Supertuscan

Il Randagio (the stray) is wonderfully complex and nuanced. Initially quite closed, the delicately spicy nose creeps up with increasing aeration and opens further into a wonderfully complex bouquet of dark red to black berries. Rising floral, savoury and spicy accents point to a wine that says more about the style of the house than anything else. The palate is wide-ranging with delicate wild berry flavours, perfectly polished tannins and a fresh, very invigorating acid wire that uninhibitedly enhances the drinkability of this once again typically different red. The best days of this wine still lie in the future. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Il Randagio, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, is fabulous. Bright acids and floral nuances adorn this exquisite, nuanced red wine. The 2022 spent four months on the skins in cement tanks and open vats. Above all, the freshness and purity of this wine stand out. What a great wine this is." Vinous

"The Tenuta di Carleone 2022 Il Randagio is a blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc and comes in a screw-cap bottle with a drawing of a one-eyed bulldog on the front label that surely must be a Sean O'Callaghan alter ego. He dabbles in long maceration times and alternative cement vessels. There is a lot of creative spirit in a wine like this that reveals fresh berry tones that pop brightly. The style is full of energy. This is a well-priced red that I happily recommend, especially if you are looking for a casual but spirited expression." Wine Advocate

Le Redini Rosso consists mainly of Merlot and a small proportion of Alicante. The wine opens with dark intensity and a velvety texture with lots of fresh blackberry, plum, earth and wild rose. Pure red fruit on the palate, very supple, the delicate wood note well integrated. The refined notes of a Merlot from the Conca d'Oro come across wonderfully. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh and pure expression of red plums, cherries, crushed strawberries, fresh mushrooms and minerals. Superficial red fruits on the medium-bodied palate with fresh tannins and fresh, crunchy plums and red cherries on the medium-long finish. Fruit-emphasised, dry and structured. There is certainly nothing superfluous here." James Suckling

"The 2021 Le Redini is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Alicante from a site with loose soils rich in schistose Galestro. What stands out most is the soft and gentle texture of the wine, which nestles close to the palate. There are no rough edges and the finish is characterised by dark cherries, spices and baking chocolate." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Le Redini is a beautiful, beguiling wine composed primarily of Merlot with a dash of Alicante, a blend that is unique to the Chianti Classico estate. Le Redini is a wine with aromatic presence and nuance, presenting a compelling blend of ripe red cherries, wild herbs, mint, rose petals and cinnamon. A little new oak still needs to be integrated. Otherwise, the 2021 is a very good wine." Vinous

Pergolaia is mainly Sangiovese with smaller portions of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The wine opens with a medium-bodied attack and a bright bouquet characterised by notes of cherry, wild plum, ploughed earth and pressed blue flowers. Very Mediterranean in style and with a strong personality, this red coats the palate with delicate, silky intensity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. In the nose restrained at the beginning, then tones of ripe cherry, wild strawberry and currant, in the aftertaste hints of violets, seems slightly icy. Elegant on the palate with supple tannin, multi-layered and with a long and exciting finish." Falstaff

"Sangiovese takes the lead in this blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, giving it nerve and deep cherry flavours, while the French additions absorb the touch of oak. The result is velvety, finely textured and long. You can drink this now and for up to six years while you wait for the 'grand vin' 2019 to come round. Sheer class and with bags of Italian flair." Jancis Robinson

"A lush, opulent red, featuring blackberry, blueberry, plum, violet and black pepper flavors. Dense, with well-wrought tannins that add support and bolster the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Black olives, iodine, salted plums and blackberries here. It’s medium-bodied with firm, creamy tannins. Lovely creaminess, with fresh, savory and saline character." James Suckling

"The bouquet opens to red and purple fruits with wild plum, dried cherry, potting soil and pressed rose. Those floral tones and mild herbal signatures are what give this wine its very Mediterranean, easy-drinking personality." Wine Advocate

Strong ruby red colour. Clearly defined bouquet with beautiful herbal spice. Deep dark fruit and a very round body in the glass, fine acidity and polished tannins. A classic representative of the noble Bolgheri appellation with an exceptionally harmonious overall impression. Be sure to aerate. SUPERIORE.DE

"A sophisticated style with aromas and flavours of mint, lavender, blackberries, black cherries, liquorice and spices, while dense tannins provide support and unite on the moderately long finish." Wine Spectator

"Very attractive and characterful appearance with dark cherries, wild berries, hints of mussels, iodine, liquorice and pine bark. Bright and lively with a medium body and taut acidity. Lively and agile on the palate, with a soft, slightly chalky tannin structure and a hint of white pepper and dried herbs on the finish. Already very good, but even better after 2025." James Suckling

The grapes for this Supertuscan come from the San Giovanni vineyard near San Giovanni a Cerreto. In the church next to the vineyard there is a painting by Rutilo Manetti depicting St John the Baptist (San Giovanni). Deep ruby red, youthful, rich, dark fruit, berry and cassis flavours meld with French oak. On the palate with deep, subtle fruit flavours and an excellent balance of fruit and tannin, plus some smoke, liquorice and tar. A rich, almost opulent red with outstanding structure and great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"An intense red with aromas of graphite, spice and tar complementing concentrated flavours of blackberries, blueberries, wild rosemary and minerals. The wine shows powerful tannins that are assertive but not overly astringent at this youthful stage. Compact finish." Wine Spectator

"A medium-bodied red wine with flavours of currants, berries and sandalwood. It is easy to chew, but shows glamour and tension." James Suckling

"An undertone of Bing cherries provides pop on an otherwise earthy, metallic nose. Orange zest brings out the cherries' subtle sourness on the palate, while strong acid and heat keep things lively until a structured, tannic finish." Wine Enthusiast

"This is a particularly intense and soft red blend that shows impressive and seamless integration. You get the dark intensity of the two grapes used in the blend, framed by the sweet spice and toast of French oak ageing. This vintage has particularly broad shoulders and is especially rich." Wine Advocate

"The Valdisanti 2020 is outstanding in this vintage. Rich, dark and lush, this blend is seductive from the start. Deep dark fruits, grilled herbs, leather, new oak, liquorice and mocha are nicely turned up. The 2020 is opulent, but by no means heavy. The 2020 is a great Valdisanti." Vinous

Dark ruby, some smoke, butter and herbs on the nose. A full-bodied and relatively dense red that does not hide its origin any more than it hides its status as a small Supertuscan. Soft mouthfeel, a mineral spiciness at the end; its structure provides a nice acidity with well-integrated tannins for a long and lively finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Le Difese is the freshest and most accessible of the three wines from Tenuta San Guido. For us, it is one of the most beautiful price-quality wonders of Tuscany. Magnificent, sweetly perfumed fruit aromas in the opulent bouquet, equally generous and broad in the long-lasting flavour of dark cherries, wild strawberries and tangy rosehips. Le Difese shows the great class of the winery in a more playful way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, transparent garnet colour. Juicy, accessible nose. Quite a charmer with a little Sangiovese bite on the finish for the short term. Decent, medium finish." Jancis Robinson

"Bright and appealing flavours of raspberry and cranberry with some cedar follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Fresh and crisp." James Suckling

"Bright red and violet scents with a creamy background and herbal notes lead to a soft and structured palate full of fresh, tangy cherries and dark hedgerow berries. Ripe, precise and flavoursome with a long, airy, balsamic finish, Le Difese should be enjoyed over the next ten years." Decanter

"The 2022 Le Difese is full-bodied, juicy and expressive, making it a good choice to drink now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, juicy red cherry fruit, mint, spice and blood oranges race across the palate. This exuberant yet medium-bodied Tuscan coastal red wine is a true delight. The 2022 is a particularly beautiful edition. It benefits from a warm year, an earlier bottling and an earlier selection." Vinous

On the nose, noble, typically Tuscan notes of cherries, blackberries, violets and spices. Exceptionally complex, multi-layered and excellently structured on the palate. Gripping tannins, intense fruit and pleasant acidity are already in perfect harmony. The drinking pleasure builds nicely and increases in the long final. For us, it has been the attractive alternative to Antinori's famous Tignanello for years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of dried cherries, bark, mahogany and porcini mushrooms. Lemons and herbs, too. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and tangy acidity. Juicy, savory and supple." James Suckling

"This blended red is Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon in a supporting role. The Poggio Bonelli 2018 Poggiassai is velvety, saturated and rich with dark fruit, cherry liqueur, barbecue spice and grilled herb. The wine shows a pretty dark color and thick concentration to complete what is ultimately a very contemporary winemaking style." Wine Advocate

Tasty and multi-faceted super Tuscan made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. You can feel the weight and density of this blend with its immediate and opulent aromas of black fruits, plums and blackcurrants. Exotic spices, tobacco and campfire ash, together with a savoury oak note. Well-accentuated tannins, full and warm on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a slightly brightening rim. Rich blackberries and ripe sour cherries on the nose, forest floor in the background. Powerful but well-integrated tannins on the palate, juicy, with lots of red fruit and a long finish." Falstaff

"This is a very pleasant blend of cabernet, merlot and petit verdot, with lovely raspberry, redcurrant and floral character. Medium-bodied with nicely integrated tannins that firm up the finish a little." James Suckling

"This is a bold red wine that jumps right out at you in the context of the mostly Sangiovese-based wines made in this central part of Tuscany. The Tenuta di Lilliano 2019 Anagallis is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot that ages in new, second and third-passage barrique. The wine offers thick layers of dark fruit, blackberry and sweet oak spice over a full-bodied texture. Production is limited to 5,000 bottles." Wine Advocate

Valletta is a blend of Sangiovese from the Gagliole vineyards in Castellina and Merlot from the Panzano vineyards. The wine is fermented in stainless steel (each variety is processed separately) and then aged in oak, some of which is new. Supple and racy, it offers enormous appeal from the very first sip. Ripe black cherry, mint, spices, espresso and blood orange open up with a little time in the glass. An open, sensual Tuscan red wine that has a lot to offer. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of plums, dried flowers and bark follow through to a medium body with round, juicy tannins and a soft, bright finish. Half Merlot from Panzano and half Sangiovese from Castellina in Chianti. Beautiful finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Valletta is a blend of equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot. It's a combination that works very well in this vintage. Juicy dark cherry and plum fruit opens first, followed by sweet tobacco, mocha, dried herbs, leather and cedar. The flavours of the Sangiovese and bright acidity complement the fruit of the Merlot very well." Vinous

Uccelliera is not only famous for its outstanding Brunello every year, the Rapace, which has now become an icon, also demonstrates the high quality with which the winery has been delighting wine connoisseurs all over the world for decades. Deep, dark ruby red in colour, the aroma spectrum is skilfully balanced with a mix of dark red cherries, plums, liquorice, smoke, spices and menthol. The beautifully cherry-like primary fruit is embedded in a warm texture, the silky tannin skilfully takes over on the sidelines and the wine storms into a long, nuanced and delicately mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Uccelliera 2020 Rapace that opens to autumnal aromas of earth and dry leaf. The blend is predominately Sangiovese, and those earthy notes underline the intensity of the dominant grape in the blend. Beyond that, you get iris root, blackcurrant, sour plum and a hint of roasted bell pepper. You definitely recognize the wine's Montalcino DNA, but the mouthfeel is broader and richer thanks to the two French grapes." Wine Advocate

Rapace 2021 opens with a medium-dark colour and a beautiful concentration that is not too heavy and not too light. The bouquet offers dark fruits and plums. These primary flavours are framed by sweet spices, cedar wood and tobacco. Delicate oak elements add depth and texture to the wine. It is perfect as an accompaniment from starters to main courses with meat. SUPERIORE.DE

"A bright and juicy but structured red that shows both vivid fruit and a firm tannic backbone. Medium-bodied, polished and even, with notes of red berries, walnuts and spices and a mineral aftertaste." James Suckling

Aria di Caiarossa is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Alicante, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon - in decreasing order. At this young stage, you taste the purity of the primary aromas with wild cherry and raspberry, underpinned by dark spice and a hint of crushed mineral. These elegant mineral notes are found throughout the Caiarossa portfolio. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, impenetrable ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. Multi-layered and complex nose of ripe wild berries and plum, reverberating with hints of verbena, bitter chocolate and wet leather. On the palate, full-bodied and powerful, with a fine tannin structure, spicy and with a long-lasting final." Falstaff

"Impenetrable dark ruby. Lifted, deep cassis nose and fresh and juicy on the palate with blackberry, cherry and cassis fruit and crunchy tannins. Sensationally balanced and irresistible." Jancis Robinson

"The biodynamic and certified organic Caiarossa 2019 Aria di Caiarossa is a blend of Merlot, Syrah, Alicante, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. You feel the concentration and richness of those grapes, especially the softness of the Merlot and the Syrah, and the firm structure of the two Cabernets. The bouquet reveals black and purple fruits with some background leather and spice. This is a fun and accessible Tuscan red blend." Wine Advocate

"A juicy and savory red with dark-berry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with tight, chewy tannins that give the wine length and focus. Needs time to soften." James Suckling

The combination of two such different personalities as Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend brilliantly in Grifi, giving this wine a unique character. The Cabernet gives the wine an extra kick of depth in the mid-palate as well as a tannic backbone that gives the wine plenty of persistence and energy.

Dark ruby red with violet reflections. The nose opens with hints of blueberries, blackberries and incense through to sandalwood and graphite. Dense and complex on the palate with hints of blackberry jam and cinnamon. On the palate, it develops like a balsamic explosion, supported by good acidity. The lively tannin accompanies the savoury and persistent, very linear finish. Grifi is a wonderfully sophisticated and elegant pleasure from the best vineyards around Montepulciano and Cortona. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant red, featuring a gleam of pure cherry, currant and strawberry fruit. This is also intense and firmly built, with a layer of dense tannins guarding the finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

"Excellent purity and ripeness in the fruit-accentuated nose, but also a certain complexity. Some violets, graphite and spices to the fresh blue fruits and slate. On the palate, I like the texture with fresh, fine-grained tannins and a cool finish. Long, fresh and juicy." James Suckling

The top wine Cavalli Rosso comes from loose marl soils at an altitude of 400 metres facing south. It reveals a dark and lush fruit profile with intense blackberry, sour cherry, plum and graphite. On the palate, it has a high primary intensity and medium weight, finishing with a very crisp acidity. It is polished and deep, balanced and supple with plenty of fruity power, weight and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine is rich and fully loaded with dark fruit flavors, but it never strays from a careful sense of balance. There is some ripe fruit with blackberry mostly, followed by spice and cured tobacco. It ages in a combination of oak, stainless steel and cement." Wine Advocate

"A modern and very well-made Toscana here showing excellent depth and complexity. Some plush cocoa powder to the minty blackberries, dark cherries, violets and hints of pine cone, black pepper and stones. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate with firm, juicy tannins and a focused finish. Long and tangy." James Suckling

"The 2020 Tenuta degli Dei is wonderfully poised and vibrant. Cavalli's blend of (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Franc) stands out for its precision. The heaviness of some previous years thankfully belongs to the past. Bright acid lift a core of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, menthol, licorice and espresso. The 2020 might be the best vintage yet for this wine." Vinous

Deep ruby red colour, lush notes of cherries, strawberries and sweet oak spice, vanilla and black pepper. The Sangiovese gives the blend great freshness and is in perfect balance with the silky and soft tannins of the Merlot. Overall rich, but always elegant and with great persistence. A complex, excellently structured red of absolute Supertuscan quality. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto 2020 Amor Costante is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese and offers a lovely richness with a medium body interwoven with blackberry, wild plum, spice and sweet tobacco. The softness and texture come from the Merlot, while the Sangiovese provides freshness and fresh cherry flavours. Only 2,360 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Amor Costante keeps the glass swirling as dried violets, stone dust and exotic spices accentuate an enticing blend of wild berries and red plums. This is velvety smooth with medium-bodied weight, ushering in textural waves of red and blue fruits offset by sour citrus tones and saline-tinged acidity. It finishes long and structured with fine-grained tannins and a tart resonance of currants and licorice, yet the 2020 remains surprisingly fresh through it all. Patience will be required, yet also rewarded. What a treat." Vinous

Lodano Rosso is a blend of Petit Verdot and Merlot that is seamlessly integrated with its dark fruits, blackberries and plums, nicely rounded off by smoke and tobacco from French oak and a smaller proportion of American oak. The Merlot comes from the winery's famous old vines, and the contemporary concentration and richness of the Lodano can be found in this wine as well as in the winery's entire portfolio. The dark fruits and spices speak in a deep baritone that calls for a juicy grilled steak, it also offers excellent value! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Tua Rita 2021 Lodano Rosso marries what Stefano Frascolla calls the "rustic" character of the first grape with the volume and sweetness of the second. The Petit Verdot results in very compact, almost rigid fruit that needs the benefit of a blending partner. This wine offers plush fruit and floral notes with harder tannins." Wine Advocate

"A juicy and crisp young wine with blackberries and blueberries as well as some graphite. Vine bark. Also black pepper. Medium body, firm and fine tannins and a linear finish. Bright and structured. Needs another three or four years to mellow, but impressive." James Suckling

Piastraia fully lives up to the classic image of a great and delicate Bolgheri Rosso Superiore. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller portions of Merlot and Sangiovese, it fills the glass with its intense aroma of fruit and a hint of leather flavours. The flavour is powerful, concentrated and pure. SUPERIORE.DE

"A firm and compact red wine that shows walnuts, dried herbs, loam, black fruit and cedar on the nose. It is full-bodied, polished and compact, with firm but fine-grained tannins. Roasted walnut notes on the long finish." James Suckling

"The core flavors of black currant, black cherry and pomegranate are shaded by mint, violet, iron and toasty oak notes. This red is dense and rich, with a matrix of polished tannins for support. Shows excellence in both balance and aftertaste." Wine Spectator

Deep ruby red colour, lush notes of cherries, strawberries and sweet oak spice, vanilla and black pepper. The Sangiovese gives the blend great freshness and is in perfect balance with the silky and soft tannins of the Merlot. Overall rich, but always elegant and with great persistence. A complex, excellently structured red wine in absolute Super Tuscan quality and produced in a very small edition of just under 3,000 bottles. SUPERIORE.DE

"A round, juicy and flavorful red. The nose shows notes of currants, cassis and some sweet spices. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture with control. A lively core of juicy berries at the center meets vivid spices and herbs funneling toward the vibrant finish." James Suckling

Lemartine shines in a stunningly beautiful red. Dark fruit aromas, pomegranate and cinnamon emanate from its dense, expressive bouquet and continue full-bodied on the palate. Refined opulence and a supertuscan in pure culture! SUPERIORE.DE

"Raspberry, blackberry, chestnut, mushroom and earth on the nose. Full-bodied with chewy tannins. Structured with a chalky texture in the mouth and a long, flavorful finish." James Suckling

Deep dark cherry red with a violet glow at the rim. On the nose, aromas of spices like rosemary and thyme, plus fruity notes of blackcurrant and cherry. On the palate blackberry, cherry, fresh plum and cranberry, wonderful cassis note and dark chocolate on the long final. Modern Tuscan, stylistically rigorous according to the French model. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. In the nose tones of ripe Amarena cherry, wild berries and plums, in the aftertaste mint and elegant toasty aromas from the wood ageing. Juicy and mouth-filling on the palate, with fine tannin and a long finish." Falstaff

"It smells of violets and black and blue berries. In the mouth it is intense, concentrated and dense, with good acidity, fine tannins and lively, tangy dark fruits. Needs more time before it opens up." Decanter

"A medium-bodied, balanced red wine with notes of cherry, spiced plum, dried herbs and liquorice. Spicy. Slightly chewy tannins. Fresh and delicious finish. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The second wine from Monteverro. Already very tasty." James Suckling

"Fruity bouquet of stone fruit and herbs; excellently structured with fine mineral components, the finish is balanced and fruity." Vinum

"The 2019 Monteverro Terra di Monteverro is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot from organic farming and is the little brother of the winery's Monteverro (from the same grapes). This concentrated vintage shows lots of concentrated fruit, blackberry and black cherry. The wine also has a creamy side that adds to the sense of opulence and density." Wine Advocate