Vinibuoni

This coveted Riserva is only vinified in top vintages and comes from the highest vineyards of the winery. On the nose, the essence of dark cherries, blackberries, flowers, violets, liquorice and spices, which are then carried away on the palate by firm, structured tannins. The Brunello Riserva 2016 impresses with its remarkable fruit and a big, explosive finish. It presents itself fresh and surprisingly lively, yet very focused and balanced. A great wine that is already a real joy to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

"Andrea Cortonesi crafts distinctly umami Brunello from various parcels at diverse altitudes and exposures in the warm reaches of Castelnuovo dell’Abate. After trying the sensuous 2015 Riserva at the estate in September 2021, I was excited to taste the 2016 release. It too is voluptuously shaped yet shored up by sturdy, muscular tannins. Pronounced clove and nutmeg meet prune, dried raspberry and tar. And there is a saline beef broth undertow. While it offers plenty to unpack over the years, I actually prefer to drink Uccelliera’s wines when they are still full of vim and vigour." Decanter

"This is really polished and refined, yet remains polished and beautiful, with cherries and berries, as well as light hazelnut and walnut undertones. Compact and silky. Drink after 2024, but already so attractive." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a terrific wine: bold, well-defined, powerful and balanced. There are many good things to relate, but the high alcohol content (measured at 15.5%) is the only distraction. This is a trend in the Riserva category in the 2016 vintage. The bouquet shows black cherry, cassis, earth, leather and dried roses. The palate offers soft fruit flavors supported by firm oak tannins." Wine Advocate

"Rich and deeply alluring, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva wafts up to display crushed ashen stone mixed with hints of ginger, dusty florals and black cherry preserves. This is velvety-smooth and pliant in feel, lifted by cooling herbal and mineral tones, as an opulent wave of ripe red and black fruits washes across the palate, leaving a staining of minerals and spice in its wake. It’s long and structured, in need of further time to come fully into focus, yet somehow the 2016 Riserva remains completely fresh, tapering off to inner earth tones and hints of blueberry. Time will reveal further depths. This is an utterly classic Uccelliera Brunello in the making." Vinous

"Offers forthcoming aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, licorice, tobacco and vanilla backed by vivid acidity and dusty tannins, with a long, saline finish. Showing enough fruit and structure to absorb the oakiness over time, this is balanced overall and poised for a promising future." Wine Spectator

Cerretalto wins in the exceptional 2016 vintage with beautiful, natural complexity and fine oak tones surrounded by cinnamon, clove, chocolate and exotic spices. On the palate, a dark, dense, ripe fruit and firm tannins. Incredibly long and deep with amazingly fresh acidity and fine salinity. For us, the perfect Riserva of this great vintage and made for decades! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with a fine garnet rim. Multi-layered nose with notes of dark cherries, blackberries, rosewood, slightly earthy tones behind, clear and memorable. Has lots of plump fruit on the attack, juicy dark cherry, plum, then opens up with fine-meshed tannin in many layers, very good tension and length, elegant and finely defined, long finish." Falstaff

"There’s something intriguing, alluringly dark, earthy – animal, even – yet floral and packed full of rich black fruits and exotic spices that defines the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto. This impresses with its cool-toned dark berries and minerals, complemented by bright acidity and sweet inner herbal tones. It’s not yet ready to reveal all of its charms, though it drops subtle hints each step of the way. A bitter twang keeps the expression lively and fresh, while grippy tannins saturate deeply and leave the palate aching with youthful tension, as notes of licorice, clove and a hint of ginger linger. What a wine!" Vinous

"A dense, racy and expressive red, offering black cherry, black currant, violet, iron and a hint of rosemary aromas and flavors. This is driven by vivid acidity and refined tannins, which lend both finesse and length. Features great harmony and elegance." Wine Spectator

"Cerretalto is bottled separately in selected vintages only. It is given an additional year of ageing and is typically still patently austere when released. While the 2015 was almost uncharacteristically fleshy, 2016 is a return to Cerretalto’s sinewy personality. It opens gradually with distinct flint, creosote and smoke-infused wild black currants and thyme. The palate is powerful without being weighty, with chiselled tannins that are rigid but not hard-edged. A concentrated core of black salted liquorice, black raspberry and iron is pierced by tangy acidity. Ultimately an elegant wine, this will need time to express all its nuance." Decanter

"Here's an important keepsake from a classic vintage. The Casanova di Neri 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto needs time to open, especially if you plan to drink the wine earlier than is recommended. This powerful wine is packed tight with black fruit, plum and summer ripe cherry. Those dark fruit tones segue to spice, baked clay, balsam herb and gardening soil. The oak is always more apparent in the Cerretalto (which is released one year later, as if it were a Riserva) compared to the Tenuta Nuova. The vineyard used makes a big difference, giving this wine more textural weight and thicker fiber. It's all a question of taste, but if you want power, richness, sensuality and voluptuousness in your Brunello, Cerretalto is the bottle at the end of the rainbow." Wine Advocate

"Wow. Incredible purity and transparency with cherries, bark, mushroom, flower and slate/stone on the nose. Full-bodied yet agile and fresh with a fine tannin structure that runs the length of the wine and goes on forever. The polish, elegance and grace is breathtaking. Power with agility. A revelation for the 2016 vintage in Brunello. Drink in 2024 and onwards but wonderful to taste now." James Suckling

"One of the highlights in the expression of the Riserva, in a vintage blessed, a cru definitively in the history of the denomination. Spontaneous fermentation, about a month of maceration on the skins, raspberry jam to the nose, with touches of nutmeg and laurel. The mouthfeel has sapid and velvety tannins and the finish is fruity-officinal." Luca Gardini

Ceretto's Barolo Bussia comes from one of the most famous cru sites bordering the municipalities of Monforte d'Alba and Barolo, it draws its Nebbiolo fruit from a 7,000 sqm parcel in Bussia Soprana in Monforte d'Alba. Just 3,500 1/1 bottles and 200 magnums are bottled.

Sparkling, luminous garnet red. On the nose, it seduces with delicate notes of wild berries, white cherry, liquorice and truffle. On the palate, it is explosive, lively and full of energy. Its rich and lively aromas of cranberries and pomegranate are very finely elaborated, impressive its sweetness in the middle of the palate and the fine creaminess and its finely meshed tannin, which is characteristic of the best Bussia Barolos. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red; intense fruit notes, inviting; dense, powerful, depth of fruit, lots of fine tannin, length." Merum

"Just mid ruby with orange tinges. Spicy, complex and brooding nose with hints of cardamon and stony, minerally hints, which normally come out only after longer bottle ageing. With aeration it shows impressive concentration of cherry fruit with a complex oak hints and a layer of succulent marasca-cherry fruit. Lots of juicy acidity and really light of touch while very long. Fine tannins cling to the fruit." Jancis Robinson

"The 2018 Bussia sports lovely aromas of crunchy redcurrants, rose petals, animal musk and sandalwood. It's all about finesse and exotic charm, the slim silhouette and textural delicacy strengthened by the mid-weight style of the vintage. Perfumed and expressive, with supple tannins and wafts of oriental spice extending the aftertaste, this is a wonderfully approachable Barolo." Decanter

"Rose, violet, camphor and oak-driven spice aromas come to the forefront on this lovely red. Focused and elegant, the vibrant palate features juicy red cherry, pomegranate, licorice and a hint of coconut framed in taut, refined tannins. It's well balanced, with bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Here is a relatively new addition to the Ceretto portfolio (first introduced with the 2015 vintage and made in the years since). The organic 2018 Barolo Bussia has a bright note of sweet cherry or candied orange that frames the wine's generous, open-knit character. There are some dusty earth aromas that add layering and texture to the background." Wine Advocate

"Quite a tight nose for now, but already showing lovely aromas of raspberries, together with perfumed, stony minerals and roses. Full-bodied with a compact palate and an array of firm, spicy tannins that builds steadily through the finish. This is excellent Barolo that’s only just beginning its journey. Tiny production. Cellar it until at least 2025." James Suckling

"Transparent ruby red with a crimson fading rim. Spicy notes of cloves, allspice, mace and pepper mingle with cherries, bay and raspberry jelly, currant leaves and floral top notes of orange blossom complete the delight. On the palate, Crichët Pajé presents itself with great calm in a steady flow. Nothing is brash or exuberant here, but shines with distinguished elegance - an equilibrium in perfect balance. The aromatically exuberant nose is disciplined on the palate by the long, calm flow of focused, cool acidity, on whose shores fully ripe and fine-grained tannins entwine. Silky with an almost aristocratic nobility, its enormous complexity is revealed in the second sip when the flavors begin to unravel in the epic finish like a massive Win-Zip file. A wine for today, for tomorrow and for many, many more years to come. Undisputedly world class." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"Made with extremely old vines, the youngest of which are over 60 years old and most much older, this opens with aromas of new leather, scorched earth, underbrush and balsamic notes of camphor. Concentrated and boasting a great depth of flavors, the structured, full-bodied palate delivers raspberry compote, dried black cherry, carob and hazelnut alongside firm, enveloping tannins. Another compelling wine from the estate." Wine Enthusiast

"This red is full of mulled plum, cherry, menthol, stone and spice flavors. Concentrated yet fluid, with a tightly packed finish. Well-balanced and approachable now if decanted." Wine Spectator

"It's easy to fall into the cult of Crichët Pajé. The wine's name means "little hill" in Piemontese dialect, and the winemaking process is carefully weighed and contemplated. The Roagna 2011 Barbaresco Crichët Pajé is fermented with indigenous yeasts, with submerged cap and sees eight long years of aging in both oak and cement. Fruit is drawn from a half-hectare, south-facing parcel high on the Pajé slope that has been farmed by this family since 1953. The bouquet reveals wild berry fruit, rose hip, cedar, crushed stone, smoke and licorice. This expression is lightweight in texture, yet it expertly balances a full load of aromas and flavors on that small frame. The heat of the vintage has not hurt the freshness or the sharpness that you perceive here." Wine Advocate

"Just bottled, the 2011 Barbaresco Crichët Pajè is unbelievably refined. Sweet red cherry, rosewater, mint, dried flowers, pine and kirsch give the 2011 an upper register of perfume that is utterly beguiling. Silky and classy to the core, the 2011 is the most sensual Crichët Pajè I can remember tasting. There is plenty of tannin, that is clear, but it is also pretty much buried by the sheer luxuriousness of the fruit. This is such a gorgeous and complete wine. There is just an unreal amount of freshness for this dry, torrid year. Wow!!" Vinous

Here, excellence of man and nature come together with perfect precision and harmony. Powerful cherry and blackberry notes are followed by crushed minerals, liquorice, smoke and lightly scented cedar. Spreads evenly across the palate and its flavour intensity, power and volume last for minutes. The exquisite 2015 Cerretalto is concentrated and rich, but never too heavy or dense. It is a highly compelling Italian icon with the truly exciting world of perceived unlimited possibilities still ahead of it. We can be more than excited ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, rich ruby garnet. Opens with light spicy notes, some cardamom seeds, then lots of crisp, dark cherry, mulberry, light truffle note in the background. Fans out broadly on the palate, lots of ripe, juicy fruit, opens up on the back end with tight, precise tannin, exceedingly long, savoury and gripping, a definite long runner!" Vinous

"The 2015 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is remarkably fresh and balanced despite its large-scale persona. Minty herbs give way to raspberry and cherry with exotic spices and a hint of pine resin. It boasts depths of silky textures; yet it remains juicy and full of energy, displaying ripe red and black fruits, laced with salty minerals, as hints of cinnamon and baker's chocolate form toward the close. Fine tannins come forward on the finish, tugging at the cheeks, yet all under an air of sweet spice and violet florals. As young as this is today, it's hard to put the glass down, and I can only imagine the depths that will be revealed with five or more years of cellaring." Vinous

"Wild rosemary, thyme and juniper aromas and flavors frame the core of black cherry in this supple red. Firmly built, shows refined tannins embraced by the bright fruit. Very expressive and approachable now, yet should continue to improve." Wine Spectator

"Of these new releases from this benchmark estate, the Casanova di Neri 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is my favorite wine. This Riserva is larger than life with ripe fruit, raspberry, cherry, spice, cola, root beer, mesquite and cedar. The wine offers a flashy and generous quality of fruit that unfolds over time with a multifaceted and multi-layered presentation. One thing that stands out here is the acidity that is bracing and tart at first but then succumbs to an important supporting role, rendering lasting freshness and persistence to the finish. With time, you get a flash of cherry and crème de cassis that seals the deal." Wine Advocate

"This is a momentous wine with incredible power and structure that has so much minerality and crushed-stone character to the black cherries and blueberries. Full-bodied and tannic, yet the tannins are layered and polished with a glorious, creamy and juicy texture that coats your mouth. It goes on for minutes. Incredible wine." James Suckling

Deep dark velvety ruby red. Opulent bouquet of sour cherry, mulberry, some damp leaves and laurel. In addition, the typical Neri spice of wood, tobacco and broom. On the palate, an open-hearted fruit paired with the precision of a monumental Brunello frame, which, along with fine sweetness, keeps the balance with the taut acidic nerve and leads into an almost endless finish. A classy wine, the likes of which we rarely see in the glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"Seductive nose with a potpourri of fruity, floral and spicy notes, cinnamon and plums above all; accurately balanced acidity and tightly knit tannins on the palate, well-dosed mineral nuances, ends promisingly on notes of wild berries, leather and liquorice. Excellent Brunello that can even improve with maturity." Vinum

"Very noble nose, exotic perfumed woods, sandalwood, cigar box, lots of iodine and iron, cool pepper and juniper notes, blue berries; super fine grip on the palate, pressure without heaviness." Meiningers Sommelier

"Sparkling, intense ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Complex and appealing nose, intense dark, ripe cherry, some plum, then also notes of slate and liquorice. Powerful and mighty on the palate, reveals itself with lots of dense tannin, interwoven, lots of present fruit, rich pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Deep luminous ruby-red. Spicy red cherry and mineral nuances on the nose and in the mouth. Enters fresh and juicy with noteworthy flesh and size to the red and blue fruit flavors, then suave and refined all the way onto the long refined finish. Closes with youthfully chewy tannins and a tactile mouthfeel offering hints of flinty minerals and raspberry. A brooding giant that is extremely elegant and refined. Very well done." VINOUS

"There’s a lot in this wine, in terms of complexity, that is all underpinned by concentrated, ripe and assertive red cherries. The oak is nicely placed and there’s a sense of purpose and build on the palate that really sets it apart. High-class tannins." James Suckling

"Youthful-looking mid ruby. Dark fruit with impressive depth and with a hint of gingerbread. Lovely, tangy dark-cherry fruit and loads of powdery tannins that are a little demanding right now. Needs much more age." Jancis Robinson

"This intense version is concentrated, with black cherry, blackberry, graphite, tobacco and spice flavors, yet remains light-footed due to the racy profile. Structured, yet beautifully balanced and youthful. Shows purity and length on the aftertaste, which introduces a floral component." Wine Spectator

"There are a handful of wines in Italy that make me nervous before I taste them because my expectations are so high. This is one of those wines. Indeed, previous editions of Cerretalto have earned the coveted 100 point score, and I am astutely aware of the pedigree and potential that comes forth with each new vintage. As enthusiastic as my assessment of the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is, I'm stopping short of that perfect score. This vintage is something of a moving target with wines that are beautiful, without a doubt, yet the growing conditions were not even across the appellation, and achieving optimal tannic management posed a challenge to many producers. If I were to make any criticism of this wine, it would fall along those lines. That aside, this is a beautiful Brunello that boasts deep intensity and bold black fruit flavors that are plummy and rich. Spice, toasted oak and tobacco frame that primary fruit. Cerretalto ages in oak for 30 months and that strong imprint has added to the structure, depth and contemporary character of this A-list Brunello. That oak imprint is also reinforced in the wine's tannins. There's no doubt that this wine needs more cellar aging. I would absolutely not suggest drinking it within the next five years. Any awkwardness it shows now should iron itself out with more bottle time." Wine Advocate

Superb - the Cerretalto 2012, a plant from a historical top location in the west of Montalcino. In the bouquet, spicy accents and aromas of soft sour cherries and blackberries give the scent. The impeccable taste impresses with its dynamic and weighty character, the dense tannin with good supporting effect, the respectable acidity and a first class finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich, deep ruby with a garnet shimmer. Intense and complex nose, with dark cherries, violets, fresh, juicy plums, olive paste and dried tomatoes, very inviting. Rich, firm base on the palate, lots of warmth, dark, ripe fruit, dense tannin interwoven with sweet enamel, salty and long, for lying clean!" Falstaff

"The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto offers a prolonged, flowing and carefully massaged drinking experience that drapes over the senses with some studied intensity and lots of intriguing complexity. This wine nails that perfect balance between power and elegance (that elusive exchange that so many winemakers hope to achieve) with effortless precision. Bold cherry fruit and spice are tightly woven together. In the mouth, the wine shows texture, depth and succulence. Generally speaking, this is not my favorite vintage in Montalcino, but this wine suddenly made me forget that thought." Wine Advocate

"Flavors of medicinal herbs, juniper, macerated cherry, plum, tobacco and spice are the hallmarks of this intense red. Ripe and concentrated, yet sleek and focused, with spice notes chiming in on the long, minerally and firmly tannic finish." Wine Spectator

"The density is so impressive in this great single-vineyard wine of Casanova. It's full yet agile at the same time. Shows such integrated tannins and fresh acidity at the finish. Energized and focused. Tangy and citrusy. Mineral undertone. One of the great Brunellos of 2012." James Suckling

Brunello di Montalcino by Poggio di Sotto is an explosive wine, full and dark. Black cherries, menthol, spices and freshly tanned leather are just some of the diverse aromas. The palate is dense, enveloping and fantastically flowing. Accentuated acidity, perfectly integrating the tannins, finishes on notes of ripe stone fruit, leather and mushrooms. An absolutely fascinating, sublime wine (for the advanced) at the highest level. SUPERIORE.DE

"With aeration, increasingly engaging berry and violet aromas; the attack trenchant, plenty of polish and richness with tightly woven tannins, combining fruit length, complexity and also plenty of tradition." Vinum

"The Burgundy among the Brunelli. Wonderfully ripe blueberry jam, heart cherries and raspberries, ethereal herbal spice with liquorice, sage and myrtle, behind it a fine red-blue florality as well as a touch of blood orange and noble wood. Quite crisp on the palate, finely meshed style, great tension of transparent precise fruit and balsamic freshness, compact and tightly woven with firm tannin corset and lots of finesse." Weinwisser

"Firm and quite deep, a little dried-vegetable to tobacco nose of small red and black berries with herbal aromas, pepper, meat juice and a little smoke. Ripe, juicy, partly preserved, nevertheless lively fruit with smoky, nutty, a little toasty and herbal notes, crumbly sandy tannin, dark ethereal spice in the background, persistent, medium power, a little iodine and cocoa, distinctly salty hints, very good finish with partly preserved small berry juice and ethereal spice again." Wein-Plus

"Shiny ruby-garnet. Intense and inviting nose, of ripe black cherries, plus raspberries and strawberries, some tobacco in the background. Fills the palate richly, lots of fresh, appealing fruit, plums, cherry and goji berry, plus fine-meshed tannin, juicy and long." Falstaff

"Brilliant ruby red. Spicy and with hints of raw meat, still quite embryonic and reductive. Needs a lot of aeration to show its lovely raspberry notes. Lush fruit on the palate with long, polished but chewy tannins. Perfumed, sweet raspberry fruit follows on the finish. You get all of this, but only if you open the bottle literally hours before." Jancis Robinson

"Attractive nose of salted plums, sour cherries, dried roses and rosemary stems. Firm yet supple with a medium to full body and layers of fresh fruit with delicious herbal notes." James Suckling

"A dense red with aromas of cherry, plum, loamy earth, thyme, sage, sanguine and tobacco. Austere, with lively acidity and dusty tannins holding court on the compact finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino has a slow attack with exotic aromas of sweet spices, cedar chips, ash stone, mint and a hint of sage. It is luxuriously soft in texture, silky and refined, with a depth of balsamic-tinged cherries accelerated by vibrant acidity and a hint of sour citrus that adds contrast. The finish is impressively structured for the vintage, still lively but classically dry, leaving nuances of tart berries balanced by a burst of inner sweetness that is very well underlined. This was a very difficult vintage, with massive rains in August that made working in the vineyard very difficult, but also very important. However, the team at Poggio have done a fantastic job of finding balance. Definitely give the 2018 a lot of time, because I followed it for three days and it got better and better." Vinous

"In southern Montalcino, near the town of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, Poggio di Sotto captures the lightness of the vintage with a plomb, and the long ageing in 30hl Slavonian oak barrels has not affected its vitality. With pretty and precise aromas of cherry and raspberry, it evokes summer, but fragrant wet leaves and woody rose hips speak of autumn. The palate is fine and fluid, moving with grace. The chalky tannins hold their own discreetly yet persistently. The underlying lush ripeness is downright seductive." Decanter

"The nose is metallic, earthy and stony, with cherry undertones providing levity. Cherries take a star turn on the palate, with strawberries and raspberries playing crucial supporting roles, while a tension between astringent orange and creamy mocha emerges on the lengthy finish. Robust tannins and fiery acidity prove ageworthiness." Wine Enthusiast

"Raw materials of great vitality for another milestone of this typology. Blueberry jam on the nose, notes of wild myrtle and sage on the finish. The mouthfeel is crisp and dense, with spicy iodine tannins and a fruity finish." Luca Gardini

"Poggio di Sotto has once again hit the bull's eye with an extremely elegant interpretation that shows the incredible depth and nuance Sangiovese can achieve, even in an uneven vintage like this. The organic Brunello di Montalcino 2018 has a dark ruby colour and a medium-heavy concentration. In fact, the wine is lighter and brighter than most, although Brunello needs to age for five years before being released. The tannins are silky and melt into the palate. As the wine progresses, it offers notes of red cherries, cassis and blue flowers." Wine Advocate

Giacomo Neri's new top Brunello was born with the purchase of a very special vineyard. True to the winery's philosophy of making wines only from the best terroirs around Montalcino, a small 7-hectare parcel with over 45 years of vines was purchased a few years ago. This was preceded by a friendship of over 40 years with the previous owners, with whom Giacomo's father Giovanni Neri planted the vines and nurtured them over the past decades.

And the 2018 vintage is now the premiere for a wine that radiates all the outstanding qualities of the source material and the winemaker's craft. Man and nature unite here in perfect precision and harmony. Its balance is exquisite. Powerful cherry and blackberry notes are followed by crushed minerals, liquorice, smoke and lightly scented cedar. The wine spreads evenly and powerfully across the palate, and its flavour intensity can be counted on for many long minutes. Giovanni Neri Brunello is wonderfully concentrated and rich, but never too heavy or dense. 2018 is the birth of a new Italian icon that will take us on an exciting journey in the years to come - patience and further bottle ageing will be princely rewarded here, we are sure! SUPERIORE.DE

"Casanova di Neri's latest Brunello comes from a 7 ha parcel acquired in 2017. The vineyard is located in the somewhat untamed area of Sesta, in the south-east of Montalcino, and has vines that are over 50 years old. The wine is extremely multi-faceted, exuding aromas of herbs and blood oranges. Velvety layers of fleshy persimmon and ample pliable tannins are countered by a citrusy acidity. There's a crisp pomegranate as well as chocolaty depths of exotic carob. Lots of drive and vibration here." Decanter

"I have waited a long time for the first release of Giovanni Neri Brunello di Montalcino, and the 2018 does not disappoint. Here I find a beguiling blend of lavender, white pepper and crushed stone giving way to dried black cherries and foreign spices. The palate is washed by a smooth wave of ripe red berries, carried by lively acidity, while nuances of sour citrus and clove resonate. The tannins are crisp, almost chiselled, but with a primary concentration that lingers under a hint of purple flowers, tapering off with tremendous length and structure for long and balanced ageing. The Giovanni Neri comes from 50-year-old vines from a vineyard acquired in the south-east of Montalcino. This is a fabulous first bottling." Vinous

"This red is finely woven, with cherry and blackcurrant fruits shadowed by floral, mineral and black pepper aromas and flavours. Smooth and fluid, with excellent balance and lively acidity driving the fruity aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Sparkling ruby-garnet with brightening rim. Very clear, ripe fruit, of blackberries, dark plums and black cherries, in the background slightly of molasses. Presents itself on the palate with lots of sweet fruit, very clear, opens with fine, slightly grippy tannin, polished, juicy and long." Falstaff

"Here is an exciting and important new addition to the Casanova di Neri portfolio. The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Giovanni Neri is shapely and enriched in an extremely pleasing way. The Neri family has perfected their approach to concentration and fruit weight over the many years they have been making excellent wines. This wine gives the impression of being full-bodied, but ultimately shows a very elegant side. Ripe cherry and blackberry are offset by oak spice, toast and white stones. The tannins are supple and sweet. 5,400 bottles of this first release were made." Wine Advocate

"Beautiful ripe fruit on the nose, with cranberries, plums, sour cherries, white truffle, red tea and white pepper. The tannins are very fine, creamy and expansive. Enveloping and generous, yet fresh. Wonderful length and depth. From a 7 hectare plot with 50 year old vines. Try this wine from 2025." James Suckling

"An impeccable interpretation, the result of excellent work both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Intense aromas of sour cherries and bay leaves on the nose, with salty and iodine notes on the finish. On the palate, it opens juicy and taut, then gains breadth and depth. Spicy tannins and a hint of hiel herbs characterise the long finish." Luca Gardini

If there is one thing that Giacomo Neri has mastered 100%, it is harvesting at the optimal time of ripeness. He knows his property and his vines better than most and it shows.

The fruit of the 2018 vintage is deep and dark, with high levels of extract, intensity and flavour. It goes far beyond the standard cherry and blackberry to include plum cake, spice bread and bacon-wrapped plum. Nothing about this wine is obvious or monochromatic, everything is nuanced and ethereal. Tenuta Nuova also regularly features the mineral-salty notes that are characteristic of this single vineyard. Very supple tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"From the Cetine vineyard, located southeast of Sant'Angelo in Colle, comes this bottling of Tenuta Nuova with Mediterranean flair and sensual appeal. A relatively early harvest16 September has preserved the freshness of the grapes. Under a woody top note, lavender and balsamic herbs emerge. The ripe red cherries, infused with cinnamon and wrapped in supple tannins, show great concentration. A juicy, tangy acidity supports the whole. The supple and refined wood should digest with another year in bottle." Decanter

"Bright and focused, offering cherry, raspberry, rose hip, mushroom, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Pure and expressive, with fine harmony, an elegant frame and a lingering aftertaste. Gains support from a firm structure." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is spicy and intense, exuding a wild blend of sweet herbs, cloves, dried citrus peel and crushed red plums. It is dark, elegant and refined, with polished red and black fruits highlighted by hints of lavender and mint; yet underneath, a web of fine tannins slowly saturates the palate. Hints of cranberry and tangerine mingle with lavender on the long and textured final, and the 2018 ends wonderfully balanced and classic. With more maturity, it could earn an even higher score." Vinous

"Powerful, sparkling ruby with a fine garnet shimmer. Opens on the nose with notes of wild raspberry and black cherry, along with fine spicy components, violets in the background. Substantial and dense in attack and course, shows very great, compact tannin in many layers, full bite in the final, ends on notes of cloves." Falstaff

"Here is a treat from Casanova di Neri. The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is full-bodied and rich with beautiful layers of dark fruits, dried blackberries, spices and smoked tobacco. The sour cherry of this vintage transitions into crushed flowers, balsamic herbs, liquorice and crushed stone. The bouquet is classic, but the magic of Casanova di Neri emerges thanks to the wine's balance and beautiful intensity." Wine Advocate

"Elegant and perfumed nose of dried roses, violets, lemon peel, slate, cherries, anise and truffle. Very fine, tight and precise tannins. Medium to full body. I like the floral and saline undertones. So precise and fresh with a dense finish. Crushed stones on the finish. Try it in 2025, but it is already attractive to taste and drink." James Suckling

"Southeastern area of Montalcino. From an innovative wine project, a refined and taut Brunello, one of the symbols of this typology now. Vertical on the nose, with notes of redcurrant, wild mint and chinotto, with hints of peony and blood orange. Crisp-tight drinkability, with saline tannins. Finishes fruity and citrusy again." Luca Gardini

Cepparello is one of the great varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Brilliant ruby red colour. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed, enveloping flavour, which provides a perfectly measured acidity framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and full of finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby colour with a slight violet hue. Opens with fine spicy notes, some cinnamon, then plums and chocolate. Lots of juicy fruit on the palate, crisp and fresh, fine tannins, very long-lasting, supple and juicy on the palate." Falstaff

"Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Dried orange peel and wet earth, too. Medium- to full-bodied, toned and steady with fine-grained tannins that are slightly chalky. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026." James Suckling

"Expressive and sumptuous from the get-go, this red features cherry, strawberry, rose, orange peel, mineral and Tuscan herb aromas and flavors." Wine Spectator

"Supple and smooth, the 2020 Cepparello brings Sangiovese to soaring heights in a manner only Paolo De Marchi can manage. This is his second to last vintage before he would retire and sell this historic estate. The wine opens to medium to full-bodied concentration with dark plum and redcurrant. Those cede to sweet spice, earth, crushed stone, rusty nail and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to flesh out with cellar age. It registers a powerful 15% alcohol content." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Cepparello is dense, powerful and soaring in intensity. A dark, almost somber Cepparello, the 2020 possesses remarkable depth from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, gravel, dried herbs and lavender build in a vivid, stunningly beautiful Cepparello that hits all the right notes." Vinous

Superb - the Cerretalto 2012, a plant from a historical top location in the west of Montalcino. In the bouquet, spicy accents and aromas of soft sour cherries and blackberries give the scent. The impeccable taste impresses with its dynamic and weighty character, the dense tannin with good supporting effect, the respectable acidity and a first class finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich, deep ruby with a garnet shimmer. Intense and complex nose, with dark cherries, violets, fresh, juicy plums, olive paste and dried tomatoes, very inviting. Rich, firm base on the palate, lots of warmth, dark, ripe fruit, dense tannin interwoven with sweet enamel, salty and long, for lying clean!" Falstaff

"The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto offers a prolonged, flowing and carefully massaged drinking experience that drapes over the senses with some studied intensity and lots of intriguing complexity. This wine nails that perfect balance between power and elegance (that elusive exchange that so many winemakers hope to achieve) with effortless precision. Bold cherry fruit and spice are tightly woven together. In the mouth, the wine shows texture, depth and succulence. Generally speaking, this is not my favorite vintage in Montalcino, but this wine suddenly made me forget that thought." Wine Advocate

"Flavors of medicinal herbs, juniper, macerated cherry, plum, tobacco and spice are the hallmarks of this intense red. Ripe and concentrated, yet sleek and focused, with spice notes chiming in on the long, minerally and firmly tannic finish." Wine Spectator

"The density is so impressive in this great single-vineyard wine of Casanova. It's full yet agile at the same time. Shows such integrated tannins and fresh acidity at the finish. Energized and focused. Tangy and citrusy. Mineral undertone. One of the great Brunellos of 2012." James Suckling

Cerretalto wins in the exceptional 2016 vintage with beautiful, natural complexity and fine oak tones surrounded by cinnamon, clove, chocolate and exotic spices. On the palate, a dark, dense, ripe fruit and firm tannins. Incredibly long and deep with amazingly fresh acidity and fine salinity. For us, the perfect Riserva of this great vintage and made for decades! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with a fine garnet rim. Multi-layered nose with notes of dark cherries, blackberries, rosewood, slightly earthy tones behind, clear and memorable. Has lots of plump fruit on the attack, juicy dark cherry, plum, then opens up with fine-meshed tannin in many layers, very good tension and length, elegant and finely defined, long finish." Falstaff

"There’s something intriguing, alluringly dark, earthy – animal, even – yet floral and packed full of rich black fruits and exotic spices that defines the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto. This impresses with its cool-toned dark berries and minerals, complemented by bright acidity and sweet inner herbal tones. It’s not yet ready to reveal all of its charms, though it drops subtle hints each step of the way. A bitter twang keeps the expression lively and fresh, while grippy tannins saturate deeply and leave the palate aching with youthful tension, as notes of licorice, clove and a hint of ginger linger. What a wine!" Vinous

"A dense, racy and expressive red, offering black cherry, black currant, violet, iron and a hint of rosemary aromas and flavors. This is driven by vivid acidity and refined tannins, which lend both finesse and length. Features great harmony and elegance." Wine Spectator

"Cerretalto is bottled separately in selected vintages only. It is given an additional year of ageing and is typically still patently austere when released. While the 2015 was almost uncharacteristically fleshy, 2016 is a return to Cerretalto’s sinewy personality. It opens gradually with distinct flint, creosote and smoke-infused wild black currants and thyme. The palate is powerful without being weighty, with chiselled tannins that are rigid but not hard-edged. A concentrated core of black salted liquorice, black raspberry and iron is pierced by tangy acidity. Ultimately an elegant wine, this will need time to express all its nuance." Decanter

"Here's an important keepsake from a classic vintage. The Casanova di Neri 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto needs time to open, especially if you plan to drink the wine earlier than is recommended. This powerful wine is packed tight with black fruit, plum and summer ripe cherry. Those dark fruit tones segue to spice, baked clay, balsam herb and gardening soil. The oak is always more apparent in the Cerretalto (which is released one year later, as if it were a Riserva) compared to the Tenuta Nuova. The vineyard used makes a big difference, giving this wine more textural weight and thicker fiber. It's all a question of taste, but if you want power, richness, sensuality and voluptuousness in your Brunello, Cerretalto is the bottle at the end of the rainbow." Wine Advocate

"Wow. Incredible purity and transparency with cherries, bark, mushroom, flower and slate/stone on the nose. Full-bodied yet agile and fresh with a fine tannin structure that runs the length of the wine and goes on forever. The polish, elegance and grace is breathtaking. Power with agility. A revelation for the 2016 vintage in Brunello. Drink in 2024 and onwards but wonderful to taste now." James Suckling

"One of the highlights in the expression of the Riserva, in a vintage blessed, a cru definitively in the history of the denomination. Spontaneous fermentation, about a month of maceration on the skins, raspberry jam to the nose, with touches of nutmeg and laurel. The mouthfeel has sapid and velvety tannins and the finish is fruity-officinal." Luca Gardini

"Transparent ruby red with a chimney red fading rim. Spicy notes of cloves, allspice, mace and pepper mingle with cherries, bay and raspberry jelly, currant leaves and floral top notes of orange blossom complete the delight. On the palate, Crichët Pajé presents itself with great calm in a steady flow. Nothing is brash or exuberant here, but shines with distinguished elegance - an equilibrium in perfect balance. The aromatically exuberant nose is disciplined on the palate by the long, calm flow of focused, cool acidity, on whose shores fully ripe and fine-grained tannins entwine. Silky with an almost aristocratic nobility, its enormous complexity is revealed in the second sip when the flavors begin to unravel in the epic finish like a massive Win-Zip file. A wine for today, for tomorrow and for many, many more years to come. Undisputedly world class." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"Made with extremely old vines, the youngest of which are over 60 years old and most much older, this opens with aromas of new leather, scorched earth, underbrush and balsamic notes of camphor. Concentrated and boasting a great depth of flavors, the structured, full-bodied palate delivers raspberry compote, dried black cherry, carob and hazelnut alongside firm, enveloping tannins. Another compelling wine from the estate." Wine Enthusiast

"This red is full of mulled plum, cherry, menthol, stone and spice flavors. Concentrated yet fluid, with a tightly packed finish. Well-balanced and approachable now if decanted." Wine Spectator

"It's easy to fall into the cult of Crichët Pajé. The wine's name means "little hill" in Piemontese dialect, and the winemaking process is carefully weighed and contemplated. The Roagna 2011 Barbaresco Crichët Pajé is fermented with indigenous yeasts, with submerged cap and sees eight long years of aging in both oak and cement. Fruit is drawn from a half-hectare, south-facing parcel high on the Pajé slope that has been farmed by this family since 1953. The bouquet reveals wild berry fruit, rose hip, cedar, crushed stone, smoke and licorice. This expression is lightweight in texture, yet it expertly balances a full load of aromas and flavors on that small frame. The heat of the vintage has not hurt the freshness or the sharpness that you perceive here." Wine Advocate

"Just bottled, the 2011 Barbaresco Crichët Pajè is unbelievably refined. Sweet red cherry, rosewater, mint, dried flowers, pine and kirsch give the 2011 an upper register of perfume that is utterly beguiling. Silky and classy to the core, the 2011 is the most sensual Crichët Pajè I can remember tasting. There is plenty of tannin, that is clear, but it is also pretty much buried by the sheer luxuriousness of the fruit. This is such a gorgeous and complete wine. There is just an unreal amount of freshness for this dry, torrid year. Wow!!" Vinous

Tasting the different lots of Il Marroneto from the barrel is a fascinating task. The vines are all similarly situated at high altitude, on coarse sand of marine origin, and predominantly north-facing. While they have subtle differences, the distinct character of Madonna delle Grazie often merits a separate bottling - as the 2018 proves. The aromas take on the darkest, most heady purple florals, tangled in allspice and smoky incense. The wine is muscular with firm tannins that grip it tightly and don't let go, though it is never beefy, heavy or angular. At the moment it is still developing, but the finish already reveals a refined balsamic core and a spicy, salted plum. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderfully clear-cut and multi-faceted on the nose, noble appearance, shows a lot of herbaceous-floral spice, white pepper, rose and violet blossoms, but also sour cherry and wild berries, behind it a dazzling peppery-spicy backdrop reminiscent of exotic spices. On the palate, enormously complex and finesse-rich with delicate, crisp fruit, carried by finely meshed tannin and a fantastically integrated acidity, wonderfully animating with beautiful spiciness and spice on the final. Once again belongs to the absolute top wines of the vintage." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, fine ruby red with a light rim. Extremely clear nose of ripe, dark cherries, rose petals and cloves, with some smoky notes in the background. On the palate, lots of sweet fruit, finely meshed tannin that is integrated into lots of melting, pithy and with firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Shiny, deep ruby red. A little closed, but with great purity of fruit on the nose. Waves of concentrated, intense fruit on the palate. Supple, elegant and generous at the same time, it shows true cru quality. Fantastic tannins following the fruit on the finish, chewy and tactile. Classic. Can be drunk now, but will continue to develop for some time." Jancis Robinson

"This wine has an array of red and dark fruits with coffee, dark chocolate, sweet spices and upturned earth. Medium to full-bodied with fine tannins and a distinct dark berry character on the palate. A little dense and textured, with a firm and long finish that leaves notes of nutshells and crushed stones. Taste after 2025." James Suckling

"The single vineyard bottling of Il Marroneto is a selection of small, loose grapes, which manifests itself in the density of the fruit and the secure structure. Next to the winery's "classic" Brunello, it often shows a more earthy, autumnal face. The 2018 corresponds with scents of chestnut and undergrowth that combine with the fruity sweetness of the vintage. Long, suede-like layers of tannin envelop the fleshy black cherry. As the wine progresses, subtle traces of pepper, leather and incense emerge, suggesting more to come. Above all, Madonna delle Grazie embodies the most positive qualities of the vintage as it flows with agility and grace." Decanter

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie takes time to open up in the glass. It is complex and seductive with its musky redcurrants and savoury spices, but also with pretty pink tones. A hint of sweet smoke emerges and contrasts nicely. Its textures are like liquid velvet, with a chalky mineral tinge that comes on quickly and is perfectly balanced by a massive wave of dark red berries; yet the balance is expertly maintained by a streamlined acidity that creates a sense of total internal harmony. The 2018 leaves a structured impression, yet its tannins are silky and fine, coupled with a finish of violet pastille and lavender that I find very attractive. Remarkably, I have tasted this wine for the past two years and have accompanied this current bottle for 48 hours, never faltering and only increasing in depth and complexity. Il Marroneto's 2018 Madonna delle Grazie is undoubtedly one of the three best wines of the vintage. I take my hat off to Alessandro Mori and his team." Vinous

"The Il Marroneto 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie shows elegance and power in one go. The fruit quality is crisp and tangy, but the wine supports a medium-heavy concentration and a more elaborate style. This vintage of Il Marroneto has two personalities. On the one hand, you get a wine with beautiful primary fruit but a little more immediate, and on the other, a wine that promises good ageing thanks to its freshness and silky tannins that melt on the palate. It is young, but also mature. It is racy, but also complex." Wine Advocate

"Alessandro Mori's Brunello is more of a historical legacy than a vineyard. On the nose, notes of blackcurrant jam, with nuances of bay leaf and white pepper. The mouthfeel is dense and savoury, with a return of fruit and sweet spices. Persistent." Luca Gardini

In 1991, Turriga was one of the first bottled wines ever exported from the island. Turriga has a 100% Sardinian soul - the famous blend of the four autochthonous grape varieties Cannonau, Carignano, Bovale Sardo and Malvasia Nera was once created by the famous OenologistGiacomo Tachis and is continued today by his "heir" Mariano Murru, technical director and Oenologist Argiolas. The DNA of this exceptional wine sounds as simple as it is perfect: the Cannonau base gives structure, the Carignano the roundness and fullness, the Bovale the richness of the fruit and the Malvasia provides the well-balanced portion of tannins.

Mariano goes into raptures and describes his top wine as follows: "It has a deep ruby colour and an enveloping taste of almost spherical softness, with tannins of great finesse that support and accompany the drink. The lively fruit is supported by a balanced acidity and spice that refreshes the palate and prolongs an indescribable finish of rare elegance."

Bravo, Mariano! We have loved the elegant bouquet of plums, the opulent dark fruit, the finely tuned vanilla note and the subtle hint of tobacco for decades. Superbly structured and long-lasting on the finish. A masterpiece every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"A beautifully curated and polished young red with black berry, violet, and bark. Full and velvety with creamy textured tannins and a flavorful finish. Juicy." James Suckling

"An incredible wine, one of the highest creations of Sardinian oenology. Cannonau, Carignano, Bovale and Malvasia Nera in a blend, blueberries on the nose, a hint of bay leaves, nutmeg on the finish. Spicy on the palate too, with salty tannins, nice juiciness and lingering drinkability." Luca Gardini

Cerretalto wins in the exceptional 2016 vintage with beautiful, natural complexity and fine oak tones surrounded by cinnamon, clove, chocolate and exotic spices. On the palate, a dark, dense, ripe fruit and firm tannins. Incredibly long and deep with amazingly fresh acidity and fine salinity. For us, the perfect Riserva of this great vintage and made for decades! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with a fine garnet rim. Multi-layered nose with notes of dark cherries, blackberries, rosewood, slightly earthy tones behind, clear and memorable. Has lots of plump fruit on the attack, juicy dark cherry, plum, then opens up with fine-meshed tannin in many layers, very good tension and length, elegant and finely defined, long finish." Falstaff

"There’s something intriguing, alluringly dark, earthy – animal, even – yet floral and packed full of rich black fruits and exotic spices that defines the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto. This impresses with its cool-toned dark berries and minerals, complemented by bright acidity and sweet inner herbal tones. It’s not yet ready to reveal all of its charms, though it drops subtle hints each step of the way. A bitter twang keeps the expression lively and fresh, while grippy tannins saturate deeply and leave the palate aching with youthful tension, as notes of licorice, clove and a hint of ginger linger. What a wine!" Vinous

"A dense, racy and expressive red, offering black cherry, black currant, violet, iron and a hint of rosemary aromas and flavors. This is driven by vivid acidity and refined tannins, which lend both finesse and length. Features great harmony and elegance." Wine Spectator

"Cerretalto is bottled separately in selected vintages only. It is given an additional year of ageing and is typically still patently austere when released. While the 2015 was almost uncharacteristically fleshy, 2016 is a return to Cerretalto’s sinewy personality. It opens gradually with distinct flint, creosote and smoke-infused wild black currants and thyme. The palate is powerful without being weighty, with chiselled tannins that are rigid but not hard-edged. A concentrated core of black salted liquorice, black raspberry and iron is pierced by tangy acidity. Ultimately an elegant wine, this will need time to express all its nuance." Decanter

"Here's an important keepsake from a classic vintage. The Casanova di Neri 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto needs time to open, especially if you plan to drink the wine earlier than is recommended. This powerful wine is packed tight with black fruit, plum and summer ripe cherry. Those dark fruit tones segue to spice, baked clay, balsam herb and gardening soil. The oak is always more apparent in the Cerretalto (which is released one year later, as if it were a Riserva) compared to the Tenuta Nuova. The vineyard used makes a big difference, giving this wine more textural weight and thicker fiber. It's all a question of taste, but if you want power, richness, sensuality and voluptuousness in your Brunello, Cerretalto is the bottle at the end of the rainbow." Wine Advocate

"Wow. Incredible purity and transparency with cherries, bark, mushroom, flower and slate/stone on the nose. Full-bodied yet agile and fresh with a fine tannin structure that runs the length of the wine and goes on forever. The polish, elegance and grace is breathtaking. Power with agility. A revelation for the 2016 vintage in Brunello. Drink in 2024 and onwards but wonderful to taste now." James Suckling

"One of the highlights in the expression of the Riserva, in a vintage blessed, a cru definitively in the history of the denomination. Spontaneous fermentation, about a month of maceration on the skins, raspberry jam to the nose, with touches of nutmeg and laurel. The mouthfeel has sapid and velvety tannins and the finish is fruity-officinal." Luca Gardini