Caparzo

Bright ruby red colour. The bouquet opens with cedar wood, then plum and small red berries. Medium-bodied, fresh and pleasantly lively, precise, very pure fruit and a pleasing finish. A marvellous wine to drink with ambition! SUPERIORE.DE

"A fruity and ripe wine with intoxicating flower, blueberry and pepper notes. Firm on the palate, with a medium body, extracted tannins, crisp acidity and a biting yet balanced finish." James Suckling

Dark and rich in the glass, with spicy herbs and a hint of cinnamon that fades into black raspberries. La Caduta is luxurious, silky and round with a dense wave of mineral red and black fruits that slowly saturate the palate. The finish is structured and incredibly long, with hints of salted liquorice and spice that linger. La Caduta is a real Rosso insider tip alongside Fuligni's Ginestreto and is full of potential every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour with brightening edges. Shows a certain depth on the nose, reminiscent of violets, cherries, blackberries and blood oranges, fine spice and some leather. Juicy and with fine pressure on the palate, showing clear fruit and a velvety texture, with a lingering final and good persistence." Falstaff

"Attractive nose of dried cherries, candied oranges, chocolate and walnuts. Medium- to full-bodied, tense and fleshy on the palate, with firm but very fine tannins. Juicy and spicy." James Suckling

Caparzo is one of two estates in Montalcino (the other is Altesino, by the way) owned by the extremely charming Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini.

Caparzo's Brunello di Montalcino is a very classic interpretation that delivers the perfect stuff without any distracting frills. The nose is fruity and warm at the same time: aromas of strawberries, cherries and hibiscus flirt with notes of dark chocolate, orange peel and stones bathing in the sun. On the palate, a wave of cranberry brings an astringency that refreshes a lingering stony note before the chocolate returns on the finish. The firm, imposing tannins creep up slowly, adding depth without weighing the wine down. Great value! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fruity bouquet, dark cherries, but also cassis and blue berries. Behind this, however, very clear notes of cherry, blackberries and marvellous floral hints. Polished and pleasing on the palate, round, with fine, round tannins, sweet berries." Weinwisser

"Ruby red with brightening edges. Intense nose of ripe cherry, some leather and beeswax, reminiscent of blood orange on the final. Clear fruit again on the palate, fine woody spice, with a certain pressure and pithy tannins." Falstaff

"The 2019 captures its overtly fragrant disposition. Fennel, mint and aniseed linger on the palate. Plush and soft texture with a predominant blackcurrant flavour. The fine tannins harmonise with the zesty acidity. An uncomplicated and attractive wine overall." Decanter

"Rich and supple, with aromas and flavours of cherry, blackberry, graphite and tobacco. The dense, dusty tannins are evident in the long, lively finish, in which a slight astringency lingers." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens slowly in the glass, but it's worth the wait as a dusty mix of dried flowers, cedar shavings, wild strawberries and spice unfolds over time. It is silky and enveloping with fresh acidity and pretty wild berries that gain sweetness over the palate. The finish is long and colourful but still lively and tangy, leaving a layer of fine tannins and liquorice notes that resonate under a hint of violet blossom. The 2019 is a beautiful interpretation of the fruit of northern Montalcino." Vinous

"The Caparzo 2019 Brunello di Montalcino offers vibrant flavours of cherry-cola, wild berries and dried cranberries, which are very much in evidence on the nose. The wine's dimension and scope are impressive, especially in terms of mouthfeel. What works best in my opinion, however, is the wine's balanced and much-needed freshness. You get a great quality." Wine Advocate

"Quite pure fruit with flavours of black cherries, black berries and light chocolate. The palate is full and focused with very polished tannins and a long, long finish." James Suckling

Before Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini acquired the Altesino estate, she bought Caparzo in 1998. The estate comprises 28 hectares dedicated to Brunello, and this estate bottling combines vineyards from four different areas with different sites and soils.

Dusty black cherries, crushed rocks and dried flowers form a classically inviting bouquet when Brunello di Montalcino 2020 opens in the glass. It has a soft texture with racy acidity driving the ripe red fruits on the palate, while chalky minerals and sweet spices mingle towards the finish. Finishes powerful and long with fine tannins while retaining a lovely freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Caparzo 2020 Brunello di Montalcino offers plenty of fresh fruit with cherry and redcurrant to the fore. This vintage manages to offer us a very elegant and slender style. The flavours increase in volume over time, adding notes of blue flowers, roses and toasted coriander seeds. It finishes with a lean consistency, silky tannins and medium length." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino emerges from the glass with a tantalising blend of crushed plums and wild berries, accented by lavender and floral notes of undergrowth. The wine displays a silky texture and airy feel, with tart red berry fruit accompanied by vibrant acidity, while a cascade of flowers swirl inside the wine. The 2020 leaves a layer of sweet tannins and a blackberry tone as it finishes with wonderful length and concentration." Vinous

"A bright red colour with firm, integrated tannins that provide length and concentration. It has a medium body with citrus and berry character and excellent length. I like it now, but give it two or three years to show its full potential." James Suckling

Bright, intense ruby-garnet colour. Multi-layered aromas of sweet red fruits meld into rose petals, liquorice, spices and mint. Firm and polished on the palate, floral notes provide vibrancy, finely woven tannins and balanced acidity provide structure and stability, beautifully articulated and juicy on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A classic, with a seductive bouquet of berries and blossoms; a beautiful finish, invigorating acidity, the perfect blend of elegant juiciness and pithy substance that should definitely be enjoyed with food." Vinum

"The aroma already shows a lot of intensity with ripe cherries and plums, plus a bouquet of floral notes, violets, lavender, but also "powerful" notes such as iron, blood and cedar wood. Very dense on the palate, with present, still slightly restraining but mature tannins, sweet berry fruits, shows, as so often, origin and character with a lot of Sangiovese spice. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Quite firm, moderately woody-spicy, slightly dried-vegetable aroma of mixed berries and a little cherry with a hint of leather, dried meat, tobacco and some black olives. Ripe, youthful, firm, juicy fruit, present, ripe, crumbly-sandy tannins and a delicate bite, light tobacco and pencil wood notes in the background, a hint of iced confectionery, roasted nuances and coffee, good substance and persistence, a certain depth, salt in the background, relatively accessible at first, but closes up a little with air, very good, juicy and spicy finish." Wein-Plus

"Brilliant ruby colour with a fine garnet sheen. Compact nose with notes of dark cherry, raspberry and tobacco, some beetroot in the background. Polished and finely meshed tannin structure, dark berry fruit, shows increasing pressure on the final, a highly elegant Brunello." Falstaff

"The Brunello di Montalcino 2018 Vigna La Casa was born in a beautiful vineyard with long vistas and warm sunsets. You can definitely taste the sweet spice and cinnamon from the barrel ageing, but the wine also presents a good amount of dark fruits and plums. It finishes with soft tannins and even a hint of oaky sweetness that emphasises its accessibility." Wine Advocate

"The Brunello di Montalcino Vigna La Casa 2018 emerges from the glass with a beguiling blend of exotic spices, balsamic herbs, crushed ash stones and dried black cherries. It washes over the palate with a silky wave of ripe dark fruit, complemented by notes of liquorice and cocoa. Fine-grained tannins frame the finish, while residual acids keep the mouth watering and the plum notes fade under a hint of purple flowers. This is a radiant rendition of La Casa, a vineyard located on the crest of the Montosoli hill, opposite the town of Montalcino." Vinous

"The nose features floral aromas of roses, pomegranates, cherries and oranges, along with fresh undertones of soil and graphite. On the palate, the fruit sweetens, before a warm, spicy finish. Refined tannins create a silky, sensuous mouthfeel." Wine Enthusiast

"The other great classic from Montosoli cru, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary since it was first marketed. Redcurrants on the nose, a hint of wild sage and liquorice. It is dense and very persistent on the palate." Luca Gardini

"Leads with graphite and oak spice aromas, with flavours of plum, black cherry, eucalyptus and tobacco lurking underneath. Dense, with firm but polished tannins and guided by a lively acidity, it finishes with a long, complex aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Lots of blue and sweet berry fruit with heady rose and floral notes on the nose, plus hot chocolate, sandalwood, toffee and nutmeg. It is full-bodied with ripe, muscular tannins that are superbly integrated. Powerful, but with a transparency and clarity that lends it beauty. Long, graceful finish. Better from 2024." James Suckling

Caparzo's La Casa vineyard, located in an enviable position on the hill of Montosoli, has been vinified separately since 1977 and is one of the first single-vineyard bottlings in Montalcino. Like regular Brunello, La Casa has a surprising underlying acidity that gives the wine brightness and focus, the northern exposure of the parcel certainly playing a role. Fresh herbs and pomegranate contrast with nuances of sun-baked earth and incense. On the palate, the wine is very full-bodied and concentrated, with tactile tannins, yet remains fresh and flowing at all times. SUPERIORE.DE

"Even on the nose, it is much more complex and interesting than the "normal" Brunello, with ripe candied cherries, fine floral notes, violets, lavender, but also mineral and earthy notes such as iron. Very elegant and quite precise on the palate, intense and present, with wonderfully ripe tannins and sweet berries, showing origin and character with a multi-layered final and powerful Sangiovese spice." Weinwisser

"Intense, finely spiced bouquet with fresh berry flavours, also a floral component; solid texture, the tannin-acid structure in balance, polished finish on notes of stone fruit, tobacco and eucalyptus." Vinum

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Filigree and multi-layered expression on the nose, reminiscent of raspberries and blackberries, dried tomatoes and balsamic tones. Opens up smoothly on the palate, fine-meshed, grippy tannins at the core, dark fruit, fine balsamic notes, long finish." Falstaff

"Subtle power and plenty of cherry, plum and mineral flavours in this soft red wine, plus a hint of wild herbs. It's quite fluid and open, with a slight tannic abrasion on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Subtle mocha and crushed allspice emerge, then finally wild, red forest berries. The palate is more exuberant, revealing a generous core of pure, delicious raspberries infused with vanilla and liquorice. The gravelly tannins remain firmly anchored and need time to resolve. An appetising, stony finish." Decanter

"The Brunello di Montalcino Vigna La Casa 2019 comes from the hills of Montosoli, opposite the town of Montalcino. It is youthfully moody and dark in the glass, slowly evolving with violet flowers, crushed wild berries and sweet spices. Silky and supple, it swings across the palate with a juicy texture of mineral red fruits, while floral notes resonate on the inside and grippy tannins come in towards the end. The Vigna La Casa finishes long, structured and classically dry, leaving a hint of liquorice and a touch of tart orange lingering on the tongue. The future is very promising, but the 2019 will require a lot of patience." Vinous

"The Caparzo 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna La Casa offers a balanced presentation of candied cherries, dried fruit and toasted spices. This is a beautiful and joyful wine with velvety soft tannins and good internal energy that adds dimension and depth to the mouthfeel. Vigna La Casa is a contemporary expression of Montalcino with added fruit concentration and structure, and the results are carefully balanced throughout." Wine Advocate

"Flavours of blueberries, blackberries and chocolate, yet subtle and perfumed. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and plenty of structure. Shows depth and has a purpose. Needs time to develop soon. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

Caparzo's La Casa vineyard, located in an enviable position on the hill of Montosoli, has been vinified separately since 1977 and is one of the first single-vineyard bottlings in Montalcino. Like the normal Brunello, La Casa has a surprising underlying acidity that gives the wine brightness and focus, and the northern exposure of the parcel has certainly played a role in this.

La Casa 2020 is a terrificwine with a deep ruby red colour and a bouquet of small red berries, cedar wood and spicy, fragrant flowers that opens up for minutes. Precise, taut and finely layered on the palate, with silky textures and a palate concert of savoury black cherries, spices, leather, tobacco and tar. Dense yet elegant as it progresses, the fine-grained tannins round off its perfect beauty. Very intense and with wonderful ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"As a cru from the Montosoli vineyard, this classic enchants with a complex yet multi-layered aroma of small fruits, violets and balsamic notes; polished in the mouth, it has precise acidity and fine-grained tannins, an intensely fresh fruit finish with a long finish." Vinum

"The 2020 shows itself in its warmer register with aromas of ripe blackcurrant and violets punctuated by juniper and flint. The palate is rich and supple, with a repetition of blackberries and a hint of chocolate in the background. The concentration in the mid-palate is good and overall it is medium-bodied, and its suede-like tannins provide a structured finish." Decanter

"From a single vineyard, recognisable by the old Tuscan farmhouse in the middle of the vines, this is a more concentrated and fleshy expression of Sangiovese. The Brunello di Montalcino Vigna La Casa 2020 opens with aromas of dark fruit, sweet earth and toasted oak. The finish is not too powerful, which is what gives this wine its elegant mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna La Casa is dark and imposing, with earth tones, crushed rock and savoury spice before its notes of wild berry fruit with flint. It is silky smooth, almost creamy in flavour, with an abundance of mineral cherry and strawberry tones and a hint of exotic spice towards the finish. The 2020 tapers off wonderfully perfumed and long, mixing violets and lavender with nuances of sour citrus over a bed of fine-grained tannins. The balance here is out of this world." Vinous

"This wine is really beautiful, with cherry, peach and orange peel character. It is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a long, long finish. Creamy and very polished. It lingers for minutes. A graceful and complex Brunello 2020." James Suckling

Caparzos Riserva 2019 is a big, powerful wine that needs at least a few years to mature. Dark and brooding, this Riserva shows the more masculine side of Sangiovese. Black cherry, plum, leather, spices and tobacco lie on a firm beam of acidity and tannin. This red has the explosive energy and finesse of the dream vintage 2019 and it will take some time to mature until all the facets of this highly personal wine come together - but as always with top wines: patience is rewarded! SUPERIORE.DE

"Still youthfully restrained, the nose flirts with cedar, leather and heather, then the palate changes gear with its overtly powerful drive of substantial yet sophisticated chalky tannins and brisk acidity. By comparison, subtle flavours of wet stone and polished red cherry seem polite and tame for the time being. This will need time to develop into its full expression." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva opens with a mentholated freshness, blending crushed rocks and mint with hints of tobacco, flowery underbrush and dried black cherries. Silken and serene, this displays notable weight and concentration while maintaining freshness. Waves of texturally ripe wild berry fruits. and fine-grained tannins cake the senses. The 2019 finishes with dramatic length and structure, leaving a tinge of licorice to linger on." Vinous

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva makes a terrific first impression thanks to the intensity of its dark fruit aromas and its well-integrated spice. This is a full-bodied wine with deep layers of richness and velvety tannins. There is a hint of concentrated fruit sourness (and sweetness too, from the grape skins) that will subside as this takes on more age in the cellar." Wine Advocate

"Restrained, vibrant and fruity riserva with red cherries and raspberries, potpourri and even incense. Medium- to full-bodied with leafy flavor, velvety and ripe tannins yet chewy acidity and a chalky finish. Good blood-orange aftertaste. Better in two or three years but already so delicious." James Suckling

Before Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini acquired the Altesino estate, she bought Caparzo in 1998. The estate comprises 28 hectares dedicated to Brunello, and this estate bottling combines vineyards from four different areas with different sites and soils.

Dusty black cherries, crushed rocks and dried flowers form a classically inviting bouquet when Brunello di Montalcino 2020 opens in the glass. It has a soft texture with racy acidity driving the ripe red fruits on the palate, while chalky minerals and sweet spices mingle towards the finish. Finishes powerful and long with fine tannins while retaining a lovely freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Caparzo 2020 Brunello di Montalcino offers plenty of fresh fruit with cherry and redcurrant to the fore. This vintage manages to offer us a very elegant and slender style. The flavours increase in volume over time, adding notes of blue flowers, roses and toasted coriander seeds. It finishes with a lean consistency, silky tannins and medium length." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino emerges from the glass with a tantalising blend of crushed plums and wild berries, accented by lavender and floral notes of undergrowth. The wine displays a silky texture and airy feel, with tart red berry fruit accompanied by vibrant acidity, while a cascade of flowers swirl inside the wine. The 2020 leaves a layer of sweet tannins and a blackberry tone as it finishes with wonderful length and concentration." Vinous

"A bright red colour with firm, integrated tannins that provide length and concentration. It has a medium body with citrus and berry character and excellent length. I like it now, but give it two or three years to show its full potential." James Suckling

Caparzo's La Casa vineyard, located in an enviable position on the hill of Montosoli, has been vinified separately since 1977 and is one of the first single-vineyard bottlings in Montalcino. Like the normal Brunello, La Casa has a surprising underlying acidity that gives the wine brightness and focus, and the northern exposure of the parcel has certainly played a role in this.

La Casa 2020 is a terrificwine with a deep ruby red colour and a bouquet of small red berries, cedar wood and spicy, fragrant flowers that opens up for minutes. Precise, taut and finely layered on the palate, with silky textures and a palate concert of savoury black cherries, spices, leather, tobacco and tar. Dense yet elegant as it progresses, the fine-grained tannins round off its perfect beauty. Very intense and with wonderful ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"As a cru from the Montosoli vineyard, this classic enchants with a complex yet multi-layered aroma of small fruits, violets and balsamic notes; polished in the mouth, it has precise acidity and fine-grained tannins, an intensely fresh fruit finish with a long finish." Vinum

"The 2020 shows itself in its warmer register with aromas of ripe blackcurrant and violets punctuated by juniper and flint. The palate is rich and supple, with a repetition of blackberries and a hint of chocolate in the background. The concentration in the mid-palate is good and overall it is medium-bodied, and its suede-like tannins provide a structured finish." Decanter

"From a single vineyard, recognisable by the old Tuscan farmhouse in the middle of the vines, this is a more concentrated and fleshy expression of Sangiovese. The Brunello di Montalcino Vigna La Casa 2020 opens with aromas of dark fruit, sweet earth and toasted oak. The finish is not too powerful, which is what gives this wine its elegant mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna La Casa is dark and imposing, with earth tones, crushed rock and savoury spice before its notes of wild berry fruit with flint. It is silky smooth, almost creamy in flavour, with an abundance of mineral cherry and strawberry tones and a hint of exotic spice towards the finish. The 2020 tapers off wonderfully perfumed and long, mixing violets and lavender with nuances of sour citrus over a bed of fine-grained tannins. The balance here is out of this world." Vinous

"This wine is really beautiful, with cherry, peach and orange peel character. It is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a long, long finish. Creamy and very polished. It lingers for minutes. A graceful and complex Brunello 2020." James Suckling