Methusalem | 6 Liters

Querciabella's Riserva is a great blend from the three best Chianti locations in Greve, Radda and Gaiole. Pure elegance on all levels: Rich ruby, subtle aromas of cherry, aniseed and tobacco, followed by notes of jasmine and violet. On the palate pleasantly medium-weight, ripe black cherries and herbs, very typical for this terroir. Well-balanced fruit, the structure is dominated by obvious, well integrated tannins and a remarkably perfect acidity. Intense and persistent with sufficient extract for safe storage potential. Chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fleshy, dark ruby. Very appealing and open nose, lots of ripe raspberry and blackberry, behind this fine spicy notes. Juicy and clear at the beginning and the end, beautifully worked out fruit, unfolds in the rear with dense tannin, very long finish." Falstaff

"Beautiful, concentrated ruby. Quite closed and backward, but subtle and complex on the nose. Bags of concentrated fruit and yet super-elegant palate. Vibrant with perfectly built, long, fine tannins. Refreshing and complex." Jancis Robinson

"Energy and firmness showing in a medium-bodied package of currants and cherries, as well as cedar and flowers. Lightly chewy tannins and a linear, tight finish. Needs some time to soften, but already a beauty. From biodynamically grown grapes." James Suckling

"A big Chianti Classico, with vanilla and resin notes from new oak wrapped around cherry, strawberry, iron and earth flavors. This verges on racy despite the breadth, with a dense swath of tannins providing grip on the finish. The oak is up front and should be absorbed well over time. Best from 2022." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Chianti Classico Riserva is an attractive wine built on aromatics and structure, with the fruit more in the background. It will be interesting to see if it fleshes out with more time in bottle. Sweet red cherry, lavender, rose petal, mint and spice gradually develop in the glass, but the 2016 remains quite reticent. It will be interesting to see if time in bottle brings out more depth. Today, the 2016 is decidedly shy. I very much like the energy here." Vinous

"Querciabella's 10,000 bottle annual production Riserva is a selection of superior lots. It blends fruit from Greve where their vineyards range from 350 to 550 metres, with grapes from Radda's high altitude stony sites and Gaiole's limestone rich soils. The 2016 is restrained but precise. Intriguing scents of spring blossoms, cranberry bush and potting soil are subtly laced with vanilla and smoke. Very polished and pure on palate with mouth-watering, tangy acidity and sinewy tannins. This sophisticated, buttoned-up Riserva could do with another year in the bottle." Decanter

Deep dark ruby. In the nose cassis, black berries and a powerful herb spice with a good dose of pipe tobacco. On the palate dark berries, chocolate and a cornucopia of herbs define the full-bodied body. This wine monument has precisely integrated tannins, an enormous silkiness and an almost infinite finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, glowing ruby violet. Finely drawn nose with notes of dark, juicy currants, some tar and slate in the background. It plays nicely on the palate, a lot of present berry fruit, fine-meshed tannin, unfolds very straight." Falstaff

"The 2016 Oreno is gorgeous. Rich, unctuous and resonant, the 2016 is laced with inky blue/purplish fruit, bittersweet chocolate, spice, lavender, licorice and incense. I would prefer to give the 2016 a few years to come into its own, but it is impressive, even in the early going. Silky tannins and dense, plush fruit add to its undeniable immediacy and sheer appeal." Antonio Galloni

"The 2016 Oreno is a fantastic expression from Tuscany that blossoms with each swirl and tilt of the glass. This is a full-bodied red with generous aromas of black fruit, spice, tobacco and soft spice." Robert Parker

"Gorgeous floral and deep, dark berry aromas with hints of spices such as cinnamon and hazelnuts. Full body and ultra-fine and strong tannins that are powerful yet so sleek and beautiful. Fantastic length and texture. Deep, dark and profound. Takes you on a long journey and shows you its true character."  James Suckling (Platz 4 - TOP-Weine Italien 2018)

Deep ruby red, intensive scent of dark fruit underlaid with delicate toasted aromas. Complex and full-bodied on the palate, with balsamic notes, perfectly integrated tannins and a finely balanced fruity-spicy finish. An intense wine, which does not want to be a lightweight either and which shows its power perfectly. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense ruby with a violet tint. Opened with notes of liquorice and dried tomatoes, then beautiful currants. Very good presence on the palate, shows tension and fresh fruit, fine tannin, much dark berry juice in the final." Falstaff

"Subtle currant, light sandalwood and some cherry aromas. Full-bodied, yet fine-tuned and polished with tannins that melt beautifully into the wine. Long and focused. Beauty and balance to this." James Suckling

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

"This is a dark, concentrated and full-bodied expression that exudes black fruit and blackberry with spicy tobacco and savory spice. Despite the Bordeaux blend in its DNA, the wine is fully Tuscan in character and spirit, with the softness and fullness that comes from fruit cultivated under the golden sunshine of Central Italy." Robert Parker

"Currant, flower and orange-blossom aromas follow through to a full body with fine, creamy tannins and a long, persistent finish. Shows finesse and precision. Cherry and orange-peel notes at the end. The flavors go on and on. Better after 2022." James Suckling

Magari is vinified from 50 percent Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in equal parts. It presents itself fresh and juicy, with strong vegetal accents and great depth. Simply delicious! SUPERIORE.DE

"Gaja started to make wine in Bolgheri in 2000. Magari changed in blend in 2014, replacing the difficult Merlot in this warm climate with Petit Verdot which ripens better here than in Bordeaux. The 2016 is youthful in colour, full of leafy Cabernet Franc notes. It has firm, extracted tannins and is not without great tension on the palate. It needs time to develop in finesse and complexity, having now the exuberance of youth." Decanter

"The 2016 Magari is a dark, powerful wine. In most vintages, Magari is a wine of Tuscan charm, but powerful tannins give the 2016 a somewhat compact feel. There is plenty of depth to the black fruit, mocha, new leather and spice flavors, but the 2016 is clearly very young. There is not much Bolgheri charm in the early going. The 2016 is going to need at least a few years in bottle to come together." VINOUS

"A very fresh nose with tons of dark fruit, such as brambleberries, blueberries and dark cherries, as well as vanilla, dried herbs and eucalyptus. Medium to full body, fresh acidity and a tight finish." James Suckling

"Black currant and black cherry fruit mingles with mint, olive, graphite and tobacco notes in this red. Elegant, with ample density and bright acidity, ending in a firm, fruit-, mineral- and herb-tinged aftertaste. Well-proportioned and classy." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Bolgheri Rosso Magari produces an expressive and opulent red wine, with great acidity and definition. The wine is firm and tightly wound, with secondary complexity that expresses itself in terms of tar, leather and spice. The tannins are supple and soft." Robert Parker

The anniversary edition on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Ornellaia's famous second wine is presented in a decidedly elegant garment. A bewitching scent of sweet, dark berries with a hint of cassis, cedar wood and antique leather. Very well balanced on the palate, of beautiful viscosity with an elegant finish. Fine-meshed tannin, restrained mineral tones and a wonderfully polished fruit accompany a remarkable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2017 expresses itself through an extraordinary elegance. Although it can be enjoyed young, it has a great ageing potential. Its colour is an intense ruby red with violet reflections. On the nose it shows a beautiful complexity with aromas of small red berries and balsamic notes reminiscent of Mediterranean maquis. In the mouth, the high quality of the tannins is particularly noticeable, which prove to be smooth and silky. The tasting ends in a long and unexpectedly fresh finish". Olga Fusari (Kellermeisterin Ornellaia)

"An integrated, ripe red with currant, berry and light tobacco character. Medium to full body, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Second wine of Ornellaia. Lovely now, but better in a year or two. Try after 2021." James Suckling

"The 2017 Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia is plump, juicy and so seductive, with pretty floral and savory top notes that add a touch of freshness to balance things out. Medium in body and wonderfully inviting, Le Serre Nuove also has quite a bit of energy for the year. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, licorice and mint nuances linger in the glass. This is such a pretty wine." Vinous

"The Ornellaia 2017 Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia is a real charmer of a wine with a sweet, soft and supple disposition. The exact blend is 54% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. Fermentation starts in stainless steel, and the wine is then racked over to barrique to complete malolactic fermentation. It ages in oak for 15 months. The whole entire presentation here is seamless, from start to finish, with dark fruit and cherry slowly folding into leather, spice and pipe tobacco. Fruit was denser and more compact in this hot and dry vintage, and you absolutely feel that extra richness and concentration. I recommend another quick two years of aging to relax the wine's tannins that are extra tight in 2017." Robert Parker

Bewitching scent of sweet, dark berries with a hint of cassis, cedar wood and antique leather. Very well balanced and elegant on the palate, of beautiful viscosity with an elegant enamel. Fine-meshed tannin, restrained mineral tones and a wonderfully fresh and polished fruit accompany a remarkable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shining, rich garnet. In the nose noble but reserved, a touch of mint, ripe wild berries. On the palate then extremely polished, excellent wood use, with pressure, tightly woven, spreads elegantly, powerful, long and compact." Falstaff

"Really beautiful second wine from Ornellaia with blackcurrant and blueberry aromas and flavors. Full body and round, soft tannins that caress the palate." James Suckling

Its original vineyard of the same name has long been regarded as one of the best sites in the Castellina zone. From equal parts of Merlot and Sangiovese comes this excellent, very dense wine with ripe fruit aromas and sweet vanilla hints. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautiful aromas of violets, berries and currants. Dried flowers, too. Full body, such intense fruit and acidity. Vivid and complex. Wild raspberry. Tight and dense. A triumph for Siepi. Half sangivoese and merlot. Better in 2022 but hard to not drink now." James Suckling

"This is a delightful 50-50 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot with a bold and contemporary personality. The 2015 Siepi is a consistent product year in and year out. The wine faithfully delivers a New World interpretation with an all-Tuscan soul. You get Italy-centric aromas of Mediterranean herb and rosemary backed by plump black cherry, sweet tobacco, clove and cinnamon. The oak influences are evident vis-à-vis the wine's structure and power. The mouthfeel is layered and textured. It is ready to drink now, but the bottle could also be put aside for the next 10 years. The Siepi vineyard is located on a well-exposed plateau some 260 meters above sea level." Robert Parker

"This has depth and complexity, featuring black cherry, plum, leather, spice and mineral flavors. The dense texture exudes refined tannins as this stays fresh through the long, saturated finish. Fruit, spice and tobacco elements linger." Wine Spectator

Deep dark ruby red. Floral nose with a lot of red, warm fruit and delicate herbal notes. On the palate smooth and elegant with a wonderful depth and structure. Then again herbs, in addition violets, some plums and a touch of tar and leather. Saffredi literally sneaks up on you, until it merges into a very long and harmonious finish with an impressive presence and finesse. One of the great wines of Italy full of elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"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." Robert Parker

"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

 

Siepi is developing more and more into a cult wine that can easily keep up with the great reds of Tuscany. The 2018 edition presents itself powerful and very nicely centred, here all elements fit together perfectly. Ripe dark berry fruit, with forest soil and roasted almonds. Intense and powerful on the palate with complex and multi-layered hints of plum, tobacco and forest soil. The tension between extract sweetness and polished tannins leads to a fresh, spicy finish with an interesting salty note. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is one of the 50 wines that changed Italian wine culture." Gambero Rosso

"Mazzei 2018 Siepi is a dark and robust Tuscan red with a heavy center of gravity. This medium to full-bodied blend of Sangiovese and Merlot offers plenty of spice, plum, tobacco and blue flower. This wine offers beautiful intensity and richness with an especially smooth texture. It wraps thickly over the palate, imparting more dark fruit and savory spice along the way." Robert Parker

"There is a sweetness here that is enveloping and seductive with baked heart undertones set again rasperry, plum, black cherry and sandalwood. Soft and caressing tannins where the grace and aromatic power of Sangiovese is giving a satiny texture and enveloping mouthfeel by the Merlot. A brilliant wine that has an identity and a sense of place. First vintage 1992. Located in Chianti Classico, the Estate has a 600 ha forest that practices sustainable agro-forestry and is more than carbon neutral, in fact having a positive carbon balance where the Estate absorbs 5 times as much CO2 as it emits." Decanter

"Extremely perfumed and crystal-clear with violets, plums, raspberries, walnuts and black olives. It’s medium-to full-bodied with very fine tannins that are extremely polished and refined. The length is long and very precise. Chocolate and hazelnuts." James Suckling