3-Glass Wines Gambero Rosso 2022

The grapes for the Vigna Pedale come from vines that are over 30 years old. The vines are planted in a sapling system, which allows only a few grapes per vine. The harvest does not begin until mid-October, which is very unusual for this location so far south. Purple dark red colour. Spicy aroma of cherries, thyme, wild mushrooms and earth, the typical, unadulterated flavour is strong and concentrated with a subtle sweetness. This wine is already a great pleasure today, but still has potential for the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a drop of violet. On the nose with nuances of Amarena cherries, beetroot, also with great spice, like mustard seed, after a little time then on noble wood nuances, appears stony. Clear juiciness on the palate, with plenty of fruit at the core, cool finish, balanced and with race, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"On the nose, smoky spice notes to the ripe raspberries with hints of roasted chestnuts and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied with fine, slightly dry tannins and a bright bead of plum skin and raspberry fruit that combine for a tight, fruity finish. Lasting. Flavourful and entertaining." James Suckling

Salealto consists of equal parts Insolia, Zibibbo and Grillo and was aged for about 10 months on the fine lees in stainless steel. Strong golden yellow with green reflections. Open nose with hints of beeswax, yellow flowers, acacia, red apple and green pepper. Very refreshing on the palate, low acidity, fine saltiness and a wonderful fruit exoticism. In the deep finish, herbal spice and expansive fruit with beautiful freshness - definitely aerate. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Salealto takes its time opening in the glass, as nuances of ginger-spiced apples, hints of tangerine and a zest of lime form its understated yet incredibly pretty bouquet. This impresses with its silky textures offset by saline-tinged acid and mineral tones that give way to savory spices and orchard fruits. The 2019 tapers off surprisingly fresh yet long, leaving hints of tangerine and yellow curry. This is so unique yet also equally enjoyable." Vinous

"Lemon-cream pie with some straw and lime undertones on the nose. Honeysuckle flowers, too. It’s full-bodied with tangy and focused acidity and a long, flavorful finish. So much lemon zest and cream at the finish." James Suckling

"A three-way blend of Inzolia, Zibibbo and Grillo from vineyards in the area of Piana degli Albanesi near Palermo, grown at altitudes of between 700 and 800 metres. A short maceration is followed by fermentation in stainless steel. The various components are blended and matured for around 10 months on the lees, followed by further time in bottle. Rounded yet light on its feet, this is very pure in its vivid fruits and clean acidity. Fragrant floral notes are accompanied by scents and flavours of white peach, yellow plum, apricot skin and orange peel. Intense and delicious." Decanter

A' Puddara, a single-varietal Carricante, radiates pure energy and power. Lemon, peach, white flowers and mineral aromas on the nose, breathtaking elegance and class on the palate. The almost energetic, slightly salty and long flowing final makes this wine simply irresistible. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lightening lemon yellow with green shimmer. Fine herbs adorn the nose, along with green peppers and cold tea, Williams pear on the nose, a little smoky. Present and fresh in the drink, builds up in layers, fine minerality, vibrant and taut in the attack and course, persistently long in the final." Falstaff

The grapes for the Vigna Pedale come from vines that are over 30 years old. The vines are planted in a sapling system, which allows only a few grapes per vine. The harvest does not begin until mid-October, which is very unusual for this location so far south. Purple dark red colour. Spicy aroma of cherries, thyme, wild mushrooms and earth, the typical, unadulterated flavour is strong and concentrated with a subtle sweetness. This wine is already a great pleasure today, but still has potential for the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a drop of violet. On the nose with nuances of Amarena cherries, beetroot, also with great spice, like mustard seed, after a little time then on noble wood nuances, appears stony. Clear juiciness on the palate, with plenty of fruit at the core, cool finish, balanced and with race, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"On the nose, smoky spice notes to the ripe raspberries with hints of roasted chestnuts and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied with fine, slightly dry tannins and a bright bead of plum skin and raspberry fruit that combine for a tight, fruity finish. Lasting. Flavourful and entertaining." James Suckling

Elena Fucci's exceptional Titolo wine is already built for the long haul in its "basic version". It will continue its steady development for at least the next 20 years, which is why it is particularly enjoyable when aged in magnum format. Dark ruby red in colour, the bouquet has aromas of ripe red fruit and a fine woody spice. The wine is assembled with enormous precision, offering a balanced intensity and a beautiful degree of fruit purity that speaks both in favour of the Aglianico grape and the extreme region that produces it. Titolo impresses with its fine texture and elegantly integrated tannins. This is the kind of masterful Aglianico performance we love. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, smoky, sanguine notes of graphite and cured meat are balanced by the fruitiness of cherries and red plums. The fruit notes headline the palate, but an undertone of chili jam leads into a resurgentally meaty finish, while acid bounces around contoured tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Aglianico del Vulture Titolo 2019 is stunning. It opens with an exotic flair that blends smoky plum and lavender with animal musk, ash stone and a hint of sour citrus that enlivens the senses. The palate is silky and supple, quickly gaining youthful tannic tension, but not before offering a taste of mentholated herbal tones and a depth of mineral dark fruit that will take centre stage after a few years of cellaring. The wine finishes incredibly long and structured, leaving a hint of primary concentration lingering under a hint of pretty inner flowers and savoury spice. I believe that the 2019 could one day be one of the best vintages ever produced by Elena Fucci's Titolo." Vinous

Deep dark ruby red. Full, deep and explosive bouquet reminiscent of dark berries, tobacco and liquorice. Illuminati's single-vineyard classic Zanna, with its elegant, very complex taste and delicate oak spice, leaves nothing to be desired every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Zanna, with its dark purple hue, slowly comes to life in the glass. A blend of blackberries and currants is complemented by nuances of mint, chalk dust and exotic spices. The palate is washed by mineral red berries and mentholated herbal notes that unfold towards the end. A layer of fine-grained tannins saturates the palate and gives it a youthful structure, supported by a touch of residual acidity that maintains balance. Give it another year of ageing for best effect." Vinous

"Rich red and black berries with notes of shellfish, dried herbs and a hint of balsamic. Medium to full body with a relaxed palate where the firm, fine and polished tannins bring out a drier aspect of the fruit. This wine needs another year to come together better. Try it from 2023." James Suckling

"This balanced, polished red wine displays rich aromas of red cherries dipped in alcohol with accents of menthol and tobacco. The palate is soft and supple, with a perky cherry flavour wrapped in dewy herbs and cigar box accents. Gentle tannins and bright acidity give this red wine a coherent texture." Wine Enthusiast

"With a dark appearance and the bold concentration of a hot vintage, the Illuminati 2017 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Colline Teramane Riserva Zanna plays up its dense flavors of black fruit, spice and sweet earth. The bouquet is very generous, and this large-scale approach gives this wine plenty of latitude for grilled meat dishes." Wine Advocate

Contrada Rampante grows on the highest vineyard of Passopisciaro. The soils have a higher sand content and the harvest takes place later here. On the nose, dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Rampante is an elegant, energetic red with clear fruit and silky tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby red. Brooding and hinted at ripe red fruits with iodine notes, oatmeal and still embryonic. Plenty of tannic raspberry fruit. Very long, juicy and energetic, tannic and perfumed. Big, long tannic bite on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Contrada Rampante (R) vintage exudes a dramatic but incredibly pretty bouquet of dried flowers, exotic spices, smoke and sour cherries. It is softly textured and refined, with bright acidity that further enlivens the tart red berries. It leaves a hint of minerality, along with fine tannins that only emerge at the very end, when the hints of sour citrus and inner rose tones fade. The Rampante vineyard is the highest site where Passopisciaro grows Nerello Mascalese, at 1,000 metres." Vinous

"Hints of eucalyptus and liquorice on the nose continue on the palate of this fresh red wine, which offers flavours of plump cherries and ripe currants, a mineral underpinning and a crisp framework of chalky tannins. It's enjoyable now, but should also show well with a short ageing period." Wine Spectator

"the Vini Franchetti 2019 Contrada R is characterized by plummy black fruit at its core and a richer, softer texture compared to some of the other single-vineyard wines in this series. It is tight and quite structured despite its luminous ruby shine and medium-light appearance. There are salty mineral notes on the close, even some crushed white pepper, to remind you of this spectacular volcanic landscape." Wine Advocate

"Smoky flint, dark spices, blue flowers and wild berries and a hint of hay come to the fore. The elegant, structured palate is racy and full of mineral tension, offering crushed raspberries, pomegranate, liquorice and ground cloves before an almost salty, mineral finish. Taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework." Wine Enthusiast

Contrada Rampante grows on the highest vineyard of Passopisciaro. The soils have a higher sand content and the harvest takes place later here. On the nose, dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Rampante is an elegant, energetic and dynamic red with clear fruit and silky tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"This brilliance in the glass is attractively typical of Etna wines. The bouquet is reminiscent of raspberries and smoke, red currant and salt. On the palate, a good, so subtle tension: first it shows a gentle attack, then it grabs hold and stays, not lush, but attractively multilayered. The acidity keeps the wine on its toes, the tannins ensure a long finish. 18 months of maturation in large oak barrels make it silky, cool and mineral, as one would ideally expect from an Etna Rosso. The 100+ year old Nerello vines from Contrada Rampante, perhaps the most famous site on Etna, located in Passopisciaro to the north at over 700-1000 metres, adds its own unique style to the house." Vinum

"With fruit from the Contrada Rampante in Castiglione di Sicilia at up to 1,000 meters above sea level, the 2020 Contrada R shows some bitter cherry and brambly aromas of Mediterranean herb. Notes of volcanic ash meet fine, dry tannins. This is one of the more approachable wines in this series of single-vineyard Nerello Mascalese releases." Wine Advocate

"Bright ruby red with a gently brightening rim. Noble and inviting nose, of candied citrus zest, rose hips, wild strawberries, plus a hint of dried red flowers, reverberating delicately of wet stone. On the palate with beautiful juiciness and polished red berry fruit, spreads salty over the tongue, sparse elegance, currently still quite youthful tannin in the finish." Falstaff

The Sottimano winery has five vineyard sites, with the Pajorè site near Treiso having the poorest soils of all. These wines are therefore more elegant and ripe. The current 2018 vintage is a super-classic, explosive wine, with tremendous depth and character. Although it has a lot of breadth and texture, it remains light on its feet. Lavender, mint, liquorice and purple berry fruit are beguiling and wonderfully vibrant in the glass. Pajorè is a spicy, elegant and sweet Nebbiolo that is fine yet covers the mouth well - and we are always impressed by its lovely salty mouthfeel. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wild rosemary and sage notes mingle with plum and cherry fruit in this enticing red, which is harmonious and feels rich midpalate, ending with floral, berry and herb accents, along with moderate tannins." Wine Spectator

"With fruit from Treiso, the 2018 Barbaresco Pajoré shows a lot of shape and depth, all supported by generous but carefully balanced fruit. The bouquet is layered with summer cherry and dried cassis, with earthy tones, camphor ash and powdered licorice. You also get a whiff of crushed flowers or roses. This is an extremely silky and elegant wine with only 6,000 bottles produced." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Barbaresco Pajorè is quite closed. It shows all the translucent elegance of all the wines in the range. Spice, mineral, melted road tar, rose petal, leather and lavender bring out the darker, more balsamic inflections of Nebbiolo. This potent, structured Barbaresco is quite backward today. Readers need to be especially patient." Vinous

The first Caggiole was launched in 1988 and disappeared again as early as 1995 because the flagship Asinone simply met consumers' tastes better. Today - after more than 20 years of abstinence - the Nobile Le Caggiole is back on the market as the new first wine of the house. Estate owner Dott. Federico Carletti has dedicated this masterpiece to his wife Anna - setting a new benchmark for Poliziano and the entire denomination. We are very pleased to present this strictly limited top wine!

Salty, mineral and refined. Le Caggiole represents the terroir and the grape variety Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile) like no other wine of the house. It is almost light-footed, svelte, delicate and at the same time very fine. It is the result of many years of work in selecting the right Sangiovese clones in the single vineyard of the same name, Le Caggiole, which consists of 4 plots. SUPERIORE.DE

"Radiant, elegant ruby red with a delicately lightening rim. Expressive and fragrant nose of ripe heart cherries, wild strawberries, noble use of wood and fine spices in the background. Very polished and juicy on the palate, tightly woven tannins coat the hearty fruit, radiant and finesse-rich, still a little grippy on the final." Falstaff

"The 2018 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Le Caggiole lifts up with a display like human catnip. A pleasant air of vanilla custard accentuates sweet smoke, grilled sage, cocoa and rum-soaked cherries. It’s silky and polished in feel yet finessed with an almost weightless aura, showing decidedly ripe plum and hints of candied citrus to balance. The 2018 finishes long and gently tannic, with inner tobacco and sweet herbal tones lingering incredibly long. While the nose is a bit candied in personality, the 2018 possesses fantastic harmony within. I'm very interested to see what a few years of cellaring might do." Vinous

"Features a fine balance between the cherry, currant, earth, wild thyme and eucalyptus flavors, with a firm backbone of tannins and juicy acidity. Well-delineated and long, this red is complex and refined." Wine Spectator

"A firm and fine Vino Nobile with cherry, berry and lightly earthy aromas. Crushed stone. Medium body. Linear finish. A little tight now. Give it two or three years. Try after 2024." James Suckling

Elena Fucci's exceptional Titolo wine is already built for the long haul in its "basic version". It will continue its steady development for at least the next 20 years, which is why it is particularly enjoyable when aged in magnum format. Dark ruby red in colour, the bouquet has aromas of ripe red fruit and a fine woody spice. The wine is assembled with enormous precision, offering a balanced intensity and a beautiful degree of fruit purity that speaks both in favour of the Aglianico grape and the extreme region that produces it. Titolo impresses with its fine texture and elegantly integrated tannins. This is the kind of masterful Aglianico performance we love. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, smoky, sanguine notes of graphite and cured meat are balanced by the fruitiness of cherries and red plums. The fruit notes headline the palate, but an undertone of chili jam leads into a resurgentally meaty finish, while acid bounces around contoured tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The Aglianico del Vulture Titolo 2019 is stunning. It opens with an exotic flair that blends smoky plum and lavender with animal musk, ash stone and a hint of sour citrus that enlivens the senses. The palate is silky and supple, quickly gaining youthful tannic tension, but not before offering a taste of mentholated herbal tones and a depth of mineral dark fruit that will take centre stage after a few years of cellaring. The wine finishes incredibly long and structured, leaving a hint of primary concentration lingering under a hint of pretty inner flowers and savoury spice. I believe that the 2019 could one day be one of the best vintages ever produced by Elena Fucci's Titolo." Vinous

Maternigo means "mother's land" and is also the name of one of the Tedeschi family's vineyards. The vineyards cover around 33 hectares in two municipalities, Tregnago and Mezzane di Sotto. The new Cru-Amarone Riserva Maternigo is only produced in the best years and its grapes come exclusively from the Barila vineyard. This single vineyard was selected after careful zoning and characterisation of the soil, which is characterised by very low vigour and consequently produces grapes rich in structure.

This gives it its own complex and aromatic character, which is characterised by a high concentration of natural aromatic components in the grapes. This complexity creates an intense bouquet of red fruits and Mediterranean flowers. These notes are echoed on the palate, along with subtle hints of eucalyptus, which give the wine freshness and at the same time hints of sweet spices. The impressive result is an elegant wine with great structure and exciting development potential - and an unmistakable sensory experience. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright, rich ruby red colour. Noble and clear on the nose, of ripe, rich cherries, red peach, rosehips and wild berry mousse, with fine spicy components on the finish. Full-bodied and dense on the palate, opens rich and with dark berry fruit components, juicy tannin envelops the fine melting, ends long in the final with fine pressure on elderberry syrup." Falstaff

"The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Maternigo is ashy and intense, with tobacco giving way to peppery herbs, dried cherries and dark chocolate. It feels velvety-smooth and glycerin-like, with a dense wave of ripe red fruit and sweet spice carried by salty minerals and vibrant acids. It leaves a hint of rich sweet fruit along with violet and lavender tones as it finishes lightly textured. The 2016 took some time to develop in the glass, but it really shows the magic of the vintage. Bravo." Vinous

"Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella from the Barila vineyard, grape harvest, followed by long fermentation and maceration, then 48 months in Slavonian oak, a wine with a beautiful olfactory impact, notes of blackcurrant, nuances of wild mint and nutmeg, spicy attack, spicy finish." Luca Gardini

"This wine exemplifies the unique world that Amarone lives in as a wine. It is both very powerful and elegant at the same time. The nose is reserved at first, showing a mixture of black currant, plum and raspberry. The wine then shifts gears highlighting the bitter-chocolate notes and chalky minerality that come from this unique single vineyard, Barila. The bottling has firm tannins and vibrant acidity, giving the wine seriousness and demanding it be lost in the cellar for some time." Wine Enthusiast

"It's very restrained on the nose, with a dense package of baked red cherry flavours and a bright mineral, almost wet stone character. Mediterranean herbs too. Full-bodied palate that is back under control, but there is a dense package of firm, fine tannins, dried fruit and spice waiting to burst out. It's hard to believe this wine is only 17% alcohol, it's so well constructed. It will be superb in a year or two and beyond if you can resist the temptation now. Best from 2023 onwards." James Suckling

"Spicy, woody black cherry, blueberry jam and coffee scents are joined by deep, rich, earthy and almost-jammy flavours, with cocoa and damson. Round and extremely fresh with a persistent finish, this is by no means a shrinking violet yet has the balance to match its considerable concentration and heft." Decanter

Paleo - unmistakable Cabernet Franc and one of Bolgheri's most important wines, full of elegance and class. The name goes back quite unspectacularly to a weed that has long since been removed from the vineyards of Le Macchiole. Rich ruby red with violet reflections. On the nose, mint, white pepper, blackberry fruit and some pomegranate. Fine melting on the palate with hints of tobacco and poppy. Wonderfully structured and with a long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cabernet Franc in purezza, a grape variety that is perfectly suited to some sites near Bolgheri: Needs some aeration, then multi-layered aromas of cassis, undergrowth, maquis and spices; superb construction with powerful complexity, the tannin precise, finishes long and seductive. Great wine." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby-violet with a slightly lightening rim. Opens on the nose with emphatically spicy notes of white pepper, oregano and thyme, then raspberry and cassis. On the palate, lots of sweet, dark berry fruit, shows gripping, firm tannin, plus fine sweet melting, firm pressure in the final and a long finish." Falstaff

"A beam of blackcurrants paired with aromas and flavours of black olives, peppers, wild rosemary, tar and vanilla. A crisp and concentrated red wine with light tannins on the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"A full-bodied, powerful and polished red wine with aromas of dark plums, dark cherries, tobacco, bay leaves, dark chocolate, mocha and cedar. Firm, ripe tannins. Compact and muscular. Yet it remains fresh. Will soften even more. Taste after 2025." James Suckling

"In 2019, Paleo recovers its precise and stylish character and amazing concentration. This Cabernet Franc was fermented and macerated in concrete and then aged for 18 months in new French oak. Its dark purple colour shows subtle cassis wrapped in spice and milk chocolate, with assertive eucalyptus and delicious parma violet. The palate is juicy and almost savoury, velvety and with tannins infused with violets and cassis. Remarkable length with integrated toasty flavours." Decanter

"Cedar chips, wild herbs, black pepper, bergamot and undergrowth on the nose, sour cherry, mixed berries, soy sauce and liquorice sweets on the palate. Tannins that feel like a firm hand and an acidic heat bubbling underneath combine to create a showstopper." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Paleo is an absolute stunner. Deep, plush and explosive, the 2019 has fabulous density and yet is not heavy at all. All the elements are so well balanced. Dark cherry, plum, chocolate, mocha, espresso and grilled herbs meld together in the glass. The purity and persistence of the flavours is absolutely compelling. The 2019 is really impressive. I loved it." Vinous

"Originated as a blend with Sangiovese, now proudly Cabernet Franc in purity, unique in the area, the result of very careful varietal work, nose with notes of blackcurrant, undergrowth and eucalyptus, then notes of black peppercorns. Fruity and spicy finish." Luca Gardini

"The Le Macchiole 2019 Paleo shows an extremely precise and distinct personality, perfectly suited to this classic vintage. If you love Cabernet Franc, this is your wine. The bouquet is linear and dense with wet gravel, pencil and graphite forming an elegant frame around blackberries and black plums. You can taste every little detail in this complex and powerful wine. The fruit comes from a 5.5 hectare plot that rises from 37 to 70 metres above sea level. The soils are a mixture of clay, sand, silt, stone and limestone, characteristic of this stretch of Tuscan coastline. On the second nose, the Paleo offers cardamom pods, exotic spices and fragrant rose water." Wine Advocate

Outstanding terroir, terrific quality of the grapes and masterful cellar work made it one of the most highly prized wines! Bewitching aromas of candied cherry fruit with notes of spices and tobacco. On the palate dense, very concentrated with fabulous fruit sweetness, discreet acid structure and fresh tannins. A hedonistic and at the same time very contemporary dream of finesse and elegance that lingers with long and incredibly deep flavours. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of rose, sliced strawberry and roasted thyme. Medium-bodied with driving acidity and very nice concentration. Tense tannins are complemented by an array of well-ripened red berries. Thyme, rosemary and black tea come through. Lovely." James Suckling

"The 2018 Sfursat 5 Stelle is compelling. Macerated dark cherry, leather, herbs and baking spices are nicely pushed forward. Impeccable in its balance and overall harmony, the 2018 looks to offer fine drinking over the near and medium term. It is another terrific wine from Negri that points to a bright future." Vinous

"A sculpted red, with hints of tea rose, dried thyme and spices accenting a core of baked raspberry and blackberry fruit, espresso, licorice and minerally iron and smoke. Featuring firm, lightly chewy tannins, this fresh and tightly meshed version opens nicely in the glass - sip slowly or decant ahead of time." Wine Spectator

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three microlocations, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

The grapes of Colledilà come from the soils of Monte Morello. The 7.6 hectare single-vineyard plot was planted in 2002 on very rocky soils rich in calcium, clay and organic matter. These characteristics give this wine its sharpness and concentration, promising long ageing in the cellar.

Ripe, dark cherry fruit and blackberry aromas, followed by tar, liquorice and potting soil. On the palate, a fine earthiness, cherry and plum, plus finely knit and slightly sweet tannins. The dense fruit and pleasant acid wire the Sangiovese provide the necessary freshness. Masterfully composed! SUPERIORE.DE

"Finely chiselled site wine from the extensive vineyards around Castello di Brolio, with a lot of polish and yet also underpinning: convincing the balanced nose with fine fruit and floral notes, discreet mineral nuances; on the palate supple and yet with great future, the tannins finely spun and of great length. Convinces with its elegance and storability." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Shows fine ripened fruit on the nose, of plum, blackberry and dark cherry, slightly earthy notes in the background, of black truffle. Firm pressure on the palate, unfolds with dense tannin, smooth at the core, after wild raspberries, good tension." Falstaff

"Focused cherry, plum, menthol and spice flavors permeate this dense red, which is vibrant and firmly structured, with the menthol and spice notes echoing on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"This is sensational, with ultra fine tannins that melt into the wine. Such intense and beautiful fruit with cherries, peaches and lightly candied cherries. Some citrus, too. Very soft and creamy with wonderful polish. Beautiful center palate and a lovely finish. A song in the bottle. A little tight now. Hard to wait, but give it two or three years to open." James Suckling

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is the most complex of the single-vineyard Gran Seleziones, as it often is. A wine of notable aromatic breadth and dimension, the Colledilà is wonderfully nuanced from start to finish. Crushed rocks, sage, blood orange and smoke infuse the 2018 with notable character. Once again, the Colledilà is quite distinctive." Vinous

Only nine years after the harvest is this great wine released for sale: The slow drying of the fully ripe harvested grapes gives this cru its immense power and density as well as the extraordinary character with massive ripeness, fruit fullness, beautiful concentration and great elegance. On the palate, Bertani's Amarone demonstrates freshness, noble lightness and great dynamism. An exciting wine and for decades probably the most classic Amarone - the archetype, so to speak - of the entire appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, very intense ruby. Opens with light mineral notes, then after pickled cherries and rich red berry fruit, underlaid with fine blood orange in the background. Very precise in attack and course, elegant cherry fruit, grippy, dense tannin, opens in many layers, fine melting, now already easy to drink, very juicy, very great development potential." Falstaff

"Medium garnet red. There is so much going on in the nose! Fruits and dried spices. Next time I'm in an Indian restaurant with a good wine list, I want to try an Amarone. Really very complex and exciting. So fresh and clean! Dry finish. So very different from the commercial Amarone norm. Really quite exciting." Jancis Robinson

"The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico takes its time opening in the glass, slowly evolving with a rich blend of crushed black cherries complemented by dusty violet florals and exotic spice. This coasts across the palate, silky-smooth yet with cooling minerality and brisk acids that add an energetic feel as a saturation of red fruits and fine tannins collect toward the close. The 2012 finishes lightly structured with a resonance of balsamic spice and bitter hints of cocoa that linger on and on - a fantastic and genuinely harmonious rendition of Bertani's Amarone Classico." Vinous

"Wow, what a complex bouquet, with a base of dried cherries spiced up with hints of mild coffee and walnuts. There are also dried flowers, wild herbs and spices such as tarragon and cloves. Subtle hints of dried banana and apricot. The palate is full-bodied, very smooth, intense and balanced, with firm, spicy tannins that drive everything forward. Long, long finish. It's nice to taste it now, but this wine, already almost ten years old, will be in your cellar for a long time." James Suckling

The single-varietal Duemani is for us one of the best representatives of the West Tuscan coastal region. The bouquet of exceptional clarity of dark plum, coffee and wild roses. Rich and with perfectly integrated wood notes on the palate, its structure and elegance are particularly fascinating. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby-violet. Very intense and clear nose, full of ripe wild raspberries, blackberries, in the background some pickled beetroot, discreet earthy notes, also tobacco. Very juicy on the palate, ripe berry fruit, opens with fine-meshed tannin, great drinking flow, tobacco on the final." Falstaff

"The 2018 Duemani, 100% Cabernet Franc, is polished, classy and sensual. It is one of the most polished wines I have ever tasted here. Fine tannins frame a core of red fruit, rose petal, lavender, spice and blood orange. The 2018 is perhaps not as varietally expressive as in some editions, but it more than makes up for that with its grace. There is a feeling of youthful austerity that emerges with time in the glass." Vinous

"An organic and biodynamic wine, the 2018 Cabernet Franc Duemani presents a thick and nearly impenetrable wall of dark fruit, pressed blackberry, spice, smoky tar and tobacco. This wine shows impeccable aromatic integration with the high notes and the baritone notes delivered in beautiful synchronization. This wine outpaced my initial expectations following my first tasting of this vintage from barrel. The tannins are integrated and there is a sweet, fruity note on the full-bodied close." Wine Advocate

"This has an aromatic array of ripe red and black cherries, blackcurrants, blueberries, cloves, cedar, fresh herbs and licorice. It’s full-bodied, incredibly smooth and polished with layers of ripe fruit and chocolate, yet with lifting freshness. Fine, silky tannins and a long finish. Lingering chocolate and spices. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification." James Suckling

The special quality of this exceptional wine is evident in the sweet fruit and glycerine, accompanied by firm tannins and the influence of Malvasia Nera, which gives the wine its proportions. Powerful, rich ruby. Deep, dark and dense on the palate, flanked by a multitude of floral and spicy notes. A wine full of intensity, with firm pressure and personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fruity-spicy nose, subtle balsamic notes; supple construction with polish and melting, fine-meshed tannin, supported by the acidity, the finish on notes of red berries. Pleasing even in its 40th vintage with its finesse yet also structure." Vinum

"Aromas of blueberries, blackberries, cloves, tobacco, walnuts and chocolate. It's full-bodied with firm, tightly-knit tannins. Structured and tight on the palate with bright acidity. Layered and flavorful with a long finish." James Suckling

"Toasty oak gives way to bright cherry, blackberry and violet aromas and flavors in this sleek, vibrant red, with wild herb, tobacco and mineral notes adding complexity. Supple, yet there's a firm matrix of refined tannins and the finish is defined by lively acidity and finesse." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 I Sodi di San Niccolò is supple, radiant and inviting, almost uncharacteristically so for a young vintage of this typically potent, brooding wine. That makes the 2017 an ideal vintage for readers who want to explore I Sodi, one of the most under the radar wines in all of Italy. Soft contours envelop a core of red berry fruit, dried flowers, licorice, mint and tobacco." Vinous

Monteverro - a classic French blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot - is a great cru from the Maremma and brims with opulence and diversity. Rich, dark ruby with a black core. Incredibly rich in aromas of dark fruits, chocolate and spices, soft, full body, polished tannins. It is impossible to exaggerate the joy of the magnificence of this wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"This vintage of Monteverro's premium red wine (made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot) has light green aromas reminiscent of blackberries, grilled herbs and potting soil. It was an uneven growing season with a cool and wet spring followed by a hot summer." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Monteverro is classy, elegant and polished. Lifted aromatics and silky tannins frame this decidedly understated Maremma red. Crushed flowers, spice, menthol, licorice, lavender and dried herbs are all finely laced together. This is such an engaging wine." Vinous

"Sparkling, powerful ruby violet. Compact nose with notes of juicy, dark blackberries, black cherries and currants, fine spice in the background. Full-bodied and gripping on the palate, shows firm, grippy tannins, builds up well, firm pressure on the final and tobacco in the aftertaste." Falstaff

"Blackcurrant and black liquorice with dried flowers and sandalwood. Full-bodied, really racy and powerful with great tannins. Flavourful and very long. Needs time to develop. Give it time until 2024 and beyond." James Suckling

Bricco delle Viole is a progressive and fruit-driven single-vineyard Barolo that comes to us well-contoured but not at all angular or bulky. Deep red cherry and plum notes with lovely hints of classic floral notes and some rosewood. On the palate, it is sensual and engaging, its open, fruity, classic bouquet also giving it a delicious component that makes it irresistible. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seems cool and demanding in comparison, yet not stingy with open-hearted fruit, radiates profundity; shows a lot of spice and fruit, is juicy and harmonious, with sweet fruit, everything is harmonious and seems solid, velvety and yet demanding until the long finish." Weinwisser

"Bright, intense ruby red. Finely marked nose of ripe raspberries, noble spice, cardamom, a hint of plums, graphite. On the palate with a juicy entry, appears fresh and compact, with delicate pressure and fine balance, spans a finesse-rich arc, persistent on the final." Falstaff

"Transparent pillar-box red. Powerful nose of dried something. Cherries? Rose petals? Perhaps both. Super-fresh, despite the alcohol, with such great presence in the mouth. It's not nearly ready but it's clearly destined for great things. Sweet and chewy with a strong mineral undertow. Jewel-bright fruit. Real lift but more powerful than ethereal. Even slightly pungent with a whiff of cordite. Really refreshing health juice. Great stuff." Jancis Robinson

"This silky Barolo boasts aromas and flavors of rose, black currant, cherry, raspberry and iron, with a touch of earth, showing terrific purity and length. This is more about finesse than power, though the tannins are present and should allow this to age." Wine Spectator

"Aromas of ripe strawberries and flowers follow through to a full body with firm, chewy tannins that are silky and very polished. That palate is very clear and precise. Attractive, if chewy finish." James Suckling

"The 2017 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is classy and elegant to the core. Medium in body and wonderfully translucent, the 2017 captures all of the finesse of this site. Naturally, the 2017 also shows the ripeness of the year, but it retains its sublime sense of poise. The 2017 Bricco delle Viole is one of the clear stand outs of the year." Vinous

"The G.D. Vajra 2017 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is packed with medium dark cherry fruit and plum. The wine also shows a savory side, with spice, hazelnut cream, licorice and lightly fragrant potting soil. This vintage sits solid on the palate, wrapping thickly over the senses, thanks to its creamy, fruit-driven consistency and well-managed tannins. These vines are high in elevation, ranging from 400 to 480 meters in altitude. Those higher elevations are key to interpreting a vintage that saw heat such as this." Wine Advocate

"Precise and pure, this opens with cherry, raspberry and cranberry, while nuances of fresh earth, wild herb and incense permeate. The palate is taut; its upfront tannins long, firm and powdery. Surprisingly sinewy and racy, it has a sour red cherry and brushwood finish." Decanter

"Aromas of underbrush, pine forest, woodland berries and cedar form the enticing nose. Full-bodied and savory, the structured palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and cinnamon before closing on pipe tobacco notes. Tightly knit but refined tannins provide the backbone, while surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage keeps it balanced." Wine Enthusiast

Bright, rich ruby red. Fine, elegant bouquet with fruit aromas, notes of coffee and complex spice aromas. The taste is long-lasting, the acidity in perfect balance with the tannin and body. A wine with great tension and personality, suitable for long ageing, but also a delight in its youth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby red; aromas of black plum, lavender and peppermint. Medium-full with a rich mid-palate with layers of perfectly ripe fruit. Very good acidity, medium-full tannins that are beautifully balanced, nicely integrated wood notes and outstanding persistence. Another brilliant wine from this great producer!" Forbes Magazine

"Elegant odeur of warm-scented raspberries, also nuances of Mediterranean maquis, lots of melt and juice, invigorating acidity, finishes long. Accompanies an autumnal game dish." Vinum

"Dark ruby red with violet edges. Dense, very intense bouquet, immensely multifaceted, exudes a certain lightness with a clearly mineral backdrop, reminiscent of graphite and iron, despite the new wood ageing. Grandiose, because it almost floats. In the mouth, very fine and precisely proportioned, not made for power but for origin. Impressive final with blue berries." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Exciting and multi-layered nose, initially showing fine notes of cedar, a little resinous, then lush fresh currant and raspberry. Very juicy on the palate, opens with fine-meshed, grippy tannin, salty and long." Falstaff

"The 2018 vintage - according to the estate - produced elegant wines, characterised by their aromatic intensity. If Sangiovese usually brings tension to Grattamacco compared to other Bolgheri superiore based on Bordeaux blends, this year it reveals a slightly greenish touch on the finish. However there is in the glass a great intensity of earthy tones among black pepper and game, then cassis and cedar wood flavours sustained by silky tannins well integrated with firm acidity and just a bit austere finish." Decanter

"Currants, blackberries and hints of chocolate and fresh herbs. Full-bodied and round-tannined with a lovely texture and a savory, almost iron finish. From organically grown grapes. Hard not to drink now, but a year or two will bring it even more together." James Suckling

"A mix of coffee and black olive flavors shade the core of black currant and black cherry in this dense, linear red, which is focused and long, with a mouthwatering finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Grattamacco is the most elegant, refined and satisfying wine I have ever tasted from Grattamacco. There is a level of finesse here that is simply unreal. Bright and translucent, with tons of detail, the 2018 oozes with pedigree. Lavender, spice, mint, tobacco and dried flowers add an attractive upper register." Vinous

"The 2018 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco reveals a finely nuanced bouquet with dark fruit, tobacco, smoke and earthy garrigue or underbrush. The wine leans toward full-bodied, but it also feels quite elegant and crisp on the streamlined finish." Wine Advocate

Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is arguably the richest wine in Vietti's vintage roster. It is a monument based on performance, intensity and power. At the same time, Rocche is incredibly precise and complex every year. It is precisely this interplay of fullness and finesse that makes Rocche so enticing. Rose petals, mint and sweet red berries form a crescendo of aromas and textures that appeals to all the senses. In the almost endless reverberation, everything comes back into harmony as if by magic, leaving behind a Nebbiolo experience of the third kind. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby with a fine garnet rim. The nose is characterised by intense notes of rose petals, ripe plums, some goji berries and cinchona bark in the background. Substantial and savoury on the nose, spreads out richly, dark fruit, then quite brittle tannin on the back end." Falstaff

"This red is vibrant, aromatic and expressive, exuding rose, strawberry, cherry, licorice, tobacco and tar flavors. Firm and balanced, with refined tannins and a racy finish." Wine Spectator

"Vietti's mighty 2017 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is extremely polished and sharp, showing the smallest details with microscope-like precision in this release of 3,512 bottles. Tart cherry fruit segues to spice, tarry smoke, licorice and a chiseled sense of minerality that adds ample volume and considerable focus. The wine displays alternating moments of dryness, with layers of cherry sweetness, and all this movement adds to the fluid, ever-changing nature of the bouquet. Vintage after vintage, this wine continues to push the boundaries for Barolo made in Castiglione Falletto." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione shows all the signatures of this site, all turned up to the maximum. I am not sure I have ever tasted a Vietti Castiglione with this much heft. Super-ripe dark red fruit, rose petal, mocha, dried herbs and menthol all build in an ample, resonant Barolo. Readers should be prepared to cellar the 2017 for the next handful of years, perhaps longer. A whole range of floral and savory notes punctuates the explosive finish." Vinous

"Exuberant and expressive, it overflows with sweet herbs, warm wetland, forest berries, black tea and bergamot. Though quite a mouthful, it remains well-hone as bright acidity lifts and sophisticated tannins wrap around the palate. A stunning wine with impressive mineral persistence. Vietti’s plots are in the central stretch of this MGA where the soil is richer in marl as opposed to sandier parcels further south. Luca Currado credits Rocche di Castiglione’s gentle southeast exposure - which escapes the hot afternoon sun - for maintaining freshness and fragrance in 2017." Decanter

"There’s clarity and energy to this, offering sweet strawberries and watermelon with fresh-rose and sandalwood undertones. Full-bodied with plenty of tannins, which are ultra-fine and polished for the vintage, giving the overall impression of elegance and finesse. Long. Classy." James Suckling