wine classics

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

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

Every year, the release of the strictly limited artist's edition of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia is a special treat. Today, too, we are pleased to be able to offer you some copies of the latest and 15th edition "La Proporzione" exclusively as a 0.75l single bottle. The original wooden box with 6 bottles contains only one bottle of this sought-after collector's item.

The artist's edition "Vendemmia d'Artista" has been around since 2006. Since then, renowned artists have been invited every year to decorate a small edition of single and large bottles of the world-famous Bolgheri Superiore. The 15th edition of the Ornellaia Vendemmia d'Arstista is called "La Proporzione" and for estate director Axel Heinz, this title sums up the essence of the vintage, which is characterised by cold and rain as well as long periods of heat:

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

For this edition of Vendemmia d'Artista, American artist Joseph Kosuth has interpreted the character of Ornellaia 2020 "La Proporzione" and created a series of conceptual artworks. Kosuth's interpretation is expressed in a project that evolves from the labels of the 750 ml bottles as well as double magnum and imperial bottles to the site-specific artworks in the winery itself. On the Vendemmia d'Artista label of a 750-ml bottle, each found on a bottle in a case of 6, a quotation from Vitruvius (De architectura 3.1.3) is engraved in English on paper. On the other hand, the etymological family tree of the word "vino" is placed in relief on the bottle of the 100 double magnums.

As every year, the majority of the noble special editions will be auctioned at Sotheby's in autumn to get into the hands of lucky collectors. The proceeds are donated to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation to support the innovative "Mind's Eye" programme. In the meantime, more than two million dollars have been donated to charitable causes since the launch of the Vendemmia d'Artista. An impressive success that gives blind or visually impaired people the opportunity to discover and experience contemporary art.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The heartfelt project "Archivio Storico Zenato" was brought to life by Nadia Zenato in order to pay special attention to the excellence of an entire region. Just 2,000 0.75-litre bottles and 400 magnums are sold in selected specialist shops.

The grapes for this jewel come from the oldest vines on the hills of Sant'Ambrogio di Valpolicella. During and after the harvest, a strict selection of the grapes takes place, then the grapes dry in small wooden boxes (fruttai) in well-ventilated rooms and are gently pressed after the appassimento process is finished. Fermentation takes place on the skins for about 20 days, after which the wine is aged for 10 years in a large Slavonian oak barrel. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, dark ruby red. In the nose open-hearted and accessible, of cranberry jam, bright spicy notes, cloves, anise, then Amarena cherries, mint, a hint of prune, toasted walnut, complex and multilayered. On the palate juicy, dark fruit, then tightly woven, punchy tannin, with a slightly salty undertone, endlessly long." Falstaff

"A rich, harmonious red, offering a lovely, detailed range of baked cherry, toffee, dried lemon thyme, fig cake and toasted cardamom flavors, with a subtle smoky underpinning. Soft, citrus peel acidity and seamlessly integrated creamy tannins provide a fine, supple frame. This is aging gracefully." Wine Spectator

"The 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Archivio Storico Zenato is available in numbered bottles (I tasted bottle 0237 of 2,500 made). The packaging is elegant, and the bottle is made with heavy glass. The contents are rich and almost overdone with spice, jammy ripe fruit and blackberry preserves. Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta and Croatina grapes are dried for 120 days. Despite the wine's large and heavy frame, it does carry itself with impressive elegance and grace." Wine Advocate

"This is an amazing Amarone with incredible aromas of dried fruit, raisins, chocolate and spice. Intense dried flowers. Fruit tea. Minerals. Full-bodied with a deep and rich finish. Juicy and chewy. Incredible structure. Dry finish. One to age for decades ahead in the cellar. Only 2,000 bottles made." James Suckling

Silky, open and graceful, it is characterised by outstanding elegance and the finesse typical of the northern sector of Montalcino. Rose petals, sweet red berries and graceful, minty notes adorn the palate in a sensual, silky Brunello that exudes its class and pedigree from the very first sip. The traditional Marroneto style with fine-grained tannins and subtle salty notes contrasts excitingly with the classic structure and extract sweetness. Great wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"Subtle and sweet to start, it flits with strawberry and cherry blossom before taking on earthier tones. Elegantly weighted but still tight, the palate is built around pure red cherry and raspberry, embedded with nutmeg and incense. Chalky and layered, the tannins sport an assertive bite. Give it a couple of years." Decanter

"The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is an understated beauty, slowly emerging with a delicate blend of rose petals, fresh mint, crushed rocks and vividly ripe black cherries. It hovers across the palate, lifted and finessed yet spry, with ripe red berry fruits and hints of lavender, taking on a liquid floral concentration toward the close. Pleasantly chewy and long, the 2020 leaves the senses stained in primary concentration, with a tinge of bitter cranberry and pretty inner florals that resonate over a bed of classically dry tannins. This is a more concentrated and intense yet wonderfully balanced rendition of Il Marroneto's Brunello." Vinous

"The Il Marroneto 2020 Brunello di Montalcino is a wine of special depth and elegance. Alessandro Mori tells me that fermentation in 2020 proceeded nicely with what he describes as a "primordial stew" of grape must, resulting in high pressure "geysers" or "liquid bombs" that rip right through the cap because of pressure build-up. Someone is having tons of fun in the winery. High temperatures (between 36 to 38 degrees Celsius) serve to fix the wine's ruby color and the elegance of its perfumes, which are more floral than fruity. At the end of fermentation, he manages the skins with light wetting by hand with a tube. This vintage offers softness and a silky texture that feels glossy to the palate." Wine Advocate

Chiara Boschi's Cannubi 2020 beguiles on the nose with layers of fragrant fruit. A sensual Barolo and yet quite typical in its vineyard character. Soft, silky tannins frame the long finish. A wonderful wine, characterised by its balance and above all by the sweetness of its tannins. Very full-bodied, focussed and with great length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exciting attack of stone fruit, dried flowers and herbs; powerful texture, combines character and polish, has length and ends on complex notes of forest fruits and spices." Vinum

"Sparkling, rich ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Initially of tea and rose petals, then blackberry and wild raspberry, some graphite in the background. Lots of red berry fruit, especially black cherry, then gripping tannin, gives the wine depth, savoury and long." Falstaff

"The Barolo Cannubi 2020 is elegant, silky and nuanced. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, cinnamon and orange peel give this medium-bodied, restrained Barolo a remarkable aromatic presence. All elements are beautifully balanced throughout. The 2020 is a lovely wine, but a lighter style even for Cannubi. The lighter body makes the tannins seem a little austere. It will be interesting to see how it develops." Vinous

"The talented Chiara Boschis has created a jewel from this cru in 2020. Pure mint and liquorice scents with deep notes of dried cherries, leather and blood orange. Very elegant with great persistence and a classic finish." Decanter

"A well of pure cherry bubbles up in this red, complemented by rose, strawberry, mineral, wet pine and underbrush aromas and flavors. Though exuding finesse, this is layered with chalky tannins, yet still extends with a kaleidoscope of red fruit, mineral and savory notes on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Nervous and complex nose with excellent depth. Oranges, nutmeg, steel, minerals and a hint of white pepper and oyster shells. Broad and expansive on the palate with very structured, chalky tannins that expand into a long, mineral finish. Long and youthful." James Suckling

"Chiara Boschi's 2020 Barolo Cannubi is a fine and delicate wine, even if it is a little more pithy and rich in this warm vintage. The quality of the fruit is exceptional, especially the crisp ripeness. Dark cherry, blackcurrant, rose petal, pink pepper and white limestone add considerable notes. The freshness is great and the fruit remains juicy, leading to a long, elegant finish. Only 4,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"A wine of density, tension and crispness. On the nose, notes of cranberry, hints of blood orange and liquorice root, with a powerful finish of wild mint. Salty, juicy tannins on the palate, with a return of small red fruits and mentholated notes." Luca Gardini

Just 3,500 bottles from the oldest vines of the Salco vineyard are only sold in the best vintages. In the glass, we are delighted by an extremely elegant Sangiovese with a very harmonious texture and very classic, earthy and spicy notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cherries and chocolate rise on the nose before earthy flavours take over, from mushrooms and dirt to undergrowth and moss. These notes are echoed on the palate and are carried through to a long, mocha-infused finish with stiff, persistent tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Nobile di Montepulciano Vecchie Viti del Salco 2019 tantalises the imagination with a delicate yet complex bouquet. Swirling reveals an array of aromas of wilted violets, potpourri, stone dust and crushed red plums. It glides across the palate like liquid velvet, seamless and elegant, with a core of ripe red and blue fruits that slowly immerse the senses in primary concentration. Sweet spice notes contrast with a hint of dark chocolate over a web of fine-grained tannins as the 2019 finishes dramatically long. Not only is the 2019 a textural thrill, it also has tremendous depth. This wine has only got better in the bottle over the past year. The team at Salcheto have outdone themselves. " Vinous

As always, the stunning Vigneti del Versante offers a spicy and seductive fruit of black cherries and plums, along with flowers, tobacco, minerals and undergrowth. The wine shows great fibre and density, with much of this power coming from the heavier soils of the selected vineyard sites. The overall impression is captivating with its intensity, yet luxurious and mysteriously dark. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is a fascinating interpretation of the Vigneti di Versante, taking the floral, exotic nature of the vintage and combining it with the finesse and sophistication of Pian dell'Orino. Mint leaves, crushed stones, hints of camphor and dried strawberries are complemented in the glass by hints of ground ginger. This wine is elegant and refined, silky to the core, with tantalising acidity and mineral tones enlivened by hints of orange, while red plums linger on the senses. The tannins are soft and dusty, with an admirable concentration rarely found in 2018, finishing fresh and lightly textured. It is simply delicious. There will be no Bassolino di Sopra in 2018. All the juice went to the Vigneti del Versante." Vinous

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

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

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

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

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

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

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is an understated beauty, perfumed and highly aromatic, with a gorgeous blend of dried black cherry, clove, hints of sage and spiced blood orange. It is cool-toned and classic in feel, with silken textures and vibrant acidity that enlivens the core of tart red berry fruits. A cascade of violet and lavender tones resonate over a coating of fine-grained tannins as it flexes its structural muscle, tapering off long and potent and demanding the taster's attention. This will pay dividends in the cellar." Vinous

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

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

"In making a great wine, the primary goal is to emphasise, perfect and seal in a bottle all the extraordinary characteristics of the territory: from the different soils to the microclimate, from the vibrant power of the Mediterranean maquis to the fresh sea breeze." Stanislaus Turnauer (winery owner)

Actually, the single vineyard of just 1 hectare is unique, as it only comprises a small hilltop in the shape of a fan (Italian: ventaglio). The grapes from here have always been at the top of the winery's production and so it was decided to vinify them separately from the 2015 vintage onwards - and the new top wine "Ventaglio" was born.

Due to the curious location and geographical orientation of the vineyard in all directions, there are morning grapes, midday grapes and evening grapes here and they represent the respective site-specific microclimate in an impressive way. Likewise, through the subsequent joint processing, they give their differences in aromatic development, maturity and freshness as a total work of art in this exceptional wine, in which every nuance of the terroir, no matter how small, is expressed correctly and in a balanced manner.

Complex and with a noble body, balanced by an undeniable elegance, Ventaglio appears as the overall expression of Cabernet Franc, which grows particularly well in the Bolgheri area. This first site wine of the Tenuta, symbol of decades of experience in single-varietal winemaking, is vinified only in special vintages in an extremely limited number of bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"Compact, spicy nose with rich blackberry and dark currant notes, plus cedar and cigar box, finely woven. Gripping and powerful on the palate, opens with dense tannin in many layers, spicy notes, plus dark berry fruit and some liquorice." Falstaff

"This red has a lot going on, featuring intense, saturated flavors of black cherry, plum, fig, wild rosemary and iron, with a vibrant, dense structure. Balanced, with a long, resonant finish." Wine Spectator

"A beautiful, complex red with blackcurrants, sage, rosemary and sweet tobacco. Red tile, too. Full-bodied, very linear and fine-grained with great intensity and power. Such purity and length. This 100% cabernet franc is made from only one hectare, producing 3,000 bottles. Needs another three to four years to open and definitely one for the cellar." James Suckling

"This is a new wine from Tenuta Argentiera, an estate that is positioning itself well to become an icon on the Tuscan Coast. The 2016 Ventaglio is a headline expression of Cabernet Franc from a vineyard that I have been lucky enough to visit. It is lovely to see this spot with rows of vines that fan out (hence the name Ventaglio, or "fan" in Italian) from a sole oak tree that is perfectly framed between the cobalt Tyrrhenian Sea and the blue sky above. If there is a heaven where grapevines live, the Ventaglio vineyard may just be it. This vintage is super chiseled and sharp with generous and abundant black fruit that is tightly framed by spice, tobacco, dried herb and a touch of bitter chocolate and dusty mineral. There is some phenolic tartness that points to the wine's youth and bodes well for its future aging. The finish is layered, deep and rich." Wine Advocate

Just 3,000 bottles of the exceptional 2016 vintage were released. The grapes for this exceptional Chianti Classico come from vines that grow in the south-west at an altitude of between 350 and 480 metres above sea level. The soil here is characterised by galestro and limestone. Rich, deep dark ruby colour with a velvety sheen. Multi-layered, concentrated aromas of plum, black cherry, spices and menthol. Complex on the palate with a multi-faceted flavour profile that only opens up gradually and only reveals its full spectrum to the patient. A paragon wine of great depth, class and irresistibility. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep, impenetrable ruby red colour. Brooding, deep and concentrated with hints of oak and dark malt bread. Tightly knit, tangy red and dark fruits with fine, long and persistent tannins. Finely balanced. Transparent and elegant on the finish. Full-blooded." Jancis Robinson

"An intense, vibrant red, with traces of vanilla and toasted, resinous oak surrounding aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, violets and minerals. Balanced, with a resonant finish. Still youthful, with refined, mouth-flattering tannins, this wine still has a long way to go." Wine Spectator

"Intriguing blueberry-chocolate nose, also nuances of black pepper; balanced on the palate with a beautiful polish, the acidity and the tightly woven tannins accurately integrated, combines finesse and great length. Great." Vinum

"Intense and multi-faceted aroma, red raspberry, nutmeg, a hint of wild rosemary and garrigue. The drinkability is juicy, with a return of blackberry and notes of Mediterranean vegetation." Luca Gardini

"This is a beautiful wine that is only produced in the best vintages. The Isole e Olena 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is made from 90% Sangiovese, supplemented by tiny proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. The wine is hugely bright and vibrant in this classic vintage with lingering fruit and cherry that remains intact and fresh even when tasted now, five years after harvest. Hints of leather, tar and potting soil gently fill out the back end. This wine promises long and healthy ageing in the future." Wine Advocate

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016 is breathtaking. This is hardly a surprise, as Paolo De Marchi is known for making compelling Gran Seleziones in his own unique style. The 2016 is a brilliant, concentrated wine, bursting with energy from start to finish. It is the rare wine that develops superbly in the glass and opens up with time. The blend consists of 90% Sangiovese and a few drops of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah." Vinous

Luce Brunello is dark and impenetrable, as always in its more international style. On the palate, it delivers ripe and round fruit flavours of blackberries and plums with plenty of opulence, power and breed. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich and full-bodied, this juicy red shows aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and Mediterranean scrub, with hints of graphite, underpinned by muscular tannins that come through on the finish. Very balanced overall." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is generous and open in personality. It shows sweet cherries, dried raspberries, spices and fragrant roses." Wine Advocate

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Quite restrained on the nose, then opens up with notes of rose petals and tea, rich spicy components in the background. Firm and grippy on the palate, shows plenty of grippy tannin, substantial and structured, but still needs longer ageing." Falstaff

"A finely structured and concentrated Brunello with a complex palette of cherries, blackberries, dried roses, bark, liquorice and a hint of praline. Also iodine and oyster shells. Medium to full body with firm, very fine tannins. Nice texture and balance. Remains fresh and fine until the end. To be tasted from 2025." James Suckling

Le Rocche is a selection from the highest parcels of Falletto in Serralunga, which explains its great finesse. The nose of raspberries and redcurrants shows great purity of fruit, balance and elegance. The palate is equally elegant, with a slender attack, polished tannins and a silky, intense texture. The tannins are grippy but not aggressive, and there are none of the rough edges often found in Serralunga. Balanced and very long, a classic Bruno Giacosa. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fascinating depth and complexity with sublime terroir notes, fine tobacco, undergrowth, iron and cocoa of the finest provenance. Plus those sublime earthy, truffled notes with that unmistakable iodine touch that always harbours something mysterious. A noble and calming effect. Extremely deep in the mouth, subtle and multi-layered, very long and glides over the tongue like a well-trained ballerina with great finesse and silky texture. Completely absorbs you. A madness." Weinwisser

"This round, rich red wine shows aromas and flavours of cherry, raspberry, iron, earth and undergrowth. It has a firm structure with strong but well-integrated tannins that give it support and the ability to age. Overall, this wine is balanced and long, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, minerals and spicy notes." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Falletto Vigna Le Rocche 2019 with white label is a generous and expansive wine that appeals to the palate from all sides. It offers lingering sensations of sweet fruit with a good amount of intensity and muscularity pushing from behind. This forward drive is fuelled by dark fruits, rusty earth, damp clay and blood orange. It shows elegance, substance and finely tuned tones with considerable tension and firmness. This is another bottle that should rest in the back of your cellar." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful aromas of roses that fill the glass, along with ripe strawberries, raspberries and wild berries. Very structured and right with finely tuned tannins that are taut, supple and racy. A wine for the cellar. Try it after 2028." James Suckling

Extremely focussed 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 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 Roberto Voerzio 2020 Barolo Fossati offers an intense bouquet that is layered with redcurrant, licorice root and earthy iris root. There is a spot of something exotic, like maybe a hint of cinnamon along with sweet cherry. The wine is relatively weightless to the palate, but you do feel the firm structure provided by young tannins." Wine Advocate

"Wonderful. Outstanding pure fruit flavours of strawberry, fresh orange, raspberry, plum and flowers such as lavender. Full-bodied, with powerful and concentrated tannins that are balanced and pure. Like the skin of the grape. This wine is so original and beautiful. The transparency is breathtaking. The best Fossati. Drink it after 2030 and beyond." James Suckling

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

"Multi-faceted bouquet with aromas of stone fruit, flowers and subtle tobacco nuances; precise on the palate, the tannins are fine-grained and perfectly integrated, developing into a long, complex final. Also outstanding in this vintage." Vinum

"The 2020 Barolo Brunate is redolent of dark-toned fruit, leather, spice, menthol, licorice, dried herbs, tobacco, incense and lavender. There's plenty of the brooding intensity and power I expect to see in wines from Brunate." Vinous

"A solid Barolo with firm yet velvety tannins and plenty of strawberry, orange peel and floral character. Cranberry. Medium to full body. Juicy tannins and a flavourful finish. Firm on the finish. Very juicy, with beautiful, clear fruit and solid tannins. Better after 2029 and beyond." James Suckling

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

"Aromas of sliced strawberries and stone with some spice. Roses. Perfumed. Lemon peel. Medium body with firm and polished tannins that give a creamy texture and a long and flavorful finish. Juicy at the end. Needs time to soften. Better after 2026." 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 bouquet is spicy with aromas of forest fruits, leather and dried roses; balanced and full of potential on the palate, the finely chiselled tannins and acidity in balance, the multi-faceted finish on notes of ripe fruit, spices and leather." Vinum

"Very pure and focussed Barolo with strawberries and cherries with some cranberries on the nose. Medium to full body, with layers of very fine tannins that fill the mouth. Wonderful intensity and concentration. Lots of flavour and beauty. Lots of fruit on the finish. Great potential. Try after 2030." James Suckling

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

"A flagship of the renowned MGA Cerequio: Extremely seductive, finely chiselled nose of forest fruits, pomegranate, flowers and spices; sleek texture, the tannins tightly woven, the acidity invigorating, combines noble character and fruit to the final." Vinum

"Like a bouquet of flowers with orange peel, candied cranberries and blood oranges. Mineral. Full-bodied with chewy and mineral tannins with dried citrus fruits. Even more racy tannins at the end. Juicy and savoury finish. Needs time to mature and soften. Drinkable after 2029." James Suckling

Giulia Negri would certainly not have the nickname "Barolo Girl" if this wine did not exist. The grapes for this archetype of a modern-traditional (sic!) Barolo come from the top vineyards of Brunate and Serradenari, the latter of which lies at an altitude of up to 520 metres and the soils are clayey-sandy. The grapes are fermented spontaneously and then matured in large oak barrels. Barriques? Not a chance.

Deep, light ruby red colour. Rose petals, nutty notes and small red berries on the nose. The fine fragrance continues on the palate: even though it does not deny its origin or the grape variety, it has an almost unique elegance and freshness that makes it recognisable as a lively and complete top wine even at a young age. Further years of ageing are certainly not a mistake, as you can impressively feel how the increasing complexity with age joins the finesse and elegance that is already unmistakable today. A bottle for now and the rest not too far away in the cellar! SUPERIORE.DE

"This wine is deeply rooted in terroir, exuding a tapestry of forest floor, tar, earthy clay, and an range of medicinal herbs. Crushed cherries and raspberries move between the more savory note gently lifting the wine. Structured with vibrant acidity that lifts the tart red fruit flavors across the palate as fresh herbs and pine needle accents add to the complex nature of this wine." Wine Enthusiast