Wines from Tuscany

2020 is the first organic Oreno vintage. Deep dark ruby violet. On the nose, cassis, blackcurrant and a powerful herbal spice 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 juicy wine monument has precisely integrated tannins, an enormous silkiness and a seemingly endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Oreno is the top wine of the Tenuta Sette Ponti of the Moretti Cuseri family. The estate is located near Arezzo. The Oreno 2020 consists of 50 % Merlot, 40 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 10 % Petit Verdot. It is matured for 18 months in French oak barriques. Dense and clear, as well as with beautiful race, the Oreno presents itself somewhat finer than the Orma from the sister estate from the Maremma. Clearly more fresh and with more acid kick, the Oreno shines with a fleshy presence and great sweetness. The tannins are somewhat rounder, with good, creamy richness and solid length. In the finish, it seems a little slippery." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red. The nose smells softly of blackberries, ripe forest fruits, some liquorice and mint, plus fine sealing wax in the reverberation. On the palate radiant, clear, tightly woven tannin, plus present fruit, very juicy on the back end, seems balanced and profound, long finish." Falstaff

"Beautiful detail on the nose, a sweet floral scent with hints of dried herbs, coffee and mint. Structured and fleshy, this wine has weight and power from the start, focusing more on the tannins and concentration of the crisp fruit than the obvious vibrancy at this stage. A serious, contemplative wine that has a lot going for it. I love the intensity of this wine, it is confident and has a clear direction and energy. I also like the salty, smoked stone flavour at the end, which adds nuance and a sense of place. Detailed and expressive, great winemaking and there's a lot to discover." Decanter

"The Tenuta Sette Ponti 2020 Oreno from a warm vintage is very rich and full-bodied and definitely softer compared to the previous 2019 vintage. This wine shows lots of savoury fruit and velvety concentration with blackberry jam and baked cherry. The Oreno gives you a very generous expression of Tuscany to enjoy over the short or medium term." Wine Advocate

"The Oreno 2020 is a dark, brooding beauty. Black cherry, plum, tobacco, spices, menthol, liquorice and dried herbs race across the palate. Deep, fleshy and very expressive, the 2020 Oreno has a lot to offer. It should drink well with minimal cellaring, but also has enough substance to drink well for many years to come." Vinous

"This wine is lush, dense and vibrant, with aromas of black cherries, blackberries and blackcurrants accompanied by mineral, cedary and spicy elements. It firms up on the finish, with fruity, mineral and spicy accents and a nice length." Wine Spectator

"Wow. Wonderful nose of dark cherries, chocolate and spices; deep texture, the tannins fine-grained, cushioned by the acidity, of great length with a multi-faceted finish that makes you want to take another sip. Excellent." Vinum

"A red wine with a layered, velvety texture, showing blackberry and black olive character, plus some iodine and graphite. Full-bodied and rich with lots of fruit and chewy tannins." James Suckling

Pianrosso comes from a south-west facing vineyard in the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone at an altitude of around 300 metres with mainly Galestro soils. It is dark, rich and deeply seductive, showing ripe black fruit enveloped in hints of gravel, sage and exotic spices. Although it has a velvety and almost creamy texture, it finds harmony through juicy acids and a blend of ripe black cherries and plums. Notes of liquorice and baker's chocolate balance the salty minerality and fine-grained tannins of the Pianrosso in a long and dramatic final. For a wine with such power, this is a beautiful symmetry. Definitely put it away for a few more years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Cru is a selection of the best vines. Dark, spicy bouquet, extremely complex and multi-faceted, beguiling with fresh, ethereal, smoky and herbaceous notes reminiscent of Mediterranean herbs, with mineral, salty hints and floral nuances (rose petals, violet blossom), backed by redcurrant. Dense and powerful on the palate with a core of fresh, juicy fruit, very cleverly arranged, skilfully framed by fine, polished, almost sweetish tannins that linger on forever, very elegant, with dark, ethereal-balsamic spicy notes on the long final." Weinwisser

"Sparkling ruby colour with a bright garnet rim. Finely drawn, appealing nose with clear notes of rosehip, crisp cherries, some blood orange and clove. Opens on the palate with pithy, gripping tannins, flows calmly, with a lovely sweet mellowness on the finish, very good tension, savoury and long." Falstaff

"Sweet berries and cherries on the nose, along with fresh violet and lilac notes. Full-bodied with juicy tannins and a spicy finish that opens up on the palate. Lots of ripe cherry flavour. Also tar. A rich and multi-layered Pianrosso. One of the bigger, riper wines of the vintage." James Suckling

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso tempts the imagination with a darkly alluring bouquet that keeps the taster at the edge of the glass as a cooling whiff of smoke gives way to dried flowers, cedar and exotic spice. It flows across the palate with textures of pure silk, finessed and graceful, with depths of intense red and black fruits that slowly saturate. The 2019 turns inward upon itself through the finish, tannic and long with notes of licorice and cacao bean. This is a serious rendition of Pianrosso that will require patience to enjoy fully. That said, it’s sure to be worth the wait." Vinous

"Pianrosso is a selection from the vineyard of the same name: 11 hectares in the lower south-east of Montalcino. The grapes were harvested between 11 September and 4 October 2019, which suggests a classic vintage. It shines with its earl grey tea aroma, combined with dark cherry, cinnamon, liquorice and a floral bouquet. The fruit character is very dark and precise; marvellous in this vintage. Full-bodied, dense and velvety with firm, long yet integrated acidity, it tapers off on the finish, but this is a sign of its elegance." Decanter

"The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens with a broad and all-encompassing bouquet of dried cherries or cherry pie with crust, plum cake and rose potpourri. There are obvious oak tones, but they fade into underbrush, grilled herbs and the generous texture of this wine. Even the 15% alcohol content disappears into the fleshy fruitiness of the wine. Certainly this is a wine that needs more bottle age to develop the suppleness and beautiful freshness of such an important Sangiovese." Wine Advocate

"A cornerstone of the typology, we are in the south-east region of the denomination, a stone's throw from Castelnuovo dell'Abate. Rich nose, notes of red mulberries, then rosemary and hints of Peranzana olives. The flavour is spicy, with a return of red mulberry and iodised nuances." Luca Gardini

Poggio Valente comes from a single vineyard of the same name at an altitude of around 300 metres. Opulent floral and small-fruited Sangiovese nose with optimally nuanced hints of tobacco, cedar and mint. Precise on the palate with plenty of pressure and power, then towards the end the furious resolution of all the well-dosed components in a fine, silky texture and an unforgettable, long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very youthful bouquet with red berries, black cherries, redcurrants, as well as a noticeable minerality and spice (undergrowth, tobacco). Powerful but elegant style, fine tannin structure, lives from the red berry fruit and an astonishing freshness for the warm vintage." Weinwisser

"Aromatic and intense, its ripe red and black cherry scents are balanced by earthy savouriness, with balsamic freshness, plenty of salinity and fine, grippy tannins allied to flavours of ripe cherry and wild strawberry. It finishes long and balsamic with some oak spice, showing a sense of elegance from the estate's highest vineyard despite this wine's 15% of alcohol." Decanter

"The notes of the 2020 Poggio Valente, a single varietal Sangiovese, intensify in a heady, effortless Tuscan red that hits all the right notes. Dark red/purple fruit, rose petals, liquorice, cedar and tobacco fill the layers. The 2020 impresses with its outstanding balance and class." Vinous

"Promising bouquet of raspberries and flowers, also subtle spicy notes; pithy on the palate, robust tannins, lots of character and good length, elegant lingering finish, in short: a wine for many situations." Vinum

"The Fattoria le Pupille 2020 Poggio Valente, which came from a difficult harvest for Sangiovese, shows aromas of wild cherry, pressed violet, balsamic herbs and grilled rosemary. The wine has good freshness (this was the difficulty of the vintage) and has good tannins supporting a rich fruit core. The Poggio Valente is not dominated by oak, and this is also what characterises it." Wine Advocate

"Lots of rose petals, orange peel and cherries on the nose. Medium-bodied with a very long and bright fruit character. Lasts for minutes, with so much energy and brightness." James Suckling

Only vinified in the best vintages, it surprises with a bright garnet red. Bouquet of blackberry, violets and small sweet wild berries, on the palate cherry-like and then not at all arbitrary with a gripping acidity and a fine-grained tannin. A great, intellectual Brunello for the advanced connoisseur who likes it enigmatic and extraordinary. SUPERIORE.DE

"Finely chiselled bouquet of red berries, violets and Mediterranean maquis; linear attack, the tannins fine-grained and youthful, in perfect harmony with the acidity, very complex and powerfully pulling finish." Vinum

"The Poggio di Sotto is regularly the most Burgundian Brunello. Even its comparatively classic lighter colour reveals that (massive) extraction is not the focus here. The Burgundian-like aroma profile ranges from red fruits, red and dark cherries to floral-spicy notes. Violets, rosewood and exotic spices skilfully round off the elegant bouquet. On the palate, it is dense and full-bodied, yet elegant, juicy and finesse-rich, even if the somewhat more powerful vintage with grippy tannin and ripe fruit expression can be felt here. In the very multilayered final, the dark red and blue fruits with the fine spice come to the fore once again." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby-garnet with a slightly brightening rim. Initially shows fine spicy notes, after cardamom and cloves, dark fruit notes, after blackberries and dark cherries. Spreads out on the palate with fine substance, opens with grippy tannin in many layers, long finish, juicy." Falstaff

"Totally timeless scent, balsamic, subtle cranberry and cassis, cinnamon bark, tobacco, plum cake, long pepper, iodine and meat; very firm but now already very coherent, resting in itself, has a long life ahead of it." Meiningers Sommelier

"Bright flavors of strawberry, cherry and currant are at the core of this elegant red, which is balanced and long, with a fresh aftertaste evoking fruit and mineral hints. Firm, yet refined tannins should give this structure to evolve over the next decade and more." Wine Spectator

"Cherries and orange peel with cedar and pine undertones. It’s full yet fresh and lightly chewy with some citrus at the end. Shows tension and firmness for the vintage with a pretty form and purity. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2022." James Suckling

"Poggio di Sotto made 50% less wine in 2017 and will not release a Riserva. Maceration times were shorter than usual – just 25 to 30 days for the Brunello. It also spent three rather than four years in wood to avoid over-concentration. Aromas of steeped red berry infused with dried thyme and scorched orange peel make a heady first impression. The palate is mouth-filling and shows lovely purity of cherry and raspberry at the core. Concentrated in acidity with finely powdered, finessed tannins, this reveals just a hint of astringency on the orange liqueur and amaro finish." Decanter

"A captivating mix of ripe plums, strawberries, cloves, violet pastille, balsam herbs and white smoke emanates from the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino. This is undeniably elegant in feel, showing a weight unexpected from a young Poggio di Sotto, yet working in perfect harmony, with tart cherries and wild berries drenching the palate in primary concentration, as saline-minerals and brisk acids add energy and verve. There’s simply so much going on here that each return to the glass reveals something new. The tannins are sweet and rounded, and while structured, this remains fully satiating and fresh, as hints of lavender and black currant slowly fade. It’s totally atypical of a young Poggio di Sotto, yet also a wonderfully unique expression of the vintage, one that should mature evenly in spite of the drastic climatic conditions. What’s more, winemaker Luca Marrone chose to shorten the aging in wood by an entire year. The 2017 is a wine that’s not to be missed." Vinous

"Once again raw material of great crunchiness for an immovable of this typology. Nose of blackberry, with touches of dried thyme, then rhubarb and floral-balsamic finish. The mouthfeel has density and crunchiness, iodized tannins, nice length, with a fruity ending." Luca Gardini

"Made with certified-organic fruit, the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is an impossibly graceful wine from a challenging vintage. This bottle defies the odds-and the dry heat of the growing season-to reveal soft layers of cherry, cassis and more vibrant fruit. It glides clear over the palate with silky momentum, and you only notice the tannins at the very end. Even those should soften and integrate as this collectible wine continues it bottle evolution." Wine Advocate

The Vigna del Sorbo vineyard is located directly in front of the winery. The south-west facing vineyard with Galestro soils covers 8 hectares at an altitude of 450 metres. The Riserva was first produced in 1985 and has been labelled Gran Selezione since the 2010 vintage.

Dark ruby red with light red highlights. Deep and initially unfathomable on the nose. But any spirit of discovery will be enchanted when it opens slowly and very balanced with red cherries, redcurrants, earth, sage and liquorice, revealing more facets with each passing minute. Finally, the mouthfeel shows a similar degree of extreme flavour balance with very fine but still young tannins. This medium-bodied structure, coupled with the wine's natural acidity, is an important guarantee of its great longevity. Our clear conclusion: there is not only a lot to discover here, but also to admire. Chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"Promising aromas of raspberries and flowers, with subtle notes of pepper; pithy on the palate, perfectly integrated acidity, lots of juice, power, plump tannins, character and a wonderful spicy final on notes of ripe cherries and sandalwood." Vinum

"Dark ruby red colour with a delicately brightening rim. On the nose, pronounced spicy aromas of ripe wild berries, rich Amarena cherries and clear pepper spice, with a leathery aftertaste. Tight-knit and pithy on the palate, spreads out with grip, very juicy, with a subtle salty undertone, powerful and long with plenty of character, still needs some bottle ageing." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red colour. Spicy, mineral, elegant and a little reserved on the nose. Deep, juicy cherry fruit, supported by the right dose of chewy tannins. Very long. Concentrated, lively and relaxed at the same time." Jancis Robinson

"This wine is elegant, with floral, cherry, raspberry and mineral flavours. A hint of earth shines through, while the finish is graceful." Wine Spectator

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo 2019 is a powerful, virile wine with enormous depth and equally impressive tannins. An explosion of dark fruits, herbs, chocolate, menthol and spices flows from the glass. Big tannins and a hint of rusticity suggest that the 2019 will not be one of the finest sorbos, but it is a good effort for this year." Vinous

"Vigna del Sorbo lies at an altitude of 400 metres and has the classic Galestro soil of Chianti Classico. The warm, south-west facing vineyard typically produces a powerful, intense wine that requires ageing. The 2019 shows all the wild, penetrating characteristics of this site, but it quickly comes into harmony and reveals its balance and precision. The wood-accentuated notes of smoke and vanilla give way to pressed violets, rosemary and liquorice. Luscious red cherry and dark plum flesh is enveloped by long, layered, chalky tannins. The palate reveals an energetic bar of unwavering acidity that gives the wine a linear feel. Fennel and crushed stone linger on the finish." Decanter

"Usually excellent Sangiovese in purity of great elegance from Fontodi, with the step ahead of a great vintage. Nose of freshness, marasche, with officinal hints of citron thyme, mouth with a nice acidic shoulder, salty tannins, crispiness and incisiveness. Persistent." Luca Gardini

"This iconic wine has a whole new energy as it is now part of an exciting range of potential Gran Selezione wines being made at Fontodi. Two new additions to the portfolio (Pastrolo from cool Lamole and Terrazze San Leonlino from Panzano) help to give greater context to the organic 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo. This wine naturally benefits from many years of experience, and the identity of Vigna del Sorbo is well established. Soil connoisseurs, however, will take great pleasure in comparing the Vigna del Sorbo from slate-rich Galestro soils with the calcareous alternative from Terrazze San Leonlino. I lean towards the Vigna del Sorbo because I find the mineral notes of pencil and iron ore so appealing. These dusty notes are rounded out by sweet cherry fruit, plum and spice. Rising alcohol levels can be a problem in sun-drenched Panzano, and the wine team lets the vines grow higher in summer to provide shade and takes other active measures to combat this problem." Wine Advocate

Tenuta Tignanello is located in the heart of Chianti Classico on the gentle hills between the valleys of the Greve and Pesa rivers and comprises 319 hectares of land, of which around 130 are planted with vines. The estate's vineyards include two jewels: Tignanello and Solaia, which are located on the same hill, on calcareous and schistose marl soils of marine origin from the Pliocene, and which benefit from warm days and fresh nights during the growing season. Two wines are produced from these vineyards, which many years ago had the potential to become the starting point of the Italian wine renaissance. Nothing has changed to this day.

Tignanello is more classic than ever in the excellent year 2021. The tried-and-tested blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc comes to the fore with impressive clarity and attention to detail. The fruitiness of the wine is perfectly controlled and polished, there is no exaggeration, no excesses and no loose ends. The result is precise and sophisticated, especially considering the handling of the tannins (aged for up to 17 months in new and used Hungarian and French oak) and the quality of the elegant mouthfeel. With time in the glass, all the elements come together to form a perfect unity and balance. Simply put: a great wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"The currants and spices are very pretty, with some hazelnut undertones. Medium to full-bodied with juicy tannins and a flavourful finish. Very structured for a Tignanello, with medium-bodied tannins and a flavourful finish. Very polished and curated, with a skilful winemaker's hand coming through." James Suckling

"Infused with pure cherry, strawberry, graphite and tobacco aromas and flavours, this red is beautifully supported by a backbone of vibrant acidity and taut, refined tannins. It's all framed by vanilla and toasted oak in the best sense, revealing harmony, with a long, orange-coloured finish and, yes, even drinkability at this stage. Best give it a few more years in the bottle." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Tignanello is just as impressive in the bottle as it is in the barrel and shortly after bottling. Silky and polished, with exceptional finesse, the 2021 has what it takes to become a modern benchmark for Tignanello and Italian wine in general. Bright dark red fruit, blood orange, spice, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco rise from the glass, framed by a subtle hint of French oak that gives the wine race. In some vintages, the individual elements are clearly recognisable. In the 2021, it is the total harmony of the wine that leaves the strongest and deepest impression. Outstanding." Vinous

"This legendary Italian wine, which was first produced in 1971, is now celebrating its 50th birthday. Happy birthday, Tignanello! The Marchesi Antinori 2021 Tignanello (made from 79% Sangiovese, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc) makes everyone's heart beat faster. The wine shows a thoroughly pretty flavour profile with aromas of tart fruit, redcurrants, tea leaves, roses, crushed white pepper, liquorice, nutmeg, cloves and chopped mint. It opens slowly to reveal more richness and exuberance over time, becoming downright lush and intoxicating a short time later. However, the through-line remains the bright freshness and minerality of the Sangiovese. Compared to the 2018 vintage (which I also liked very much), this vintage has more fruit weight and volume overall." Wine Advocate

Fantastic wine from terrific2019, which embodies the style of the winery just as convincingly as its high-altitude terroir. Fruity aromas of wild cherry, baking spices and savoury herbs characterise its hauntingbouquet. Elegance and fullness in the perfectly contoured flavour, which gives all the components the necessary freedom. One of the best Poggio Antico in a long time: deep, long and multi-faceted - a real beauty! SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Great, inviting nose of fresh raspberry fruit, some watermelon, red peach and wild strawberries, with elegant hints of mint. Juicy and elegant on the palate, with clear, radiant fruit, full-bodied, with tightly woven, slightly salty tannins, well-integrated alcohol, accessible and easy to drink!" Falstaff

"Dark ruby red with orange reflections. Deep, dramatic balsamic nose with a hint of oak. The palate is very precise without losing concentration. Polished, tangy fruit with a layer of sandy tannins to round it off." Jancis Robinson

"Very fragrant and lively, it combines scents of Mediterranean forest, pine and fresh mint with cooler notes of juniper and pepper. On the palate, it is very smooth and polished, with an almost shiny lustre. It's deliciously full-bodied with layers of ripe, macerated cherries accompanied by chinotto bitters. The tension comes from the tangy acidity rather than the soft tannins. Finishes with cinnamon spice." Decanter

"An explosion of pure cherry fruit bursts from the glass, with notes of iron, tobacco and spice adding complexity. Lively and balanced, with chalky tannins on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of aromas of bark, mushrooms and wild flowers with crushed cherries. Multi-layered. Medium body with nice acidity and a racy and beautiful finish. Very fine tannins. Lots of energy here." James Suckling

"A deeply savory, almost briny nose of balsamic, seaweed, salt, pepper and black sesame draws just enough sweetness from ripe black cherries. The palate brings more incisive notes of blackberry, along with more salt, more pepper and an emergent earthiness, which, along with symbiotic tannins and acid, create a sensation of easy balance." Wine Enthusiast

Beguiling aroma of sweet, dark berries with hints of cassis, cedar and antique leather. Very balanced on the palate, of beautiful viscosity with an elegant melting. Fine-meshed tannin, restrained mineral tones and a wonderfully polished fruit accompany into a remarkable finish. For all its elegance, it shows pressure and power and, with the right dose of acidity, promises a long life and almost reaches the level of its famous big brother. SUPERIORE.DE

"The intense ruby red Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2020 unabashedly reveals a clear and generous aromatic expression, marked by notes of ripe red fruits. On the palate, the wine is soft, round and enveloping, yet at the same time full-bodied and rich, with a good balance between structure, richness and elegance." Olga Fusari, Oenologist

"Rich, almost impenetrable dark ruby with a shimmering core. Graceful on the nose with notes of black ribes, mocha, tobacco leaf and some mint. Imposing and polished on the palate, elegant, very well integrated wood, fine-grained firm tannins, with excellent structure and a long finish with lots of dark fruit." Falstaff

"This muscular red is saturated with aromas of cherry, plum, vanilla and earth. As solid and sinewy as the tannin structure is, the fruit matches it step for step on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Ornellaia 2020 Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia is a generous and dark-toned red wine that has the added fruit fibre, sweetness and generous richness of a warm vintage. The fullness of the fruit is on full display, but in a very relaxed and natural way. The wine never feels like too much. The tannins are yielding and velvety, and this pure-bred Tuscan red wine coats the palate tightly." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia is a very beautiful and elegant wine. The aromatics alone are beguiling. Crushed flowers, spices, menthol, mocha, dark red cherries and cedar adorn this expressive, medium-bodied Serre Nuove. The 2020 is a wine of great harmony and balance." Vinous

"Currants and bark with some cinnamon and flowers. Round and velvety with spice and chocolate as well as walnuts. Long and flavorful." James Suckling

Rich bouquet of sweet red berries, balsamic notes, fine flavours of tobacco and chocolate. Very harmonious on the palate of dark cherries, flatteringly full flavour, perfectly balanced tannins, fresh acidity and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Le Volte dell'Ornellaia 2021 offers bright and youthful fruit with dark cherries, cassis, spices and red roses. This wine is made from Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. You can feel the acidity of the Italian grapes and the rich fruit of the two French grape varieties. The wine is taut and dense with medium intensity. This is the entry-level red wine from one of Italy's best-known wineries." Wine Advocate

"A firm and silky wine with aromas and flavours of bark, berries, chocolate and light coffee. Medium body. Creamy, structured finish. Drinkable and fresh." James Suckling

"Shows expressive, juicy flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, cassis and lavender that need time to meld with the firm, dusty tannins, some of which come from the oak. Gets even better with a few minutes of air. Offers a nice length. Decant now." Wine Spectator

"Intense ruby red with a slightly lighter rim. Subtle aromas of ripe sour cherry and preserved plums on the nose, with some spice and a touch of liquorice in the background. Well-balanced on the palate, with fine-grained tannins, drinky and a long final." Falstaff

"The nose blends rich fruit notes of cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and raspberry with a woody, earthy, slightly herbal savoriness. The cherries and blood orange star on the palate, with the savory elements continuing to make themselves known before a closing kick of chili heat. Vibrant acidity bounces around chalky tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Batàr is undoubtedly reminiscent of Burgundy, but with unmistakable Tuscan authenticity. Vintage after vintage, Querciabella's forward-thinking winemaking has moved beyond the hedonistic idea of growing foreign, albeit noble, white grapes in a stronghold of red wines to focus on expressing a particular sense of place. The Batàr's inherent vitality and classic minerality clearly come from the high altitude vineyards of Ruffoli and the Galestro soils typical of the best Chianti Classico sites.

Batàr's legendary ability to defy age and improve over time requires a careful combination of hand-picked Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco grapes, timely micro-vinification and patient ageing in barrel. The long time on the lees in high-quality French barriques allows the individual lots to develop their best expression. Only when the optimal maturation is complete is the final assemblage put together through extensive sampling. Further maturation in the bottle before release seals the multi-layered texture that is the proverbial mouthfeel of Batàr.

Exudes elegant aromas of jasmine, peach and sweet tropical fruits and a lively minerality. Batàr secures its many admirers with great finesse and opulent diversity and has undoubtedly been one of Italy's best white wines for decades! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, light golden yellow. Very appealing and exciting note, first of flint, then mango, pineapple and some sage. Juicy in the attack and course, fine tropical fruit, shows good tension, creamy and long in the finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Batàr, 50% Chardonnay/50% Pinot Blanc, offers up an exotic mélange of tangerine peel, pineapple, spice and passionfruit. The move towards a more refined style here has paid off big-time." Vinous

"Sliced apples, peaches, peach blossom, cedar and smoked almonds on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a creamy texture. Layered and delicious with subtle spice notes and ripe stone fruit, balanced by bright acidity." James Suckling

The anniversary edition of the Novecento opens on the nose with layers of dark fruits, spices, tar and smoke. Then on the palate, there is terrific depth and hints of earth or crushed black rock. Novecento offers a great texture that is velvety and rich without ever seeming heavy or sluggish. Long and crisp on the spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe nose with aromas of maraschino, herbs and leather; the tannins robust, showing character and length, solid finish. Pair with a T-bone steak." Vinum

"The organic Dievole 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento is slow to open and is neutral on first nose. It does eventually show some dark fruit and wild cherry that is nicely intermingled with spice, leather and tar. There is a warm or savory quality to this wine with autumn leaf and forest floor. The blend is 95% Sangiovese, 3% Canaiolo and 2% Colorino. This release celebrates the 30th vintage of this wine." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 vintage was one of the most balanced in recent years in Chianti Classico. Here, as Antonini confessed, there is no intention to make an approachable wine. The colour shines in its ruby red tinge; the nose is intensely fresh, flowery and slightly reductive at first, before an orange vert emerges from the depths to overlay black cherry and creamy strawberry. The attack is firm, crunchy and extracted. Fierce acidity supports a youthful cherry fruit expression with enough concentration and a thick finish. Quite austere for 2019, but amazing considering its ability to age." Decanter

"This is extremely aromatic, with strawberry and cherry character and hints of orange peel and flowers. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are integrated and polished. Bright acidity at the finish, made from a mix of parcels from the highest vineyards of Dievole. Beautiful to drink now, but will age will, too." James Suckling

Altesinos Montosoli is always a crowd pleaser and a beautiful wine. It shows depth, intensity and plenty of authenticity both in terms of the grape variety and the area. Dark cherries and blackberries rise from the bouquet with spices, pipe tobacco and damp earth in tow. The wine is complex and nuanced. The authenticity of the Sangiovese comes through clearly on the palate. It is a medium-bodied wine with polished but firm tannins and distinct acidity. The finish shows a touch of freshness, minerality, notes of mint and great depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spicy, fruity aromatics, wild berries and roses; the attack is multi-layered, has character but also plenty of polish, the ell-long finish on notes of stone fruit and undergrowth." Vinum

"Firm and quite deep, nutty and very slightly cocoa-spicy aroma of ripe black berries, more black than red, with clear tar, a touch of cherries, hints of dried flowers and herbs as well as nutty tones. Tart, with air increasingly juicy, very tightly knit, rather dark fruit with present, nutty wood spice, some toasty cocoa and coffee notes as well as a little dried herbs, hints of juniper in the background, noticeable, but integrated alcohol, slightly ethereal, juniper-like spice, salty nuances, quite complex, still completely undeveloped, very good, firm, again toasty finish. Definitely needs to mature." Wein-Plus

"Shiny, rich ruby red with a fine garnet shimmer. Very clear and fruity nose, fresh, raspberry and dark cherry, fennel in the background. Round and supple in the attack and course, grippy tannin with fine melting, spreads out richly, nice pressure in the final." Falstaff

"The aromatics alone are worth the price of entry on the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli. A dazzling display is revealed as this opens like a basket of freshly picked flowers with ripe strawberries, cloves and a hint of plum sauce that adds gravitas. Its elegance is nicely matched by a balanced inner sweetness, as mineral-tinged red berries are contrasted by hints of sour citrus and savory spice. Fine tannins mount, yet are almost imperceptible until the finish, where notes of blood orange mingle with licorice and inner rose. In a word, spellbinding. While some cellaring will be needed, I expect the 2017 Montosoli to enjoy a broad, open and highly pleasurable drinking window." Vinous

"This is one of the icon wines of Montalcino and one of the bottles that best captures the character of this prized vineyard cru. Altesino farms 4.5 hectares in Montosoli at 350 meters in elevation with galestro soils. The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is darkly concentrated and rich. It shows an almost creamy consistency that was not easy to achieve in this hot vintage that tends to underline tannic power and alcohol. Instead, this wine offers a steady stream of dark fruit flavors that transition to spice, leather and sweet tobacco." Wine Advocate

"This concentrated red is saturated by black currant, blackberry and blueberry flavors, with notes of iron, tar, tobacco and wild herbs chiming in as it evolves toward the long finish. So fresh and fruity, it's hard to believe this is a 2017 if not for the stiff tannins. Shows superb balance and complexity." Wine Spectator

"Super clean black fruit and minerals on the nose and palate. Floral and herbal nuances, too. Medium-to full-bodied with very fine tannins and a long finish. This is super-clean, long and balanced. Despite the difficult vintage, Montosoli shows its class. One of the wines of the vintage. Best from 2024." James Suckling

Poggio Antico's noble new addition to the portfolio makes its debut in the very first vintage with the typical class of the winery: precise and with great personality, it shows a lively fruit of outstanding quality, reminiscent of black plums, blackberries, pressed blueberries, plums, wild myrtle, milk chocolate, roasted hazelnuts and a light vanilla note. Citrus undertones and an elegant acid wire slim down the extract sweetness in the best possible way. Full-bodied on the palate, very well polished tannins and a solid, powerful finish that shows both muscle and relaxation. The grapes come from the small vineyard of the same name at over 550 metres above sea level. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby red colour. Spicy, mineral and a little salty on the nose, still a little closed in the fruit. Lots of cherry with a hint of cassis on the nose, wrapped in fine oak. Lots of tactile, gravelly tannins that still need to settle. Lots of everything, including potential." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas and flavours of juniper, wild thyme, sage and sweet spices complement the cherry and raspberry fruit in this tasty version. Harmonious and firmly structured, with iron and sanguine accents in the aftertaste. This red wine will become even more expressive with air, so decant it now or wait a few more years." Wine Spectator

"The nose is compellingly fruit-forward, with aromas of passionfruit, dried cherry, strawberry jam and blood orange, along with savory pepper and wild fennel notes for balance. The palate brings more red fruit and citrus, plus tangy, savory notes of metal, earth and black coffee, while acid burns through solid, dense tannins. Electric and alive." Wine Enthusiast

"Beautiful flavours of berries, meat, bark and earth. Medium to full-bodied with round but fine tannins that offer a velvety texture and a long, lingering finish at all levels." James Suckling

"Fragrant and expressive on the nose: wild herbs, pine needles, a hint of Mediterranean scrub, juniper and lavender. Soft and juicy, supple and agile in the mouth, dazzlingly fresh. The tannins and acidity are slightly taut and tense - both steer the wine in a fairly straight line at the moment, but there is outstanding depth, a layering of elements and a long, fresh finish with a cool lift. Cherries, cranberries, some bloody orange and almost peach stone with a gritty underbelly offering wet stones. Grippy and intense, yet restrained and supple." Decanter

Laura Brunelli's Brunello is an outstanding reflection of the appellation every year. A floral bouquet, the purest expression of cherry and strawberry imaginable, a hint of mint, sage and cedar dust - all this can be found in its stunning bouquet. The youthful density of the ripe primary fruit contrasts with salty minerality and lively acidity, leaving a cascading and crisp impression on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Smells of wild strawberries and violets; well-balanced texture, tightly woven tannins, elegant flow, pithy-fresh finish." Vinum

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Spicy, mineral nose with fragrant fruit that has yet to really open up. Elegant, long flavours of raspberries and fruit with plenty of fresh acidity and grippy, gravelly tannins. Still youthful, and it will take some time for the whole to come together as a whole." Jancis Robinson

"Tantalising nose of rosemary, wild cherries, lemon peel, chocolate strawberries and pralines. It is medium-bodied with a bright, fruit-driven palate framed by fine-grained tannins. Everything in balance. Drinkable from 2023." James Suckling

"The dark, seductive Brunello di Montalcino 2018 grumbles from the glass, with a mixture of crushed plums and black cherries, complemented by nuances of grated sage. It is soft and profound, engulfing the palate with ripe wild berries and spices, underscored by a savoury herbal steak. A web of fine tannins creates a truly classic impression, while mentholated herbs and hints of wild strawberries keep reappearing. This youthfully masked beauty will only need minimal cellaring time to show its best side." Vinous

"As with the 2017 vintage, Laura Brunelli will not be releasing a Riserva. Instead, the Olmo vineyard, which typically forms the backbone of the Riserva, is a key component in this Annata Brunello, making a beautiful and complete wine. Mint, lavender and fennel lead on the nose, while sweet, juicy persimmon and crisp pomegranate form the backdrop on the palate, and the chalky tannins are quite insidious in their grip. On the surface, it's approachable, but its substance, intrigue and backbone suggest more to come." Decanter

"This red wine with its cherry and raspberry flavours also offers aromas of eucalyptus, minerals, earth and almonds. Lively and balanced, with an intense, delicious finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino captures the essence and spirit of the Sangiovese grape very well, a grape that in the right hands delivers infinitely nuanced and complex results. This wine reveals wild cherry, blue violet, blood orange, rusty nail and sweet earth. A hint of scorched earth or baked clay emphasises the warmest months in this growing cycle. The result is balanced and fresh. I've mentioned the alcohol content throughout this review, and while the 14% registered here is still quite high, it's below the average of its peers. This is a job very well done." Wine Advocate

"The nose starts reddish and spicy, with notes of tar and earth, then brightens and freshens with flavours of blood orange, cranberry, cherry and rose. The palate is cherry-driven, with a sunny citrus warmth, but a hint of mint adds freshness and balance, while the acidity sizzles around the structured, stoic tannins like flames flickering on the slats of a barbecue." Wine Enthusiast

"The nose starts sanguine and savory, with notes of tar and soil, then turns lighter and fresher with aromas of blood orange, cranberries, cherries and roses. The palate is cherry-forward, with a sunny citrus warmth, but a gust of mint provides freshness and balance, while acid sizzles around structured, stoic tannins like flames lapping at the slats of a grill." Wine Enthusiast

The rare Essenzia di Caiarossa is made from different grape varieties each time and is bottled exclusively in magnums. It is a limited project in honour of the grape variety and is only produced in years when the selected grape variety is expected to produce particularly excellent results. For the 2020 vintage, Petit Verdot was chosen for the first time, a Bordeaux grape variety that is only grown in very small quantities in western Tuscany near the coast, but usually produces excellent results there.

Impenetrable and dense ... Text will follow shortly. SUPERIORE.DE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The fruit for this exceptional Brunello, produced only in the very best years, comes from a five-hectare vineyard in the northern part of the appellation and there are then just 1,500 bottles of it. Very fluid and graceful bouquet, incredibly deep and complex, with sweet extract, great richness and finest wood, almost impenetrable. Full-bodied and fine at the same time on the palate, with freshness, great structure and a precise focus on dark fruits, pressed rose petals, graphite, smoked spices and hints of savoury smoked meat. Eternally long and fine-mineral finish with a slightly salty note. The essence of Sangiovese with the best possible harmony of elegance and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, rich ruby. Opens with notes of smoke, then lots of dark fruit, wild raspberries and blackberries, some liquorice in the background. Full and substantial in the attack and course, presents itself with powerful tannins, powerful depth, firm pressure in the final, can still be stored for a long time." Falstaff

"Paying homage to founder Pacenti Siro, PS is sourced from a 1.5-hectare plot which he planted in the early 1970s. Suitably restrained, it takes its time to open. Initial roasted, grilled notes speak to ageing in 100% new French oak barriques, but there is plenty more as it unfolds: sage, fennel and fragrant florals poke through. The palate is polished, sophisticated and buoyed by racy Sangiovese acidity. The tannins are chalky, almost clayey, as they cling to the palate, and it finishes with a stony, mineral-like sensation. Give this a few years for the tannins and oak to mellow and merge." Decanter

"There's beauty here, no doubt, but the stylistic preference for 100% new oak on Sangiovese is forever controversial and debatable. The wine's appearance is almost impenetrable, and the bouquet is well-integrated with black fruit, spice and balsam notes." Wine Advocate

"The purity of fruit here is so stunning with blackberry, black-cherry, black-truffle and floral aromas, as well as orange peel. It's full-bodied and very compact with ultra fine tannins that are copious and balanced. It goes on for such a long time. The purity and precision is something else, not to mention the length and depth. So delicious now and a joy to taste." James Suckling

The excellent Cabernet-Merlot blend Giusto di Notri is a concentrated drop with an intense, rich taste. Perfectly dosed bouquet of blackberry, redcurrant and fine herbal spice. Compact on the palate with a well-tempered balance between fruit and oak, plus a distinctive tannin, promising and powerful on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby violet. Wonderfully subtle bouquet with a lot of coastal Tuscan origin. In addition to the ripe, intense fruit such as cassis, blue berries and dark cherries, there are earthy macchia notes and mineral-herbal nuances, behind which there is also a certain balsamic, liquorice and flowers. In the mouth it is intense, but with a delicate middle and vital aromatic tension. Power and refinement with fine tannin, very vertical in structure and drinking flow. Shows a sublime arc of tension." Weinwisser

"Dark shining, rich garnet. Open-hearted nose of ripe berry fruit, bright spice, very rich cherry, raspberry, slightly earthy undertone in the finish, complex. Flattering and red berry on the palate, opens promptly and clearly, still young, pleasant spicy undertone, complex and very drinkable." Falstaff

"This 2018 Giusto dei Notri seems delightfully Cabernet Franc-like, although that variety is usually the minor player in the blend. Intense cassis and leafy notes intertwine, while on the palate more concentrated blackcurrant, green herb, elegant cedar and sweet spice flavours mingle with iron and mineral notes. I love the slightly sappy Bordeaux-like notes here and there. A beautifully elegant and persistent wine." Decanter

"This gorgeous 2018 Giusto di Notri (tasted in a preview capacity before its October 2020 release date) was born beautiful, or so I am told. The wine saw little racking and a hands-off approach, because it came seamlessly together on its own in the winery. Merlot was harvested first in mid-September, and the Cabernets came off the vines in October, without a cloud in the sky. The wine shows the heft and determination you should expect, although this vintage reveals a magically delicate and elegant side with aromas of blue flowers, spice and wild plums. Again, I am reminded of purely Tuscan aromas with wild sage, grilled rosemary and macchia mediterranea shrubs that grow wild in these parts. The wine is also light and fresh on the palate with a surprising degree of weightlessness, yet the persistence is long and polished." Wine Advocate

"A rich, layered red with berries, chocolate and blueberries. Lightly smoky. It's full-bodied and layered with ripe tannins. Balanced and focused. Just a baby now, but will deliver! Best after 2023." James Suckling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The already very well-balanced and classic 2018 vintage can gain again with Fuligni, because no Riserva was produced. Ruby red with orange reflections. On the nose, after some aeration, ripe morello cherries, violets, roses and lots of Mediterranean scrub. Powerful on the palate, the silky tannins give it elegance and the necessary balance, its complexity comes to the fore with every sip. This very authentic and strongly focused Brunello can be counted among the best of the vintage, its wonderfully balanced proportions and its juiciness will give it further impetus in the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear, quite firm, a touch floral aroma of ripe red and also black berries with nutty aromas, a little tobacco, cigar ash, dried herbs and dried meat. Firmly woven, tart and juicy, quite noble fruit, present, fine, youthful tannin, some acid bite, peppery and ethereal herbal nuances on the palate, persistent, good depth, salt in the background, a little cocoa and coffee, complex, still undeveloped but already impressive, has tension and finesse, very good, tight finish with coffee notes and ethereal, also slightly resinous spice." Wein-Plus

"Sparkling, medium dense ruby with a broad garnet rim. Very fragrant and inviting nose, shows lots of fresh fruit, of fresh plum and cherry, fine herbal spice in the background. Compact and present in attack and course, shows itself very balanced and clear, very well integrated tannin, spreads out in long waves, nice juiciness in the drink." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red with orange reflections. There is a kinship with the Rosso 2020 in the oak notes, but here it is a bit more complex and less exotic. Iron, cherry, raspberry with complex oak notes in the background. Cardamom and cumin. A good mouthful of juicy red fruits with fine but persistent tannins. Refreshing, transparent and elegant. Quite amazing balance and lovely bite." Jancis Robinson

"It takes quite a while for the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino to open in the glass. A cloud of white smoke gives way to a sweet-smelling blend of dried roses, sugared cherries and a hint of exotic spices. This is a round and supple 2018 that conveys elegance through its velvety texture, polished ripe red fruits and cascading florals of violets. The 2018 is opulent but also has the acidity to keep it balanced, as it finishes long with classically refined tannins but leaves the palate perfectly poised for another sip. Honestly, it's hard to put this glass down. No Riserva will be produced in 2018, so all the juice has been used to support this open and seductive Brunello." Vinous

"A fine Brunello with aromas and flavours of black cherries, hazelnuts and chocolate. Very perfumed. Medium body with a nice texture and delicious finish. Nice, fine tannins. Not the best structured red wine, but it will improve with age and is a wonderful treat right now." James Suckling

"The Fuligni 2018 Brunello di Montalcino stands out for its supple integration of aromas and the carefully balanced intensity achieved here, which shows verve but also remains very fine and nuanced. The bouquet is multi-layered and reminiscent of wild fruits, cassis, rock gravel, candied oranges and fresh herbs or rosemary. A floral note also emerges, reminiscent of rose or orris root. The tannins are very well integrated and silky. You hardly feel them, and yet the wine has a firm structure throughout." Wine Advocate

"An elegant, juicy red wine with pure cherry and rosehip flavours. Nice balance of fruit, acidity, tannins and texture, with accents of earth, tobacco and wild herbs adding detail. The long finish suggests great potential." Wine Spectator

"Under the direction of Maria Flora Fuligni since 1971, along with her long-time right-hand woman Dr Daniela Perino - now CEO of the winery - Fuligni is one of the denomination's most consistent performers. The 2018 does not disappoint: it embodies the elegance of the vintage. The nose is a captivating synthesis of flowers and earth, exuding pressed violets, lavender and roses with accents of truffle and tobacco. In the mouth, it unfolds with flavour rather than weight or power. Redcurrants and oranges are enhanced by piercing acidity, and the shapely, gorgeously textured tannins are chalky and appropriately cushioned, adding layers and depth. This wine, which is not beyond its capacity, will drink beautifully over the next decade." Decanter

The Fuligni winery offers an "evergreen" at its best with this version of the traditional-style Brunello. Blackcurrant and juniper on the nose, with a hint of pepper leaf on the finish. Salty and taut tannins on the palate, fruity-balsamic return on the finish." Luca Gardini

Marilisa and Franco Allegrini dedicated this single-varietal Cabernet Franc from their own vineyards on Via Bolgherese to their eldest brother Walter, who passed away in 2003. The 2015 vintage marked the beginning of an even more radical focus on the terroir and the quality of the grapes. Since then, a third fewer bottles have been filled each year, resulting in a Bolgheri Superiore from the estate's own grapes from the Bolgheri core zone that is hard to beat in terms of elegance and character. Compact and elegant Cabernet Franc with a fine tobacco note, ripe blackcurrant flavours, some pepper and eucalyptus, plus slightly earthy tones. Dense fruit and polished tannins on the palate, clear, rich final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Poggio al Tesoro 2019 Bolgheri Superiore Dedicato A Walter has oak-accented flavours of popcorn and caramel on toasted nuts, dried fruit, baked plums and baking chocolate. There's a lot going on in the mouthfeel and on the palate. These oak-accented tones are very pleasing given the richness and texture that this wine handles so well." Wine Advocate

"Lavender and toasty oak aromas lead off, with flavors of black currant, blackberry, iron and leafy bell pepper. This red is lithe and complex, driven by vibrant acidity, with fine harmony, varietal expression and length." Wine Spectator

"The Bolgheri Superiore Dedicato a Walter 2019 is great. Here, the extracted style works well to bring out the essence of the Cabernet Franc. Dark fruit, leather, smoke, chocolate, tobacco and cloves give the 2019 an impressive depth. Although it is very intense, the 2019 is by no means over the top. It offers great depth and intensity, with all elements very well balanced." Vinous

"The nose is a light lunch on a rocky beach, where the dusty stones contrast with the spiciness of bresaola and the richness of the sweet chilli jam. The jam spreads across the palate, but the meatiness isn't lost either, before a crackle of black pepper introduces a lingering finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Cabernet Franc in purezza, which impressively demonstrates how well the terroir is suited to this grape variety: Intriguing cherry-bitter chocolate bouquet, tinged with spicy notes; the attack is powerful, the fine-grained tannins and acidity in balance, elegant finish with plenty of fruit and noble character." Vinum

"Beautiful fruit and freshness with a brightness and energy that lifts the wine. It is medium to full-bodied with a bright and juicy palate. Blackcurrant and yellow pepper with some orange blossom. It is bright and fluid in an intriguing way. It's drinkable, but it will only get better with time." James Suckling

Deep dark, almost impenetrable red colour. A whole range of ripe wild berries on the nose, delicately accompanied by nuances of tobacco, leather, cedar and lavender. The palate is also full of fruit, powerful, yet silky and elegant. Traces of dark chocolate in the endlessly long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Noble, fragrant nose of juicy wild berries and fine precious wood, plus bread clover, milk chocolate, fine citrus fruit and light spice on the finish. On the palate, it has a noble mellowness and clear, radiant fruit, with compact, juicy tannins and great juiciness, lively, full of energy, still young, will mature magnificently." Falstaff

"The flavours of red fruits with nutmeg and cinnamon come through clearly, as well as notes of light cedar wood. It is full-bodied with a tight and concentrated palate and very, very polished tannins. They feel slightly powdery, with good tension before the long and lively finish. Better after 2027." James Suckling

"The Tua Rita 2021 Syrah Per Sempre is a beautiful wine that displays enormous richness and softness, without heaviness. There are soft fruit tones cushioned by cinnamon and sweet spice. The wine is opulent, but it also offers exciting tension at the same time." Wine Advocate

LUX VITIS 2016 is the second and small-batch vintage of an exceptional, great wine. It comes from Cabernet Sauvignon vines over 12 years old and contains a small amount of Sangiovese. Deep dark ruby red, the bouquet has gingerbread spice, ripe black cherry and some smoke. On the palate it convinces compact and precise and clearly shows origin and grape variety. LUX VITIS will reveal its true treasure only with the years of maturity - the precise and outstanding 2016 vintage gives it fullness, subtle sweetness and concentration and in addition a freshness that will carry it into a long life. SUPERIORE.DE