Wine Spectator

This is how Aglianico from Apulia goes: Star Oenologist Renzo Cotarella and his team impress with their quality offensive in the extremely dense and very complex Bocca di Lupo. Deep dark colour and just as aromas of liquorice, tar, black cherries and berries. Tightly woven tannins and a lively acidity give the wine power and potential for a little eternity. One of the greatest red wines of southern Italy! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh and harmonious, with a frame of fine-grained tannins creating plush texture for concentrated flavors of ripe black cherry, dried sage leaf, iron and ground anise and white pepper, which echo on the long, sculpted finish." Wine Spectator

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 fruit 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

Kairós is the "little Harlequin" in terms of grape variety composition and is always produced in the years when its big brother is not in production. This is really not a flaw, because with its comparatively attractive price and above all its crazy blend of four white and 12 red grape varieties, it is an incredibly fleshy and juicy wine with an impenetrable, dark appearance. The bouquet is equally charged, almost voltaic, with rich layers of dark fruit that remain surprisingly airy and fresh despite the considerable weight and concentration. This is a wine of extremes, but there is no doubting its mad drinking pleasure and the harmony it offers to the senses. You need to be in the right mood, however, because only then does the eclectic Kairós blend offer an intoxicating and unrivalled experience with guaranteed memorable value. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense cherry red with brightening edges. Dark fruit on the nose, with a spicy aftertaste of tobacco, clove and mocha. Pronounced fruit on the palate with sweetish tannins. The finish is persistent with a flattering final." Falstaff

"Dark profile of ripe blackberries, olives, black pepper and chocolate. Full-bodied with weight, concentration, velvety tannins, crisp acidity and a savoury finish. It is powerful rather than tense, but balanced in its ripeness and toastiness." James Suckling

"This silky red is focused but effortlessly elegant, with fine, slightly chalky tannins layered with a dark and juicy mix of cherry jam and blackberry pulp and a bright hint of pomegranate puree. Fragrant accents of medicinal herbs, aniseed, graphite and cocoa powder linger on the finish." Wine Spectator

Barolo Bricco delle Viole 2018 is unusually open and seductive, as it is normally rather shy and needs time before it shows the full range of its personality. Rose petals, spices and red-coloured fruits float in the glass, supported by fine, racy tannins. In the drink, then, the typical, medium-heavy characteristics of Bricco delle Viole, at the same time the contours are soft and the wine's personality demands the next sip. Vajra fans should give it a few more years of maturity, despite its current accessibility. SUPERIORE.DE

"Appealing bouquet with nuances of wild berries, mushrooms and herbs; pithy attack with fine-grained tannin, the acidity well integrated, lots of melting and juice. Pleases with its compact style." Vinum

"Bright fruits, raspberries and citrus, floral and spicy notes; substantial type with taut acidity and balanced tannins; the bright and at the same time spicy character is also convincing on the palate, fine and focused, timelessly elegant." Weinwisser

"Bright, radiant ruby red with a lightening rim. Expressive on the nose, of wild berries, elderberries, also floral, then eucalyptus, plus noble spice, of black tea on the final. On the palate compact, juicy, with dense tannin, comes in several layers, energetic, salty in the final." Falstaff

"Just mid ruby with the beginning of orange tinges. Concentrated and subtle at the same time with brooding concentration and beautiful depth. Bags of chewy tannins that make their mark on the still-embryonic fruit on the palate. Long, elegant, fresh and still to open up further. Elegant filigree fruit on the finish. Definitely needs more time." Jancis Robinson

"Intense, flavorful Barolo that shows some good, nutty red-fruit character and fine, firm tannin. Medium-bodied and very tight. Needs time to even out." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is finely cut and chiseled, as it so often is. Dried flowers, mint, crushed rocks, pine and red berry fruit all grace this taut, sculpted Barolo. The 2018 has all of the energy of this site, but its signatures are decidedly dialed down." Vinous

"Heady aromas of violet, camphor, leather and tobacco lead the way on this fragrant red. On the palate, tightly knit, fine-grained tannins accompany ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and licorice. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2018 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is not super intense, but it is balanced in its own way. The wine is subdued but complete with softly yielding tannins to support an elegantly streamlined mouthfeel. Bricco delle Viole is a high and cool growing site in Barolo at 400 to 480 meters in elevation with characteristic Sant'Agata marl soils with fossils. The wine represents a selection of fruit from over seven hectares. With fermentation in steel tank and aging in large Slavonian oak, you are invited to a silky, lifted and beautifully delicate experience with an accessible personality." Wine Advocate

"An elegant version, this red features rose, black currant, cherry, mineral and a hint of eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Linear in profile, this is solidly built on a graceful frame, with finely woven tannins and vibrant acidity." Wine Spectator

"The nervy style of Bricco delle Viole is excited by the lightness of the 2018 vintage. The nose is dominated by leafy lightness and vibrant aromas ranging from cherry kernel to lemon leaf. It could seem to have low complexity but its focused on a sort of austere freshness that's worth discovering. The firm palate with quite aggressive acidity and almost sturdy youth is allied to great fruit concentration. The savoury finish is loaded with dust and chalk." Decanter

In the Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni, all the elements of a wine full of character multiply exponentially: room-filling aromas of sweet berries, perfectly integrated wood tones, a cornucopia of ripe fruit on the palate, powerful and sensual. Caprai's top wine, which gives incredible pleasure and must be aerated for 3-4 hours when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe dark berries, chocolate, sweet spices, charred bark, walnuts and a hint of tar on the nose. Full and intense with depth and persistence in the fruit and firm, slightly chewy tannins. Long lasting and earthy finish." James Suckling

"A rich, medium to full-bodied red with a fragrant thread of chopped marjoram, orange peel and spice box that winds through concentrated flavours of reduced cherries, damson jam, red liquorice and tarry minerals. Firm and chewy, but balanced overall, with a tightly wound, well-spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"This darkly coloured wine opens with rich aromas of preserved blackberry, preserves, pepper and clove with a hint of violet. The powerful palate is layered with black plums, dried herbs, baking spices and forest floor, all framed by classically firm Sagrantino tannins and finishing with balanced acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"24 months in barriques for the 'definitive' Sagrantino, the culmination of years of research: sour cherry, balsamic notes and star anise, with a hint of wild iris, dense, juicy, savoury on the palate, with notes of undergrowth, black fruits and sweet spices." Luca Gardini

"Rich ruby red with a garnet-red rim. Intense and multi-layered on the nose, with notes of ripe blackberries and Amarena cherries, echoes of violets, dark chocolate and malt, slightly ethereal. Powerful but well-integrated tannins on the palate, builds up in a multi-layered way with a very long final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni is imposing, buzzing with a dark mix of dried black cherries, crushed plums, sage, allspice and sweet mint. The texture is exciting, velvety yet cool, weighty yet tangy, washing over the palate with polished red and black fruits and slowly building black tea tannins. An abundance of spice, tobacco and blood orange nuances linger on the finish with tremendous length and concentration. The balance is absolutely fantastic. This is a breathtaking achievement." Vinous

Deep dark, impenetrable ruby colour with violet reflections. Opulent, warm bouquet of fully ripe cherries, plums, liquorice, young leather with a hint of French oak spice. Powerful and firm on the palate, with a brilliant structure and taut tannins. With increasing aeration, it reveals its good structure and refined elegance. This outstanding Merlot from central Tuscany never seems broad or too heavy until the long finish, but is completely convincing with its terrificenergy and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red colour. Fine use of wood on the nose, hints of marzipan, undergrowth, milk chocolate, dark berry fruit on the finish. Well-integrated acidity and clear, spicy fruit on the palate, currently coated in a somewhat bulky woody layer, full-bodied, but still needs to age longer." Falstaff

"The Picconero 2020 smells of ripe dark fruit, mocha, crushed leaves, incense, liquorice and dried flowers. Bright acids and strong spicy undertones remind us that we are in the heart of Tuscany." Vinous

"Made from Merlot, the Tolaini 2020 Picconero Tenuta Montebello is a dense and powerful wine with a considerable alcohol content of 15%. It is a broad wine with broad shoulders and plenty of dark fruit at its core. Blackberry flavours are followed by sweet spices, cinnamon, Tuscan cigar, grilled herbs and a hint of sweet rye bread." Wine Advocate

"With flavours of blackberries, black cherries, iron, toast and resin, this fresh and concentrated red wine is solidly built, with lively acidity and firm tannins to support it. It shows excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Blueberries, plums, cedar and dark chocolate with a hint of chilli pepper. It is full-bodied with layers of ripe tannins that have a velvety and refined texture. It has a cheesy finish. It needs time to open up with such structure." James Suckling

The world-famous Caiarossa is an extremely exciting blend of the Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Alicante varieties, with the rich, dark fruit flavours of the Cabernet grapes taking centre stage. On the nose, a beautiful first wave of dark fruits that never appear too ripe, which greatly benefits the elegance of the wine. The palate is very balanced and focussed with blackberries, cassis and slight hints of salty or rusty minerals. Caiarossa displays a good degree of elegance, not least due to its fine and taut tannins, and despite its density and complexity never comes across as opulent or even overloaded. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, rich colour. Sweet, intense and savoury, the Caiarossa 2020 has a deep and generous aroma, with lots of Cabernet character and a little Syrah fragrance. Rich, sweet, raisiny style. Melting, round and velvety in the mouth, its dense tannins remain present for a long time, as it does not have the aromatic richness of the past two years. It seems a little hollow in the centre, yet it has a lovely texture on the tongue, is long and spicy, racy and has lively acidity. Due to its great diversity of grape varieties, it has an extraordinary complexity, yet it is somewhat less rich and sweet than expected. Still has room for improvement!" Weinwisser

"Dark ruby red colour with fine violet reflections. Fine spice on the nose, cheese rind, cassis, blackberry, some mint, plus fine earthy tones and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate with a creamy entry and progression, dense and tightly meshed, shows juicy tannins, spans a wide arc, comes back again and again juicy and powerful, long." Falstaff

"Very dark, impenetrable purple red colour. Elevated nose of black forest fruits with a pinch of oak and a hint of damson plum. Supple black forest fruits and raspberries and just enough acidity to keep the overall tension. More medium-bodied than full-bodied. Long, fine-grained tannins that are a little bitter and noticeable on the finish, but this will improve with further bottle age." Jancis Robinson

"Offers a combination of blackcurrant, blackberry and clay flavours, with hints of iron and tobacco, supported by dense tannins that leave a burr on the finish." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, dark fruits and berries are balanced with the fresh lightness of white pepper, mint and eucalyptus. On the palate, notes of vanilla and dark chocolate emphasise the juicy breadth of the fruit, but a sharp, peppery finish provides a thought-provoking contrast and leads to a meditative finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The Caiarossa 2020 Caiarossa is one of the Italian wines closest to Bordeaux both in DNA (the estate is French-owned) and winemaking. This is a full-bodied red with a bold and very exuberant personality. There is balance and depth with plenty of purple and black fruits, spice and oak toast to add dimension and complexity." Wine Advocate

"Fragrant herbs and warm, sun-kissed black fruit on the nose - no wonder, as it was the warmest summer since 1800, but with plenty of rain in June and late August, which allowed the grapes to ripen well. It smells of baked blackcurrants and roses. It is supple and rich, generous and filling, with wonderfully plump but also quite defined tannins that give it structure and tension. The fruit is tangy and ripe, and the acidity creates a tension between sharpness and ripeness. The wine is round, direct and forward, it has energy and structure, and I love the freshness that lingers on the tongue. Well executed with plenty of perfume and a mineral, stony grip on the finish alongside dried herbs and liquorice spice. A delicious Tuscan wine with a French flair." Decanter

"Aromatic with dried cherries and plum skins as well as spiced chocolate, lilac, walnut shell and nutmeg. Also some wet stones. The palate is full, structured and broad with super-fine tannins. It is powerful but not heavy with freshness and crispness. It shows intensity and richness. Give it time." James Suckling

"The 2020 Caiarossa is the best wine I've tasted from this estate in some time, perhaps ever. Rich, deep and yet not at all heavy, the 2020 offers an exotic blend of dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, liquorice, new leather and incense. All the elements are so beautifully balanced." Vinous

The years of the COVID-19 pandemic were particularly fruitful for Giovanni Manetti, you could call them an epiphany. He had time to reflect and walked through his vineyards in the Conca d'Oro in Panzano in Chianti, an amphitheatre of postcard-perfect vines, and decided it was time to expand his portfolio. In particular, he was looking for a way to better articulate the concept of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, which is essentially a perfect vehicle for a grand cru winemaking philosophy. His existing Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo is a flagship for this highest category of appellation, but unfortunately it only represents a single vineyard site. The fruit comes from an area with a higher proportion of schistose galestro for dark fruit, etched mineral notes and pencil shavings. Now this wine can be seen in context.

This is how the Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Terrazze San Leolino was created. It comes from a vineyard in Panzano, not too far from Vigna del Sorbo. However, this small parcel near the San Leolino chapel is characterised by calcareous Alberese, which produces fresh wines with a less dark character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble, shiny ruby red colour with a fine rim. Deep in the nose, slightly peppery with a juicy cherry fruit centre, ebony, hints of marzipan and tobacco. Flows over the palate with gentle pressure, fine fruit sweetness and silky texture, on firm tannins with a very long finish." Falstaff

"With flavours of cherry, pomegranate, flowers, iron and resin, this bright, elegant red wine tightens on the finish, yet remains balanced and silky, with a beautiful finish." Wine Spectator

"This is a beautifully crafted Chianti Classico with a very fine texture, silky tannins, bright fruit and crisp acidity. It is medium-bodied and lingers for minutes at the end. Very attractive now, but even better in two or three years and beyond." James Suckling

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Panzano Terrazze San Leonlino, now bearing the Panzano UGA on the label, is a magnificent wine and a relatively new addition to a portfolio that excels in a classic vintage like 2021. The wine benefits from the new regulations that give identity to the subzones of the appellation (or UGAs) and exudes the depth, richness and sunshine for which the fruit of Panzano is renowned. The bouquet is characterised by generous black fruits, pencil shavings and light spices, but the wine is ultimately characterised by its triple balance between fruit, acidity and oak spice." Wine Advocate

The world-famous Caiarossa is an extremely exciting blend of the Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese and Grenache varieties, with the rich, dark fruit flavours of the Cabernet grapes taking centre stage. On the nose, a beautiful first wave of dark fruits that never appear too ripe, which greatly benefits the elegance of the wine. The palate is very balanced and focussed with blackberries, cassis and slight hints of salty or rusty minerals. Caiarossa displays a good degree of elegance, not least due to its fine and taut tannins, and despite its density and complexity never comes across as opulent or even overloaded. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense purple red colour. Finely drawn nose of violets, marzipan, liquorice, wild berry jam, with a hint of iodine and clove behind it, multi-layered. Velvety in texture, juicy and fruity-sweet on firm tannins, round and with gentle pressure, very persistent." Falstaff

"The Caiarossa 2021 is an elegant, refined red wine. The attack reveals crushed flowers, spices, blood orange and pomegranate. Supple and medium-bodied, with great energy, the 2021 has a lot to offer. Its energy and persistence are remarkable. Bright savoury notes support the lively finish." Vinous

"The medium saturated ruby red colour hints at an extremely distinctive bouquet, where nutmeg and spicy herbs combine with iron-rich blackcurrants, red roses, pine resin, liquorice and cocoa powder. Luscious blackcurrants take centre stage on the palate, while slightly tart tannins and a hint of bitter orange provide lift. Garrigue, cedar and salty minerals linger on the long and youthfully dusty finish." Decanter

"This dense and concentrated red is packed with blackcurrant, blackberry and plum fruit, while notes of iron, wild herbs and oak spice add further detail. Assertive tannins and lively acidity support it and give it an overall sense of balance. The dark fruit flavours have lovely depth and a great aftertaste that really lingers. Shows power and grace." Wine Spectator

"It shows a velvety and darkly concentrated appearance with pretty richness and deep color saturation. These results are balanced and bright in this gorgeous vintage, and I especially like the wine's freshness that seems to shine from its core. The mouthfeel is more streamlined than it is bulky, and that quality adds a sense of lasting elegance." Wine Advocate

"Violet reflections in the glass. Aromas of cloves, abundant blackberries and dried eucalyptus. The attack is firm and dense, with a full body and velvety tannins of great extraction on the mid-palate and a refreshing natural acidity. Good integration of oak on the finish. It has potential for the long haul, but will be drinkable in one to two years." James Suckling

The second vintage of the red counterpart to Didacus Chardonnay impressively reflects the Planeta family's vision: elegance and tradition, family and future. This 100% Cabernet Franc comes from vines over 20 years old, planted by Diego Planeta, and is simply stunning, delicious and unforgettable. Outstanding aromas of sensual dark fruits, some leather and tobacco. Explosive, penetrating and powerful on the palate, but at the same time seamless and silky smooth. The tannin management is excellent. This is a wine to keep in the cellar - provided you have a certain amount of self-control. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Cabernet Franc Didacus is dark, deep and intense, with vaulted blue flowers giving way to an abundance of redcurrant, plum and liquorice. It is silky with a dense wave of mineral black fruit supported by a core of motivating acidity that lifts the expression beautifully. Leaving behind tart wild berries and a hint of mocha on a layer of sweet tannins, it comes across as structured but also remarkably fresh. The heat of the vintage pushed up the volume of the 2017 Cabernet Franc Didacus, and while more classic vintages will likely overtake it in the cellar over time, the balance here is beautiful." Vinous

"Intense aromas of pepper on the nose - from red bell to cracked black pepper - join raw meat with macerated cherries and crushed stones. The palate has more cherries and strawberries with roasted peppers and unmistakeably Sicilian tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"An elegant red, medium- to full-bodied and tightly meshed, with a sense of restraint to the integration of sculpted tannins, revealing aromas and flavors of cassis, black tea leaf, fig cake and iron. Long and fresh, expanding on the creamy palate and showing good potential for the cellar." Wine Spectator

"From the very first moments of fermentation of this wine, we realise every year that we are dealing with a very high expression of Nebbiolo. The MGA Albesani is a very beautiful vineyard in the municipality of Neive with ideal exposure and perfect altitude. From there comes a rich, elegant, sometimes austere wine that combines its great appeal with excellent ageing potential." Franco Massolino

Barbaresco Albesani shows all the breadth and resonance so typical of this famous hillside vineyard in Neive. Red-purple fruits, spices, rose petals, lavender, menthol and liquorice develop with a little time in the glass. Bright acids and lively tannins give this classic, inviting Barbaresco from Massolino plenty of energy and stamina. SUPERIORE.DE

"Freshly mown hay and green tea accents frame cherry, strawberry and white pepper flavors in this sleek yet dense red. Overall, this remains balanced and elegant, with a beam of fruit persisting on the aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Exciting and racy red fruits with dried herbs and hibiscus with undertones of nutshells. Clean and lively on the palate with medium body and compact, ripe tannins that give the wine a firm and long mouthfeel. Velvety finish. Attractive already, but even better from 2025." James Suckling

"The Massolino 2020 Barbaresco Albesani from the village of Neive shows more balance at this young age than the winery's classic Barbaresco. This single-vineyard wine also has more depth with nuances of dark berries, cassis, blue flowers and crushed limestone. The floral aromas emerge with beautiful intensity. The wine's tannins are very fine and silky." Wine Advocate

"The Barbaresco Albesani 2020 has more substance and depth than the pure Barbaresco. The differences between the two wines are not so pronounced at first, but that comes with aeration. With time, macerated cherries, plums, spices, lavender, rose petals and sage develop in the glass. All the richness and power of the Albesani come out. For harvestwho want to understand what makes Albesani tick, this is the wine for you!" Vinous

"Very restrained on the nose, with smoky forest notes, preserved flowers and chocolate, wrapped in a fresh, elegant currant fruit. Very tasty on the palate, with fresh acidity and velvety, chewy, youthful tannins that are very precise and woven into the finish. Given its firm structure, this is not an easy wine to drink now, but it shows a quality in terms of texture and liquorice length that will keep it interesting for a long time." Decanter

Deep, bright ruby red in colour. This 100% Nero d'Avola is a captivating wine with its full-bodied, fruity and spicy aroma of blackcurrants, cherries, undergrowth, liquorice and dark chocolate. The soft but firm, multi-layered and warm flavour of ripe berries, the fine spice and the fine tannins are very appealing. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is a well-made Nero d'Avola with a purity and freshness in its ripe character of red and black berries and cherries. Intense and savoury, with tangy acidity, it shows juicy cherries and black fruits along with notes of chocolate and balsamic and mouth-coating tannins. Full and rich in fruit, but quite vertical in style, it is a lively and storable example of what can be achieved with this typical Sicilian grape." Decanter

"The 2020 Santa Cecilia, a single varietal Nero d'Avola, rises from the glass with a dark and brooding blend of crushed plums, cloves, stone dust and a hint of camphor. It's round and supple with juicy acidity that retains a lovely energy, and bright red and blue fruits cascade across the palate. The 2020 finishes with a bitter touch of savoury spice and a hint of sour citrus, while a layer of fine tannins lingers. The 2020 is a very beautiful and balanced wine for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Bright and fragrant, with a lush creaminess that carries flavours of strawberry jam, dried cherries, tar, tea roses and singed orange peel. Well-spiced and minerally, with slightly chalky tannins that provide fine definition." Wine Spectator

"The Santa Cecilia 2020 is one of Sicily's iconic wines, a Nero d'Avola clothed in elegance and precision. The wine is softly structured and multi-layered with dark fruits, black cherries, spices and sweet tobacco. The Santa Cecilia takes a classic approach with a balance between generous fruit and carefully managed oak." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberries, flowers and dark earth with a hint of fresh black mushrooms. Medium to full body with round and creamy tannins and a delicious undertone. Just a hint of vanilla bean underneath the fruit." James Suckling

"The nose starts bubbly and sweet, with aromas of black plums, cherry and vanilla, then turns savory but still crackly, with notes of pencil shavings, pepper, graphite and leather. The palate doubles back toward juicy fruit with figs and more plums, then shifts again toward that sanguine earthiness, but textured tannins and almost silky acid unify the whole." Wine Enthusiast

Deep ruby red, intense, fresh aroma of dark fruit with delicate roasted flavours. Complex and full-bodied on the palate, full-bodied, with balsamic notes, perfectly integrated tannins and a finely balanced fruity-spicy finish. An intense wine that doesn't want to be a lightweight and which shows off its power perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"In colour, the 2021 appears less dark and viscous than usual. The nose is deep and spicy, with a chocolaty richness, a lot of Merlot presence and aromas of bay leaf, rosemary and incense, as well as banana peel. Very youthful, reductive and full-bodied, very dense in the mouth, with seemingly blunt tannins, firmly fleshed out. The all-encompassing sweetness masks the subtle brittleness in its youth. Wiry acidity, a lot of tannin presence, plenty of wood and very little melting." Weinwisser

"Brilliant and impenetrable purple colour. Lifted, vibrant cassis, blackberry and blueberry flavours with a hint of dusty oak. Juicy and finely moulded around the cassis and blackberry fruit, with gripping tannins that need more time to settle. The whole clearly expresses the excellence of this vintage." Jancis Robinson

"The Orma 2021 is a rich, heady wine. Juicy dark red plums, spice, new leather, mocha and menthol are beautifully interwoven. This lush, flamboyant wine offers a lot of immediacy and appeal." Vinous

"This wine is heady and voluptuous with a bouquet that brings out black fruits, plums, spices and floral notes of lilac and blue flowers. These flavours are released in waves of varying intensity. It is a proverbial food wine that calls for a dish with a high fat content. The freshness is there and it has a considerable fruit weight". Wine Advocate

"This red is broad and dense yet lively, with flavours of plum, blackberry, vanilla and chocolate shaded by toasted oak. A hint of rose lingers fresh and focused on the long, gripping finish. Balanced and complex." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of herbs such as basil and laurel with blackcurrants are followed by a full body with creamy and round tannins and many undertones of coffee beans and walnuts. Powerful, but not over the top. Velvety texture. Fine on the finish." James Suckling

"Spicy, brambly berry aromas with some dusty wood and chocolate notes are followed in the mouth by super-fresh acidity, introducing some ripe black fruits then a stony mid-palate. A fine web of silky tannins supports the fruit, while herbal and balsamic edges bring a sense of freshness and levity to the concentrated fruit. The finish is long, succulent and fresh, with some fresh and dried black fruits accompanied by spice and chocolate. Great balance." Decanter

"Bright ruby violet colour. Fragrant, floral, of wild berries and light-coloured resin, cassis, expressive, pure, inviting. Powerful on the palate, with lots of tannin, vibrant, finely juicy, currently still very young, will develop very well." Falstaff

"The great classic of the house, now a staple of the type. Blueberry notes on the nose, a hint of marjoram, cloves on the finish with a slight hint of undergrowth. Crisp and exciting on the palate, with salty-sour tannins, persistent and again with small black fruits." Luca Gardini

Deep dark ruby-purple colour. On the nose, cassis, blackcurrants and a strong herbal spice with a good dose of pipe tobacco, tar and crushed gravel. On the palate, dark berries, chocolate and a cornucopia of herbs define the full-bodied palate. This juicy wine monument has precisely integrated tannins, an enormous silkiness and an almost endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, intense colour. Rich, sweet and chocolaty, the Oreno smells of rum pot and shows a beautiful fullness, yet the wood shines through a little, as the core flavour is still underdeveloped. Sweet, broad and compact, it appears in the mouth with a lot of substance and core, with an equally concentrated centre. The powerful tannins are arranged in a straightforward manner, accompanied by a fine woody shimmer and good texture." Weinwisser

"A juicy red characterised by blueberries, boysenberries, cassis, wild herbs and oak spices. It shows a range of dusty tannins that have a firm grip on the compact finish, but it has freshness, plenty of fruit and persistence." Wine Spectator

"Fruity, floral aromas of dried cherries, raspberries and violets on the nose segue into spicy notes of pencil shavings and hot tar, before more mixed berries overlay spicy, earthy notes on the palate, with a hint of orange pith providing astringency on the long, umami-rich finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Oreno richly concentrated aromas to match. You get black fruit, toasted barbecue spice, mahogany and smoke. There are pronounced herbal notes with grilled sage and rosemary. This wine definitely embraces a full-bodied, old-school style that is heavily influenced by Bordeaux." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Oreno is great. In fact, the 2021 is one of the best Orenos I can remember tasting. Aromatic, rich and deep, with tonnes of textural resonance, the 2021 has so much to offer. Scents of tobacco, espresso, spice, new leather and spice open up first, leading to waves of dark, resonant fruit that build over time. Impressive. This is a particularly heady, flamboyant Tuscan red wine. A style that works very well in 2021." Vinous

"Dark blackberry fruit and intense floral and spicy aromas, liquorice and olives with nuances of blueberries and roses. The tannins are grippy but give direction rather than being heavy or broad. On the palate, it remains quite straightforward, persistently in line from start to finish. I love the juiciness, the strawberry juice with herbal accents and clean, ferruginous minerality that comes across as slightly tangy and savoury on the finish, lingering with a zesty olive note." Decanter

"Bright ruby violet colour. Opens with an elegant nose, notes of elderberries, chocolate, stewed blackberries, some liquorice. Present on the palate, with nerve, grippy but very energetic, clean tannins, full-bodied, long, juicy finish lasting many minutes." Falstaff

"Blackcurrants and black cherries with beautiful flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that give the wine focus and tension. Pretty and balanced. A little shy now." James Suckling

"Unique location, south-facing vineyards in the river basin of the same name. Taut nose, blackberry, eucalyptus, pink pepper and capers, peony and balsamic finish. Dense on the palate, crisp, spicy tannins, fresh citrus flavours with a long, drinkable finish." Luca Gardini

Poggio ai Merli is a single-varietal Merlot that relies entirely on the terroir of central Tuscany and consistently embodies the Castellare style. Deep ruby garnet. Pure, clear, with refinement, the wood well integrated, elegant and free of fashionable monotony. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pretty red with aromas of blueberries, plums, incense and tea leaves. Full-bodied and structured with a creamy texture and firm, chewy tannins. Vibrant, long finish." James Suckling

"This rich red is saturated with black cherry, black currant, tar, wild rosemary and cedar flavors. Beautifully layered, ripe and fresh, with a lingering fruity and savory aftertaste and refined tannins." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Poggio ai Merli (Merlot) is a dark, fleshy wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Spice, leather, new oak and tobacco add pretty hints of Chianti Classico savoriness to the lush Merlot fruit. Although quite appealing now, the 2019 has enough tannic grip to age well for many years to come." Vinous

Chianti Classico by Giovanni Manetti offers a profound, densely woven and still very youthful bouquet of dark and red berries and fine spicy notes. The dry, cherry flavour with long-lasting impressions, well-extracted tannins and the acidity typical of Sangiovese show a clearly recognisable terroir character. Very clear, straightforward, long, always fresh and juicy, with excellent strength and balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, shiny ruby red colour with a dark core. Intense and memorable nose of black cherry, dark chocolate and a hint of mocha. Silky tannins, concentrated fruit and fine acidity on the palate, with a grippy final." Falstaff

"Deep carmine red colour. Tantalising nose of deep red fruits with hints of white pepper and leather. Juicy red fruits, with fine-grained, abundant tannins that unfold on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The organic Fontodi 2021 Chianti Classico shows a special density in this vintage. There are ripe fruit flavours with blackberries and plums. The fruit also has a rich fleshiness or thickness that contributes to the overall dimension and mouthfeel of this approachable wine. The bright acidity brings out all these elements even better." Wine Advocate

"Fontodi's 2021 is a symbol of the exceptional quality of Chianti Classico at the Annata level. It exudes the wild, rugged and dry Tuscan landscape against a backdrop of dark, multi-layered fruit. Hints of coffee and liquorice mingle with concentrated black cherry and blackberry. With ripe, gravelly tannins, this wine shows the power of the vintage without being overbearing, retaining its charismatic energy. It's worth waiting a few more months before drinking, but if cellared properly, it can easily impress for a decade." Decanter

"The 2021 Chianti Classico is a classic wine from the estate, made in the restrained style that has become the norm here of late. There is plenty of richness from Panzano, but more energy and less heaviness than was the norm a few years ago. Giovanni Manetti and his team have given the Chianti Classico a wonderful sophistication. Spices, flowers, mocha and blue fruits linger, all wrapped in extremely fine tannins." Vinous

"This red wine combines the fruity and spicy side of Sangiovese and shows flavours of cherries and blackberries, accompanied by eucalyptus, juniper and wild rosemary. Lively and fluid, with tension in the complex, mineral aftertaste." Wine Spectator