VINOUS

Barolo Ornato is a great wine every year. It captures the true character of Serralunga with its wild herbs, minerals and ferruginous notes. Its bouquet shows small berry fruits and cassis, framed by gravel, forest floor, blue flowers and candied orange peel. The wine also has a dusty, mineral note and is intense on both the nose and palate. Ornato sets in with finely integrated tannins and an acidity that sustains all these fruit flavours. A wine that is consistently vertical, straightforward and frontal. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderfully fragrant, subtle bouquet with notes of freshly pressed pomegranate, redcurrant and heart cherries, again some blood orange. More elegant, clearly more compact and multi-layered palate than the two predecessors, simply has more density and power, but remains elegant and enormously juicy, immensely polished tannin, absolutely coherent, shows ripe fruit, fine melting." Weinwisser

"Medium ruby red with orange reflections. Beautiful, open and ripe cherry aroma with minerals and a hint of liquorice and lots of depth. Generous, supple fruit with gripping tannins that form a real unit. Great length with lots of powdery tannins, juice and grip. Simply irresistible, but might be too austere for most palates at the moment." Jancis Robinson

"The 2018 Barolo Ornato reveals some very distant hot season aromas, vaguely reminiscent of dried raspberries or stewed plums. The Nebbiolo is very sensitive to the warmer temperatures and even a hint of extra ripeness is easy to detect. However, the wine is fluid and constantly evolving. The fruit-driven aromas soon turn into a brooding complexity with smoke, tar and liquorice. The Ornato paints a broad picture of the intensity typical of Serralunga d'Alba." Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Barolo Ornato is sombre, brooding and quite self-contained. There is a lot of aromatic and flavour complexity, but the fruit is very much in the background. It will be interesting to see if the 2018 emerges or if it remains rather compact as it is today. There is a good amount of density and power behind all the tannin. Hints of blood orange, crushed raspberry, rose petal and cinnamon linger on the super classy finish." Vinous

"Spicy, with notes of white pepper, cumin, fennel seed and minerals framing a core of preserved plums and cherries. Dense, viscous and lively, balanced and expressive. It finishes with excellent length and power." Wine Spectator

"Pio Cesare owns most of Ornato, which lies between Briccolina and Falletto. The Serralunga character is particularly typical here, with fruits of wild strawberries and cherries combined with rhubarb and minerality. The attack is silky, with great concentration and savouriness, woven acidity and refined tannins through to the lingering finish." Decanter

"Complex on the nose, with a mix of ripe red berries, nutty minerals, orange peel and spices. Also some spicy, almost meaty notes. Full, compact and intense, but very graceful on the palate thanks to the fine tannins. Very polished and promising. Stylish. Still needs some time. Try it from 2025." James Suckling

"From Cascina Ornato, Pio Cesare's first cru, first produced in 1985, a Barolo of power and structure. On the nose blackcurrant, notes of liquorice and peony. The mouthfeel has spicy, salty tannins and a finish with notes of liquorice and small black fruits. Long lasting." Luca Gardini

Sesta di Sopra is not only one of our many real insider tips, but also presents a powerful and at the same time wonderfully balanced wine in this important vintage. The 2015 Riserva impressively presents a masculine and muscular personality in the glass. The nose smells strikingly of dark fruits, wild berries, sour cherries, leather and tobacco. All these components blend seamlessly together. On the palate, a medium texture and density and, as it progresses, a fantastically long finish. This is a prime example of the great 2015 Riserva vintage and a wine of great inner class and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva balances strikingly vibrant cherry and strawberry with classic leather and earth tones. Its textural red berry fruits coast across the palate with an almost-creamy feel, complemented by hints of licorice and spice. Grippy tannins take hold throughout the long and austere finish, as inner florals slowly fade." Vinous

"This red is dense and monolithic, with gripping tannins surrounding the core of blackberry and dark plum fruit. Mediterranean scrub, tar and iron notes add detail as this finishes long and tense. Best from 2025." Wine Spectator

"Here's a precious wine with a mere 900 bottles in existence. The Sesta di Sopra 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva opens to a tight and dense bouquet that takes a little extra effort to unpack. At this very young stage in the wine's life, you get dark cherry and wild plum, with subtle spice, earth, cola and medicinal herb. This estate farms schistous soils (galestro), and that mineral imprint of pencil shaving, brimstone and gravel is unmistakable." Wine Advocate

"Lots of richness and depth to this with superb aromas and flavors. High intensity. Notes of clove, sandalwood and cedar mingle with walnuts and dried violets. Crushed gravel, too. This has juicy black cherries, vanilla and more cloves on the palate. Full body and firm yet refined tannins. Drink from 2023." James Suckling

As every year, the secret star of the house gives the Dominator in Dal-Forno style. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with marmalade-like aromas of red and dark fruits, alongside which spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate echo. At the same time, the youthful, stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A compact, focused red, this presents pretty violet, medicinal herb and anise notes on the nose as it slowly expands -- flavors that are more subdued at first on the palate. This is supported by dense, plushly textured tannins, flavors of mulled cherry, dark chocolate and amaro, loamy earth and smoke that are slowly revealed, gaining momentum and lingering on the long finish. Give this some air or time in the glass to allow it to shine brightest." Wine Spectator

"Pungent nose of violets, Amarena cherries, dried figs and slightly charred oak. With air, some toffee notes and pressed flowers emerge. Not so much full-bodied as full-bodied, with silky, fine and polished tannins. Still very young and powerful at the moment. Shows exceptional quality. To be tasted from 2024." James Suckling

"The 2017 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta reminds me of all the desserts, spices and sweets you experience at Christmas. A range of medicinal cherries, plum sauce, ginger biscuits, cloves, cinnamon and dried roses are captivating. The wine has enormous depth, but at the same time it has fantastic freshness. The brilliant acidity gives it an energy rarely found in Valpolicella, enlivening the crisp red fruits and pretty flowers within. The 2017 finishes dramatically long and perfumed, with sour blackberries, currants and a bitter hint of cocoa. It far exceeds expectations for a Valpolicella, with the power and flavours of an Amarone, but with a vibrancy that allows it to hold its own at the dinner table." Vinous

As every year, the secret star of the house is the Dominator in the Dal-Forno style. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with jammy aromas of red and dark fruit, alongside spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate. At the same time, the youthful, stormy flavour is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, dark ruby red colour. Expressive and fragrant nose of dried rose petal, raspberries, cooked oranges, blackberries, precious wood, dark chocolate, fine mint tones on the finish. On the palate with a polished entry, savoury, with great juiciness and clear fruit, coated with noble wood tannin, powerful, elegant, long." Falstaff

"The 2016 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is intense, with a captivating bouquet that blends cedar shavings, savory herbs and balsamic spices with rum-soaked cherries, sweet lavender and dark chocolate. This sweeps across the palate with silken textures, delivering masses of tart red and black fruits along with hints of espresso bean. Crunchy mineral tones and zesty acidity add dramatic lift. The 2016 tapers off long and staining, sporting a pleasantly bitter tinge of cocoa as grippy tannins resonate. The 2016 is a well-muscled dancer yet still youthfully coiled." Vinous

"The Dal Forno Romano 2016 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is a wine of characteristically dark intensity and rich extraction. If there's one thing this estate knows, it's making big wines with soaring intensity that strike a balance and have complexity all the while. The Dal Forno production is always an artful expression, as these are wines that can be made in no other hands. This is because of the unique qualities of the Lodoletta Vineyard, which has alluvial clay soils, and the proprietary technology used during fermentation and winemaking. This classic vintage reveals black fruit, olive, dark tar, mahogany and sweet barbecue spice. The wine is soft and rich in terms of texture with tight tannins, but it finishes relatively dry with a contained 14% alcohol content." Wine Advocate

"Darker and richer in aroma compared to the 2017 Valpolicella, it clings on to a nutty, reductive character, with wisps of mint and fenugreek. In the mouth it's fleshy and powerful; less vertical than the 2017. There's a slightly meaty touch to the ripe, concentrated red and black berries, lifted by floral notes of iris and violets as well as crushed rock and exotic spices. Voluptuous black cherry emerges towards the end, but this still feels quite tight and closed; the best is yet to come." Decanter

The loose, sandy soils of Cannubi always ensure a special concentration of flavour, and this is particularly evident in this classic vintage. A clean bouquet of small red berries, violets and dried rose petals. A fine mineral note, a pinch of salt and plenty of fruit and a clearly contoured tannin structure on the multi-layered palate. A beautifully straightforward wine, powerful and elegant. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Barolo Cannubi has notes of cherry brandy, cedar, dried leaves, mint and leather. There's a good bit of complexity here too, but these are the aromas and flavours I would expect from a slightly older wine. Sweet floral and spicy notes linger." Vinous

"This wine takes time to develop in the glass and will benefit from time in the cellar, but it is always worth tasting a wine in its youth to understand it. This Barolo's aromas meander out of the glass, swaying between crushed raspberry and macerated cherry, then amaro-like herbs, rosewood, cedar and baking spices. Firm and sturdy on the palate with tannins that mean business, the black cherry fruit sits at the core with wild thyme, licorice and leather holding court. Ensure to have a heart dish with this wine." Wine Enthusiast

"The Michele Chiarlo 2019 Barolo Cannubi is a full-bodied Nebbiolo with medium body and good structure. The bouquet exhibits a dusty, mineral tone that fades into crushed roses, cassis, blood oranges and violets. The Cannubi is always a classic wine, but in this well-balanced vintage it is particularly so." Wine Advocate

"A vineyard in the historic heart of Italy's oldest cru, rehabilitated with great agronomic skill. Notes of dogwood on the nose, then liquorice, a hint of humus and a slightly smoky finish. Spicy tannins on the palate, crisp and again with notes of fruit and undergrowth." Luca Gardini

Alongside dal Forno's Valpolicella, this is probably the only wine from this appellation that redefines the character of this famous Veronese red wine in a stunning way and justifiably sets a benchmark that is unattainable for most winemakers in the region. Deep, dark ruby red in colour with scattered garnet-red reflections. A cornucopia of small red berries on the nose, plus sweet cherry, cedar wood and smoke. Firm, complex and multi-layered on the palate with an elegance that forms a masterful symbiosis with the impressive body. Produced using the traditional Ripasso method and, as always, perfectly modelled by hand. Magnificent! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Valpolicella Classico Superiore is wild and exotic in the glass, with a spicy burst of citrus and hints of graphite that give way to crushed blackberries and incense. This is a juicy and vibrant interpretation of Quintarelli Valpolicella, with a wave of mineral-tinged wild berry fruit that washes across the palate, guided by stimulating acidity. It tapers off on a note of refinement, still quite mineral and classically dry, with a coating of fine tannins that add a pleasantly crunchy sensation. Since no Amarone was produced in 2016, the Valpolicella received a percentage of that fruit, propelling this beauty to the next level. " Vinous

"Elegance and great flavour tension in another evergreen of the variety. Blend of Corvina and Rondinella with Cabernet, complex and fascinating bouquet, jammy blueberries, hints of undergrowth, black pepper and bay leaves. Perfectly integrated tannins on the finish, fruity aftertaste." Luca Gardini

The grapes for this exceptional wine come from vineyards at 450 metres above sea level in the Neive district. Fine spicy notes, dark berries and wet earth dominate the precise structure and power of this nevertheless very elegant red. Buy, store and revel in anticipation! SUPERIORE.DE

"Combines fine fruit with a red berry background and a note of box sage typical of the winery, everything seems velvety and solid at first, towards the finish more and more of the wood comes through and overlays the fruit, in addition salty and with elegantly bundled fine radiance." Weinwisser

"Savory and tightly wound, with black cherry and plum fruit framed by juniper, menthol and licorice accents. Vibrant and firmly structured, this lingers with spice notes and a chalky feel on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Lots of roses to the red fruits and dry earth aromas. Some lemon bush. It’s medium–bodied with chewy tannins and a leaner and fresh finish. Drinkable, but better in a couple of years." James Suckling

"The 2019 Barbaresco Vigneto Valeirano continues its progression as the most improved of the Spinetta Barbarescos. Dark cherry, plum, spice, menthol, dried herbs, leather, sage and incense fill out the layers effortlessly. The tannins, often quite potent here, are present, they are nicely integrated in the wine's fabric. The Valeirano is the most savory and mineral (and least fruity) of the Spinetta Barbarescos." Vinous

"Packaged with the distinctive rhinoceros label, the La Spinetta 2019 Barbaresco Valeirano Vürsù has some ripeness and softness that is expressed with blackberry, plum and sweet spice. The wine is structured and full–bodied, but it also shows integrated tannins that support the wine in a firm but effortless manner." Wine Advocate

Barbaresco Starderi from the municipality of Neive is almost austere with its aroma of pink pepper and cocoa, which combined with the subtle woody notes gives a delicious overall aroma; powerful and rich taste with the still superficial but very noble tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"The La Spinetta 2019 Barbaresco Starderi Vürsù is perfumed and bright with dark rose and wild plum. The wine is solid and dense, with a pretty presentation of fruit that feels healthy and crunchy at the same time. The tannins are well integrated into this structured, full-bodied Barbaresco. The Starderi has shown a very consistent performance over the years." Wine Advocate

"A powerful red, yet well-defined too, with strawberry, cherry, floral, mineral and tobacco aromas and flavors aligned to a muscular structure. Feels balanced overall, yet will take a few years to fully integrate." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi is terrific. Vertical and focused, the Starderi impresses with its energy, cut and drive. There's perhaps a bit less heft than in most years, but that is not a bad thing. Dark red cherry, raspberry, lavender and sage lend quite a bit of complexity to this substantial Barbaresco from La Spinetta. It will be interesting to see if the 2019 fleshes out with bottle age." Vinous

"From Starderi vineyard, located in Neive municipality, a vigorous Barbaresco, characterised by a great gustatory and olfactory balance. Nose of wild plum, then leech peel and closure of geranium. Mouthfeel with salty-sapid tannins, fruity-citrus finish." Luca Gardini

"Beautiful aromas of plums and violets with some flint. Full-bodied. Layered and softly chewy. Meat, berry and hints of cedar and nutmeg. Flavorful finish. Solid and very together with a softness at the back of the palate. Drink in 2026 and beyond." James Suckling

A great Barbaresco, destined for long ageing: Garnet red, concentrated and powerful the scent of red berries, freshly cut flowers, mint and tobacco. The taste is also bursting with power and fullness, but still holds a captivating purity, immediacy and elegance, the framework of which is formed by the beautifully integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegance flashes on the nose, along with the herbal and woody notes typical of and accompanying this vineyard, always remains pithy and vital, salty and showing sweet fruit, the great class of the site flashes through at every stage and is marked by wood tannin on the finish." Weinwisser

"Aromatic, this red features raspberry, cherry, floral, iron, tar and tobacco aromas and flavors. A dense matrix of tannins lends support and this cruises to a lingering aftertaste. Shows fine harmony and potential." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina is an elegant, nuanced wine. Crushed flowers, mint, sweet red cherry, kirsch, sweet French oak and incense all grace this silky, understated Barbaresco. Gallina is often quite forthcoming, but the 2019 is more classically austere in bearing. I suspect it will age well, but there is less immediate charm than in most years." Vinous

"The 2019 Barbaresco Gallina Vürsù is a beautiful wine with delicate aromas of forest fruit, cassis, spice, earthy truffle and grilled herb. This tight, lean-bodied wine has firm tannins and a very long, elegant finish." Wine Advocate

"A tight and structured young Barbaresco with red fruits, crushed stone, ash and slate in the nose and palate. Medium-to full-bodied. Polished and chewy with a solid finish at the end. Needs three or four years to soften but very well done." James Suckling

"From one of the historic crus of the municipality of Neive, a Barbaresco of structure and finesse. Blueberries on the nose, with balsamic touches of eucalyptus and licorice. Savory-salty tannins on the palate, nice persistence with balsamic return." Luca Gardini

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

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

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

Emanuele Pangrazi is probably the most ambitious winemaker in Lazio at the moment. With his extreme planting density and radical yield restriction, he is following a path that is trend-setting for Lazio. After he had analysed his terroir and also the climatic conditions fundamentally, it was clear to him in 2006 that he would plant mainly French grape varieties here according to the principle of the great wines of the Rhone. In addition to his famous Cuvée Habemus (Etichetta Bianca) and the San Giovenale Rosso (assemblage from two vintages of Habemus), he also vinifies four single-varietal Habemus wines, but these are absolutely small.

Habemus Etichetta Rossa, with a production volume of approx. 1,000 bottles, is a pure Cabernet Franc of the absolute extra class. Deep dark ruby red. The bouquet is broad, complex and elegant with a balsamic carpet of graphite, cinchona bark, blood orange and rhubarb. As it progresses, notes of Mediterranean scrub, sweet spices and cherries open up. The palate is full, punchy and warm, the tannins are silky and the alcohol fully integrated. On the finish, those beguiling balsamic notes and sweet spices reappear. If you have patience, you will be richly rewarded with this rare exceptional wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"A dark and dusty blend of black cherry, licorice and cedary spice makes the 2018 Habemus Etichetta Rossa impossible to ignore. It washes across the palate like pure silk, without a hard edge in sight. Raspberry and clove notes cascade throughout. Grippy tannins linger along with a bitter balsamic tinge as the 2018 finishes with impressive length. Chalky minerality resonates. There is so much power and complexity here, but cellaring will be required." Vinous

Bright ruby red with a light rim. Equally bright and very complex bouquet of wild berries, strawberries, dried fruits, tar and balsamic herbs. On the palate, a very attractive, supple texture, again a beautiful red berry fruit in the drink, plus traces of blackcurrant, blueberry and liquorice. In the long, squeaky clean finish, traces of well-integrated light wood and a very appealing silkiness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium to deep ruby red with orange highlights. Brooding but ripe on the nose. Lots of juicy cherry fruit and crisp tannins. A blockbuster, but a finely balanced one." Jancis Robinson

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is rich and haunting dark, with masses of cherry and raspberry sauce giving way to sweet violet flowers. The palate is velvety, with balsamic spice and red and black fruits lifted by cool acidity. It leaves a hint of primary concentration balanced by a touch of sour citrus, and finishes with smooth tannins and a strong power. There's a lot going on here, and it has the ability to age over the medium term." Vinous

"Aromas of fresh raspberries, sour cherries, lemons, walnuts and vanilla beans. It is juicy and flavourful with a medium body and creamy tannins. The tangy fruit transitions into creamy chocolate. Wonderfully drinkable." James Suckling

"A juicy style for the vintage, with aromas of cherries, raspberries, flowers, graphite and spices. Balanced and lively, with bright acidity and refined tannins for support. Shows lovely length." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino shows dark fruit and oak spice and tends towards the more powerful and voluminous side of the Brunello spectrum. The wine is open-knit and approachable. The finish shows a softer side with polished tannins." Wine Advocate

"The nose begins with a shooting star of sweet candied cherry and vanilla before it burns up and leaves behind a dark, savory sky of coffee, old leather and burnt caramel. The sun rises on the palate, with strawberry and blood orange notes joining the resurgent cherry. Compressed tannins and vigorous acidity provide structure." Wine Enthusiast

If you stumble across a vineyard qua fate, then you might as well move on. Luca Roagna, however, did what he had to do. He inherited this old vineyard, which was completely planted with Timorasso, and since it immediately became clear to him to do something useful with it, and he did not know anything about this historic grape variety, he asked Walter Massa, who has been dedicated to this rare variety for decades, without further ado. And so, after a few years, he succeeded in making a wine from it that can more than compete with those of his teacher!

Radiant, clear stagnant yellow. In the nose quince, citrus and a potpourri of yellow fruits. On the palate, this saltiness is paired with a well-dosed wood spice. The long maceration time gives this great white wine power and endurance. Fine astringency is paired with a pressure that gives this wine - paired with well-dosed acidity and always very present fruit - the uniqueness that makes it at least equal to the great whites of the Loire or Burgundy, even in direct comparison. And yet it bears the individual Roagna signature: a style that cannot be found in France or in other Piedmont vineyards. And that really means something, since the white wines of this noble Italian region are getting better from year to year. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Timorasso Derthona Montemarzino is bright, transparent and super-expressive. Luca Roagna's Timorasso is one of the most refined versions I have tasted of Timorasso, which is usually a much more rustic white wine." Vinous

The 2016 edition of Vincenzo Abbruzzese's Brunello is a dense and full-bodied wine whose harmony and roundness reflect the outstanding vintage in a very convincing way. Rich bouquet of small dark red and black fruits, plum, crushed rose petals and hints of cinnamon. Taut and savoury on the palate, with great structure and a soft texture, the tannins nestle with the fruit and lead into a wonderfully polished, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Super fine tyre notes, prune, lots of noble tobacco, a touch of plank, cedar, behind menthol and eucalyptus, cornelian cherry, some sea buckthorn and orange peel; focused, youthful and punchy on the palate, very clear tannic flanks, pithy mineral, holds the tension." Meiningers Sommelier

"The Valdicava 2016 Brunello di Montalcino shows a subtle bouquet that needs extra time to open. In fact, I suggest you open your bottle about four hours before serving. This Brunello takes its time, but it inches over the senses with carefully increasing intensity. Wild cherry, toasted almond and even a touch of sweet apple or orange peel distinguish the bouquet. The tannins are firm and young, but all they need is extra time to evolve. This wine is like being introduced to a stranger who takes his time to reveal his personality, but who then turns into a true friend and confidant. Patience is required." Wine Advocate

"Fleeting aromas of cherry, cedar, sanguine and leather give way to a beam of ripe cherry, berry and earth flavors in this elegant red. Firm and resonant, with a matrix of dusty tannins on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is one of those young wines that, from the moment you put your nose to the glass, you know you’re in for a treat. A sweetly alluring and remarkably fresh bouquet of crushed cherries, strawberries and plums is further complicated by hints of clove, spiced orange peels and mint. It’s velvety-smooth and radiant with a display of dark red fruits, all tightly wound up in a web of minerals, with an air of savory herbs and inner florals that develop toward the close. Try to keep your hands off for another four or five years, and then reap the rewards for a decade or more." Vinous

"Attractive aromas of balsamic, tea, dark berry, walnut and coffee bean. Full-bodied, yet tight and very intense with ripe tannins that are fine and reserved. Racy and polished. Beautiful length to this wine. Needs at least two to three years to come. Try after 2024." James Suckling

Il Quercione means the ultimate commitment to terroir for Tenuta Campogiovanni. The wine comes from a strictly selected selection of Sangiovese Grosso grapes from the approximately 2.5 hectare vineyard "Il Quercione" and combines originality, concentration and elegance with an exceptional storage life. Full, lush bouquet of cherry and blackberry, rounded off by spices and young leather. Dark, concentrated, deep on the palate, the harmonious tannins are warm and enveloping, giving the wine power and confidence. Very determined and precise progression into the respectable finish. Great wine from a great vintage! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Il Quercione unfolds in the glass with a rich and seductive bouquet of plum jam, tobacco and cocoa, accompanied by mentholated herbs and hints of pine. On the palate, the Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Il Quercione unfolds in velvety waves, presenting ripe currants mingling with savoury balsamic spices and minerals that add a salty note towards the end. The tannins are sweet and round and are complemented by notes of sour citrus and sour cherries. As usual, San Felice offers a balanced pleasure with Riserva Il Quercione that needs only a short cellar ageing to really shine." Vinous

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Il Quercione wears a heavier mantle of dark fruits and spices compared to the Annata wine released at the same time. This wine is visibly darker and more concentrated. You get pressed blackberries, earth and sweet baking spices or Spanish cedar. This is a rich, elaborate expression of Campogiovanni, but the wine is also approachable and a little compact on the finish." Wine Advocate

"This red wine offers a blend of plum, black cherry, fruitcake and spice aromas. It is opulent and supported by strong tannins, but they find a nice balance. It shows a lot of concentration and has a long finish." Wine Spectator

"Savoury notes with forest undergrowth, chestnuts, and leather. Great succulence on the palate with a long, expressive, and spicy finish." Decanter

"This wine is very perfumed, with aromas of roses, lavender and dried berries reminiscent of dark cherries. Full-bodied and chewy, with polished tannins that are fine and extend throughout the length of the wine. Sandalwood and berries on the finish. Traditional and genuine. Drinkable after 2023." James Suckling

There are only a few thousand bottles of this private collection. Impressive, dynamic and radiant. Aromas of dark berries, cloves, menthol, tar, liquorice, herbs and grilled meat, the wood tones very restrained. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby colour with a fine violet sheen. Very precise and clear nose, opens with intense notes of cassis and mulberry, some rosemary and thyme, delicate earthy notes in the background. Lots of juicy, dark berry fruit in the attack and on the palate, opens up with dense, supple tannins, shows many layers, spans a wide range, firm pressure on the final, long finish." Falstaff

"A tightly wound style, exhibiting blackberry, black currant, cedar, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Lively, with dense yet finely wrought tannins and a long, concentrated finish. Powerful, this remains within bounds." Wine Spectator

"Notes of chocolate-coated dark cherries and cassis with roasted walnut, nutmeg, cedar and spice box. Full-bodied, big and opulent with an array of ripe and compact tannins coming through. Toned acidity gives energy and juiciness to the dark fruit. Really polished and refined. Better from 2025." James Suckling

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata shows impeccable fruit ripeness and balance with a dark core of blackcurrant that is elegantly surrounded by spice and savory notes. This Cabernet Sauvignon embraces tobacco and baking chocolate. It delivers rich texture that needs a few more years in the bottle to soften. It also shows a balanced 15% alcohol that goes relatively unnoticed." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Collezione Privata is one of the very finest vintages of the Isole e Olena Cabernet Sauvignon I have ever tasted, and I have had the good fortune to taste them all. Deep and unctuous, yet also full of Chianti Classico vibrancy, the Cabernet is breathtaking in its grandeur. Dark blue/purplish fruit, gravel, crushed rocks, incense, dried herbs and mocha saturate the palate. Deep and layered through to the finish, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is fantastic." Vinous

Cepparello is one of the great single-varietal Sangiovese classics from central Tuscany. Radiant ruby red. Clean, flawless aroma of red fruits, enlivened by fine pepper accents and delicate mineral nuances. Elegance radiates from the relaxed onset, enveloping palate that delivers a perfectly measured acid framework to a well-integrated tannin to finish long and finesse-rich. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, strong ruby with a light garnet shimmer. The nose is very compact, with dark cherries, lots of blackberries and fine spicy notes. Radiant on the palate, shows lots of ripe red berry fruit, grippy, dense tannin coated with beautiful melting, firm and compact, long final." Falstaff

"Lots of liquorice and fennel seeds with black cherry and a hint of tomato paste. Medium body, round texture and savoury flavours. Nice and fresh on the finish, with subtle flavours." James Suckling

"Fragrant potpourri and medicinal aromas are reminiscent of the 2006, while the textured palate features pure, ripe cherry with some damp earth and even an umami hint of mushroom, cut through by bright acidity. Lively and dimensional, it's still in its youthful phase but should be superb once it's had time to grow into itself." Decanter

"The 2019 Cepparello is very impressive, even though it has just been bottled. Generous and creamy, with its classic medium-bodied structure, the 2019 has so much to offer. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red and purple berry fruit. New leather, spice and a touch of oak meld together effortlessly in the glass. I can't wait to taste it in another 6-12 months or so. The 2019 is shaping up to be an absolute top wine." Vinous

"One of the iconic wines of Tuscany, Isole e Olena 2019 Cepparello is a pure Sangiovese made by the loving hands of a winemaking legend, the great Paolo De Marchi. Indeed, this wine opens a discussion about the future of this famous IGT Toscana, a wine that followed an austere vision and style under De Marchi. It is elegant and rich with delicate aromas of black and purple fruits. It is fermented in oak barrels and aged for 20 months in French barriques, one third of which is in new oak." Wine Advocate

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. The 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 a high concentration. A juicy, tangy acidity supports the whole. The supple and refined wood should digest with another year in bottle." Decanter

"Bright and concentrated, with aromas and flavours of cherries, raspberries, rose hips, mushrooms, iron and tobacco. Pure and expressive, with fine harmony, an elegant frame and a long-lasting aftertaste. Supported by 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 the 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

Ghiaie della Furba means "pebbles of the Furba stream" and there is a reason for this, as the vines for this wine grow on the river pebbles on the banks of this stream. It is one of the very first "Supertuscans". After an hour in the carafe, this extremely complex red reveals wonderfully clear, dark fruit, blackberries and cassis, as well as coffee notes, dark chocolate and spices. Its very good structure and personality are impressive. It is already very accessible today (with aeration), but still hides its great potential for the next decade. SUPERIORE.DE

"Notes of crushed dark berries, dark chocolate, spices and dried herbs. Also some graphite. So bright and lively, concentrated and juicy dark fruit flavours, yet fresh and harmonious. Medium to full body. The tannins are well developed, firm but polished and unobtrusive. Long finish." James Suckling

"The Ghiaie della Furba 2020 opens with a mentholated freshness that combines minty herbs, spiced orange peel and redcurrants. It envelops the palate with a texture of pure silk and quickly gains grip with a core of tart red berries and acidic citrus, while the angular tannins pinch the cheeks. It finishes with admirable length, structure and concentration, leaving a pleasantly bitter aftertaste as notes of cedar and savoury herbal notes slowly fade. The 2020 needs time, and lots of it. Ghiaie della Furba is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah and 25% Merlot." Vinous

"The nose is a garden after a storm, as a fresh floral quality mingles with the stoniness of still-damp air. On the palate, that stony element persists, while a blast of pepper, a flash of astringent red fruit and lively acid sparkle above grippy, persistent tannins." Wine Enthusiast

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

"The 2021 Terlaner Riserva Cuvée Nova Domus lifts up with an airy bouquet that blends ground ginger with dusty dried flowers, crushed green apples and spice aromas. This washes across the palate with silky textures and ripe orchard fruits. Sour citrus notes add contrast, guided by brisk acidity. The 2021 finishes full of youthful tension and lightly tannic, leaving a spicy sensation and a bitter lemon rind tinge that class the taster back to the glass." Vinous

"Aromas of warmed pears with spices, delicate white flowers and the peel of lemons, limes and kumquats. On the palate, there is an invigorating acidity carried by citrus oils, fresh herbs and a pronounced sharpness that not only revitalises the palate but also the soul." Wine Enthusiast

"This is a very straightforward white wine with tension and acidity that kicks in at the end, giving it fantastic energy and length. It is medium to full-bodied with sliced pineapple, lemon and green apple before a lively finish. There are also undertones of lemongrass and tarragon. Complex and complete. Better after 2025, but already exciting to drink now." James Suckling

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

"Dark purple in the glass. Dried red fruits, floral notes such as jasmine blossom and rose petals, also black smoked tea, with air also black cherry. Present on the palate with red fruit, again tea leaves, a hint of bitter almond. Tannins present but well woven, acidity that supports the body and gives it strength. Has bite and a lot of class." Vinum

"The Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori 2021 is developing into a gem of a wine, even if it is still a little closed at the moment. Dark fruits, spices, leather and tobacco are layered in a Riserva that exudes tension, energy and sheer power." Vinous

"It is a Sangiovese kissed with small proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The wine is accessible and open, spiritually this wine is a Chianti Classico. By this I mean that the elegant minerality of these soils and the sunny flavours of the surroundings are the defining characteristics. You can taste wild flowers, iris, tart fruit and plums. The pronounced mineral character of the wine with dusty white rock gives it lasting complexity and depth." Wine Advocate

Syrah Suisassi is rich and expressive. The bouquet convinces with aromas of sage, rosemary, wild flowers, liquorice, violets and plums. On the palate very full and round with memories of berries, chocolate and nuts. Elegant and intellectual. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, dark ruby-violet, impenetrable. Opened in the nose with notes of elderberries, very clear, much juicy and precisely worked out fruit. Vibrating on the palate, with spices and dark fruit, juicy, with fine-meshed tannins, a wide arch, very long aftertaste, high elegance." Falstaff

"The 2013 Syrah Suisassi is faithful to the grape and shows abundant notes of blackberry, cured meat, exotic spice and grilled herb. Luca D’Attoma has been experimenting with increased stem inclusion. In the 2012 vintage, 30% of the mass saw stem inclusion, but that figure rises to 100% with the 2016 vintage. This Syrah is an extremely well integrated and smoothly textured. The oak still needs time to integrate, but past tasting experiences with Suisassi give excellent promise for its age-worthiness. Luca believes stem inclusion provokes a slightly reduced effect when the wine is young. For this reason, you should wait before popping the cork. The 2013 vintage in particular boasts an all-Rhône approach." Wine Advocate

"This is setting a new benchmark for syrah with so much intensity yet it remains refined and velvety textured. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a long and flavorful finish. So much licorice, smoked meat and spice. Light berry. Green apple skin. What a wine." James Suckling

"Duemani's 2013 Syrah Suisassi is impressive. The inclusion of a third of whole clusters adds considerable aromatic lift and nuance to the dark fruit flavors. Lavender, mint, sage, licorice and plum are all pushed forward. Beams of underlying acidity shape the expressive, saline finish." Antonio Galloni

A long-cherished vision of Elisabetta and her daughter Clara finds its completion in this crescent. This 100% Syrah builds on all that the winery has achieved in recent years and for which it has gained world renown. The best grapes, careful selection and a sensitive, clever and innovative vinification combined with a clearly recognisable signature and the already proverbial quality fanaticism.

The grapes come from the two estate-owned vineyards Pian di Fiora and La Vigna del Palo. Pian di Fiora is the cooler site with just 5 ha, the grapes are destemmed by hand and then fermented in 500l clay amphorae. The grapes from the east-facing vineyard La Vigna del Palo are fermented in open 500l barrels. The wines are then blended and matured in 300l barriques for a further 10 months before facing a further 22 months of bottle ageing.

Intense, deep red with dark ruby reflections. On the nose, fresh notes of red berry fruits and spices, hints of black pepper. The palate is complex, with gripping tannins, a fine acid wire and a wonderfully balanced body. It has great ageing potential and is for us the classic meditation wine in impression and expression. SUPERIORE.DE

"The second vintage of this single-varietal Syrah from the coast, a selection of grapes from two vineyards: still somewhat restrained nose with notes of plums, dark berries and spices; complex texture with accentuated acidity and fine-meshed tannin, the final elegant and long. Wonderfully built wine with ageing potential." Vinum

"The grapes come from the cooler, east-facing vineyard "La Vigna del Palo". They are fermented in different clay amphorae and then matured in 300-litre barriques for a further 10 months, followed by a further 22 months in bottle. The bouquet is expansively spicy, expressive, with red and a touch of green pepper, red pepper, plus tobacco, liquorice and ripe blackberries. Has become much more precise and a bit "calmer" compared to the online tasting in January, because quite young it presented itself with wild, iodine notes. It is much finer now. What has remained is the wonderful spiciness with the salty-mineral notes." Weinwisser

"The Fattoria le Pupille 2016 Le Pupille is an ambitious expression of amphorae-fermented Syrah. It presents cherry and dark plum, with earthy tones followed by tarry spice and campfire smoke. The meaty intensity normally associated with the Syrah grape is replaced here by plump and rich dark fruit. Give the wine a little extra time in your cellar to evolve and unwind." Wine Advocate

"The 2016 Syrah is a dense, potent wine. Wild cherry, game, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and coffee are front and center. This is an especially rich style. Then, again we are in Maremma. The 2016 is a bit wild, but in the best sense of the term. It will offer its finest drinking alongside similarly hearty cuisine. It was fermented in a mix of terracotta and cocciopesto, then moved into oak for 2-3 months before going into bottle, where it spent more than two years before being released." Vinous

"Fabulous complexity on the nose with crushed blackberries, chocolate, walnuts and tar. Lots of dried flowers. Full body. Layered and creamy with superb tannin texture and length. Hints of stone. Half made in amphora and half in casks. Aged one year in old casks." James Suckling