Guide l'Espresso

Ben Ryé - the great naturally sweet white wine from Donnafugata. The grapes are harvested in mid-August and left to dry naturally for 20 to 30 days. In September, the later ripening grapes are harvested and freshly processed. During fermentation, the hand-picked, raisined berries are added to the must in several stages.

A particularly good vintage has produced grapes of excellent quality, which we can see very nicely in this Ben Ryé 2012. It presents itself in a shiny gold with amber reflections; it presents notes of apricot, figs, dates, candied citrus fruits and Mediterranean maquis. On the palate, the sweetness is perfectly supported by a tangy freshness and minerality. Very long, aromatic persistence. A wine of great complexity, harmony and elegance, icon of heroic Pantelleria viticulture. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2012 Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé is the result of a dry vintage and healthy concentration of sugars. Ben Ryé's taste profile changes enormously when you get to these younger vintages. Passito di Pantelleria is a wine that shows a very distinct jump in evolution just a few years into its aging process. Once it makes it past that first plateau, the wine then embarks on an excruciatingly slow progression that takes decades to complete. In fact, looking back at this retrospective, I can't say that any of the wines felt "old" or flat. Even the inaugural 1989 vintage is beaming with life. I have the same high expectations for this vintage." Robert Parker

"A rich and mouthwatering dessert wine, with expressive baked peach, nectarine pâte de fruit, green tea, meringue and candied ginger flavors. There's real drive to this wine, and the fruit and spice notes ring out on the long finish." Wine Spectator

The Sangiovese grapes of this wine come from the vineyard of the Empire of His Royal Highness the Count of Turin, Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, who planted it in 1935. The soil is a mixture of clay and gravel, rich in marl and rock, which gives the grapes a spectacular minerality. The variations in temperature during the day play a decisive role in developing the finest aromas, which are elegant and complex. The wine, bottled in numbered bottles, is not filtered in order to preserve all the typical varietal notes and characteristics of Sangiovese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense garnet red. Very open and accessible nose, old-style in the best sense, of rhubarb, pomegranate, sour cherry and cherry stones. Relaxed and supple at the base, it opens with a grippy, fine-grained tannin, salty and very long, ripe fruit in the aftertaste". (Place 45 / 100 "Best 100 under 100€) Falstaff

"The 2015 Valdarno di Sopra Vigna dell'Impero offers aromas of candied cherry, blackberry, spice and leather. The finish is on the soft side, and I am assigning a slightly shorter drinking window for this warm vintage as a result. The fruit is concentrated and rich, thanks to the heat of the growing season." Robert Parker

"A tight and focused red with cherry, earth and orange peel. Roses, too. Full body yet very reserved with ultra-fine tannins and a fresh finish. Linear and beautiful. Old vine sangiovese. Shows outstanding potential. " James Suckling

Riserva di Fizzano has been a Gran Selezione since the 2010 vintage and this excellent debut vintage is a highly authentic top result from Rocca delle Macie. Fragrant of berries and wild herbs, also stylistically impeccable on the palate, of balanced spiciness, warm and with ripe, red fruit aromas. Very racy and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Vernaccia di Oristano Antico Gregori - a breathtaking blend of the best vintages. The base dates back to the beginning of the last century and has been refilled with the best Vernaccia selections from Contini. SUPERIORE.DE

"Armagnac-brown, sweet, intense, multi-layered nose, very inviting; powerful, mouth filling, great acidity, sweeping, pile and nutty taste, stays in the mouth for minutes; incredible wine! ... impossible not to pause during the tasting to enjoy this wine." Merum

"This is a precious, rare and, yes, costly Vernaccia that merits a closer look. This very unusual wine, the NV Vernaccia di Oristano Antico Gregori, is a cuvée of the best vintages spanning back over the past 40 years. It ages in oak, with some of it spending up to four decades in the barrel, producing a sweet wine that opens to a dark amber color with aromas of dried figs, honey, apricots and candied orange peel. It clocks in with a 18.5% alcohol content, about the same as your average Port, positioning it a digestif to be consumed on its own, or with a cigar. Only 1,000 bottles were made, and each one will pass the test of time because this wine is timeless in heart and soul." Robert Parker

The pure, autochthonous Nerello Mascalese from over 100 years old (root true) vines starts with a sparkling ruby garnet and continues with an enchanting raspberry aroma, followed by fine spicy notes (ginger, pimento, clove). Compact, dense, full fruity, tannic on the palate, always very elegant and smooth. Traces of salt and flint in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bouquet of ripe berries and hot lava stone, flanked by notes of ginger and aniseed. Opulent wine, combining power and elegance, ends in a mineral-cherry confit-like finale. Also in this vintage convincing." Vinum

"Bright ruby with garnet shimmer and bright edge. Opened in the nose with pronounced spicy notes, hints of cloves and raspberry, looks very complex. Salty in the base and course, much fine-meshed but nonetheless grippy tannin, shows many layers, red berry fruit, rhubarb in the finale." Falstaff

"Just mid ruby. Succulent cherry and raspberry fruit with a touch of dried fruit indicating a warm year. Wonderful tannic bite and freshness and yet mouth-filling. Will be interesting to see how this ages." Jancis Robinson

"Made from pure nerello mascalese, this soft and silky red with pretty leather, berries and chocolate, shows deep, terroir character. Smoky ash and pumice undertones to the dark fruit. Juicy and delicious." James Suckling

"Graceful, showing focus and complexity, layering the fine-grained tannins with poached black cherry, leather and mineral flavors." Wine Spectator

"These pre-phylloxera vines are up to 100 years old and grown at 900m. Raspberry aromas infuse the nose, which is rich yet lifted and elegant, with great purity of fruit. It’s suave and very concentrated with imposing tannins, but not too extracted. Structured and still a bit severe, it has potential. Long." Decanter

Camartina presents itself sparkling ruby, with opulent fragrant bouquet of cloves, lots of blackberry fruit, some chocolate. On the palate very much juicy fruit, spicy notes, underlaid by grippy tannin, very clear and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby with violet shimmer. Opened with a fine spicy note of cinnamon and cloves, with some cherry in the background. Juicy and salty in the base and course, opens with a pithy, slightly sandy tannin, firm pressure in the finish." Falstaff

"The 2011 Camartina is rich, layered and exquisite in the glass. Fine, silky tannins provide the backdrop as this super-refined, polished Tuscan red shows off its personality. These hillside vineyards above Greve often yield wines of total finesse. That is certainly the case here. The 2011 Camartina isn't a blockbuster, instead it is a wine that impresses for its balance and overall harmony." Antonio Galloni

"A dense, rich red with dried-berry, orange-peel and chocolate character. Full body, soft, silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish." James Suckling

Dark ruby red, in the Bouquet aromas of ripe, red fruits and a fine wood spice. Elegant, soft, complex and fresh, the taste is exuberant and very flattering. A masterpiece from the Basilicata! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2013 Aglianico del Vulture Titolo offers a rich and savory interpretation. The wine reveals earthy notes of freshly tilled earth and button mushroom and it also shows autumnal layers of crushed leaf and black currant. Together, these various elements come together in smooth harmony. The fruit element at the back is a good guarantee of the wine's future aging potential. The finish offers solid tannins and earthy grittiness." Robert Parker

"Bright ruby. Piercing aromas of sour red cherry, black currant, violet and lavender. Then dense, sweet and complex, offering very pure mineral, deep plum and smoky berry flavors that have an almost metallic, steely quality. A wine of remarkable balance and finesse, but also powerful and concentrated. Absolutely gorgeous wine confirming the 2013 vintage to be a great one for Aglianico del Vulture." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

Only nine years after the harvest, this great wine is released for sale: The slow drying of the fully ripe harvested grapes gives this cru its tremendous 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 - quasi the archetype - of the whole appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby garnet. Appealing, finely marked nose with notes of ripe dark cherry, cranberry and clove. Substantial and rich on the attack and course, showing lovely ripe fruit, then plenty of savory tannin well embedded in fruit melt, pithy and long." Falstaff

"Density and dryness that really comes together here, after almost 10 years in bottle. It’s very deep and vertical on the palate. Very pure and beautiful crushed cherries, dried flowers, carbon and pumice. Wonderful all round." James Suckling

Montevetrano is the wine that has become superlative: dark ruby-violet-red color, complex, powerful, very elegant fragrance, full of blackberries and currants with balsamic-spicy notes of laurel and black pepper. The taste is as elegant as the finesse, wide, extremely fine, full and warm, with a firm but at the same time soft tannin structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a famous red that delivers depth and finesse. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a wonderful finish of blackberry, cocoa and spices including black peppercorns. One of the best Montevetranos in years." James Suckling

"Intense aromas of red-skinned berry, fragrant blue flower, Oriental spice and a whiff of graphite take center stage. The taut, chewy palate doles out Marasca cherry, blackberry, anise, mocha and a peppery note alongside bright acidity and polished, fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2013 Montevetrano was a little shut down when I tasted it. This blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 30% Aglianico starts off slowly but it does reach full speed with a few quick swirls of the glass. Some 30,000 bottles were made. The wine opens to a dark garnet color with thick concentration of dark pigments. The bouquet needs a little patience before it shows a complete bouquet of rose, spice, dark chocolate and dried blackberry aromas." Robert Parker

Vigna d'Alceo '09 is a Cabernet Sauvignon with a low proportion of Petit Verdot of the extra class. The bouquet is rich, clean and fruity. Impressive its harmony, powerful and yet with a lot of elegance. A perfectly shaped drop with the potential to increase in value! SUPERIORE.DE

"A super generous red with spices, meat and berry character. Full body with round and velvety tannins. Rich and generous. Gorgeous wine. A blend of cabernet sauvignon and petite verdot." James Suckling

"Bright, rich ruby violet. Opened in the nose with smoky-mineral notes, then plenty of plump fruit, inviting for elderberries and blackberries. It shows itself polished on the palate, opens with a lot of finely woven, rich tannin, builds up for a long time, a lot of juicy fruit, rich pressure in the finale." Falstaff

"The 2009 D'Alceo is quite a bit firmer and more structured than the Sammarco. An exotic melange of dark cherries, plums, grilled herbs, cassis and new leather emerges from the glass, backed up by tons of structure. Over the last few months, the 2009 d'Alceo has softened a bit, releasing expressive, floral aromatics and brighter shades of fruit. This is a wonderfully deep, resonant d'Alceo. The 2009 will drink well with minimum cellaring within the context of prior vintages. According to Luca di Napoli, the trick to 2009 was harvesting on the early side. Judging by this effort, I would say Rampolla nailed the vintage." Antonio Galloni

One of the top wines of the region, which has been undisputed for decades. With its French elegance and international flair, it convincingly represents above all its Chianti terroir. Concentrated colour, wide, complex scent that changes from sweet berry aromas to delicate spicy clove and cinnamon nuances and finally to very fresh menthol accents. Almost creamy in its soft nature, the full-bodied, excessive taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2011 D'Alceo is a stunning blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with 15% Petit Verdot. The bouquet is perfumed and enticing with dark rose, cherry fruit, spice, leather, cola, grilled herb and so much more. Fruit comes from a six-hectare single vineyard (whereas fruit for the Sanmarco represents a special selection from various vineyards.) The intensity and purity is what sets this wine part. Both are impeccable. In the mouth, D'Alceo feels long, linear and meaningful. Castello dei Rampolla practices biodynamic farming." Robert Parker

"The 2011 d'Alceo is fascinating to taste next to the Sammarco, as it is much more open-knit, silky and expressive. Cherry jam, pomegranate, spice and new leather flesh out in the glass. The integration of fruit, tannin and acidity is further along than in the Sammarco. The 2011 d'Alceo should open up pretty early, which should be welcome news to readers cellaring some of the more tannic vintages. I expect the 2011 will provide readers with a long drinking window of pure pleasure." Antonio Galloni

"This is very firm and dense with fantastic structure and a superb depth of fruit and silky tannins. Full body showing a core of ripe fruit featuring currants and blackberries. Minerals and fresh mushrooms to add." James Suckling

"Rich, shiny ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Concentrated and appealing nose, full of ripe forest berries, especially raspberry and blackberry, deep, in the background some white pepper. A polished and rich tannin on the palate, spreads beautifully, also shows rich enamel, in the finale hearty, very long reverberation." Falstaff

"Luca recently purchased more land in the Lazzarito cru. The 2009 Barolo Lazzarito delivers subdued notes of red rose and violet that build inintensity as the wine takes on more air in the glass. Black fruit, plum, cassis, leather, tar and licorice soon follow suit. This wine is anabsolute, drop-dead stunner. Its tannic crispness makes it feel livelyand buoyant in the mouth. The wine shows heft and importance that become firmly etched in the mouth. Each time I went back to the glass, thewine told a new story." Robert Parker

"A beautiful core of blueberry and strawberry fruit in this wine - structured yet very fine. It's full-bodied, with polished and fine tannins and a long, long finish. Lots of subtle mineral and milkchocolate character here." James Suckling

Top-class, complex and modern Barolo from Serralunga: Elegant, complex bouquet of cherries and blueberries, the full-bodied taste is of considerable density and length, perfectly integrates the tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with a garnet shimmer. Fine and fragrant nose, opens with notes of coriander and cinchona bark, then lots of rose petals, cherry and raspberry. Stoffig and full on the palate, opens with much hearty, present tannin, deep, present dark berry fruit, long reverberation, a late fuse!" Falstaff

"The 2011 Barolo Lazzarito is a landmark wine and one of the best expressions made region-wide in this challenging vintage. The bouquet is gorgeous thanks to the never-ending aromas of dark fruit, licorice and balsam herb that peel off the top. The Lazzarito vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba is characterized by thick soils and deep shifts between daytime and nighttime temperatures. These are important factors that lead to quality fruit despite the summer heat." Robert Parker

"The 2011 Barolo Lazzarito is fabulous in this vintage. Rich, ample and structured, the 2011 is both opulent and savory in style. Iron, plums, dark red cherries, smoke, licorice and tobacco meld together in a remarkably harmonious young Serralunga Barolo. This is the first year the Vietti Lazzarito includes a second recently acquired parcel, which may be one of the factors that influences quality, but at the same time, the Lazzarito has been the most improved Barolo in the range. All the elements come together in the 2011, a wine that has it all. This is a great showing from the Lazzarito. Best of all, readers won't have to wait forever to enjoy this beautiful, pedigreed Barolo." Antonio Galloni

Barolo Ravera represents the more traditional style of winemaking at Vietti. Graphite and iron aromas, with fruity sweet notes of cherry and raspberry, leather and black tea. Intense fruit with complex structure and beautifully interwoven tannin. Powerful and exceptionally stylish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby garnet. Fine nose with notes of raspberry and dark roses, flint and truffle in the background. On the palate very present, shows much fruit, at the same time fine-meshed, dense tannin, which still tolerates some storage, has very good potential, long finish." Falstaff

"The 2011 Barolo Ravera opens to a pretty garnet color and dark ruby luminosity. The wine delivers tight concentration and a fine texture that adheres closely to the palate. Blackberry, cassis, spice, leather and tobacco emerge from the glass. Barolo Ravera also offers an earthy tone of white truffle or porcino mushroom. Soft oak density and thick fruit extract give the wine beautiful, full-bodied appeal. Give it ten more years of cellar aging to lose the baby fat." Robert Parker

"The 2011 Barolo Ravera is once again the most vibrant and nuanced of the Vietti Barolos. Freshly cut flowers, crushed rocks, mint and bright red stone fruits are all shaped by a very classic sense of mineral-inflected drive that is such a Ravera signature. The 2011 is a more than worthy follow up to the epic 2010. It's great to see this high-altitude district in Novello finally getting its due." Antonio Galloni

"Cherry and plum flavors permeate this rich, powerful red. Accented by menthol and leather, this is balanced and fresh, with a lingering aftertaste of mineral and tobacco." Wine Spectator

"Engaging scents of wild berry, rose petal, aromatic herb and spice lead the nose. The full-bodied palate slowly reveals red cherry, anise, black pepper, clove and tobacco framed in assertive tannins and bright acidity. Give this time to fully open and develop." Wine Enthusiast

The 2011 edition of the Gran Selezione from the Bellavista vineyard is rich and dark with aromas of wild cherry, smoke, liquorice, menthol and tobacco. Extremely attractive and full-bodied on the palate, firm tannins form the backbone of this virile, potent wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Full, dark ruby, light violet shimmer. Opened in the nose with fine spicy notes, to sandalwood, some vanilla, then full of plums. In the beginning much present fruit, opens with dense, hearty tannin, discreet earthy notes, in the finale long reverberation, fine and elegant." Falstaff

"The 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista opens to dark concentration, bold intensity and an immediate delivery of ripe fruit flavors. Stylistically speaking, this single-vineyard Grand Selezione is extracted, muscular and extremely fruit forward. The heat of the 2011 vintage comes through loud and clear. Happily, the mouthfeel is tighter and more focused with dusty minerality on the tannins and long persistency." Robert Parker

"Ama's 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista shows the darker, more brooding style of Sangiovese at Ama. Graphite, smoke, tar, licorice, incense and cloves wrap around a core of dark fruit. A wine of gravitas and vertical structure, the 2011 will reward several decades of cellaring. This is an unusually stern wine for the vintage though. Readers will have to be patient to experience the Bellavista at its best. Still, I can't help notice how much the 2011 has grown in bottle over the last year." Antonio Galloni

"Rich and elegant, with black cherry, black currant, violet and boysenberry flavors allied to a sleek frame. Dense and weightless at once, with a lingering aftertaste of tobacco and tea. Presents a fine balance and aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"A fresh and layered red with blackberry, blueberry and mint character. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Minerally." James Suckling

Chianti Classico La Casuccia from a single vineyard of the same name with Gran-Selezione status combines in its typical way exemplary excellent structure with highest elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a light garnet edge. Cool, exciting nose, opened with pronounced spicy notes, lots of cloves, some cardamom, then full of blackberry and dark cherries. Round and extremely supple at the base and in the course, it blooms beautifully, opens with fine, elegant tannins, rich draught, lots of dark berry fruit, very long aftertaste". Falstaff

"The 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is opulent and voluptuous with thick lines of dark fruit and spice that characterize the bouquet. More than heft and power, this wine delivers excellent complexity with layers of black truffle, grilled herb and cherry cola that add vertical lift." Robert Parker

"A wine of pure femininity and grace, the 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is wonderfully fleshy and radiant in the glass. Rose petal, sweet red cherry, tobacco, mint and spices meld together as this effortless, supple wine shows off its undeniably appealing personality. Sweet, silky tannins wrap around a super-expressive finish laced with knock-out aromatics. The 2011 is firing on all cylinders today." Antonio Galloni

"Rich and modern, pure and expressive, with violet, black currant, cherry and spice flavors that ride the racy profile and dense tannic structure to a long, lingering aftertaste of fruit and spice." Wine Spectator

"Amazing aromas of crushed dark fruits with raspberry, blueberry and blackberry. Dried flowers and violets too, plus tanned leather. Full body, ultra-fine yet dense tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Stunning texture. One of the greatest Chianti Classicos ever made." James Suckling

Batar exudes elegant aromas of jasmine, peach and sweet tropical fruits and a lively minerality. Batar secures its many admirers with great finesse and opulent diversity and is undoubtedly one of the best white wines in Italy! SUPERIORE.DE

"The dried-pear and toasty-oak aromas make this a very distinctive white. Ripe and generous, but with more than enough freshness. Polished, long finish. From organically grown grapes." James Suckling

"The 2016 Batàr is superb. Candied lemon peel, mint, chamomile and lightly tropical notes are all laced together. In the glass, the 2016 has a real sense of phenolic intensity that offers a striking counter to the floral aromatics and expressive, layered fruit. The 2016 is 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Blanc, much of that younger plantings of the Gouges clones of Pinot Blanc sourced in Burgundy. Today, the Batàr is tightly wound and piercing in its brightness. Another few years in bottle should do the trick." VINOUS

"This 2016 is just so complete and balanced. The key was a not-too-hot summer and large diurnal differences at night which led to a longer, slower ripening season. Bright green-gold in colour, it has plenty of richness and concentration but in a focused, pure and precise framework. It has a wonderful seamless flow across the palate, so harmonious with a softly melting texture. Ing comments, 'There's an energy to the 2016.' I agree!" Decanter

Camartina 2010 presents itself sparkling ruby, with opulent fragrant bouquet of cloves, lots of blackberry fruit, some chocolate. On the palate very much juicy fruit, spicy notes, underlaid by grippy tannin, very clear and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2010 Camartina is one of the most beautiful versions of this wine I have tasted in some time. Layered and vibrant on the palate, the 2010 impresses for its finesse and nuance. Freshly cut flowers, mint, dark red berries and graphite all meld together in a wine of exceptional refinement. Today, the aromas and flavors are naturally not fully expressive, but another few years should work wonders. The cool, late-ripening season yielded a Camartina of understated class and pedigree. This is a fabulous showing." Antonio Galloni

"A powerful red wine with an abundance of berry, dried fruits and hints of vanilla on the nose and palate. Full body, with chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Needs at least two or three years of bottle age to come together. Made from biodynamically grown grapes." James Suckling

"A vivid, fresh style, whose berry and cherry flavors are focused and augmented by tobacco, underbrush and iron notes. Tight and intense, presenting a long, mineral-inflected finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese." Wine Spectator

"The 2010 Camartina offers many beautiful surprises. This blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese is a structured and powerful wine, but it offers elegance and balance as well. This classic vintage has done its part to shape a wine that offers bright fruit intensity, delineated aromas of blueberry and spice, and a richly velvety sensation in the mouth. You can hold this wine for the next ten years." Robert Parker

The Sangiovese grapes of this wine come from the vineyard of the Empire of His Royal Highness the Count of Turin, Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, who planted it in 1935. The soil is a mixture of clay and gravel, rich in marl and rock, which gives the grapes a spectacular minerality. The variations in temperature during the day play a decisive role in developing the finest aromas, which are elegant and complex. The wine, bottled in numbered bottles, is not filtered in order to preserve all the typical varietal notes and characteristics of Sangiovese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense garnet red. Very open and accessible nose, old-style in the best sense, of rhubarb, pomegranate, sour cherry and cherry stones. Relaxed and supple at the base, it opens with a grippy, fine-grained tannin, salty and very long, ripe fruit in the aftertaste". (Place 11 / 100 "Best 100 under 100€) Falstaff

"The 2015 Valdarno di Sopra Vigna dell'Impero offers aromas of candied cherry, blackberry, spice and leather. The finish is on the soft side, and I am assigning a slightly shorter drinking window for this warm vintage as a result. The fruit is concentrated and rich, thanks to the heat of the growing season." Robert Parker

"A tight and focused red with cherry, earth and orange peel. Roses, too. Full body yet very reserved with ultra-fine tannins and a fresh finish. Linear and beautiful. Old vine sangiovese. Shows outstanding potential. " James Suckling

Vigna d'Alceo '09 is a Cabernet Sauvignon with a low proportion of Petit Verdot of the extra class. The bouquet is rich, clean and fruity. Impressive its harmony, powerful and yet with a lot of elegance. A perfectly shaped drop with the potential to increase in value! SUPERIORE.DE

"A super generous red with spices, meat and berry character. Full body with round and velvety tannins. Rich and generous. Gorgeous wine. A blend of cabernet sauivgnon and petite verdot. Much better in 2015 when the tannins come together." James Suckling

"Bright, rich ruby violet. Opened in the nose with smoky-mineral notes, then plenty of plump fruit, inviting for elderberries and blackberries. It shows itself polished on the palate, opens with a lot of finely woven, rich tannin, builds up for a long time, a lot of juicy fruit, rich pressure in the finale." Falstaff

"The 2009 D'Alceo is quite a bit firmer and more structured than the Sammarco. An exotic melange of dark cherries, plums, grilled herbs, cassis and new leather emerges from the glass, backed up by tons of structure. Over the last few months, the 2009 d'Alceo has softened a bit, releasing expressive, floral aromatics and brighter shades of fruit. This is a wonderfully deep, resonant d'Alceo. The 2009 will drink well with minimum cellaring within the context of prior vintages. According to Luca di Napoli, the trick to 2009 was harvesting on the early side. Judging by this effort, I would say Rampolla nailed the vintage." Antonio Galloni

Very dark colour and a memorable, dense fragrance of ripe cherry fruit, violet and undergrowth. Inviting on the palate, slim and firm, tannin and acidity very well integrated into the juicy fruit. An adult wine with the typical fruity charm of the excellent Tuscany vintage 2004. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, sparkling ruby. Multilayered, after ripe plums, some leather and mushrooms in the background. "Stoffig und gripping, full-bodied, pithy tannin, covered with fine fruit melt, salty." Falstaff "Barbecue smoke and mesquite wood are the most immediate aromas you will notice here. You'll also recognize background tones of black peppercorn, lead pencil and licorice. The wine delivers loads of intensity in the mouth." Wine Enthusiast

Chianti Classico La Casuccia from a single vineyard of the same name with Gran-Selezione status combines in its typical way exemplary excellent structure with highest elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a light garnet edge. Cool, exciting nose, opened with pronounced spicy notes, lots of cloves, some cardamom, then full of blackberry and dark cherries. Round and extremely supple at the base and in the course, it blooms beautifully, opens with fine, elegant tannins, rich draught, lots of dark berry fruit, very long aftertaste". Falstaff

"The 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is opulent and voluptuous with thick lines of dark fruit and spice that characterize the bouquet. More than heft and power, this wine delivers excellent complexity with layers of black truffle, grilled herb and cherry cola that add vertical lift." Robert Parker

"A wine of pure femininity and grace, the 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is wonderfully fleshy and radiant in the glass. Rose petal, sweet red cherry, tobacco, mint and spices meld together as this effortless, supple wine shows off its undeniably appealing personality. Sweet, silky tannins wrap around a super-expressive finish laced with knock-out aromatics. The 2011 is firing on all cylinders today." Antonio Galloni

"Rich and modern, pure and expressive, with violet, black currant, cherry and spice flavors that ride the racy profile and dense tannic structure to a long, lingering aftertaste of fruit and spice." Wine Spectator

"Amazing aromas of crushed dark fruits with raspberry, blueberry and blackberry. Dried flowers and violets too, plus tanned leather. Full body, ultra-fine yet dense tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Stunning texture. One of the greatest Chianti Classicos ever made." James Suckling

The 2011 edition of the Gran Selezione from the Bellavista vineyard is rich and dark with aromas of wild cherry, smoke, liquorice, menthol and tobacco. Extremely attractive and full-bodied on the palate, firm tannins form the backbone of this virile, potent wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Full, dark ruby, light violet shimmer. Opened in the nose with fine spicy notes, to sandalwood, some vanilla, then full of plums. In the beginning much present fruit, opens with dense, hearty tannin, discreet earthy notes, in the finale long reverberation, fine and elegant." Falstaff

"The 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista opens to dark concentration, bold intensity and an immediate delivery of ripe fruit flavors. Stylistically speaking, this single-vineyard Grand Selezione is extracted, muscular and extremely fruit forward. The heat of the 2011 vintage comes through loud and clear. Happily, the mouthfeel is tighter and more focused with dusty minerality on the tannins and long persistency." Robert Parker

"Ama's 2011 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista shows the darker, more brooding style of Sangiovese at Ama. Graphite, smoke, tar, licorice, incense and cloves wrap around a core of dark fruit. A wine of gravitas and vertical structure, the 2011 will reward several decades of cellaring. This is an unusually stern wine for the vintage though. Readers will have to be patient to experience the Bellavista at its best. Still, I can't help notice how much the 2011 has grown in bottle over the last year." Antonio Galloni

"Rich and elegant, with black cherry, black currant, violet and boysenberry flavors allied to a sleek frame. Dense and weightless at once, with a lingering aftertaste of tobacco and tea. Presents a fine balance and aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"A fresh and layered red with blackberry, blueberry and mint character. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Minerally." James Suckling

Deep dark, almost impenetrable red. In the nose a whole range of mature forest berries, finely underlined by nuances of tobacco, leather and lavender. Also on the palate with a lot of fruit, powerful, but still silky and elegant. The best Syrah in Tuscany?! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby-violet. Fine, accessible nose, opened with notes of raspberry, also some sweat. On the palate a lot of sweet fruit, luxuriant, like a baroque angel, opens with fine meshed tannin, stretches a wide arch, spicy finale." Falstaff

"Aromas of dried meats, light strawberry jam and dried fruits, likeChristmas pudding. Full body with round, ripe tannins and plenty ofchocolate, vanilla and spice on the finish. Drink now or hold." JamesSuckling

"Layers of inky, black fruit, grilled herbs, smoke, menthol andmelted road tar are all layered together in the 2012 Syrah. Deep, fleshy and explosive in the glass, the Syrah is endowed with marvelouscomplexity and depth while remaining remarkably light on its feet forsuch a big wine. Hints of lavender, violets, leather and blueberry jaminform the finish. In 2012, the Syrah benefits greatly from longermacerations at lower temperatures and an overall gentler approach toextraction. The 2012 Syrah has been nothing short of remarkable on themultiple occasions I have tasted it so far." Antonio Galloni

"Tua Rita makes some of the finest Syrah in Italy and the 2012 Syrah Per Sempre confirms this statement. This is a fabulous wine that isbrimming with dark fruit intensity, beautifully polished spice, leather, tobacco and a playful touch of smoked bacon fat at the back. The winedelivers an exciting sense of momentum and it builds in character anddetermination as it glides over the palate. This gorgeous wine needs afew more years of bottle aging to complete its promising evolution." Robert Parker