Last Bottles

Sparkling, rich ruby colour. Intense aroma of raspberries and cassis, herbal and spicy notes. Smooth, dense, fresh and juicy berry fruit on the palate. Long, voluminous and elegant - and this little masterpiece is a clear buy, and not just because of the price! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim. Fine resinous tones on the nose, followed by juicy cherries, ripe raspberries, a hint of elderberries, delicate black bread crust, dried herbs and fine cold stone. Very juicy on the palate, full-bodied, with tight, youthful tannins and a juicy, salty final." Falstaff

"Blue and black fruits are enveloped by fine, chocolaty tannins with a hint of bitterness - possibly from bottle shock. Juicy and dense, with violet nuances and good acidity that continue into a long finish with blackberry and salinity. Good concentration and elegance at the same time." Decanter

"Ripe berries, citrus, preserved plums and some savoury baking spices lengthen to a medium-bodied palate with fine, juicy tannins and a tight, concentrated finish." James Suckling

"This red wine begins with bright black cherry and raspberry fruits, which take on notes of tobacco, eucalyptus, iron and leaves. Dense tannins emerge on the long-lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"The La Massa 2020 is a real powerhouse. An onslaught of black cherries, plums, liquorice, incense, chocolate and dried herbs stain the palate. This extravagant, dense wine is packed to the marrow. Give it a few years to mature." Vinous

"The Tenuta La Massa 2020 La Massa offers great value across the board. This is a generous and multi-layered blend. Winemaker Giampaolo Motta breaks the rules by producing Bordeaux-inspired wines in one of the most Sangiovese-orientated areas of Tuscany. But he still adds a little charm and magic to this wine." Wine Advocate

"The nose is a tart mix of dried cherries, cranberries, brick, earth and hibiscus, with a mix of fresh wild herbs providing some warmth. The sanguine fruitiness and earthy notes continue on the palate, but polished tannins and supple acidity provide a round texture." Wine Enthusiast

Pinero is a dark, full Pinot Nero with an attractive bouquet of cherries, blackberries, herbs and smoke. A mature, extroverted wine, remarkably harmonious. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strawberry, redcurrant, blueberry, baking-spice and floral aromas. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Fresh and juicy with a silky texture on the palate and a bright core of red fruit. Vibrant and flavorful finish." James Suckling

Il Nocio, a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from a single vineyard, impressively shows the genuine essence of the Sangiovese grape and has also been one of the region's quality leaders for years. Deep red, intense aromas of sour cherry, red currant, rose blossom, violets and sweet spices. Dense, juicy and elegant on the palate, with fresh pure fruit and smooth polished tannin. Lively mineral and floral nuances in the very long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. Very peppery on the nose, of wild berry tea, a hint of mint and dried rose petal. Full and very savoury on the palate, spreads pleasantly over the tongue, with a slightly balsamic undertone, compact tannin on the final, powerful finish." Falstaff

"Raspberries, redcurrants, raw mushrooms and fresh herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied with firm, fine tannins and bright acidity. Silky yet rather firm texture and a flavorful finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2022." James Suckling

"The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Il Nocio is dusty and floral yet youthfully restrained, with bright cherries and nuances of wood spice delicately lifting from the glass. Its textures are silky and enveloping. This wine is youthfully lean and quite bassy in feel, with ripe berries contrasted by brisk acids and salty minerals. There’s so much power left in reserve here, as the 2017 tapers off long and structured with fine-grained tannins. Lose your bottles in the cellar for at least two to three years. This is a standout of the vintage." Vinous

"A picture of elegance and finesse, yet with a solid underlying structure, this red evokes violet, black cherry, black currant and Tuscan scrub flavors. The refined tannins are well-integrated, and the long aftertaste adds a mineral element and a touch of oak. Expansive and complex." Wine Spectator

Medium ruby red with orange reflections. On the nose, beautiful cherry, raspberry and floral notes, plus some espresso and spice notes. On the palate, a supple texture, exciting depth and multi-layered fruit notes. It presents itself long and medium-weight, its elegance and the focused overall picture make it one of the best of the vintage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas recalling underbrush, crushed botanical herbs, wild rose and forest berries waft out of the glass. Linear and medium-bodied, the elegant palate offers dried cherry, licorice and ground clove set against fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"This is firm and underscored by a mineral streak, displaying strawberry, cherry, earth, spice and tobacco flavors. Shows harmony and should really come together in 2-3 years. Fine length." Wine Spectator

"Poggio Antico is another one of those Montalcino estates that you will forever remember if you've been lucky enough to visit. The vineyards enjoy unobstructed views all the way to the Tyrrhenian Sea (I think this is the only place in the appellation where you can see the water on a clear day). Fruit for the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is sourced from the I Poggi parcel with thin galestro and alberese soils. There is a lot of fresh fruit here, and the tannins are quite soft and supple." Wine Advocate

"A thoroughly drinkable and refined 2017 Brunello with pure cherry, berry and floral character with hints of cedar. It’s full-bodied yet has good tension and focus with a long and beautiful finish." James Suckling

Poggio Valente comes from a single vineyard of the same name at an altitude of around 300 metres. Opulent floral and small-fruited Sangiovese nose with optimally nuanced hints of tobacco, cedar and mint. Precise on the palate with plenty of pressure and power, then towards the end the furious resolution of all the well-dosed components in a fine, silky texture and an unforgettable, long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very youthful bouquet with red berries, black cherries, redcurrants, as well as a noticeable minerality and spice (undergrowth, tobacco). Powerful but elegant style, fine tannin structure, lives from the red berry fruit and an astonishing freshness for the warm vintage." Weinwisser

"The notes of the 2020 Poggio Valente, a single varietal Sangiovese, intensify in a heady, effortless Tuscan red that hits all the right notes. Dark red/purple fruit, rose petals, liquorice, cedar and tobacco fill the layers. The 2020 impresses with its outstanding balance and class." Vinous

"Promising bouquet of raspberries and flowers, also subtle spicy notes; pithy on the palate, robust tannins, lots of character and good length, elegant lingering finish, in short: a wine for many situations." Vinum

"The Fattoria le Pupille 2020 Poggio Valente, which came from a difficult harvest for Sangiovese, shows aromas of wild cherry, pressed violet, balsamic herbs and grilled rosemary. The wine has good freshness (this was the difficulty of the vintage) and has good tannins supporting a rich fruit core. The Poggio Valente is not dominated by oak, and this is also what characterises it." Wine Advocate

"Lots of rose petals, orange peel and cherries on the nose. Medium-bodied with a very long and bright fruit character. Lasts for minutes, with so much energy and brightness." James Suckling

Dottore Palazzolo, the red dedicated to the founder, made of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, opens with the scent of ripe berries, a hint of vanilla, tobacco and black tar. Extract-rich and concentrated, yet full of elegance, with fine acidity and wonderfully firm on the palate. Very promising years are ahead for this rarity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Crushed stone minerality meets floral undergrowth, dried blackberries and a hint of animal musk to create a beguiling display on the 2018 Dott. Palazzolo Rosso. This is silky and savory, with a sapidity that makes you think more of food than wine, as tart wild berries and spices give way to mounting tannins and herbal tones. Inner violets, black currants and hints of sour citrus all resonate through the finale, along with a tug of structural heft that just begs for another year or two of cellaring. Very nice." Vinous

Dark ruby garnet, spicy blackberry bouquet with herbal and delicate roasted aromas, underlaid with a fine noble wood note. On the palate it is broad, deep and complex in texture, with present, well integrated tannins, well balanced and of excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2013 Friuli Colli Orientali Merlot Vigna Dominin presents a slightly shy and closed expression of this popular French grape. The cool climate of northeast Italy helps to develop color saturation and sharpness. Instead of generous cherry and opulent fruit, this wine veers toward plummy notes with black spice, tar and tobacco instead. One minor hesitation regards the alcohol: it is recorded at 15%, and you do feel it. This wine is fermented in conical oak tanks and sees four weeks of skin maceration. It is aged in barrique for two years before going into bottle for another ten months. Those long maceration times explain the slow-moving inner power you get here." Wine Advocate

"Like the Refosco, the 2013 Merlot Vigna Dominin shows what appears to be a desire to maintain more freshness in the wines. Vibrant and medium in body, the 2013 is a model of understated finesse. Even so, there is no shortage of intensity, its just that the wine is better balanced than in the past, with more freshness and redder tonalities to the fruit, and less oak influence. I would wait to drink the 2013 for at least a few years in order to allow the wine to develop more aromatic complexity. This is a lovely showing." VINOUS

Long Now is still a real insider tip for us. Dark ruby. Opulent nose with notes of black cherry, smoke, tobacco and liquorice. The palate is full of tension with a breadth and power that is unparalleled. In this exceptional wine, Barbera and Nebbiolo merge into a spectacular blend that moves richly, powerfully and with a beautiful, long resonance into a seemingly endless final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Long Now is dark, sumptuous and super-expressive. The blend of equal parts Barbera and Nebbiolo works so well in bringing out the best the vintage has to offer. Silky contours wrap around a core of inky dark fruit, spice, menthol and cedar in this racy, super-expressive Barbera/Nebbiolo blend." Vinous

Translucent purple with a fresh, garnet red edge. The bouquet is a potpourri of dried fruits, dark chocolate and a delicate nougat note. Opened on the palate, it is fruity and velvety and with its straight lines and wonderfully integrated acidity it will be a pleasure for many years to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Broad-shouldered, with cherry, loam and licorice notes, this red boasts well-appointed tannins and bright acidity. Complex and chewy on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"Showing elegance and grace starting with the first sip, the 2015 Barbaresco Fausoni also reveals power and integration. You get both sides of the spectrum with this wine: silk and muscle. The bouquet emits aromas of pressed blue flower, rose hip, dried red currant, spice and fine licorice. The finish is compact and long in persistence." Wine Advocate

"Deep, plum and floral nose, then a ripe and generous palate with considerable tannic power, but also very good balance. The dry, quite minerally finish is long and intense." James Suckling

"Just bottled, the 2015 Barbaresco Fausoni possesses a level of volume and intensity to a degree I have not seen in this wine before. Sweet, perfumed and super-inviting, the 2015 is going to be nearly impossible to resist in its youth. Virtually seamless in the glass, but with considerable supporting structure, the 2015 captures all the sexiness of the year. The interplay between the radiance of the vintage and the more energetic, vibrant qualities that are typical of this site is compelling. Hard candy, rose petal, orange zest, mint and spice infuse the creamy, resonant finish." Antonio Galloni

Fine, silky tannins frame a core of crushed berries, flowers, liquorice and new leather. The wine's inner extract sweetness reveals itself only with time of aeration, adding harmony and class. Already today, a super-elegant and at the same time refined and open Brunello presents itself, which always remains graceful and fresh at the same time, despite all its fruit fullness. Our perspective: With increasing bottle maturity, the drinking pleasure of this first-class Sangiovese increases even more! SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid ruby. Deep savoury cherry nose with hints of pine. Racy cherry fruit on the palate with fine coating tannins. Long, vibrant and concentrated. Gorgeous length and freshness." Jancis Robinson

"Ripe, sweet plum, cherry and blackberry flavors are complemented by iron and tobacco accents in this suave red. Shows fine balance and texture, with well-integrated tannins and acidity and a long, mouthwatering finish." Wine Spectator

"A debut on the Place this year from a vintage hailed as one of the best in the last decade. Grapes come from a 30-hectare vineyard bought in 2017 by Belgian businessman Marcel van Poecke who has invested heavily in replantings and new cellar facilities. The texture and overall feel here are lovely - powerful and succulent bramble fruits fill the palate, gliding across the tongue while coffee grounds and dried herbs settle in the background giving structure and definition. This has an aerial quality with real finesse." Decanter

"This is so aromatic and floral with cedar, dried roses, and black cherries. It’s full-bodied, yet so refined and tight with silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Tight and focused. Needs time to open, but shows beautiful finesse and focus." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino offers a pure and classic expression of the vintage with bright fruit tones, wild cherry, toasted nut, blue flower and forest floor. Whereas the other wines in the Poggio Antico portfolio undergo aging in smaller tonneaux, this wine is aged in large Slavonian casks instead. You taste the lift and brightness of the fruit, and it's all quite lovely. Grapes are sourced across a 13-hectare site at a very high 500 meters in elevation. The name of this area is I Poggi, and the soils here are a bit lighter and rockier with both schistous galestro and limestone alberese. I love the delicate approach here, the intensity of those floral aromas, and the silky nature of the mouthfeel. This classic Brunello really stands out." Wine Advocate

"Classic Sangiovese aromas of underbrush, wild berry and new leather mingle with whiffs of camphor. Supremely elegant, the focused palate shows precision and great energy, featuring juicy red cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and black tea set against chiseled, refined tannins. Vibrant acidity keeps it balanced while a salty mineral note lingers on the close. Fantastic showing." Wine Enthusiast

Barolo Baudana 2018 storms the glass with plenty of energy and intensity. Black cherry fruit, smoke, wild herbs, liquorice and tar form a compelling backdrop of aromas, flavours and textures as this dazzling, powerhouse Barolo opens in the glass. The intense final is accompanied by delicate rose petals, lavender and a subtle mineral-salty vein. Its stable tannin framework awaits a few more years of bottle ageing, as is typically the case with a classic Serralunga Barolo. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautifully open-knit, minerally red-fruit nose. Notes of strawberries and raspberries. Succulent fruit palate with long chewy tannins. Closes up on the finish. Elegant constitution. Long and youthful. Promising." Jancis Robinson

"Ripe, musty fruit on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins and good drive on the finish." James Suckling

"The Luigi Baudana 2018 Barolo Baudana is a full and generous wine, somewhat surprisingly so considering the understated personality of this vintage. That volume makes this bottle stand out in a crowd of 2018 releases. Dark cherry, plum, spice, rust and crushed flowers make for a soft and readily accessible wine." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Barolo Baudana offers lovely creaminess and depth in the mid-weight style of the year. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, plum, pomegranate and sweet floral notes all meld together in this racy, inviting Barolo. There's lovely depth and texture throughout. The Baudana is the most forward and immediate of the Baudana Barolos." Vinous

"Rich, exuding cherry, raspberry, plum and floral notes, with iron, tobacco and tar accents lending complexity. Shows terrific balance and depth, with a tightly wound structure that bodes well for future development." Wine Spectator

"Managed since 2009 by the Vajra family, Luigi Baudana's Baudana is fermented in oak then aged in large casks for 32 months. Open-knit with a stunning intensity of pot pourri, wild strawberry, camphor in depth and sweet violet, its graceful style continues on the palate with refined silky tannins - firm and slightly dusty - refreshing acidity and a slightly warming finish. The finish is austere yet full of liquorice elegance, and the woven integration it exhibits will keep this strong for decades. A major success for a vintage of often leaner wines." Decanter

Le Potazzine is known for its purist interpretation of the Sangiovese grape than elsewhere in the appellation. The 2017 vintage offers a maximum of originality, authenticity and, at the same time, an unprecedented personality. On the nose, red roses, forest floor and mushrooms. On the palate, powerful with a beguiling rusticity - at the same time, it reveals its depth and complexity with every sip (and with good aeration). Enormous drinking flow and enthusiasm all along the line in the long, profound final! SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of blackberries, black cherries and mushrooms. The palate is full-bodied, with slightly chewy tannins, but it remains polished and lively. Berries, earth and bark on the finish. Give this wine a few years to open up. Try it after 2023." James Suckling

"An exotic blend of sweet smoke and cloves gives way to dusty black cherries and a hint of sour citrus as the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino unfolds in the glass. After some time, hints of animal musk and floral undergrowth emerge. On the palate, the Brunello di Montalcino reveals pure elegance, delicate and silky, but also with a core of salty minerals that adds unexpected depth to the vibrant flavours of tart wild berries and spices. The 2017 finishes with incredible persistence but also composure, structured yet primary, just as it should be at this young stage. Keep your hands off it for at least a couple of years, because the best is yet to come. The higher altitudes and sober winemaking at Le Potazzine have really helped to produce one of the most balanced and, frankly, interesting wines of the vintage." Vinous

"Le Potazzine is run by Gigliola Giannetti and her daughters Viola and Sofia. Viola took over responsibility for winemaking in 2017 at the age of 24. She continues the winery's long-established approach: spontaneous fermentation in open vats, long macerations, no filtering and low SO2. I always find the wines a little wild at first, before an intense purity sets in. The 2017 shows balsamic notes of sun-dried thyme and herb flowers before floral accents take over. This is a relatively powerful expression for Le Potazzine, but ultimately expresses the elegance typical of the estate. Grainy, sandy tannins envelop the ripe strawberry fruit, leading to a long finish with notes of potpourri and orange." Decanter

"The ladies at Le Potazzine make an excellent bottle of Brunello, and their high altitude vineyards are particularly important in maintaining freshness in a vintage as hot as this. The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino offers a pretty succession of wild berry, cherry and plum aromas, along with light spice, crushed flowers and fragrant potting soil. This wine also features hints of bay leaf and perhaps a warmer note of smoked tobacco. This is an impressive achievement." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of crushed mint, pressed rose and fragrant berries combine with warm spices in this stunning red wine. Thanks to some of the highest vineyard altitudes in the denomination, it features vibrancy and finesse in its flavours of ripe black cherry, juicy blood orange, liquorice and crushed mint. Taut, elegant tannins and fresh acidity keep it balanced and concentrated." Wine Enthusiast

"One of the most amazing Brunello, from Gigliola Giannelli's sustainability project. Red currants, notes of liquorice and capers, red orange peel, finish with iodine spicy tannins and very long finish." Luca Gardini

Sgarzon is a single vineyard, barely more than a kilometre from Morei as the crow flies, but here the Noce has deposited more sand in the upper layers of soil, the plot is more open and thus less protected from cold winds. The grapes ripen about a week later. Teroldego Sgarzon is fabulous, delicate and full of richness and energy from the attack to the final. The bouquet - an exciting blend of dark fruits, tobacco, flowers, liquorice, mint and minerals. Very clear, pure and clean on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep purple red, very similar to the colour of the 2020, so no indication that it is a year older. The flavour is a little deeper and more intense compared to the 2020, perhaps less delicately aromatic, a little spicier. There's still that dark red fruit character, more dark (but not sweet) cherry, and the floral note is still there, but it's deeper and needs to be found rather than offering itself so freely. The tannins are a little firmer, but still with that superfine grain. There's tension and energy and a sense of life waiting to explode. Gently chewy texture and deliciously fresh on the finish. Juicy. Amazingly long." Jancis Robinson

"The Teroldego Sgarzon 2019 takes its time to open up in the glass, but the wait is worth it, as its bouquet consists of crushed ash stones, blackcurrants and exotic spices. As dark and brooding as its aroma, it is also surprisingly energetic and powerful on the palate. A mixture of piquant acidity and tart wild berries collide and create tension and contrasts. Sweet tannins and minerals hold the senses until the long and dramatic final, promising many more years of development. The 2019 Sgarzon is intense, but also playful. I can't wait to taste this vintage again in a few years." Vinous

"This red wine has an extreme mountain wine personality, expressed in an abundance of wild herb and cranberry flavours, crisp acidity and a taut body. Somehow the generous and slightly juicy tannins blend seamlessly into the wine's lean profile. Long, crisp and mineral finish." James Suckling

The grapes for Le Ripi's top Brunello come from a 4 ha vineyard near Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the east side of Montalcino, not far from the Lupi e Sirene vineyard. Amore e Magia inspires first of all by the beauty in the glass: a deep ruby with violet, fuchsia accents. On the nose, a very clear, concise bouquet with a disarming openness that immediately captivates. We detect candied fruits, raspberries, roasted nuts and Christmas spices, then notes of leather. The first impression on the palate is rather silky and floral, the fine saltiness and the wonderfully integrated acidity provide vital freshness and the solidly woven tannin builds up energetically and flanks every sip until the dramatic, extremely multilayered final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Still marked by clear toasty notes with ripe plums and dark cherries, spicy cedar and liquorice notes in the background. On the palate with polished richness, stylish and wonderfully melting, seems a bit modern in style but nicely balanced and lively, the tannin is quite polished and still a bit rough-gripped, still needs to complete itself." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby garnet with a rich core. Very fragrant and inviting nose, of ripe, fleshy plums, some pickled cherries, plus liquorice in the background. Round and balanced on the palate, opens with beautiful forest fruit, grippy, dense tannin, fine melting in between, firm pressure in the final." Falstaff

"The bouquet on the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Amore e Magia is seriously impressive. A beguiling mix of dusty violets, exotic spices, cedar, clove and black cherries wafts up and holds my attention firm. The textures are soothingly plush yet lifted, featuring a sweet and sour display of tart wild berries contrasted by minerals, minty herbs and hints of candied citrus. The tannins arrive late, as this finishes structured and classically dry with nuances of blood orange and wild strawberries. The 2017 Amore e Magia has taken the warmth of the vintage in stride to deliver a Brunello packed full of balanced pleasures." Vinous

"The Podere le Ripi 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Amore e Magia is emerging as this estate's top-shelf wine, even though it started its life as a Rosso di Montalcino some years ago. It sports a pretty dark ruby color with a nicely concentrated appearance. The bouquet is extremely elegant and finely tuned with sweet cherry, wild rose, lavender bud, candied orange and iron ore. The effect is graceful and delicate, with tart background notes of currant and forest fruit. The tannins are tight and still nervous, and I suggest giving this wine more time in bottle." Wine Advocate

Leverpull LM-150 by Le Creuset is the innovative and above all creative wine accessory. The chic, sporty-looking lever corkscrew captivates with its modern, strikingly fresh design and outstanding technology, which are lots of fun.

Thanks to the unique handle system, the compact tool fits really well in the hand: comfortable and easy to use, opening becomes child's play. Once attached, the lever corkscrew provides a secure grip on the wine bottle. The cork glides out of the bottle with a light lever movement without any effort - perfect to leave a sovereign impression with its guests. Whether plastic or natural corks play no role, the patented technology of the LM-150 effortlessly does justice to all cork types.

Leverpull LM-150 by Le Creuset is the innovative and above all creative wine accessory. The chic, sporty-looking lever corkscrew captivates with its modern, strikingly fresh design and outstanding technology, which are lots of fun.

Thanks to the unique handle system, the compact tool fits really well in the hand: comfortable and easy to use, opening becomes child's play. Once attached, the lever corkscrew provides a secure grip on the wine bottle. The cork glides out of the bottle with a light lever movement without any effort - perfect to leave a sovereign impression with its guests. Whether plastic or natural corks play no role, the patented technology of the LM-150 effortlessly does justice to all cork types.

Racy and seductive Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Very intense bouquet of fruit, tobacco, herbs and toasted notes. Voluminous and harmoniously round on the palate, silky-sweet tannins and excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark luminous garnet red with an impenetrable core. Opens in the bouquet on boiled down blackberry, plum roast, also some cinnamon, wrapped in delicate mocha and dried tangerines. Stretches out a comforting dress, powerfully rich in tannin, shows tension in attack and progression, finishes slightly salty with lovely persistence." Falstaff

"A plummy nose, accented by toasted spice and licorice. Full-bodied with fine, velvety tannins. Well structured with lots of flavor that veers into the, bitter, Campari-like zone right at the end." James Suckling

"Darkly floral and alluring, the 2016 Nobile di Montepulciano Salco slowly blossoms in the glass with a display of ripe plums, clove, dried flowers and sweet tobacco. Its creamy textures are complemented by an elegant wave of ripe red and black fruits that flesh out across the palate, leaving saline-minerals and a coating of fine tannin in their wake. This tapers off long and lightly structured, leaving notes of blackberry and spice to linger long. The 2016 Salco is a beauty, yet it could use another year or two of cellaring to integrate its oak." Vinous

"Ripe plum, baking spice, menthol and new leather are just some of the aromas you'll find on this fantastic Sangiovese. On the elegantly structured, delicious palate, notes of ground pepper and licorice accent a core of juicy black cherry and crushed raspberry set against a backbone of taut, refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it nicely balanced." Wine Enthusiast

"This features a core of ripe, sweet plum, blackberry and spice flavors, accented by earth, wild herbs and tobacco. Though dense and muscular, there's also a beam of vibrant acidity that keeps this focused and fresh." Wine Spectator

A radiant bouquet of blackberries with a hint of leather in the background. Although it has a modern design, this wine from Montalcino is strongly attached to its homeland and gives the acidity typical of Montalcino's high altitudes the main role in its beguilingly generous taste. Attractive, smooth and wonderfully long-lasting! SUPERIORE.DE

"Nuances of red berries, violets and tobacco; compact structure with well integrated tannins, juice and perfectly integrated acidity, rich in finesse and with storage potential. It goes very well with game dishes." Vinum

"A pretty and ripe Brunello with lots of plum and cherry aromas. Full body, soft and chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Some dustiness within the texture. Dense and enticing." James Suckling

"Youthful ruby. Deep nose of fruit with hints of oak. Ripe, rich cherry fruit with a zesty, tangy core. Real interest and great tactile finish. Still firmly tannic for the moment." Jancis Robinson

"Here's a richly concentrated expression from one of the highest sites in Montalcino. The wine shows excellent balance and suppleness. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Altero flaunts the best characteristics of the hot vintage including beautifully saturated color intensity, seamless aromas and good texture richness. On that last point, I feel that the mouthfeel has been positively impacted by oak tannins. Dark cherry and dried blackberry are followed by spice, tar, licorice and grilled rosemary or Mediterranean herb. The wine is youthful and tight but should obtain a more polished approach with a few more years of bottle aging." Wine Advocate

Pacenti's flagship Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne 2017 is a blend of equal parts fruit from the north and south of Montalcino with great texture and resonance. The aromas are dark and textured through and through. Dark red fruits and stone fruits, new leather and cedar gradually open up in the glass, but it needs time to fully develop, partly because the Vecchie Vigne has slightly more new oak than the Pelagrilli. A powerful, spicy representative of the appellation that will only reach its true top form with a few years of bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe and concentrated bouquet with lots of wild berries, tobacco and balsamic-herbal notes, spices, juniper. In the mouth it scores with polished fullness and rich, present fruit expression, but without renouncing depth and pressure, which also shows in the beautiful length." Weinwisser

"Inviting black cherry aroma, with charismatic facets of spice, maquis and florals; complex texture with well-integrated, fine-grained tannins, subtle salty minerality, juice and richness through to the ell-long final. Excellent food companion." Vinum

"Rich, powerful ruby garnet. Compact nose with lots of wild berries, raspberry and blackberry, plus rich notes of tobacco, cloves in the background. Lots of polished, fine-meshed tannin, present fruit, shows nice pressure on the back end, long finish." Falstaff

"Maturing mid ruby with narrow orange rim. A tad closed on the nose with only the suggestion of gingerbread and with minerally, stony hints. Pure concentrated, cherry fruit with an exotic spice edge. Long and supple and with lots of acidity adding energy to the concentrated fruit. Great length, too and can already be approached. A hedonistic wine." Jancis Robinson

"Ripe fruit with lavender and sandalwood as well as some new wood on the nose. Medium to full body, with firm and structured tannins that are polished and curated. Needs time to soften and come together. Bigger style for Pacenti due to the hot vintage. Try after 2023." James Suckling

"The Siro Pacenti 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne shows an extra degree of concentration and thickness thanks both to the vintage (this hot and dry growing season produced darker, more intense berries) and the older vines that also work toward greater fruit weight. The Vecchie Vigne shows lots of depth and textural weaving with dark berries and oak spice. It offers long-lasting notes of smoke, sweet cedar and woodshop." Wine Advocate

"One of the most rightly celebrated bottles of the appellation, also in this well-balanced and decidedly worthwhile vintage. Notes of black currant and nuances of eucalyptus, then nutmeg and floral touches of carnation. Mouth with sapid tannins, fruity return and nice persistence." Luca Gardini

Intensity, harmony and elegance - this is San Polos Brunello Riserva from the very good year 2012. Compact bouquet of ripe dark berries, inviting and clear. Very fruity on the palate, opens wide with polished tannin into a never-ending finale. SUPERIORE.DE

"A slim version for the vintage, this linear red displays cherry, strawberry, floral and spice aromas and flavors. Sweet fruit holds the center, with refined tannins following up on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"For the Riserva, a selection is made at harvest of the thinnest bunches with the smallest berries. It's a classy, polished example with a cherry and vanilla core offset by thyme, sous-bois and cedar notes. Layers of sturdy tannin provide a solid frame for the ripe fruit." Decanter

"Aromas of ripe plum, underbrush, eucalyptus and star anise emerge in the glass. Polished and firmly structured, the palate delivers fleshy black cherry, strawberry jam, licorice and tobacco set against a backbone of youthfully assertive fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Dark red with some amber at the rim. Sweet red cherry, Asian herbs and woodsy underbrush on the nose. Enters rich and ripe, then slightly more angular and tart in the middle, offering red berry and cherry flavors that are less flinty and herbal than those of the 2013 Brunello from San Polo. Finishes with lipsmacking acidity and an austere quality. Really needs a few years in the cellar to round out. This will likely turn out to be a very good food wine." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"This is a darkly saturated Sangiovese with a very etched and precise fruit profile. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva offers immediate aromas of black cherry liqueur and pressed blackberry. Those berry notes are followed by spice, cinnamon and toasted coffee. This Riserva hits the palate with direct force and precision. It does not show the jammy or cooked notes commonly found in Sangiovese made in this hot vintage." Wine Advocate

"Reserved and cool for this opulent vintage with red fruits and delicate herbal notes. This is a concentrated and deep wine with a ton of dry tannins. Great balance, too. I love the long finish with its minty freshness." 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

"Bright purple-ruby. Aromas and flavors of dark plum, black cherry and sweet spices are complemented by a strong balsamic note. Bright and juicy, with a lovely mineral tang and harmonious acidity lifting the steely red fruit flavors and extending them through a long floral finish. Outstanding wine." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

Barolo Albe comes from the three parcels Fossati, Castello della Volta and Costa di Vergne. Brilliant and finely shaped on the palate, expressive floral notes merge with bright red fruits, mint and ground berries to create a lively and distinctive Barolo endowed with pure energy and class. It is juicy and fruity and a clear buy not only because of its comparatively moderate price! SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderfully clear and precise, delighting with abundant charming fruit, balanced and with velvety tannin, plus delicate spice and a salty earthy note on the finish, animating at every stage and also a little demanding." Weinwisser

"Translucent ruby. Edgy, tarry nose that's very ethereal. Tannic grip and quite a bit of heat on the way there. Floats on the palate – it's certainly not heavy, and has quite enough freshness. Long and relatively open." Jancis Robinson

"Sweet, charming, and attractive with fresh and youthful aromas. Great mid-palate concentration. Multi-layered and meaty with a velvety texture." Decanter

"The 2017 Barolo Albe is exquisite. Bright and beautifully lifted, the 2017 Albe is a wine of pure and total pleasure. All the elements come together so gracefully. Crushed flowers, red berries, mint, cinnamon and lavender are some of the many notes that open in the glass. The 2017 is so nicely done in the way it captures the radiance of the year and the classicism that runs through all these wines. Vineyard sites are Fossati, Costa di Vergne and Le Volte." Vinous

"Fresh and floral aromas with plum, orange peel and some cedar follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very drinkable now, but will improve with age." James Suckling

"Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It's already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential." Wine Enthusiast

"This is one of the most accessible and trustworthy wines you can buy from Piedmont. Keeping in line with past vintages, the G.D. Vajra 2017 Barolo Albe opens to medium concentration and a very expressive or fruit-forward bouquet. This hot-climate 2017 edition shows a little more ripeness and roundness as is to be expected, but these results are a safe bet nonetheless. Cherry and raspberry aromas are followed by blue flower and pressed violets. Set this bottle aside for medium or long-term drinking." Wine Advocate

Every year, Renieri conjures up a lush and fruit-driven Brunello in the glass, bursting with freshness, brightness and balsamic-aromatic intensity. Its grapes come from a small, nine-hectare parcel with chalky clay soils. It offers powerful cherry and blackberry aromas with delicate spice, smoke and blue flowers. The wonderfully balanced acidity pushes this showpiece wine into a seemingly endless final. Completely successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Renieri 2017 Brunello di Montalcino embraces freshness, vibrant fruit and punchy sour cherry aromas. In fact, I am surprised by the ethereal and light quality of this wine, given the hot vintage. This expression is redolent of earth, forest floor and garden roses. Some well-managed flavors of spice and toasted nut slip in gently at the end." Wine Advocate

"A fresh and balanced Brunello for the hot and dry 2017 vintage. It’s medium- to full-bodied with tight and polished tannins that are well-integrated and focused on the palate. Plenty of dark berry, black cherry and dry earth with some porcini mushroom. Fantastic for the vintage. Try after 2023." James Suckling

For some years now, Matteo Catania has been holding back a few hundred bottles of his wines in the best vintages in order to offer them to his most loyal importers after a few years. From this "private reserve" comes Nerosanloré 2014, which is now - in spring 2023 - being offered in small quantities with 5 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

Precise aromas of ripe red cherries, flint, orange peel, lavender and violets. Silky and juicy on the palate, with a refined but very concentrated extract that almost crushes the taste buds, yet remains lively and not at all heavy, giving beautiful definition and lift to the red cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral flavours. The finish is very deep and long, with very soft tannins, a beguiling perfume and extreme finesse; very Barolo-like. A beautiful, complex wine that shows the elegant side of Nero d'Avola that few producers are ever able to present. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2014 NeroSanloré has a more mature bouquet than the other contradas tasted next to it, yet that's not to say that it’s any less pleasurable. Dark soil tones, tobacco, brown spice, cherry and plum sauce fill the glass with each swirl. It is velvety in feel yet lifted in weight, with tart red berries and saline-minerals that give way to rosy inner florals. A sweet and sour twang keeps the mouth watering through the licorice-tinged finale, as subtle tannins pinch at the cheeks, which keeps me looking back to the glass for more." Vinous

"Complex nose of black plum, bitter chocolate, balsamic vinegar, candied orange and a slew of baking spices. After all this extravagance, you might expect a soft and lush wine, but this full-bodied red has a very solid core of healthy tannin and is decisively dry. Surprisingly crisp finish." James Suckling

"This wine shows medium dark concentration, a distinguishing trait of this vintage. The aromas have embraced elegant tertiary definition with dried fruit, dark plummy flavors, spice, earth and smoky tar. The wine is drinking beautifully right now and gives us valuable and encouraging insight to the aging ability of this popular indigenous grape from Sicily." Wine Advocate