Last Bottles

Since the 2011 vintage, the Riserva Marchese Antinori has been made entirely from grapes from Tenuta Tignanello. As a result, the production volume has decreased and a further leap in quality has been made. Sparkling ruby in colour, with a bouquet of dark wild cherries, graphite, violets and spices. Flowing and round on the palate, very juicy, the French oak adds volume and fullness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, bright ruby red colour. Fragrant, new precious wood on the nose, delicate cherry, with some coconut and light vanilla, raspberry fruit on the finish, fragrant. Elegant and wood-accentuated style on the palate, everything is in its place, currently still a little young, shows very good foresight." Falstaff

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori, from the Tignanello estate, is packed with black cherry, spice, new leather, liquorice and dried flowers. A dash of Merlot gives it soft contours, but it's a fairly crowded style that works well here." Vinous

"Dense with fruit concentration, red fruits, a hint of wood spice and dried herbs. Full-bodied with a rich mouthfeel. Long and powerful. Modern and balanced." Decanter

"This wine is similar in structure to a Brunello with excellent length. Racy and concentrated. Aromas of violets and dried flowers with a hint of bark and dark cherries. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a marvellous finish. A wine for now or for the cellar." James Suckling

"A lean, elegant red wine with fine, pure aromas of cherries, blackcurrants, iron, olives and tobacco. New oak is evident on the palate, adding both spice and structure, balanced by ample fruit and texture. Balanced, complex finish." Wine Spectator

Beautiful Taurasi, rich in aromas of blueberries and chocolate, with notes of dried paprika, black pepper and other spices. Full body, rich in fine-grained tannin, long and strong in character. SUPERIORE.DE

Elegance, nobility and class come together in this spumante produced according to the classic method. Fine bubbly rosé of a distinguished old pink colour, with a delicate nose of delicate smoke, wet stone, salt lemon, grapefruit and a light touch of yeast. Very precise and dry on the palate with well-integrated perlage, elegant yet powerful, salty. The expressive temperament of the Pinot Nero and the fine nature of the Chardonnay form its stunning balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling orange-pink. Initially influenced by a slight reduction on the nose, then opens up on wild berries, rose hips, wet stone and hazelnuts, clearly reminiscent of brown bread crust in the finish. On the palate, elegant, juicy and with present perlage, still young, can still mature a little in the bottle, seems very dry for a Brut, good length." Falstaff

"A bright and balanced rosé, with a pleasing creaminess on the palate that carries a lively mix of crushed strawberry and raspberry fruit, pickled ginger and blood orange zest, showing minerally hints of stone and smoke. Disgorged 2020." Wine Spectator

"Chamomile, hay, hazelnut and red-berry aromas form the appealing nose. On the elegantly sparkling palate, bright acidity lifts sour cherry, apple and pomegranate before a bread-crust close." Wine Enthusiast

"Plenty of candied orange and dried cherry on the nose, then a generous, crisp palate make a bold statement. Quite some complexity at the finish and enough acidity to keep this bright and lively." James Suckling

The name "phileo" is based on the first name Filomena of the mother of the current owner Franz Pratzner. She played a major role in shaping Weinhof Falkenstein, which is why a selection from the best Pinot Blanc vineyards was created for the first time in 2016 and will henceforth bear her name.

This spontaneously fermented Pinot Bianco sets standards - in its creaminess, its present acidity and minerality and with its great ageing potential. With its delicate apple aromas and subtle vanilla and citrus notes, it is a benchmark for what is probably the most famous white grape variety in the region! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant light gold. In the nose with a fine fragrance of light honey, orange peel and ripe pear, discreetly of cream, in the aftertaste of candied lemon zest, light herbal spice. On the palate full, warm-hearted and with a lot of melting, spreads great over the tongue, with well-integrated acidity, taut and yet elegant, remains present for a long time in the finish." Falstaff

"Burgundian-style winemaking often doesn't work well for dry pinot blanc, but this has stunning integration of fruit and fine oak with touches of coconut and candied orange peel. Really concentrated and long, but also so clean and precise." James Suckling

The name "retus" comes from "Rhaetia" or "Raetia", the name of the Roman province. In Celtic, "reit" refers to a mountain village.

Bright straw green. Wild herbs, orange peel, green fruits and spices on the nose. Round and broad on the attack, then more straightforward and restrained in the middle, with enough saline edge and harmonious acidity to buffer the subtle fruit sweetness. The finish is long with flint and stone notes. Great Sauvignon Bianco with a refreshing alpine character. SUPERIORE.DE

Pagus Camilla comes from a small parcel called "Camilla" near the Sondraia vineyards. Here, the Vermentino grape experiences a higher concentration during ripening with delicate hints of Riesling. This micro-produced "project wine" is a unique example of the grape variety's potential in Bolgheri. Pure, deep and beautiful, citrus aroma, salt, minerality and with full fruit, balanced, long and with very good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Vermentino Solosole Pagus Camilla, is a dense, powerful white - qualities that are accentuated by the warm, dry year. Rich and creamy in the glass, the Pagus Camilla shows the more extroverted side of Vermentino off to great effect. It is a terrific effort for a year that was not easy for whites." Vinous

"Baked apples, mango stones, praline, waxed lemon and chamomile on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with crisp acidity and a waxy texture. Concentrated, complex and textured. Long." James Suckling

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines of Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best made in Friuli today. There is a lot to choose from here, because the transparency of the terroir is paramount. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnay or Friulano wines, but the differences between each hill, each site and the age of each vineyard create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

Standing on the hill where this winery is located, looking out over Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important to the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine a winemaker's fascination with each of these unique sites. If you were to make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

Strong yellow-green, dense bouquet packed with opulent fruit aromas. On the palate complex, juicy and very well integrated wood notes. Despite its extroverted nature, the Sauvignon Sol never loses its essential minerality and elegance. Possesses class, length and potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Sol is a little more extroverted and fruit-driven than the Péri, but that doesn't mean it lacks character and verve. Dried apricot, peach and vanilla bean gain depth with a squeeze of lime and a hint of wild herbs. The soft, almost oily texture is balanced by notes of tart green apple, ginger and zesty spice, creating an expression of contrast. Hints of kiwi, sour melon and salty mineral tones linger impressively as the residual acids slowly fade. The Sol comes from a lower parcel in the estate's vineyards, planted on rocky, chalky soils." Vinous

Smells finely yeasty and opulent of tropical fruits. Excellent personality, elegant, full-bodied and with a great balance between fruity softness and structure. Oenologist Mattia Vezzola and Bellavista also set standards with their Satèn in terms of complexity and depth. SUPERIORE.DE

Vignamaggio's Sangiovese di Vitigliano is dark, expressive and complex. Complex bouquet of dark flowers, some pepper, leather and herbs. In the drink voluminous and straightforward with many nuances, fresh and with the Sangiovese typical acid wire. The full, firm body and the wonderfully present fruit flank its elegant, spicy finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shows a good combination of richness and finesse from the get-go, sporting nuances of dark cherries, fresh herbs, red licorice, cedar and orange peel. Medium to full body, firm yet generous tannins, a good helping of round fruit and a savory, tangy finish." James Suckling

"Vignamaggio's 2015 Sangiovese di Vitigliano is dark, expressive and beautifully layered. Lavender, spice, leather and menthol wrap around a core of succulent dark cherry fruit. Plump and forward, with plenty of nuance, the 2015 has a lot to offer. This is an especially bold, potent style, but it works well. I would give the 2015 at least a few years in bottle to allow the tannins to soften." Vinous

Rose petals, mint, cinnamon, dark sweet cherries and smoke lift from the glass in a translucent, wiry Brunello that builds on energy, power and opulence. Here, length and fruit are in the foreground and, together with a clearly defined tannin structure, Leopoldo Franceschi's team has produced a wine here in a very classic vintage that will really reveal itself over the next few years. As always, it is one of our favourites, and its still outstanding value is also great fun! SUPERIORE.DE

"Wide-ranging bouquet with lots of cedar, ripe red and dark fruits, wild strawberries, cassis and red currants. Behind this, the wood barrel ageing also shows with fine cedar, cloves and dark spices as well as herbs. Rich, almost meaty and dense palate, not quite as dense as 2016, but immensely present freshness and dynamism, also the tannin network seems a bit leaner than usual and of best quality. Very persistent and long aftertaste with crunchy berries on the final." Weinwisser

"Firm, a touch animalic aroma of ripe mixed berries and a hint of plums with fleshy notes, tart nutty hints, pepper and ethereal herbal tones. Taut, tart, ripe, quite dense fruit, present, fine, youthful tannin and some acid bite, persistent, slightly herbaceous, tobacco and peppery, clearly salt in the background, plenty of power but also freshness, not eternally deep but perfectly vinified, very good, firm, tart finish." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red. Spicy-animalic nose, then ripe Amarena cherry and plum, walnut, undergrowth, shoe polish. On the palate equally earthy tones, wide-meshed tannin, plus dark fruit." Falstaff

"Shiny, deep ruby red. In the nose still quite closed with just a hint of Moroccan leather. On the palate pure cherry fruit flavours with lots of ripe acidity. Fantastic, compact, gravelly tannins that are a real tour de force in this vintage. A hedonistic whole that you can already approach but will improve with time." Jancis Robinson

"A smoky entry leads to leather and tobacco nuances that repeat on the palate. The 2018 is packed with flavours of cherries and baking spices. It feels medium-bodied but is very rich and its powerful bite contributes positively to the pleasing mouthfeel. It will get even better with another year in bottle." Decanter

"This is a flavourful, complex Brunello with aromas of fresh and sour cherries, plums, bay leaves, rosemary and olives. Also cloves and liquorice. It is medium to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Supple and well integrated, with a long and deliciously spicy finish." James Suckling

"The Il Poggione 2018 Brunello di Montalcino shows a dark and spicy character with more fruit weight and concentration than can be found in many of its competitors. This wine shows a dense focus padded with dark cherry, blackberry, roasted spice, mahogany smoked meat and ploughed earth. Despite the powerful flavours, this Sangiovese is actually quite lean and polished in texture. The tannins are soft and easily accessible. The estate's Riserva Vigna Paganelli was not made in 2018, so the fruit from this wine came here instead." Wine Advocate

"The dense structure sets the pace for this red wine, with aromas of cherry, raspberry, mint and tar that are appealing and expressive. Rosehip, orange peel and earth are evident in the long, expansive aftertaste. It is designed to last a long time." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino impresses from the first swirl of the glass, with a heady burst of exotic spices and crushed ash giving way to dried black cherries and grilled herbs. It combines the energy of the vintage with the dark, balsamic fruits of Montalcino's southern foothills, while zesty acidity maintains balance and minerals saturate towards the finish. The finish is long, savoury and structured, but its tannins are rounder than expected, giving it a classic feel but also leaving a delicious sensation that tempts the taster to reach for the glass again and again. The 2018 is certainly one of the top wines of the vintage, not to be missed." Vinous

"One of the first wineries to deal in Brunello, one of the founding members of the Consortium. A Brunello characterised by freshness, pomegranate on the nose, hints of citrus thyme and white pepper. The palate has juicy tannins with a fruity return." Luca Gardini

Montevetrano's "second wine" shows, as so often, the great class of Silvia Imparato's winery. Great Aglianico nose of blue flowers, wild berries, blackberries and black cherry. Silky and powerful at the same time, very deep and herbaceous, with a fine mineral vein and a well-proportioned tannin. The already existing elegance will increase with further maturity. Very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet violet florals lift effortlessly from the 2017 Montevetrano Core, followed by white smoke, crushed blackberry, and cherry, as dark earth tones evolve. On the palate, silky textures are complemented by polished black fruits, as savory herbs and minerals slowly saturate the senses. The finish is medium in length, resonating on mineral-laden dark fruits and hints of spice, with a coating of fine tannin providing grip. I find myself craving more depth here, yet this is wonderfully balanced and already very easy to like." Vinous

"The Montevetrano 2017 Aglianico Core reveals a dark and velvety appearance with pretty color saturation. Core is a genuine and honest wine that does a very nice job of portraying the basics of Aglianico. You get the power and structure of the fruit, as well as the grape's dark and savory aromas of blackberry, cassis and dark cherry. The wine also promises freshness and accessibility. Try this with a montanara fritta, a fried, thick mini-pizza from Naples stuffed with provolone, salami and tomato sauce." Wine Advocate

"A full-bodied and structured red with spice, black-pepper and bark undertones to the cherries and dried fruit. Some dried earth, too. Extremely powerful. Try after 2023." James Suckling

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines of Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best made in Friuli today. There is a lot to choose from here, because the transparency of the terroir is paramount. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnay or Friulano wines, but the differences between each hill, each site and the age of each vineyard create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

Standing on the hill where this winery is located, looking out over Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important to the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine a winemaker's fascination with each of these unique sites. If you're making a short list of Friuli's best producers, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

Sauvignon Peri comes from the oldest vines on the estate and is a very classic, downright austere interpretation of Sauvignon Bianco. Vintage 2017 offers a lot of varietal character and is very aromatic, yet has a very fine coolness. Green apple, pear, gooseberry and spices meld into a multi-layered and deep finish. For us, it is a classic white meditation wine. SUPERIORE.DE

Just like the equally famous neighbour Fattoria Petrolo (with his Boggina A), Il Borro can also convince us with a red wine aged in amphorae. Petruna is a pure Sangiovese, fermented in hermetically sealed amphorae with skin contact for 12 months. The result is surprising, not in the sense of an "interesting" experimental wine, but because the typical character of Sangiovese is fully expressed in freshness, fruit and energy. The bouquet is dominated by cherry and small red berries, along with some orange zest. His body is of medium weight, which makes him an excellent eating companion. Its fresh acidity and an array of fine tannins increase the drinking pleasure enormously. Experiment succeeded in an elegant way, we can say. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, bright ruby. Very fragrant, open nose, floral, after violets, pomegranate, blood oranges, rhubarb, delicate white pepper. On the palate with lots of fruit and plenty of juice, fine texture, lively on the tongue, medium to slender body, well balanced, enjoys enormous flow, powerful tannin in the aftertaste." Falstaff

"Bright and fresh with cherries, watermelon and orange peel. Light body. Fine tannins and crisp acidity. A pure, single vineyard sangiovese made in amphora." James Suckling

"My reaction to this wine is overwhelmingly positive. This is a pure expression of organic Sangiovese that is farmed with extreme care, down to one kilogram of fruit per plant. The grapes are fermented in clay amphorae with daily punch-downs. The clay vessels are then sealed with steel lids, and the wine is left in contact with the skins for 12 months. The results are offbeat and provocative for sure, but the wine pleases the senses thanks to its grape-skin purity and firm mid-weight texture. The freshness and energy of the fruit comes through loud and clear, and you don't feel the heat of the vintage whatsoever. I give it my thumbs up." Wine Advocate

Serpico is an authentic, long-lasting wine made from Aglianico grapes, some of which come from vines that are over 100 years old. Intense, deep ruby red colour and an extremely complex bouquet with aromas of cherries, sweet spices, liquorice, coffee and cocoa. Impressive its extraordinary concentration and aromaticity as well as the enormously persistent finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. In the nose of ripe sour cherries and plums, then liquorice and coffee. Very concentrated on the palate, with strong tannin, juicy, well balanced, with a long final." Falstaff

"Taut and linear, this opens with aromas of red berry, pipe tobacco and eucalyptus. The firm, elegantly structured palate delivers sour cherry, cassis, star anise and a hint of smoke before finishing on an accent of coffee. Taut, fine-grained tannins provide the framework." Wine Enthusiast

"There are darker tones of purple and black fruit and some savory chocolate flavors as well in the 2015 Irpinia Aglianico Serpico. This is an ambitious and deeply layered wine that peels back to reveal more spice, tar and volcanic ash hidden deep within its core. I would suggest some more bottle age with this wine, however, as the mouthfeel is sharp and etched in its youth. The wine needs a little more time to flesh out and put on more volume. Serpico goes through an 18-month aging regime in medium-toast French oak." Wine Advocate

Rich cuvée from the white grape varieties of Friuli. The bouquet of white flowers and yellow fruits has a pleasant smoky note. In the taste opulent flavours of yellow and white fruits, dried apricots and honey, the balanced acid gives backbone and structure. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Livio Felluga 2017 Rosazzo Abbazia di Rosazzo is a beautiful choice made from a carefully contemplated blend of Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon, Malvasia and Ribolla Gialla. The wine is balanced and bountiful with orchard fruit, peach, honey and Golden Delicious apple. There is so much intensity and brightness here, and each one of the individual grapes fits together with jigsaw puzzle precision. The warm vintage adds softness, extra density and concentration. But the wine is elegant, fresh and mineral-driven nonetheless. If you are looking for a benchmark white from Friuli, look no further." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of pear skin, waxed lemon, dried pineapple, yoghurt and sea salt. It’s medium-to full-bodied with tangy acidity and a waxy texture. Fantastic concentration and phenolic texture. Beautifully layered with a mineral, saline finish. Long and complex." James Suckling

Rich, deep dark ruby with garnet reflections. Very expressive fragrance of grilled herbs, compote of red berries and a fine note of young leather. Compact on the palate, with a beautiful spiciness and a rich balsamic style that is recognizable even at a young age, giving it depth, elegance and a distinctive character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich garnet. Spicy nose of leather, rich dark berry fruit and light fumé. Juicy tannin on the palate, stretches out heartily, powerful, also slightly salty." Falstaff

"Pretty merlot with green-olive and berry character. Hints of chocolate and leather, too. Medium to full body, round and savory tannins. Give it a year or two to soften. Try after 2020." James Suckling

"The 2015 Merlot di Santa Maria is another impressive wine in this range from Vignamaggio. Black cherry, chocolate, mocha, spice and new leather all flesh out in a deep, succulent wine loaded with personality as well as character. Readers should expect a rich, flamboyant style with ripeness pushed to the edge. All the elements come together nicely in this heady, exotic Merlot from Vignamaggio." Vinous

Every year, La Crena is one of the best and most refined Barbera wines that Piedmont produces. The vines in the Vigna del Nove parcel date back to the 1930s. This vintage will also need many years to develop its full expressiveness, but that's the way it is and we love this crazy development potential so much. La Crena is creamy and rich in the glass, dense, very concentrated with an abundance of layers of fruit that only develop fully with further years of ageing and make for an energetic, exciting wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Opulent nose, with dark fruits tempered with some stylish oak. Suave and juicy, fine texture, balanced by firm acidity, which gives some spice and flair to the finish. Vincenzo Arnese: Candied aromas of Morello cherry and wild strawberry, very expressive. Bold palate with robust tannins; time will smooth it, yet quite rich and pleasant." Decanter

"The 2021 Barbera d'Asti La Crena is exceptional. Bright, red-toned fruit, chalk, mint, white pepper and rose petal are all beautifully delineated. In recent times Vietti has focused more on freshness in their Barberas, and that is especially evident in La Crena—a wine that used to be very dark and heavy but is far from that today. Clean, mineral notes extend the vibrant finish. Give this a few years to develop the full range of its aromatic breadth. What a wine!" Vinous

Noble, white cuvée made from Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, as majestic as the Terlan castle ruins of the same name. Powerful and complex, multi-faceted, exotic and mineral, this classic Terlaner brings out the advantages of the growing region with a strong character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cool character with restrained fruit, some citrus. Very lively, crisp acidity, taut and compact, tightly woven, pleasantly tart flavour, wet stone and orange zest, firmly structured and crackling minerality. The soils are of volcanic origin with quartz porphyry in the subsoil." Weinwisser

"The Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus 2020 needs time to come into focus. It starts off smoky and mineral. When you swirl it, it reveals its hidden charm: sweet camomile and mint give way to apples with lime and spices. It floods the palate with an opulent, silky texture that seems almost heavy, but is balanced by a burst of mineral acidity, while young peach and nectarine notes linger. The 2020 finishes on a savoury, almost salty note." Vinous

"Lively elderflowers, blossoms and herbs with a round, juicy texture and a seductive acidity centre. Very long and elegant." Decanter

"A beautiful, delicious white wine in which the chalky, mineral base harmoniously combines with flavours of ripe Gala apple, nectarine, almond blossom and pickled ginger. Long and velvety in texture, with a beautiful, floral finish." Wine Spectator

"Intense, bright straw yellow colour with light green notes. Very varied and inviting nose of crisp apple, some beeswax, light smoky components, playful. Lots of juicy fruit and good tension on the palate, fine salty components that linger for a long time." Falstaff

"A rich and complex bouquet with glazed peaches, ripe mangoes, crushed walnuts and pie crust. Also a hint of dried flowers. Full-bodied, taut and mineral with a chalky texture that gives it structure and length. Beautiful acidity that holds its nerve and leads to a long, energising finish." James Suckling

"Fruit from a selection of the best Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Sauvignon grapes, a stunning blend. It has a compact, taut nose with scents of candied cedar, eucalyptus and a slightly almondy finish. On the palate, it impresses with a refined spiciness and a fresh, citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

Lunare Traminer Aromatico has an intense straw-yellow colour and a complex bouquet of roses, cloves and lychee. Its flavour is very full-bodied with the slightly bitter finish typical of Traminer. This successful Gewürztraminer is an excellent accompaniment to liver pâté, white meat dishes and refined pasta dishes with sauces and creams. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exuberant flavours of crushed flower petals, lychee and tropical fruit; rich and textured with a fragrant Turkish Delight character and cleansing acidity." Decanter

"The Gewürztraminer Lunare has soapy tones of dried flower, natural rubber, latex and sweet tropical fruit. Almond paste, Indian coconut candies and Iranian jasmine soap gave this wine a very exotic personality." Wine Advocate

As always, Paolo Meroi has vinified a great Friulano with classic proportions, of which one can only get hold of a bottle with difficulty due to a total production of just 1,000 bottles. As always from a microsite, this white convinces with its perfectly knit balance of fine peach notes, pear, green melon and a little honey, its vibrant acid wire and a remarkable freshness and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light straw yellow. Opens with fine wood notes, some light caramel, then of fresh yellow apple, rich herbal spice in the background. Lush and rich on the palate, very good concentration, fine ripe fruit, but still noticeable wood overhang on the back end, needs further ripening." Falstaff

Poggio Rosso Gran Selezione has an enormous richness of fruit that layers beautifully. Very beautiful interpretation of the Sangiovese grape with a dense core and lots of padding around it. Rich ruby garnet, very fine texture and structure on the palate, which only fully reveals itself with the necessary time in the glass. It is tense and powerful in its youthful years, the acidity and also the well-built tannin are programmed to develop, for only in a few years will it fully reveal its full elegance and greatness. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is broad, evoking leather, iron, sanguine, plum and cherry flavors. Open-knit and amply structured, revealing equilibrium and length. The aftertaste persists with a spicy finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Poggio Rosso is a bold, powerful wine. A blast of intense red fruit, scorched earth, licorice and new oak make a strong first impression. The 2017 is not a subtle wine in any way, but it has the vibrancy and intensity to drink well for a number of years." Vinous

"The San Felice 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Poggio Rosso is a standout wine with a near or medium-term drinking window. Despite the heat of the vintage, this wine is unexpectedly tonic and tight from the start with lots of bold primary intensity contrasted against tobacco, cigar box and earthy spice. This full-bodied wine shows the best side of a challenging vintage, and although there is a hint of openness or oxidation, it drinks very nicely right now. Fruit is sourced from across a 2.5-hectare plot along the forest line that was planted primarily to Sangiovese in the 1970s." Wine Advocate

"Very floral with sweet berry and cherry character, as well as sage and lavender. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, fresh finish. Compact and beautiful. Racy finish. Already polished and tight, but better after 2023." James Suckling

Boscareto from Serralunga d'Alba smells intensely of leather and liquorice, dried flowers and undergrowth, straightforwardly the round, fragrant taste follows its way into the persistent final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beni di Batasiolo makes two top-end single-vineyard Baroli, and the 2016 Barolo Boscareto is one of those. This wine sees fruit from Serralunga d'Alba and therefore represents the bolder and more powerful of the two. But in all honesty, the differences are minimal, especially in a vintage such as 2016 that so successfully brings out the purity of the fruit across all vineyard sites." Wine Advocate

"Savoury nose with baked earth and blackberry fruit. Palate is extracted, with a core of sweetness and a rasp of tannin. Long finish." Decanter

"Aromas of flowers, cedar, strawberries and chocolate follow through to a full body, with a solid core of fruit and tannins and a chewy finish. Needs time to soften." James Suckling

Sparkling ruby. Earthy notes, a little truffle, lots of blackberry. Round and smooth in the base and course, opens with fine-meshed tannin, enveloped in sweet enamel, mineral notes in the finale, some black tea and a firm pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with bright rim. Somewhat reserved nose, smells of pomegranate and beetroot, some raspberry. On the palate, a fine, present tannin, salty, with hints of strawberry and raspberry." Falstaff

"Alberto Graci is one of the few vintners on Etna who has successfully captured the grace and elegance of a somewhat subdued vintage such as this. The 2016 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo offers a level of depth and sharpness that leaves me happily surprised. The aromas stand upright and determined with dried cassis and black currant followed by cigar ash and crushed stone. This is a mid-weight red with lasting flavor persistence." Wine Advocate

"The nose is quite ripe, but there’s loads of complexity with dried herbs, leather, cedar, cigar box, ash and tar. Medium to full body, structured and chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish." James Suckling

Arianna Occhipinti's new white wine is a 100% Grillo and comes from a vineyard located 490 metres above sea level and surrounded by pine forests, oaks and centuries-old olive trees. The soil of Contrada Santa Margherita consists of sandy calcareous marl of a whitish colour and yellowish-white calcarenite, all marine sediments dating back to the Pleistocene. These soils of the Monti Iblei at the foot of the small municipality of Chiaramonte Gulfi give the wine an impressive complexity and saltiness.

Pale yellow in the glass, intense bouquet of citrus notes, accompanied by spicy vegetal notes and white flowers. A fantastic balance of alcohol and acidity on the palate, impressive complexity that only reveals itself with time, with a beautiful length and a dry, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This Grillo is really vertical and focussed, almost austere, with spicy, juicy stone fruits hidden among straw, hay, flowers and lanolin notes. A stylish interpretation of this grape variety." Decanter

"The Grillo Contrada Bianco SM 2021 opens with a dark golden colour and macerated aromas of grape skins and honey. The wine has a very fragrant side, as you would expect from a young Grillo, with white rose, jasmine and peach blossom. The wine is very full-bodied, with plenty of freshness, crushed stone and a creamy texture. There is also a hint of dried apple skin." Wine Advocate

"Dark yellow, golden in colour with a green shimmer. Aromas of dried apples, apricots, rose soap and camomile. Full-bodied with a multi-layered texture of phenols and apple skin. Flavours of apple crumble and cream. Also some honey. It's definitely a skin contact wine, but not over the top. Drink it now." James Suckling

"The 2021 Contrade SM is a varietal Grillo with a deep golden-yellow color. The bouquet evokes musky dried peaches, apricots, sweet herbs and ground ginger. It’s soft-textured, with zesty acidity and saline minerals up front that give way to vivid yellow apples and savory spice. This finishes long, dry and lightly structured, yet harmonious, displaying all the components necessary for a steady evolution, as a bitter tinge keeps the mouth watering for more. This is a fascinating Grillo that exceeds expectations. Two thousand and twenty-one is only the second vintage of Contrade SM, which hails from a vineyard planted in 2016 at 500 meters in soils of sandy calcareous marl." Vinous