Wine Enthusiast

Beguiling aroma of sweet, dark berries with a hint of cassis, cedar wood and antique leather. Very balanced on the palate, beautifully viscous with an elegant melt. Fine-meshed tannins, restrained mineral tones and wonderfully polished fruit accompany a remarkable finish. For all its elegance, it shows pressure and power and, with the right dose of acidity, promises a long life and almost reaches the level of its famous big brother. SUPERIORE.DE

"Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2021 is the result of a first-class and extremely satisfying vintage and allows the good tannin quality and well-dosed concentration that characterise the wines of this vintage to shine through. In the glass, it impresses with a brilliant ruby red colour with the usual violet reflections. The nose is fresh with notes of pink pepper and cypress cones, reminiscent of the Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, the wine is elegant, with a beautiful acidity and a long, spicy final that invites you to take a second sip." Olga Fusari, Oenologist

"Almost black in the glass. Subtle fragrance, delicate fruity notes of blackberry, blueberry and some elderberry. A subtle hint of coconut wood. Also dark fruity on the palate, velvety with fine-grained tannins, embedded acidity and a fine herbal flavour. Very balanced and harmonious, young but with great potential. Long and fresh, juicy finish." Vinum

"The Serre Nuove is the second wine of the Ornellaia and is also a Bordeaux blend that consists of about half Merlot. Rich aroma with flavours of red-blue fruits such as blackberry, blueberry and ripe plums. The palate is also rich and dark-fruity with a velvety texture and fine-grained tannins, good acidity and a fine herbal flavour. Balanced and harmonious, still very youthful, but with great potential." Weinwisser

"The 2021 Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia is a beautifully extracted and rich blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This vintage is very generous, even opulent, with dark fruits framed by exotic spices, baking chocolate and soft toasty tones from French oak. The wine finishes on a creamy note with vanilla and cinnamon. The oak needs a few more years to integrate." Wine Advocate

"A sophisticated red wine, complex and perfumed, with aromas and flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, plums, violets and iron. It builds beautifully, showing its balance and releasing the dense tannins at the end. This wine should develop well." Wine Spectator

"A powerful and straightforward red wine with blackcurrant, berry, chocolate and cedarwood flavours. It is medium to full-bodied. Fine tannins that extend over the entire length of the wine. It is dense and concentrated. Energetic and bright. Still needs time, better after 2026." James Suckling

"Sparkling, rich ruby red with a light violet rim. Noble and delicate nose of red currants, ripe plums and rich sour cherries, with a subtle hint of leather and a hint of mint in the background. Velvety tannins on the palate, well-balanced, with a fruity, elegant and long-lasting finish." Falstaff

"The 2021 Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia has enormous power. Masses of dark fruit, dark chocolate, leather, liquorice and cloves saturate the palate. I can't recall a Serre Nuove with this much sheer power and dark intensity, but the balance is there, especially with aeration. It will be interesting to see how the 2021 develops. It's quite a powerhouse today." Vinous

"Pungent, meaty umami flavours dominate the nose, but dark fruits and a tangy, metallic component prevent these notes of smoke, pepper and tar from becoming overpowering. Undertones of vanilla and chocolate lift the fruit on the palate, but unyielding tannins and energetic acidity ensure that the savoury earthiness persists." Wine Enthusiast

Tenuta Tignanello is located in the heart of Chianti Classico on the gentle hills between the valleys of the Greve and Pesa rivers and comprises 319 hectares of land, of which around 130 are planted with vines. The estate's vineyards include two jewels: Tignanello and Solaia, which are located on the same hill, on calcareous and schistose marl soils of marine origin from the Pliocene, and which benefit from warm days and fresh nights during the growing season. Two wines are produced from these vineyards, which many years ago had the potential to become the starting point of the Italian wine renaissance. Nothing has changed to this day.

Deep ruby red colour. Complex bouquet of ripe fruit such as cherry, strawberry and blackberry, with delicate hints of violet, mallow and rose in the background, followed by roasted coffee and some cocoa. Vibrant, full-bodied and very complex on the palate with primary fruit, elegantly integrated wood spice, pepper and liquorice. Tignanello 2020 is resonant, dense, breathtaking, almost regal. The balance and freshness of the vintage will ensure a promising further maturation and development towards even more finesse and elegance, which will certainly make this vintage one of the best in the long line-up of Tignanello vintages. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a delicate garnet rim. Very clear and precise on the nose, with a flavour of ripe, plump cherries and blackberries, plus delicate notes of chestnuts and blood oranges. Firm, savoury tannins characterise the palate, lots of juicy fruit, builds full-bodied." Falstaff

"A concentrated red wine with aromas of black cherries, blackberries, iron, tobacco and vanilla, framed by sweet spices and roasted flavours. It finishes with mouth-flattering tannins, but is quite balanced overall. Seductive and stylish." Wine Spectator

"The Tignanello 2020 shows a beautiful bouquet with an open-minded and accessible personality. Right away you can recognise dark cherries, dried raspberries, spices, toasted almonds and citrusy blood oranges. This vintage is very nice and will not require a long wait. The tannins are sweet and silky." Wine Advocate

"Delightfully approachable on the nose right away, with warm mocha notes and cool graphite aromas against bing and black cherries, and a palate that's equally outrageously delicious and easy to love even in its unbridled youth, with more cherries, blackberries, raspberries and chocolate inside a framework of tannins made to measure and acid built like an invisible force field." Wine Enthusiast

"The Tignanello 2020 is so original, so intensely fruity that it almost tastes like a barrel sample. A burst of red Sangiovese fruit opens first, followed by notes of blood orange, cinnamon, spices, dried flowers and mocha that develop later. With time in the glass, the impressive dimensions come to light. In 2020, the Tignanello is wonderfully supple and racy, with fine tannins lying beneath a core of bright, plastic fruit. The balance here is simply superb. I can't wait to taste the 2020 again as it ages." Vinous

"The ancestor of the Supertuscans in timeless form: Multi-faceted bouquet with aromas of black cherries, black pepper, orange zest and herbs; despite its youth, it has a cosy texture, tightly woven tannins, the acidity provides ageing potential, complex finish that tempts you to have another glass." Vinum

"Violets and lavender with dark fruits and a hint of dark chocolate. Sophisticated nose. Medium-bodied with a fine tannin structure that gives it finesse and beauty. It is very long and lingers for minutes. Precision. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years." James Suckling

"One of the first Italian brands with international appeal and at the same time a great terroir wine. Refined bouquet with notes of blueberry jam, undergrowth and black peppercorns, with a citrus-like finish. Salty on the palate, very persistent, fruity and spicy on the finish." Luca Gardini

"Transparent ruby red with a crimson rim. Spicy notes of cloves, allspice, mace and pepper mingle with cherries, laurel and raspberry jelly, currant leaves and floral top notes of orange blossom complete the delight. On the palate, Crichët Pajé presents itself with great calm in a steady flow. Nothing is cheeky or exuberant here, but shines with distinguished elegance - an equilibrium in perfect balance. The aromatically exuberant nose is disciplined on the palate by the long, calm flow of the focussed, cool acidity, on whose shores fully ripe and fine-grained tannins entwine. Silky with an almost aristocratic nobility, its enormous complexity is revealed in the second sip, when the flavours begin to unfold in the epic finish like a massive Win-Zip file. A wine for today, for tomorrow and for many, many years to come. Undisputed world class." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The 2012 Barbaresco Crichët Pajè is tight and not especially expressive today. In this vintage, the Crichët Pajè is a bit more floral and lighter in structure than it can be. Imagine Burgundy with Nebbiolo acids and tannins. Among other things, that means the 2012 will drink well with minimal cellaring, in relative terms for this bottling. Despite its reticence, the 2012 is also restrained and so nuanced. I can't wait to see how it develops in bottle." Vinous

"The 2012 Barbaresco Crichët Pajé is a beauty, and I am delighted to see that this hot and dry vintage has held up so well. These results are outstanding, as the wine continues to showcase tight berry nuances and an extra sharp level of primary fruit and general focus. This is a cult wine for collectors, and what they seek in this bottle is the deft hand of Roagna, especially when it comes to crafting a wine of important Piedmont culture and tradition. To the palate, you taste ripe cherry and dried raspberry, along with iron ore and camphor ash. This is an impressive bottle." Wine Advocate

"Camphor, truffle, wild berry and new leather are just some of the aromas you'll encounter on this riveting red. The enveloping, delicious palate shows both power and finesse, featuring dried cherry, pomegranate, star anise and tobacco framed in noble tannins. Surprisingly bright acidity for the warm vintage lends balance and even more intensity." Wine Enthusiast

Barolo Brunate is a powerful and vertical wine, endowed with enormous explosive energy and intensity. Crushed flowers, mint, spices and dried flowers open up in the glass, but it is the energy of the wine that really lifts it into the stratosphere. In the glass, the 2019 is dark, almost sombre, and full of the sepia-coloured nuances that are so typical of this great Barolo vineyard. 2019 is an outstanding vintage for Brunate and the first with organic certification. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-layered nose with seductive aromas of forest fruits, liquorice and dried flowers; robust and full-bodied, the tannin structure and acidity are perfectly balanced. Combines fullness and race with finesse, should still mature!" Vinum

"There is a yin and yang here between ripe wild cherry, cherry and raspberry fruit and notes of eucalyptus, juniper and hay. They are gripped by dense, assertive tannins on the finish, but this seductive red wine still has a lot to offer. Excellent finesse and length." Wine Spectator

"This wine opens with a wave of aromas that makes you take a seat. Wild cherries, plum, orange peel, clove, violets and rosewood are just a few of the scents that define this beautiful wine. Taut and firm, the palate whelps for a bit more time as the primary fruits are pleasing, the combination of fruit, savory and earth need just a bit more time to shine to their highest. This is a great wine; take your time." Wine Enthusiast

"A fresh wine with a nose of red plum, then notes of laurel, incense and lavender. The mouthfeel has iodine-spicy tannins, with liquorice sensations behind." Luca Gardini

"The Vietti 2019 Barolo Brunate displays an earthy, almost autumnal quality not found in other wines from this leading winery. The bouquet opens with dark fruits, peat moss and rusty nails. The wine is long and finely structured with silky sensations that add softness to the mouthfeel. The finish reveals hints of baking chocolate and espresso beans." Wine Advocate

"The Barolo Brunate 2019 is a powerhouse. Black cherry, plum, spice, lavender, mocha, gravel and scorched earth - this virile, potent Barolo is a real powerhouse. The Brunate is another very impressive wine in this range. To be completely honest, the Brunate has never been one of my favourite wines here, but the 2019 is undeniably great. Perhaps the combination of parcels that Vietti now owns explains the multi-dimensional vibrancy that emerges here. It is simply great." Vinous

"The density of ripe fruit is fantastic in this young Brunate with black berries, blueberries, stone and earth. Very pure. It is full-bodied yet restrained and concentrated with a long and intense finish. Very fine tannins. Complex." James Suckling

Mazzei's top wine Siepi is not only an outstanding Tuscan wine every year, but also a 6-hectare vineyard in the middle of dense oak forests with an ideal altitude and a unique climate. The sunshine is optimal throughout the day and a constant breeze from the west prevents excessive heat and creates a mild, Mediterranean climate. The oak forests also provide an ideal protective barrier against extreme weather conditions. Rocky soils of marl, limestone and clay from the Pliocene period ensure a special balance of elements in this geological complex.

Siepi's greatest strength every year is its pronounced sense of integration and harmony, and this excellent 2021 vintage is no exception. The bouquet is fresh and lively with lots of wild cherry, spices, wild rose, lilac and lavender. On the palate, it delights with soft fruit and delicate spice and shows an increasingly fluid personality in the glass, gradually revealing a beautiful sequence of background flavours. The 2021 edition is already very elegant, even polished, but Siepi connoisseurs know that it will need at least five more years of careful bottle ageing before this monumental red begins to show its true greatness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Massive, viscous colour. The Siepi 2021 has a youthful aroma of fine, fresh wood, offensive and brash, with fleshy intensity and limited depth. Its actual flavour has not yet really come through. It is rich and melting, round and lush, sweet and wood-accentuated in the mouth. It is less dense in its core flavours and lives more from its melting, lively flow, which asserts itself clearly and straightforwardly." Weinwisser

"A formidable wine with an appealing bouquet of black cherry and vanilla flavours; powerful in the mouth with a lot of density and fullness, but also very nice, tightly woven tannins and invigorating acidity, with an incredibly long finish." Vinum

"Rich, deep dark ruby violet colour. Compact and dense nose, showing notes of redcurrant, blackberry, ripe cherry, fresh herbal notes in the background. Lots of polished, very well-integrated tannins on the palate, smooth and long finish, juicy and fine melting." Falstaff

"The nose is savory, warm and tangy, with aromas of hot tar, balsamic glaze, espresso, dried figs and blackberries. On the palate, black cherries and dark chocolate enhance that rich blackberry note, while undertones of bitter citrus pith provide balance. Tannins are polished, but grippy, especially as heat creeps up on the finish. This remains a benchmark for its elegance, but also for the sheer pleasure it delivers." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Siepi opens with sweet fruit flavours of cooked cherry, blackberry jam, cinnamon and nutmeg. This full-bodied wine is supple and very smooth in the mouthfeel, and its flavour profile is rich and all-encompassing. This wine is balanced and seamless, and the 2021 vintage is certainly one of the best editions of Siepi we've seen to date." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Siepi is impressive. Blue/purple fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and mocha are beautifully balanced. This lush, juicy blend of Sangiovese and Merlot is, as so often, a real charmer. The 2021 is exceptionally elegant and polished, certainly one of the best editions of recent times. Nevertheless, I believe that the Siepi would benefit from longer ageing in wood or in glass, as it is coming to market too early for a wine of its size and potential." Vinous

"Intense blackcurrant on the nose, baked and ripe, so expressive and inviting with little hints of liquorice and tar. Supple, generous, juicy and bright, this 50/50 Sangiovese Merlot is so well crafted and harmonious - rich, broad and full in the mouth, it runs with life and energy and such underlying vigour. You can feel the intensity and sculpting that is evident here. This wine is no wallflower, but it's so neat and beautifully presented. I love the tannins, massive but controlled and a perfect counterpart to the fresh and ripe red and black fruits with black pepper, tar, tobacco and bitter orange as well as soft floral notes. The brightness is a great match for the depth and complexity delivered by a nuanced glass of wine that has so much to say. I love the tannins and the sense of direction and confidence. It's still in its brooding, flashy, youthful phase with plenty of warmth and spice, but it's a beauty." Decanter

"An opulent yet exciting young red wine with the character of blackberries, violets and black olive skin. Full-bodied. But with so much energy and focus. Lasts for minutes. Best opened after 2028." James Suckling

Barolo Lazzarito 2019, which obtains its fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, is built like a pyramid. It stands on a thick base of robust fruit and power and rises in intensity thanks to its wonderfully elevated bouquet. It shows direct and solid lines with blackberries, plums, spices, tar, liquorice, candied orange peel and truffle-infused earth. A second wave of flavours offers dark minerals, iron ore and rust. Baroli from Serralunga d'Alba are often in a category of their own thanks to their richness and sheer abundance of fruit. With additional aeration, the Lazzarito, certified organic for the first time in this vintage, delivers mint and fine balsamic herbs and will fully inspire with further maturation in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The aromas of orange peel, raspberries, apples and violets merge into a medium-bodied wine with flavours of sage, lavender and raspberries. Firm and racy tannins." James Suckling

"A tantalising expression of cherry, plum, liquorice, earth and spice flavours. This red wine shows power and vigour as well as breadth and harmony. The finish is long-lasting with notes of plum, spices and minerals." Wine Spectator

"This is the Barolo we've been looking for! Black cherry, warm spices, crushed stone and dried herbs flow from the glass. It is firm on the palate and makes it clear that it should spend some time in the cellar. The fruit core is present but restrained, while black tea, aniseed, pepper and mineral notes are present but need more time." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Barolo Lazzarito continues a trend of recent years where the focus is more on finesse than raw power. Intense red fruit, iron, dried herbs, chalk, dried rose petals and white pepper permeate this deep, virile Barolo. The power and intensity of the Serralunga come to the fore in the heady, explosive finish. Bright salty notes linger on the deep, resonant finish. The Lazzarito is a Barolo of raw, unbridled power and demands patience." Vinous

"The Vietti 2019 Barolo Lazzarito with fruit from Serralunga d'Alba is a historic cornerstone of this powerful portfolio. It is also one of Vietti's Barolos that continues to offer extreme quality and pleasure with each new release. The Serralunga d'Alba is always powerful and rich. You can recognise aromas of dried tobacco leaves, fragrant tea, crushed roses and iron ore. The bouquet is very expressive." Wine Advocate

"An intense, savory Barolo, with a bouquet of balsamic notes, eucalyptus, red currant, touches of pepper leaf and nutmeg. Savory tannins on the palate, beautiful verticality enhanced by fruity-balsamic return." Luca Gardini

Poggio Antico's noble new addition to the portfolio makes its debut in the very first vintage with the typical class of the winery: precise and with great personality, it shows a lively fruit of outstanding quality, reminiscent of black plums, blackberries, pressed blueberries, plums, wild myrtle, milk chocolate, roasted hazelnuts and a light vanilla note. Citrus undertones and an elegant acid wire slim down the extract sweetness in the best possible way. Full-bodied on the palate, very well polished tannins and a solid, powerful finish that shows both muscle and relaxation. The grapes come from the small vineyard of the same name at over 550 metres above sea level. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby red colour. Spicy, mineral and a little salty on the nose, still a little closed in the fruit. Lots of cherry with a hint of cassis on the nose, wrapped in fine oak. Lots of tactile, gravelly tannins that still need to settle. Lots of everything, including potential." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas and flavours of juniper, wild thyme, sage and sweet spices complement the cherry and raspberry fruit in this tasty version. Harmonious and firmly structured, with iron and sanguine accents in the aftertaste. This red wine will become even more expressive with air, so decant it now or wait a few more years." Wine Spectator

"The nose is compellingly fruit-forward, with aromas of passionfruit, dried cherry, strawberry jam and blood orange, along with savory pepper and wild fennel notes for balance. The palate brings more red fruit and citrus, plus tangy, savory notes of metal, earth and black coffee, while acid burns through solid, dense tannins. Electric and alive." Wine Enthusiast

"Beautiful flavours of berries, meat, bark and earth. Medium to full-bodied with round but fine tannins that offer a velvety texture and a long, lingering finish at all levels." James Suckling

"Fragrant and expressive on the nose: wild herbs, pine needles, a hint of Mediterranean scrub, juniper and lavender. Soft and juicy, supple and agile in the mouth, dazzlingly fresh. The tannins and acidity are slightly taut and tense - both steer the wine in a fairly straight line at the moment, but there is outstanding depth, a layering of elements and a long, fresh finish with a cool lift. Cherries, cranberries, some bloody orange and almost peach stone with a gritty underbelly offering wet stones. Grippy and intense, yet restrained and supple." Decanter

Brunello di Montalcino by Poggio di Sotto is an explosive wine, full and dark. Black cherries, menthol, spices and freshly tanned leather are just some of the diverse aromas. The palate is dense, enveloping and fantastically flowing. Accentuated acidity, perfectly integrating the tannins, finishes on notes of ripe stone fruit, leather and mushrooms. An absolutely fascinating, sublime wine (for the advanced) at the highest level. SUPERIORE.DE

"With aeration, increasingly engaging berry and violet aromas; the attack trenchant, plenty of polish and richness with tightly woven tannins, combining fruit length, complexity and also plenty of tradition." Vinum

"The Burgundy among the Brunelli. Wonderfully ripe blueberry jam, heart cherries and raspberries, ethereal herbal spice with liquorice, sage and myrtle, behind it a fine red-blue florality as well as a touch of blood orange and noble wood. Quite crisp on the palate, finely meshed style, great tension of transparent precise fruit and balsamic freshness, compact and tightly woven with firm tannin corset and lots of finesse." Weinwisser

"Firm and quite deep, a little dried-vegetable to tobacco nose of small red and black berries with herbal aromas, pepper, meat juice and a little smoke. Ripe, juicy, partly preserved, nevertheless lively fruit with smoky, nutty, a little toasty and herbal notes, crumbly sandy tannin, dark ethereal spice in the background, persistent, medium power, a little iodine and cocoa, distinctly salty hints, very good finish with partly preserved small berry juice and ethereal spice again." Wein-Plus

"Shiny ruby-garnet. Intense and inviting nose, of ripe black cherries, plus raspberries and strawberries, some tobacco in the background. Fills the palate richly, lots of fresh, appealing fruit, plums, cherry and goji berry, plus fine-meshed tannin, juicy and long." Falstaff

"Brilliant ruby red. Spicy and with hints of raw meat, still quite embryonic and reductive. Needs a lot of aeration to show its lovely raspberry notes. Lush fruit on the palate with long, polished but chewy tannins. Perfumed, sweet raspberry fruit follows on the finish. You get all of this, but only if you open the bottle literally hours before." Jancis Robinson

"Attractive nose of salted plums, sour cherries, dried roses and rosemary stems. Firm yet supple with a medium to full body and layers of fresh fruit with delicious herbal notes." James Suckling

"A dense red with aromas of cherry, plum, loamy earth, thyme, sage, sanguine and tobacco. Austere, with lively acidity and dusty tannins holding court on the compact finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino has a slow attack with exotic aromas of sweet spices, cedar chips, ash stone, mint and a hint of sage. It is luxuriously soft in texture, silky and refined, with a depth of balsamic-tinged cherries accelerated by vibrant acidity and a hint of sour citrus that adds contrast. The finish is impressively structured for the vintage, still lively but classically dry, leaving nuances of tart berries balanced by a burst of inner sweetness that is very well underlined. This was a very difficult vintage, with massive rains in August that made working in the vineyard very difficult, but also very important. However, the team at Poggio have done a fantastic job of finding balance. Definitely give the 2018 a lot of time, because I followed it for three days and it got better and better." Vinous

"In southern Montalcino, near the town of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, Poggio di Sotto captures the lightness of the vintage with a plomb, and the long ageing in 30hl Slavonian oak barrels has not affected its vitality. With pretty and precise aromas of cherry and raspberry, it evokes summer, but fragrant wet leaves and woody rose hips speak of autumn. The palate is fine and fluid, moving with grace. The chalky tannins hold their own discreetly yet persistently. The underlying lush ripeness is downright seductive." Decanter

"The nose is metallic, earthy and stony, with cherry undertones providing levity. Cherries take a star turn on the palate, with strawberries and raspberries playing crucial supporting roles, while a tension between astringent orange and creamy mocha emerges on the lengthy finish. Robust tannins and fiery acidity prove ageworthiness." Wine Enthusiast

"Raw materials of great vitality for another milestone of this typology. Blueberry jam on the nose, notes of wild myrtle and sage on the finish. The mouthfeel is crisp and dense, with spicy iodine tannins and a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"Poggio di Sotto has once again hit the bull's eye with an extremely elegant interpretation that shows the incredible depth and nuance Sangiovese can achieve, even in an uneven vintage like this. The organic Brunello di Montalcino 2018 has a dark ruby colour and a medium-heavy concentration. In fact, the wine is lighter and brighter than most, although Brunello needs to age for five years before being released. The tannins are silky and melt into the palate. As the wine progresses, it offers notes of red cherries, cassis and blue flowers." Wine Advocate

Rare, exceptional Merlot from the west of Tuscany: deep ruby red with violet reflections. The bouquet is multi-layered with hints of wild berries and blackberries, ripe cherries, but also liquorice and tobacco notes. Very structured and lively on the palate. The silky tannins emphasise the delicate minerality right through to the almost endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This lush, silky red wine is introduced by deep flavours of black cherry and blackberry, with hints of chocolate, coffee, vanilla and minerals that develop into a long, complex aftertaste. Despite its richness, it also has finesse and detail." Wine Spectator

"Bright, rich ruby colour, intense and fine nose with notes of blackberry, wild raspberry, then mint and Mediterranean herbs. Characterised by hearty, dense tannins on the palate, interwoven with a lot of sweet melting, fine spice on the finish, ends on sweet tobacco, but still needs some time." Falstaff

"The 2020 Redigaffi offers up dark red cherry, spice, leather, menthol, licorice and espresso. There is a bit of angularity in the tannins, a reminder of some of the challenges of the year. Even so, the 2020 possesses good energy and plenty of stylishness to match." Vinous

"Aromas of cigar box, black plums, cherries, mocha and roasted walnuts. Full-bodied with firm, taut and chewy tannins. Structured and deep with a sophisticated oak spice character. Still taut at the moment. Yet very fine and elegant. Finesse for Redigaffi. Give it a few years to show even more. Try it in the year 2026." James Suckling

"The nose starts sweet and classic, like berries dipped in vanilla and chocolate, and then expands to include a variety of wild herbs. On the palate, the interplay between chocolaty berries and savoury undertones continues before the acidity and tannins, so fine-grained and supple as to be almost ethereal, burst forth. It's already magical now, but will undoubtedly be even better with time." Wine Enthusiast

"The Tua Rita 2020 Redigaffi is the winery's top wine, made from Merlot. The bouquet smells of dark fruits, dried apricots, spices, leather and ashes from the campfire. You can taste the special fullness and concentration in this full-bodied red wine. On the palate, the Redigaffi is soft and accessible with rich layering and texture." Wine Advocate

Harvested a little later than usual, the 2019 Masseto benefited from the sunny, mild climate at the beginning of September, which gave it richness and balance at the same time. Its youthful colour foreshadows a rich and intense wine. On the nose, brave notes of ripe cherries, violets, liquorice and bitter chocolate. On the palate, it spans a large peacock's wheel around the voluminous fruit core; as it progresses, it shows itself envelopingly lush with its velvety and fine tannins. The long final is fresh and very elegant. Great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"A potpourri of deep berry-earthy, but also pleasantly tart aromas fills the nose after some aeration; on the palate, the wine is opulent, but also polished and with a lot of enigmatic character, the finish a symbiosis between finesse and structure. Already great in the previous year, but even a touch more intriguing in 2019, a splendid specimen of a great Merlot with a touch of Toscanità!" Vinum

"Shiny, intense ruby violet. Intense and inviting nose, first some smoke and liquorice, then lots of blackberry, prunes and black cherry, fine spice in the background. Blooms grandly on the palate, lots of juicy fruit, opens up in many layers, reverberates for a very long time, precise and fine." Falstaff

"Aromas of iris, raspberry, camphor and Mediterranean scrub mingle with oak-driven spice on this 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Enveloping and concentrated, it also possess remarkable, almost weightless finesse, delivering black currant, Morello cherry, fruitcake and star anise alongside smooth, velvety tannins. Fresh acidity lifts the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The Masseto 2019 has two main themes at heart: concentration and elegance. And managing those two seemingly contrasting elements requires a little bit of magic. That's the Masseto magic we look for. The 2019 vintage delivers it in spades with lovely concentrated fruit, blackberry, integrated spice, tobacco, crushed slate, pencil shaving and lots of texture and fiber to push a lasting mouthfeel. The wine's richness translates into density and power to the palate, meanwhile the bouquet reveals fluidity and new sides as the wine opens in the glass. The finish is tapered and focused." Wine Advocate

"Tightly wound now, with blackberry, black currant, iron, rosemary, cedar and toasty oak spice aromas and flavors. Though firm and compact, this has plenty of fruit that persists on the vibrant, lingering and complex finish. Reveals very refined tannins." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Masseto is fabulous. Silky, gracious and super-refined, the 2019 is a total knock-out. So often Masseto is a powerhouse at this stage, but the 2019 is so elegant, so precise. This is the first year that includes Cabernet Franc, 10% in this case. I can’t say I am at all surprised given how much Franc has added to Massetino. Red berry fruit, mocha, cinnamon and blood orange lend freshness throughout." Vinous

"Intense aromas of blackberries and black olives, together with hints of rosemary bush and lavender. Perfumed and nuanced. Full-bodied, yet so tight and integrated, with weightless tannins that frame the wine in a precise and curated fashion. Very structured and built for aging. It’s rather shy now, but will reward those who are patient. A kind of stealth in its nature. A more thought-provoking edition of Masseto. Needs time to show its true self. Try after 2027." James Suckling

"Masseto 2019 will be remembered as the first release with a bracing 10% of Cabernet Franc. Nevertheless, its poised wild fennel aroma with restrained bramble fruit, straw, graphite and balmy Mediterranean depth continues to finely represent the terroir of Bolgheri more than simply its grape varieties. The blue clay gives to the wine density - this year with a larger shoulder - grainy, ripe tannins and great fruit concentration sustained by enticing acidity and a sweet tobacco aftertaste. A sleek wine chiselled to perfection. It will keep going strong for decades." Decanter

This is a special Riserva from Michele Chiarlo that is late to the market. The Barolo Riserva Cerequio is a great wine, with particularly taut tannins and a concentrated richness that permeates its substantial textile fibre. The flavours of dark fruits such as blackberries and dried cherries are accompanied by spices, leather, tar and ashes from the bonfire. The wine shows the concentration and density of long oak ageing with tannins that definitely need more ageing before this exceptional wine will fully convince its connoisseurs! SUPERIORE.DE

"This red has settled into a nice groove, evoking fading cherry and ripe berry fruit, eucalyptus, menthol and mint notes, with an underlying mineral component. Tightens up on the finish, suggesting this still has some time to give." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful nose of dried red fruits, cherry chocolate, bergamot and bark with hints of citrus blossom and dry earth. So polished and refined with medium to full body and a compact tannin structure. It has savoury nuances in the fruit character and a minerality of gravel on the finish. Already attractive now, but can age further." James Suckling

"The 2016 vintage is still young. Held back for further aging at the winery, the Michele Chiarlo 2016 Barolo Riserva Cerequio has only begun to move away from primary intensity. Flavours of dried fruit and pressed roses follow through to a long, polished mouthfeel. The Cerequio is a full-bodied wine with rich fruit and savoury oak tannins." Wine Advocate

"Enchanting aromas of sour cherry jam, baking spices and rosewood only scratch the surface of what can and will emerge from this stunning Barolo. The palate strikes a firm note with a foundation of tannins and acidity built for the cellar, while tart red berry, aged tea and herbal flavours give an enticing aura to this wine." Wine Enthusiast

2017 was the very first vintage of Massetino. It was launched in 2019, exactly 30 years after the first Massetino vintage. The newly designed wine cellar by Italian architects Zito & Mori was also inaugurated in 2019. The birth of the second wine and the opening of the wine cellar represent a historic moment for Masseto and clearly contribute to its recognition as a winery.

Massetino already shows a self-confident personality, which is not surprising as he shares the same pedigree with Masseto. Just like its older brother, it skilfully showcases the contrast between power and opulence combined with restraint and class. The high quality potential, which was already evident when tasting the grapes before the harvest, is fully expressed in the quality profile of Massetino 2021. A solid, crisp wine with a bright colour. Its flavours are memorable thanks to their richness and long finish. Lively, young tannins that are constantly evolving give the wine consistency and persistence on the palate. Massetino 2021 proves to be just as powerful as the vintage from which it comes. SUPERIORE.DE

"With the Cabernet Franc in the blend, the Massetino gains more and more character and impresses as a 2021 at an extremely high level. Dark, viscous colour. Dense, sweet and offensive, the aroma of the Massetino is very fresh and polished, multi-layered and clear. It is by no means opulent, but rather extremely focussed, with fine fruit and excellent depth. Full, sweet and viscous on the palate, ripe and dense, with plenty of body and richness. Its terrific, youthful structure contains the finest wood and a great finesse, very linear, powerful and salty long. The powerful tannins appear slightly roughened in the fine finish. A great second wine, of which unfortunately only a few are produced." Weinwisser

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Dark and dense nose, showing appealing notes of cedar wood, blackberries and dark plums. Firm and full-bodied in attack and finish, with pronounced notes of tobacco, blackberry and brown butter, grippy, gripping tannins." Falstaff

"Elegant and lively, this red flows beautifully and builds to a long, savoury finish. It offers flavours of blackberries, blackcurrants, violets, cocoa, minerals and fresh herbs that linger, while lively acidity and powdery tannins provide structure." Wine Spectator

"The Massetino 2021 is an extremely elegant and graceful wine. Silky tannins caress a core of blackberries, espresso, mocha, liquorice, cloves and lavender. All elements are so beautifully balanced in this very appealing, racy second wine from Masseto." Vinous

"Sweet berries with aromas of violets and roses. Raspberries. Very perfumed. Medium body with very fine, velvety tannins that extend over the entire length of the wine. Lively on the finish. The best so far." James Suckling

"The Masseto 2021 Massetino consists mainly of Merlot with a hint of Cabernet Franc. The wine is very richly concentrated and multi-layered. You can see (and taste) the opulent texture of the wine as it slowly spreads in the glass. The high-quality fruit is accompanied by carefully selected oak, and the intensity of both unfolds on the palate. This vintage is predestined for particularly long ageing in the cellar." Wine Advocate

The single-varietal Merlot L'Apparita 2018 is outstanding - elegance, strength of character, a remarkably fine tannin and acid structure as well as the endlessly long persistence characterise this exceptional Merlot. An oenological rarity of Tuscany and not only therefore an object of desire every year. On the nose, a combination of fruity and spicy impressions, excellent fleshy taste, whose juicy, still quite concise tannin blends well with the warm body. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby with a pronounced violet shimmer. Rich nose with notes of mulberries and black cherries, fine spicy components in the background. Shows a lot of dark fruit on the nose, then opens up with lots of tightly woven tannin in several layers, can quietly mature a bit more." Falstaff

"Black currant, black cherry, blueberry, wild herb and earth flavors are nicely displayed on the polished frame of this fluid and harmonious red, with dusty tannins lining the finish. More on the elegant side than powerful." Wine Spectator

"One of the rare instances where Merlot excels in Tuscany, this gorgeous wine opens with enticing aromas of dark-skinned berry, new leather, camphor and dark spice. Continuing where the nose left off, the elegant, delicious palate delivers cassis, ripe blackberry, licorice and crushed mint alongside the barest note of truffle. It's a world-class wine with breeding, extreme finesse and great depth. It's impeccably balanced, with a backbone of velvety tannins and fresh acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Hard dark-chocolate aromas with blackberries and blue fruit. Pure and gorgeous. Full-bodied with gorgeous, polished tannins that are intense and powerful, yet ever so precise and together. It’s so curated and real with a great finish. One of the best merlots from Ama in a long time." James Suckling

"The 2018 L'Apparita is a total stunner. Ama's 100% Merlot is usually a wine of bombastic intensity, but the 2018 marks a departure from that style, as it is all finesse and nuance. Blackberry jam, spice, menthol and lavender are some of the aromas and flavors that open in an Apparita that dazzles with its precision and nuance. Rain at the end of August pushed out harvest and gave Marco Pallanti the ideal conditions to craft this gorgeous wine." Vinous

"This wine has earned its spot in a world of pantheons that is grande vini Italiani. The Castello di Ama 2018 L'Apparita is one of the world's greatest Merlots, and this slightly cooler growing season delivers on all the promise and pedigree that we should expect of this collectors' favorite. L'Apparita opens to an inky dark and blackish appearance, and the bouquet slowly reveals black fruit, ripe cherry, dark spice, smoke and barbecue rub. The wine's texture and finish, which is so velvety and rich, so supple and soft, is what will ultimately win you over. Indeed, this wine excels especially in terms of the elegance and fullness of the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

An unrivalled powerhouse and at the same time of a unique beauty and finesse. Villero (only produced in the best vintages) is an overwhelming interpretation of the otherwise rather austere Nebbiolo grape, which here displays a kaleidoscope of life and vigour.

Dark leather, dried rose petals, then candied fruit and dried herbs play together with a subtle minerality to create a symphony concerto that is guaranteed to leave a lasting memory. The interplay of fruit density and structure is simply captivating. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of exotic red fruits, blood orange and floral nuances, together with a large amount of well-dosed tannin. All the elements that make up the great totality of the wine have been carefully delineated, nuanced and brought to a very elegant and beautiful common denominator. Meditation meets supreme pleasure! SUPERIORE.DE

"This wild and untamed Barolo demands attention, as the nose is dominated by tart redcurrants and fresh green herbs, while sour cherries and unripe raspberries hint at its untamed nature. On the palate, tart cranberries, wild strawberries and holly transport you to a wild forest, while the fine, well-integrated tannins provide a seamless structure." Wine Enthusiast

"The Barolo Riserva Villero 2016 is a dense, full-bodied wine. Black cherry, plum, liquorice, leather and incense contribute to an impression of brooding, virile intensity. We must be patient, as the 2016 clearly needs time." Vinous

"This is a very complex Barolo. Reserved at first, it then shows stylish aromas of rhubarb, potpourri, dried cherries, red currants, stony minerality and whiffs of leather and prunes. Full-bodied with tension, good concentration and firm, dusty, yet ripe tannins. Restrained blood orange aftertaste, with acidity that carries the high-flying finish." James Suckling

"Complex aromas and flavours of cherries, raspberries, roses, wild herbs, stony minerals and autumnal woods are the hallmarks of this elegant red wine, which gradually reveals all its facets and is nevertheless structured. The long finish leaves a chalky sensation of refined tannins." Wine Spectator

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico La Fabriseria shows itself massive and with seductive complexity. Deep bouquet of black berries and cocoa, violets and lavender. The taste is immensely fruity with aromas of cherry, blackberry and wild berry, plus the invigorating impressions of medicinal herbs again and again. The finish is elegant and long with a fine sweetness and a hint of mint. For us, one of the greatest wines of the Valpolicella! SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, bright ruby. Very clear and intense nose, full of dark currant sweets, dark cherry juice, spicy honey and some resin in the background. Dense and full-bodied in the attack and course, shows a lot of grippy, dense tannin, flows clearly and calmly, dark pepper in the finish, very much Storage potential." Falstaff

"A pure beam of crème de cassis and baked black cherries is accented by an enticing palette of sandalwood, liquorice and Earl Grey tea leaf notes in this fine-mesh, medium to full-bodied red. Long and delicious, with a rich hint of fig cake and a touch of mineral iron on the slightly chewy finish." Wine Spectator

"In the glass, aromas of crushed violet, baked plum, underbrush and new leather combine. The palate is velvety and densely concentrated, offering delicious raspberry jam, soaked plums and baking spices before finishing with a tobaccoic finish. Despite its big, bold structure, it has refined tannins that support and polish it seamlessly." Wine Enthusiast

"Sumptuous notes of balsamic, mint, dried thyme, kirsch and mountain herb. A raft of tannins doused with dried tobacco leaf and clove, compress the fruit as much as promote it. The thick-skinned oseleta is in the blend, contributing immensely to the firm structural lattice. Drive, power and length, with no dearth of freshness. Excellent Amarone for those seeking power as much as freshness. This has a very traditional, savoury air to it. One glass is not quite sufficient in this case." James Suckling

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva La Fabriseria 2015 trades power for elegance and feminine beauty. Notes of mineral ripe cherries, currants, sage and cocoa gain volume and depth with time in the glass. The wine is seamless and silky, gliding over a core of lively acids, with juicy red and black fruits giving way to sweet spices and pretty flowers. A bitter hint of coffee and spicy herbal notes combine with tart blackberries and linger for well over a minute. This is just great." Vinous

"The Tedeschi family's top wine is their 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva la Fabriseria. The wine is a careful blend of 40% Corvina, 40% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella and 5% Oseleta, all aged in oak for 48 months. The appassimento process has produced a powerful and muscular wine that opens with thick layers of black fruits, plums, dried cherries, spices, mesquite smoke, iron and sweet rum cake. With only 2,500 bottles made, this full-bodied blockbuster wine is a lesson in all the beautiful excesses that extreme Amarone has to offer." Wine Advocate

This wine from the single vineyard of the same name is probably the most opulent of the house's selection line. On the nose, an almost brushstroke-wide presence of ripe fruit, spices and hints of crushed rock. On the palate, impressive suppleness, complexity and richness, plus a whole bouquet of dark fruit flavours flanked by firm, structured tannin. The Merlot content gives it additional depth and power. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby red. Very intense and complex nose, of violets, rose petals and sour cherry, also nice blackberry. Juicy in attack and course, opens with precise, very well placed tannin, long and deep, still has a long life ahead of it." Falstaff

"All about elegance, this fragrant red opens with aromas of cedar, dark spice, coffee bean and blue flower. Linear and polished, the palate is still rather youthfully austere, featuring juicy black cherry, cassis and licorice framed in fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"A very polished and refined bottle with creamy, velvety tannins that are poised and fine. Medium-bodied with a lovely center palate and a flavorful finish. Try after 2022 and onwards." James Suckling

"This is packed with succulent blackberry, black cherry, plum, tar, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, aligned with a base of burly tannins. Fresh and vigorous, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and wild herbs." Wine Spectator

"The Castello di Ama 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto la Casuccia offers ample volume and fruit weight, but it holds back slightly on the mid-palate. The 2018 vintage tends to deliver all of its brooding intensity up front, leaving you with plenty of black fruit, spice and tobacco to fuel a long finish." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is fabulous. A heady, opulent wine, the 2018 possesses tremendous energy to match its explosive personality. The plush fruit and soft, silky curves are pure Casuccia. The 2018 needs at least a handful of years in bottle, as it is a wine that only truly blossoms with time." Vinous

[Single piece - without wooden box]

"Sassicaia really was our house wine back then," says Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta, daughter of the president of San Guido, Marquis Nicolò Incisa della Rocchetta. "It was more of a wine experiment that was only tested within the family and among friends, until we went on the market for the first time with the 1968 vintage. Today, this wine is all about elegance and balance. We like this style, which is not so much about the body. Sassicaia is a good representative of what we want to convey as a style."

Enough of the elegant understatement: Sassicaia 2021 is stunning and beguiling. Very elegant on the nose, it displays energy and character of a decidedly noble and fascinatingly spicy nature. Notes of wild violets mingle with original myrtle, juniper berries and coriander. The core of the wine is rich with nuances of black plums, dark tea leaves and cloves. Full-bodied, soft and enveloping on the palate, it displays perfectly ripe, noble tannins and a truly exciting finish that ignites from mid-palate and draws a progressive, ascending parabola as it progresses. A great wine from a great 2021 vintage that has added an extra dimension of freshness and precision to arguably Italy's best red wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex bouquet with rich cassis and wild berry fruit, earthy-tobacco and liquorice notes, with wonderful truffle and tobacco notes. Very dense on the palate, but also tightly meshed, you can feel the maturity of the vintage, but the wine remains tightly meshed and elegant throughout, almost virtuoso with delicate hints, the almost perfect tannin is grippy and silky. This will be a long-distance runner. An exciting Sassicaia that could even reach the dream score with maturity." Weinwisser

"The classic that started it all, as always in top form: after some aeration, an intriguing nose on notes of black forest fruits, cassis, dried roses and pepper; precisely drawn on the palate, elegant, noble course with tightly woven tannins, but also invigorating acidity, supple, mouth-filling and yet light-footed." Vinum

"Brilliant ruby with a delicately brightening rim. A nose to fall in love with: Smells initially of roses, then of cassis, dark cherries and a little cardamom. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, opens with well-integrated, fine-meshed tannins, savoury and endlessly long." Falstaff

"Medium to dark crimson, but no attempt to break any records for colour intensity. Much more subtle nose than most - no obvious sweetness and certainly no oak. Spicy and savoury and introverted. Everything is geared towards longevity. Bone-dry finish. Very different from the Ornellaia! Well-groomed, self-confident and unobtrusive. But so balanced and appetising that I enjoyed it!" Jancis Robinson

"Very stylish and typical of Sassicaia with blackcurrant, tobacco, chocolate, sage and lavender on the nose and palate. Medium to full-bodied with very integrated and refined tannins that are caressing and pretty, with a lovely length and beauty. Such finesse and structure at the same time. Best from 2028 and beyond, but a joy to taste now." James Suckling

"Comforting and luxurious on the nose, though initially restrained, like hot coffee with a slice of warm berry pie, then suddenly more serious, with aromas of leather-bound books and crisp autumn air. The palate is full of berries, but also vibrant acids, and the tannins feel like a silky fabric, strong and supple, tightly stitched and flowing in an endless finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Rich yet elegant, with aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, cedar, minerals and oak spice, this resonant red wine builds to a long, detailed finish. It shows great balance, with lively acidity and refined tannins, but will benefit from a few more years of ageing." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Sassicaia is one of the best young Sassicaias I can remember tasting, certainly on a par with any recent wine. Sassicaia is more a wine of refinement than opulence. During a long growing season, all the elements came together to produce a rich, deep wine that combines textural intensity with classicism. Dark cherry and plum fruit, spice, new leather, menthol, liquorice and spice race across the palate. After some time in the glass, the intensity of the texture and the sheer power of the wine come to the fore. The 2021 is one of the most concentrated Sassicaias ever made. In a word: great." Vinous

"Rich aromas of dark fruits and herbs are infused with blueberry and petrichor, leading to an intense and vertical palate that is super-fresh with a delightfully airy, savoury character. Textured, integrated tannins emphasise Sassicaia's finesse and show just a hint of youthful dustiness. Spicy, bright black, blue and red berry fruit overlay underlying notes of dark chocolate and forest undergrowth with remarkable precision, with pomegranate and a stony minerality emerging on the mid-palate. The 2021 shows a wonderful richness of fruit with the characteristic freshness and lightness of step and finishes long and balanced. Outstanding." Decanter

"Here it is: a quintessential Sassicaia that represents the excellence of the vintage while respecting the unique flavour profile of this outstanding Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc. The Tenuta San Guido 2021 Bolgheri Sassicaia offers impeccable balance, excellent freshness and absolutely no signs of over-ripeness. The fruit balance is ideal, with a hint of crispness and lingering tension from the flesh and skin. The tannins are skilfully handled, with a firm grip and enough velvety texture to give volume and length. The bouquet is not green, instead offering mulled wine herbs and spices such as cinnamon and cloves delicately layered between the mostly red and some purple berry fruit. Redcurrant, blueberry, sweet pomegranate and Rainier cherry are strongly represented in this vintage. Over time, a fragrant hint of heritage rose unfolds. The oak tones are centred on gingerbread, hazelnut, cigar, sandalwood and something like grilled red pepper. On the palate, it offers a nice weight without heavy glycerin and an acidity flush that supports the wine's natural energy, brightness and viscosity. This pronounced freshness gives the wine a long ageing potential, but it needs to be given more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

The Gran Selezione from the single vineyard Bellavista is rich and dark with aromas of wild cherry, smoke, liquorice, menthol and tobacco. Extremely attractive and rich on the palate, firm tannins form the backbone of this virile, potent wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, compact nose with rich notes of blackberry and dark cherry, in the background fine spicy notes, cardamom and dried ginger. Juicy and intense in the attack and course, lots of cherry, some plum, fine-meshed, dense tannin in the final full pressure." Falstaff

"Camphor, dark spice, blue flower and a whiff of forest floor shape the alluring nose on this delicious red. Elegantly structured and all about finesse and flavor, the savory, focused palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, orange zest, licorice and cassis alongside taut, ultrarefined tannins. Made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera, it's beautifully balanced, with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"A rich, intense red, displaying black cherry, blackberry, menthol, iron and graphite flavors, this is polished and expressive, yet with beefy tannins lining the chalky finish. All the components are there - this just needs time." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista comes roaring out the gate with intensity and power. This is a generous and exuberant wine with dark fruit, pressed blackberry, plenty of spice and great overall dimension. It's truly gorgeous, yet I might consider a slightly shorter drinking window for this full-bodied vintage." Wine Advocate

"This is a very deep and serious Chianti Classico with bark, dark-mushroom and blackberry aromas that follow through to a full body with very polished and integrated tannins that are long and classy. A sophisticated and glorious wine. Drink in 2024 and onwards, but already very pretty." James Suckling

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista marries Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, a combination that works so well. The Bellavista is a powerful, vertical wine endowed with explosive and tremendous energy. Like all the top wines, it needs the better part of a decade to show all it's got. Gravel, smoke, leather, licorice and scorched earth." Vinous

Dense ruby red. Elegant the articulate bouquet that reveals ripe dark berries, tobacco, liquorice and balsamic notes. Impressively persistent, the characterful and enveloping taste with silky tannins and a spicy-smoky impression. The perfect dosage of all components give this exceptional wine the complexity and harmony that makes it unforgettable. A magical wine of great class and with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with an opaque core. Fragrant and elegant nose, complex, of cassis and black currants, in addition finest precious wood, then again interplay of ripe blackberries and fine spicy components. On the palate enormously polished and finesse-rich, with clear, present fruit and well-integrated tannin, comes along in many layers, precise, very long." Falstaff

"The Marchesi Antinori 2019 Solaia is another blockbuster success from Tuscany's leading winery. This is a generous and highly expressive release with lots of dark fruits, spices and sweet tobacco. The tannins are wonderfully velvety and soft. This is a beautiful wine that collectors will love." Wine Advocate

"Wonderful nose of raspberries and black cherries, ripe, sweet and expressive, aromas pouring from the glass. Fleshy and sweet, sticky and full, this gives a whole load of ripe, plush tannins and powerful fruit but underpinned by bright acidity that keeps things lifted and alive. A very serious wine, brooding and confident. Right now it shows many elements - rich, generous, powerful and stylish with hints of red flowers, white pepper, ground coffee, herbs and chocolate. A dark horse waiting for its moment to shine fully." Decanter

"The 2019 Solaia is fabulous. Deep and layered, the 2019 is so expressive from the start. Juicy dark cherry, plum, liquorice, incense, pipe tobacco, chocolate and grilled herbs all take shape. Again, the aromatics are seductive. There is a slightly higher proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend, and that works very well here. Solaia is often a bombastic, intense wine. The 2019 is incredibly refined and buttoned up. harvestwill have to be patient. The 2019 Solaia is the kind of wine I would love to spend an entire evening with." Vinous

"This wine has a deeply spicy nose with seaweed, soy sauce, olives, tobacco, black liquorice and a rich mix of cherries, blackberries and plums. The fruity, spicy palate brings more berries, dark chocolate and chilli peppers, underlined by noticeable spiciness and sticky but gentle tannins in a seemingly endless finish. It's exceptionally drinkable now, but a few more years would guarantee a commanding performance." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine has a complex palette of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, slate, tobacco, olives and charred bark. Also some dried roses and iodine. Medium to full body with firm but refined tannins. Powerful but unobtrusive. Long. Try it in 2025." James Suckling

"This youthful version features intense blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry fruit wrapped in cedar, Mediterranean scrub and toasty oak, with a mineral touch underlining it all. A solid backbone of tannins gives it support, while the dark fruit returns on the finish. It shows excellent balance, power and unbearable length, but it still needs time in bottle." Wine Spectator

"A historic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc with great refinement and magical balance. Blueberry on the nose, with a touch of eucalyptus and dogwood peel. Crisp-dense palate, iodine-salty tannins, great persistence." Luca Gardini

Dense ruby red. Elegant the articulate bouquet that reveals ripe dark berries, tobacco, liquorice and balsamic notes. Impressively persistent, the characterful and enveloping taste with silky tannins and a spicy-smoky impression. The perfect dosage of all components give this exceptional wine the complexity and harmony that makes it unforgettable. A magical wine of great class and with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with an opaque core. Fragrant and elegant nose, complex, of cassis and black currants, in addition finest precious wood, then again interplay of ripe blackberries and fine spicy components. On the palate enormously polished and finesse-rich, with clear, present fruit and well-integrated tannin, comes along in many layers, precise, very long." Falstaff

"The Marchesi Antinori 2019 Solaia is another blockbuster success from Tuscany's leading winery. This is a generous and highly expressive release with lots of dark fruits, spices and sweet tobacco. The tannins are wonderfully velvety and soft. This is a beautiful wine that collectors will love." Wine Advocate

"Wonderful nose of raspberries and black cherries, ripe, sweet and expressive, aromas pouring from the glass. Fleshy and sweet, sticky and full, this gives a whole load of ripe, plush tannins and powerful fruit but underpinned by bright acidity that keeps things lifted and alive. A very serious wine, brooding and confident. At the moment it shows many elements - rich, generous, powerful and stylish with hints of red flowers, white pepper, ground coffee, herbs and chocolate. A dark horse waiting to make its grand entrance at the moment." Decanter

"The 2019 Solaia is fabulous. Deep and layered, the 2019 is so expressive from the start. Juicy dark cherry, plum, liquorice, incense, pipe tobacco, chocolate and grilled herbs all take shape. Again, the aromatics are seductive. There is a slightly higher proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend, and that works very well here. Solaia is often a bombastic, intense wine. The 2019 is incredibly refined and buttoned up. harvestwill have to be patient. The 2019 Solaia is the kind of wine I would love to spend an entire evening with." Vinous

"This wine has a deeply spicy nose with seaweed, soy sauce, olives, tobacco, black liquorice and a rich mix of cherries, blackberries and plums. The fruity, spicy palate brings more berries, dark chocolate and chilli peppers, underlined by noticeable spiciness and sticky but gentle tannins in a seemingly endless finish. It's exceptionally drinkable now, but a few more years would guarantee a commanding performance." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine has a complex palette of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, slate, tobacco, olives and charred bark. Also some dried roses and iodine. Medium to full body with firm but refined tannins. Powerful but unobtrusive. Long. Try it in 2025." James Suckling

"This youthful version features intense blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry fruit wrapped in cedar, Mediterranean scrub and toasty oak, with a mineral touch underlining it all. A solid backbone of tannins gives it support, while the dark fruit returns on the finish. It shows excellent balance, power and unbearable length, but it still needs time in bottle." Wine Spectator

"A historic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc with great refinement and magical balance. Blueberry on the nose, with a touch of eucalyptus and dogwood peel. Crisp-dense palate, iodine-salty tannins, great persistence." Luca Gardini

Messorio has been undisputedly one of Italy's best and rarest Merlots since the mid-1990s. Soft, rich, elegant, refined and never overdone. On the nose, ripe fruit, coffee, graphite and French oak. Structured and balanced, Messorio fascinates the international wine world every year with a clarity and length that is unparalleled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby with violet glints. Opens with notes of forest floor, cedar wood and pine needles, then blueberry and blackberry, inviting. Very juicy, lots of dark fruit, opens with fine-meshed, very well-placed tannin, shows good drinking flow, juicy, very long finish." Falstaff

"Bright cassis, straw and graphite on the nose - all are the more overt characters typical of Bolgheri's solar Merlot. The concentrated fruit is dense and fleshy on the palate, with an oaky, slightly chalky and austere character as well as velvety tannins and a graceful finish of cedar. Assertive yet integrated acidity balances the alcohol. Great ageing potential." Decanter

"Le Macchiole is always distinguished by its deadly balance, and the Messorio is no exception. Cherries, cranberries, wild herbs and earth on the nose continue on the palate before pepper, charred meat and a juicy spiciness emerge on the finish. Tannins that unwind with ease and a palpable spiciness keep things exciting; a pleasure in the moment, but seeing what happens next will be worth the wait." Wine Enthusiast

"Le Macchiole's great challenge on pure Merlot, obtained with a prophetic 'subtraction' work. Black raspberry, juniper and liquorice on the nose, with small touches of nutmeg, on the palate tense-dense and juicy-savoury, with a fruity and undergrowth return." Luca Gardini

"Blackberry, oyster shell, iodine and black olive. Also some caraway and thyme. Full-bodied with a very tight palate of firm tannins and fresh, mineral blue fruits. Needs time to open up and show its true potential. Try it after 2025." James Suckling

"At this stage it is strongly marked by new oak, with vanilla and toasted spices wrapped around a core of plum, black cherry, earth and cedar. Graceful and balanced, it firms up on the lingering finish. This is all about purity of fruit, finesse and length. Decant it now or let it age for 2-3 years." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Messorio combines the natural opulence of Merlot on the Tuscan coast with a finesse I have never seen here before. It has a lot of depth and resonance, but none of the heaviness that has been so en vogue for many years. Dark cherry, plum, spice, mocha and floral notes lead into a racy, exotic finish." Vinous

"The stunning Le Macchiole 2019 Messorio is a pure Merlot from a special 2.5 hectare parcel with a classic blend of Bolgheri soils with clay, silt, sandstone and limestone. The wine ferments in concrete and is aged in new barriques for 18 months. This beautiful wine exudes scents of cherries, blue flowers, iris roots, gravel and slate. Balanced oak tones add power and texture to the full-bodied finish." Wine Advocate

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

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

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

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

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

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

Messorio has been undisputedly one of the best and rarest Merlots in Italy since the mid-1990s. Soft, rich, elegant, refined and never exaggerated. Ripe fruit, coffee, graphite and French oak on the nose. Structured and balanced, Messorio fascinates the international wine world every year with a clarity and length that is unrivalled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Multi-layered bouquet with concentrated elegance, mint, tar, liquorice, cocoa, blueberry, blackberry and blood orange. Very broad and deeply layered. The elegant palate continues with ethereal spice and melting, this Merlot is dense and tightly woven, enormously long and persistent, with a lot of mineral, balsamic spice and saltiness on the finish." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, rich ruby colour with a slightly brightening rim. Opens with fine spicy notes of cardamom and graphite, then lots of blackberry and mulberry. Full-bodied and rich in attack and finish, lots of dark berry fruit, tightly woven, densely woven tannins, surrounded by fine enamel, full-bodied pressure." Falstaff

"In the glass, the wine is dark garnet in colour and captivates with its aromas of cassis and leaves, which contrast with a dark, fleshy note and a loamy minerality. The dense, viscous and velvety palate is balanced by crisp acidity, slightly grainy, youthful tannins and a polished finish." Decanter

"Pure and elegant, with a core of blackberry, black cherry, violet, iron and oak spice flavours. The solid tannins provide some backbone, while the velvety texture emphasises the grace of this wine. Excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Intense aromas of sandalwood, lavender, crushed stone, inkwell and blue fruit transition into a medium body, with beautiful tannins and tension that add energy and vibrancy. Excellent freshness for 2020, with blackcurrants, black olives and violets in the aftertaste." James Suckling

"The Messorio 2020 is a deep and richly structured wine that has become one of the flagships of winemaker Cinza Merli. Ripe fruit, dark cherries, oak spice and roasted aromas combine with balanced intensity to characterise this generous expression from Tuscany. The problem with Merlot, especially in a hot vintage like this one, is ripeness, or more precisely, over-ripeness. Messorio masters a difficult growth phase with flying colours." Wine Advocate

"The Messorio 2020 is fabulous. Once an opulent, full-bodied wine, the Messorio has now evolved into a much more restrained Merlot. The 2020 has a lot of energy and seems to have a great future once it has developed properly. I really admire the vibrancy of this wine. The 2020 matured for 18 months in 100% French oak, 5% of the wine was aged in amphorae." Wine Advocate

"The nose is reminiscent of a private library with old books on the shelves, dried lavender and violets on the desk and rays of sunshine and humid air from outside streaming through the curtains, held in check by a smoky warmth from the fireplace. The palate unfolds with an abundance of berries, chocolate and spice, with a salty astringency in the background. Tannins and acidity that are quiet at first, but then flare up." Wine Enthusiast

Of all his wines, the flagship Tenuta di Trinoro offers the deepest insight into Andrea Franchetti's viticulture. Andrea changes the proprietary blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot from limestone and clay soils every year depending on the quality and quantity of the harvest. The grapes are always the best of the vintage. Franchetti's own style is recognisable in each of his wines and with each vintage. The 2020 vintage was the first to be given an additional year of bottle ageing before being released for sale.

This dark, full and concentrated red wine already shows a good deal of its potential on the nose and the ripe, fruit-driven appeal that has characterised it for years and helped it achieve world fame. On the palate, the flavours range from deep, dark fruit to spices, mahogany and grilled herbs. The texture is tapered, well-proportioned and ethereal. The fruity verve and the opulent concert of flavours are guided by highly elegant tannins into an almost endless finish. Monumental, but not a monster. Powerful, but not a muscleman - everything is in the right place here. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Tenuta di Trinoro 2020 is sensual and racy, but also not as opulent as it could be. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Sweet floral, spicy and savoury top notes meld with a core of dark fruit. Overall, the 2020 comes across as a smaller, slightly leaner Tenuta that will probably drink well early on as the flavours are still developing. Pretty floral and spicy notes lift the finish nicely. This is a classy Tenuta." Vinous

"Balsamic, ripe and fresh, with a beautiful abundance of black berries and black cherries, with notes of cream, cocoa, wood, spices and cola. It is very structured and already complex, showing a slightly fresher character than the 2019, with a delicious juiciness on the mid-palate and crisp acidity. It has the potential to become a great Trinoro in the future." Decanter

"On the nose, rich, sweet aromas of cherries and figs draw balance from sharper undertones of graphite, fennel, orange peel and clove. A smear of marmalade across the palate underscores the fruitiness, which stays bright and juicy through the finish, but a dark chocolate undertone provides gravitas." Wine Enthusiast

"So fragrant of violets and lavender with some blackcurrant. Medium to full-bodied with lustre and finesse. Racy and fine. Finesse with verve. Very elegant and straightforward with a racy texture. Very long and slightly angular." James Suckling

"The initial shyness develops into youthful bravado after a little aeration; the nose is dominated by Cabernet Franc with its berry and plum aromas, undergrowth, notes of fresh flowers and spices; then the attack is powerful, the tannins are extremely velvety and fine-grained, the finish is long and full of elegance despite all the power. Needs to mature." Vinum

"The 2020 vintage is certainly more open, but offers a very special view of Cabernet Franc in particular. The lush softness of the black cherry of the Merlot is magically combined with the dark intensity and tannic power of the Cabernet Franc. The ripeness of the fruit is impeccable, there are neither green tones nor overripe nuances. Everything is balanced." Wine Advocate

"Dark ruby red with violet. Initially fine stony notes on the nose, precious wood, incense, then dark berry fruit, cassis, fine mint on the finish. Densely woven on the palate, creamy, oily, with notes of ripe raspberries, comes in many layers, savoury, great juiciness, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"One of the mythological products of national viticulture, a Bordeaux with a predominance of Cabernet Franc, then Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and a small percentage of Petit Verdot. Redcurrant on the nose, a hint of laurel and liquorice powder, salty and acidic tannins, incredible persistence." Luca Gardini