Wines from Tuscany

Bright golden colour, full bouquet with explosive aromas of quince, honey, wax, granite, blood orange, vanilla, white chocolate and straw. Initial notes of roasted cashew and almond on the palate, followed by fruit such as white peach, pear and citrus. Exciting and very multi-faceted. SUPERIORE.DE

"Extremely balanced nose of exotic fruits, flanked by bold citrus notes, Mediterranean flowers and spices; the attack is supple, the acidity perfectly integrated and yet a source of finesse and freshness, finishes long and extremely multi-faceted on fruit and balsamic flavours. Very successful." Vinum

"This is a little more subtle than past bottlings and shows freshness and brightness with some crushed stones, dried apples, lemon blossoms and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied with fresh, tangy undertones of sliced pears and honey. Crisp finish. Some stones and just a hint of phenolics at the end. Complex. Best yet?" James Suckling

Just 2,500 bottles of this 100% Syrah are bottled, aged (on the skins) for six months in amphorae, then filtered and matured in small French oak barrels.

Brilliant ruby red colour. On the nose, a seductive blend of cherry with hints of chocolate, herbs and a fine liquorice note. Cherry again on the palate, complemented by a kaleidoscope of chocolate, coffee and a subtle juniper note. A fabulous acidity structure and fine-grained tannins guide this precisely composed wine to a furious final. Keir complements the winery's high-class portfolio in a very independent and emphatic way. Magnificent! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, powerful ruby colour with a violet rim. Smells of wild strawberries and candy floss, some blackberry, followed by spicy notes of rosemary and thyme. Plump and juicy fruit on the palate, very precise and clear, thrilling on the finish with very well-placed tannins and firm pressure." Falstaff

"A juicy and chocolatey red with cloves, black pepper and hints of terra cotta. It’s medium-bodied with round and crunchy fruit and a light hazelnut and clove finish. Just a hint of bitter chocolate." James Suckling

Sesta di Sopra is not only one of our many real insider tips, but also presents a powerful and at the same time wonderfully balanced wine in this important vintage. The 2015 Riserva impressively presents a masculine and muscular personality in the glass. The nose smells strikingly of dark fruits, wild berries, sour cherries, leather and tobacco. All these components blend seamlessly together. On the palate, a medium texture and density and, as it progresses, a fantastically long finish. This is a prime example of the great 2015 Riserva vintage and a wine of great inner class and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva balances strikingly vibrant cherry and strawberry with classic leather and earth tones. Its textural red berry fruits coast across the palate with an almost-creamy feel, complemented by hints of licorice and spice. Grippy tannins take hold throughout the long and austere finish, as inner florals slowly fade." Vinous

"This red is dense and monolithic, with gripping tannins surrounding the core of blackberry and dark plum fruit. Mediterranean scrub, tar and iron notes add detail as this finishes long and tense. Best from 2025." Wine Spectator

"Here's a precious wine with a mere 900 bottles in existence. The Sesta di Sopra 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva opens to a tight and dense bouquet that takes a little extra effort to unpack. At this very young stage in the wine's life, you get dark cherry and wild plum, with subtle spice, earth, cola and medicinal herb. This estate farms schistous soils (galestro), and that mineral imprint of pencil shaving, brimstone and gravel is unmistakable." Wine Advocate

"Lots of richness and depth to this with superb aromas and flavors. High intensity. Notes of clove, sandalwood and cedar mingle with walnuts and dried violets. Crushed gravel, too. This has juicy black cherries, vanilla and more cloves on the palate. Full body and firm yet refined tannins. Drink from 2023." James Suckling

Sangiovese in purezza. Wonderfully spicy aroma, dark forest berries and cherries, some graphite and cedar wood. On the palate, silky elegance, juicy, dark berry fruits, paired with an animating fruit-acid play that makes the wine really dance across the tongue. Percarlo has depth and length as well as potential for many years in the cellar. One of the great single-varietal Sangiovese of central Tuscany. SUPERIORE.DE

"A vibrant, open-knit red, featuring black cherry, blackberry and plum fruit accented by iron, wild herbs and spices. Taut and linear, with a silky texture, lingering finish and resonant tannins. Shows terrific energy that builds from the beginning to the long, complex aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"One of the most well-known Sangiovese wines on the market is the San Giusto a Rentennano 2019 Percarlo. This organic wine has a touch of extra ripeness or richness that goes beyond the bouquet. You feel like you can bite into the fruit, and indeed the 2019 vintage stands out for its unique power and density. There's a lot to take in, and there's enough lingering fibre and fruit power to fill a long drinking window." Wine Advocate

"The Percarlo 2019 is a wine of restraint. The fruit is very pure and the tannins are very fine for this year, but also a little firm, which needs time to release. Bright red fruits, cedar, tobacco, liquorice, blood orange and spices open up nicely and play with the lively tannins. I suspect the 2019 will need a few years to reach its best level." Vinous

Treat yourself to a big glass or better: decant the wildly racy Il Guercio, then a dark berry mix with black cherries and a hint of dark chocolate will be in the air. On the palate, equally juicy Sangiovese fruit, full-bodied with fine silky tannins, elegant and finely structured, with animating acidity, very precise and animating in the long finish. Potential for many years in the cellar. A not at all loud, but highly impressive wine full of elegance and the masterpiece of the winery. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Il Guercio is a wine with class. Bright, silky and beautifully perfumed, the 2021 has tons of finesse. Sweet red Sangiovese fruit opens first, followed by a burst of exotic floral and spicy notes that give it character. The wine has real substance and presence. The racy yet light-footed Il Guercio 2021 is a true star." Vinous

"Radiant, shiny ruby red. Open and inviting nose, floral, of violets, roses and juicy fresh cherries, underpinned by vegetal spice, plus sugared wild strawberries. Opens up on the palate with great crispness, juicy, clear, showing youthful fresh tannin on the final, can still age." Falstaff

"The Tenuta di Carleone 2021 Il Guercio, named after the Tuscan word for "one-eyed rogue", is a pure Sangiovese aged in cement barrels for up to five months. The wine delivers a very clear and true-to-type expression with bright plums, wild cherries and iris roots. You can taste the artisanal approach of this beautiful wine. Dusty lime notes provide a cool finish. I am pleased to recommend this very special wine." Wine Advocate

Rich, concentrated Bordeaux-style red with the unmistakable signature of top oenological consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. Multi-layered black fruit on the nose, plus rock, liquorice, camphor and graphite. Impressively supple on the palate, the fruit is always juicy and centred, wonderful and almost perfect in structure, polish, elegance and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, noble ruby red colour. Compact nose of rich cherries, black truffle, some pepper, then again plenty of rich berry fruit in the aftertaste, blackberry and cassis. Densely woven on the palate, with a beautiful melting texture and powerful tannins, opens up in many layers, with sparse stony components, radiant and powerful, lingers for a long time, magnificent." Falstaff

"The fresh, inviting nose is like carpaccio with a caprese-inspired garnish of cherry tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. The palate continues blending sanguine and umami notes above a latent sweetness, creating a wine that deliciously coats the mouth and then lingers there." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Giorgio Primo is a worth follow up to the stellar 2018. Dense, rich and explosive, the 2019 races across the palate with dark fruit, chocolate, leather, incense and spice. This sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon-based Panzano red has a ton to offer. The oak is a bit prominent; otherwise, the 2019 is nicely done." Vinous

"Extremely complex aromas of crushed currants, spices and sandalwood with some bark. Violets, too! Full-bodied with creamy, polished tannins and great intensity. Layered and beautiful. Better in 2024, but already beautiful to try." James Suckling

"Vintner Giampaolo Motta's inspiration is the great wines of Bordeaux, and his vision has never changed despite many passing trends. But perhaps his most important choice as a winemaker (born outside of Tuscany) is his firm commitment to Panzano in Chianti as the ideal home for the French grapes he cultivates. This is an etched and polished wine with dark fruit, spice, graphite and pencil shavings. The tannins are beautifully managed, and the wine is long and complex." Wine Advocate

Galatrona is a pure Merlot in a class of its own. Black-red ruby in the glass. Black berries, fine woody spice and some leather on the nose. Very generous fruit flavours and extremely complex on the palate, it glides elegantly into the depths until it is picked up by a finely woven tannin and leads into a long and finesse-rich finish. A wine that has no need to hide behind Masseto & Co. On the contrary, for us it has been Italy's Merlot benchmark for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Galatrona from Petrolo is a highly acclaimed Merlot from Tuscany. It is aged for 18 months in large wooden barrels. Viscous, dark colour. The 2021 Galatrona has an aroma of herbs and spices, liquorice and some wood. Full, juicy and melting, it is much more aromatic in the mouth than on the nose. Intense tannins and a very racy acidity create a full structure of medium depth." Weinwisser

"Although seamless and lusciously saturated with aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, violet, iron, tobacco and spice, this red is also solidly built, with polished tannins. Yet it's more about finesse and elegance than power, with a lively profile and a super-long finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright purple in the glass, gorgeous aromas of black cherry and blackcurrant with floral notes - this 100% Merlot smells wonderfully fragrant and inviting. On the palate it is supple, full-bodied and really seductive, sensual with silky but grippy tannins, beautifully ripe blackcurrant and cherry fruit and crisp acidity that is not too sharp or obvious but enlivens the palate and adds a kick and wonderful freshness to the overall expression. Beautifully presented, harmonious, balanced and absolutely enjoyable from the first to the last sip. A great wine, intense yet energetic, full of nuances of flavour and texture. A wine not to be sneezed at, although it still has plenty of potential for further ageing." Decanter

"The nose shows a wide world of spicy aromas, from red chalk and metal to wood and earth, with cranberries, redcurrants and dark berries as a sweet contrast. The palate reveals a lively flavour with the warmth of earth and freshly ripened fruit, accompanied by tart tannins that promise a long finish. An absolutely acrobatic feat when it comes to Merlot." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Val d'Arno di Sopra Galatrona shows extremely focused aromas, but very generous ones all the while, with soft mint, cherry and stracciatella over a full-bodied texture with soft layers of spice and cedarwood. The wine boasts an elegantly chalky quality to the tannins, but the mouthfeel is so generous, everything irons out beautifully over the palate." Wine Advocate

"The Galatrona 2021 is a good successor to the 2020. In most vintages, the Galatrona is very noticeable right from the start. This is not at all the case with the 2021. This wine will need a few more years to show its best side. Black cherry, plum, mocha, leather, liquorice and incense give the 2021 enormous complexity. More than anything, I admire the sense of vertical, explosive energy that catapults the 2021 into the stratosphere. This is a great wine in every way." Vinous

"The flavours here are very pronounced with dried flowers such as lavender and violets. Also some sage. Black berries and black olive skin. Full-bodied yet straightforward and energetic with very fine tannins and a fantastic length. Fresh and lively on the finish. Best after 2026." James Suckling

"Brilliant dark ruby red colour. Noble, spicy nose of blackcurrants, fine earthy notes, a hint of dried rose petal, cigar box. Sweet and melting on the palate, interwoven with savoury, juicy tannins, elegant on the palate, comes back long and juicy on the final, with fine spicy notes, still a little young." Falstaff

Only a few thousand bottles of this private collection exist. Impressive, dynamic and radiant. Aromas of dark berries, cloves, menthol, tar, liquorice, herbs and grilled meat, the wood tones very restrained. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Isole e Olena 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata boasts luscious dark concentration with black fruit, grilled herb, crushed stone and sweet crème de cassis. Those bold flavors are followed by a 15% alcohol content that is gracefully integrated here. This is another long-term proposition for your cellar." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata is another stellar wine in this range from Isole e Olena and Paolo De Marchi. Still pretty tightly wound, the 2018 is going to need at least a few years to fully unwind. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, mocha and espresso are some of the many aromas and flavors that start to open with a bit of aeration. The Isole Cabernet has a brilliant track record of aging. I expect the 2018 will one day take its place among the very finest editions." Vinous

"Lots of blackcurrants and currant bush with some graphite and black ink on the nose. Full-bodied with a chewy and polished tannin backbone and lots of blue fruit and stones in the finish. Sandalwood and violets, too. Great structure at the end. Give this time to soften. Try after 2025, but will age for a long time." James Suckling

Dievoles Gran Selezione Vigna Sessina is dark, deep and with wonderfully powerful cherry and blackberry flavours. Very defined and precise on the palate with an archetypal interpretation of the grape variety. Everything is in the right place here, the balance and clarity impresses with every sip. The finish has terrificlength and depth. This is Sangiovese in its purest form with infinite energy and expression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seems a little cheesy with its "sugary" fruit and sweetness, but can please with the juicy vein and the robust tannin as well as the fine acidity and lets the wood resonate skilfully in the background." Weinwisser

"From a vineyard 420 metres above sea level: profound bouquet of red berries, lilacs and herbs; juicy on the palate, beautifully polished, supple tannins and crisp acidity, fruity and spicy finish. Successful." Vinum

"Medium ruby red with first orange-coloured reflections. A little dusty, probably from the oak, with shy, fragrant raspberry fruit underneath. With aeration, the nose becomes finer and more concentrated, with a hint of iron. The palate is elegant and delicate, with plenty of freshness." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna Sessina 2019 comes from a one-hectare parcel with a mixture of clay and rock. Cured meat, lavender, spices, dried herbs and sweet tobacco lend the distinctive bouquet a beguiling complexity. The 2019 has a medium body, remarkable structural depth and the necessary structure to age." Vinous

"Sessina is a 5.5-hectare, south-facing vineyard on Macigno (sandstone soil), but with a limestone vein running through it. It shines in the fresh 2019 vintage - it is the best bottling of this wine that I have tasted. It has a lively aroma of mint, sage and a hint of chocolate. The dark plum core is ripe yet crisp, with tannins that are gently textured and grip in all the right places. Refined and elegant, but not without depth, it offers a tantalising interplay of warm Mediterranean balsamic notes with cooler forest tones. Delicious." Decanter

"Polished and pretty nose of dried flowers, cloves, mocha, dried cherries and chocolate orange. It is medium-bodied with firm tannins. Beautiful freshness and balance, with a long and elegant finish." James Suckling

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna di Sessina is a true beauty, offering elegance and power in two ways in this vintage. There are plenty of black fruit flavours that delicately fade into crushed stone, spices and grilled herbs. The winery opts for fermentation in cement and rapid ageing in oak for about a year. These steps ensure intact primary aromas and the wine is characterised by energy and lively flavours." Wine Advocate

"With aromas and flavours of strawberries, cherries, roses and minerals, this pretty red wine is firmly structured and closes tightly on the finish. Nevertheless, it is very fruity and has a very long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vecchie Vigne by Siro Pacenti is still one of the most modern wines to emerge from this sun-drenched appellation in southern Tuscany. The grapes come from old vines that are between 38 and 53 years old. You can immediately taste the great 2019 vintage and the richness and suppleness of its dark fruit and lush blackberry flavours. Vecchie Vigne offers that certain hint of exotic spices, savoury tobacco and even notes of talcum powder or buttered popcorn, which come from the oak - it is aged for 24 months in French barriques - which does it a world of good and makes it unmistakable. All the attributes of this exceptional wine are clearly pronounced and unmistakably convincing, all of which contribute to a creamy and infinitely long-lasting mouthfeel and make this wine one of the best of the vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby colour with a fine garnet rim. Initially shows slightly earthy notes on the nose, some rust, then lots of black cherry and blackberry, fine spice. Full-bodied and firm on the palate, shows plenty of grippy tannins, juicy berry fruit, then slightly drying on the final, still needs ageing." Falstaff

"The Vecchie Vigne combines fruit from Siro Pacenti's 35+ year old vineyards in the northern and southern quadrants of Montalcino and shows even greater intensity and power than the Pelagrilli bottling, but also more nuance and sophistication. With its deep ruby red colour, it offers an intriguing blend of grilled herbs, toasted cedar, incense and ferrous minerals. On the palate, it is highly concentrated and full in its purity of black fruits accompanied by sweet herbs and spices. The powerful, well-padded tannins are polished and slowly dissolve into a tactile powderiness on the long liquorice finish." Decanter

"Vines over 35 years old, a Brunello of pleasant finesse. Notes of cranberry, rhubarb and peony on the nose, with hints of cinnamon. The palate reveals salty tannins, recurring notes of small fruits and undergrowth. Finishes with a hint of sweet spices." Luca Gardini

"The Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne 2019 is intense. It smells of rosemary and spiced blood oranges before developing into dried black cherries and a hint of incense. On the palate, it flows with a velvety texture complicated by tactile mineral tones and savoury acidity, while cool red and black fruits slowly saturate. A web of fine-grained tannins envelops the senses as the 2019 finishes dramatically long and colourful, leaving traces of cedar spice and inner rose that linger on and on. This is a formidable VecchieVigne that will pay dividends in the cellar." Vinous

"A darker expression of the vintage, showing aromas and flavours of black cherries, blackberries, iron, tar and tobacco. Dense and muscular, but with lively acidity that keeps it long and concentrated. The tannins are resonant and the lasting impression is one of sweet fruit." Wine Spectator

"The Siro Pacenti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne has a dark appearance and is made from old vines. It has notes of baked blackberry pie crust, raspberry jam, barbecue smoke, cigar box and every other fairly extreme aromatic description you can apply to a heavily barrel-aged red wine. It is certainly exaggerated, especially at this young age, but experience teaches us that Siro Pacenti's wines need time, a lot of time, before all the elements mesh. The alcohol content is 15% and the tannins are a real hammer." Wine Advocate

"Black cherries, lavender, black mushrooms, pencil and violets on the nose. Full-bodied with a powerful and polished tannin structure that lasts until the end. Pure, silky texture. Fascinating aftertaste of ripe fruit that is nevertheless fresh and taut. Also some orange peel. Wonderful on the finish. So well elaborated and pointed. This wine still needs three to five years to develop, but it is already very impressive." James Suckling

With the exception of 2016 and 2019, the last eight years in the region around Montalcino have been characterised by warm and dry conditions. For this reason, Il Poggione has started to prioritise irrigation for emergencies (which is becoming more and more of a necessity in the south-west of Montalcino) and is looking for a better balance in the higher vineyards. This is not the only reason why Il Poggione is one of the top producers every year, with an extremely fair value.

Oenologist Alessandro Bindocci compares the 2019 and 2016 vintages as follows "Both Brunellos are quite classic, but the 2019 has more energy and fruit than the 2016 at the same stage."

Opens as a medium-dark appearance with a pretty Sangiovese lustre and ruby red shimmer. In the glass, the 2019 shows a wildly romantic side and a dense fruit profile. The aromatic focus is on blackberries, dried cherries, tobacco and a hint of smoked tobacco or horse saddle. On the palate, a contrasting spectacle of dark red fruits, sweet spices and salty mineral notes; all supported by a silky texture and lively acidity. As it progresses, it has a beautiful, firm grip and a stable backbone, with youthful tension and fine-grained tannins, which will give it great ageing potential. Il Poggione is a safe bet every year, and not just for us, and the 2019 edition is once again one of the best representatives of this noble appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of blackberries and herbs, also tobacco; pithy structure, robust tannins, combines character and good length." Vinum

"Dense bouquet with ripe red and dark fruits, blueberries, wild strawberries, cassis and redcurrants. Behind this, the oak barrel ageing is also evident with a fine animal note, cedar, tobacco, chocolate, dark spices and herbs. Fleshy, dense palate with a coarse-meshed tannin network, but of the best quality. Very persistent and full-bodied on the final." Weinwisser

"Dark, youthful ruby red colour. Very closed and brooding with just a hint of fragrant raspberry, tea leaves and oak. Generous and compact on the palate. A layer of soft cherry and raspberry fruit, lined with quite powerful tannins that need more time. Carries its 15% with ease. Closes on the finish and needs more time." Jancis Robinson

"Lots of dried fruit, such as figs and dried cherries, followed by tree bark, rosemary and a hint of sandalwood. Full-bodied and creamy on the palate with a solid tannin structure. Wonderful length. Dense and opulent." James Suckling

"The Il Poggione 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows a developed bouquet with aromas of dried fruit, forest floor, crushed flowers and autumnal foliage. A second nose reveals dark liquorice, wet slate, cola and grilled rosemary. The tannins are powdery and dry." Wine Advocate

"It offers plenty of plum, cherry, iron, tobacco and undergrowth flavours supported by a plump texture that matches the dense structure, as well as a lively acidity that keeps everything in focus. Another year of ageing should allow the finish to expand and this wine to reach its full potential." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 vintage is very balanced, somewhere between 2016, 2013 and 2010. Sant'Angelo in Colle, which suffers in warmer vintages, has done very well and Il Poggione is a great example of the harmony of the area's wines in this vintage. At first sniff it is fruity, later becoming more restrained, with black cherry, violets, leather, graphite and the typical nutty finish. The chalky tannins are extracted but velvety, emphasised by an almost piquant acidity." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino draws the taster close to the glass with its dark and earthy blend of crushed ash stones giving way to rosemary, cedar, exotic spices and a core of raspberry jam. Enveloping and serene, it flows across the palate like pure silk, steadily building tension as tart wild berry and orange notes give way to a sweet herbal push. The 2019 finishes with tremendous length and is classically structured as crisp tannins linger and purple flowers slowly fade over a tactile layer of minerality. Il Poggione has captured the vibrancy of the vintage, yet it is still a baby today." Vinous

"Fresh nose, pomegranate, notes of lemongrass and ginger with citrus notes. Salty tannins on the palate, reminiscence of pomegranate and notes of ginger." Luca Gardini

Since the 2011 vintage, the Riserva Marchese Antinori has been made entirely from grapes from Tenuta Tignanello. As a result, the production volume has decreased and a further leap in quality has been made. Sparkling ruby in colour, with a bouquet of dark wild cherries, graphite, violets and spices. Flowing and round on the palate, very juicy, the French oak adds volume and fullness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark purple in the glass. Dried red fruits, floral notes such as jasmine blossom and rose petals, also black smoked tea, with air also black cherry. Present on the palate with red fruit, again tea leaves, a hint of bitter almond. Tannins present but well woven, acidity that supports the body and gives it strength. Has bite and a lot of class." Vinum

"Dark, bright ruby red colour, lightening rim. Appealing nose of fine precious wood, cold smoke, ripe cherry fruit and ripe wild berries on the finish. Great compactness on the palate, acidity and fruit are in their place, powerful, balanced, accessible." Falstaff

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori 2021 is developing into a gem of a wine, even if it is still a little closed at the moment. Dark fruits, spices, leather and tobacco are layered in a Riserva that exudes tension, energy and sheer power." Vinous

"It is a Sangiovese kissed with small proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The wine is accessible and open, spiritually this wine is a Chianti Classico. By this I mean that the elegant minerality of these soils and the sunny flavours of the surroundings are the defining characteristics. You can taste wild flowers, iris, tart fruit and plums. The pronounced mineral character of the wine with dusty white rock gives it lasting complexity and depth." Wine Advocate

"This ripe style is fresh and harmonious, with fruit of plums, cherries and boysenberries, with accents of earth, iron and eucalyptus. Smooth in texture, with a beautifully integrated structure and a long, complex aftertaste." Wine Spectator

Black cherry red with a violet rim. On the nose, notes of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, dried coriander and vanilla bean, rounded off with fruit aromas of pomegranate, cherry and floral nuances such as geranium, lavender and rose. Fresh rose sugar and graphite on the palate; plus raspberry, cherry, fresh plum and cranberries. Long in the finish with a fine cassis note. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby violet. Opens with fine spicy notes, of ivy and sandalwood, crisp sour cherry, some white pepper. On the palate polished and round, shows very well placed tannin, many layers, entwined with fine melting, fun!" Falstaff

"A blend of Syrah and Grenache, the Monteverro 2019 Tinata shows wonderful richness and concentration with a full range of spicy and opulent dark fruit aromas. This is a terrific organic wine that can be appreciated most of all thanks to its expertly applied Italian face to these high-performing Rhône varieties. There is a lot of promise in these grapes, especially along this sun-drenched stretch of coastal Tuscany. Tinata is creamy rich and opulent with sweet dark fruit, spice and baking chocolate." Wine Advocate

"Lots of dried-meat, pink-peppercorn, ink and smoky character. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, layered tannins that are intense. Lead-pencil and crushed-stone undertones. Give this three or four years to soften." James Suckling

Black cherry red with a violet rim. On the nose, notes of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, dried coriander and vanilla pod, rounded off with fruit flavours of pomegranate, cherry and floral nuances such as geranium, lavender and rose. Fresh rose sugar and graphite on the palate, with raspberry, cherry, fresh plum and cranberry flavours. Long finish with a fine cassis note. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend of Syrah and Grenache that is unusual for Italy: the attack with a spicy fruit and herb nose; dense texture with well-integrated tannins, the acidity accentuated, finishes smoothly on berry confit, the wood discreetly noticeable." Vinum

"Extremely perfumed and floral with potpourri, roses and violets to the dark fruit. Medium-bodied with polished and refined tannins. Crushed stone. This will be beautiful on release in 2023, but will age nicely, too." James Suckling

"The 2020 vintage was hotter than 2019, and the tannins are quite firm and noticeably present - deep ruby colour with purple hues. Dark cassis and violet notes build with the intensity of those powerful, robust, and muscular tannins. Balanced by good natural acidity and a lifted finish scented with spicy, herbaceous notes and dusty minerals with white pepper nuances. The Tinata is a unique blend for this region of Tuscany and is typically 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache each year." Decanter

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

"The 30th anniversary of Siepi, a unique wine that bears witness to the harmony between the vineyard and its ecosystem, with great benefits for biodiversity, also celebrates our family's ancient bond with this vineyard. This encourages us to look to the future with the courage and awareness of those who have cultivated and respected the land for centuries." Philippo Mazzei

The 2022 Siepi is a stunning wine that appeals to all the senses with just the right amount of complexity. The wine is soft, brooding, velvety and long-lasting. It is made from equal parts Merlot and Sangiovese and both grapes bring their best qualities to the blend. The Sangiovese grape shows a distinct personality with region-specific notes of small berries and spices and it also offers a wonderfully fresh acidity. The Merlot plays a strong role in the background, adding softness, fullness and richness. SUPERIORE.DE

"2022 was a hot and dry year and it seems to have emphasised the Merlot power more than the Sangiovese finesse: wild forest berries, sous bois and spicy plum lead the way, with a saline touch. Grippy and spicy, round and ripe, it's a bit angular at the moment, with a drying finish, but once that oak has settled down it should show us what it's made of." Decanter

"This warm vintage offers plenty of primary fruit with bold cherry as the protagonist. Softer tones of blue flower and grilled rosemary appear at the back. However, the oak spice and cinnamon need time to integrate." Wine Advocate

"The aromas of dark berries, violets and perfume are enchanting. The palate is medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are polished and so elegant and they run the length of the wine. They are rather endless. Very classy and balanced. A merlot and sangiovese blend. Give this a year or two, but it’s already a joy to drink." James Suckling