Methusalem | 6 Liters

Wonderful scent of raspberries, notes of tobacco and violets. Enormous density, compact structure, robust tannins, youthful and fresh temperament, paired with a certain finesse. Ends long with notes of juicy red berries. SUPERIORE.DE

"Glowing ruby with a glowing core. Elegant and expressive nose of rich cherries and blackberries, reminiscent of fresh figs in the aftertaste. On the palate very fine, melting, with tightly woven tannin, builds up in many layers, great fruit and freshness in the final." Falstaff

"Lustrous, mid ruby. Complex, cool and perfumed nose. Supple, mouth-filling cherry and cranberry fruit that strikes a perfect balance with the tangy acidity and ripe, chewy tannins. Hedonistic and elegant." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 Chianti Classico is an explosion of floral-infused aromatics and red-toned fruit, all in the super-classic mid-weight style that is such a signature of the Querciabella house style today. Rose petal, lavender, mint and sweet raspberry fruit are pushed to the forefront. This is the first vintage in which more than half of the wine was aged in larger format oak ranging from tonneau to cask. Vineyards in Gaiole and Greve form the core of the blend, with a touch of fruit from Radda. The 2016 has enough freshness to drink well for another decade plus, but I would give it a few years in bottle for the bright acids to integrate a bit further. There are a number of pricier wines in Querciabella's range, but I am not sure any of them can match the Chianti Classico for pure pleasure. What a lovely wine it is." VINOUS

"Shows real concentration for a Chianti Classico with notes of brambleberries, blackcurrants, black cherries and baking spices. Full body, grippy tannins and loads of fruit. But this remains refined and elegant, all thanks to the precise acidity." James Suckling

"Saturated black cherry and plum flavors are framed by earth, iron and tar notes in this dense, powerful red. Shows depth and a solid structure, but this is tightly packed and should be forgotten about for another three years." Wine Spectator

Fruity bouquet of sweet red berries, balsamic notes, fine aromas of tobacco and chocolate. On the palate very harmonious of dark cherries, flattering full taste, perfectly balanced tannins, fresh acidity and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Le Volte dell'Ornellaia 2017" is the result of a particularly hot and rainy vintage year and presents itself in its usual intense ruby red colour. In the nose, pleasant aromas of ripe berry fruits and spice notes captivate, supported on the palate by a crisp acidity and a balanced and velvety tannin structure". Olga Fusari (Winemaker Ornellaia)

"Sparkling ruby violet. Clear and present nose, fine fruit, of cherry and blackberry. Tannins on the palate, ripe plums, good pressure on the final. Falstaff

"An opulent Le Volte with ripe redcurrants, caramelized orange peel and lilacs on the nose. Medium body, fine but round tannins and a fruit-driven finish." James Suckling

"Lots of big, dark fruit and a lack of water in the grapes define the unique personality of the 2017 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia. This is a highly extracted and succulent expression that delivers abundant fruit sweetness. The key to this vintage was waiting for proper ripeness, says estate manager and winemaker Axel Heinz. "The grapes continued to get smaller throughout the summer," he says. That lack of water resulted in very concentrated fruit, giving this entry-level wine a rich and modern feel as a result." Robert Parker

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

"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

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)

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

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

Sparkling, intense ruby violet. In the nose with notes of ripe elderberries and plums, underlaid with fine sandalwood. Juicy and full-bodied in the base and course, shows an enormously opulent and crunchy berry fruit, grippy, fine-meshed tannin, very long aftertaste, in the finale decent of tobacco, straightforward and clear. Dream vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, rich ruby with a violet core. Compact nose with rich notes of ripe blackberries and blueberries, plus plenty of cinnamon and cloves, almost Christmassy. Juicy, much clear, ripe berry fruit, well integrated tannin with beautiful drive, in the aftertaste still subtle wood notes noticeable." Falstaff

"The 2016 Siepi, the estate's Sangiovese/Merlot blend, is a big, rich wine. In 2016, the Merlot is especially prominent. Black cherry jam, torrefaction, spice, leather, menthol and new French oak are all pushed forward. Time in the glass brings out a good bit of aromatic freshness to balance things out. Readers should expect a potent, seriously concentrated wine. Vinous"

"A blend of Merlot and Sangiovese in equal parts, the 2016 Siepi is a luscious and soft wine that oozes forth with dark berry intensity. The fruit is compact and dense. This wine performs beautifully in terms of aromas, but the mouthfeel is especially fine-tuned and elegant in this classic vintage. Dark fruit is followed by spice, tar, rose bud and sharp mineral nuances that recall the gravel and limestone-rich soils of Chianti Classico. This is perhaps the best vintage of Siepi I have tasted thus far." Robert Parker

"What a beautiful nose of elderberries, freshly picked blackcurrants, citrus, herbs, licorice and crushed stones, amidst a backdrop of coffee beans, cedar and vanilla. Full-bodied and very subtle and refined with tightly wound tannins and an impressive balance of fruit and acidity. Long, grainy and elegant on the finish. A masterpiece." James Suckling

 

He's never been better. Galatrona is a pure Merlot of the extra class. With the 2016 edition, owner Luca Sanjust achieved an absolute masterpiece. Black-red ruby in the glass. In the bouquet black berries, fine wood spice and some leather. Very generous fruit aromas and extremely complex on the palate, it glides elegantly into the depths until it is caught by a finely woven tannin and merges into a long and finesse rich finish. A wine that doesn't have to hide behind Masseto & Co., on the contrary it has been Italy's Merlot benchmark for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, sparkling ruby violet. Very clear and catchy nose, full of blackberries, dark currants and ripe blueberries, with fine resinous components and tobacco. Fresh and with a lot of juicy, ripe berry fruit at the base, then opens with a lot of fine-meshed, dense tannin, salty and very long." Falstaff

"This is full of enticing blackberry, blueberry and plum flavors, with a spine of acidity, iron accents and beefy tannins. Long and well-proportioned, this needs time to integrate. Tobacco and spice hints detail the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Galatrona (Merlot) is fabulous. Powerful, dense and layered, the 2016 brings together serious fruit intensity and energy, as is so typical of this important Tuscan vintage. A whole range of floral and spice notes develop in the glass, adding further shades of nuance. I have long felt Galatrona is released too early. The 2016 is a perfect example of that. Opening a bottle now is a crime." Antonio Galloni

"The aromas of dried flowers, stones, dark tea leaves, hot tile, and dark berries. Full-bodied, yet tight and linear. Wonderful drive and depth. An extremely long and focused finish. A great wine." James Suckling

"The 2016 Galatrona is indeed a masterpiece to behold. This wine offers thick layering and deep intensity with aromas that offer an incredible range, starting off with luscious dark chocolate on one side and ending with fragrant white truffle on the far end of its long aromatic trajectory. You get plummy fruit, spice, sweet tobacco and tilled earth packed tight in between. This full-bodied Merlot is softly textured and succulent with long-lasting flavor intensity on the close. Petrolo's Merlot is planted in a ten-hectare parcel distinguished by thick clay soils. I have been watching Galatrona's evolution for years and have tasted the wine on occasion in various vertical tastings. This is my favorite vintage made thus far." Robert Parker