Wine

Camarcanda is a rich Bolgheri Rosso Superiore with a dark bouquet of black fruit, espresso, chocolate, liquorice and tar. The palate is extremely full-bodied, with outstanding depth, dense structure and a firm body. Opulent and long, this wine already shows a wide range of personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fragrant bouquet with rather red fruits, cherries and wild berries, framed by balsamic notes, delicately floral, lavender. Melting and smooth in the mouth with fruity and then also tart notes, salty-spicy final." Weinwisser

"Diverse bouquet of forest fruits, spicy macchia and balsamic notes; firm texture, the tannins extremely finely chiselled, underpinned by crisp acidity, the final opulent with plenty of juice, density and length. Also extremely successful in this vintage." Vinum

"Bright ruby red colour with a brightening core. On the nose, juicy cherries, sea salt, some blood orange, then fine precious wood, with a finish of fine undergrowth and ripe raspberries. Pure and clear on the palate, on juicy elderberries and fine mint, with grippy tannins, embedded in fine precious wood." Falstaff

"At this young stage, the wine shows a youthful primary fruit and impresses with its balance and integration of fruit and oak. Angelo Gaja and his team have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of elegance in these two grape varieties, which can often develop too much power and concentration if they are not controlled. The right timing of the harvest and the careful use of French oak are key to this overall result, especially with regard to the medium to full body and long silkiness of this age-worthy vintage." Wine Advocate

"The aromas of this wine are somewhat muted today, but the blackcurrant, blueberry, violet, cedar and wild herb flavours are expressive and well articulated. It is supported by lively acidity and a dense tannic matrix and finishes long and full of flavour." Wine Spectator

"The nose of this Bolgheri Superiore is captivating with its lush integration of cloves, balsam, eucalyptus leaves and restrained blackberry fruit. The attack is velvety, with a great development of youthful, fine-grained tannins in the mid-palate, a long, powerful acidity and a toasty, fruity finish. A wine that has a long life ahead of it, a great example of a Bordeaux blend with a Mediterranean identity and one of the best Bolgheri we have tasted from Ca' Marcanda." Decanter

"Redcurrants, rose petals and ink, plus some fresh herbs. Medium-bodied with fine and taut tannins that give the wine focus and beauty. This wine will develop beautifully. Taste it after 2028, but it's already excellent now." James Suckling

"The Camarcanda 2020 is smooth, elegant and wonderfully expressive. Exquisite flavours and silky tannins give the Camarcanda a lot of finesse. The 2020 is deceptively medium-bodied and has a wonderful finish. Pretty floral and spicy notes open the finish effortlessly. The 2020 is without question the best Camarcanda yet. Bravo." Vinous

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

Sandro Chia's vineyards have now reached their full potential and the Riserva from the top 2016 vintage is the crowning glory. This year, the winery's consistently clear style and the cool vineyard sites have come together to form a truly perfect unity that is hard to find in Montalcino. The richness and generosity of the bouquet is impressive: delicious layers of dark berries, spices, dried herbs and dark chocolate combine to create an intense composition that is rounded off on the palate. Slender and fine on the palate, yet with a subtle opulence that reveals new depths with every sip. The expression and length emphasise the qualities of this truly super Brunello, which completely captivated us. If you have time, wait for the further revelations that bottle ageing will undoubtedly bring! SUPERIORE.DE

"Beguiling raspberry and violet-pepper nose; the attack is juicy, the tannins are tightly woven and well integrated like the acidity, lots of character, suppleness and length in the final, the wood skilfully integrated." Vinum

"Medium-dense, bright ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Complex and open nose with notes of dried tomatoes, pickled cherries and light tobacco. Polished on the palate, as if from a single mould from start to finish, lots of finely woven tannins, coated in sweet enamel, with subtle earthy notes on the final." Falstaff

"This red wine is juicy and bursting with vibrant cherry, strawberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavours. It is firm and lean, with excellent intensity and a long, savoury aftertaste. It is harmonious enough to enjoy now, but should reach its peak in three to five years." Wine Spectator

"Castello Romitorio harvests in two stages. The first is an early selection of the smallest, loosest grapes from the oldest vineyards and is filled into a single tank. In years when the estate's Brunello can stand on its own, it is bottled separately as a Riserva. The 2016, the tenth since 1987, is wonderfully earthy in its overture of clay, mineral rock and iron. It develops into an autumnal smokiness and then lands on balsamic herbs and crunchy red forest berries. The youthful vigour and verve do not conceal its inherent finesse. The crisp acidity and dramatic tannins that hurt the mouth will accompany this wine for a long time to come." Decanter

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva does a marvellous job of creating a lasting sense of harmony that reflects the best characteristics of this classic vintage. Part of that playlist is power, and indeed this wine registers 15% alcohol, which is high, but the freshness of these vineyard sites and the wine's acidity do a good job of tempering that power. The fruit is polished and refined in this Riserva, and there is a nice blend of primary and even some distant tertiary character to form a bouquet that is pure but also complex." Wine Advocate

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva soars with elegance and richness as sweet lavender and violets give way to a more savoury display of black cherries, Tuscan dust and cedar chest with a hint of cool mint. The palate is awash with sweet red fruits and spice, silky yet with a delicacy that you wouldn't expect in the Riserva category, but which is very welcome. Underneath, there is a core of power and density just waiting to unfold. On the final, the minerality comes to the fore, mingling with a fine layer of tannins and a hint of spicy citrus fruit. This harmonious Brunello will have a very long life. The Riserva is a selection of two Brunello barrels, a tonneau and a large barrel, from the Romitorio cellar. Simply stunning." Vinous

"A Riserva of great flavour impact, without compromise, from the north-western part of the appellation. Great concentration on the nose, blackcurrant, notes of laurel and rhubarb. The mouthfeel has salty tannins, but also an excellent density, with a return to fruitiness and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Rabaja and Asili are probably the most famous sites in Barbaresco. Medium, finely fragrant nose of rose petals, cherries and blue blossoms, with restrained ethereal herbal notes. On the palate, powerful, compact and with a well-proportioned cornucopia of black fruits such as blackberry and cassis, plus some liquorice. As the wine progresses, it shows its power and a certain pressure, which, however, never comes across as wild or ostentatious, but always reflects the elegance of the site and the Giacosa-typical ageing in large wood. Impressive aroma and length! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Bruno Giacosa 2017 Barbaresco Rabajà is a fine and delicate wine that throws a curveball at our expectations of this notoriously hot and dry vintage. The wine is exceedingly generous when it comes to its fruit, especially its blackcurrant and plum, but what steals the show is that elegant mineral note that so seamlessly cedes to spice, licorice and cinnamon. Rabajà is one of the most distinctive growing sites in Barbaresco, thanks to its white stony soils that leave such a strong imprint on its wines. The wine is remarkable for its nicely linear and delicate style, but it ultimately proves its power and determination on the palate over many long minutes." 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 need to be patient, as the 2016 clearly needs time." Vinous

"Complex aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry, rose, wild herbs, stony mineral and autumn woods are the hallmarks of this elegant red, which is beginning to reveal all of its facets yet is still structured. Leaves a chalky feel of refined tannins on the long finish." Wine Spectator

Complex and multi-layered classic from the old master of Nebbiolo from Piedmont. On the nose cedar, plum, red fruits, undergrowth and some rose scent. Balanced, spicy taste, the tannins firm and the finish precise and long. This muscular monument of a red wine definitely needs a few more years of bottle ageing, with a little patience it will transform into pure elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, brightening ruby-garnet. Fragrant, finely marked nose, of raspberry, rose petals and ripe cherries, inviting. Polished, fine-meshed tannin characterises the wine on the palate, like a fine robe, salty, lots of ripe cherry, long final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Barbaresco from Gaja is magnificent. Bright and edgy, with fabulous balance, the 2019 captures all the best this difficult vintage had to offer. Gaja did not bottle any other Barbaresco crus, instead opting to use the best lots for this bottling. This decision has paid off in a 2019 that is bursting with excitement. The aromas alone are captivating. Bright acids add vibrancy to a core of beautifully pronounced Nebbiolo fruit." Vinous

"Aromas of iron, minerals, dark chocolate, wild strawberries, raw walnuts, orange peel and rotten roses. Medium to full-bodied, with supple and very chalky tannins. Lots of fruit on the palate with a fine, fresh and mineral finish. Pure and linear." James Suckling

"A complex red that reveals multi-dimensional aromas and flavours of rose, cherry, liquorice, minerals and spices. This is fused with a lively structure that gives a taut, almost racy profile at the moment. The wine combines power and grace and finishes on a long, floral and spicy aftertaste. Best from 2026 to 2045." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbaresco is striking and beautiful as a result, with tremendous depth and clarity. It is a generous wine with ample structure, plenty of lively acidity, sweet tannins and a bright core of primary fruit." Wine Advocate

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

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

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

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

"Bright and focused, offering cherry, raspberry, rose hip, mushroom, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Pure and expressive, with fine harmony, an elegant frame and a lingering aftertaste. Gains support from a firm structure." Wine Spectator

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

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

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

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

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

Deep dark ruby violet. On the nose, cassis, blackcurrant and a powerful herbal spiciness with a good dose of pipe tobacco, tar and crushed boulders. On the palate, dark berries, chocolate and a cornucopia of herbs define the full body. This wine monument has precisely integrated tannins, an enormous silkiness and a seemingly endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red. Expressive and inviting on the nose, of ripe strawberries and red currants, a hint of raspberry jam, carried by nuances of fine wood and cigar box. Very polished palate entry, opens up in the mouth with delicate creaminess and velvety tannin, noble spice and fruit at the core, shows considerable juiciness at the back and thus draught, great length and elegance." Falstaff

"This vibrant red is saturated with black cherry, blackberry, iron and underbrush flavors. The tannins turn chewy on the finish, where a note of bitter almond lingers along with freshness." Wine Spectator

"The Tenuta Sette Ponti 2019 Oreno celebrates the wine's 20th anniversary (1999-2019) with a special label and a heavy glass bottle. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot is beautifully ripe and generous with impeccable fruit throughout. Its primary intensity is delivered with energy and character, showcasing broad brush aromas of black fruit, exotic spice, cured tobacco and new leather. The tannins are quite strong in this edition and do make for a brief moment of astringency on the close. This is a thickly extracted blended Tuscan red, and it makes sense that its fiber and structure is also more compact and concentrated in 2019." Wine Advocate

"Wow. Fantastic aromas of blackberries, currants, minerals, violets and graphite. Full-bodied with firm, silky tannins that are incredibly polished and intense, yet ever so refined and integrated in the wine. It goes on for minutes. The is one of the best modern-day Orenos so far. Best in 2025 and onwards." James Suckling

Deep ruby red, intense aroma of dark fruit underlaid with delicate toasty aromas. At the palate complex and full-bodied, stoffig, with balsamic notes, perfectly integrated tannins and a finely balanced fruity-spicy finish. An intense wine, which also does not want to be a lightweight and which plays its strength perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby with purple glints. Opens with notes of licorice and dried tomatoes, then lovely currant. Very good presence on the palate, showing tension and fresh fruit, fine-meshed tannin, lots of dark berry juice on the final." Falstaff

"This wine is built on solid foundations and shows a rich vinous footprint. The fruit is black and concentrated, as is to be expected of a wine of this ambition, and it sits with a dark and almost impenetrable appearance in the glass. Orma shows a careful balance between fruit and oak spice, and both are calibrated to achieve high sensorial impact and intensity. If you're looking for the classic Tuscan blended red with sunshine and power, this release is for you." Wine Advocate

"Subtle currant, light sandalwood and some cherry aromas. Full-bodied, yet fine-tuned and polished with tannins that melt beautifully into the wine. Long and focused. Beauty and balance to this." James Suckling

Poggio di Sotto's Brunello 2019 is a true masterpiece. Bright, sparkling garnet red in colour. The multi-layered, seductive bouquet alternates cherry, autumnal spice, exotic flowers, candied orange peel with undergrowth, white smoke and wild small berries. Masterfully interwoven on the palate, with a softness and purity that, together with notes of sweet cherries and raspberries, delivers a firework of impressions. Add to this grippy tannins and an agile acidity and you have a prime example of Montalcino. It is already classic and modern at the same time, and we can only eagerly await its further development! SUPERIORE.DE

"Needs a little aeration, then beguiles with aromas of wild berries, flowers and spices, well cushioned in the mouth by tightly woven tannins and invigorating acidity, full of elegance on the final. A classic." Vinum

"Oh my, that's another seductive, elegant fragrance: ripe heart cherries and raspberries, engaging, distinctive floral notes reminiscent of violets and lavender, backed by earthy herbal spice with juicy liquorice and a touch of blood orange. Wow, this is complex. Elegant, fine-meshed style on the palate, great tension from transparent, precise fruit and balsamic, melting freshness. Once again one of the best. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Bright ruby garnet colour. Rich cherry fruit on the nose, a hint of rosemary, plus fine hints of graphite and blood orange. Great juiciness on the palate, lots of red berry fruit, beautiful salinity, grippy tannins in many layers, builds beautifully, classic, still very young." Falstaff

"Medium ruby red colour. Very restrained nose with just a hint of minerals. Elegant palate that is still firmly closed, yet supple and finely balanced with grainy but fine tannins. Very long, concentrated and exciting." Jancis Robinson

"This elegant red wine shows a combination of strawberry, cherry, rose and wild herb flavours, a firm underlying structure and excellent harmony in a stylish profile. Just a little shy on the chalky finish." Wine Spectator

"Sweet cherry and floral aromas with some orange peel and lilac character. Medium body with beautiful depth and concentration. Ripe, fine tannins and an attractive finish. Subtle richness and class. Give this wine three or four years to develop." James Suckling

"Dusty roses, worn leather, dried strawberries and dry earth form a classic bouquet when the dynamic 2019 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. It is feminine, deep and structured, with ripe plums and black cherries supported by lively acidity. Purple flowers and hints of liquorice emerge towards the end. The 2019 leaves a salty minerality intermingled with fine-grained tannins and spice, while finishing with incredible length and yet so fresh. This wine is incredibly youthful and introverted today, but it has enormous potential. I expect the 2019 to gain weight and blossom over the next five to ten years. Glorious." Vinous

"Despite heavy rain, there was very little disease in 2019 and the hot summer brought the grapes to full ripeness. The subdued cherry aromas reflect the wine's youth, though they became more expressive with aeration. The palate is rich but sleek in texture, with polished tannins and fine acidic lift. The texture is grainy without being tough, and there's so much energy and grip here that the wine clearly has great ageing potential. Very long, with a lightly peppery finish. A majestic end to the decade." Decanter

"The jewel of Collemassari Wine Estates in an impeccable version of Brunello. On the nose, notes of redcurrant jam, a hint of liquorice, myrtle and a touch of wild sage. Crisp, dense mouthfeel, saline, iodised tannins, closing with a return of small fruit notes and myrtle." Luca Gardini

"Although this wine started out very shy, the Poggio di Sotto 2019 Brunello di Montalcino finally hits all the high notes of Sangiovese. It is a wine with enormous inner tension, displaying a powerful, lifted personality with aromas of cherries and blackberries. There are also flavours of roasted cherries, glazed strawberry cake with gelatine, undergrowth, blue flowers, forget-me-nots, balsam herbs, mint and liquorice. A few hours later, the wine has developed into a classic beauty with slender lines, firm structure and sparkling, brilliant acidity. The oak is so well integrated that you can't see it, the tannins are elegant and fine, and the acidity is the proverbial cherry on top." 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

Camarcanda is a rich Bolgheri Rosso Superiore with a dark bouquet of black fruit, espresso, chocolate, liquorice and tar. The palate is extremely full-bodied, with outstanding depth, dense structure and a firm body. Opulent and long, this wine already shows a wide range of personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm-scented aromas of black cherries, herbs, spiced up with liquorice and smoke; has a lot of pressure, but also a lot of polish, the tightly woven, grippy tannins and the supporting acidity guarantee a long life, finishes long on opulent fruit flavours." Vinum

"Elegant, bright ruby red colour. Intense nose with notes of cassis and blackberry, clear and concise, fine herbal spice in the background. On the palate with savoury juiciness and dark berry fruit, opens with grippy tannins in many layers, pithy, with lots of juicy fruit, firm pressure and notes of graphite on the final." Falstaff

"The 2021 is an impressive effort with fragrant aromas of dried cherries, sous bois and minty black fruits that continue on the palate with intensity and vibrancy. Hints of balsamic herbs, raspberries and floral notes are also evident. It is powerful and minty-fresh and a real eye-catcher." Decanter

"A tasty and juicy young red wine with flavours of currants, raspberries and boysenberries that develop into a medium to full body with creamy and polished tannins and a nice finish. It is fresh and concentrated." James Suckling

"The Ca' Marcanda 2021 Bolgheri Rosso Camarcanda is made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in a supporting role. This is a bold and beautifully concentrated wine with a brilliant character that is best described as Rubenesque. It exhibits a supple texture and deep richness supported by sweet fruit and raspberry flavours. The ripe, well-structured tannins give way to a sparkling freshness that gives it energy and life." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Camarcanda is a fabulous wine from the Gaja family, the best they have ever made from their estate in Bolgheri. Silky, aromatic and wonderfully pure, the 2021 Camarcanda is a superb, contemporary expression of Bolgheri with plenty of coastal sunshine and warmth, but not overdone. Silky tannins frame the exceptionally polished, nuanced finish. The 2021 is so seductive." Vinous

"Pure and elegant, with saturated flavours of violets, blackcurrants, blackberries, liquorice and iron. This wine is so beautifully balanced that even at this young stage it feels almost seamless, offering a lean profile and an endless aftertaste that mirrors the fruit. The oak is very well integrated, with polished tannins." Wine Spectator

Sugarille is always a little darker, richer and more opulent than Rennina. Bouquet of remarkable richness. In the drink, dark red cherry, plum, smoke, liquorice and cloves fill out the wine's broad-shouldered frame well. Hints of mocha, chocolate, spices and black-fleshed fruit add the final layers of nuance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium-dense ruby garnet. Smells of fresh, crisp cherries, blood orange and Mediterranean herbs on the nose. Spreads out very richly on the attack, juicy, crisp cherry fruit and some blackberry characterise the palate, shows grippy, savoury tannin on the back end, long final." Falstaff

"Deep ruby with orange tinges. Savoury and slightly reductive on the nose with pure cherry underneath. Pure and focused on the palate, if slow to unfurl, and with complex oak notes slowly revealing themselves. Right now, the powdery tannins take the lead on the finish, but this needs much more time." Jancis Robinson

"First produced in 1995, Sugarille is not made every vintage - after skipping 2017, this single-vineyard bottling returns. Dark cherry and black plum are spiked with bitter herbs, tobacco and wet stone. Sturdy tannins form a solid framework and tantalising acidity soars. Sweet oak nuances melt into the liquorice root finish. A great contender for the cellar." Decanter

"A dark, brooding 2018, with accents of smoke, vanilla, iron and tar surrounding a core of cherry and plum flavors. Reveals balsamic elements of eucalyptus and wild herbs on the lingering finish. On the austere side now, with a core of fruit and mineral." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille keeps me coming back to the glass again and again to take in its spicy yet also wonderfully lifted bouquet, as shavings of cedar and pine evolve to reveal mentholated herbs, flinty stone and dried black cherries. This is deeply textural, soothing with its combination of ripe red fruits and juicy acidity, as sweet spices and mint nuances resonate toward the close. The Sugarille doesn’t miss a beat, tapering off with impeccable balance and regal structure, while allowing remnants of ripe wild berries and plum to linger on and on. The Gaja family has really outdone themselves in this idiosyncratic vintage." Vinous

"Showing extra richness and textural weight, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is structured, rich and intense. This wine represents fruit from a single site that is characterized by schistous galestro soils. These conditions give Sugarille its heavier center of gravity and its distinguished power and heft. Dark fruit, balsam herb and pencil shavings shape a beautiful and precise bouquet. Give this wine more time to age." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of red plums, sour cherries, spice box, oranges, cloves and capers. Moss and porcini, too. Beautifully open, with a medium to full body and very fine, silky tannins. Lovely purity of fruit here, with a long, seamless finish. Ethereal and transparent." James Suckling

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

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano 2015 is a huge, outstanding wine. Waves of vibrant, intensely fragrant fruit appear on the palate, supported by the firm, broad tannins of the plump, very rich vintage. Violets, spices, new leather and liquorice unfold in the glass, clean mineral notes frame an eruption of dark cherries, plums and camphor in a finish that fills the palate endlessly. Madonna 2015 is well on its way to becoming one of Vincenzo Abbruzzese's very great wines! SUPERIORE.DE

"There’s a mentholated freshness to the 2015 Madonna del Piano Riserva which draws you in, as a seductive display of crushed black cherries, cinnamon, sage and sweet white smoke holds your attention firm. It’s silky in feel yet far more lifted than expected, with wave after wave of tart wild berries and savory spices which drench the palate in concentrated fruit, as if you can feel the skins, pips and all. Just when you think that the 2015 will release you from its structured clenches, its coating of grippy tannins comes forward, and it remains throughout the tension-filled and purple-tinged finale. This will require many years of cellaring to reveal its charms, coming across as far more structured than most other Brunello Riservas from the vintage; yet there’s plenty of fruit to keep pace throughout the wine's evolution." Vinous

"The Valdicava 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is a lovely wine that finds nice balance between power and elegance. You get the character of the fruit with dried cherry, cassis and cranberry and delicate nuances of grilled herb, cola and blue flower. The bouquet also shows lots of balsam intensity with root beer and rosemary oil. These two sides of the wine reach equilibrium, and the only thing needed here is more cellar aging time. There is a point of youthful tannic astringency that needs to unwind and integrate." Wine Advocate

"Cherry, berry and wild herb flavors mark this linear red, which is pure and vibrant, with refined tannins and bright acidity underlying it all. The mineral-tinged finish is fresh and long, with fine harmony in the end." Wine Spectator

"Spectacular aromas of crushed fruit, plums, sous bois, porcini and black truffles. Decadent year, but fresh. Full-bodied, dense and linear on the palate, yet so much in balance and refined with incredible depth and consistency. The savory and juicy finish, with vivid acidity and fruit, is eye-opening. Greatest ever." James Suckling

Cepparello is one of the great varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Brilliant ruby red colour. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed, enveloping flavour, which provides a perfectly measured acidity framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and full of finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Opens with fine spicy notes, some cinnamon, then plums and chocolate. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, crisp and fresh, fine tannins, very long-lasting, supple and juicy on the palate." Falstaff

"Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Also dried orange peel and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, taut and consistent with fine-grained, slightly chalky tannins. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026." James Suckling

"Expressive and lush from the start, this red wine displays aromas and flavours of cherries, strawberries, roses, orange peel, minerals and Tuscan herbs." Wine Spectator

"The Cepparello 2020 is soft and supple and elevates the Sangiovese in a way that only Paolo De Marchi can. This is his penultimate vintage before he retires and sells this historic winery. The wine opens with a medium to full concentration of dark plums and redcurrants. These segue into sweet spices, earth, crushed stone, rusty nails and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to develop in the cellar. It has a strong alcohol content of 15%." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Cepparello is a total stunner, just as it was last year. Deeply colored, layered and explosive in the glass, the 2020 possesses striking textural richness and overall intensity. Black cherry, graphite, plum, spice and lavender flesh out effortlessly. There's tremendous pedigree and sheer stature here. Cepparello is surely one of the wines of the year." 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. 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

Sugarille 2019 is certainly one of the greats of its vintage. A crescendo of dark berries, Amarena cherries, tar, liquorice and smoky notes on the nose. The intensity continues on the palate: Sugarille is uncompromisingly powerful, with multi-layered fruit, striking tannins and wonderful acid wire. With increasing aeration, the impressiveness and opulence give way to a wonderful finesse that will continue to refine and develop with further years of bottle ageing. A wine as wonderful as it is today - and guaranteed to be even better tomorrow! SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Much more closed and sleepy than the Rennina and with an undertone of oak. There is also a little more fullness. Restrained on the palate, with marvellous cherry, cranberry and raspberry fruit. Superfine, deep tannins. Polished and long, with a hint of tannin on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"To complete Angelo Gaja's comparison with his Langhe wines, he compares Sugarille with Barolo (as opposed to Rennina, which he equates with Barbaresco). This powerful wine will appeal to anyone looking for a powerful Brunello. Sweet oak spices and plums are accompanied by earthy forest tones. It is rich and fruity, but austere and firm in structure: dark cherry and plum hang on steely, vertical grape tannins. Thicker wood tannins build at the core, but crisp acidity balances the dense structure, and medicinal herbs are embedded in the layers. This wine is firming up in the glass and still needs plenty of time." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is dark and youthfully closed, forcing the taster to engage with its brooding blend of blackberry, sage and crushed stone. It displays textures of pure silk, polished and refined, with a dense textural wave of tart red and black fruits underscored by savoury minerals and exotic spices. Orange notes provide contrast on the finish, which is tannic and long, with a pleasant chew and angular tannins that pinch the cheeks. The 2019 is a dark Brunello stallion with plenty of muscle and flesh that will need many more years in the cellar to show its best side. But it will be worth the wait." Vinous

"An elegant version, this red exhibits cherry, graphite, earth, blood and eucalyptus aromas and flavors, turning darker and more brooding as it evolves in the mouth, with both savory and mineral elements. Yet this remains very Sangiovese, with a firm, peppery aftertaste that echoes fruit, iron and underbrush accents." Wine Spectator

"Extremely perfumed and intense with lilac, violets, violet fruit and black cherries. Full-bodied and very structured with powerful tannins that give it great length and intensity. A great wine for the cellar. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

"The Pieve Santa Restituta 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille displays a finely chiselled quality with direct and lifted fruit that gives this wine an edgy or delineated personality. This impression is reinforced by delicate mineral notes of crushed stone that give way to dark fruits, sweet plums, black cherries and earthy orris roots. The wine is elegant, but also very flavoursome and structured thanks to the natural ripeness and concentration of the fruit. Give this wine more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

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

Luce is the iconic wine of the estate of the same name and symbolises the harmonious balance between the elegant structure of Sangiovese and the richness of Merlot. The wine marries the tradition and terroir of the Montalcino region with a personal interpretation of this extraordinary land.

Almost impenetrable ruby red colour. The bouquet is initially reductive and relatively austere, opening up soft and warm with increasing aeration and a seductive aroma of ripe berries, tobacco and leather. The flavour is concentrated, distinctive and tannic, yet silky and promising on the palate. The finish is long and deep with hints of coffee and vanilla. A great blend of Merlot and Sangiovese with great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Fine fragrance on the nose, subtle, some lavender, mint, then cassis and ripe raspberry, cold smoke on the finish." Falstaff

"The wine is characterised by the vanilla of new oak and has aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, flowers and iron. Racy, with lively acidity and dusty tannins that linger on the finish. It needs air, so give it a few years to absorb the oak." Wine Spectator

"The nose is dense and powerful, with lush black fruits and chocolate, and it becomes even more perfumed with aeration. The attack is tangy and powerful, savoury and assertive, but without excessive extraction, and the tannins are polished. Despite a hint of tar and liquorice, the black fruits dominate. It is well balanced, grippy and structured, with a very long finish and will age well." Decanter

"Delicious perfume of dark forest fruits and plums, also tobacco and undergrowth; well-built with precise tannins, a subtle minerality can also be felt, the final a potpourri of fruity and balsamic notes, overall extremely polished and elegant." Vinum

"Very nice orange peel with redcurrants and blue berries. Also flowers. Medium to full body with firm and velvety tannins that are polished and impressive. Fresh fruit on the finish. Serious structure and brightness. Better after 2026." James Suckling

Madonna del Piano is a top wine from a top vintage, what more could you want? We are deeply impressed by its energetic tension and complexity, plus a harmony only imagined in the wildest dreams. Focused and racy bouquet of dark cherries, herbs, smoke and mineral hints. Very animating in the drink, the acidity plays around the primary fruit, then the polished tannins set in and glide this beautiful red into its almost endless finish. An extremely characterful and polished wine that is already one of the most beautiful of its appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is totally captivating: deep, dark and viral. It smolders up from the glass, with a thrilling mix of cherries and plums complemented by notes of black tea, balsam herbs and ashen stone. With each return to the glass, this seems to expand further, adding nuances of smoke and animal musk. The 2016 is packed full of energy but also youthful tension, showing the radiance of the vintage with its citrus-tinged fruits and depths of minerality. Through it all, energizing acidity maintains harmony, just as fine tannins slowly saturate, resulting in a long finish that resonates on licorice and purple-tinged inner florals. The 2016 is one of the most balanced, yet also prettiest, expressions that I have ever witnessed from Valdicava’s Madonna del Piano." Vinous

"The Valdicava 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano impresses for its intensity, its balance and its freshness. The wine is medium to full-bodied with a good amount of fruit weight and power that is offset by acidity and the lifted, vibrant quality of the bouquet. If balance is the objective, this wine meets it goals, although like with many of its peers, you certainly won't miss the deep inner power of this determined Brunello." Wine Advocate

"Expressive yet complex, this red is already revealing tertiary hints of truffle, fading roses and spice. Features cherry, raspberry, iron, eucalyptus and anise flavors allied to a firm, compact structure. Balanced and long, with fresh fruit, spice and mineral accents lingering on the endless finish." Wine Spectator

"This is heavenly on the nose with fresh flowers such as violet and cherries with undertones of freshly shaved sandalwood. It’s full-bodied with very fine tannins that are focused and intense with a polished nature. This is a complete wine that impresses at every level. Give it at least five to six years to come together and resolve the tannin structure. Better after 2027." James Suckling