Wine

If one were to assign a quality to this wine, it would be sincerity. In the sum of its parts, this disarming Super Riserva is not only a wine full of contrasts, but also full of soul. It reflects its terroir, the exceptional 2015 vintage and the clear stylistics of the house in a self-confident and highly credible way. Fruit, alcohol, tannin and also spice are perfectly coordinated and present in very generous quantities. With each glass, the exuberant impressions become more unravelled and a Brunello emerges that, in addition to all its complexity, amiability and persistence, has a personality that secures it a place among the best of this vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Romitorio's Riserva is a selection of the Chia family's four oldest plots, planted in 1987 with local Sangiovese clones sourced from Biondi-Santi and Soldera cuttings. This gives a sense of the estate's relatively cool, northwest-facing vineyards and surrounding woodlands. It is rather discreet and needs coaxing to elicit its appealing hints of red berries, grilled herb, porcini mushroom and forest floor. It's full but bright, with upfront tangy acidity and red currant and sour cherry notes, with fresh mint emerging on the backend. The tannins are fine and silky, making for a sophisticated sip." Decanter

"The 2015 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is youthfully restrained yet also surprisingly feminine, leading off with a dusting of cedar and white smoke, as nuances of strawberry, rose and violet perfumes come forward. It's silky and undeniably elegant, seeming to coat the palate in a polished display of red and black berries, liquid florals and minerals which slowly saturate adding a tactile feel. A complex web of tannins wrap the senses up tightly, leaving sweet inner herbal tones and savory spices to linger. This is like a whisper rather than a shout, yet it has so much to say. In forty years, only nine vintages of Riserva have ever been made at Romitorio, and the 2015 is sure to rank amongst the best of them." Vinous

"A tight, focused red with blackberry, black-cherry and walnut aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with juicy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Creamy and focused. This is still very structured and powerful." James Suckling

"Showing richness, dark fruit, bold cherry and blackberry, the Castello Romitorio 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (with exactly 7,456 bottles made) embraces the exuberant character of the vintage, its warmth and its sunshine. If you seek a time capsule of 2015, I suggest that you put this bottle somewhere safe. The tannins are polished and chiseled, and at its core the wine is overflowing with blackberry preserves, cherry confit and plum." Wine Advocate

"This stunning red exudes bright cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, all knit together almost seamlessly, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows a combination of power and grace, with a long fruit and savory aftertaste." Wine Spectator

The Barolo Cannubi, probably Altare 's purest interpretation of the Nebbiolo grape, has been daughter Silvia's ambitious project since 2011 and is an exciting addition to what is already an almost unique collection. Sparkling, bright ruby-garnet colour. Very clear and inviting nose, with aromas of ripe raspberries and plums, some rose petals and a subtle hint of cloves in the background. Round and balanced on the palate, full-bodied ripe fruit, then takes off with bundled, dense tannins, fills the palate, a firework of spices on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, medium-dense ruby-garnet colour. Presents itself with notes of blood orange, raspberry and some plum. Plucky, full-bodied tannins with a firm core, coated in sweet enamel, full-bodied pressure on the final, still very young overall." Falstaff

"Plum, cherry, sandalwood, vanilla and toasty oak flavors meld into the rich texture of this mellow red. Broad on the palate, with terrific balance and a lingering aftertaste of fruit and sweet spices. Leaves you with a burst of black pepper." Wine Spectator

"The Elio Altare 2020 Barolo Cannubi takes a modernist approach to the MGA with some oak spice, tar and liquorice surrounding firm, crunchy cherries and red fruits. The combination of fruit and oak spice gives this wine power, texture and lift and then folds over the palate with richness and beautiful volume." Wine Advocate

"The Barolo Cannubi 2020 is of great class. Floral, soaring aromas merge with a core of dark, red fruit. Medium-bodied and nuanced, with plenty of youthful tannin, the 2020 is bursting with energy and all the classicism that is so typical of this site, enhanced by Altare's approach today, which combines textural richness with vibrancy. Today, the Cannubi is the most restrained of the 2020 Altare Barolos - probably a good sign for its future." Vinous

Andrea Franchetti began positioning Palazzi as an equal red alongside his flagship Tenuta di Trinoro in the 1990s, with the aim of producing two exceptional wines that evoke the left and right banks of Bordeaux.

Just three words: power, intensity and concentration. With a very manageable production of 1,660 bottles, here comes a full-throttle Tuscan wine that exudes generous black fruit, spice and sweet tobacco all the time. There is also black cherry and plum, which give the wine soft contours and sweetness. On the palate, it is firm, well-structured and delights with a mouth-filling richness that is second to none. Take a good piece of red meat, marinate it in rosemary and olive oil before heading to the charcoal grill and then embark on this monumental adventure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby with a black core. Intense and inviting nose with notes of cocoa, blackberry, plum and fine spices. Dense and concentrated on the palate, very lush, grippy, savoury tannins, rich tobacco on the long final." Falstaff

"This vibrant red is pure and well-defined, with cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavors detailed by iron and wild thyme, supported from dense yet refined tannins. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta di Trinoro 2019 Palazzi is a pure expression of Merlot with incoming fruit from the Palazzi vineyard that is characterized by dense clay soils. The wine's intensity is what stands out most, and that power is fueled by lovely nuances of black fruit, spice, sweet tobacco and baker's chocolate. Palazzi excels in terms of mouthfeel. The smooth richness and deep softness achieved here is only possible with this grape. Furthermore, it seems only possible in this spectacular, sun-drenched corner of undiscovered Tuscany known as Sarteano." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Palazzi is a classic Trinoro wine, with maybe a bit less bombastic intensity than some of the earlier wines, but all of the seamless elegance that has long made these reds so compelling. All the elements are wonderfully put together in the 2019, a wine that impresses with its mix of elegance, flamboyant intensity and sheer allure. I loved it." Vinous

In the vast universe of Italian wine, we can name few red wines that inspire as much fascination, even awe, as those of Josko Gravner. And so Rosso Breg cannot be missing from our list of Italy's greatest red wines. Today's 2007 fermented for more than a year on the skins in wooden barrels, then in underground amphorae, after which it matured for five years in barrel and five more in bottle before being released. And yet it is the youngest red wine ever released from Josko's cellar!

Breg is a storm of deep ruby red with a garnet rim. Against a backdrop of tremendously powerful black fruits, it unfolds a strong mineral note accompanied by leather, ploughed earth, dark Cuban tobacco, black pepper and crushed rock. After some aeration, the earthy components recede and stunning aromas of black and red plums, liquorice and blackcurrants merge with a bouquet of freshly picked wild flowers. The palate is impressive, showing its captivating backbone and a skilfully balanced sense of energy and freshness. It is rare to have such a powerful red wine in the glass that drinks so elegantly, while also displaying such a high level of mineral complexity, firm structure and spicy dark fruits. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very deep ruby red. Salty, peppery dark fruit of immense depth, but which only unfolds with time in the glass. Old leather and a hint of soy sauce and liquorice. Deep red fruits on the palate with youthful acidity and lots of gravelly tannins that add a lot of depth. Long and opening finish with layers of spicy fruit and tannins. More of a sensory experience than a wine. Sensationally balanced." Jancis Robinson

"Plums, spices and mahogany. Bark and mushroom, too. Then some cinnamon and nutmeg. Dark chocolate. Full-bodied and chewy yet round and juicy. Rhubarb, black berries, and black olives. A rich and dry red. Chocolate powder and coffee beans." James Suckling

"The aromas of the 2008 Vino Rosso Breg can be glimpsed before the glass even leaves the table, with nuances of soaked plums and cloves rising effortlessly. As it swirls, it becomes darker and spicier as it gains volume and depth, releasing a complex array of ginger and curries before giving way to dusty roses, menthol, redcurrants and balsamic herbs. It glides across the palate like fine silk, caressing everything it touches with tart cherries and raspberries embellished by lavender and sage. All the while, the senses are saturated with fine tannins, yet sweet and chalky, creating a well-controlled tension that lingers on and on. The Gravner family is a true master of Pignolo, from the complexity of the fruit to the energy and its perfectly refined structure. Enjoy the 2008 now with decanting or cellar it for many years. It is a beauty." Vinous

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

A modernist by the book. Balanced and impressive at the same time. 2018 Rennina with powerful aromas and flavours of violets, black cherries, tobacco and menthol. The tannins are firm yet beautifully integrated. Rennina is a complex, medium-bodied wine, which has a great positive influence on its ageing potential and makes it a success story. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny ruby-garnet. Finely marked nose with notes of raspberry and goji berries, liquorice in the background. Full-bodied and dense on the palate, lots of tightly woven tannin embedded in beautiful melting, unfolds smoothly, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

Rennina" combines three neighbouring plots with different soils, all of which contribute to the final expression. The sandy soil, rich in marine fossils, produces elegant fragrances, while the Galestro delivers structured tannins. A captivating bouquet captures the dusty landscape and sweet, oily herbs of Tuscany. Flavours of cherry and violet saturate the palate, and beautifully integrated oak joins the long, chalky tannins. Spicy and sweet on the finish." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina is delicate and unobtrusive in the glass with a pleasant earthy blend of dried strawberry, rose and clove nuances. It embraces a silky fruit texture with a core of vibrant acidity and salty minerals in an unbound Brunello of pure elegance. It finishes with ample tannins but also remarkable freshness that lingers on notes of red plum, mocha and tobacco. This harmonious vintage of Rennina will develop beautifully in collectors' cellars." Vinous

"Harmonious and with an almost creamy texture, this red wine shows aromas and flavours of cherry, raspberry, plum, clay, almond and black pepper. On the finish, it shows a pleasant bitterness that lasts until the end." Wine Spectator

"Rennina, made from fruit from three vineyards with very different soil profiles, maintains its distinct personality with elegant aromas of red fruits, wild berries, cassis, balsamic herbs and toasted almonds. This vintage shows hints of baked clay or black olive, highlighting the warm conditions of the vintage. The wine is generous in mouthfeel, with a lovely richness that remains graceful at the same time." Wine Advocate

"Complex, wild and energetic with an intellectual array of fresh truffles, blackberries, bark, cardamom, dried porcini mushrooms, miso and rosemary. Full-bodied yet agile, with firm, taut tannins and sharp acidity. Powerful and dense. Needs a few years to open up. Taste after 2025." 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

Elisabetta Geppetti's Saffredi is one of Italy's great red wines every year, full of elegance! Dark, polished ruby red colour with purple-violet edges. The explosive aroma of blackcurrants, blackberries, plums, violets and oak spices is accompanied by fascinating spicy, ethereal and wonderfully floral accents with earthy tobacco notes. Dense and velvety on the palate, framed by firm tannins and a juicy freshness that leads the wine full of energy into an endless finish. The flavour profile, which is very typical of Saffredi, is wonderfully balanced, yet multi-layered and very focused with its spiciness. Saffredi 2021 is a genuine and multi-dimensional beauty that should mature for a few more years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex, elegant bouquet with fine concentration and precisely contoured fruit body, a basket of blue berries and ripe red cherries, plus a floral backdrop, violets, Mediterranean herbs and maquis as well as undergrowth. Polished, clear and radiant on the palate, juicy and tightly woven with velvety, super-fine tannins, a radiant and elegant Saffredi." Weinwisser

"Spicy-berry perfume, cassis, lots of dark fruit flavours, also nuances of black pepper; the attack is compact, the tannins fine-grained, carried by a soft acidity, finishes long and multi-faceted. Also very successful in this vintage." Vinum

"Dark ruby red core with purple nuances. Blackcurrant and mulberry on the nose, on damp earth, dark chocolate and alabaster. Dense on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, precise fear, comes in many layers, powerful, but with great finesse and incredibly long." Falstaff

"The Fattoria le Pupille 2021 Saffredi offers a seamless integration of dark fruit flavours that segue directly into spice, Tuscan cigar and earthy orris root. This vintage is compact and firm, especially in terms of mouthfeel, and there are graceful floral tones to close." Wine Advocate

"This pure, intense red wine shows aromas and flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries, blueberries and violets, underlined by graphite and wild herbs. Very tightly wound, even racy, with invigorating acidity and refined tannins, this noble red wine leans more towards the elegant side, with a great harmony and length." Wine Spectator

"Fascinating aromas of sandalwood, lavender, sage and blackcurrant. Mint and spearmint. Pencil shavings. Also light coffee bean. Medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins. Lasts for minutes. Already so approachable now, but it will age beautifully. Best after 2026 and beyond." James Suckling

"The symbolic wine of the house, the first to put the winery and the region "on the map". Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, nose of small black fruits, notes of laurel, mint and Mediterranean herbs, taut and dense drink, with salty tannins, closes with a fruity and oily return." Luca Gardini

Refosco from the smallest vineyard "La Mont di Zuc" impresses on the palate with a complex potpourri of plums, sour cherries, graphite, flowers and minerals. This towering, massive wine remains extraordinarily pristine: in fact, it tastes like biting into a perfectly ripened grape from this very special site! As it progresses, a deep, complex register develops, composed precisely to retain the famous Miani elegance and freshness that can only be achieved with the utmost care in the vineyard and cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

In 1991, Turriga was one of the first bottled wines ever to be exported from the island. Turriga has a 100% Sardinian soul - the famous blend of four red autochthonous grape varieties was once created by the famous OenologistGiacomo Tachis and is continued today by his "heir" Mariano Murru, technical director and Oenologist at Argiolas. The DNA of this exceptional wine sounds as simple as it is perfect: its sophisticated blend of grape varieties gives it its unique structure, roundness, fullness, fruit and a perfectly balanced portion of tannins.

Mariano goes into raptures and describes his top wine as follows: "It has a deep ruby red colour and an enveloping taste of almost spherical softness, with tannins of great finesse that support and accompany the drink. The lively fruit is supported by a balanced acidity and spiciness that refreshes the palate and prolongs an indescribable finish of rare elegance."

Bravo, Mariano! We have loved the elegant bouquet of plums, the opulent dark fruit, the finely balanced vanilla note and the subtle hint of tobacco for decades. Excellently structured and long-lasting on the finish. A masterpiece every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"A beautifully curated and polished young red wine with black berries, violets and bark. Full and velvety with creamy textured tannins and a flavourful finish. Juicy." James Suckling

"An incredible wine, one of the highest creations of Sardinian oenology. Blueberries on the nose, a hint of bay leaves, nutmeg on the finish. It is also savoury on the palate, with salty tannins, beautiful juiciness and persistent drinkability." Luca Gardini

Le Macioche is a jewel of a vineyard with five hectares of vines and a picturesque forester's house surrounded by cypress trees. Cotarellas Riserva from the top 2016 vintage has a lot to offer and is characterised by firm, concentrated tannins and dense fruit. Forest berries, medicinal herbs, cola and potting soil on the nose. On the palate, red plums, dried cherries and lemon juice provide complexity and depth alongside the beautiful fruit centre. This is followed by a full body, perfect fine-grained tannins and a subtle, elegant final. Despite its complexity, this Riserva also displays a certain intensity and rigour. The bottles are numbered, less than 100 magnum bottles were bottled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Violet, camphor and mocha aromas pour from the glass, along with a hint of baked plum. The palate is soft and full-bodied, with fleshy flavours of black cherries, liquorice and tobacco as well as velvety tannins. It is already drinking well, but will continue to give pleasure for several years." Wine Enthusiast

"Just a stone's throw from the famous Salicutti winery, Le Macioche is a well-ventilated estate with warm, south-east to south-west facing vineyards. The scent of wild strawberries, cedar wood and rooibos tea is reminiscent of the altitude. The wine is fluid and light on its feet, with juicy acidity and finesse supported by terracotta-like tannins. A hint of toast marries with crisp redcurrants. It's ready to drink now, but its creeping depth will carry it for over a decade. There's already a fair amount of sediment, so make sure you decant it." Decanter

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva presents a dusty bouquet, where cedar shavings and dried roses pave the way to spiced cherries and a hint of sweet smoke. The wine feels light and delicate, with a silky texture that carries a vibrant mix of pure plum and strawberry fruit across the palate. The tannins kick in late and overwhelm the senses until the final, while inner flowers echo over a tactile layer of savoury minerals. This wine is absolutely classic, but it needs time to unwind. Very well done!" Vinous

"Le Macioche's 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Cotarella (sealed with a red wax capsule) is a polished expression of Sangiovese with beautifully ripened fruit framed by oak toast, spice and campfire ash. The wine shows a sweet, velvety side with dried cherry and redcurrant flavours, but these secondary oak influences play only a supporting role. The texture and length of the wine are further enhanced by cellar ageing. Any more toast would be too much." Wine Advocate

"Rich and dense, with flavours of cherries, raspberries, blackcurrants, violets, minerals and spices. The backbone of acidity provides definition and keeps this red wine lively from start to finish. Balanced, long and with outstanding potential." Wine Spectator

Balisca is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the winery's vineyards in Panzano. It is deep, rich and very layered, exuding tremendous purity from start to finish. The notes of the grape variety are very finely sketched in a smooth, very expressive wine with lots of personality and character. If there was any doubt that barrel fermentation works better for Cabernet Sauvignon than for Sangiovese, Balisca is proof. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with a drop of violet. In the nose first after noble woods, then opens on grated blackcurrants, cold smoke, noble vanilla, holds back altogether and invites nevertheless. On the palate with concentration and spice, stretches grippingly across the tongue, with tightly woven tannin, savoury and with beautiful juiciness, long final, after wild berries." Falstaff

"The Cabernet Sauvignon once used in the IGT Gagliole has been spun off to create this wine. The 2018 Balisca draws its organic fruit from Panzano, although new vineyard sites near Badia a Passignano and the charming Cappella dei Pesci could enter the program. The fruit is fermented and aged in oak to produce a tightly knit, full-bodied texture that prizes freshness, density and linearity. The aromas are focused and bright with dark fruit, campfire ash and Mediterranean herb." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Balisca is a tiny production of 1,500 bottles, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Panzano, one of the spots in Chianti Classico where Cabernet works well. Blackberry, sage, menthol, licorice abound. This is a wine of tremendous character and distinction. I am so curious to see how this ages. The purity of the fruit is remarkable, but the aromatics need time to develop." Vinous

Barolo Cerequio comes from vines over 35 years old and is characterised by exuberant aromas and bright, red-coloured fruit. The bouquet is enormously opulent with ripe fruit flavours ranging from wild cherry to redcurrant. There are also original notes of jam, plum and a hint of ragout. The palate is nuanced and very deep, with enormous complexity, volume and plenty of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby red with garnet shimmer. Beguiling aromas of redcurrant and pomegranate, followed by white truffles and a hint of mint. Blood orange and pomegranate on the palate, extremely fresh, lively and complex, elegant melting, dancing acidity, grippy, deep tannins, persistent, powerful final." Falstaff

"There is a ripe element of boysenberry or pomegranate that gives this Barolo a slightly exotic character. Hibiscus, eucalyptus and tobacco notes are also prevalent as it firms up on the fresh, chalky finish." Wine Spectator

"Extremely fresh and perfumed with lavender, violets and fresh plums. Wonderful to smell. Full-bodied with firm and concentrated tannins that add structure and intensity. Excellent length. Fantastic for this vintage." James Suckling

"Vietti was able to buy a 9,000 square metre plot of Cerequio from Michele Chiarlo, who is arguably the king of this famous cru. And as it is a new addition to the portfolio, the Vietti team is still familiarising itself with the material. The bouquet of the Barolo Cerequio 2019, for example, reveals a fresh minty note. "This minty note was a mystery to us," says Luca Currado. "But then we realised that it was part of the Cerequio." On the palate, the wine has a firm grip, which expands and has a soft texture, but ultimately remains quite structured. Luca Currado tells me that "Cerequio is the brother and Brunate is the sister" of the La Morra Grand Cru vineyards. His wife Elena Penna adds: "We have never had two sites that are so close to each other and have such big differences." Wine Advocate

"The nose is intense, with notes of pomegranate, then wild mint, chinotto and a nice iodised finish. The flavour is spicy, with an iodine-fruity return, citrusy and enriched with mentholated notes." Luca Gardini

"The Barolo Cerequio 2019 is a worthy successor to the outstanding 2018. Aromatic and profound, the 2019 runs across the palate with remarkable depth and intensity. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petals, mint and cinnamon open up in the glass, but it is the silkiness and suppleness of the wine that impresses most. A kick of acidity and tannins puts an exclamation mark on the finish. This is a great Cerequio that soaks up all the finesse of this site and then turns up the volume. What a wine." Vinous

Angelo Gaja makes his wines with broad brushstrokes that form shapes of perfect harmony and grandeur, he makes them modern but never too fashionable. Rennina 2019 is a dark, lush and juicy red wine with a seamless overall integration. On the palate, bold fruit, oak spice, acidity and a well-knit tannin hold the overall composition together in an overwhelming and warm embrace. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Great nose of cherry with a hint of raspberry, becomes increasingly perfumed with aeration. The pinch of oak adds complexity. Juicy and polished with fresh, soft red fruit and a layer of fine-grained tannins. Energetic and direct." Jancis Robinson

"The Brunello di Montalcino Rennina 2019 captivates the taster with a beguiling blend of crushed ash stones and grilled herbs, which fade into red plums and purple pastilles. On the palate, it presents a silky texture and a wiry framework that gives it a sultry character. Salty mineral tones complicate the tart red berry fruits. Edgy tannins gather towards the end, accompanied by orange notes and a pleasant bitterness that lingers. At the moment, the Rennina is only on its feet, but I am very excited to see where this extremely flavoursome Brunello will develop." Vinous

"A powerful red, boasting macerated cherry, orange peel, plum, lavender, iron and eucalyptus flavors. Dense, dusty tannins emerge as this plays out on the long finish. Needs time." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of sweet cherries, roses, sweet tobacco and a hint of marmalade. Full and multi-layered. Lots of fruit. Juicy finish. Cheesy at the end and with air it becomes complex and very structured. Store it for a while. Best after 2027." James Suckling

"The Rennina bottling comes from three vineyards directly adjacent to the Pieve Santa Restituta winery in Tavernelle and, according to Angelo Gaja, is comparable to Barbaresco. The 2019 vintage was harvested between 12 September and 1 October and brings out the elegant side of Sangiovese. The sweet Mediterranean herbal nuances of tarragon, mint and sage are joined by cedar-like oak tones. Shiny, polished and balanced, but with an underlying tension, it shows red berries with a hint of bitter orange peel and tobacco on the palate. Finely powdered, loamy tannins cling confidently to the edges, while an appetising acidity permeates the core. Full-bodied but not heavy and with a satisfying crunch, this wine will be approachable before the sugarilla, but should last at least as long." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino Rennina from Pieve Santa Restituta is characterised by its balance and the proverbial Gaja Madias touch, which always brings with it a particular creaminess or fruit concentration that harmonises perfectly with the wine's acidity and velvety tannin structure. The Pieve Santa Restituta 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina is a blend of fruit from vineyards with different soil conditions and exposures. In this classic vintage, you can expect a wine that is firmly structured and important in mouthfeel, but also has delicate and soft nuances of wild rose, roasted cumin, campfire ash and grilled rosemary. The wine lingers on the palate and offers long-lasting flavours of black fruits." Wine Advocate

Giuseppe Russo cultivates part of the 12-hectare San Lorenzo vineyard at an altitude of around 750 metres on the slopes of Mount Etna near Randazzo. The lava flows of recent decades have created a porous soil here, rich in volcanic rock and therefore providing excellent drainage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Piano delle Colombe is a 100% Nerello Mascalese from vines over 80 years old that grow on a small plot in San Lorenzo. Fermented in small open vats and matured for 18 months in a Liters oak barrel and a used barrique, it is balsamic and earthy with some ripe red and black berry aromas. Juicy, intense and savoury, its subtle, grippy tannins envelop tangy blackberries, pomegranate and a fresh herbal finish." Decanter

"The 2020 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo Piano delle Colombe is a showstopper, spicy and exotic with a kaleidoscopic bouquet of cloves, allspice, dried blood orange, cinnamon and crushed wild blueberries. It's succulently ripe in style with juicy acidity to balance. A wave of violet-tinged wild berry fruits washes across the palate with ease, leaving a tactile mineral tinge in their wake. Hints of sour cherry combine with candied citrus and spice as the 2020 finishes long and staining yet remarkably fresh. A subtle coating of fine tannins provides support but doesn’t impose. This is a showboat vintage for the Piano delle Colombe, a parcel of San Lorenzo with soils that originate from a volcanic explosion rather than lava flow. It's an exquisite and harmonious wine that is sure to win a lot of hearts." Vinous

"This wine shows lots of crisp and fresh red fruit mixed with dried Mediterranean herbs, orange peel and hibiscus. Also some smoky, dusty earth tones. Medium body. Very consistent and persistent on the palate with crisp acidity and a chalky, mineral backbone. Consistent and long finish." James Suckling

"The Girolamo Russo 2020 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo Piano delle Colombe is more approachable compared to the 2019 vintage. It is a beautiful wine with fine fibre and delicate fruity notes of wild berries, gravel and white pepper. The 2020 vintage shows the supreme elegance of Etna." Wine Advocate

The grapes for the profound Le Vigne come from Baudana in Serralunga d'Alba (for the power), Villero in Castiglione Falletto (for the precision), Vignane in Barolo (for the purity of the flavours) and Merli in Novello (for the fullness of the fruit). It opens wide with aromas of fresh red fruit and a delicate spicy note. Very intense on the palate, remarkably elegant, fine-grained tannins, extremely clear, structured and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby-garnet colour. Intense nose with notes of plum and wild raspberry, followed by some liquorice and cloves. Salty and juicy on the palate, shows fine cherry fruit at the front, then opens up with grippy tannins, good pressure on the final." Falstaff

"The Barolo Le Vigne 2020 is characterised by its brilliant aromatic intensity and great depth. Crushed rose petals, mint, blood orange, spices, lavender and pomegranate blend together. Le Vigne has slightly more aromatic vibrancy and vigour than the Aleste, but shares its sibling's sense of openness." Vinous

"Black cherry, raspberry and plum are wrapped in a veil of toasted oak in this red wine. Ripe and dense, yet with a sense of elegance, this wine lingers with fine balance and freshness on the finish, which is characterised by iron and eucalyptus." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Barolo Le Vigne is open-textured with sun-drenched flavours. You get ripe fruit with black cherries, blackcurrants, forest floor and wild mushrooms. With time in the glass, the wine reveals floral definition, grilled tarragon herb and a heavier note of wheat pastry." Wine Advocate

"The flavours of blackberry, spice and tar are enticing and lead to a full but firm body that shows density and depth. The tannins are very well integrated and feel fused with the wine. Slightly bitter orange and mineral character on the finish. Complex and curated." James Suckling

"The wine is a bold expression of dark, macerated cherries, earthy undertones with the nuanced complexity of oolong tea and a medley of spices. The palate is characterised by a dark, smoky character dusted with spice, creating a big and commanding presence in the glass that shows the depth and power of the wine but never goes too far, maintaining an elegant line in the glass." Wine Enthusiast

Troy is no ordinary Chardonnay. Rather, it is the archetype of a Chardonnay, as Wolfgang Klotz, managing director of probably the most successful winegrowers' cooperative in South Tyrol, sees it. The grapes come from two selected vineyards in Söll, near Tramin. Not only does a Mediterranean climate prevail there, but also quite cold fall winds at night determine the vegetation. Both factors ensure optimal development of the plants and fruits. The berries are handpicked piece by piece and it is therefore clear to every wine connoisseur that this is an absolutely prestigious project of the cooperative. It is therefore not surprising that only 3,000 bottles of this vintage are sold in selected specialist shops and top restaurants.

Intense straw to golden yellow. Tropical fruit on the nose, a hint of camomile and mint, then fine toasted notes and a subtle nutty touch. On the palate, you can almost taste the proximity of the mountains, its clarity, freshness and intensity: exotic notes of yellow ripe fruit, then again some nuttiness and in addition again a beguiling liveliness and minerality, which ends in an equally long final. Chardonnay can be like this, chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a slight light gold. In the nose of ripe golden apple, banana, mango, light candle wax, pineapple, a hint of white chocolate in the aftertaste. Juicy, clear and radiant on the palate, opens with elegant melting and light cream, creamy course, stretches out in many layers, coherent in itself, long and deep." Falstaff

"Already in the bouquet, a beautiful smokiness as well as a dense, powerful yellow-fruity style is apparent, which almost reminds a little of Corton Charlemagne because of the mineral-spicy pithiness. In the mouth, a beautiful liaison of creamy yellow fruit and mineral-smoky notes, powerfully interwoven, yet showing a lot of tension with cool notes." Weinwisser

"The nose is already subtle and delicate, with floral notes, mirabelle plums, citrus fruits, white pepper, nettle and a hint of smoke and vanilla. Also almost delicately built on the palate and carried by a precise, very fresh acidity. An all-round harmonious cru." Vinum

"Cedar and butterscotch nose. Bitter apple, roast-potato skin, chicory leaf and kohlrabi rubbed with sweet lemon. Dried oregano. Herb-nutty-savoury, as if the fruit had been sprinkled with za'atar. Lots here already, but I think this wine has a lot more to give, given time." Jancis Robinson

"Ripe orchard fruit, apricot and oaky nose. Lovely freshness on the palate with creamy buttery notes and some wood spice. Long finish." Decanter

"At once very fresh - Amalfi lemon! - and very toasty in the nose, this is an immediately appealing chardonnay with quite some depth. Really attractive interplay of northern freshness with Mediterranean ripeness. Buttery and refreshing finish that pulls you back for more." James Suckling

Fleshy and overripe on the still youthful nose, only gradually revealing spicy aromas, dried rose petals, bright red stone fruit and menthol. The palate is concentrated and supple with dense tannins and sweet fruit, full of energy, spicy and supple, with red and blue fruits in cool tones that ride on a wave of saline minerals. The zesty acidity makes your mouth water and finishes with dramatic length and a salty liquorice note that lingers indefinitely with fine-grained tannins. A benchmark Merlot with a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

Andrea Franchetti began in the 1990s to position Palazzi as an equal red alongside his flagship Tenuta di Trinoro, with the aim of producing two exceptional wines reminiscent of the left and right banks of Bordeaux.

Just three words: power, intensity and concentration. With a very manageable production of 1,660 bottles, here is a full-throttle Tuscan wine that constantly exudes generous black fruits, spices and sweet tobacco. There is also black cherry and plum, which lend the wine soft contours and sweetness. On the palate, it is firm, well-structured and delights with a mouthfulness that is unrivalled. Take a good piece of red meat, marinate it in rosemary and olive oil before putting it on the charcoal grill and then embark on this monumental adventure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Splendid Merlot from loamy soils, tinged with blackberries and cassis, flanked by fine spice, tobacco and dark chocolate flavours; slightly less dense than last year, but still with a lot of finesse and a perfectly balanced tannin-acid structure, subtle minerality and complexity in the lingering final. Very successful!" Vinum

"The Palazzi 2020 is packed with dark fruits, cloves, leather and dark chocolate. Rich, deep and quite potent, the 2020 is another extroverted wine in this range. The tannins are a little curmudgeonly, but otherwise the 2020 is beautifully made and shows promise, especially as the tannins soften." Vinous

"The aromas of raspberries, plums and violets are very enticing. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a creamy and refined texture that is long and beautiful. A blend of Merlot parcels. Juicy and delicious." James Suckling

"Shows pure black cherry and blackberry fruit, along with olives, wild herbs and mineral accents. It offers a rich structure, but the overall impression is one of velvety texture and great harmony. Lively finish that leaves a salty impression. It is already accessible now, but will improve with time." Wine Spectator

"A primarily sanguine and umami nose draws balance from sweet, slightly astringent notes of plum, blueberry and boysenberry. The berries flourish on the palate, but acid brings out a latent mix of pepper and spices to preserve balance, while silky, opaque tannins provide framing." Wine Enthusiast

"The Palazzi 2020 is a 100% Merlot made to the highest standards by a winemaker, the late Andrea Franchetti, who strived for perfection. From his beloved Tenuta di Trinoro in Sarteano, with its endless skies and rolling landscapes, this wine shows plump fruit, blackberries, plums, spice and campfire ash. Coming from a hot vintage, the fruit is beautifully ripe, but by no means exaggerated. The wine shows softness, tension and a supple texture. This bottle gives a lot of intensity and charm." Wine Advocate

"Rich, bright ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Compact and very present nose, smells of ripe blackberries, blueberries, some truffle and graphite in the background, beautiful play. Fills out the palate without becoming overpowering, ripe blueberry and blackberry fruit, polished, fine-meshed tannins in many layers, coated with fine enamel, simply fun! " Falstaff