wine classics

Extremely focused Barolo in a class of its own. Precisely defined fruit notes of wild berries, redcurrant, rosehip and crushed slate. Firm on the palate with a very well defined core, softly wrapped and cushioned by a very relaxed texture. Its elegance and extreme length, together with its well-dosed use of power, put it on a par with the Brunate from the same house. SUPERIORE.DE

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've 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

A little bit of everything, but never too much of a good thing. One of the most complex Nobiles we have ever tasted. Delicate red fruit with a pinch of sweetness and a floral aroma, underpinned by some tobacco and raspberry. Clear cherry flavour on the palate, plus a wonderful spiciness with that subtle sweetness in the background again. A finesse-rich and harmonious final whets the appetite for the next glass. Very successful and full of precision! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. Fine leather aroma on the nose, delicate roasted malt flavour, fine strawberries on the finish. Very radiant on the palate, juicy, with clear red berry fruit and a powerful final with elegant spicy notes." Falstaff

"Subtle yet complex bouquet with good depth coming from red fruits and spicy flavours. A certain stony minerality adds a touch of austerity to the plums and cherries. Medium to full body with chalky tannins. Transparent and delicious." James Suckling

"The Boscarelli 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Costa Grande is amply rich and fleshed out with dark fruit, tarry smoke and toasted spice. This is a savory wine with a heavy center of gravity that would work next to braised meats or roasts. The wine remains mid-weight in stye, but the texture is velvety and rich." Vinous

"This soft red wine, made exclusively from Sangiovese, opens with aromas of ripe wild berries, undergrowth, violets and dark spices. On the polished palate, refined tannins accompany baked plums, liquorice and a hint of espresso." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Costa Grande is incredibly pretty, as crushed stone gives way to bright cherries, dusty violets, mint and a hint of animal musk. The wine feels round and supple, but gains traction from mineralised red fruits. The finish is lightly structured yet lively. Although the 2018 has only just been bottled, it shows wonderfully and is full of potential. I love it." Vinous

"This ripe and almost opulent red wine shows flavours of black cherries, blackberries, violets, iron and spices. There is a hint of wild herbs that intertwine on the long, dense finish. A tantalising expression of fruit supported by a solid structure." Wine Spectator

Complex and multi-layered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. Cedar wood, plum, red fruit, undergrowth and a hint of rose on the nose. Balanced, spicy flavour, firm tannins and a precise, long finish. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years in the bottle, with a little patience it will turn into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fragrant and complex with aromas of ripe wild strawberries, sour cherry, raspberry and blood orange, wonderfully floral with rose petals. Wonderfully juicy on the palate with fine grip and skilfully concentrated red berry fruit; despite the warm, charming vintage, it is very youthful and grippy with almost crunchy fruit, the nobly arranged tannins and gripping, fine acid veins give additional freshness and verve. It seems to me that a change in style is taking place here towards an earlier harvest and more freshness." Weinwisser

"This round red wine shows flavours of cherry, raspberry, minerals, eucalyptus and hay. Balanced, with a good dose of well-integrated tannins that provide support on the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"The Barbaresco 2020 is a very young wine. In most years, the Gaja Barbaresco is quite striking, but the 2020 clearly needs time. It has great fruit intensity. Nowadays, the Gaja wines have less oak influence, which pushes the fruit forward, but also produces a wine that is a little more austere at the beginning." Vinous

"This wine shows the class, beauty and vitality of the noble Nebbiolo grown in the soils of Barbaresco. The wine opens with aromas of ripe cherries, warmed strawberries in sweet spices, fresh herbs and mixed flowers. The palate is lifted and vibrant with a verve that electrifies the palate as flavors of boysenberry, dried blood orange and black tea saunter about alongside well-intergrated tannins, making this wine drinkable now but ready for the cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"So many flavours of fresh rose petals and hibiscus tea. Medium bodied with a crisp and floral character with sliced strawberries and a bright finish. Very appealing with nice structure. Powerful on the finish." James Suckling

"Depth, structure and complexity are the hallmarks of Nebbiolo, and this wine not only offers these characteristics, but also a juicy portion of fresh berry fruit. It is blended from 14 different vineyards throughout the Barbaresco DOCG area with an average vine age of 40 years. Barbaresco is the wine with which the Gaja legacy began in 1859. Aromatic notes of spiced orange peel, an assertive bouquet of dried violet flowers and a hint of dried mint. On the palate, the spicy character of baking chocolate and fennel seed is balanced by an abundance of ripe red berry fruit - notes of strawberries and balsamic, raspberries, fresh mint and dried tobacco. The wine is richly structured, but a stylistic shift in the younger vintages of Barbaresco makes this wine immediately drinkable." Decanter

"Bright ruby-garnet colour, sparkling. Extremely fragrant nose of peach and pomegranate, then fresh plum, appears extremely fresh. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, opens up with elegant, polished tannins, fine raspberry notes, lingers for a very long time." Falstaff

Rabaja and Asili are probably the most famous vineyards in Barbaresco. Medium, delicately fragrant nose of rose petals, cherries and blue flowers, with restrained ethereal herbal notes. Powerful and compact on the palate, with a well-proportioned cornucopia of black fruits such as blackberries and cassis, plus some liquorice. As the wine progresses, its power and a certain pressure become apparent, but this never comes across as wild or ostentatious, but always reflects the elegance of the site and the Giacosa-typical ageing in large wood. Impressive flavour and length! SUPERIORE.DE

"Pungent nose. And very fine and fresh. The fruit literally jumps out of the glass. Normally rather powerful, but the 2020 has great finesse. Long!" Jancis Robinson

"This red starts out smooth and almost creamy, displaying cherry, strawberry, earth, iron and eucalyptus flavors. Firm and balanced, with excellent energy and a long, resonant finish that evokes white pepper. Offers brilliant intensity and expression." Wine Spectator

"Wow. The purity of the fruit and the sophistication are out of this world. Peaches, strawberries, light-coloured plums and berries. Full-bodied and yet compact. The tannin structure is there, but you can't see it. It is dense and decisive with perfect balance and length. A masterpiece. It's so exciting to taste." James Suckling

A few years ago, Pio Boffa, who has sadly since passed away, bought himself a "small" present for his 60th birthday. Not a new set of golf clubs, a picture to hang in the hall, a holiday for him and his family. No. Just a vineyard called Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba, a region of Piedmont where four generations of the Pio Cesare dynasty were never able to gain a foothold. Originally, the grapes from the 10-hectare vineyard were intended to enhance the quality of his classic Barolo, but after the first barrel samples, Pio Boffa realised unmistakably that this would be at least an equal - albeit stylistically different - counterpart to the hitherto undisputed flagship Ornato.

Mosconi is more light-footed than Ornato, the nose is dominated by red rather than black fruit, with an irresistible liquorice and a juiciness that will immediately put it at the top of the entire appellation. On the palate, its precision is unrivalled, it is less powerful than Ornato, but more elegant and subtle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a delicate garnet rim. Very fragrant and surprisingly fresh nose of dewy roses, with pithy plums and some dark cherries. Full-bodied and straightforward on the palate, initially showing fine fruit, then spicy components of fennel seed and leather, full-bodied pressure on the final." Falstaff

"The Mosconi unfolds with a medley of ripe plums and cherries, underpinned by the gentle scent of blue violets and rosebuds, with sandalwood, wild herbs and roasted shiitake adding depth. On the palate, the red fruits shine with a refined and silky structure, flanked by a rich carpet of savoury spices and a hint of salty minerality." Wine Enthusiast

"The Mosconi opens with an appealing rusty aroma intermingled with macerated cherry and balsamic herbs. Its character is vertical, with a more red-fruited profile compared to the broader, palate-spanning, dark-fruited Ornato. Dusty tannins and savoury red and black cherries at the core are surrounded by flecks of orange peel, iron, salt, herbs, black pepper and oak. A beautiful, complex and age-worthy Barolo." Decanter

"Enchanting flavours of flowers such as violets and lemon blossom, with raspberries and cranberries. Full-bodied yet focused, with a structure that builds and builds and builds on the palate, remaining fresh and lively. The tannins are energetic and very, very long. A contemporary jewel. Fascinating. A thoughtful wine." James Suckling

The grapes come from the single vineyard MGA Rabajà in the municipality of Barbaresco. 2019 is a retro vintage, so to speak, as it marks a return for Vietti, who vinified Rabajà back in the 1980s. The soils are calcareous and clayey, with a south/south-west exposure and an altitude of around 235-315 metres above sea level. The average age of the vines is 51 years and they are cultivated according to the Guyot system. Intense garnet red colour. Opulent and delicate on the nose with floral scents of rosehips and violets and ripe black cherry. Amazingly fresh and enveloping for a mature Riserva from the very first sip. The tannins are ripe, soft, silky and wonderfully integrated, giving the wine a great structure and elegance. What completely won us over during the tasting was the almost immeasurable length of the wine, which is still resonating as we write this. Complimenti! SUPERIORE.DE

"This Barbaresco leaps from the glass with aromas of black raspberry jam from the farmers' market, including seeds, blue violets, sweet spices and subtle herbal notes. The palate is polished and lush, with tart cherries that stand out, while lively acidity keeps the palate fresh and rounded tannins carry the wine through to the savoury finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Transparent and clear flavours of cherries and berries with some cedar and lavender, which fade into a medium body, with fine and round tannins and a delicious finish. Now very accessible and refined." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà 2019 is a new wine from Vietti. It emerges from the glass with a captivating bouquet reminiscent of crushed flowers, herbs, mint and orange peel. The aromas alone are beguiling. Vibrant and classic in structure, with a wonderful inner sweetness, the 2019 is absolutely irresistible." Vinous

"Bright with strawberry, cherry, rose, wild rosemary and iron aromas and flavors, this red is expressive but also firmly structured, harmonious and elegant, lingering with a complex aftertaste of fruit, mineral and savory elements." Wine Spectator

"Vietti worked at Cru Rabajà in the 1980s and has now returned to produce this inaugural vintage of the portfolio's latest wine. And what a stunning wine it is. The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà has lush, well-rounded fruit and a generous disposition of wild mountain blueberries, grenadine and watermelon candy. There are also hints of resin, tar, linseed oil, fern or forest plants. The nose is one thing, but the palate is even more powerful, with very solid tannins, fresh acidity and generous fruit intensity. This Riserva is firing on all cylinders." Wine Advocate

There was no Montosoli for two years due to quality reasons, but now it is back in its peak year and for the first time in a 0.Liters bottle. Irresistible bouquet of orange peel, cherries and herbs, plus floral undergrowth, white smoke and wild berries. The attack is fascinatingly soft and pure, infused with salty minerals, while sweet notes of cherry and raspberry slowly emerge and increase the pressure. The whole is flanked and completed in its complexity by tannins that still have a youthful grip. What could be more high-class than a perfectly proportioned (and extremely limited) Brunello from one of Montalcino's most famous vineyards? SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 shows an intense ruby red colour and a virile personality that packs a punch. The aroma of oily herbs, iron, incense and game is pervasive, and mineral nuances are repeated on the palate, where bitter chocolate tones lie in wait. The full, velvety, dark-skinned fruit is framed by crisp, vertical tannins and infused with energetic acidity. As voluminous as this wine is now, its structure demands time." Decanter

"This red wine is characterised by intensity, breadth and depth. It displays expressive aromas and flavours of cherry, raspberry, iron, eucalyptus and tobacco, which combine with a supple texture and refined structure. It strikes a balance between elegance and power, with a lingering aftertaste of fresh red fruit." Wine Spectator

"The nose is so pure and subtle, with a hint of sophistication and ethereality. You can just sit back and think about the world. It's like sitting in a mountain meadow. Medium to full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are endless and glorious in every way. It's like being connected to a unique piece of earth when you taste this wine. Just ripe berries with dried flowers, mussel shells and subtle mushroom and bark notes. Lasts so long on the palate. Endless. It's already drinkable because it's perfectly balanced, but it will be even better in three to six years and beyond." James Suckling

The grapes for Roberto's "entry-level Barolo" come from four of his best vineyards, which are harvested a few weeks earlier than those reserved for his Grand Crus. It is also the most balanced of his Barolo wines, even if the fruit and acidity are anything but restrained, but the proportions are just right here. The structure is great, its length and elegance inspiring - the refined layered components such as raspberry, cherry and its subtle salty vein make it without doubt one of the most serious wines of the entire appellation - a real Voerzio for comparatively little money. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of plum, strawberry, orange peel, and loam with hints of cedar and hazelnut. Flowers, too. Full body, juicy fruit and a tangy finish. A combination of ripeness and pure fruit. Flavorful at the end." James Suckling

With so many fantastic wines produced in the exceptional year 2016, it is hard for us to make a best list. But the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro 2016 is definitely one of them. Only bottled in exceptional years, the single-vineyard Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is a fine and delicate wine with great depth, perfectly balanced power and plenty of drive. It is thoroughly graceful and very elegant, with powerful aromatic intensity followed by firm tannins and a polished, soft texture. This Riserva offers power in the proverbial silken glove. But the wine is by no means simplistic about it. The longer it warms in the glass, the more it delights and surprises us. Delicate tones of wild berries, cassis, blanched almonds and dried ginger work together harmoniously, the final is endless and the lasting impression unforgettable. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seductive raspberry nose, coquettishly underpinned by notes of flowers and herbs; multi-faceted texture, the acidity invigorating, the tannins tight and beautiful, the final full of polish and elegance, the fruit notes beguiling. Great wine that can age." Vinum

"Bright, rich garnet red. Very clear and intense nose, full of ripe raspberries, pickled cherries and some liquorice in the background. Lots of ripe fruit on the palate, shows grippy tannin, firm pressure on the final, long finish of plums." Falstaff

"From the estate’s Pianrosso vineyard in the Castelnuovo dell’Abate area, Santa Caterina d’Oro bears the imprint of Montalcino’s south. The spiced, floral potpourri is tangled with sunbaked terracotta scents. This is a substantial, hefty wine with lots of extract and a profusion of fleshy red plum and prune. The tannins are very suave, while sandy earthiness lurks in the background and a salty tang comes through on the finish." Decanter

"Dark yet wonderfully perfumed, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro blossoms in the glass to present a bouquet of dried strawberries and roses complemented by hints of blood orange and clove. It shows the power and grace of a well-muscled dancer as a dense wave of ripe red and black fruits rushes across the palate, lifted by bright acidity, while leaving a mix of saline-minerals and grippy tannins toward the close. Though structured for the long haul, the 2016 maintains unexpected vibrancy, finishing with hints of plum and almond. This is simply stunning." Vinous

"The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna di Pianrosso Santa Caterina d'Oro is gorgeous, full stop. It shows an incredible level of Sangiovese purity and sharpness, and you taste the grape as if you were eating berries straight out of the vineyard. On top of that healthy and bright primary material, the wine layers on elegant aromas of spice, ferrous earth, balsam herb and red rose potpourri. The aromas meet with seamless integration and segue to ongoing depth and complexity offered to the palate. This Riserva is rather delicate in terms of mouthfeel; however, it is powerful and long, with high alcohol, polished tannins and a silky texture. A hint of sweet cherry mixed with menthol freshness pulls it together at the end." Wine Advocate

"Glorious aromas of flowers, nutmeg, dark berries, earth and black cherries follow through to a full body with ultra-fine tannins that are long and extremely polished. They go on for minutes. Reserved and shy still, due to its excellence. Give this four or five years to come around. Try after 2024." James Suckling

"Both fluid and concentrated at once, this exudes cherry, black currant, violet and mineral aromas and flavors. Saturated with ripe fruit, this has beautifully integrated acidity and tannins, with a racy profile that drives the superlong finish. The tannins flex their muscles at the end yet remain refined." Wine Spectator

"A wine from cru of about 12 hectares born to be great. 36 months in Slavonian oak from 20-62 hl, at least 8 in bottle. Sour cherry, balsamic touch of Valdostan mint, black pepper leaf, undergrowth at the nose, juicy, dense mouth, with iodized and refined tannins, persistence and precision. Breathtaking finish." Luca Gardini

La Mattonara Riserva is a massive wine with wonderful exaggerations of ripe fruit, oak spice, dark aromas and dense texture. Sparkling, intense ruby garnet. Deep and complex on the nose, very clear and intense, fresh cherry juice, some fresh plum, nuances of coriander seeds behind. La Mattonara does an impressive peacock wheel on the palate, its diverse aromas from ripe dark cherries to cranberries and spicy components are not only very well integrated, but also perfectly framed in a fine-meshed tannin. Dark, brooding and spicy in character, the Appassito fruit is impeccably balanced, everything comes through beautifully here. It will more than delight Amarone fans and other lovers of great wines, if they will not be put off by its price or its 16 %vol. alcohol. SUPERIORE.DE

"Available in a heavy glass bottle with a label design of a human fingerprint inside a grape leaf, the Zýmè 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva della Mattonara does indeed prove to be a fitting joint venture between vintner and vineyard. It shows an evolved character with concentrated black fruit, savory tobacco, cured meat and sweet spice. The mouthfeel is dense and almost syrupy. It offers a powerful 16% alcohol content. This is surely one of the most distinctive and original wines to come from northeast Italy, and it will appeal to those who love vinous excess and richness." Wine Advocate

"Dense, sparkling ruby, light garnet rim. Multi-layered and concentrated in the nose, initially showing slightly spicy-resinous notes, of wild blueberries, some smoke and liquorice, then lots of prune, balsamic. Substantial and dense in attack and course, lots of grippy tannin, embedded in beautiful melting, will come together splendidly." Falstaff

"Very full and structured, but very juicy and fresh as a daisy. You would not believe that this wine is already 14 years old, which is a testament to the persistence of Amarone, but even more to the excellence of this wine. A compact bead of currants and dates runs through the wine, supported by ample tannins that are well integrated. The finish is very long." James Suckling

Barolo Riserva Ravera Vigna Elena is a wonderful wine from Elvio Cogno and, not surprisingly, as is so often the case, the best from the collection of the family business from Novello. It is aged in large Slavonian oak barrels and only produced in selected vintages. It exudes delicate truffle notes and aromas of wild berries with a hint of exotic spice. The wine is soft, lush and well-structured, making your mouth water. This Barolo shows the power and inner structure of the Ravera Cru and should age beautifully over the next two decades. SUPERIORE.DE

"Comes from a one-hectare vineyard planted with a special Nebbiolo clone: fresh berry notes in combination with orange zest and balsamic spice flavours; precise evolution, carried by polished tannins and a crisp acidity, berry, invigorating, long and full of finesse." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby colour with a pronounced garnet rim. Fine, inviting nose, opens with notes of blood orange, plus fresh plum, some leather in the background. Lots of juicy, present fruit on the palate, clear flavours of fresh raspberries, pithy, dense tannins, built up in many layers, rich and full-bodied on the final, salty." Falstaff

"Pale ruby red colour. Lots of minerals on the nose and only slowly raspberry fruit and iodine notes. A slow-burning wine. Great freshness, length and juiciness. Multi-layered, with lots of tannins on the finish. You can approach it now, because it's hard to resist." Jancis Robinson

"The Barolo Riserva Ravera Vigna Elena 2018 is an airy, ethereal wine. Dried cherry, tobacco, incense, dried flowers, spices and leather are the first to open up, supported by Ravera acidity and tannin." Vinous

"This elegant, expressive, straightforward and powerful red wine shows flavours of strawberries, cherries, rose hips, eucalyptus, juniper, iron and salt. Supple and nimble, with a line of resonant tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"This is an elegant, flavoursome and refined Barolo. Medium-bodied, with notes of sour cherries, orange peel, mahogany and balsamic notes framed by silky tannins. Transparent character. Already delicious now, but even better from 2026." James Suckling

Just 72 bottles of this extraordinary creature were released for the German market. At the same time, San Polo's latest growth comes from the oldest vines of the wine estate, the Vignavecchia single vineyard with a size of 2 hectares. The year 2015 brought not only very healthy berries but also ideal acidity and sugar levels. So, it is not surprising that Vignavecchia made it to the podium right away and that this Brunello is one of the highest-rated wines of the dream vintage.

Intense ruby red. The nose is flooded with ripe red berry fruits, violets, some forest floor and a subtle wood spice. On the palate then breathtakingly deep, complex and with terrific texture. The warm tannins and well-dosed acidity make each sip memorable, and the endlessly long final reverberates long after the bottle is already empty ... This wine fills Brunello lovers with great joy and only the most controlled among them will ever experience the terrific maturation potential of the Vignavecchia 2015. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of underbrush, camphor and tobacco form the nose along with a whiff of prune. Tightly knit and full-bodied, the palate features black-cherry jam, licorice, roasted coffee-bean and toasted notes alongside close-grained, velvety tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Released in numbered bottles, the Poggio San Polo 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vignavecchia is a true beauty with the elegance, distinctive intensity and savory sophisticated flavors that you only get in this storied appellation in the southern half of Tuscany. With fruit from old vines, the wine is naturally denser and richer. This expression also shows more oak shadings, with pretty spice and smoke that frame the dark fruit. These various elements come together with impeccable precision and focus. I suggest giving this wine a few more years of cellar rest." Wine Advocate

"This is a phenomenal new red from San Polo with superb depth and intensity with plum, wet earth and black truffle. Full body. Chewy and ripe tannins and a long and flavorful finish. The depth and beautiful is gorgeous. Needs three or four years to come together." James Suckling

Allegrini's top Riserva Fieramonte presents itself deeply concentrated and almost black in the glass. The palate is firm and equally concentrated, with dense waves of dark fruits, spices, toast and cinnamon. The aromatic panorama of this wine is impressive, its dimension, depth and texture make it one of the greatest wines of the appellation. Wow! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red with violet reflections. The nose is intense and structured, elite. It presents ripe notes of red fruit flesh, jammy figs, followed by warm tones of tobacco, coffee and spices such as cloves and pepper. The palate is dense, full and enveloping with pronounced tannins, long, captivating finish." Falstaff

"The 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Fieramonte is totally captivating, with a mentholated bouquet that mixes cedar spice box with cloves, dried blood orange and cinnamon-dusted black cherries. This envelopes the palate, elegant and seamlessly silky, as a core of racy acidity perfectly balances a dense wave of ripe red fruits. It lingers impossibly long, with framing tannins that punctuate the wine nicely without slowing its momentum. The 2015 Fieramonte is gorgeous today but also packed full of potential. What's more, there's no shame in bringing this beautifully sculpted Amarone to the dinner table." Vinous

"Aromas of blackberries, cherry pie and cooked plums combine with cloves, vanilla, freshly turned earth and dried violets. Framed by fine and polished tannins with notes of dried plums and gingerbread biscuits." Wine Enthusiast

"Plush and opulent, with a creamy chocolate edge to the concentrated minty blackberries, dark walnuts, shells and pine cones. Rich, broad and full-bodied with lots of oak now, but still very fresh and tangy. Lots of fine-grained tannins tie in the dark fruits and sweet spices on a long finish. It still needs some time for the oak to settle better. Drinkable from 2024." James Suckling

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Fieramonte 2015 captivates with its mentholated bouquet, where cedar spices mingle with cloves, dried blood oranges and cinnamon-dusted black cherries. The palate is enveloped by an elegant and seamlessly silky note, while a core of racy acidity perfectly balances a dense wave of ripe red fruits. The finish is incredibly long and the tannins frame the wine without slowing its momentum. The 2015 Fieramonte is beautiful today, but also full of potential. Plus, there's no shame in bringing this beautifully shaped Amarone to the table." Vinous

"From an 8 ha vineyard at 415 m altitude. Rich aroma on the nose with a beautiful nuance of dark fruits, floral scents and sweet spices all melding together. The texture is so appealing, rich yet smooth and silky, dominating the palate with flavours of stewed blackcurrants, coffee beans, orange peel, slightly bitter medicinal herbs, juicy balsamic pepper fruit and a beguiling saltiness. It is enveloping in the best sense, yet juicy and lively, leaving a lasting impression on the palate, an absolute vitality. The tannins are rather chewy and grippy, coating the mouth and tongue, but the presentation of flavours is so precise and detailed. This wine is amazingly good and has excellent freshness." Decanter

Angelo Gaja's 2021 Barbaresco is a wine with poise and grace that has a lot to offer. Expressive spicy and floral notes are the first to open up, but what really stands out is the wine's nuance and delineation. The transparency is unmistakable. Sweet red cherries, mint, cinnamon and rose petals develop in the glass and add further nuances. The flavour is balanced and spicy, the tannins firm and the finish precise and long. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years of bottle ageing, with a little patience it will transform into pure elegance. Put simply, the 2021 is one of the best Gaja Barbarescos of recent times. SUPERIORE.DE

"A selection of the best Barbaresco vineyards: Impressive bouquet of red berries and flowers, also balsamic nuances; combines precision and fullness, the long-lasting tannins and the pithy acidity in harmony, straightforward and elegant." Vinum

"Bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Very precise nose, opens with notes of fresh plums and raspberries, plus some cinnamon. Juicy and salty on the palate, grippy, savoury tannin, shows good depth, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"A beautiful, elegant and expressive red wine that offers flavours of strawberries, cherries, roses and minerals. Refined tannins and lively acidity give the wine the right support and an overall sense of harmony. The wine becomes beautifully taut and austere, with red fruits and spicy notes in the long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The aromas of liquorice, minerals, light tar and dark berries such as raspberries are very attractive. It is medium-bodied with a tight and integrated palate with fine tannins that are seamless and invisible. It is long and lively. It needs two to four years to open up. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

Barolo La Serra emerges from the glass with a playful bouquet of dark red fruits, tar, smoke, liquorice, spices and new leather. The high-pitched notes of rose petals, which are typical of this vineyard near La Morra, are complemented by fine strawberry and raspberry notes and, in this wonderfully elegant and subtle overall package, result in an attractive, extremely elegant Barolo that is hard to beat in terms of finesse, purity and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Barolo La Serra is one of the best editions from this vineyard, one of the vineyards that Roberto Voerzio started with. It offers a beguiling blend of dark cherry, plum, liquorice, lavender and sage. The dark side of Nebbiolo comes alive in this striking, translucent Barolo from Roberto Voerzio. The tannins are firm and engaging, but there is more than enough fruit to provide balance." Vinous

"Fresh and lively with raspberry, lime and honeysuckle on the nose. Medium-bodied with taut and polished tannins that are fully integrated. Polished and fine. Needs time to open up and show itself. Try it after 2028. Fresh and lively with notes of raspberry, lime and honeysuckle on the nose. Medium-bodied with taut and polished tannins that are fully integrated. Polished and fine. Needs time to open up and show itself. Try after 2028." James Suckling

"The nose opens with notes of pomegranate, hints of wild iris, juniper and rhubarb. The mouthfeel is elegant and crisp, with spicy tannins and a very long finish that returns fruity and subtle." Luca Gardini

Extremely focussed Barolo in a class of its own. Precisely defined fruit notes of wild berries, blackcurrant, rosehip and crushed slate. Firm on the palate with a very well-defined core, softly enveloped and cushioned by a very relaxed texture. Its elegance and extreme length, together with its well-balanced power, put it on a par with the Brunate from the same house. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Barolo Fossati captures all the strong savory and mineral character that is typical of this site. Dried flowers, chalk, mint, white pepper and bright red-toned fruit are all finely delineated. This nervy, sculpted Barolo has a ton to offer. As always, the Fossati is a wine of tension more than volume. That quality is very much on show today." Vinous

"It's dense and closed now, but shows plenty of orange zest, berries, strawberries and floral character. Medium to full body. The tannins are integrated and velvety in texture. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

"Another fundamental cru in the readings and typology of the Chiarlo winery. A nose of finesse, notes of cranberry, then wild mint and nuances of nutmeg. The mouth has salty tannins, density and finesse. It closes with a fruity return and sweet spices." Luca Gardini

Barolo Cerequio unfolds its cornucopia of cherries, ripe red berries, violets, leather and tar only after many minutes in the glass. Firm and powerful on the palate - shows an impressive and firm structure, yet the wine remains delicate, mineral and full of finesse throughout. It is perhaps the most balanced of Roberto Voerzio's top wines, and even if it appears quite accessible at a young age, it will only reveal its true potential and class in many years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Barolo Cerequio offers the warm embrace that is so typical of this great La Morra site, but with the extra tannic kick and bright acids that are typical of Roberto Voerzio's wines today. Bright red cherry fruit, kirsch, mint, white pepper and a kick of orange peel fill out the layers nicely. The Cerequio is the softest of the Voerzio Barolos I tasted, but it has plenty of supporting structure." Vinous

"Raspberries, flowers and a hint of citrus on the nose. Medium to full-bodied with a dense and focussed palate full of fruit, with dense and firm tannins. Reserved and powerful. Great bottle. Try after 2029." James Suckling

"One of the flagships of the estate and the Langhe in general, from a mythological cru. Very cleanly made: a nose of sour cherries in alcohol, with notes of peony, laurel and star anise. On the palate it is dense, elegant and exciting, with salty tannins and a long finish." Luca Gardini

Barolo Brunate is a breathtaking expression of great complexity and finesse. The wine has a lively garnet red colour with a balanced and intense bouquet: sage, mint, undergrowth, tar, tobacco and liquorice nuances give Brunate a striking aromatic complexity. At the heart of the bouquet, as well as on the palate, there is plenty of dark fruit, including blackcurrants and plums. Gains breadth with time in the glass and the already fine tannins will certainly become even smoother with further ageing in the bottle. A Barolo with real presence and stature and for us the most accessible Barolo in Voerzio's exceptional collection! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barolo Brunate 2019 is a dark, virile wine. In other words, a classic Brunate. Black cherry, liquorice, sage, menthol, liquorice, dried herbs, lavender and graphite are some of the many notes that develop as this strong, taut Barolo shows its irrepressible personality. This is one of the most impressive Barolos I have tasted from Roberto Voerzio in quite some time." Vinous

"Lots of notes of rose petals with pure fruits like raspberries and fresh strawberries. Full and powerful with lots of tannins, but the core of the fruit is fresh and beautiful. It is not overly chewy or aggressive. It shows purity and focus. A fantastic wine." James Suckling

"The sand and marl of Sant'Agata, together with natural, inspired and impeccable winemaking, contribute to the success of one of the masterpieces of typology. Cranberry jam, a hint of blood orange peel, a touch of lemon thyme, ginger and capers. The sip is dense, with a spicy, citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

Allegrini's top-quality Riserva Fieramonte is deeply concentrated and almost black in the glass. The palate is firm and equally concentrated, with dense waves of dark fruit, spices, toast and cinnamon. The aromatic panorama of this wine is impressive, its dimension, depth and texture make it one of the greatest wines of the appellation. Wow! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby red colour. Fragrant and expressive nose of ripe blackberries, dried plums, cinnamon stick, precious wood, milk chocolate, sultanas and dried rose petal. Great finesse and elegance on the palate, spreads oily over the tongue, with tightly woven, powerful tannins, builds for an extremely long time, with a savoury finish and light alcohol." Falstaff

"A cooler year in more recent times. This cuvée (single vineyard) was produced from 1965 to 1985, before the vineyard was infected with Esca. The vineyard was then rejuvenated and the Fieramonte was revitalised from 2011. After four years in 225-litre Liters, it is a rich, racy and throaty wine. The grapes are dried for 130-140 days, which is very long even for the region. A big wine with lots of extract, dark fruits, menthol and aniseed. Very impressive." James Suckling

"Brings a sense of finesse to an otherwise rich and concentrated, full-bodied red wine. It offers taut, fine-grained tannins as a firm frame, wrapped in a silky texture and flavours of red-hot black cherries, smoked tobacco, dried figs, cocoa powder and a savoury hint of cracked pink peppercorn. Long, fragrant finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 is powerful on the attack with concentrated blackberry flavours merging into macerated Bing cherries, wrapped in allspice, vanilla and a hint of savoury spice. As the wine progresses, drying violets and dark earthy notes emerge. The palate is full-bodied with concentrated baked plums, cocoa and chalk and finishes with powerful tannins and lively acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Fieramonte 2016 is captivating. It opens with a minty freshness complicated by hints of tangerine and dill, giving way to mentholated black cherries and a touch of cocoa. It's cool and smooth, with an appropriate inner sweetness and racy acidity to balance it out. Polished red and blue fruits glide across the palate with ease, leaving a bitter hint of espresso and mocha that lingers towards the finish. Tactile mineral tones ground the experience, while a web of fine-grained tannins settles in, leaving a classic dry tension. The 2016 finishes with enormous length and potency. Allegrini takes the Fieramonte to new heights, the balance of this wine is otherworldly. This is not to be missed." Vinous

"Another amazing wine from Allegrini. If you didn't buy the Fiermonte last year, now's your chance to buy something just as good. The most gorgeous nose; full of flowers, chocolate truffles, red fruits and dried berries - fragrant and just so inviting, so pure too. The texture and mouthfeel are just perfect - round, enveloping, the perfect weight to give structure and body with intensity and fleshiness, but nothing is overdone or too much. Delicious crisp and fleshy fruit, wonderful minty freshness with accents of incense scent, wood spice and exotic spices before a long chalky finish with an underlying salinity. Pure, precise, clearly defined, juicy and very flavoursome. What more could you ask for? Slightly less friendly and charming than the 2015 at the same time last year, this wine has more power, opulence, vigour and boldness, but it has exceptional forward movement and freshness. It excites and captivates in equal measure from the first sip! Simply wow!" Decanter

Undisputedly the most powerful and robust Barolo in Roberto Voerzio's top range is the Rocche dell'Annunziata from one of the best vineyards in La Morra. For us, it is a benchmark in determination and forward momentum. Wonderfully harmonised fruit and spice components, a great wealth of impressions and precisely drawn beauty characterise this exceptional Barolo. Intensely fragrant nose of plums, preserved cherries and lots of raspberries, rounded off with cedar, spices and tobacco. Its depth, complexity and determination never rest; even 24 hours after opening the bottle, the connoisseur is still surprised by fine notes of mint and balsam and this incredibly expressive and charming wine shows no signs of ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata 2019 is a very beautiful wine from this La Morra vineyard. It smells of red berries, rose petals, mint, chalk, white pepper and orange peel. The 2019 is medium-bodied and sinewy, with excellent persistence and high-calibre aromatics. I particularly admire its translucent, super-classic personality." Vinous

"A racy and structured red wine with orange peel and ripe strawberries. Medium to full body. The tannins are well integrated and spread across the palate. Best after 2028." James Suckling

"Red raspberry jam on the nose, with hints of rosehip, white pepper and juniper, the sip is complex, with a return of fruit jam, floral sensations and touches of undergrowth. Very persistent." Luca Gardini

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Bright and concentrated, with aromas and flavours of cherries, raspberries, rose hips, mushrooms, iron and tobacco. Pure and expressive, with fine harmony, an elegant frame and a long-lasting aftertaste. Supported by a firm structure." Wine Spectator

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

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

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

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

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

After many years of identifying the best Merlot, Cabernet and Petit Verdot parcels within the boundaries of their Bolgheri estate with the support of the famous OenologistMichel Rolland, the Antinori family discovered in the early 2000s that in the midst of this microclimate and terroir there was an even more special small vineyard whose results once again surpassed those of the larger area. It was immediately clear to all involved that this unique character had to be vinified and highlighted separately - this was the birth of today's cult wine Lodovico.

The 2008 vintage, for all its complexity, is a youthful and at the same time dense wine that only gradually opens up in the glass to reveal a multitude of layers. The rich bouquet has fruity, floral and spicy notes, as well as wild berries, blackcurrants and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is highly refined textured with fine tannins, sweet fruit and excellent length. Lodovico 2008 is a balanced wine of elegance and refinement, with depth, power and longevity, and it is the archetype of the level that the Tenuta di Biserno terroir can produce. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, rich wine with currant, powdered chocolate and hints of vanilla. Full body with chewy tannins and a powerful, rich, chewy finish." James Suckling

"Though rich, this red is elegant and harmonious, featuring flavors of black currant, cherry, cedar, graphite and spice. A supple and polished wine, with a beam of fruit persisting through the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2008 Lodovico has developed beautifully. Today, the 2008 is complex, beguiling and wonderfully expressive. The tannins remain formidable though, and will require additional time in bottle to soften. A blast of dark red/black fruit, smoke and incense hits the palate on the explosive finish. The 2008 is just beginning to enter its tertiary phase. Hints of smoke, tobacco, savory herbs and licorice inform the deeply expressive finish. What a gorgeous wine this is." Vinous

"Layers of espresso, mocha, blackberry jam and spices take shape in the glass. The 2008 shows remarkable depth and polish all the way through to the finish. The Lodovico is another big, persistent wine endowed with tons of Maremma warmth and personality. These vines are just 6-7 years old. The potential for the future seems very, very bright." Wine Advocate

"It's a dark ruby colour, with generous aromas of plums, sweet red and black fruit, coal, mineral and smoke. It has a voluptuous weight in the mouth, and a velvety texture offset by dark chocolate, smoke and a faded herb note. This is super-harmonious and long with very fine, compact tannins." Decanter

"From the coastal Tuscan estate of Lodovico Antinori (brother of Piero), here comes a gorgeous blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot and a small percentage of Petit Verdot. Soft chocolate and black cherry opens the nose and segues to enormous richness and length. The wine is excellent but the jury is out on whether it becomes one of the great cult classics of Italy." Wine Enthusiast