Vitae

Don Antonio is the best selection from the Morgante vineyards, where only Nero d'Avola grows. Concentrated and hauntingaromas, very typical of the variety, ripe fruit accompanied by mineral and balsamic notes. Lively and elegant on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"Carmelo Morgante makes a fine Nero d'Avola. The 2013 Sicilia Nero d'Avola Don Antonio is one of his best creations so far. The wine is dark and impenetrable and loaded tight with bold fruit intensity. It shows a careful measure of heft and power that leaves a deep impression but that does't feel too heavy or thick. Despite its big bones, the wine maintains its grace and elegance. Deep concentration - driven by oak flavors of spice and chocolate - push the wine forward over the palate." Wine Advocate

Tavignano's complex top product Misco Riserva represents the synthesis of the winery's Verdicchio expertise and is their most refined interpretation of the terroir. Starting with the grapes from the Cru Misco vineyard, those grapes are selected that can best develop first in steel and then in the bottle. This ageing highlights the richness of the grape variety, its spicy and mineral notes and provides the ideal conditions for a long ageing, maintaining its aromatic vivacity at all times. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant straw yellow. Nose of sea salt, raspberries, pineapple, juicy pear and candied lemon zest and a hint of spice. Opens up on the palate with great play, savoury and clear, seems very noble, lingers long and polished on the final." Falstaff

"Ripe and seductive with some phenols and a hint of honey on the nose and palate. Rich and round with good acidity and freshness. Impressive length and intensity." Decanter

"The 2018 Verdicchio dei Castello di Jesi Riserva Misco holds its power in reserve, displaying a delicate but layered and sweet-smelling bouquet that blends white smoke with pretty flowers, chamomile, cardamom and melon. Its weighty, almost oily texture is balanced by a core of bright acidity, where lemon zest combines with green apple and a hint of ginger to create a satisfying and spicy experience. For all the depth and character the Riserva shows today, the best is yet to come. The finish is long and tense, but still leaves you wanting more, along with that textbook almond bitterness that goes on and on. Brava." Vinous

Ruby red, with a fine cherry scent, in which there are also hints of nuts and forest fruits, vanilla, cinnamon, sage and tobacco. Concentrated, rich flavour with harmonious tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable, almost black crimson. Leafy, dark fruit and hint of tomato stalk and black olive. The merest suggestion of oak. Ripe dark fruit that is still very young. Still hints of malolactic and with a load of bitter-sweet tannins. Very long and characterful with a hint of black olives and quite elegant palate weight. Complex." Jancis Robinson

"Bright red. Very perfumed red cherry, spicy strawberry, violet, and cinnamon on the almost aromatic, very floral nose. Ripe and suave, with a graceful mouth-feel and a long, clean mineral aftertaste which features pretty repeating floral notes. Less powerful than the 2010 but currently showing better balance and amazing grace. Lovely wine." Vinous

"A red with dried-plum and sour-cherry character. Hints of lemons, too. Medium to full body, soft tannins and a savory finish. Solid wine. A standard-bearer." James Suckling

"The venerated 2012 Sicilia Contea di Sclafani Rosso del Conte Tenuta Regaleali is a blend of 41% Nero d'Avola, 31% Perricone and the rest is a mix of various red grapes found on the Regaleali estate. Interestingly, past editions of this wine were reported as all Nero d'Avola but the blending formula seems to have gotten more complex with each passing vintage. This is a big boned wine with thick extraction and a long-lasting build. In fact, this bottle should go into the cellar for a few more years to better integrate and soften. The finish offers coffee, tar, licorice, dried fruit, blackberry preserves and much more. Rosso del Conte shows profound complexity." Wine Advocate

For some years now, Matteo Catania has been holding back a few hundred bottles of his wines in the best vintages in order to offer them to his most loyal importers after a few years. From this "private reserve" comes Nerosanloré 2009, which is now - in the spring of 2023 - being offered in small quantities with 10 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

An exceptionally characterful and powerful Nero d'Avola is the Nerosanloré. From a beautiful vineyard in Pacchino, the area of origin of the famous vine. Mineral, vital, ripe, elegant, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The bouquet of the 2009 Nerosanlorè exudes sweet aromas of toasted oak and baking spices. This is a very elaborate red wine that shows the craftsmanship and work of the winemaker. The bouquet is complex with aromas of ripe fruit, blackberry compote, tobacco and lots of spices from the long oak ageing. In addition, the wine offers abundant tertiary aromas of liquorice, resin and tar. This is a very attractive red wine that brings all the power and sunshine of Sicily to your glass. At 14.5% alcohol, it has power and determination." Wine Advocate

"Notes of pureed black cherries and dates mingle with dried herbs, mocha and black olive tapenades in this juicy red wine framed by gentle tannins. Harmonious and fresh, with a lingering aniseed-flavoured finish." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful full ruby red. Overripe aromas of black cherries, capers, sun-dried tomatoes and sweet oak lifted by a floral top note. Fat and sweet in the mouth, with a high, liqueur-like quality to the ripe red fruits and salty bottom notes. It finishes with creamy, smooth tannins and excellent length. VINOUS

Deep dark yellow. Rich, almost opulent impressions of candied apricots, orange zest and traces of fine yellow flowers on the nose. On the palate, fabulously viscous texture, multi-layered, very concentrated taste of candied fruits with a wonderfully polished sweetness. A great Vin Santo with a long, persistent finish and made to last. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dried figs, dried persimmon, toffee and a nutty character. Full and viscous with dried blood orange, spices and some salinity to it. Tense and textured with a delicate sweetness that has some citrusy edge to it." James Suckling

"The 2014 Vinsanto Riserva is a dark amber color in the glass. Spiced orange peels, dusty dried flowers, cloves and baked pears follow a mesmerizing mix of shaved cedar and pine. Frankly, there’s something new each time I return to the glass. This floods the palate with ample weight while showing a sweet and sour mix of vanilla custards, toffee, candied citrus and salted almond, which adds amazing contrasts. This lingers impossibly long yet incredibly fresh, repleting its aromatics throughout as hints of hazelnut and cocoa fade. The 2014 Vinsanto Riserva makes for a fantastic wine experience that should not be missed." Vinous

"Very dense, but with pinpoint freshness and cohesion. Extremely rich layers of apricot jam, dried apricots, and honey with a lovely texture and intensity on the refreshing finish." Decanter

Amarone Calcarole is only produced in small quantities in the best vintages and has officially been allowed to bear the label Riserva since the 2015 vintage. The single vineyard of the same name is located above Villa di Rovereti in the heart of Negrar in the Valpolicella Classico region. The vineyard offers ideal conditions for great red wines due to its particularly warm climate and stony soil as well as its south-western exposure. The grapes are 100% dried in small crates in the historic rooms of Pojega. A wonderfully intense balsamic wine with memories of rosemary oil, damp forest floor and dried ginger. On the palate, complex berry flavours and a wonderful depth, Calcarole is thoroughly masculine, energetic and powerful, with tightly woven tannins and clearly structured. SUPERIORE.DE

"Showing a savory and earthy character, the Guerrieri Rizzardi 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Calcarole offers a mix of dried spice, bitter chocolate, dark fruit and herb. This is a full-bodied Amarone from a classic vintage that sits at an encouraging place in its drinking window. The alcohol measures an imposing 17%, but the wine actually goes down easier than you might expect. There is sweetness on the close with candid cherry or blood orange." Wine Advocate

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Calcarole 2016 is a sleeping giant with an abundance of crushed blueberries and black cherries accompanied by blood orange, allspice and mocha. This wine is deep and velvety in texture, with cooling mineral tones and vibrant acids contrasting with the rich red fruits on the palate. Balsamic spices and inner rose tones linger as the 2016 finishes with sweet tannins that frame this red wine perfectly. It is stunningly beautiful, but beware of the 17% alcohol content." Vinous

Dark ruby red, in the Bouquet aromas of ripe, red fruits and a fine wood spice. Elegant, soft, complex and fresh, the taste is exuberant and very flattering. A masterpiece from the Basilicata! SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's another great vintage from Elena Fucci, the ascending star of a rising wine region in the deep south of Italy. The 2015 Aglianico del Vulture Titolo shows a dark garnet color and robust appearance. Very characteristic of this extreme territory, this is a dark and penetrating wine with etched mineral notes behind blackberry, plum and savory spice. This vintage presents an even darker quality of fruit. In the mouth, you get iron, blood and dark mineral nuances that are absolutely typical of these darkened volcanic soils." Wine Advocate

"Fresh and well-meshed, this is a medium- to full-bodied red, with creamy tannins and a rich note of smoke-tinged mineral underscoring the lovely range of ripe black cherry, dried thyme and fig cake flavors and hints of ground cumin and white pepper. This is round and finely balanced, with a long, lingering finish that echoes the spice and mineral detail." Wine Spectator

"Elena Fucci crafts one single wine. The piercing and focused Titolo exudes incense, violet, dark earth and black cherry. Volcanic soil translates with vibrant energy. Muscular rather than plump and built to last." Decanter

The 2017 Campania wine year can justifiably be called an exceptional vintage. More than 20 years after the debut vintage, here comes a wine into the glass that once again exceeds the results of the years before and sets lasting accents with its complexity and richness. Intense, impenetrable ruby red. The nose, as usual, intense, complex and persistent. And yet it is different, as it is surprisingly joined by exciting notes of red geranium and rose petals and other exotic flowers. The olfactory concert is rounded off by balsamic notes of wild mint, white smoke and a subtle spice blend of black pepper and small red berries. The nose then explodes any horizons, as not only do the notes from the bouquet return here, but they are flanked warmly, complexly and persistently by leather, coffee powder, liquorice and graphite. Terra di Lavoro 2017 makes you forget the world for a short while, although this masterpiece is a child of this very universe ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble, dark ruby with garnet. Rich nose of ripe wild berries and lush raspberries, a hint of blackberry, noble spicy note in the reverberation of cinnamon and cloves. Pithy and saline on the palate, elegantly spans the tongue with ripe fruit embedded in pithy tannin, elegant finish." Falstaff

"Creamy and well-knit, this understated, medium- to full-bodied red slowly expands on the palate, revealing pure notes of black currant and star anise, with a tarry underpinning and accents of lavender and bay leaf, graphite and ground black pepper. Sculpted tannins emerge on the harmonious finish." Wine Spectator

"An Italian icon, the Galardi 2017 Terra di Lavoro draws its fruit from 400 meters in altitude, where nighttime temperatures are cool. This makes all the difference in a hot vintage such as 2017. The wine is very nice in appearance and intensity, with lots of dark, savory fruit, tobacco and spice. You will also find some scorched earth in there if you dig a bit." Wine Advocate

"The hot 2017 vintage was interpreted in an outstanding way, with a fruity nose full of Mediterranean herbs, plus crunchy fruits on the palate. Firm yet ripe tannins and refreshing acidity give great balance to the dense, velvety fruit, with a cioccolato di Modica finish. Delicious to drink now, with potential for the long haul." Decanter

"Inky ruby. The very ripe nose hints at red cherry jam, oaky spices, tamarind paste, duck sauce and confit tomatoes, but a welcome note of lively violet perfume adds lift. Sweet and ripe in the mouth too, but also very nuanced, offering downright subtle flavors of raspberry, plum sauce, sweet spices and Oriental herbs. Finishes very long and seamless. A marvelous effort that tastes much less over-the-top than the nose suggests." Vinous

"There's a unique floral and herbal edge to this, in the form of peppercorns, aniseed, licorice and five spice; wait for this to open up in the glass (decanting suggested), and along comes a cohort of dark fruit in the form of dark plums, mulberries and blackcurrants. Dense and flavorful, yet wild and pretty tannins envelop the mouth, coating layers of dark fruit and painting them in colorful hues. It's full-bodied and full-throttle, but its beauty is understated and the acidity and fruit are playful and subtle." James Suckling

Delicate garnet reflections enliven the classic ruby. On the nose, aromas of ripe cherries combine with notes reminiscent of tobacco and medicinal herbs to create a complex harmony. The taste, infused with impeccable fine tannin, gains an almost sensational fullness as it progresses and is supported by a good acid component. A Riserva like something out of a picture book. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, intense garnet red. Very inviting and intense nose of cranberries and pomegranate, some saffron, juicy, fresh cherry. Pithy, very well placed tannin on the palate, fine sweet melting, lingers long, very juicy, has potential for many years." Falstaff

"This shows ripeness and richness of fruit. It’s full-bodied with juicy fruit and a savory finish. Verges on jammy, yet there’s tension and freshness with orange-peel and floral undertones." James Suckling

"Broad shouldered and firmly structured with expressive aromas and flavors of red cherry, flint, blackberry reduction and underbrush. Finishes very long and saline; strikes me as one of the more refined, lightweight versions of Poggio al Vento in years. Lovely wine, and commendably, very much in style of the vintage. I expect this to improve considerably in the years to come: well done." Vinous

"Aromas of underbrush, wild berry, leather, camphor and Mediterranean herb waft out of the glass. The full-bodied palate is still young and primary but shows great aging potential, delivering juicy red cherry, pomegranate, licorice and tobacco set against firm tannins while bright acidity keeps it balanced." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento sets this venerable Riserva program squarely back on track thanks to its balanced intensity and classic lines. Like in the other Sangiovese-based wines from this historic Montalcino estate, this wine is distinguished by those estate-specific savory and sanguine notes that recall rusty nail or iron, all followed by balsam herb, powdered licorice and even a touch of eucalyptus oil. The wine's texture is medium in weight and ultimately this expression is more buoyant in mouthfeel than you might initially expect of a wine that has aged for this long." Wine Advocate

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in large formats. 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 and stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A very rich and spicy nose of kirsch, sweet morello cherries, spice box, hazlenuts and vanilla beans with dried dark cherry cake and lots of cedar, too. Full body, sweet fruit, vibrant acidity, ripe and round tannins and a fruit-forward finish. Always excellent." James Suckling

Ruby red, with a fine cherry scent, in which there are also hints of nuts and forest fruits, vanilla, cinnamon, sage and tobacco. Concentrated, rich flavour with harmonious tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable, almost black crimson. Leafy, dark fruit and hint of tomato stalk and black olive. The merest suggestion of oak. Ripe dark fruit that is still very young. Still hints of malolactic and with a load of bitter-sweet tannins. Very long and characterful with a hint of black olives and quite elegant palate weight. Complex." Jancis Robinson

"Bright red. Very perfumed red cherry, spicy strawberry, violet, and cinnamon on the almost aromatic, very floral nose. Ripe and suave, with a graceful mouth-feel and a long, clean mineral aftertaste which features pretty repeating floral notes. Less powerful than the 2010 but currently showing better balance and amazing grace. Lovely wine." Vinous

"A red with dried-plum and sour-cherry character. Hints of lemons, too. Medium to full body, soft tannins and a savory finish. Solid wine. A standard-bearer." James Suckling

"The venerated 2012 Sicilia Contea di Sclafani Rosso del Conte Tenuta Regaleali is a blend of 41% Nero d'Avola, 31% Perricone and the rest is a mix of various red grapes found on the Regaleali estate. Interestingly, past editions of this wine were reported as all Nero d'Avola but the blending formula seems to have gotten more complex with each passing vintage. This is a big boned wine with thick extraction and a long-lasting build. In fact, this bottle should go into the cellar for a few more years to better integrate and soften. The finish offers coffee, tar, licorice, dried fruit, blackberry preserves and much more. Rosso del Conte shows profound complexity." Wine Advocate

Barolo Brunate is a generous, full-bodied wine with feminine aromas of sweet berries and milk chocolate, very balsamic and round. The taste flows with a lot of fruit, beautiful intensity and great openness. Firmly structured with silky tannins, elegant and fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"It's hard not to fall in love with the 2012 Barolo Brunate. This is an uneven vintage across the appellation, but Vietti has managed to harness the very best side of the grape during this growing season. The wine is densely concentrated and rich with black cherry, cassis and spice. It shows firm structure at the back with elegantly polished and fine-tuned tannins. The wine is almost approachable now (in another five years), but is more suitable for longer bottle aging." Wine Advocate

"The aromas of licorice, violets and bramble berries impress. Full body, incredible length and texture. Lasts for minutes on the palate." James Suckling

Top-class, complex and modern Barolo from Serralunga: Elegant, complex bouquet of cherries and blueberries, the full-bodied taste is of considerable density and length, perfectly integrates the tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich ruby with a garnet shimmer. Presents itself in the nose with notes of liquorice, truffle and rosewood, then a lot of plum, in the background liquorice. On the palate it is striking, very substantial, deep, ripe fruit and earthy notes, opens with firm tannin in many layers, in the finish firm pressure, salty and long." Falstaff

"This Barolo offers the trademark power and integrity that is so distinctive of wines made in Serralunga d'Alba. The 2012 Barolo Lazzarito delivers muscle, brawn, and an endearing sense of confidence and determination. The is a lovely interpretation that opens to dark fruit aromas that are sharply framed by spice, tobacco, tilled earth and cooling menthol. The overall effect is generous, well-structured and full-bodied. This wine is poised to age over the next twenty years." Wine Advocate

"The 2012 Barolo Lazzarito impresses for its precision and class, two qualities that aren't easy to find in wines from this Serralunga site. Iron, smoke and white pepper lift from the glass in a vertical, structured Barolo endowed with real pedigree. A rush of pomegranate, red cherry jam, wild flowers and blood orange meld into the huge, bright finish. In 2012, the Lazzarito reconciles power and finesse like few vintages in the past. For the last few years, the Lazzarito has been knocking on the door of the big boys in this lineup, the Rocche and Ravera. Today, the Lazzarito makes a strong statement that it has arrived." Antonio Galloni

Young and fresh, rich ruby garnet, complex, very aromatic bouquet, strong tannin, lots of fruit, fine melting, cleanly structured, harmoniously balanced, long finish. Store it as best you can and enjoy the anticipation! SUPERIORE.DE

"Velvety, rich ruby. Very present and fresh nose, full of plums, raspberries and cranberries, appealing. Very juicy at the base, opens with fine, dense tannin, beautiful enamel, spreads for a long time, firm pressure in the finale". Falstaff

"The 2012 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is one of the bigger, richer wines in the lineup, which is a bit atypical. Readers should expect a huge, dramatic Rocche built on power, intensity and volume. At the same time, the Rocche is incredibly precise and layered. It is that very interplay of richness and finesse that makes the Rocche so alluring. Rose petal, mint and sweet red berries build to a crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures that takes over all the senses." Antonio Galloni

"Wow. The rose petal aroma is gorgeous with ripe strawberry and cherry undertones. Full body, dense and powerful. Chewy and rich tannins. Lasts for minutes on the palate." James Suckling

Barolo Lazzarito from Serralunga d'Alba is Viettis powerful and determined Barolo. In addition to the dark fruit, a variety of spicy aromas such as smoke and white pepper seduce the senses. Structured and precise on the palate, it spreads generously and with refinement, long and mineral in the finish with a cool hint of menthol and the promise of excellent aging. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling ruby garnet. Very fragrant, inviting nose, full of dark roses, forest raspberries and fresh plums, in the background slightly earthy tones. Rich, dense tannin, builds up in many layers, never drying throughout, but interwoven with fine enamel, salty, concise fruit, very long aftertaste in the finale". Falstaff

"Smells weedy, then picks up floral, berry and tar flavors, with a solid band of tannins guarding the finish. Surprisingly balanced, showing a compact finish for now." Wine Spectator

"This is a Barolo that really focuses on pure fruit with berry, chocolate and floral character. Full body, soft and velvety tannins and a beautiful finish. So much velvet! Gorgeous." James Suckling

"The 2013 Barolo Lazzarito shows the power and the intensity of the Serralunga d'Alba township in full force. This is a wine with broad shoulders that carries itself with a confident and proud personality. The wine is infused with dark fruit, blackberry preserves, clove, tar, pipe tobacco, earthy truffle and balsam herb. In terms of Nebbiolo aromas, this wine offers all the classic descriptors. Despite it firmness and the importance of its structure, the wine offers a beautiful degree of richness and succulence that certainly plays in favor of its hedonistic appeal." Wine Advocate

"This tasting of the 2013 Barolo Lazzarito confirms just how far the wine has come along in recent vintages. Creamy, ample and potent, the 2013 offers an intriguing interplay of aromatics, fruit and structural underpinnings. Gravel, smoke, tar and dark fruit - all signatures of this Serralunga site - are front and center, but it is the wine's overall balance that is most impressive. Scorched earth, leather, smoke and graphite are some of the many notes that reapper on the finish. The 2013 is a real stunner." Antonio Galloni

Barolo Brunate from luxuriant, fertile location in La Morra, shines with concentration and wealth. Elegant bouquet of dark cherries, plums and a hint of citrus fruit. The taste is full-bodied, but never powerful. Wonderfully structured, granular tannin, good acidity. Brunate 2013 requires some patience, which is however rewarded with a wonderful drop. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny ruby garnet. Intense nose, ripe raspberries, strawberries, dark cherries, cloves. Juicy and supple in the attack and course, present fruit, opens with fine-meshed tannin, catchy in the finish." Falstaff

"Pure cherry, strawberry and floral flavors, plus flashes of eucalyptus and wild herb, mark this supple, bright red. Firms up toward the finish yet remains balanced, refined and long, with a lingering aftertaste of cherry, tobacco and mineral." Wine Spectator

"Very focused young Barolo with lots of aromas of crushed strawberries and raspberries. Hints of lilacs, too. Full to medium body, very fine tannins and a persistent and beautiful finish." James Suckling

"Like the other important Nebbiolo-based wines made by Vietti, the 2013 Barolo Brunate follows the house style that sees longer maceration times and submerged cap fermentation. This results in exceptional fullness and plushness in terms of texture that transcends the mouthfeel. The wine's expressive bouquet shows open and frank aromas of dark fruit, tar, road paving, crushed stone and black truffle. This vintage also shows a savory or foxy touch of old leather or spice. I'd suggest a medium-term drinking window. Luca Currado presents his wines in ascending order of power." Wine Advocate

"Vietti's 2013 Barolo Brunate is one of the most reticent, powerful and explosive wines in the range. Huge beams of tannin give the wine its energy and overall shape. Readers will have to be especially patient with the 2013, as it is built for the long haul. As...in the very long haul. The gravitas and overall muscularity of Brunate is quite evident, but the wine remains raw, powerful and in need of significant bottle age. Today, the tannins are searing, which adds to the wine's brooding personality. This is the first vintage that includes old-vine fruit that used to go to Oberto and Marengo from a parcel Vietti acquired a few years ago." Antonio Galloni

Barolo Ravera represents the more traditional style of winemaking at Vietti. Graphite and iron aromas, with fruity sweet notes of cherry and raspberry, leather and black tea. Intense fruit with complex structure and beautifully interwoven tannin. Powerful and exceptionally stylish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby garnet. Very fragrant and appealing nose, with notes of fresh cherries, fine raspberries, clear and memorable. Juicy and full on the palate, shows a lot of fine fruit, opens with dense, grippy tannin, very well integrated, describes a wide arch, salty and persistent in the finale". Falstaff

"The 2012 Barolo Ravera is a beautiful wine and a fully-loaded Nebbiolo. The wine offers thick lines and deep concentration with seamless integration even at this very young stage in its evolution. The bouquet is redolent of dried cherry, spice, tar and tilled earth. This is a wine of utmost elegance, grace and nobility. Past vintages have appeared firmly closed when tasted too young, but the 2012 vintage is more relaxed and unclenched than expected." Wine Advocate

"The 2012 Barolo Ravera is once again a star. Finely cut and chiseled throughout, the 2012 boasts striking precision and nuance. Rose petal, chalk, white pepper, cranberry and pomegranate burst forward in a brilliant, exceptionally polished Barolo built on pure, sculpted elegance. Over the last few years Vietti has done a tremendous job in taming the intense Ravera tannins while preserving all of the focus that makes the wines from this site so alluring. The Ravera has been fabulous on the two occassions I have tasted it so far." Antonio Galloni

"The tar and asphalt comes through here with ripe plum and berry character too. Full body, tight and muscular. Deep and thought-provoking. Give it two or three years to open but already impressive to taste." James Suckling

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in large formats. 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 and stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A very rich and spicy nose of kirsch, sweet morello cherries, spice box, hazlenuts and vanilla beans with dried dark cherry cake and lots of cedar, too. Full body, sweet fruit, vibrant acidity, ripe and round tannins and a fruit-forward finish. Always excellent." James Suckling

Lavish Brunello Riserva with a bouquet of sweet black cherries, frankincense, liquorice and tobacco. The 2011 vintage brings incredible depth, immense fullness and a great personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"This hot and dry year has created a Riserva that, by Biondi-Sandi standards, is an unusually early source of drinking pleasure. Subdued, but very noble aromas of pickled red berries, also a touch of coffee beans, leaves and dried herbs. In the palate densely woven, with fine-grained tannin and beautiful enamel." Vinum

"Brilliant, rich ruby with a slight garnet edge. Compact, multi-layered nose with notes of raspberries, pickled cherries, some saffron. Fine-meshed tannin on the palate, unfolds with great elegance, fine cherry fruit, echoes for a very long time, salty." Falstaff

"Mid ruby with orange tinges. Deep yet locked nose hinting at ripeness. Gorgeous, chewy, minerally cherry fruit with lots of powdery tannins. Very long, fine and tannic for the moment, but a little more approachable than the normal BS 2011 Brunello, from what I remember." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas of plums and light caramel and hazelnuts. Full body, a solid core of fruit and chewy tannins. A little dusty now. Need a couple of years to soften." James Suckling

"The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva makes a bold and more articulate statement (compared to the 2012 Annata wine released at the same time). That extra year of aging has contributed to more powerful aromas of dark fruit, balsam herb and spice. There is extra fiber and texture here overall. This Riserva shows a higher degree of density and a tighter embroidery with dark fruit, spice and tobacco. Both 2011 and 2012 are warm vintages, and the wines produced do not boast the same level of bright acidity that you normally get from this estate. But, if there's one thing the wines of Biondi-Santi have demonstrated over the years, it is that they get better with time. Set this bottle aside in your cellar." Wine Advocate

"Dark red. Musky nuances give way to brighter red fruit, licorice and herbal aromas. Rich and dense, with flavors of red cherry and minerals lifted by hints of orange peel and bergamot, not to mention noteworthy but harmonious acidity. Finishes long with youthfully chewy tannins and lingering hints of violet. This strikes me as a slightly readier to drink version of Brunello Riserva from Biondi-Santi, but as always, it improves greatly with aeration so decant at least six hours ahead for maximum enjoyment." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"Beautifully balanced, this opens with alluring scents of wild berry, rose, baking spice and whiffs of chopped herb. Seamlessly combining ripe fruit and the firm's trademark finesse, the bright elegantly structured palate delivers juicy wild cherry, crushed raspberry, white pepper and a hint of black tea framed in polished tannins and fresh acidity. It's already tempting but the best is yet to come."(Cellar Selection) Wine Enthusiast

Intense, partly impenetrable ruby red. On the nose, warm, powerful notes that reflect the climate of the vintage and yet a delicate freshness. On the palate, ripe red fruit and spice, accompanied by deep floral notes, characterise the complex structure. Flattering, rich, enveloping and sweet thanks to the presence of ripe, dense and soft tannins. The balanced acidity contributes to the expressive taste and the long and extremely pleasant persistence. High seductive potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, deep dark ruby violet. Opens with notes of mint and walnuts, then rich black currant, dark cherry, fine chocolate tones in the background. Shows lots of ripe, present fruit on the attack, opens with supple, dense tannin, fills the palate powerfully, very balanced and round." Falstaff

"Wonderful bramble fruit. Very modern and easily mistaken for great New World Cabernet. Gorgeous fruit quality on the nose. Fine smoky perfume on the finish. Quite heady and opulent, but perfectly balanced, and set up for a very promising future." Jancis Robinson

"This rich, bright red displays plum, blackberry, boysenberry, leather and spice notes, allied to a dense structure. Remains balanced and juicy through the finish and is built for the long haul." Wine Spectator

"A big, rich wine but there's lots of brightness and beauty at the same time. Shows licorice and asphalt. Full body with chewy tannins and a long finish. Terracotta, Tuscan dust and spice, plus balsamic too. This needs three to five years to soften. Intense finish." James Suckling

"Blackberry jam, cassis, grilled herbs and melted road tar meld together in the 2011 Solaia. Another super–exotic, racy 2011 from Antinori, Solaia is supremely beautiful. Mocha, espresso and sage are some of the many notes that add complexity. Hints of white truffle, lavender, smoke and licorice are laced into the exotic, racy finish. In 2011, Solaia has a dollop more of Cabernet Franc in the blend, added to give the wine a touch of freshness. Ripe and flashy to the core, the 2011 needs time to lose some of its youthful exuberance. At times, the 2011 could be easily mistaken for a wine from Napa Valley, such is its intensity." VINOUS

An impressive and unforgettable Merlot from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Bolgheri zone near the Mediterranean Sea. It has received lavish praise in the trade press from all over the world. The bouquet combines dark, very ripe fruit and tobacco. Velvety tannins, an ingratiatingly alcoholic character and tremendous persistence are part of its soft taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong ruby garnet, good depth of colour, violet reflections, delicate rim brightening. Attractive heart cherry fruit, delicate notes of blackberries and liquorice, a hint of violets, lime zest, nuances of sea salt and nougat. Complex, elegant, fine wood spice, delicate hints of caramel, present tannins, good freshness, already accessible, mineral finish, discreet toasty tones in the aftertaste, sure future potential, already amazingly accessible, can be enjoyed right off the bat." Falstaff

"Black olive, liquorice, dark chocolate, and plenty of furry tannic substance on the palate. Lovely bright acid too, giving a lift to the finish. Not a shy wine, but not brash either – this has subtlety and contrast." Jancis Robinson

"The 2014 Masseto has developed beautifully over the past few years of its oak and bottle evolution. This is a very distinctive edition of the iconic Italian Merlot that delivers a silky and streamlined approach. As bold and opulent as Masseto is in the warm vintages, I personally find those wines difficult to finish because the extract, concentration and intensity are so over the top. The best vintages of Masseto usually overpower any food dish you put before them. This is a subdued and downplayed expression instead. The cool summer season has shaped fresh berry notes of wild blackberry and cassis with drying mineral, tobacco, licorice and tar. There is evident sweetness here in terms of the wine's fruit flavors and its tannins, but there also is a cooling vein of acidity that makes the difference. The alcohol feels integrated and light. If you are hankering for a less massive and less muscular Masseto, this vintage is for you." Wine Advocate

"A rich, powerful version, featuring cherry, strawberry, cedar, coffee and mocha flavors, this red opens up to reveal a polished feel and fine-grained yet muscular tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful aromas of violets and blackberry with hints of spice. Some sweet tobacco. Full body, yet refined and polished with ultra-fine tannins and a long, long finish. The texture and intensity are exceptional. Fantastic for the vintage." James Suckling

Intense ruby red colour with violet reflections. The nose is dominated by varietal notes with excellent freshness and fine intensity. Solaia 2012 is of classic style and shows pleasant flavour harmony on the palate, marked by the right acid-tannin balance and excellent fruit enjoyment throughout the tasting. Great personality and long aftertaste presence make the final absolutely complex and persistent. SUPERIORE.DE

"Another intense, tightly-wound wine, the 2012 Solaia is likely torequire a number of years in bottle before it is ready to drink.Graphite, smoke, plums, black cherries, rose petal and mint meldtogether effortlessly in the glass. Here, too, the style is all aboutgrace and finesse. The 2012 Solaia is going require patience, but allthe elements are in the right place. In 2012, the Cabernet Franc isnearly 7% of the blend, which is on the high side." VINOUS

"The 2012 Solaia is the ultimate comfort wine: It serves as abeautiful monument to the potential of Italian wine. Let me give yousome context. My lukewarm review of the 2011 vintage caused some headsto turn. Happily, the previous vintage has served as a springboard forthis current release. Both 2011 and 2012 come from hot climaticconditions, but these wines are very different in style and content. The 2011 heat softened the lines that make up the varietal identity of this celebrated Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc andSangiovese. Those lines are presented in sharp focus with the 2012edition. The nose is redolent of dark berry, crushed mineral, plum,spice and touch of white pepper. The wine is integrated and seamless,but it speaks with a strong and articulate voice." Wine Advocate

"This stunning expression of Solaia opens with ample aromas ofexotic spices, tilled soil, mature black-skinned fruit and an underlying whiff of fragrant blue flowers. The vibrant, elegantly structuredpalate doles out high-toned black cherry, ripe blackberry, white pepper, cinnamon, clove and Mediterranean herbs alongside a backbone of firm,polished tannins and bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Extremely impressive ripe dark fruits of blueberries, plums andblackberries follow through to a full body, round texture and brightacidity. The finesse and depth to this red is stunning making it awonderful successor to the 2011 Solaia. Needs three or four years tosoften and open." James Suckling

"Ripe plum and black cherry notes are augmented by toast, spice and tobacco details in this muscular red. Turns more compact on the finish, where dense, dusty tannins reign. Just needs time to integrate." Wine Spectator