WEINWISSER

Fruity, floral and delicately spicy nuances on the nose. Fresh texture on the palate, pleasant red berry flavour with notes of grapefruit and blood orange. A drinking pleasure full of character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very fresh, lively and authentic bouquet, herbal, with a touch of fresh oregano, almost floral, with pink grapefruit. A persistent rose that is juicy and has great substance." Weinwisser

"Bright orange-pink with a sparkling core. The nose is restrained and filigree, discreet orange tone. On the palate polished and clear, tightens up with discreet melting, slightly salty, spans a fine arc, slightly bitter in the final." Falstaff

"A pink grapefruit-colored rosé with aromas of wild raspberries, cherries and citrus zest. Hints of spice. It's medium-bodied with bright acidity and flavorful, creamy layers of fruit. Delicious finish." James Suckling

Bright, shining ruby. Youthful nose of early ripe cherries and wild strawberries, slightly vegetal, delicately peppery and spicy in the aftertaste. On the palate very juicy and with young tannin, crisp fruit, high drinkability, in a few months still complete, great food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

"The change in the winery is most evident here. Much more precise, purer than previous vintages. Enormously fragrant, fresh and crisp, with red fruits, cherry, raspberry. Extremely animating to drink with fine tannin, remains delicate and elegant until the final. Very animating. Bravo!" Weinwisser

Poggio Argentato is a beautifully balanced white with a French touch. On the nose, a multi-layered bouquet with a fine herbal note. On the palate, powerful, fresh, elegant and supported by a mineral acidity, citrus tones in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend of rather light soils. In the fragrance a nice mix of almonds, herbs, behind fresh pear. Very juicy with nice acidity and piquancy coming from the P. Manseng. Nice grip with a lovely salty mineral final." Weinwisser

"Sliced pears, apples, lemon pips and some fennel on the nose. It's medium-to full-bodied with a creamy texture. Clean and fresh finish." James Suckling

Ripe and intense nose of Morellino Riserva with black fruits, raspberries and notes of violets. Wonderful texture on the palate, beautiful fruit, very harmonious on the palate. An extremely elegant wine, equipped with lovely tannins, the final combines freshness and depth. Very successful! SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense bouquet with fine toasted notes, some tobacco and balsamic; also blackcurrants, dark cherries. Intense but very clear and finely drawn with delicate depth and polished tannins, nice grip and creaminess, very piquant and spicy." Weinwisser

"Robust aromas of red cherries with a touch of anise and savoury nuances. Tasty and serious elegant expression on the palate." Decanter

"A beautiful Morellino with sweet berry and cherry character and hints of chocolate and walnuts. It's medium-to full-bodied with juicy tannins and a delicious, round finish." James Suckling

An elegant Pinot Grigio with the scent of wild roses and fine, tropical pineapple, apricot and orange aromas. Rich and with a fresh minerality the taste finishes very harmoniously. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fine fragrance with depth, pear flesh and exotic fruit notes, lively and with fresh acidity, pithy and with a delicate piquancy, definitely demanding and lively." Weinwisser

Livio Felluga's Sauvignon Bianco impresses with elegance, the bouquet typical of the variety and a fascinating minerality. On the palate, a soft fruit and a fresh, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"With fine spice and depth, powdery sweet fruit, pear, solid, creamy smooth and with some power, round thing, polished and to the point, yellow fruity, peach, yellow pepper." Weinwisser

Mineral and lush Friulano with a wonderful scent of grapefruit, white pepper, figs and bananas. On the palate, more appetising flavours of tropical fruits, apricots and hazelnuts. Very long and, as every year, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Friulano at its best; herbs, delicate almond note, depth, bite and length, crackling, multi-layered and also some pressure in the fruit-driven finish, compact construction and with a certain lightness in the background." Weinwisser

"The 2019 Friulano wafts up flowery perfumes mixed with notes of tropical citrus, hints of kiwi and musky apricot. It's soothing with soft textures, offset by hints of spice and dazzling acids which enliven the expression, giving way to mineral-laced orchard fruits. Hints of young mango offset by zests of lime and exotic inner florals linger and complete the experience perfectly. This is a pleasure to taste." Vinous

"Lots of peach-pit, almond, cantaloup and melon aromas follow through to a full body with creamy texture and a flinty finish." James Suckling

Well-balanced Pinot Bianco with a fine scent of jasmine, dried apple and nice spice. Expressive fruit in the drink, lively, very polished with remarkable length and mineral freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Nice mix of fruit and smokiness, plus lots of spice and mineral hints, earthy, juicy, with lots of energy and saltiness, fine-boned, substantial, good pressure, yellow-fruited, long, game." Weinwisser

"The 2019 Pinot Bianco is spicy and wickedly fresh, wafting up notes of crushed stone and wild herbs before settling into a display of apricot and green apple. It's silky and expansive, yet there's a reverberation of zesty acids and salty minerals that maintain perfect balance. Inner florals and a twang of cheek-puckering lime linger, yet there's also a good amount of structure here. Give this another year or two, and then watch it blossom." Vinous

"A sensational pinot bianco with lots of gunmetal, apple, pear and honeysuckle aromas and flavors. It's full-bodied and layered with a round, creamy texture that gives the wine a rich, luscious feel." James Suckling

straw yellow with reddish hints. Powerful, complex aroma with late harvest character (botrytis). Tropical fruits in combination with floral and herbal scents. Powerful, opulent, full-fruity flavour with an elegant, fresh citrus tone and the typical bitter note in the successful finish. A highly elegant Demeter-certified Gewürztraminer. SUPERIORE.DE

"From the Demeter-certified flagship farm comes a rather elegant Gewürztraminer that scores with both fine exoticism and mineral spiciness. Very stringent and tightly drawn, with a velvety texture and fitting freshness." Weinwisser

"Bright light gold. In the nose of freshly grated lemon zest, lightly of sealing wax, yellow fruit. Steely and clear on the palate, missing some of its fruit, delicate tannin, salt, vertical." Falstaff

"A spicy, flavorful white with sliced-pineapple, clove and parsley character. Really burning spices at the finish. Medium-to full-bodied, dry and beautiful. Super." James Suckling

The steep porphyry slopes at an altitude of up to 650 metres on the Ritten above Bolzano offer ideal conditions for vinifying this powerful yet elegant Chardonnay with an excellent balance, well-integrated acidity and excellent ageing potential. straw yellow with greenish inclusions. On the nose, pure exoticism of pineapple, mango and honeydew melon, underpinned by a delicate vanilla note. Powerful on the palate, the well-integrated acidity keeps it fresh and mineral, despite all its power and complexity, right through to an almost endlessly long finish. A great Chardonnay from South Tyrol! SUPERIORE.DE

"A Chardonnay from South Tyrol is more likely to be found at cooler altitudes. The steep porphyry slopes on the Ritten above Bolzano, at up to 650 metres above sea level, obviously offer good conditions for vinifying a powerful yet balanced Chardonnay with a delicate but present acid structure. The wine opens on the nose with light toasted notes of vanilla and fine blond tobacco, followed by yellow fruits such as pear, light to pale yellow stone fruit and pineapple, framed by spicy notes that set an important chord here - as on the palate. Creamy in the mouth with a melting shell, but the fine-boned acidity and mineral piquancy give the wine the linear contrast it needs." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, rich straw yellow. Smells of fresh bananas and pears on the nose, fine herbal spice in the background. Creamy on the nose, fills the palate well, also lots of juicy pear on the palate, long finish." Falstaff

"Here's a pretty Chardonnay with a lean to mid-weight approach and a generous bouquet that is stacked high with varietal purity. The Cantina Produttori Bolzano 2018 Alto Adige Chardonnay Riserva Stegher opens to peach, tropical fruit, honey and Golden Delicious apple. The wine is smooth and silky in texture with lasting fruit tones on the close. In that simplicity and sharpness lies the wine's beauty. Fruit comes from an extremely high growing site, at 650 meters above sea level in the mountains of Renon above Bolzano, and those altitudes add to the wine's focus and startling clarity. Nice job." Robert Parker

"Nose of crunchy peach, tangerine, apricot blossom and lavender, while the palate is graced with almond and subtle oak." Decanter

The world-famous Gewürztraminer Nussbaumer has been a real benchmark for years and is also a convincing wine in terms of longevity. Bright yellow with greenish reflections. Varietal perfection, complex and deep, but also agile and fresh with beautiful nuances. Smoky notes, black tea, white fruit. On the palate it flows silky smooth, velvety and spicy, lingers long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Nussbaumer" has long been at least as famous as the winery itself, which is one of the very great, historical classics of South Tyrol. Fascinating fragrance with a real kaleidoscope of aromas. On the nose, yellow roses, lilies, nutmeg, lychee, ripe melon and passion fruit, as well as herbaceous notes. Meltingly dense palate with a certain exoticism, good structure and freshness balance the whole. Will benefit from further bottle ageing." Weinwisser

"Sparkling rich straw yellow with green shimmer. Opens with emphatic spicy notes of ground coriander seeds, yellow roses, lychee and mango, beautiful fragrance play. Rich and dense in attack and course, lots of ripe tropical fruit, glides along on a rich carpet of oriental spices, rich pressure in the final, long finish." Falstaff

"Very ripe tropical-fruit nose with hints of turkish delight, smoked bacon and sandalwood. Powerful with a lot of textural complexity, but no hint of bombast. Indeed, the bitter side of this grape is very well integrated in the rich, mellow palate." James Suckling

Intoxicating aromas of yellow fruits, pineapple, nutmeg and the faint memory of clove. On the palate, an almost magical bright sweetness, very complex and long. A great and extremely exciting Gewürztraminer from the single vineyard Vigna Kolbenhof registered in the cadastre. SUPERIORE.DE

"The charismatic Martin Foradori Hofstätter has long been one of the leading wine personalities in South Tyrol. His wines, especially the outstanding Pinot Noirs, are known far beyond South Tyrol's borders. His approximately 50 hectares of vineyards are situated on a wide variety of soils and in different micro-climates ranging from 250 to 850 metres above sea level. This Gewürztraminer presents itself with an intense aroma of exotic fruits and yellow roses, but behind it also very spicy-raminic notes that do credit to the name of the variety. In the mouth, it scores with a multi-layered play, exotic fruits as well as an unmistakable mineral spiciness. Bravo!" Weinwisser

Poggio Valente 2018 from the single vineyard of the same name - has it ever been better? Opulent floral and small-fruited Sangiovese nose with optimally nuanced hints of tobacco, cedar and mint. On the palate, precise and with a lot of pressure and power, then towards the end, the furious resolution of all the well-dosed components in a fine, silky texture and an unforgettable, long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Single vineyard, located about 300 to 350 m.a.s.l., 3 to 4 weeks maceration, so a little longer. Matured in tonneaux from Bordeaux and Burgundy. Already clearly more complex on the nose than the Morellino. Its fine smokiness is complemented by wonderful notes of raspberry, fragolino and fine liquorice. In the mouth very elegant, downright subtle with sweet tannins, infused with a delicate raspberry note, very fine and seductive. What a value for money!" Weinwisser

"Radiant ruby red. In the nose with fine-fragrant hints, rich cherry fruit, lightly of white truffle, spicy, of red pepper, opens multilayered. Tightly woven palate entry with juicy, salty fruit, stretches clearly over the tongue, salty again in the final, very well done this year." Falstaff

"Rich and spicy, evoking plum, cherry, sandalwood and cigar box aromas and flavors. Though solidly built, this is also fluid, echoing spice notes on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Really pretty balance and focus to this red with plums, berries, cherries, currants and hints of vanilla and hazelnuts. It's medium-to full-bodied with refined tannins and a clean, fruity finish. Very elegant. Pure sangiovese." James Suckling

"Tasted from vat, the Fattoria le Pupille 2018 Poggio Valente is an elegant expression of Sangiovese with just a hint of the freewheeling wildness that characterizes the Maremma region of southern Tuscany. The wine delivers cherry, wild rose, forest fruit and blueberry. Beyond those primary tones are integrated notes of spice and mild tobacco. The wine is put together with careful precision, and all it needs now is more aging time in order to flesh out and build depth. Everything is set, just give it time." Robert Parker

"Complex, restrained, super clean, tobacco, leather, cinnamon, cassis, black and red currants and hints of smoke. Full body, balanced with sweet fruit and noble tannins." Decanter

Caparzo is one of two estates in Montalcino (the other is called Altesino, by the way) owned by the utterly charming Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini. Caparzo's 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a very classic interpretation that delivers the perfect stuff without distracting frills. The wine opens with aromas of red and purple fruits, with dried herbs, potting soil, cedar and light spices showing in the background. The fruit comes from a site with heavier clay soils, one gets a good impression of this additional density and richness here. The 2016 vintage, which is simply perfect in terms of climate, offers everything you look for in an exemplary and generous Brunello. This is pure pleasure, the style of the wines simply makes you want more ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Expressive yet finely contoured with very clear notes of cherry, red plums as well as lovely floral hints and a fine marzipan note. Polished on the palate with fine tannin, sweet berries and lovely varietal expression. Excellent wine value available for under €30." Weinwisser

"Dark ruby red. In the nose slightly flowery, after violets, then citrus accentuated on oranges and lemons, but develops in the glass and opens up after some time on red berry nuances paired with noble spice. Shows fine polish on the palate, elegant cranberry fruit, has many layers and great pressure, seems very balanced, gripping tannin in the finish." Falstaff

"Prior to acquiring the Altesino estate, Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini purchased Caparzo in 1998. The property includes 28 hectares designated for Brunello and this estate bottling amalgamates vineyards from four distinct areas with different exposures and soils. The 2016 is charming with a delicate lightness and lively brightness. Violet, rosemary and liquorice aromas lead to cool mint and brambly notes on the palate. Easy flowing and seamless with smooth tannins and a dusty cherry finish." Decanter

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino shows mineral-laced black cherries with earth tones and hints of tanned leather. It's soft in texture with a polished display of ripe berries and savory spice, as zesty acids create a juicy expression while slow-mounting tannins collect upon the senses. This turns dry and structured toward the finale, yet with the balance for a long and steady evolution in the cellar. This is really very nice." Vinous

"Plum, ripe-berry and floral aromas with hints of sandalwood and fresh mushrooms. It's full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins and a fresh, crushed-stone finish. A little timid now." James Suckling

"Ripe, sweet cherry and raspberry fruit are accented by floral, mineral and wild herbs in this alluring red. A backbone of dense, dusty tannins provides support, and the ripe fruit returns on the savory finish. Excellent length." Wine Spectator

The 2016 edition of Col d'Orcia's Brunello di Montalcino is visually stunning with its brilliant ruby colour in the glass and beguiles the nose with a cornucopia of crushed black cherries with hints of brown spices and sage - finessed by notes of white smoke, cedar and dried roses. On the palate, it is seductive and supple; sweet red fruits are contrasted by fresh and lively acidity and zesty spice, and its finely woven tannins slowly rise towards the finish. The finish is long, structured and very well balanced with an echo of tart wild berries, a hint of red liquorice and pretty flowers. It is already a beautiful wine, but the patient connoisseur will give it a few more years in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

"This Brunello regularly belongs to the Best Buys. The bouquet is delicate with red and blue fruits, behind which spicy notes reminiscent of cinnamon and cardamom emerge. In the mouth fuller, denser than the nose would lead one to expect, round and polished, a modern Brunello without rough edges." Weinwisser

"Nobly shining ruby red. In the nose of fresh raspberries and fresh cherries, then lightly of mint and sage, paired with noble spice reverberation. Juicy and clear on the palate, opens on fresh fruit with supportive tannin, lively and polished, still young, drinks very well." Falstaff

"A very polished, refined red with berry and flower aromas, as well as hints of citrus and rose petals. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a juicy finish. Lovely polish. Give it a year or two to come around, but already very pretty." James Suckling

"This shows dark fruit and spice, while there's an extra layer of leather or cigar ash at the back. This wine is made with organic fruit. It displays a mid-weight mouthfeel with tight tannins and lively acidity, the kind that will cut through your favorite steak dinner." Robert Parker

"Underbrush, wild-berry, pipe-tobacco and violet aromas lead the nose. On the full-bodied palate, taut tannins support black cherry, licorice and ground clove." Wine Enthusiast

"This starts off as its usual youthfully reductive self, but with plenty of air it displays appealing perfumes of iris, violet and plum. Midweight and elegant, it seems to defy the generous warmth of the estate's southwestern site. Nevertheless, layers of dark fruit wrap around the tight, flinty core while dry, powdery tannins give ample support. The finish lingers with spice and garrigue. I suspect this will age slowly and handsomely." Decanter

"An earthy, meaty version, sporting black cherry, plum, raw beef, iron and bouillon aromas and flavors. The fruit element intensifies on the palate, playing out on a long finish that is balanced and fresh, showing dusty tannins." Wine Spectator

"Dusty earth gives way to dried roses, incense, hints of cedar, sage, currants and black cherries in a display that makes the 2016 Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino a very special experience. It's nuanced and perfumed from start to finish, boasting silky textures contrasted by tart berries and minerals, but with sweet tannins that frame the expression perfectly. Its inner sweetness is balanced by bright acids, creating an almost-juicy sensation, right up until the moment you realize that your palate is aching with youthful tension. There's so much going on and much more to come, making me wonder what the Poggio al Vento might offer in the 2016 vintage. For now, that doesn't even matter, because the 2015 Col d'Orcia impresses on nearly every level." Vinous

Beautiful and very balanced red from the three main historical areas of Montalcino, which bring different geo-climatic characteristics due to their different slopes and altitudes - and thus provide a unique balance between freshness and structure, body and elegance.

Ruby red with garnet highlights, opens immediately with a rich, complex nose. Initially dark cherry, chinotto orange and violet. Then it opens to broader, more complex notes of blueberry, vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon and chocolate with a subtle menthol finish. This juicy 2016 Brunello di Montalcino offers plenty of energy and brightness, carried through the cherry fruit and wild berry flavors at its core. The primary fruit is surrounded by spice, grilled herbs and floral earth. The natural complexity, purity and depth of the Sangiovese grape comes through particularly well in this dream vintage and especially in this Brunello. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, noble ruby red with a radiant core. Open-hearted and inviting nose, slightly fleshy, with nuances of ripe sour cherries, pepper and raspberries, reverberating with rose hips. Shows very polished and balanced on the palate, with tight tannin, opens up great as it progresses, slightly salty finish." Falstaff

"Bricky ruby. Senescent fruit sweetness, lovely ripe cherry and undergrowth. Some apparent oak sweetness on the palate too but even so there is a delicacy here, perhaps because the tannins are so fine and relatively light. Elegant, dry, delicate, long, even juicy." Jancis Robinson

"There’s something savory and slightly rustic about the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino that I find quite attractive. Baked black cherries, balsamic spice and hints of animal musk form up to create a beguiling display. The textures are silky-smooth, with cooling acids and salty minerals lifting the expression while giving way to tart red fruits. Tannins mount, slowly drying out the senses yet there’s still plenty of pleasure to be found here today, as the 2016 comes across as both youthfully structured but also spicy and fresh. This is a blend of Val di Suga’s vineyards throughout Montalcino." Vinous

"Dusty notes with crushed gravel and dried tea leaves are a prelude to aromas of fresh button mushrooms and hints of fennel. Savory mushrooms and olives, followed by firm, fine-grained tannins. Structured and full-bodied." James Suckling

The 2016 edition of Ugolforte is a beautiful image of this vintage. Unadulterated, racy, dynamic and very precise, this Brunello advances. On the nose, clearly ripe cherry, tobacco and a little damp earth. On the palate, first the pure Sangiovese feeling: beautiful small red berries, wild cherry, lively acidity. Then an impenetrable web of red and black fruits that, together with a fine web of tannins and minerals, reveal more and more of themselves. Compressed and with each sip more open and present, the beautifully diversified taste components present themselves until they then lead into an aristocratically long and fresh finish with a hint of liquorice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Feminine floral scent of violets, blue flowers, dried red berries and blossoms, touches of cinnamon, anise and liquorice. Wonderfully juicy, fine-bodied, silky tannin, finesse-rich final with a touch of bitter chocolate. Great wine value!" Weinwisser

"Rich, bright ruby red. Shy on the nose, gives a bit of everything but not too much. Compact and polished on the palate, tight tannin, opens on clear, salty fruit, punchy and long." Falstaff

"Blue-flower, star anise, coffee- bean and crushed mint aromas take shape in the glass. On the austere, linear palate, taut, close-grained tannins accompany sour cherry, blood orange and licorice while firm acidity keeps it light on its feet." Wine Enthusiast

"Just after the 2016 harvest, the ColleMassari Group's Claudio Tipa purchased the San Giorgio property and immediately started the conversion to organic viticulture. Ageing has also been adjusted - this no longer sees any new barriques and instead matures entirely in 30hL Slavonian oak casks. It shows wonderful restraint with subtle scents of lavender, lilac and mint blossom. Black cherry and earth appear on the palate, which is firm and admirably uncompromising in its constitution. A robust and concentrated yet buoyant Brunello." Decanter

"This red is fresh, with pure black cherry fruit accented by licorice, earth, tobacco and spice notes. Firmly structured yet more sleek than dense, thanks to a brisk acidity, the lingering tannins are offset by an echo of ripe fruit." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte is a dark beauty, impressing with its youthful poise but also its potential. Mint leaf and a dusting of cedar give way to crushed stone, wild strawberry and hints of flowery undergrowth. There are depths of velvety textures and polished red/black fruits, which create a sense of elegance; yet you can feel that there are layers here which are currently unseen. A complex web of fine tannins and minerals penetrate deeply, just as brisk acids and remnants of tart woodland berries fight to remain prevalent; yet all that remains is a hint of licorice. Wow." Vinous

"This is a full-bodied red with ripe blackberry, smoked-meat and burnt-orange notes. Strong tannins with a lots of chewiness. Quite tight on the finish. But there is pureness and beauty to this. More opulent than the 2015." James Suckling

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

"Dense wine red with brightening rim. Charming bouquet with this time rather blue and dark berry fruit, violets, tobacco and lots of Cabernet spice. On the juicy-fresh palate with lots of cherry fruit, but remains serious and precise with a linear orientation despite the juicy melt and seductive extract sweetness. It finishes with tobacco and wild berries in the substantial final. A great wine value with an excellent price-pleasure ratio. And which is very nice to drink now." Weinwisser

"Intense, dark shining ruby red with delicate purple and brightening rim. In the nose first clearly violet and blood orange, then rich cherry and blackberries, softly graphite. Dense in the mouth with dark fruity play, spreads out nicely, slightly grippy tannin, compact in attack and course." Falstaff

"This is showing a plethora of primary fruit at the moment, such as elderberries and brambleberries. But there's some real complexity beneath, featuring roasted herbs and nettles. Full-bodied with impressive fruit, but firm tannins to back it up." James Suckling

"The 2016 Terra di Monteverro is a great choice if you love blended reds from sunny Tuscany. This pretty expression is dark, exuberant, rich and fruit-forward. However, the wine is also characterized by that sense of focus and linearity that is the very definition of the classic 2016 vintage. Blackberry and black currant segue to spice, tar and smoked cedar." Robert Parker

Full, rich ruby red. Refined bouquet of raspberry, pomegranate and some white pepper. Sweeping and multi-layered on the palate with a very classic Sangiovese style, powerful, intense and at the same time very harmonious. With its noble tannin, it strides confidently into a long, fascinatingly deep finish. This wine from the excellent 2016 vintage sets a milestone in the long and successful history of the Fanti family. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fragrant, very precisely framed bouquet with red fruits and flowers, violets, hibiscus, behind it fine mineral hints. Quite direct and immediate in the mouth, showing itself round and supple and coherent without clashing." Weinwisser

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is sweetly spiced, hauntingly floral and seductive from the first tilt of the glass. A dusting of confectioners' sugar gives way to bright cherries, candied orange, mint leaf and lavender to form an extroverted yet delectable display. It's seamless and silky in the mouth, with a subtle twang of citrus and vibrant acids that energize the expression, ushering in ripe red hints of herbal-tinged black berries. Rounded tannins come forward through the close under an air of licorice and violets. The 2016 is already so easy to like for its primary intensity, yet it should really be cellared for three to five years for maximum effect. It's a great value for age-worthy Brunello that overdelivers." Vinous

"Though light on its feet, this red evokes plenty of cherry, wild thyme, eucalyptus and tar flavors. A vibrant acidity drives the finish, while mature tannins mesh nicely, echoing the cherry theme." Wine Spectator

"The Fanti 2016 Brunello di Montalcino comes roaring out with terrific intensity and balance. This vintage certainly marks a landmark for the Fanti family as I don't remember a new release as confident and impactful as this. The wine is round and smooth, with layers of dark fruit, cherry and spice. These various aromas blend nicely, showing the right contrasts where necessary. This is a classic expression of the vintage with some of the extra texture and power that defines this estate located in the Castelnuovo dell'Abata area." Robert Parker

"A red with dark cherry, plum and hints of milk chocolate on the nose and palate. It's full-bodied with layers of fruit and velvety tannins. Flavorful, if a bit tight at the finish. Serious Brunello." James Suckling

The Brunello di Montalcino 2016 from Altesino stands proudly among its peers. Its bouquet has a distinct floral character and with delightful notes of pressed rose petals and dried violets. The fruit tones are elegantly and harmoniously pronounced, ranging from bright red cherries to red currants. Firm, well-structured on the palate, the multilayered fruit is accentuated by a refined fennel and liquorice note. Long and monumental on the final, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Already in the aroma firm and compact with a fine complex character, as often rather on the dark red and black berry (cassis, dark cherries) side, in addition earthy and ethereal notes, touch of mint. On the palate very present and again grippy, the ripe fruit is firmly embraced by a fine tannin corset, the fine-limbed acidity embraces the athletic body. This has power and fine draw. Potential." Weinwisser

"This polished red opens with aromas recalling violet, wild berry, forest floor and new leather. On the bright, savory palate, lithe, fine-grained tannins accompany spiced cranberry, pomegranate, blood orange and vanilla before finishing on bitter almond. Fresh acidity keeps it light on its feet." Wine Enthusiast

"One of four estates in Tuscany owned by Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, Altesino counts six vineyard sites throughout Montalcino. They extend from the region's far north all the way to the southeastern corner of Castelnuovo dell'Abate. An assembly of these, the 2016 Brunello has a sunny, fluid Mediterranean character. It is graciously scented with cinnamon, lavender and sage blossom. Traces of orange and leather appear on the palate. Mid-weight with succulent fruit and fresh, ripe tannins, this is almost approachable now but will offer delightful mid-term drinking." Decanter

"Remarkably pretty and poised yet packed full of potential, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino lifts with grace and elegance, showing dusty roses, wild strawberry, white smoke and hints of wet stone. It's silky and refined, with cooling acids and minerals giving way to savory red berries and spice. Energy remains high, even as fine tannins create a classically dry and youthful expression, tapering off to violet florals, mocha and a hint of licorice that seems to linger for well over a minute. This is deceptively drinkable today, yet it has all of the necessary components to gain in weight and complexity over a decade or more of cellaring." Vinous

"Fresh violet, forest-floor and some pear-skin aromas, underneath brambleberries. Fresher style of Brunello. It's medium-bodied with silky tannins and a great balance between fresh-fruit and forest flavors." James Suckling

"Balsamic aromas of wild thyme, juniper, eucalyptus and pine lead off, with cherry and plum fruit at the core. There's latent energy that's restrained for now by the grip of tannins, yet this is lithe and nimble despite the solid structure." Wine Spectator

"Bold cherry, dried raspberry and myrtle add to the intensity and the brightness of the bouquet. The Altesino 2016 Brunello di Montalcino displays a lively and fruit-forward ensemble with an infectious and cheerful sense of energy. This is a tonic and crisp expression of Sangiovese with lifted berry aromas backed by subtle spice, tar and licorice gained over two years of barrel aging." Robert Parker

With the 2016 Brunello, Campogiovanni succeeds in making an extremely successful appearance: dense garnet red with a perfumed bouquet of black fruits, espresso, grilled meat and Asian-like spice aromas. Viscous and concentrated on the palate, and despite its power and expressiveness, it reveals a dedication to elegance and finesse even at a young age. Exceptionally good! SUPERIORE.DE

"Smells intensely of candied black cherries and plums, leather, damp earth, undergrowth, violets and "spicy" spices. In the mouth it is compact, with sturdy but fine-grained tannins, gripping, powerful, but that goes well with the spicy-ethereal (liquorice) underlying fruit." Weinwisser

"Baked plum, dark-spice and forest-floor aromas mingle with whiffs of crushed mint. Fleshy and concentrated, the chewy palate doles out mouthfuls of raspberry jam, licorice and tobacco before an espresso finish. It's already surprisingly accessible, with rounded, fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino from San Felice displays rich black cherry and plum with complements of sweet spice, cedar shavings and cooling mintiness. The textures are silky, ushing in a polished mix of red/black berries laced with salty minerals. It's medium in body and youthfully compact; yet it is also showing a glimpse of what's to come, as inner florals build over notes of licorice and cloves. A web of fine tannins coat all that they touch in youthful poise, as this tapers off with violet inflections. This is a very nice expression of the 2016 vintage form southern Montalcino." Vinous

"This red is intense, featuring incisive aromas of macerated cherry and plum, leather, earth and juniper flavors. A tad rustic, burly tannins line the finish, yet stay fresh and anchored on the fruit component. Shows excellent length." Wine Spectator

"Black-cherry and black-mushroom with bark and mahogany aromas and flavors. It's full-bodied, yet tight and focused with a firm, chewy finish. Give it two or three years to soften." James Suckling

The Brunello di Montalcino 2016 is a stunning creation from an iconic vintage. It was the ideal year for Sangiovese to show its complete and true magic. You can feel the deep inner power and integrity of the fruit, yet the wine opens gently on the nose with elegance and grace. The current release shows amazing complexity with a bouquet that opens gently and subtly to reveal dark cherries, spices, balsamic herb and dried violets. On the palate, the impressions are reflected in an ideally precise and well-proportioned way, accompanied by an inner softness and finesse that completely delighted us. SUPERIORE.DE

"A broad bouquet with ripe red and dark fruits, wild strawberries, cassis and red currants. Behind this, the wood barrel ageing also shows with fine cedar, cloves and dark spices as well as herbs. Rich, almost fleshy palate, with a coarse-meshed tannin network, but of the best quality. Very persistent and substantial on the final." Weinwisser

"Rich, sparkling ruby-garnet. Impressive and present nose, full of ripe plums, cherries and also blackberries, in the background some leather and liquorice. Juicy and firm on the palate, opens with grippy, gripping tannin, profound, has firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Lustrous ruby. Savoury, meaty and brooding. Still quite closed. With aeration stony minerally notes emerge. Bags of sour-cherry and raspberry fruit in perfect balance with the finely chiselled tannins. Mouth-watering, long and focused." Jancis Robinson

"Camphor, new leather, underbrush and blue-flower aromas mingle together in the glass along with a whiff of toasted nut. On the firmly structured palate, assertive, close-grained tannins and an acidic backbone accompany dried cherry, licorice and tobacco." Wine Enthusiast

"A red with blackberry, cherry, some walnut and chocolate, as well as mahogany. Tea, too. It's full-bodied and firm-tannined with beautiful length and depth. Linear and very fine." James Suckling

"Among Montalcino's largest estates, Il Poggione continues to impress in 2016 under father and son winemaking duo, Fabrizio and Alessandro Bindocci. The wine wears its warm, southwestern origins assuredly on its sleeve, exhibiting dark bramble fruit intertwined with baked thyme and rosemary, fragrant wet earth and leather. It is weighty but not weighed down, and sports the grip and zip of the vintage, the lingering finish full of tobacco and spice." Decanter

"The Il Poggione 2016 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a medium dark appearance with pretty Sangiovese shine and a little ruby sparkle. This vintage shows a slightly untamed or wild side with a dense and heavier fruit profile. The focus here is on blackberry, dried cherry, tobacco and even a touch of smoky tobacco or horse saddle. The wine shows the firm grip and tannic backbone that is a common trait in this vintage, especially with the vineyards on this southern, sunlit side of the appellation. I also get a considerable flash of acidity on the close, almost too much, that certainly needs a few more years to soften. You really need to wait with this one." Robert Parker

"This Brunello leads with black cherry, black currant and violet aromas, augmented by flavors of iron, tobacco and spice. Dusty tannins emerge on the lingering finish, while the sweet fruit persists. Should be compelling in a decade." Wine Spectator

"I'm not sure how Il Poggione manages to remain one of the largest producers of Brunello, maintaining such a high level of quality and turning out some of the best wines of the vintage year after year - but they do. The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is yet another stunning example. Depths of mineral-encased black cherries, sage, allspice, licorice, tobacco and crushed violets lift up from the glass. It's seamlessly silky, even as the palate is peppered with tart red and black berries, nervous acids and savory exotic spices. This shows the density and weight of the vintage in a youthfully monolithic stance, yet with all the necessary components to maintain perfect balance. The 2016 Il Poggione seems to fold in upon itself through the finish, which is dark, mysterious and structured, with only hints of black tea and licorice to tempt the imagination. It's a classic in the making." Vinous

The name Poggio al Granchio comes from the small pond in the middle of the vineyard, located under an imposing holm oak and home to some energy-landed freshwater crayfish. It is the area with the highest vineyards on the hill of Montalcino. It is a vineyard that gets the morning sun and is exposed to the strong climatic influence of Monte Amiata (former volcano and sacred mountain of the Etruscans) that rises opposite. This area of Montalcino has rich Galestro soils that are particularly good for Brunello. On Galestro, the Sangiovese becomes mineral and tasty, with silky tannins; on the nose it has notes of ripe fruits of the undergrowth, combined with that unmistakable hint of flint that you can smell right on the slate. On the palate, the wine shows a subtle, elegant but assertive entry and proves tasty and mineral. The Brunello here is dark in colour and has great ageing potential.

Intense ruby red with violet glints. Powerful and sharpened bouquet of fresh cherries, red currants, blackberries, anise and myrtle. On the palate, it has an unmistakably subtle Sangiovese character, the wonderfully fanned primary flavours flanked by long, silky tannins. It has a very tasty and mineral finish that only this region can give to Sangiovese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Open-hearted bouquet with slightly citric notes, à point ripe cherries, wilted red and blue flowers, elderberry, sous-bois and almonds. Juicy with melting-open (cherry) fruit, spicy backdrop. Elegant and with souplesse, velvety, fully mature tannins envelop this modern classic. Potential." Weinwisser

"Sparkling, intense ruby red. Opens with fine spicy notes of sandalwood and liquorice, some star anise, then lots of plum. Grippy, dense tannin characterises the palate, deep and earthy, slightly balsamic notes, firm pressure and long finish." Falstaff

"Smudgy ruby. Taut and zesty, with more tension than on the straight Brunello. Really tight but everything in place. Needs more time." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas of roasted coffee bean, licorice and menthol form the nose along with hints of rose petal. Full bodied and elegantly structured, the smooth, enveloping palate features sour cherry, blood orange, espresso, star anise and toasted hazelnut set against tightly knit, fine-grained tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"A dusty and mineral start to this, followed by dried lavender, smoke and truffle. It's full-bodied and juicy with a wealth of ripe cherries, wild strawberries and lemon peel. Ripe tannins. Tight and polished." James Suckling

"The Poggio al Granchio vineyard lies on schistous or 'galestro' soil, which accounts for this Brunello's iron-tinged, meaty succulence. The tannins have an engaging thickness, plumping up the fruit without colonising it, allowing the flinty flavours typical of this vineyard full play." Decanter

"Black currant, cherry and plum flavors abound in this red, accented by licorice, tar, menthol, iron and tobacco notes. Pure, detailed and harmonious, with spice and mineral elements lingering on the long aftertaste. Almost approachable now, but better in three to five years." Wine Spectator

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Granchio is a dark and rich expression of earth and black fruits, laced with crushed stone minerality and hints of sour citrus. There are depths of silky textures here yet also a lifted and cooling feel to the expression, giving way to zesty wild berries, savory spice, mint and inner florals. It's classically structured and showing only a glimpse of what's to come after time in the cellar, leaving an impression of poise and purity. The Poggio al Granchio is a gorgeous expression of the vintage, hailing from the Southeast of Montalcino and refined entirely in large Slavonian oak. Tasted twice with consistent results." Vinous

Brilliant ruby red, in the nose a fully ripe berry bouquet with warm spice, mushroom and cocoa notes. Rich and juicy on the palate with sweet oak wood and lush fruit. Ravera Riserva 2012 culminates in a firm finish, in which the ripe fruit and polished tannins are once again evident. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. Intense, very typical Nebbiolo scent of the fine kind, fragrant cherry shades, especially wild cherry, in addition sweet tobacco, earthy notes, rose petals and liquorice. Very elegant palate, incredibly juicy with sweet spices and dried red berries. Despite its strength, it shows a certain refinement with silky tannins, piquant acidity and delicate astringency, which gives the wine a peppery freshness and animation. A racy ravera!" Weinwisser

"Mid ruby with orange tinges. Perfumed cherry and sweet raspberry with malty notes ad wet, dark earth and spice - perhaps this has seen a little new oak? full sour cherry palate completely filling out the palate, but still a little embryonic. Lots of polished coating tannins framing the ripe, supple fruit. Can already be approached, but a steak should be taken into account. Jancis Robinson

"Aromas of fresh mushrooms, blueberries and plums with orange peel follow through to a full body with layers of ripe tannins and fruit A long and flavorful finish. Loads going on here still. Just starting to come around." James Suckling