromas and orange zest; still very youthful in the mouth with accentuated acidity and racy, albeit tightly woven tannins, the finish becomes increasingly opulent with aeration. Excellently made, should definitely mature." Vinum

"The nose is floral and earthy, with aromas of rosewater, herbs, damp earth and black cherries, as well as hints of cola and fresh pepper. On the palate, tart blackberries accentuate a persistent interplay between black cherry, pepper and herbal notes. Taut tannins reinforce a latent warmth." Wine Enthusiast

"Fresh and balanced, this red wine displays flavours of cherries, raspberries, flowers, minerals and tobacco. It offers depth and a supple texture that is balanced by a base of grippy tannins. Overall elegant, with fine length." Wine Spectator

"A flavoursome, opulent Vino Nobile with roasted sesame seeds, spices, ripe plums and citrus fruits. A firm frame of tannins envelops the citrus fruit. Firm, long and still a little chewy. Needs at least another year to develop." James Suckling

"The 2021 Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone is dark, floral and intense. It smells of crushed blackberries and cherries, accompanied by a hint of ash stone. A hint of sage gives it a lovely flavour. The palate is cool and supple, with an energetic mix of tart wild berries and complementary purple floral tones. The 2021 is grippy and pleasantly chewy, finishing with edgy tannins and a hint of residual acidity that leaves you wanting more. I like the liveliness of this wine." Vinous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"This wine, one of the best, smells of redcurrants, a hint of rosemary and star anise, with a hint of ginger. Beautiful finish." Luca Gardini

Chianti Classico Rubiolo shows its delicately spicy side on the nose with cloves, cinnamon, lavender, wild dark cherries and blackberries that are beautifully ripe but not overripe. There are also floral hints. The fruit for this extremely good value wine comes from Castellina and Panzano, whereby the fullness and richness of the Panzano region are clearly noticeable. The finish is soft and velvety. It is the exceptional balance of the wine that really sets it apart. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep carmine red colour. Concentrated, full yet cool nose of cherry fruit. Spicy cherry fruit with a layer of grainy tannins. Great balance and length." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Rubiolo 2021 is a soft, fruity wine that should be drunk now and over the next few years as long as the flavours remain vibrant. Juicy red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white flowers burst from the glass. This exuberant, juicy Chianti Classico is a delight." Vinous

"Aromas of ripe red fruit, liquorice, spices and pink peppercorns. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and exciting with lively acidity and polished tannins. Notes of walnuts and savoury herbs on the finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Rubiolo from organic farming is a wine with an excellent value. The wine is made exclusively from Sangiovese from three vineyards in Castellina, Panzano and Badia a Passignano. The wine has a dark ruby red colour, and although the aromatic intensity is not very pronounced, there are delicately fragrant notes of cherry, raspberry and blood orange that are powerful and bright to the touch. There are also beautiful floral notes." Wine Advocate

"The idea of drinkability and home freshness, without sacrificing complexity. The nose is faceted, red currant with touches of wild mint and nuances of carnation. The mouthfeel is savory, with hints of small red fruits and a balsamic-floral return." Luca Gardini

Prunotto's Barolo is a very beautiful, ethereal wine. Rose petals, spices, blood orange, mint and crushed red berry fruit keep it firmly grounded. On the palate, it is saturated and rich with dark flavours that are firmly connected to spices, liquorice and crushed blue flowers. There is power and richness deep within this wine, the well-proportioned tannin is fresh and firm, giving it energy and drive. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Herbaceous and fruity on the nose, of morello cherries and redcurrants, lemon balm, black tea and rosemary; very complex. Sweet, harmonious and balanced on the palate, with fine tannins and a slight saltiness on the long final." Falstaff

"This Barolo shows a light ruby color with a fragrant bouquet focused mostly but not only on violets and lilacs; red fruits follow with hints of aniseed and crushed stone. It's easy-drinking, but it also shows new purpose." Wine Advocate

The grapes for the garnet-red Cerequio grow in La Morra. The bouquet is unmistakably balsamic with fresh flowers, blackberries, dried mushrooms, spicy notes and a hint of incense and tree bark. On the palate, the delicate fruit harmonises with a refined aroma of tobacco and coffee. Firm tannins, good acidity, yet focussed, elegant and balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Perfumed and very pretty with aromas of ripe strawberries, dried flowers and sandalwood leading to a full-bodied, dense and compact palate. Give it a year or two to open up, but already impressive." James Suckling

"Somewhat dried-vegetable, above all a little tomato-like aroma of rose hips and other red and a little black berries with iodine and earthy nuances. Ripe, juicy, fairly supple fruit with moderate, chocolaty oak notes, lots of ripe, very crumbly tannins and a hint of liquorice, dense and persistent on the palate, somewhat spicy, a hint of dried herbs, chalky nuances in the background, very light ethereal and iodine notes, good depth, multi-layered, still relatively compact, very good, juicy, slightly tobacco and delicately cocoa-spicy finish with a certain freshness." Wein-Plus

"Pure and fragrant nose with floral notes and sweet red berries. The palate is rich and finely textured; the tannins are full and fine under layers of complexity. This is a marvellous drop. Captivating." Decanter

Barolo Brunate, a noble cru from La Morra, shows the characteristic power and definition of its terroir. The dark fruit is enveloped in chocolate and exotic spices. On the palate, firm tannins and fine oak nuances together with the taut acid wire give length and longevity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aroma of raspberries and crystallised fruit. Ripe and rich on the palate with fine and full tannins; great ageing potential." Decanter

"The Beni di Batasiolo 2016 Barolo Brunate offers hints of ripe fruit with an open or immediately inviting approach. There is dark currant and cassis, followed by spice, earthy tones and a whisper of black truffle. In addition to this full-bodied bouquet, this wine offers solid fruit richness and concentration. The finish is long and carried by silky tannins." Wine Advocate

"Nutty, dried-vegetable to tobacco and tarry aroma of red and a little black berries with mushroomy nuances and some pepper. Ripe, firm, tart, juicy, clear fruit, slightly ethereal notes, taut, ripe tannins, dense and persistent on the palate, fine herbaceous to tobacco flavours, a little peppery in the background, chalky minerality, persistent, firm, good depth, still young, has a certain freshness, a hint of cocoa in the background, multi-layered, very good to long, firm, juicy and finely spicy finish, salty minerality, again with ethereal nuances." Wein-Plus

"Complex and decadent with ripe strawberries, smoke and lavender. Some undertones of burnt orange. Full-bodied, firm and chewy with lots of tannins. Needs time to soften and open up, has potential." James Suckling

Badia a Passignano is always one of the many highlights in the Antinori range and is probably the estate's most refined and elegant Sangiovese. Its character is medium-bodied and supple, but with plenty of fruit intensity, which is typical of the vineyard of the same name. It skilfully strikes a balance between richness and finesse, captivating from the very first sip. Lavender, mint, blue-purple fruit and liquorice are beautifully brought out. It is a very traditional and noble expression of the Tuscan grape that is hard to resist. SUPERIORE.DE

"Starts with a lot of esprit on aromas of small red berries, also violet notes; the attack is fresh and juicy, the tannins fine-grained, the finish on notes of fresh stone fruit. Convinces with its polish." Vinum

"Bright ruby red with a violet tinge. Intense, dense nose, lots of fruit, plum, cherry and blackberry, backed by balsamic notes and fresh Mediterranean herbs. Lots of juice on the palate, harmonious, round, acidity and tannins well integrated, builds up pressure towards the end via tannin structure, long finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 is clean, polite and rather glossy. Classic red cherry and fresh garden herbs become saturated with vanilla. Supple tannins build up giving a pliant frame to sweet ripe fruit tinged with cedar and clove. Warm, soft and already approachable, this will give maximum pleasure over the next five years." Decanter

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Badia a Passignano 2020 shows an evolution towards a more refined style, even in the context of this wine, which is always a powerhouse. Blue and purple-coloured fruit, lavender, menthol, spices and liquorice are well developed. It is less powerful than in most years, and that is a good thing. The direction the wine is taking is promising." Vinous

"This wine is really velvety and open with a flattering texture that tantalises with every sip. Medium-bodied with marvellous brightness and complexity. It's so hard not to drink it now. So why wait, but it will age beautifully." James Suckling

"The nose balances fruit aromas of strawberry, cherry and raspberry with weightier, savory notes of soil, graphite and dark chocolate. The cohesive, equally balanced palate brings more berries and chocolate, creating a classic, measured, self-assured Chianti." Wine Enthusiast

"Laced with pure flavors of cherry and raspberry and shaded by a spicy oak element, this bright, balanced red is elegant yet reveals fine intensity. Light tannins line the lingering finish as iron and tobacco notes join in." Wine Spectator

The top wine from the winery of the same name presents itself in an exemplary manner and as a kind of reference for many other so-called Super Tuscans in the region. Deep ruby red in colour with light red reflections. Dark fruit, spices, herbs, some leather and a fine tarry note on the nose. The flavours then unfold powerfully and concentrated on the palate, yet it glides velvety with a wonderfully balanced acid-tannin ratio into a rich, well-proportioned and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful attack with notes of forest fruits and spices; combines character with elegance, the tannins are fine-grained and interact with the acidity, with a polished final and length." Vinum

"On the nose, sour cherries and blackberries roll around in earth and wild herbs, then spread out on the palate over flavours of vanilla, dark chocolate and espresso. Lively acidity and penetrating spiciness emphasise the earthy saltiness that Il Borro expresses in a unique way. Lush but refined." Wine Enthusiast

"The Il Borro 2019 Il Borro shows very good definition of each of its components. The Syrah brings freshness and lift to the bouquet. The Merlot is aged in botte grande to bring out an authentic taste of the variety with earth and soil. The Cabernet Sauvignon gives firmness and structure. Bigger oak casks are used to help mitigate the alcohol content that, in the case of this wine, comes in at 15%." Wine Advocate

"Fresh and floral with aromas of black cherry and lavender, leading to a medium body with well-integrated tannins that spread nicely across the palate. It becomes silky and beautiful. A hint of smoke and spice at the end. Crisp on the finish." James Suckling

The vineyard on the western side of the Montalcino hills is so secluded that you can enjoy the starry sky to the full without being disturbed. It is therefore not surprising that this supple, very classic Brunello bears the name "Sky of Ulysses". As is well known, Odysseus had the ability to navigate the seas without a compass and by simply orientating himself by the stars.

Cielo d'Ulisse 2020 is a cheerful and rich wine. The bouquet combines cloves with black cherries, sage and mocha to create an autumnal feel. It has a silky texture with fleshy red and black fruits balanced by savoury exotic spices and vibrant acidity. You can feel the grippy tannins increasing, yet there is so much primary intensity here that they hardly get in the way. The long finish is well-structured, juicy and thoroughly delicious with subtle notes of cherry pit and sweet herbs that linger. SUPERIORE.DE

"The fruit of a vineyard in the south-west of Montalcino: Accentuated bouquet with notes of red berries, leather, dried roses; harmonious texture with finely chiselled tannins, but also plenty of salty minerality and polish, finishes long and complex." Vinum

"The wine smells of concentrated black fruits, tobacco, roasted spices and fragrant caraway seeds. It has a warm, Mediterranean personality with sweet berry flavours on the finish. The tannins are open and velvety." Wine Advocate

"Dried black cherries combine with brown spices, ground coffee and a hint of cocoa as the dark and brooding Cielo d'Ulisse emerges from the glass. It feels silky, with lively acidity and cool wild berries that slowly saturate and are balanced by a hint of sour citrus towards the end. Pickling and long, the 2020 finishes classically structured with fine tannins and hints of sour cherry and liquorice." Vinous

The grapes for the house's classic Amarone come from the vineyards at the headquarters in Negrar, the vast majority of them from the top Pojega vineyard, from vines over 35 years old. They are 100% dried in small crates in the historic rooms of Pojega. Captivating blend of dusty black cherry and blueberry, complemented by a spice box full of cloves and dried flowers. Very elegant on the palate with a core of minerality and bright dark red fruits that cascade over the palate. Finishes well-structured with balsamic herbs and mocha, while the residual acids retain a lovely freshness. Wonderfully balanced and convincing! SUPERIORE.DE

Manfro's bouquet combines dark ripe fruits, sweet spices, some mocha with spicy herbs and violet flowers. Silky, full-bodied and energetic on the palate with cooling acidity and minerals that play superbly around the ripe black cherries. Finishes on an elegant bitter note, fresh with violet flowers and wild berries. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lovely aromatic expression, richly scented and nuanced with caramel, roses, potpourri, meaty tones, chocolate and orange. Succulent and sharp, this has such intensity from the start with a precision that gives each aspect a high tone and edge in the mouth with the expansive flavours coming a little after the initial taste. It's a powerful, full wine, with plenty of flavour but it's delivered with a light touch, it's not as viscous as I thought it would be, but so nuanced, driving and persistent. Structured and supportive, this is an interesting wine that carefully blends sweet and savoury elements with freshness." Decanter

This red wine in Riserva quality is dedicated to Bettino Ricasoli, who wrote down the grape variety mix of today's Chianti back in 1872. But he was much more than that: twice Prime Minister of the united Italy (1861 and 1866), founder of the daily newspaper "La Nazione", agricultural researcher and "father" of the first Chianti product specification. The creation of this wine interprets his tireless determination to create an independent Chianti style that is both traditional and contemporary to this day.

Chianti Classico Brolio Bettino captivates with a hauntingruby red colour. The intense and inviting aroma of dark fruit is underpinned with fine balsamic notes. The refined flavour is flawless and polished with well-proportioned acidity and perfectly integrated tannins, powerful and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The very reliable Classico of the house, in this edition in big dust, from Sangiovese in purity. Notes of red cherries, a hint of eucalyptus and cinnamon, with a touch of liquorice powder. Iodised on the palate, with tannins perfectly integrated into the body and a final emergence of cloves and plums." Luca Gardini

Bric Turot is a top Barbaresco vineyard. The sensationally fruity Nebbiolo comes from this five-hectare vineyard and seduces with its wonderful blackberry and cherry flavours. The flavour structure is elegant and powerful, with a very long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with an orange rim. Very fruity nose of red currants, raspberries and sour cherries, finely underlaid with black tea flavours and some undergrowth, accompanied by a light smoky note. Very elegant on the palate on entry, balanced and harmonious, accompanied by delicate fruit and finely structured tannins, ending on fruit in the long final." Falstaff

"Light ruby red colour. Concentrated raspberry fruit, slightly muted and with a hint of oak. Sweet, concentrated red fruit with grainy tannins. Lots of concentrated fruit, underpinned by grainy tannins. Should age well." Jancis Robinson

"The 2021 Barbaresco Bric Turot offers all the classicism of Treiso in its deep, spicy personality and textural feel. Dark red fruits, cloves, leather, orange peel and saddle leather lend the 2021 beautiful exotic elements that contribute to its beguiling personality. Clean mineral notes extend the finish." Vinous

"The Prunotto 2021 Barbaresco Bric Turot shows an expressive savory side that to my tastes translates as more roots than flowers. Dark fruit is followed by tilled earth, petrichor and toasted almond husk." Wine Advocate

"Walnuts, cherry stones, strawberries and tobacco on the nose. It is full-bodied and well-framed, with fine, slightly chalky tannins. Lots of finesse and length." James Suckling

Here comes the new top Gran Selezione from San Felice: intense ruby red in colour, with broad and persistent aromas on the nose. Notes of violets and blackcurrants mingle with a sweet spiciness of tobacco and liquorice. Full-bodied, supple, well-structured wine, characterised by ripe and juicy tannins that harmonise with the acidic component. SUPERIORE.DE

"A concentrated red wine with intense flavours of cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, iron and wild herbs, which is also fluid, has light notes of new oak and ends with a salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Gran Selezione La Pieve is a new wine in this range, replacing the Il Grigio Gran Selezione. It shows good energy and vigour, but is also still together in the bottle. Pomegranate, blood orange, spices and rose petals open up with a little persuasion. Clean mineral undertones prolong the finish. All it needs is time to develop better. It has a lot of potential." Vinous

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione La Pieve is a concentrated expression of Sangiovese with more pronounced oak tones of spice and sweet smoke. This lovely Tuscan red wine offers greater fruit richness and richness compared to the estate's Chianti Classico Borgo. This added intensity gives this wine the scope to be paired with grilled meats. The wine finishes with a sweetness that comes from both the oak and the ripeness of the fruit. This vintage offers remarkable balance and elegance." Wine Advocate

"This is a very attractive, quite elegant Chianti, polished and even on the palate. It offers notes of cherries, raspberries, orange peel, cured meat and toasted almonds. Medium to full-bodied with very fine, juicy and polished tannins." James Suckling

A solid wine that excels every year is the exciting Nobile from Poliziano, which smells of dark red cherries, blackberries and roasted notes. Juicy, compact and polished on the palate, soft and balanced with silky tannins and a long, elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark fruity perfume of black cherries and plums, peppery notes; pithy on the palate, robust tannins, beautiful character and good length." Vinum

"Rich and dense, this red wine shows flavours of black cherries, blackberries and blueberries, accentuated by earth and iron. All of this is supported by a lively acidity and strong tannins that are fresh and long-lasting on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A modern Vino Nobile with dark chocolate and some lush spices. Flavours of plums, roasted red peppers, berries and pine cones follow through to a dense, medium to full-bodied palate. It is firm and long." James Suckling

"The Nobile di Montepulciano 2021 is a noble drop, dusty and floral with a bouquet of dried flowers, stone dust, cedar spice and black cherries. With its silky texture, but still with an airy feel, it splashes across the palate with ripe wild berries embellished by a hint of lavender and a core of brilliant acidity. The wine finishes classically dry and crisp, leaving a web of fine tannins and a pleasantly bitter note that lingers." Vinous

The top wine from the winery of the same name presents itself in an exemplary manner and as a kind of reference for many other so-called Super Tuscans in the region. Deep ruby red in colour with light red reflections. Dark fruit, spices, herbs, some leather and a fine tarry note on the nose. The flavours then unfold powerfully and concentrated on the palate, yet it glides velvety with a wonderfully balanced acid-tannin ratio into a rich, well-proportioned and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with purple nuances. Dark and spicy nose of pipe tobacco, ebony, dark plum, also slightly balsamic. Dense and soft on the palate with dark chocolate, plums and rosemary, powerful and even, long." Falstaff

"Although lush and concentrated, this red wine is also light on its feet. Flavours of plum, blackberry, boysenberry and fruitcake abound, accented by notes of iron and spice, with a hint of wild herbs. Firm tannins line the finish, which nevertheless displays a fine harmony and a long-lasting aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The organic wine Il Borro 2020 is a powerful Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The wine shows a lot of oak, which is noticeable as roasted spices, coconut or buttered almonds. There is a distant note of dried dill, which disappears in the context of the big, ripe black fruit at the core. You get a lot of richness and fruit weight from a hot vintage." Wine Advocate

"Initially intensely spicy, with topsoil, graphite, leather, then fresh and floral with crushed sage and lavender, before wild cherry and wild strawberry emerge. On the palate, the black cherry notes are generous and bright, but with deep, brooding earth tones for contrast. The tannins are refined but tensile like good armour, and a warm but invigorating salinity runs through a long finish." Wine Enthusiast

"This is a round and quite juicy young wine with notes of blackberries, chocolate and grilled meat. Full and complex with very fine tannins that are well integrated and a bright finish. Lively on the finish." James Suckling

Ghiaie della Furba means "pebbles of the Furba stream" and there is a reason for this, as the vines for this wine grow on the river pebbles on the banks of this stream. It is one of the very first "Supertuscans". After an hour in the carafe, this extremely complex red reveals wonderfully clear, dark fruit, blackberries and cassis, as well as coffee notes, dark chocolate and spices. Its very good structure and personality are impressive. It is already very accessible today (with aeration), but still hides its great potential for the next decade. SUPERIORE.DE

"Nose dominated by Cabernet Franc with notes of blackberries, undergrowth, eucalyptus; then full-bodied with pithy tannins, carried by the acidity, the final dark berry-spicy and long." Vinum

"Complex combination of oak, dried herbs, fresh pomegranate and blackberries together with graphite and baking spice, combined with earthy undertones." Decanter

"Notes of crushed dark berries, dark chocolate, spices and dried herbs. Also some graphite. So bright and lively, concentrated and juicy dark fruit flavours, yet fresh and harmonious. Medium to full body. The tannins are well developed, firm but polished and unobtrusive. Long finish." James Suckling

"The Ghiaie della Furba 2020 opens with a mentholated freshness that combines minty herbs, spiced orange peel and redcurrants. It envelops the palate with a texture of pure silk and quickly gains grip with a core of tart red berries and acidic citrus, while the angular tannins pinch the cheeks. It finishes with admirable length, structure and concentration, leaving a pleasantly bitter aftertaste as notes of cedar and savoury herbal notes slowly fade. The 2020 needs time, and lots of it. Ghiaie della Furba is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah and 25% Merlot." Vinous

"The nose is reminiscent of a garden after a storm, where a fresh, floral note mingles with the stony character of the still humid air. On the palate, this stony element persists, while a hint of pepper, a touch of astringent red fruit and lively acidity sparkle over grippy, persistent tannins." Wine Enthusiast