Bibenda

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

Elegant and complex: Guado al Tasso with a warm-toned bouquet and an abundance of fruit that is just as impressive as its harmonious structure. Deep, dark, rich ruby-purple colour. Very clear and intense nose, with aromas of blackberries, cassis and dark cherries, underpinned by fine, spicy notes with hints of white pepper and cardamom. Very juicy on the attack and on the palate, with a lot of sweet melting flavour, interwoven, dense tannins, supple and elegant, very long finish. An excellent wine that offers maximum drinking pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, aristocratic bouquet with concise Cabernet spice, graphite, tobacco, cassis, dark cherries and distinctive notes of prickly pear juice. Dense and elegant on the palate, modern style with polished tannins, again dark fruits, enormously juicy, great juicy tannins, nothing dries out here. Modern in the best sense of the word, but this is already very well done, some dark chocolate and nutty notes on the final. Much clearer and less characterised by wood than in some previous years." Weinwisser

"Aromas of black olives, berries, herbs, red beans, sour cherries and sage are followed by a full body with chewy tannins and plenty of structure. It is flavourful and intense. Needs time to develop. Best after 2027." James Suckling

"Packed with luscious blackberries, blackcurrants and blueberries, this red wine shows the expressive character of the vintage. Just when you think it's too flamboyant, the solid structure keeps it in check. It shows excellent balance and length with a hint of lavender and wild herbs on the lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc." Wine Spectator

"Dense purple in the glass, the 2020 offers a complex bouquet of cassis, earthy forest floor, wild Mediterranean herbs and intense dried eucalyptus leaf. Density and extraction dance in an embrace on a palate that's full of concentration, youth and precision. The tannins are velvety, the acidity natural and crisp, and the use of oak well judged. The finish is focused on graphite minerality, for an enticing yet ageworthy Superiore." Decanter

"Multifaceted perfume on notes of cassis and pepper, with a touch of floral aromas; the attack is full-bodied and yet invigorating, elegant progression with tightly woven tannins, but also youthful acidity, supple, mouth-filling finish, the wood perfectly integrated." Vinum

"The wine shows a beautiful fullness and intensity. The Cabernet Franc is clearly noticeable and gives it the characteristic vertical structure and linearity that this grape variety is known for. You get black fruit, spice, white pepper and no sign of bitter stems or blackberries. Sweet, almost milky tannins are interwoven with fresh acidity, giving this wine good Storage potential. The use of new oak has been scaled back somewhat in this vintage." Wine Advocate

"The Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso 2020 is a rich, resonant wine that captures the natural vibrancy of the Tuscan coast. Blackberry jam, mocha, plum, chocolate, spice and espresso are all present in this medium-bodied but juicy and inviting Bolgheri red wine. The wine is very rich and resonant. This is a classic Guado al Tasso." Vinous

"The nose is rich with notes of blackberries, black cherries and earth, while an undertone of white pepper adds pep. Berries continue to dominate the supple, warm palate before a savoury, chocolaty finish with a further hint of pepper. The stoic tannins are balanced by a lively, persistent acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright, rich ruby violet colour with a subtly brightening rim. Inviting and clear on the nose, of ripe wild berry fruit and rich cherry, with fine mint notes, herbal tea, fine precious wood in the finish, hints of graphite. Juicy entry on the palate, then with tightly woven tannins, compact and balanced, clear fruit in the centre, long final with gentle, elegant pressure." Falstaff

"A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot to best convey the complexity and elegance of the Bolgheri terroir. Black raspberries on the nose, then hints of undergrowth and pepper leaf and balsamic notes on the finish. In the mouth it is crisp and dense, with iodised tannins." Luca Gardini

"For the Barolo DOCG Parussi, we left the confines of Serralunga and opted for a vineyard in Castiglione Falletto. Thanks to the characteristics of Nebbiolo, which is perfectly capable of capturing the differences in microclimate and soil composition and translating them into sensations, the result amazed us. Structured, important, austere. Made with Nebbiolo grapes from our vineyard in the MGA Parussi in Castiglione Falletto." Franco Massolino

Parussi is the most open-hearted and fruity Barolo in Massolino's 2019 collection. It has a striking immediacy and sweetness in the mid-palate. Juicy red and purple berries, spices and mint combine in the glass. On the palate, Parussi is silky, floral and medium-bodied, displaying all the sensuality typical of Castiglione Falletto's Barolos. Best of all, Parussi can be drunk much earlier than the wines from Serralunga. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pure ruby red colour. Great depth of fruit on the nose, with salty and mineral notes. Not quite open, but captivating, fragrant and lifted and with quite a lot of substance. Juicy acidity and still shy fruit. Mineral and with fine, super-long tannins, while the fresh acidity emphasises the ripe raspberry fruit. Wonderful length and juiciness. Fine but powerful." Jancis Robinson

"This 2019 is fully focused on restrained root flavours like rhubarb and liquorice, wrapped in sweet violet, rose, redcurrant and pomegranate. It's quite austere, with a good concentration of blood orange on the finish, but thick, dusty and austere tannins." Decanter

"This pure red exudes rose, strawberry, cherry, iron and eucalyptus flavors. Linear, with a firm spine of tannins and lively acidity for support, this shows excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Very pretty with pure and fresh fruit and concentrated tannins. Medium to full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a bright and lively finish. Shows tension and brightness. Flowers and sliced strawberries on the finish." James Suckling

"The Massolino 2019 Barolo Parussi has dark fruits and savoury spices that make for a very firm and compact wine. This is a forward and quite muscular expression with fruit from one of the northernmost sites in Castiglione Falletto. The tannins show a certain firmness that will require a longer ageing period." Wine Advocate

"The Barolo Parussi 2019 is the only Barolo by Massolino from Castiglione Falletto. A wine of absolute grace and refinement, the 2019 is pure seduction. Fresh cut flowers, mint, sweet red berries, orange peel and rose petals rise from the glass. harvestwill discover an elegant, sublime Barolo that hits all the right notes. Don't miss it." Vinous

"The first Barolo from Massolino to be born outside the "borders" of Serralunga, in Castiglione Falletto, with a vinification of great finesse. On the nose, dogwood, a hint of peony and a final touch of fresh rosemary. The palate is crisp, with savoury tannins. Finishes with a fruity aftertaste." Luca Gardini

"Ever since Masseto was born, the grapes have always been subjected to extremely rigorous selection in order to achieve the highest possible quality. In 2017, wines from some plots newly planted with Merlot and Cabernet Franc only a few years ago, which are now delimited by an impressive quarry stone wall, were shortlisted for Masseto. Some of these plots had not yet developed enough character to be included in Masseto itself. However, they already showed enough potential and personality, together with other components not used in the master blend, for the creation of a second wine - the Massetino.

2017 was the very first vintage of Massetino. It was launched in 2019, exactly 30 years after the first Masseto vintage. The wine cellar, newly designed by Italian architects Zito & Mori, was also inaugurated in 2019. The birth of the second wine and the opening of the wine cellar represent a historic moment for Masseto and clearly contribute to its recognition as a winery. The Massetino already shows a confident personality, which is not surprising since it shares the same pedigree with Masseto. Just like its older brother, it skilfully showcases the contrast of power and opulence combined with restraint and class." Axel Heinz, Weingutsdirektor

"The rich purple colour of the Massetino 2020 immediately catches the eye and reflects its strong identity. The nose reveals notes of ripe cherries and undergrowth, which are appropriately expressed on the palate with beautiful crisp, fresh fruit. With its interplay of power and a spicy final, the Massetino 2020 perfectly embodies the typical characteristics of the vintage." Gaia Cinnirella, Weinmacherin und Kellermeisterin

"Bright, intense ruby violet. Compact and appealing nose with notes of ripe blackberries, dried tomatoes and black currant, subtle spice in the background. Plucky and savoury on the palate, shows plenty of pithy tannin, lots of tobacco, some blackberry, still needs time." Falstaff

"Massetino", the winery's second wine, is produced in even smaller quantities than the flagship Masseto. It was produced for the first time in the 2017 vintage from younger, almost 20-year-old vines and with some plot selection, and contains a small proportion of Cabernet Franc in addition to Merlot. The Massetino 2020 is a precise wine with wonderfully aromatic plum and cherry scents accompanied by hints of damp earth and liquorice. The palate reveals soft, bright cherries and peppery spices underlined by clean acidity and fine-grained tannins, with a long, floral and fresh finish. Beautiful." Decanter

"The 2020 Masseto Massetino is extremely generous and rich. This wine shows it all with a bouquet of ripe blackberries and black cherries, black stone or pencil traces, sweet spices, cigars, smoke and tar. This was a warm and sunny vintage, and you can feel the power of those sunbeams in the dark, opulent and concentrated fruit on display. This is a special treat, and the 2020 edition offers a clear identity for Massetino." Wine Advocate

"Again a magnificent 'shoulder' of Merlot, accompanied by a small percentage of Cabernet Franc, in a fairytale territorial journey. Nose of blackcurrant, with touches of rhubarb, orange zest and chinotto, then mentholated on the finish. Juicy mouthfeel, great persistence." Luca Gardini

"The Barolo DOCG Margheria comes from the calcareous soil with a slightly higher proportion of sand than in our other sub-areas, which has a strong influence on its character. It was produced for the first time in 1985 and has great ageing potential. The grapes come from our vineyard in the MGA Margheria in Serralunga d'Alba." Franco Massolino

Barolo Margheria is very refined and elegant, but also classically austere, like so many top wines of the 2019 vintage. Bright red berry fruits, wild flowers, mint, blood orange, rose petals and cinnamon adorn this very beautiful, nuanced Barolo. Margheria is medium-bodied, and despite its austerity, it is very pretty, not to mention incredibly inviting. It will be even better in a few years when the tannins soften. SUPERIORE.DE

"A shade deeper than its classic Barolo of the same vintage. Serious and strikingly deep, peppery nose with spicy, mineral notes, but still somewhat closed in the fruit. With air, it becomes more aromatic and fruity, with notes of raspberries. Characteristic of a cool climate. Juicy and energetic on the palate, with a firm, muscular structure that requires more time." Jancis Robinson

"The delicate aromas and flavors of rose, strawberry and cherry are backed by a layer of dense tannins, with iron, tobacco and eucalyptus notes adding depth as this cruises to a long, expansive finish. Impressive now, this should only improve with age." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barolo Margheria is a classic Serralunga Barolo. Deep, savoury and wonderfully complex, the Margheria offers a compelling blend of red/purple fruits, sage, menthol, liquorice, dried flowers, graphite and melted road tar. Muscular tannins round off the whole. The 2019 is really impressive." Vinous

"From vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba and sandy limestone soils. The nose is multi-faceted, red cherry, a hint of undergrowth, notes of dog rose and clementine peel. The palate is taut and vertical, with a nice mentholated note, salty and fine tannins, persistence, flavour density and a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"Intense, sparkling ruby garnet colour. Inviting nose with notes of rose petals, ripe dark cherries, raspberry and some cardamom. Lots of present, dense tannins, very well integrated in fine, sweet melting, long-lasting, savoury." Falstaff

With tireless dedication, the Bologna family fulfils the legacy of Giacomo Bologna, who is rightly described as the father of modern Barbera d'Asti. The historic jewel of the house is the Bricco dell'Uccellone: dense and complex on the nose, with blackberry jam, mocha, liquorice and cloves on the palate. Its fine-grained tannins and excellent structure carry it with beautiful fruit and acid wire into a long-lasting finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red colour. Initially bread crust on the nose, then rich wild berry fruit, liquorice, wild berry, dark chocolate. On the palate with tightly woven tannins, clear fruit and beautiful juiciness, very drinky for 16.5% alcohol, very well balanced, long." Falstaff

"The Braida 2020 Barbera d'Asti Bricco dell'Uccellone is one of the bottles that made Italian wine history. It shows its dark and savoury side with ripe cherries, baked plums, spices, tarry smoke and campfire embers. With time, these aromas soften and reorganise, reminiscent of espresso beans or baking chocolate. The wine is very concentrated and fruit-driven." Wine Advocate

"A supple red wine with flavours of plums, blueberries, clay and toasted oak. On the finish it shows assertive tannins, but it has plenty of fruit and the long finish shows its future potential." Wine Spectator

"Notes of crushed dark berries, chocolate, cured meat and dark earth. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and fresh with tension and energy in the dark fruit. Lively acidity. Chalky and intense finish. Very attractive." James Suckling

"This historic Barbera opens with blackberry compote, spiced black plums, cedar and sweet spices. The opulent palate shows notes of preserved cherries, aniseed, cloves and cocoa, with polished and elegant tannins. The wine finishes with a lively acidity that keeps this big, bold and beautiful wine fresh with every glass." Wine Enthusiast

Montosoli lovers will be anything but disappointed by the archetype of the 2016 vintage. In this exceptional year, this special single vineyard shows a beautifully fragrant and floral bouquet that exactly meets the expectations of connoisseurs. Thus, for us, this edition represents the ideal interpretation of grape variety and terroir like hardly any other. The Sangiovese grape sounds bright and audible here from the glass - with nuances of small berries and floral impressions of rose, violet and lavender. In the drink, its complexity and multi-layeredness is rounded off by subtle notes of anise, cola and liquorice sticks. This fabulous wine, which is already inspiring, is always balancingly soft and silky and will - even if one hardly thinks it possible - gain in refinement and expression after a few more years of ageing! SUPERIORE.DE

"Seductive raspberry-scented wine with juice and polish; pithy on the palate, acidity well integrated, tight yet noticeable tannins, pleases with its polish, demonstrates finesse through to the final.With a hearty bistecca." Vinum

"Lustrous ruby. Concentrated cherry nose with an earthy, minerally note and a hint of gingerbread. With aeration more and more minerally. Tangy gentle fruit with the merest suggestion of oak. Gorgeous chewy tannins. Very suave, supple and elegant." Jancis Robinson

"Altesino has been producing a separate bottling from the cru of Montosoli since 1975, though the vines were partially replanted in 2005 and 2016. If Altesino's estate Brunello is almost accessible already, the polished yet intense Montosoli needs time in the cellar to demonstrate its potential. The nose is discreet with violet, bramble and bay leaf taking on earthy, savoury tones as it sits in the glass. Tight and firmly fastened, the palate fuses stony notes of granite with dark cherry. Ageing is in 30hL casks of Slavonian oak." Decanter

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli pulls you close to the glass with a captivating display of candied citrus rinds, incense and dried roses giving way to rich cherry sauce and a hint of brown spice. It's deeply textural yet youthfully dense, as it first cools the palate with lavender and ripe dark red fruits; yet beneath is a layer of grippy tannins that close the wine down. Notes of licorice, black tea and purple florals linger on the youthfully chewy finale. The 2016 is just a baby today, and it will need a number of years to come fully into focus - but it will be worth the wait." Vinous

"The Altesino 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is a true beauty. The wine reveals dark fruit intensity that comes forth as blackberry, plum and summer cherry. In no time, those aromas shift to the savory side of the spectrum with smoke, tar and tobacco. The results are generous and layered, offering the best of what the celebrated Montosoli cru can offer, especially in an ironic vintage such as this." Wine Advocate

"Lovely sweet cherries and heather with some leather and balsamic undertones. It's full-bodied with a velvety and lightly dusty palate. Juicy fruit and pretty orange peel to the berry character. Hints of cedar and meat at the end. Subtle and complex." James Suckling

"Rose, forest berry, underbrush and new leather are some of the aromas you'll find on this full-bodied red. From one of Montalcino's greatest vineyard sites, the firmly structured, elegant palate is also delicious, boasting ripe black cherry, raspberry compote, tobacco and licorice set against taut, fine-grained tannins. It's well balanced, with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Packed with sweet, ripe cherry, plum and raspberry fruit and framed by loamy earth and woodsy notes, this red is intense, lively and light on its feet. Balanced, with firm tannins and a salty, minerally impression on the lingering aftertaste." Wine Spectator

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

"Rich, intensely sparkling ruby-violet colour. Opens with notes of cherry jam, cinnamon and red pepper, some cedar wood, exciting. Powerful attack, full-bodied, dense tannins coated in sweet enamel, juicy and with a long finish." Falstaff

"Subtle aromas of spices, sweet tobacco leaves and black fruits follow through to a full body with chewy tannins that are nevertheless fine-grained and intense. Now a hint of vanilla. This wine will develop wonderfully. Give it three to four years in the bottle to show its best side." James Suckling

"This is a resounding success. The Tua Rita 2019 Syrah Per Sempre is a real hit thanks to its impressive fullness and aromatic intensity. The grapes come from a special growing area with compact Galestro soils. These conditions contribute to the richness and concentration of the wine, which has unmistakable notes of iron ore, pencil shavings and rust. These precise flavours frame a deep, dark core of cherry or blackberry jam. This vintage has a certain added fatness or fruit weight that adds to its power and overall impact. This is an outstanding bottle from a classic vintage." Wine Advocate

"Deep, almost brooding blackberries, blueberries, black plum, cigar box and dark chocolate on the nose, but still a certain freshness carries through. Lush, dense fruit continues on the palate but notes of top soil and pepper maintain a lively spiciness picked up and elevated by the heat through the finish. The iconic satin tannins of Tua Rita deliver a mouthfeel somewhere between crème brûlée and clouds." Wine Enthusiast

The Spuntali vineyard is historically known as the best area of the south-west, sea-facing slope of Montalcino. Spuntali is a historic cru for Brunello di Montalcino: it is its unique terroir, it is also the sunniest and driest of the three slopes of Brunello, and the sea, just 40 kilometres away, already provides a Mediterranean climate here.

The Mediterranean generally plays a decisive role here, moderating the warm summer nights and cold winters. This enables an early reawakening of the plant in spring and an important day/night temperature change in summer. Due to these special climatic conditions, it is the vineyard whose grapes are harvested first in the appellation. Here, the Sangiovese takes advantage of the beneficial effects of the sun, reaches maximum ripeness and produces rather creamy wines with sweet, soft tannins and notes of candied fruit.

Deep ruby-garnet colour. Develops a warm, intense and refined bouquet of ripe fruit with notes of sour cherry, dried figs and candied fruit. On the palate, the sweet and soft tannins accompany the long finish, rich in notes of plums and blackberries. The palate is deeply layered with rich flavours of cherries, blackberries and dark fruits. There is plenty to discover in the background: spices, leather and balsamic herbs. All these elements are skilfully interwoven and make for a very impressive interpretation of the Sangiovese grape. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, dark, bright ruby red colour. Savoury and inviting nose, precise aromas of cherries, graphite and Mediterranean herbs, with subtle hints of black tea on the finish. Beautiful juiciness and polished, present fruit on the palate, accessible, albeit complex, shows tightly woven tannins and plenty of finesse, has benefited from bottle ageing." Falstaff

"Though light and elegant, offering cherry, strawberry and floral flavors, this red also boasts dense tannins for its profile. Finds a nice equilibrium by the finish, despite the powdery tannins coating the gums." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Spuntali is wild, with more flowers than fruit, incense, wet stones and wild herbs. It opens with a pretty inner sweetness and a texture of pure silk that lays across the palate with ease, while tart wild berries nestle under a hint of purple flowers. Although tannic, it is only lightly structured, as the residual acids provide a framework that keeps the mouth watering while the hint of sweet rose slowly fades. The 2018 Vigna Spuntali is unlike any Brunello I've ever tasted, and yet I keep returning to this glass." Vinous

"Tarry red fruit, orange peel, dry earth and hints of new leather and shells. Juicy, medium-bodied on the palate with firm, creamy tannins and a long, spicy finish." James Suckling

"The Vigna Spuntali is located in the warm south-west of Montalcino on galestro and sandy soils. The wine is vinified in concrete tanks and then matures for six months in barriques and 18 months in large Slavonian oak barrels. Intense aromas of black and red cherries lead to a fresh and lively flavour of fleshy, juicy black and red berries and cherries, with strong tannins and a long finish. Weighty yet well balanced." Decanter

Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is probably the richest wine in Viettis vintage range. It is a monument based on performance, intensity and power. At the same time, Rocche is incredibly precise and multi-layered every year. It is precisely this interplay of fullness and finesse that makes the Rocche so tempting. 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 into harmony again as if by magic and leaves behind a Nebbiolo experience of the third kind. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is incredibly inviting from the very first taste. Silky and aromatic, the Rocche shows plenty of the classiness that is such a signature of this Castiglione Falletto site. As with all of these 2015s, readers will have to be patient. The 2015 gains striking volume and resonance with time in the glass, but a few years in bottle are an absolute must for the wine to show at its very best." Vinous

"A rich, almost opulent style, this Barolo delivers cherry, raspberry, plum and eucalyptus flavors on a base of stiff tannins. Turns vibrant and chewy, with a solid, minerally finish." Wine Spectator

"Along with the Ravera, the 2015 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione has a very fresh feeling (they are both grown with less direct sunlight). Indeed, there are many similarities between these two prestigious Barolos from Vietti, but the differences start with the vinification methods. While the Ravera sees malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, the Rocche di Castiglione completes that phase in botte. To continue the comparison, these two wines are certainly more closed than the other Barolo crus from this producer, the Lazzarito and the Brunate, which blossom and open more quickly. Even though it is a bit shy, the defining characteristics of herbaceous rosemary and balsamic notes show up well in this vintage of the Rocche di Castiglione, a vineyard site that prizes elegance above all else." Wine Advocate

"A hauntingly complex and finely detailed nose that touches so many different characters. Roses, dried wood, cedar, fine brown spices, light earthy notes, warm stones, mountain herbs and leaves. All here – very complex. The density and weight is exceptional, as is the fine, firm weave of tannins. The length is staggering and the tautness and balance are captivating. One of the stars of the vintage!" James Suckling

Barolo Lazzarito impresses every year by its precision and class - two characteristics that are not often found in the Nebbiolo of the Serralunga region. Iron, smoke and white pepper flow into the nose, in the glass these impressions are extended by a touch of pomegranate, red cherry jam, wild flowers and blood orange. Viettis Lazzarito always stands for strength and finesse and has been in no way inferior to his "colleagues" from Ravera and Rocche for quite some time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Dark and brooding nose of great depth. Generous and mouth-filling fruit and plenty of acidity adding freshness. A big layer of finely stitched tannins adds structure to the ripe fruit. Concentrated and deep." Jancis Robinson

"This powerful expression of an important Serralunga vineyard is aged both in barriques and large casks. It's deep in colour and shows lush, meaty aromas that at present lack finesse. It's very opulent and savoury on the palate, assertive without being astringent, and has imposing balance and length." Decanter

"The 2015 Barolo Lazzarito is one of the highlights in this range from Vietti. The power and gravitas of Serralunga come through loud and clear in a deep, beautifully resonant Barolo loaded with character. Iron, smoke, sage, menthol, licorice and rose petal give the Lazzarito its beguiling aromatic complexity. The massive tannins need time to soften, but there is a lot to look forward to once that happens." Vinous

"Rich and multifaceted, sporting cherry, raspberry, green tea, iron and tobacco flavors. The sweet fruit is matched to firm, dense tannins and the finish turns austere for now. Everything is in the right proportions, but patience is required." Wine Spectator

"This is a very youthful Barolo that has attractive, fragrant perfume with freshly picked roasting herbs and a strong, central thread of ripe cherries and red plums. The pure and concentrated palate frames intense plum and cherry flavors in long, unwavering tannins that deliver rich, strong and seamless into the finish. Exceptional quality and built for aging." James Suckling

"Opening to a beautifully floral bouquet, the 2015 Barolo Lazzarito delivers fragrant tones of violets, wild rose and a touch of orange blossom. As is the norm at Vietti, I tasted this wine and then wrote this review based on impressions gained from two samples—one opened several hours before my tasting and one opened at the moment of my review. Those floral notes came forth with increased intensity and clarity in the bottle that had been opened longer. The bouquet continues to surprise with touches of black fruit and freshly milled white pepper. However, like many wines from Serralunga d’Alba, this expression from Lazzarito reveals a pretty inner paradox. Those ethereal and balsamic aromas cede to a dense and rich mouthfeel, characterized by structure and power. Those two sides of the wine reach beautiful parity and lasting harmony." Wine Advocate

Viettis Ravera is one of the great stars of Piedmont in its precision and structure. Rose petals, chalk, pepper and a hint of pomegranate make this Barolo one of the most sought-after appellations every year. With a little storage maturity, the strong tannins give way to an elegant appearance that does not deviate one millimetre from the coveted style of this large site. A monument to Barolo, which apart from Vietti and Giacosa, only a few other Piedmontese winegrowers bring into the bottle with such consistency! SUPERIORE.DE

"This red is full of sweet ripe plum, cherry and tar flavors, accented by tobacco and underbrush notes. Thick, dusty tannins coat the gums and put a clamp on the finish for now, but this shows potential." Wine Spectator

"The beautifully fragrant roses are impossible to resist. This oozes charm. Also, there are red cherries, cocoa powder and an array of wild herbs in the mix. The palate has toned yet muscular tannins that build nicely to deliver a concentrated core of ripe red-cherry flavor that holds long, fresh and youthful. Great Barolo." James Suckling

"The 2015 Barolo Ravera is once again the head of the class at Vietti. Bright, sculpted and wonderfully nuanced, the Ravera is very pretty. Floral aromatics and the pointed, brilliant fruit that is such a Ravera signature are very much in evidence. Hints of blood orange, mint, crushed rocks and flowers add shades of complexity as the 2015 gradually opens up in the glass. This is one of the finer wines of the year. Don't miss it!" Vinous

"Starting off a bit shy and closed at first, the 2015 Barolo Ravera showed noticeably better in the sample that had been opened a few hours prior to my arrival at the winery for my annual visit. This makes perfect sense as Vietti’s wines are intentionally slow at first but are built to endure the long haul. From the Novello township, this vineyard site is recognized for it power, structure and the uniquely broad approach it shows to the palate. There is a larger span of black fruit at its core. The positioning of the Ravera cru means it is open to the elements and the cold air from the Alps, and the wines result in freshness and mineral character as well. Luca Currado describes a salty, anchovy-like aroma that does indeed appear. Otherwise, this wine shows tightly polished and glossy tannins." Wine Advocate

2017 was the very first vintage of Massetino. It was launched in 2019, exactly 30 years after the first Massetino vintage. The newly designed wine cellar by Italian architects Zito & Mori was also inaugurated in 2019. The birth of the second wine and the opening of the wine cellar represent a historic moment for Masseto and clearly contribute to its recognition as a winery.

Massetino already shows a self-confident personality, which is not surprising as he shares the same pedigree with Masseto. Just like its older brother, it skilfully showcases the contrast between power and opulence combined with restraint and class. The high quality potential, which was already evident when tasting the grapes before the harvest, is fully expressed in the quality profile of Massetino 2021. A solid, crisp wine with a bright colour. Its flavours are memorable thanks to their richness and long finish. Lively, young tannins that are constantly evolving give the wine consistency and persistence on the palate. Massetino 2021 proves to be just as powerful as the vintage from which it comes. SUPERIORE.DE

"With the Cabernet Franc in the blend, the Massetino gains more and more character and impresses as a 2021 at an extremely high level. Dark, viscous colour. Dense, sweet and offensive, the aroma of the Massetino is very fresh and polished, multi-layered and clear. It is by no means opulent, but rather extremely focussed, with fine fruit and excellent depth. Full, sweet and viscous on the palate, ripe and dense, with plenty of body and richness. Its terrific, youthful structure contains the finest wood and a great finesse, very linear, powerful and salty long. The powerful tannins appear slightly roughened in the fine finish. A great second wine, of which unfortunately only a few are produced." Weinwisser

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Dark and dense nose, showing appealing notes of cedar wood, blackberries and dark plums. Firm and full-bodied in attack and finish, with pronounced notes of tobacco, blackberry and brown butter, grippy, gripping tannins." Falstaff

"Elegant and lively, this red flows beautifully and builds to a long, savoury finish. It offers flavours of blackberries, blackcurrants, violets, cocoa, minerals and fresh herbs that linger, while lively acidity and powdery tannins provide structure." Wine Spectator

"The Massetino 2021 is an extremely elegant and graceful wine. Silky tannins caress a core of blackberries, espresso, mocha, liquorice, cloves and lavender. All elements are so beautifully balanced in this very appealing, racy second wine from Masseto." Vinous

"Sweet berries with aromas of violets and roses. Raspberries. Very perfumed. Medium body with very fine, velvety tannins that extend over the entire length of the wine. Lively on the finish. The best so far." James Suckling

"The Masseto 2021 Massetino consists mainly of Merlot with a hint of Cabernet Franc. The wine is very richly concentrated and multi-layered. You can see (and taste) the opulent texture of the wine as it slowly spreads in the glass. The high-quality fruit is accompanied by carefully selected oak, and the intensity of both unfolds on the palate. This vintage is predestined for particularly long ageing in the cellar." Wine Advocate

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

Of all his wines, the flagship Tenuta di Trinoro offers the deepest insight into Andrea Franchetti's viticulture. Andrea changes the proprietary blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot from limestone and clay soils every year depending on the quality and quantity of the harvest. The grapes are always the best of the vintage. Franchetti's own style is recognisable in each of his wines and with each vintage. The 2020 vintage was the first to be given an additional year of bottle ageing before being released for sale.

This dark, full and concentrated red wine already shows a good deal of its potential on the nose and the ripe, fruit-driven appeal that has characterised it for years and helped it achieve world fame. On the palate, the flavours range from deep, dark fruit to spices, mahogany and grilled herbs. The texture is tapered, well-proportioned and ethereal. The fruity verve and the opulent concert of flavours are guided by highly elegant tannins into an almost endless finish. Monumental, but not a monster. Powerful, but not a muscleman - everything is in the right place here. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Tenuta di Trinoro 2020 is sensual and racy, but also not as opulent as it could be. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Sweet floral, spicy and savoury top notes meld with a core of dark fruit. Overall, the 2020 comes across as a smaller, slightly leaner Tenuta that will probably drink well early on as the flavours are still developing. Pretty floral and spicy notes lift the finish nicely. This is a classy Tenuta." Vinous

"Balsamic, ripe and fresh, with a beautiful abundance of black berries and black cherries, with notes of cream, cocoa, wood, spices and cola. It is very structured and already complex, showing a slightly fresher character than the 2019, with a delicious juiciness on the mid-palate and crisp acidity. It has the potential to become a great Trinoro in the future." Decanter

"On the nose, rich, sweet aromas of cherries and figs draw balance from sharper undertones of graphite, fennel, orange peel and clove. A smear of marmalade across the palate underscores the fruitiness, which stays bright and juicy through the finish, but a dark chocolate undertone provides gravitas." Wine Enthusiast

"So fragrant of violets and lavender with some blackcurrant. Medium to full-bodied with lustre and finesse. Racy and fine. Finesse with verve. Very elegant and straightforward with a racy texture. Very long and slightly angular." James Suckling

"The 2020 vintage is certainly more open, but offers a very special view of Cabernet Franc in particular. The lush softness of the black cherry of the Merlot is magically combined with the dark intensity and tannic power of the Cabernet Franc. The ripeness of the fruit is impeccable, there are neither green tones nor overripe nuances. Everything is balanced." Wine Advocate

"The initial shyness develops into youthful bravado after a little aeration; the nose is dominated by Cabernet Franc with its berry and plum aromas, undergrowth, notes of fresh flowers and spices; then the attack is powerful, the tannins are extremely velvety and fine-grained, the finish is long and full of elegance despite all the power. Needs to mature." Vinum

"Dark ruby red with violet. Initially fine stony notes on the nose, precious wood, incense, then dark berry fruit, cassis, fine mint on the finish. Densely woven on the palate, creamy, oily, with notes of ripe raspberries, comes in many layers, savoury, great juiciness, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"One of the mythological products of national viticulture, a Bordeaux with a predominance of Cabernet Franc, then Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and a small percentage of Petit Verdot. Redcurrant on the nose, a hint of laurel and liquorice powder, salty and acidic tannins, incredible persistence." Luca Gardini

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

"The organic Monteverro 2019 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot from a vintage that has natural concentration and richness from the start. The bouquet is complex with ripe fruit, blackberry jam, oak spice and leather. It is a very oak-heavy wine with a soft finish and a hint of sweetness on the finish." Wine Advocate

"Dense, dark ruby with fine violet shimmer. Finely marked nose, fragrant, opens with notes of mint and eucalyptus, then lots of fresh plums and blackcurrant, some blueberry. Lots of juicy dark berry fruit on the palate, hearty, gripping tannin, still needs time." Falstaff

"Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot in a harmonious blend: exquisite berry and flower aromas on the nose. Sandalwood, spices and more; complex, dense attack, the acidity and silky tannins in perfect balance, then nevertheless very fresh with salty-mineral nuances, the final opulent and yet full of elegance. Great." Vinum

"This wine is so concentrated and powerful, with aromas of blackberries, black olives, chilli chocolate, bay leaves and peppercorns. Some iodine too. Full-bodied, yet agile and fresh, with a firm, taut tannic framework. To be tasted from 2025." James Suckling

Deep dark ruby red. Floral nose with lots of red, warm fruit and delicate herbal notes. Supple and elegant on the palate with a wonderful depth and structure. Then herbs again, plus violets, some plum and a hint of tar and leather. Saffredi literally sneaks up on you until it then moves into a very long and harmonious finish with an impressive presence and finesse. One of Italy's great wines full of elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, very rich ruby red with purple-violet edges. Wow, the Saffredi always reveals a fascinating orgy of scents. Dense and warm, with blackberry fruit, especially ripe blackberry and cassis, underpinned by herbaceous-ethereal and wonderfully floral notes, liquorice as well as a hint of bacon spice and earthy tobacco notes resonate. The voluminous palate is wonderfully dense and engaging, framed and supported by gripping tannins and juicy, ethereal freshness. The juicy conciseness with the deep spiciness is style-defining here, as are the apart-balsamic notes with the dark nougat chocolate and the tobacco in the final." Weinwisser

"Shiny, rich ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Very expressive and deep nose, opens with notes of tobacco and damp earth, then full of cassis, some mint in the background, multilayered. On the palate very powerful and with lots of sweet melting, dark berry fruit, plus some liquorice in the finish, very long lasting." Falstaff

"A light touch of wild herbs and oak spice frame the saturated flavors of black cherry and plum in this open-knit red, with a dusting of tannins lining the finish. Shows fine harmony and length." Wine Spectator

"The Fattoria le Pupille 2018 Saffredi borrows quite a bit from all of the grapes that make up the blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot). These balanced results open to a round bouquet of dark fruit, black cherry and plum. As the wine warms in the glass, it shows spice, cured tobacco and campfire embers. This is a full-bodied expression, but not excessively so. It puts forth immediate elegance with carefully measured tannins and a fitting postscript of fresh acidity. This newest vintage of Saffredi should be hitting the market now, but if you buy it, you should plan on cellaring it." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Saffredi is a regal, elegant, supremely polished wine. It may very well be the most refined Saffredi I have ever tasted. Silky in its first impression, with striking aromatic presence and exceptional balance, the 2018 is a total knock-out. Sweet red cherry, plum, mocha, licorice and cinnamon accents develop over time, but it is the wine's overall balance and poise that are so impressive today. The 2018 is an absolutely gorgeous Saffredi. Don't miss it." Vinous

"A fantastic nose to this with currant, sage, rosemary and rose-petal character. Sweet tobacco and spicy chocolate, too. Very complex. The palate shows lovely depth of fruit with blackberries, blackcurrants and fine tannins. It's racy and refined with a direct, focused palate. Just a baby. This needs at least two or three years to soften." James Suckling

 

A few years ago, Pio Boffa, who has sadly since passed away, bought himself a "small" present for his 60th birthday. Not a new set of golf clubs, a picture to hang in the hall, a holiday for him and his family. No. Just a vineyard called Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba, a region of Piedmont where four generations of the Pio Cesare dynasty were never able to gain a foothold. Originally, the grapes from the 10-hectare vineyard were intended to enhance the quality of his classic Barolo, but after the first barrel samples, Pio Boffa realised unmistakably that this would be at least an equal - albeit stylistically different - counterpart to the hitherto undisputed flagship Ornato.

Mosconi is more light-footed than Ornato, the nose is dominated by red rather than black fruit, with an irresistible liquorice and a juiciness that will immediately put it at the top of the entire appellation. On the palate, it has a precision that is unrivalled; it is less powerful than Ornato, but more elegant and subtle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby-garnet colour. Mysterious nose, initially of cold black tea, then delicate earthy notes, then mint, cinchona bark, then delicate wild berry and raspberry fruit in the second area. Shows a lot of tannin and pressure on the palate, builds up like a pyramid, noble earthy tones on the finish, lingers for a very long time." Falstaff

"Mid-to-deep ruby with orange tinges. Less exalted that the Parusso version but with the same perfumed undertow and with savoury, minerally and oaky hints. Totally seductive palate of succulent, round fruit spiked with gripping tannins." Jancis Robinson

"This red wine with its cherry and raspberry fruit is ripe and lively, with a solid basic structure. It gains depth with notes of iron, liquorice and tar, while a salty note emerges on the long, intense finish. Ripe, with a sense of restraint - a fascinating combination." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barolo Mosconi is a great wine from this vineyard. Rich and explosive, the 2019 offers plenty of Mosconi intensity along with the more classic sense of structure that is now a signature of the house. Dark red fruits, sage, blood orange, tobacco and cedar all come through beautifully in this dramatic, full-bodied Barolo." Vinous

"The Pio Cesare 2019 Barolo Mosconi offers the structure and length of a Nebbiolo from Monforte d'Alba. You also get a salty mineral tone or rusty iron framing a core of wild berries and blackcurrants. The Mosconi always strikes me as very straightforward and direct, and this particular sharpness is what I like best about this vintage." Wine Advocate

"Macerated raspberries combine with wild roses and crushed chalk in this evocative wine that captivates from the first sniff. Mixed cherries emerge on the palate, dusted with aniseed, liquorice and savoury herbs, with superfine tannins leading to a long finish that I wish would never end." Wine Enthusiast

"Cru Mosconi, the house's latest acquisition, a perfect snapshot of the Monforte terroir. Dogwood on the nose, with notes of pink grapefruit and clove, in the mouth with iodised tannins, crisp and exciting, beautiful finish." Luca Gardini

"The flavours of blue fruits such as raspberries and blueberries are very pronounced. Liquorice. Crushed stone. Violets. Full-bodied. So noble with ultra-fine tannins that last forever. Wonderful depth with cool and concentrated fruit. A lively and sophisticated wine with power and finesse. A classic." James Suckling

A powerhouse like no other and at the same time of a probably unique beauty. Every year, Villero is an overwhelming interpretation of the otherwise quite austere Nebbiolo grape, which here shows a kaleidoscope of life and power. Dark leather, dried rose petals, then some candied fruit and dried herbs play together with a subtle minerality to a symphony concert, which is guaranteed to be of lasting memory. Meditation meets the highest pleasure! SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe cherry mingles with flowers, freshly cut hay, iron and stony mineral flavors in this firmly structured red. Balanced, if on the tight side, as this winds down on the finish. Terrific length, but be patient until this finds a sweet spot." Wine Spectator

"Lots of tar, crushed berries, cedar and dried flowers on the nose. It’s full-bodied with powerful, focused tannins. Tile and dried-earth notes, too. So focused and full of strength, yet it remains agile and polished." James Suckling

"Vietti's 2013 Barolo Riserva Villero is a showstopper. Wow! dense, powerful and richly constituted, the Villero captivates from the very first taste. Smoke, scorched earth, gravel, cured meats and black cherry are some of the many notes that inform this decidedly somber, brooding Barolo. The interplay of fruit density and structure is just captivating. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of exotic red fruit blood orange and floral overtones, along with huge swaths of tannin. This is the first vintage in which 100% of malolactic fermentation took place in cask rather than in French oak barrique. It is also the finest vintage of the Villero I have ever tasted, and I say that with my often stated view that, at least in the past, the Riserva has never been the best wine in the Vietti range. In a word: dazzling." Vinous

"The Vietti 2013 Barolo Riserva Villero is a stunning wine, full of life, energy and beautiful complexity. This vintage opens in such a graceful manner, tickling the senses like a feather. With time, that initial softness begins to rise, and the wine grows in aromatic momentum and textural importance to take on magnificent fruit weight. It is soft, caressing and long. Tasted seven years after the harvest, this Riserva is expertly integrated with vibrant primary fruit, tangy acidity and non-intrusive tannins. These elements that make up the grand totality of the wine are carefully contained and chiseled down to a most elegant and beautiful common denominator." Wine Advocate

In 1991, Turriga was one of the first bottled wines ever to be exported from the island. Turriga has a 100% Sardinian soul - the famous blend of four red autochthonous grape varieties was once created by the famous OenologistGiacomo Tachis and is continued today by his "heir" Mariano Murru, technical director and Oenologist at Argiolas. The DNA of this exceptional wine sounds as simple as it is perfect: its sophisticated blend of grape varieties gives it its unique structure, roundness, fullness, fruit and a perfectly balanced portion of tannins.

Mariano goes into raptures and describes his top wine as follows: "It has a deep ruby red colour and an enveloping taste of almost spherical softness, with tannins of great finesse that support and accompany the drink. The lively fruit is supported by a balanced acidity and spiciness that refreshes the palate and prolongs an indescribable finish of rare elegance."

Bravo, Mariano! We have loved the elegant bouquet of plums, the opulent dark fruit, the finely balanced vanilla note and the subtle hint of tobacco for decades. Excellently structured and long-lasting on the finish. A masterpiece every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"A beautifully curated and polished young red wine with black berries, violets and bark. Full and velvety with creamy textured tannins and a flavourful finish. Juicy." James Suckling

"An incredible wine, one of the highest creations of Sardinian oenology. Blueberries on the nose, a hint of bay leaves, nutmeg on the finish. It is also savoury on the palate, with salty tannins, beautiful juiciness and persistent drinkability." Luca Gardini

The world-famous Caiarossa is an extremely exciting blend of the varieties Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Alicante, with the rich and dark fruit aromas of the Cabernet grapes in the foreground. On the nose, a beautiful first wave of dark fruits that never seem too ripe, which greatly benefits the wine's elegance. In the drink very balanced and focused with blackberries, cassis and slight hints of salty or rusty minerals. Caiarossa shows a good degree of elegance, not least because of its fine and taut tannins, and despite its density and complexity, it never seems opulent or even overloaded. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a slight violet shimmer. Opens with notes of cold smoke, slightly metallic components, behind that blueberries and cranberries, some pepper. Plucky, sturdy tannin, opens in many layers, fine liquorice notes in the final." Falstaff

"Richly scented plums and black cherries on the nose. Weighty and full in the mouth but smooth and soft, the fine tannins well integrated and supporting the bright strawberry, creamy red cherry and plum fruit flavours. Tannins give a chalky texture to the palate, gently supporting the fruit which has a subtle toasted spice to the finish. I love the acidity, the intensity of the sweet yet full fruit at the beginning, a smoky spiced element to the mid palate and a mineral tinged - wet stone, saline finish. Still feels very youthful." Decanter

"The Caiarossa 2019 is a complex blend featuring Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Alicante from vineyard sites across this beautiful property in the high hills off the Tuscan coast. This organic and biodynamic wine is full and generous to the palate, yet it never feels heavy or too extracted. The wine is balanced and fresh with thick layers of dark fruit, crushed stone, tobacco and exotic spice." Wine Advocate

"This is an intense, full-bodied yet very well-balanced and polished red with velvety, firm and caressing tannins. Ripe black plums, blueberries, chocolate, mocha, sweet spice and dried lavender. Some oyster shells, too. Layered and full of character. Creamy at the end from the polished tannins." James Suckling

Enrico Serafino's classic opens in a medium-dark colour with fragrant aromas of dark fruits, plums, spices, iron ore and freshly ploughed earth. Medium-bodied on the palate, rather slender, which is not a flaw, but emphasises the elegance and class of the Nebbiolo grape very nicely. The tannins are present but pleasantly tame, with peppery nuances on the finish, a salty mineral aftertaste and delicate nougat on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Comune del Serralunga d'Alba Barolo shows why this village-appelated wine was created. This wine shows the classic Serralunga vitality, power and balance with aromas of crushed black cherries, wild roses, dried herbs and crushed stone on the nose. The dense palate gives a core of ripe red fruits with underbrush, tea, licorice root and leather finishing with vibrant acidity and firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Fresh and lively Barolo with notes of red berries, tangerine peel, dried flowers and bark. Medium to full-bodied. Crisp and structured with firm, dusty tannins. Juicy on the palate with red fruits and a spicy, savoury finish. Attractive now, but even better from 2025." James Suckling

Tasca d'Almerita recalls the first vintage of their legendary Rosso del Conte from the San Lucio vineyard with this lush Riserva del Conte. Ruby red, the aromas of berries, cherries and spices have wonderfully taken the wood into their midst. A lively taste, dense tannins and an endless finish complete the perfect picture. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. Restrained, yet balanced nose, appears multilayered, albeit filigree. On the palate very juicy, dense, with clear fruit and tightly meshed enveloping tannin, shows elegant pressure, builds up in many layers, great length and finesse." Falstaff

"Deep crimson. A little less immediate and floral than the normal 2016 with brooding fruit and touches of dark spice. Tightly wound and still very embryonic fruit palate with vibrant, almost linear acidity. The fruit slowly unfurls on the palate over a rich layer of polished, fine tannins. Finely balanced but in need of much more time." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 vintage was characterised by a mild and dry winter, a cool spring and a summer with well-distributed rainfall. Summer temperatures were not very high and ensured a slow and complete ripening of the grapes. Grapes were harvested on 29 September. 'The vintage was deemed worthy of being sealed in numbered bottles,' said Corrado Maurigi, estate manager. The wine is extremely youthful with a vinous, violet character. Vibrant red cherry fruit dominates over a balsamic whiff, with a floral bouquet in the background. Silky first, then velvety, it's a precise and crisp wine - although lacking layers at the moment due to the youthfulness." Decanter

"The 2016 Riserva del Conte Vigneto San Lucio keeps you at the edge of the glass, with a dark yet gorgeous display of licorice-tinged currants and plums complemented by notes of stone dust, mint and hints of spiced orange. This is elegance personified, casting a polished display of black cherries across a core of vibrant acidity, complementary notes of sour citrus and wild herbs mounting toward the close. You hardly notice its tannic heft until the very end, as this tapers off with harmony, showing classically dry, persistent yet still so enjoyable, even at this young stage. That said, the best is truly yet to come, and collectors will benefit from cellaring this for at least another three to five years." Vinous

"Only made in the best vintages, the Tasca Conti d'Almerita 2016 Sicilia Contea di Sclafani Riserva del Conte Tenuta Regaleali sees its fruit sourced from the Vigneto San Lucio in a classic winemaking subzone on the western side of the island. Made with a blend of the indigenous grapes Perricone and Nero d'Avola, the wine is streamlined and elegant with enormous persistence that can be counted in many long minutes. The bouquet shows dried cherry, plum, leather and a touch of scorched earth or grilled rosemary. This is a spectacular wine that sits at the top of the Sicilian wine pyramid. I love the mineral interlude with granite and crushed slate that appears on the close." Wine Advocate