wine classics

Firmly rooted in La Morra, Elio Altare has been vinifying a Barolo on a rented plot in Serralunga d'Alba for a few years, which is vinified and bottled separately. A fascinating and powerful Nebbiolo with elegant fruit, truffle, leather and floral aromas. Full-bodied, juicy and long in flavour, with a remarkably elegant, well-built tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Opens with slightly earthy notes of black truffle and balsamic tones, then ripe plum, some dried tomato, wild raspberry. A substantial and gripping attack, lots of dark fruit, opens up with powerful tannins, full-bodied pressure on the final, ends on earthy tones." Falstaff

"The Elio Altare 2018 Barolo Riserva Cerretta has plenty of dark blackberry flavours complemented by spicy oak, all to great effect. The oak continues on the palate and in the tannins with roasted spices, nutmeg and vanilla pods." Wine Advocate

"The Barolo Riserva Cerretta Vigna Bricco 2018 is a big, powerful wine that shows the full range of Serralunga. Black cherry, smoke, tobacco, gravel, liquorice and incense open up to reveal a Barolo of enormous depth and resonance. The Cerretta clearly stands out in this range due to its size, but the whole works so well. The 2018 is still developing. It is very promising." Vinous

Valter Fissore bottles less than 4,000 bottles of this incredibly classic Barolo every year. Dark cherries, menthol, flowers and tar are just some of the classic notes in the complex bouquet of the Bricco Pernice from the single vineyard Ravera. On the palate, the austere structure and great power are joined by a fine inner sweetness. The long finish is reminiscent of damp earth, dried herbs and wild flowers. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, sparkling ruby with garnet-coloured tendencies. Elegant, fruity-floral bouquet of roses and ripe wild berries, backed by fine wood spice and meadow herbs. Fine fruit melt on the palate, with a compact fruit core and firm tannins, very exciting and incredibly long." Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. A breathtaking, multi-layered and complex bouquet with raspberry fruit, salty, mineral notes and a hint of leather. Compact but lush, juicy cherry and raspberry fruit, which develops slowly, and long, grainy, tangible tannins. Mouth-filling, but by no means heavy." Jancis Robinson

"Attractive primary flavours of crushed strawberries and stones follow through to a full body, with fine and polished tannins and a lovely, fresh finish. Lively is a good word to describe this wine overall." James Suckling

"Cherry, plum, tar, tobacco and wild herb flavours permeate this muscular red wine, which is rather austere today, not showing much fruit and has a dense base of powerful tannins. The super-long, ferrous finish shows the future potential of this wine, so keep your hands off it for now." Wine Spectator

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento from the dream 2015 vintage is dark, rich and seductive. It smells of ginger and hints of leather and tobacco before opening up further to reveal black cherry fruit and wild berries. Although cool and supple, it has a velvety texture that strikes a wonderful balance between the tart blackberries and exotic spices within. Its complexity is remarkable: sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, framed by youthful grippy tannins and hints of cranberries, spices and subtle saltiness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, powerful garnet red. Finely marked, fragrant nose with notes of cranberries, ripe dark cherries, some prunes and plenty of tobacco. Polished tannin on the palate, showing ripe fruit notes, with grippy tannin in many layers on the final." Falstaff

"Lustrous ruby with orange tinges. At first a tiny bit sweaty, then opening up to rich, focused cherry fruit. A palate of lush cherry fruit and sensationally balanced. The juicy fruit, lined with gravelly tannins, goes on and on." Jancis Robinson

"Lots of plum, toffee, floral and cherry aromas that follow through to a full body with ripe, round tannins that follow through to a long, gorgeous finish." James Suckling

"A powerful version, this red delivers concentrated plum, black cherry, iron and earth flavors allied to a base of muscular tannins. The balance tips to the astringent side, but it's not overbearing, with ripe fruit returning on the finish. Needs time and food." Wine Spectator

"Made with certified organic fruit, the Col d'Orcia 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is open-knit and big both in intensity and mouthfeel. This full-bodied Riserva graces us with budding tertiary notes of tobacco and cured leather, but the ripe and fundamentally very rich fruit of this vintage remains firm at its core. You also get cola, licorice and grilled rosemary. This vineyard site sees ancient soils with an important component of well-draining sand, and this helps to concentrate flavors." Wine Advocate

"The darkly alluring 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento requires coaxing to unlock its aromatics from their youthful state. However, patience is rewarded, as crushed stones and ashen earth give way to red and black wild berries offset by hints of camphor and, finally, a note of sweet tobacco. Its textures are like pure silk draped across the palate, as a saturation of salty minerals settle in. Vivid notes of tart black cherry and an air of inner rose resonate throughout as fine tannins slowly clench the senses. The result is one of hulking structure yet also a potent staining of primary concentration; yet through it all, bright acids maintain supreme balance. Wow, the 2015 Poggio al Vento is a masterpiece in the making." Vinous

Madonna del Piano is a top wine from a top vintage, what more could you want? We are deeply impressed by its energetic tension and complexity, plus a harmony only imagined in the wildest dreams. Focused and racy bouquet of dark cherries, herbs, smoke and mineral hints. Very animating in the drink, the acidity plays around the primary fruit, then the polished tannins set in and glide this beautiful red into its almost endless finish. An extremely characterful and polished wine that is already one of the most beautiful of its appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is totally captivating: deep, dark and viral. It smolders up from the glass, with a thrilling mix of cherries and plums complemented by notes of black tea, balsam herbs and ashen stone. With each return to the glass, this seems to expand further, adding nuances of smoke and animal musk. The 2016 is packed full of energy but also youthful tension, showing the radiance of the vintage with its citrus-tinged fruits and depths of minerality. Through it all, energizing acidity maintains harmony, just as fine tannins slowly saturate, resulting in a long finish that resonates on licorice and purple-tinged inner florals. The 2016 is one of the most balanced, yet also prettiest, expressions that I have ever witnessed from Valdicava’s Madonna del Piano." Vinous

"The Valdicava 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano impresses for its intensity, its balance and its freshness. The wine is medium to full-bodied with a good amount of fruit weight and power that is offset by acidity and the lifted, vibrant quality of the bouquet. If balance is the objective, this wine meets it goals, although like with many of its peers, you certainly won't miss the deep inner power of this determined Brunello." Wine Advocate

"Expressive yet complex, this red is already revealing tertiary hints of truffle, fading roses and spice. Features cherry, raspberry, iron, eucalyptus and anise flavors allied to a firm, compact structure. Balanced and long, with fresh fruit, spice and mineral accents lingering on the endless finish." Wine Spectator

"This is heavenly on the nose with fresh flowers such as violet and cherries with undertones of freshly shaved sandalwood. It’s full-bodied with very fine tannins that are focused and intense with a polished nature. This is a complete wine that impresses at every level. Give it at least five to six years to come together and resolve the tannin structure. Better after 2027." James Suckling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sweet dried cherries, leather, spices, orange peel, menthol, liquorice and dried flowers on the nose. On the palate, these flavours combine with a tightly knit wild berry fruit to create a fresh, juicy overall package whose harmony and complexity surprise us even at a young age. The tannins are tightly knit and will recede in favour of elegance and depth with a few years of ageing in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Since summer 2023, Chianti Classico producers have been allowed to include the eleven additional geographical indications (UGA = unità geografiche aggiuntive) introduced in 2021 on the labels of the top Gran Selezione category. For Chianti Classico winegrowers, it is a logical step to produce wines that reflect the area in which they were produced as authentically as possible. And customers can thus deepen their knowledge of the relationship between the wines and their region of origin - a real added value.

The grapes for Ricasoli's classic come from a south-facing plot at an ideal altitude of 250 to 450 metres above sea level. Castello di Brolio Gran Selezione is a wonderful wine with great richness and depth. It has an intense bouquet of small red berries, violets and spices. The flavour reveals precision, structure and freshness. The tannin and acidity are well-balanced and promise a long life and an interesting ageing period. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium ruby red colour. Opens elegantly on the nose with aromas of redcurrants, orange peel and juicy cherries. Cool fruit on the palate, very elegant, well-integrated tannins, exciting and persistent final." Falstaff

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio 2021 smells of red Sangiovese fruit, white pepper, cedar wood, tobacco, incense and dried herbs. In the glass, the Riserva is bright and complex, with great energy, another good offering from the Ricasoli family. In fact, the 2021 is one of the best editions I have ever tasted." Vinous

"The Barone Ricasoli 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Gaiole Castello di Brolio, now labelled with the Gaiole sub-region on the back label, displays a beautiful bouquet densely packed with carefully ripened fruit. The aromas are characterised by hints of candied cherries intermingled with orris root, dried mint and spice. This generous Sangiovese finishes with lingering freshness." Wine Advocate

"A core of ripe cherries, plums and pomegranates permeates this lively, complex red wine. A balanced version with a firm grip on the finish that complements its fresh acidity. The long aftertaste recalls the fruit and mineral and Mediterranean shrub notes." Wine Spectator

"Ricasoli's flagship wine is a blend of grapes from vineyards in Gaiole on the most important soil types of Chianti Classico: Macigno (sandstone), Galestro and Alberese. The wine shows delicate notes of dark cherries and spiced plums, which are followed in the mouth by a wonderfully vertical structure in which the juicy fruit floats and the savoury edges vibrate with energy. The fruit has a wonderful juiciness, and the tannins are supportive but play a subordinate role. Absolute class." Decanter

"Intense and balanced, perfect standard bearer of the winery. Intense and complex nose, red mulberry, hints of cloves, a touch of laurel and rhubarb. The sip has spicy tannins, a hint of floral nuances and a finish with an officinal return." Luca Gardini

"This wine is so elegant, with a finesse and sensitivity that are so fascinating. It is delicate and almost weightless, with a beautiful and energetic balance of fruit and acidity. It is medium-bodied and extremely long. Medium chewiness. It goes on and on. Dark cherries, bark and lots of flowers on the finish." James Suckling

Ceretto's Barbaresco Asili (approx. 4,000 bottles) is the clearest and most complete of the winery's impressive Barbaresco collection. It reveals a fine sweetness of cherries and redcurrants on the nose, followed by an extremely silky and fine texture on the palate. Following on from the bright berry fruit, its bouquet reveals subtle notes of gravel and delicate, salty flavours. Overall, an accessible and highly elegant approach with great freshness, fine tannins and great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of black cherries and dried flowers flow along the top of the glass as notes of earth, truffle and incense swirl below. Elegant but firm tannins, with the first sip showing savory flavors of black tea and herbs macerating with wild red fruits that linger for what seems like ages." Wine Enthusiast

"Extremely spicy with rose stems, orange peel and a few pieces of cedar wood. Full-bodied, very chewy tannins. Almost leathery. Becomes mineral and icy. Needs time to soften. Better after 2026." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Asili 2020 is quite simply a textbook Asili. Fragrant and silky, with tremendous purity of fruit and class, the 2020 is so impressive. All the elements are so well balanced in a Barbaresco that impresses with its pedigree. A long, beautifully persistent finish rounds things off in style." Vinous

"The Ceretto 2020 Barbaresco Asili (a certified organic wine) shows aromas of violet fruits, especially summer plums and some blackcurrant. The wine opens in a dark garnet red colour with the advantage of the beautiful transparency that comes with Nebbiolo. The Asili seems to have a little more fruit weight and vigour in this warm vintage." Wine Advocate

"If there is one MGA that benefits from the richness of the 2020 vintage, it is the Asili, known for its lean, pure elegance. Parma violet is enveloped in watermelon fruit, leafy lightness and a base of spices among smoky woods, liquorice and roots. The lush fruit on the palate is carried by crisp acidity and dense, silky tannins, with a grippy, youthful finish, drenched in a tangy blood orange aftertaste. A very elegant Asili with volume. A great wine." Decanter

La Casa 2016 is a terrificwine in deep dark ruby red and a bouquet of small red berries, cedar wood and spicy-scented flowers that opens up for minutes. The palate is precise, taut and finely layered, with silky textures and a palate concert of spicy black cherries, spices, leather, tobacco and tar. Dense yet elegant as it progresses, the fine-grained tannins rounding out its perfect beauty. Very intense and with a wonderful ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The round dance opens with fine-smelling aromas of raspberries and blossoms; opens with fine-grained tannins and concise acidity, then an extremely linear course to a multi-tonal fruit finish. Very successful." Vinum

"Already the bouquet shows a lot of intensity with ripe plums and dark, candied cherries, plus a bouquet of floral notes, violets, lavender, but also "powerful" notes like iron and blood. Densely built on the palate with present, ripe tannins, sweet berry fruit, showing provenance and vintage with a multi-layered final and punchy Sangiovese spice." Weinwisser

"Powerful, sparkling ruby. Very much present and clear fruit, after fresh plums, dark cherries, fine cloves in the background. Gripping, gripping tannin, spreads out richly, after red berry fruit, slightly malty note in the final." Falstaff

"Rich red fruit, sour cherry, blueberry, seems quite young, raw meat, pithy herbal spice; still very firm pulling tannin on the palate, not too expansive." Meiningers Sommelier

"One of five vineyards sites in the Caparzo stable, Vigna La Casa is located on the Galestro-rich soil of Montalcino’s revered Montosoli hill. Quite primary and fresh, this hints at smoke, cedar and star anise. It is more firmly structured and robust than the estate Brunello, with palpable wood tannins and ripe, dark cherry filling out the palate." Decanter

"Rose, graphite, star anise and eucalyptus aromas come to the forefront. The chiseled, racy palate features juicy morello cherry, licorice and coffee bean framed in close-grained tannins and bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino La Casa takes a little time to collect itself in the glass, pulling you closer as white smoke gives way to crushed stone, then peppery florals, wild strawberry and cedar. The textures are like pure silk, with an elegant display of savory black cherry and spice complicated by salty minerals. This shows amazing density while never feeling heavy, nearly masking its fine-grained tannins until the very end, where hints of orange citrus and dried berries linger. The 2016 La Casa is a beauty with plenty of upside potential." Vinous

"This red displays a mix of macerated plum, cherry, mint, earth, iron and sanguine flavors. In the savory camp, without the purity of many of its peers, at least today, yet harmonious and long, with dusty tannins on the finish. Be patient." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of berry, toffee and chocolate with cherry undertones. It’s full-bodied with a tight, focused palate with ripe tannins and a flavorful finish. Tight and polished. Needs bottle age to open and show its true potential." James Suckling

Barbaresco Bricco di Treiso presents itself with more power and depth than the normal Barbaresco. Dark red stone fruit, menthol, spices, leather and some cedar wood on the nose. Powerful on the palate, even at a young age, with plenty of muscle power which, together with the harmoniously balanced tannin and acidity structure, suggests a great, long life with a promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a sparkling centre and delicately brightening rim. Great, appealing and open nose, of fresh cinnamon powder, ripe raspberries, plus some sealing wax and white pepper, savoury and inviting. Very elegant and polished on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, beautiful salinity and a very long finish." Falstaff

"The Barbaresco Il Bricco 2019 is a very beautiful, beguiling wine. Sweet red cherry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, mint and spices give the 2019 an impressive dimension and complexity. This deceptively medium-bodied Barbaresco shows great depth and power." Vinous

"Packed with cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavours, this red is restrained but harmonious and structured, with notes of iron, tobacco and undergrowth adding complexity in the long, dense aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Subtle, pure and pretty, this wine carries an intentional character. It offers dark cherry notes, both fresh and warmed, enhanced by sweet spice. Earthy and leathery undertones accompany fine but present tannins finishing with lifted acidity, built to last." Wine Enthusiast

"The fruit for this wine comes from the Bricco di Treiso MGA and immediately shows more softness and textural definition. The Barbaresco Il Bricco 2019 is multi-layered and rich with black fruits, spices, tar and a sweet hint of cinnamon. Il Bricco offers more overall power and structure for longer ageing in the cellar." Wine Advocate

"A solid and powerful Barbaresco with fantastic depth of fruit and multi-layered tannins. Full and so deep and concentrated, with great length and structure. Bark, berries, minerals and deep terroir and gravitas. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

Since the 2011 vintage, the Riserva Marchese Antinori has been made entirely from grapes from Tenuta Tignanello. As a result, the production volume has decreased and a further leap in quality has been made. Sparkling ruby in colour, with a bouquet of dark wild cherries, graphite, violets and spices. Flowing and round on the palate, very juicy, the French oak adds volume and fullness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Fragrant, new precious wood on the nose, delicate cherry, with some coconut and light vanilla, raspberry fruit on the finish, fragrant. Elegant and wood-accentuated style on the palate, everything is in its place, currently still a little young, shows very good foresight." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori, from the Tignanello estate, is packed with black cherry, spice, new leather, liquorice and dried flowers. A dash of Merlot gives it soft contours, but it's a fairly crowded style that works well here." Vinous

"Dense with fruit concentration, red fruits, a hint of wood spice and dried herbs. Full-bodied with a rich mouthfeel. Long and powerful. Modern and balanced." Decanter

"This wine is similar in structure to a Brunello with excellent length. Racy and concentrated. Aromas of violets and dried flowers with a hint of bark and dark cherries. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a marvellous finish. A wine for now or for the cellar." James Suckling

"A lean, elegant red wine with fine, pure aromas of cherries, blackcurrants, iron, olives and tobacco. New oak is evident on the palate, adding both spice and structure, balanced by ample fruit and texture. Balanced, complex finish." Wine Spectator

Barolo Ornato is a great wine every year. It captures the true character of Serralunga with its wild herbs, minerals and ferruginous notes. Its bouquet shows small berry fruits and cassis, framed by gravel, forest floor, blue flowers and candied orange peel. The wine also has a dusty, mineral note and is intense on both the nose and palate. Ornato sets in with finely integrated tannins and an acidity that sustains all these fruit flavours. A wine that is consistently vertical, straightforward and frontal. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderfully fragrant, subtle bouquet with notes of freshly pressed pomegranate, redcurrant and heart cherries, again some blood orange. More elegant, clearly more compact and multi-layered palate than the two predecessors, simply has more density and power, but remains elegant and enormously juicy, immensely polished tannin, absolutely coherent, shows ripe fruit, fine melting." Weinwisser

"Medium ruby red with orange reflections. Beautiful, open and ripe cherry aroma with minerals and a hint of liquorice and lots of depth. Generous, supple fruit with gripping tannins that form a real unit. Great length with lots of powdery tannins, juice and grip. Simply irresistible, but might be too austere for most palates at the moment." Jancis Robinson

"The 2018 Barolo Ornato reveals some very distant hot season aromas, vaguely reminiscent of dried raspberries or stewed plums. The Nebbiolo is very sensitive to the warmer temperatures and even a hint of extra ripeness is easy to detect. However, the wine is fluid and constantly evolving. The fruit-driven aromas soon turn into a brooding complexity with smoke, tar and liquorice. The Ornato paints a broad picture of the intensity typical of Serralunga d'Alba." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Barolo Ornato is sombre, brooding and quite self-contained. There is a lot of aromatic and flavour complexity, but the fruit is very much in the background. It will be interesting to see if the 2018 emerges or if it remains rather compact as it is today. There is a good amount of density and power behind all the tannin. Hints of blood orange, crushed raspberry, rose petal and cinnamon linger on the super classy finish." Vinous

"Spicy, with notes of white pepper, cumin, fennel seed and minerals framing a core of preserved plums and cherries. Dense, viscous and lively, balanced and expressive. It finishes with excellent length and power." Wine Spectator

"Pio Cesare owns most of Ornato, which lies between Briccolina and Falletto. The Serralunga character is particularly typical here, with fruits of wild strawberries and cherries combined with rhubarb and minerality. The attack is silky, with great concentration and savouriness, woven acidity and refined tannins through to the lingering finish." Decanter

"Complex on the nose, with a mix of ripe red berries, nutty minerals, orange peel and spices. Also some spicy, almost meaty notes. Full, compact and intense, but very graceful on the palate thanks to the fine tannins. Very polished and promising. Stylish. Still needs some time. Try it from 2025." James Suckling

"From Cascina Ornato, Pio Cesare's first cru, first produced in 1985, a Barolo of power and structure. On the nose blackcurrant, notes of liquorice and peony. The mouthfeel has spicy, salty tannins and a finish with notes of liquorice and small black fruits. Long lasting." Luca Gardini

This great wine is only released for sale nine years after the harvest: The slow drying of the fully ripe grapes gives this cru its immense strength and density as well as its extraordinary character with powerful ripeness, fruit fullness, beautiful concentration and great elegance. On the palate, Bertani's Amarone demonstrates freshness, noble lightness and great dynamism. An exciting wine and for decades probably the most classic Amarone - the archetype, so to speak - of the entire appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, very intense ruby colour. Opens with light mineral notes, followed by preserved cherries and rich red berry fruit, with fine blood orange in the background. Very precise attack and finish, elegant cherry fruit, grippy, dense tannins, opens up in many layers, fine enamel, already easy to drink, very juicy, great development potential." Falstaff

"Medium garnet red colour. There's so much going on here on the nose! Fruit and dried spices. The next time I'm in an Indian restaurant with a good wine list, I want to try an Amarone. Really very complex and exciting. So fresh and clean! Dry finish. So different from the commercial Amarone norm. Really quite exciting." Jancis Robinson

"The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico takes its time to open up in the glass, slowly evolving with a rich blend of crushed black cherries complemented by dusty purple flowers and exotic spices. The palate is silky smooth but with cooling minerality and vibrant acids that give an energetic feel, while a saturation of red fruits and fine tannins emerge towards the finish. The 2012 finishes lightly textured with an echo of balsamic spice and bitter cocoa notes still lingering - a fantastic and truly harmonious rendition of Bertani's Amarone Classico." Vinous

"This wine is pure in its fruit, earnestness and joy. It opens with aromas of vibrant red plum, macerated red cherries and raspberries followed by cocoa powder, oolong tea and dried violets. Each sniff of the glass brings a new aroma. The wine is earth-driven on the palate, with tobacco and dried red and black fruits blending well with mixed herbs, savory spices and elegant tannins, all leading to a fresh acidity that makes the wine pop on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Wow, what a complex bouquet, with a base of dried cherries that is spiced up with a hint of mild coffee and walnuts. There are also dried flowers, wild herbs and spices such as tarragon and cloves. Subtle hints of dried banana and apricot. The palate is full-bodied, very smooth, intense and balanced, with firm, spicy tannins that drive everything forward. Long, long finish. It's nice to taste it now, but this wine, already almost ten years old, will be in your cellar for a long time." James Suckling

Barolo Ornato is a great wine every year. With its wild herbs, minerals and ferrous notes, it captures the true character of Serralunga. Its bouquet shows small berry fruits and cassis, framed by gravel, forest floor, blue flowers and candied orange peel. The wine also has a dusty, mineral note and is very intense both on the nose and on the palate. Ornato starts with finely integrated tannins and an acidity that sustains all these fruit flavours. A wine that is consistently vertical, straightforward and frontal. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby-garnet colour. Nose of toast, mint, then fine raspberries and rosehips, fine earthy tones, cardamom. Great entry on the palate, deep and multi-layered, savoury, comes in several waves, lingers remarkably long and juicy." Falstaff

"An inviting red that offers ripe plums, cherries, earth, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco flavours. It becomes denser and slightly viscous on the finish, with earthy and herbal elements echoing. All components are present, so be patient." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Ornato 2019 is a big, tightly wound Serralunga Barolo that needs time to unfold. Iron, white pepper, mint, dried herbs and orange peel open up, but with great restraint. Today, the Ornato is impenetrable. Let's see what happens over time." Vinous

"The Pio Cesare 2019 Barolo Ornato comes from one of the most famous MGA vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba. The character of this wine is always characterised by structure and power, and these qualities are particularly evident in a vintage like 2019, which offers more concentrated fruit at the start. The Ornato is imbued with dark berry flavours that contrast with spicy tones, tar and smoke. It finishes with finely structured tannins." Wine Advocate

"The Ornato 2019 emphasises the special nature of this vineyard with its grace and structure, which combine to create pure class. Dark cherry flavours are nestled among wild herbs, flowers and savoury spices that grab and draw your attention with every sip. This robust and well-structured wine is built for the future, when all the parts relax into each other and show just how great this wine is." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine is beautiful with ultra-fine tannins, cherries, berries and flowers. Medium to full body. Wonderful length. Very classic in structure. Straightforward and racy. Taut on the finish. Give it four to six years in the bottle." James Suckling

"From Cascina Ornato, the first cru in the history of the estate, a sculptural Barolo with power and structure. Blackcurrant on the nose, notes of liquorice and peony. Salty on the palate, with liquorice notes on the finish." Luca Gardini

The 2016 edition of Vincenzo Abbruzzese's Brunello is a dense and full-bodied wine whose harmony and roundness reflect the outstanding vintage in a very convincing way. Rich bouquet of small dark red and black fruits, plum, crushed rose petals and hints of cinnamon. Taut and savoury on the palate, with great structure and a soft texture, the tannins nestle with the fruit and lead into a wonderfully polished, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Valdicava 2016 Brunello di Montalcino shows a subtle bouquet that needs extra time to open. In fact, I suggest you open your bottle about four hours before serving. This Brunello takes its time, but it inches over the senses with carefully increasing intensity. Wild cherry, toasted almond and even a touch of sweet apple or orange peel distinguish the bouquet. The tannins are firm and young, but all they need is extra time to evolve. This wine is like being introduced to a stranger who takes his time to reveal his personality, but who then turns into a true friend and confidant. Patience is required." Wine Advocate

"Fleeting aromas of cherry, cedar, sanguine and leather give way to a beam of ripe cherry, berry and earth flavors in this elegant red. Firm and resonant, with a matrix of dusty tannins on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is one of those young wines that, from the moment you put your nose to the glass, you know you’re in for a treat. A sweetly alluring and remarkably fresh bouquet of crushed cherries, strawberries and plums is further complicated by hints of clove, spiced orange peels and mint. It’s velvety-smooth and radiant with a display of dark red fruits, all tightly wound up in a web of minerals, with an air of savory herbs and inner florals that develop toward the close. Try to keep your hands off for another four or five years, and then reap the rewards for a decade or more." Vinous

"Attractive aromas of balsamic, tea, dark berry, walnut and coffee bean. Full-bodied, yet tight and very intense with ripe tannins that are fine and reserved. Racy and polished. Beautiful length to this wine. Needs at least two to three years to come. Try after 2024." James Suckling

Beautiful Amarone Riserva with well-proportioned flavours of ripe dark fruit and noble notes of leather, spices and sweet tobacco. It is dense and full-bodied with remarkable depth, breadth and purity on the palate. An opulent wine with a long and very harmonious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Acute aromas of dried cherries and berries, with spicy and earthy, nutty notes. Full-bodied with a regal structure of velvety fruit and oak tannin, supporting plenty of spicy dried-fruit flavor. Concentrated and intense with a long, long finish. This will age nicely for many a year, despite already being approachable now." James Suckling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The grapes of UnoPerUno come from the cru vineyards Arborina in La Morra, Cannubi in Barolo, Pernanno in Castiglione Falletto, Sarmassa in Barolo and Cerretta in Serralunga d'Alba and are individually destemmed. As a result of this intensive manual work, only 1,300 bottles of this exceptional wine are sold in well-stocked specialist shops, and only in the best vintages. Due to the manual destemming, no green overtones of the stems get into the mash, making the tannins silkier and creamier than in the conventional process. The result is something to be savoured: UnoPerUno is of high fruit intensity, has an incredible depth and structure and is a benchmark of the appellation every year in its purity and clarity on the nose and palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby garnet. In the nose with stony hints, some graphite, then rich plum fruit, Amarena cherry, also hints of liquorice and mint. On the palate then very powerful and compact, opens on dark fruit, tightly meshed and polished, plus powerful tannin, dark elegance, spans a wide arc, can store for a long time." Falstaff

"The 2018 Barolo Unoperuno is terrific. Bright and beautifully perfumed, the Unoperuno impresses with finesse. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, kirsch, cinnamon, mint and dried flowers all soar out of the glass. Readers will find a Barolo of uncommon finesse and elegance. As has been the case for a few vintages now, the Unoperuno is made from a blend of vineyard sites, with all the fruit destemmed by hand. The purity of the flavors is unreal." Vinous

"Ripe, boasting plum, black cherry and coffee aromas and flavors framed by vanilla, caramel and leather accents. Lush and broad on the palate, yet with ample acidity to drive the lingering finish and keep this balanced. A more flamboyant '18." Wine Spectator

"As the wine name suggests, this Barolo is assembled a single berry at a time, "one by one." With a high price point that reflects a labor–intensive winemaking process, the Elio Altare 2018 Barolo Unoperuno shows some softness and sweetness of a hot vintage. This wine is made of a blend of fruit selected from Arborina (in La Morra), Cannubi (in Barolo), Pernanno (in Castiglione Falletto), Sarmassa (in Barolo) and Cerretta (in Serralunga d'Alba). The bouquet reveals soft cherry confit and dried raspberry with spice, leather and dark licorice. Made entirely by hand, this is a limited production of 1,300 bottles." Wine Advocate