Wine Enthusiast

This Nebbiolo comes from one of the best vineyards in the Roero and is vinified by Luciano Sandrone with the same care as a Barolo. Brilliant ruby-garnet colour. Wonderful aroma of light red fruit, mainly raspberry and cherry. Earthy on the palate with a lovely strawberry touch and an incredible amount of elegance. The fine-grained tannin is wonderfully integrated and, together with a subtle minerality, gives this Nebbiolo a race and finesse that is unrivalled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium bright ruby red with garnet red reflections. On the nose, juicy cherry, raspberry, violet and a slightly leathery note. Juicy, almost salty on the palate, with a beautiful fruit centre, tightly woven tannins, still youthful." Falstaff

"It is flavourful and red-fruity with citrus and hibiscus notes. Medium-bodied and crisp with a chalky texture and a lively, mineral finish." James Suckling

"The Valmaggiore from Sandrone is a benchmark wine. In this vintage, the wine leaps from the glass with aromas of macerated raspberries, tea leaves, sweet and savoury spices, rosebuds and wild herbs. The structured palate opens with ripe cherries dusted with allspice and cloves, then develops into savoury and earthy notes surrounded by fine and firm tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore is a serious wine that needs time in the cellar to be at its best. It shows the lighter style of Nebbiolo from Roero, but with all the elements dialed up. I especially admire its mid-palate depth and overall resonance. Succulent red cherry, white pepper, cedar, mint and orange peel all take shape in this super-expressive Barolo." Vinous

G.D. Vajra's Ravera (whose site straddles the municipalities of Novello and Barolo) is always the most angular, powerful and vertical of their collection. It comes from soils with clay and sandstone at 320 to 340 metres above sea level. This is the ideal place for wines that show both power and elegance. The tannins are sweet, but every fibre of the backbone is dense and firm. Red and purple fruits with liquorice, tar and white truffle are neatly packed here, revealing themselves only gradually but then with beautiful precision and straightforwardness. The final has a wonderfully long reverberation, great! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, radiant ruby red with a lightening rim. Expressive on the nose, of wild berries, elderberries, also floral, then eucalyptus, plus noble spice, of black tea on the final. On the palate compact, juicy, with dense tannin, comes in several layers, energetic, salty in the final." Falstaff

"Lustrous mid ruby. Subtle, fragrant and concentrated and with fantastic depth and earthy minerally notes. Cherry and raspberry fruit with a hint of damson. Richly tannic adding chew to the juicy elegant fruit. On the finish, quite a bit of tannins that still need to integrate into the very long fruit finish. Compact and pithy." Jancis Robinson

"High-toned vanilla notes tie in with blue fruit purity. Rich and weighty with layers of fresh strawberries, raspberries, dried tobaccos, leather and earthy notes on the palate." Decanter

"This focused, fragrant red offers aromas of woodland berry, new leather, wild herb and pipe tobacco. The linear palate exhibits dried cherry, mocha and toasted nut set against close-grained tannins that leave a drying finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Rich, ripe mixed berries and perfumed bark on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with some lightly firm tannin giving support to the fruit. Has a promising core. Give it a while to broaden out." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo Ravera is a powerful, tightly wound wine. Gravel, smoke, cured meats, spice, leather, tobacco and menthol emerge, but only with quite a bit of reticence. This deceptively mid-weight Barolo has a good bit of brawn." Vinous

"Seamlessly stitched together, the G.D. Vajra 2018 Barolo Ravera reveals tight layering and smooth texture. Fruit comes from an amphitheater of vines with Tortoniana epoch sandstone clay that is typical of parts of Barolo and Novello. What stands out here is the mineral character of the wine. It frames a dark core of plum, dark cherry and soft spice." Wine Advocate

The excellent Cabernet-Merlot blend Giusto di Notri is a concentrated wine with an intense, rich flavour. A perfectly balanced bouquet of blackberry, blackcurrant and fine herbal spice. Compact on the palate with a well-tempered balance between fruit and oak, plus a distinctive tannin, promising and powerful in the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"A concentrated, supple red that offers flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, iron, earth and roasted spices. Although supported by a backbone of firm, dense tannins, it remains balanced and long in its youthful style. Give this wine another two to three years in the cellar." Wine Spectator

"Powerful, bright ruby red colour. Clear and precise fruit, some tobacco and leather up front, then lots of dark berry fruit. Full-bodied and rich on the palate, shows lots of fine-meshed tannins, firm pressure, some liquorice, lots of cassis, very long finish." Falstaff

"The nose offers seemingly infinite layers, first showing tiny wild blueberries and mulberries, then violets and peonies, then a soft, soothing earth element comes in, with a final tangy, peppery aroma. On the palate, sweeter, darker berries spar with continued astringent notes, while silky tannins blanket everything with the distinctive mouthfeel of Tua Rita." Wine Enthusiast

"Lots of incense in the aromas with sandalwood and lavender. Also blackcurrants, blackberries and fresh herbs. Full-bodied and very rich, with a powerful, structured mid palate and a long, long finish. A wine for the future. Try it after 2026." James Suckling

"The 2020 Giusto di Notri is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot and is a ripe, powerful and generous wine. The DNA of the wine has changed slightly over the years to favour Cabernet Franc (at a higher percentage) over Merlot, which has dropped from a previous high of around 35% to 40% of the blend a decade ago. What I like about this wine is that it offers an elegant, almost understated interpretation of a hot and dry vintage. The tannins are particularly well integrated in this situation." Wine Advocate

The world-famous Caiarossa is an extremely exciting blend of the Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Alicante varieties, with the rich, dark fruit flavours of the Cabernet grapes taking centre stage. On the nose, a beautiful first wave of dark fruits that never appear too ripe, which greatly benefits the elegance of the wine. The palate is very balanced and focussed with blackberries, cassis and slight hints of salty or rusty minerals. Caiarossa displays a good degree of elegance, not least due to its fine and taut tannins, and despite its density and complexity never comes across as opulent or even overloaded. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, rich colour. Sweet, intense and savoury, the Caiarossa 2020 has a deep and generous aroma, with lots of Cabernet character and a little Syrah fragrance. Rich, sweet, raisiny style. Melting, round and velvety in the mouth, its dense tannins remain present for a long time, as it does not have the aromatic richness of the past two years. It seems a little hollow in the centre, yet it has a lovely texture on the tongue, is long and spicy, racy and has lively acidity. Due to its great diversity of grape varieties, it has an extraordinary complexity, yet it is somewhat less rich and sweet than expected. Still has room for improvement!" Weinwisser

"Dark ruby red colour with fine violet reflections. Fine spice on the nose, cheese rind, cassis, blackberry, some mint, plus fine earthy tones and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate with a creamy entry and progression, dense and tightly meshed, shows juicy tannins, spans a wide arc, comes back again and again juicy and powerful, long." Falstaff

"Very dark, impenetrable purple red colour. Elevated nose of black forest fruits with a pinch of oak and a hint of damson plum. Supple black forest fruits and raspberries and just enough acidity to keep the overall tension. More medium-bodied than full-bodied. Long, fine-grained tannins that are a little bitter and noticeable on the finish, but this will improve with further bottle age." Jancis Robinson

"Offers a combination of blackcurrant, blackberry and clay flavours, with hints of iron and tobacco, supported by dense tannins that leave a burr on the finish." Wine Spectator

"On the nose, dark fruits and berries are balanced with the fresh lightness of white pepper, mint and eucalyptus. On the palate, notes of vanilla and dark chocolate emphasise the juicy breadth of the fruit, but a sharp, peppery finish provides a thought-provoking contrast and leads to a meditative finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The Caiarossa 2020 Caiarossa is one of the Italian wines closest to Bordeaux both in DNA (the estate is French-owned) and winemaking. This is a full-bodied red with a bold and very exuberant personality. There is balance and depth with plenty of purple and black fruits, spice and oak toast to add dimension and complexity." Wine Advocate

"Fragrant herbs and warm, sun-kissed black fruit on the nose - no wonder, as it was the warmest summer since 1800, but with plenty of rain in June and late August, which allowed the grapes to ripen well. It smells of baked blackcurrants and roses. It is supple and rich, generous and filling, with wonderfully plump but also quite defined tannins that give it structure and tension. The fruit is tangy and ripe, and the acidity creates a tension between sharpness and ripeness. The wine is round, direct and forward, it has energy and structure, and I love the freshness that lingers on the tongue. Well executed with plenty of perfume and a mineral, stony grip on the finish alongside dried herbs and liquorice spice. A delicious Tuscan wine with a French flair." Decanter

"Aromatic with dried cherries and plum skins as well as spiced chocolate, lilac, walnut shell and nutmeg. Also some wet stones. The palate is full, structured and broad with super-fine tannins. It is powerful but not heavy with freshness and crispness. It shows intensity and richness. Give it time." James Suckling

"The 2020 Caiarossa is the best wine I've tasted from this estate in some time, perhaps ever. Rich, deep and yet not at all heavy, the 2020 offers an exotic blend of dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, liquorice, new leather and incense. All the elements are so beautifully balanced." Vinous

Capitel Monte Olmi 2017 takes things to another level. It coats the glass with a deep purple glow and exudes a dark and seductive bouquet of redcurrants, sultanas, black liquorice and a hint of spiced citrus. The deep, velvety texture is complemented by juicy acids and tart red fruits that drench everything they touch, leaving a complex layer of savoury spices, minerals and fine tannins. This wine is structured, long and full of character, but with a balance that will carry it for many years in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, shiny ruby red with garnet reflections. Very intense aromas of blueberry, black elderberry, ripe plum, sandalwood, chocolate and tobacco leaf on the nose. Powerful and very fruity on the palate, delicately spicy and dense, with fine tannins, very balanced final with great drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Blackberry pie, sweet and savoury spices, woody herbs and violets swirl in the glass. In the mouth, it's lush and creamy, with cooked plums and black cherries on the mid-palate accompanied by anise, clove and pepper, finishing with fine tannins and bright acidity. The wine shows the 2017 vintage with its concentrated richness, but there is enough acidity to hold the wine together." Wine Enthusiast

"It starts with oak aromas on the nose, but as soon as you put the wine in your mouth, the bright dried berries begin to unfold and soak up the oak flavours, leading to a full-bodied, long and balanced finish. Although the flavour spectrum is not particularly complex at this stage, this wine is well-structured and already approachable. But Amarone fans will certainly want to cellar this wine, as the enormous ageing potential is obvious from the first sip." James Suckling

"The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Capitel Monte Olmi is youthfully coy, slowly blossoming with swirling to reveal notes of cocoa, clove, lavender and dried black cherries. Creamy and seamlessly silky, this soothes the palate with its cooling acidity as masses of ripe red and blue fruits slowly saturate. A bitter tinge of dark chocolate lingers along with a tart berry concentration, all framed by crunchy tannins. This is an excellent effort for this warm and dry vintage. Its balance is spot on." Vinous

"One of the most traditional wineries in Valpolicella, ancient wisdom combined with modern intuition. A Riserva made from Corvina, Rondinone, Rondinella and other red grapes, taut on the nose with notes of laurel and eucalyptus, fresh, dense and deep on the palate, with a spicy-salty finish." Luca Gardini

Mineral and delicate Friulano, on the nose grapefruit, peach, white pepper, figs and bananas. Then deep and complex on the palate with further appetising flavours of tropical fruits, apricots and hazelnuts. Very long and with its salty swing great as every year! SUPERIORE.DE

"Golden pale yellow; fruity, elderflower, appealing; powerful, intensely fruity, nettle, round, delicate, very pleasant." Merum

"Sometimes you can just smell "beautiful", and this is one of those cases. Wafting, almost lacy aromas of white peach, apricot and Fuji apples dance from the glass. Hints of wet river rock and fresh herbs emerge as the wine opens. On the palate, the wine focuses on perfectly ripe stone fruit, wild flowers and crushed rock. Balanced acidity ensures that the wine gains momentum with every sip." Wine Enthusiast

"The Friulano 2021 is youthfully unobtrusive with a pretty bouquet that mixes lemon peel with mint and nuances of crushed rock. It washes over the palate with a tense mix of citrusy acids and salty minerals, while a core of tropical melon develops towards the end. The 2021 finishes on a more delicate note, but long and with pretty inner flowers still lingering. The beautiful balance and underlying power of this wine will ensure it ages beautifully in bottle. The best is yet to come." Vinous

"White peaches and cooked apples with undertones of flint and matches. Also some iron filings. Full-bodied but compact, dense and fresh. Very mineral, with undertones of dried peach, citrus and minerals and a bright finish. Very solid." James Suckling

In the Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni, all the elements of a wine full of character multiply exponentially: room-filling aromas of sweet berries, perfectly integrated wood tones, a cornucopia of ripe fruit on the palate, powerful and sensual. Caprai's top wine, which gives incredible pleasure and must be aerated for 3-4 hours when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe dark berries, chocolate, sweet spices, charred bark, walnuts and a hint of tar on the nose. Full and intense with depth and persistence in the fruit and firm, slightly chewy tannins. Long lasting and earthy finish." James Suckling

"A rich, medium to full-bodied red with a fragrant thread of chopped marjoram, orange peel and spice box that winds through concentrated flavours of reduced cherries, damson jam, red liquorice and tarry minerals. Firm and chewy, but balanced overall, with a tightly wound, well-spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"This darkly coloured wine opens with rich aromas of preserved blackberry, preserves, pepper and clove with a hint of violet. The powerful palate is layered with black plums, dried herbs, baking spices and forest floor, all framed by classically firm Sagrantino tannins and finishing with balanced acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"24 months in barriques for the 'definitive' Sagrantino, the culmination of years of research: sour cherry, balsamic notes and star anise, with a hint of wild iris, dense, juicy, savoury on the palate, with notes of undergrowth, black fruits and sweet spices." Luca Gardini

"Rich ruby red with a garnet-red rim. Intense and multi-layered on the nose, with notes of ripe blackberries and Amarena cherries, echoes of violets, dark chocolate and malt, slightly ethereal. Powerful but well-integrated tannins on the palate, builds up in a multi-layered way with a very long final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni is imposing, buzzing with a dark mix of dried black cherries, crushed plums, sage, allspice and sweet mint. The texture is exciting, velvety yet cool, weighty yet tangy, washing over the palate with polished red and black fruits and slowly building black tea tannins. An abundance of spice, tobacco and blood orange nuances linger on the finish with tremendous length and concentration. The balance is absolutely fantastic. This is a breathtaking achievement." Vinous

Here comes the debut vintage of Barbara Widmer's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. It is vinified from the estate's best Sangiovese grapes, all of which come from clay soils at an altitude of about 200 metres. Complex and very aromatic bouquet with notes of red fruits, herbs, leather, liquorice, rounded off by a fine toasted note. Multilayered and radiant on the palate, never opulent or broad, the well-balanced tannins lead it into a deep and refined finish. Brancaia's Gran Selezione combines the unmistakably aristocratic style of a single-varietal Sangiovese with impressive elegance, even at a young age. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. Bright ruby red with a gently lightening rim. In the nose at first fine leather-spicy, then after pepper and malt, in the reverberation fine fruit nuances. On the palate radiant, very fruity with fine salty notes in the undertone, shows good pressure, at the same time very elegant and finesse-rich, lingers long." Falstaff

"Made entirely with Sangiovese, this opens with aromas of violet, mocha and underbrush. The full-bodied, balanced palate offers Marasca cherry, cinnamon and tobacco alongside fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Round and solidly built, providing support for cherry, plum, earth and woodsy underbrush notes. Starts out juicy, turning dry and leaving a tactile impression on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Introducing the first-ever Gran Selezione from Brancaia, and making an impressive debut, the organic 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is all Sangiovese fermented with spontaneous yeasts and submitted to a careful 18 months of oak aging. Barbara Widmer and her team hit the right chords in terms of balance, clarity of flavors and intensity. There is a crunchy side to the wine that you only ever taste in the most expertly made Sangiovese-based wines. Freshness abounds with floral aromas, tart fruit and cherry." Wine Advocate

Dark, bright ruby with garnet colour. Pure power of aromas, dense and complex with notes of black cherries, smoked ham, savoury herbs, tobacco, liquorice and many other nuances. Equally fascinating on the palate, firm tannins, impressive complexity and depth with noticeable potential for ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose opens with savory notes of tar, topsoil and balsamic vinegar before a bracingly fresh burst of wild fennel and mint. Fresh, crisp red fruit on the palate has a chocolaty undertone with more tar and crushed rock for a mineral edge, emphasized by tightly coiled tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Discreet flavours of undergrowth and damp earth mingle with tea, tobacco and thyme. The wine is round and flattering and envelops the palate. As it expands, it reveals its power. The dry tannins at the edges should soften with time, but it is still immediately inviting." Decanter

"It is spicy and racy with dark cherries, redcurrants, savoury herbs, walnuts and sandalwood. Medium to full-bodied with ripe, powdery tannins, juicy acidity and a mineral backbone on the palate. Bright and fruity on the finish." James Suckling

"A supple red with a firm grip wrapped around dark flavours of black cherry, blueberry and earth. Lively, with a slight burr to the chalky tannins on the ferrous finish." Wine Spectator

"The San Felice 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio is characterised by its velvety richness and expressive flavour profile. The wine offers a measured intensity with bright purple and black fruits, a good sense of energy and dynamism and a certain lingering spiciness on the finish. It is rich but not heavy." Wine Advocate

"Cranberry in the mouth, nuances of pepper leaves and liquorice. The mouthfeel is savoury, sour cherry comeback." Luca Gardini

The second vintage of the red counterpart to Didacus Chardonnay impressively reflects the Planeta family's vision: elegance and tradition, family and future. This 100% Cabernet Franc comes from vines over 20 years old, planted by Diego Planeta, and is simply stunning, delicious and unforgettable. Outstanding aromas of sensual dark fruits, some leather and tobacco. Explosive, penetrating and powerful on the palate, but at the same time seamless and silky smooth. The tannin management is excellent. This is a wine to keep in the cellar - provided you have a certain amount of self-control. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Cabernet Franc Didacus is dark, deep and intense, with vaulted blue flowers giving way to an abundance of redcurrant, plum and liquorice. It is silky with a dense wave of mineral black fruit supported by a core of motivating acidity that lifts the expression beautifully. Leaving behind tart wild berries and a hint of mocha on a layer of sweet tannins, it comes across as structured but also remarkably fresh. The heat of the vintage pushed up the volume of the 2017 Cabernet Franc Didacus, and while more classic vintages will likely overtake it in the cellar over time, the balance here is beautiful." Vinous

"Intense aromas of pepper on the nose - from red bell to cracked black pepper - join raw meat with macerated cherries and crushed stones. The palate has more cherries and strawberries with roasted peppers and unmistakeably Sicilian tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"An elegant red, medium- to full-bodied and tightly meshed, with a sense of restraint to the integration of sculpted tannins, revealing aromas and flavors of cassis, black tea leaf, fig cake and iron. Long and fresh, expanding on the creamy palate and showing good potential for the cellar." Wine Spectator

Medium-bodied ruby red, fine rose bouquet with hints of tea and dried herbs. Beautiful black cherry aroma with well-integrated wood notes makes it a balanced and at no point intrusive wine. The 2019 climate also gave this Nebbiolo an impressive precision and straightness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium red, spicy, some fruit, appealing; fluid, juicy, good depth, caramel, length, pleasant astringency, pleases." Merum

"Wonderful representative that combines power and finesse, in addition has good inner tension and density and works harmoniously from A-Z, shows classic fruit notes, stays long and gives a lot of pleasure and enjoyment." Weinwisser

"Just mid ruby. Impressive, deep red-fruit nose with savoury spice touches. Full fruit on the palate kept in check by lots of hefty tannins. There is an abundance of everything, but the whole remains elegant and well balanced. Pure raspberry fruit finish." Jancis Robinson

"Lovely concentration of red fruit with some currants and strawberries. Very fruity for the vintage. Full-bodied with round, polished tannins and a chewy finish. It’s a very typical Barbaresco, with solid concentration for the vintage." James Suckling

"Packaged in its distinctive black label, the Fontanabianca 2019 Barbaresco Serraboella is a subdued, graceful and incredibly silky wine that falls softly over the palate and caresses the senses. There is a lot of beauty here with red fruit aromas, powdered licorice, raspberry tart and plenty of blue flower or lilac. I love the fine texture of the mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of new leather, menthol, licorice and dark-skinned berry shape the nose on this perfumed red. Juicy and savory, the radiant palate delivers succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and cinnamon set against a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins. It's vibrant, balanced and youthfully tense, with nervous acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Deep, bright ruby red in colour. This 100% Nero d'Avola is a captivating wine with its full-bodied, fruity and spicy aroma of blackcurrants, cherries, undergrowth, liquorice and dark chocolate. The soft but firm, multi-layered and warm flavour of ripe berries, the fine spice and the fine tannins are very appealing. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is a well-made Nero d'Avola with a purity and freshness in its ripe character of red and black berries and cherries. Intense and savoury, with tangy acidity, it shows juicy cherries and black fruits along with notes of chocolate and balsamic and mouth-coating tannins. Full and rich in fruit, but quite vertical in style, it is a lively and storable example of what can be achieved with this typical Sicilian grape." Decanter

"The 2020 Santa Cecilia, a single varietal Nero d'Avola, rises from the glass with a dark and brooding blend of crushed plums, cloves, stone dust and a hint of camphor. It's round and supple with juicy acidity that retains a lovely energy, and bright red and blue fruits cascade across the palate. The 2020 finishes with a bitter touch of savoury spice and a hint of sour citrus, while a layer of fine tannins lingers. The 2020 is a very beautiful and balanced wine for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Bright and fragrant, with a lush creaminess that carries flavours of strawberry jam, dried cherries, tar, tea roses and singed orange peel. Well-spiced and minerally, with slightly chalky tannins that provide fine definition." Wine Spectator

"The Santa Cecilia 2020 is one of Sicily's iconic wines, a Nero d'Avola clothed in elegance and precision. The wine is softly structured and multi-layered with dark fruits, black cherries, spices and sweet tobacco. The Santa Cecilia takes a classic approach with a balance between generous fruit and carefully managed oak." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberries, flowers and dark earth with a hint of fresh black mushrooms. Medium to full body with round and creamy tannins and a delicious undertone. Just a hint of vanilla bean underneath the fruit." James Suckling

"The nose starts bubbly and sweet, with aromas of black plums, cherry and vanilla, then turns savory but still crackly, with notes of pencil shavings, pepper, graphite and leather. The palate doubles back toward juicy fruit with figs and more plums, then shifts again toward that sanguine earthiness, but textured tannins and almost silky acid unify the whole." Wine Enthusiast

Deep dark ruby-purple colour. On the nose, cassis, blackcurrants and a strong herbal spice with a good dose of pipe tobacco, tar and crushed gravel. On the palate, dark berries, chocolate and a cornucopia of herbs define the full-bodied palate. This juicy wine monument has precisely integrated tannins, an enormous silkiness and an almost endless finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, intense colour. Rich, sweet and chocolaty, the Oreno smells of rum pot and shows a beautiful fullness, yet the wood shines through a little, as the core flavour is still underdeveloped. Sweet, broad and compact, it appears in the mouth with a lot of substance and core, with an equally concentrated centre. The powerful tannins are arranged in a straightforward manner, accompanied by a fine woody shimmer and good texture." Weinwisser

"A juicy red characterised by blueberries, boysenberries, cassis, wild herbs and oak spices. It shows a range of dusty tannins that have a firm grip on the compact finish, but it has freshness, plenty of fruit and persistence." Wine Spectator

"Fruity, floral aromas of dried cherries, raspberries and violets on the nose segue into spicy notes of pencil shavings and hot tar, before more mixed berries overlay spicy, earthy notes on the palate, with a hint of orange pith providing astringency on the long, umami-rich finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2021 Oreno richly concentrated aromas to match. You get black fruit, toasted barbecue spice, mahogany and smoke. There are pronounced herbal notes with grilled sage and rosemary. This wine definitely embraces a full-bodied, old-school style that is heavily influenced by Bordeaux." Wine Advocate

"The 2021 Oreno is great. In fact, the 2021 is one of the best Orenos I can remember tasting. Aromatic, rich and deep, with tonnes of textural resonance, the 2021 has so much to offer. Scents of tobacco, espresso, spice, new leather and spice open up first, leading to waves of dark, resonant fruit that build over time. Impressive. This is a particularly heady, flamboyant Tuscan red wine. A style that works very well in 2021." Vinous

"Dark blackberry fruit and intense floral and spicy aromas, liquorice and olives with nuances of blueberries and roses. The tannins are grippy but give direction rather than being heavy or broad. On the palate, it remains quite straightforward, persistently in line from start to finish. I love the juiciness, the strawberry juice with herbal accents and clean, ferruginous minerality that comes across as slightly tangy and savoury on the finish, lingering with a zesty olive note." Decanter

"Bright ruby violet colour. Opens with an elegant nose, notes of elderberries, chocolate, stewed blackberries, some liquorice. Present on the palate, with nerve, grippy but very energetic, clean tannins, full-bodied, long, juicy finish lasting many minutes." Falstaff

"Blackcurrants and black cherries with beautiful flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that give the wine focus and tension. Pretty and balanced. A little shy now." James Suckling

"Unique location, south-facing vineyards in the river basin of the same name. Taut nose, blackberry, eucalyptus, pink pepper and capers, peony and balsamic finish. Dense on the palate, crisp, spicy tannins, fresh citrus flavours with a long, drinkable finish." Luca Gardini

Michele Chiarlo's Barbaresco Faset offers a high degree of intensity and balance. Its bouquet shows wild berries and cassis with sophisticated background notes of tar, smoke and dark spices. It is a silky expression of the grape variety with a long and very convincing finish. Be patient and give it another 3-5 years to give it the time it needs to integrate and balance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very attractive with dried cherries and raspberries as well as dried roses, nutshell and spice box. Medium body. Lively and dynamic palate with compact tannins that have a velvety texture. Long and concentrated with an attractive fruit character." James Suckling

"The Michele Chiarlo 2020 Barbaresco Faset offers a pretty ensemble of wild berry or raspberry flavours with rose, lavender bud, light cinnamon stick and liquorice root. These different elements are well integrated and balanced, and are gently revealed over a polished, mid-weight mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"Pure and vibrant aromas of cranberry and wild strawberry lift from the glass as hints of thyme, forest floor and crushed chalk slowly surface. The palate's core is defined by the electric and vivid wild red-fruit flavors that zoom in and out of focus as savory and earth elements provide counterbalance while superfine tannins hold the wine together, finishing with a charm and finesse." Wine Enthusiast

Barolo Ravera comes from a single vineyard with vines that are almost 50 years old. In the glass, it impresses with a strong, aromatic opening flavour. Bright, precise and finely chiselled, the Ravera captures everything good that the vintage has to offer. Cherry, sweet mint, candy and expressive floral notes are given an extra kick of inner sweetness by Ravera's natural energy. There is so much to look forward to as the wine develops over the next few years! SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, deep ruby red colour. Stunning raspberry nose with a hint of crushed blackcurrant. Smooth but still a little austere with super long, muscular tannins that are still a little restless. Perfect balance between fruit and supple acidity. Enormous length without being heavy. Not yet ripe." Jancis Robinson

"Extremely engaging bouquet of red berries, leather and tobacco; juicy on the palate, the tannins are well integrated, ending on an inspiringly complex note of fruit, herbs and hot stone. A seducer that should be enjoyed with food." Vinum

"The 2019 Barolo Ravera combines finesse with the energy that is typical of all wines from this part of the appellation. Tasted alongside the 2018, it has a wonderful inner sweetness and a captivating perfume that matches its medium-weight personality. Candy sugar, blood orange, mint, iron, spices and dried flowers open up in the glass. Again, the tannins are admirably balanced for a young Ravera Barolo." Vinous

"There is a lot in this complex red wine. In addition to flavours of cherries, strawberries, earth, spices and iron, there are also hints of menthol and tobacco. Harmonious, with a long, resonant finish that reflects both the fruit and the spicy notes." Wine Spectator

"Bright ruby-garnet colour, shiny. Red peach, mint and raspberry on the nose, with fine floral notes, multi-layered and complex, inviting. On the palate with polished fruit and supple tannins, very elegant, comes in many layers, with a long salty finish." Falstaff

"The bouquet is a heady palette of essential oils of orange peel, peach kernel and sweet violets, with some foliage and cinnamon candy. This sweetness of flavours is enveloped by youthful and grainy, yet velvety and elegant tannins, which are combined with the crisp, if not piquant, acidity of Ravera. A wine rich in extracts, where the power is emphasised by its freshness, with a very precise finish." Decanter

"The tannins are pure and long, of a steely and muscular nature, but well integrated. Full and toned. This is a wine for the cellar, already showing beautiful floral and blue fruit flavours. Drink it after 2029." James Suckling

"This wine opens the window to one of the best cru sites in the appellation - the Ravera vineyard on the Novello side, where steep hills descend from a castle perched on a beautiful panorama. From this vantage point, you can see Novello and the Elvio Cogno winery, which is located halfway up the slope. The Barolo Ravera 2019 benefits from this special location and represents a broader network of selected fruit from the entire vineyard of the estate. As a result, the Ravera often displays a particular versatility and depth. The 2019 vintage offers wild berries, blackcurrants, tart fruit, iodine and campfire ash. It is on the darker and more concentrated side of the Barolo spectrum." Wine Advocate

"Crushed raspberries and sour cherries lift from the glass, with hints of rosebud, thyme and leather. The elegant palate showcases proper tannin management with supple tannin, and vibrant acidity creating an elegant profile. The palate continues with notes of red nectarine, macerated raspberries and crushed stones that are all additive as the wine will continue to develop with time in the cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"From the famous Novello vineyard, a Barolo with temperament and character. On the nose, freshness, nectarine, white melon, then bay leaf and finally nuances of nutmeg. On the palate, sensations of blood orange, salty, tense and shaking, with a recurring fruit." Luca Gardini

The Carménère grape, which is hardly ever found in Italy and is normally found in the Médoc, is reinterpreted in a masterly way at Tenuta San Leonardo. Deep, dark ruby red, with a broad-shouldered bouquet of dark fruit and very harmonious spice. The barely noticeable acidity makes it round on the palate, silky smooth and extremely long and elegant. With this single-varietal red, too, the winery impressively demonstrates its lone class in the region. SUPERIORE.DE

"This medium- to full-bodied red feels almost effortlessly integrated, with fine-grained tannins and an underlying tar-tinged minerality framing woven flavors of ripe black currant, herbed black olive, ground coffee and loamy earth. Long, creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Carménère is darkly floral and intense, displaying mentholated herbs, peppery florals, blackberries and mint. This is pure elegance on the palate, soothingly soft and expressive, with ripe red and black fruits underscored by savory mineral tones and vibrant acidity that maintains a lovely energy throughout. It finishes remarkably fresh with a gentle tug of tannins, leaving licorice and violet inner florals to fade. The 2018 is a darling, impressing on its elegance and grace. There was no 2017 produced due to the low quantities of the vintage." Vinous

"This unique and delicious 100% Carmenère from the mountains of Alto Adige opens with aromas of dark cherry, black plum and cassis. As the wine opens it offers notes of black tea, dried mountain herbs and tobacco. The palate showcases the structure of the grape with opulent fruit that is hemmed in by ripe tannins, finishing with notes of baking spice and bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Black cherries, cigar box, haw fruit, oriental herbs, black pepper, roasted red chili pepper and tapenade on the nose. A hint of savory cocoa powder, too. Juicy and very fresh on the medium-bodied palate with firm, fresh tannins and a long, peppery finish. Racy, cool and energetic. Very drinkable." James Suckling

Michele Chiarlo's Barbaresco Asili comes from vines that are around 30 years old and has a fragrant bouquet with bright and fresh aromas of wild cherry, blackcurrant, raspberry, blue flowers and crushed stone. This vintage shows a level of energy and vitality that makes it stand out from the crowd, and the wine is elegant and silky in texture. This is a particularly soft and polished expression of the famous Asili vineyard in Barbaresco. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is very fresh and racy with red and blue berries, crushed violets, lavender and walnuts. It is medium-bodied, structured and fleshy with solid tannins that are ripe and velvety, yet give the wine a firm backbone. The fruit is lively and pronounced with lots of floral and spicy notes." James Suckling

"The Michele Chiarlo 2020 Barbaresco Asili comes from one of the most famous vineyards in the appellation and offers more flavour and depth alongside the Barbaresco Faset. The two wines complement each other very well, with the Faset showing more primary fruit and the Asili more texture." Wine Advocate

"The beauty of the Chiarlo Barbarescos is how they coax such beautiful aromas out of their wines, and this wine is no exception with captivating aromas of Marasca cherries, macerated raspberries, wild rose and bay leaf. Pristine flavors of wild red-berry preserves, sweet tea and cedar finishing with elegant tannins and crisp acidity." Wine Enthusiast

G.D. Vajra's Ravera (whose vineyard extends over the municipalities of Novello and Barolo) is always the most angular, powerful and vertical of their collection. It comes from soils with clay and sandstone at 320 to 340 metres above sea level. This is the ideal place for wines that show both power and elegance. The tannins are sweet, but every fibre of the backbone is dense and firm. Red and purple fruits with liquorice, tar and white truffle are neatly packaged here and only reveal themselves gradually, but then with beautiful precision and straightforwardness. The final has a wonderfully long aftertaste, superb! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby garnet colour. On the nose, juicy raspberries, oranges, wet stone, reminiscent of black tea, fine notes of undergrowth on the finish. Hearty, polished and tightly woven on the palate, showing radiant fruit in the centre, elegant and profound, with great Nebbiolo finesse on the finish." Falstaff

"A tight-knit wine with a powerful, bittersweet juiciness on the palate, enveloped by broad, powerful and mineral tannins. It smells like an abandoned quarry in the first milky-iron light of a winter morning. Tannins that feel like super-fine sandpaper. Darjeeling tea and chestnuts, sour cherry, crushed green caraway leaves. The finish is compact, dry and redcurrant flavoured." Jancis Robinson

"Pretty fruit with subtlety and verve. Flowers and hibiscus tea with orange peel and berries. Medium body. Fine tannins and a fresh finish." James Suckling

"Dark berries, black cherries, balsamic and spicy raspberries rise from the glass, while in the glass the attack of raspberries and pomegranate is characterised by a very high, fresh acidity that slowly reveals a powerful but vertical palate of stony black fruits laced with incisive red berries. The tannins are very fine and round, giving this energetic and lively expression of Nebbiolo a noble character that lasts well into the evening." Decanter

"There is plenty of latent fruit in the form of cherry, raspberry and plum, as well as floral, tar, mineral and underbrush flavours in this graceful and complex red wine that is rich, balanced and long, with well-integrated tannins that intermingle with the ripe fruit notes." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Ravera 2019 smells of red fruits, mint, chalk, white pepper and orange peel. A Barolo full of tension and energy, the 2019 is intensely bright and savoury to the core. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle any time soon. This is a particularly taut style, even for Vajra." Vinous

"The nose has notes of red raspberries, then eucalyptus, iodine nuances and closes with pink grapefruit peel hints. The mouthfeel is savory, with a fruity-citrus return and tannins perfectly integrated into the texture." Luca Gardini

"Aromas of fresh and macerated black cherries, mixed with medicinal herbs and dried flowers, rise from the glass. The well-structured palate offers a blend of tart raspberries, plums, herbs, mint and savoury spices. Firm tannins give the wine an excellent structure that shows its depth, power and ageing potential." Wine Enthusiast

"The organic G.D. Vajra 2019 Barolo Ravera (with fruit from the most sought-after cru of the village of Novello) shows a beautiful tonality and colour. The wine shines bright with dark ruby and garnet-red gemstone. Healthy Nebbiolo colours like this can be admired throughout the 2019 vintage. Ravera is an amalgamation of different geologies from Barolo and Castiglione Falletto. The site has shown exceptional versatility, especially in the face of climate change, to produce wines of power and elegance. It is soft in texture but also strong in fibre, with silky sensations followed by dark fruit and concentration. The Ravera has a character all of its own, and the operative word here is vigour." Wine Advocate

The Brunello from Le Chiuse is made from almost 30-year-old vines from an eight-hectare plot of calcareous clay. As soon as you pour the wine, you notice that it is bursting with energy and temperament. This is also noticeable in the crisp fruit, reminiscent of wild berries, cassis and sour cherries. These red fruit flavours are framed by light smoke, tar, potting soil, blue flowers and crushed minerals or limestone. This is an extremely balanced wine that will increase in elegance and finesse with further bottle ageing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Expressive, elegant herbal spice, sage, sandalwood, fine minty style, blueberry, some musk, extremely delicate nose; powerful, fine, noble cocoa note, dense but not fat, clayey texture, very present but not heavy." Meinigers Sommelier

"Mid ruby. Brooding, sweet, perfumed fruit with a savoury hint. Ripe and concentrated with lots of juicy, supple fruit while the grainy tannins give it a complex edge." Jancis Robinson

"Project in strict organic management, spontaneous fermentations, for a wine with a unique character, as well as beautiful cleanliness. Refined nose, touches of red plum, laurel and floral, gardenia, with hints of juniper. The mouthfeel is taut and juicy, the tannins sapid, the finish balsamic." Luca Gardini

"This shows some balance and polish for a 2017, with plenty of integrated and nicely chewy tannins. The ripe-cherry, bark and light dry-earth character comes through clearly. Give it time to soften, but already attractive." James Suckling

"Offers key themes of black cherry, blackberry and violet aromas and flavors, with mineral, tobacco and bitter almond accents. Solidly built, with dense tannins expanding on the finish. Overall, there is a sense of elegance here, with a silkiness and persistence." Wine Spectator

"Wild herbs, crushed pomegranates, dusty rose and savory spice define the wildly exotic 2017 Brunello di Montalcino. Its textures are silky and pliant, but with a vibrant streak of acidity and mineral tones that add a more grippy yet jovial feel, as potent red fruits and lavender tones slowly saturate toward the close. Fine tannins come forward through the medium-length finale, as this tapers off to hints of sour citrus, rose and clove." Vinous

"Lorenzo Magnelli opted to pick early to avoid opulence in 2017. Along with gentler punch-downs and fewer pump-overs, he aged the wine for less time in wood – 30 months rather than 36 – as he felt it didn’t need too much oxygen. Vibrancy of expression is palpable in the tangle of spices, woodland berries, earthy mushroom and forest growth. The palate is sturdy but not aggressive as well-composed tannins sweep across the palate." Decanter

"The Le Chiuse 2017 Brunello di Montalcino (made with certified organic fruit) exhibits a silky and elegant profile that only a handful of estates in the appellation achieve with consistency. This is the desired direction of Brunello as a whole I believe, and it's nice to see these successful results in a difficult, hot vintage such as 2017. The wine is silky and glossy on the palate with wildflowers, berry and forest floor." Wine Advocate

"One of the best wines of the vintage, this stunner opens with compelling aromas of new leather, forest floor, perfumed berry and menthol. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the delicious palate delivers crushed raspberry, ripe Marasca cherry, baking spice and licorice set against firm, refined tannins. It boasts remarkable freshness and balance for the hot vintage." Wine Enthusiast

Black cherry fruit, smoke, wild herbs, liquorice and tar form a compelling backdrop of aromas, flavours and textures as this dazzling, powerful Barolo opens up in the glass. The intense final is accompanied by delicate rose petals, lavender and a fine mineral-salty vein. Its stable tannin structure awaits a few more years of ageing in the bottle, as is typically the case with a classic Serralunga Barolo. SUPERIORE.DE

"The bouquet is dominated by forest fruit and wild flower flavours, also fine spice; juicy in the mouth, the tannins noticeable, ends long on notes of plums and liquorice. To accompany a roast beef." Vinum

"Notes of ground spices, nutshells and cedar wood with subtle flavours of red fruits in the background. Medium-bodied, structured and firm. Strong and slightly tart on the finish." James Suckling

"Aromas of cherries, raspberry liqueur, mint and minerals emphasise this taut, dense red wine, which is balanced and has notes of eucalyptus and juniper on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Baudana 2019 offers good power and ripeness with sweet fruit flavours, dark cherry, spices and ferruginous earth. These flavours are characteristic of this vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba. On the palate, the wine is silky and generous, with a salty minerality on the finish." Wine Advocate

"The Baudana, fermented and aged in large oak barrels, shows great complexity and finesse of liquorice root, smoky forest, rose and violet aromas, with wild strawberry and peony in the depths. The palate is firm and acidic, with structured but fine-grained tannins. It has the dustiness typical of Nebbiolo and is super-tart but fierce in character, with a hint of youthful rusticity on the finish. I would age it given its old-fashioned character." Decanter

"Intense, sparkling ruby colour with a slightly light rim. Opens with distinctly fragrant notes of peony, fresh cherries and some strawberry. Juicy on the attack and on the palate, with beautifully emphasised fruit and polished tannins that create firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Vivid aromas of cherry stand out as the dominant fruit note, harmonizing with abundant mineral and mixed spice characteristics. The palate presents a firm yet giving structure. The chiseled palate offers notes of wildflowers, savory herbs and spices finishing with a persistent minerality." Wine Enthusiast

"The most classic of all house brands, a wine with complexity and finesse. Notes of red plums on the nose, then mentholated notes of eucalyptus, juniper and fresh bay leaves. Juicy and sweet on the palate, with a menthol-fruity finish and a long aftertaste that is rounded off with notes of medicinal herbs." Luca Gardini

"The Barolo Baudana 2019 is absolutely captivating. Exuberant and bright in the glass, with plenty of freshness and remarkable purity of fruit, the Baudana offers generous dark red fruit, spice, leather, cherry, candy, cedar, tobacco and undergrowth. It has enormous depth and exceptional balance. Rose petals, white pepper and chalk add a special touch to the intense, savoury finish." Vinous

Palazzo Lana Extrême Riserva is a masterpiece from a great vintage. The pure Pinot Nero is characterised by a complex bouquet of fresh yeast, pear and lemongrass. Bright fruit on the palate, firm, with lively acidity and wonderfully consistent perlage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Noble straw yellow with a drop of copper and a persistent perlage. A nose of cold smoke, elegant precious wood, milk chocolate, candied fruit and fine porcini mushrooms, sea salt, very complex and inviting. Balanced and very elegant on the palate, with plenty of juice and fruit flavours, simultaneously pure and bone-dry, with a tightly meshed perlage and a long finish." Falstaff

"Complex notes of grapefruit, fresh figs, lemons, green apples, walnuts, chalk and salted nuts. It is lively and racy, with a medium body and broad, creamy bubbles. Excellent flavour intensity and persistence with a dry and nutty finish." James Suckling

"This 100% Pinot Noir from the classic and historic Berlucchi estate does not disappoint. Aromas of roasted pineapple, grilled peach, warmed honey, baking spices, and fresh bread define the heady nose. The rich and structured palate shows notes of candied citrus, white strawberry and crushed stone, finishing with crisp and radiant." Wine Enthusiast

"A bouquet of sweet smoke, crushed pear, chamomile and dusty dried flowers makes the 2011 Franciacorta Riserva Palazzo Lana unmissable. On the palate, this wine displays a balance of soothing bubbles, salty minerals and ripe, ginger-flavoured apples that provide pure elegance. Despite being labelled Extra Brut, the wine is bone dry on the finish, leaving notes of raw almonds, hazelnuts and citrus that linger. The 2011 is complex, with fantastic depth and balance. It is an absolute pleasure to taste." Vinous

"The 2011 Franciacorta Riserva Palazzo Lana Extrême Extra Brut from Guido Berlucchi has a thick layer of creamy peach or apricot that goes beyond the bouquet and ultimately colours the palate richly. These fruits are framed by small hints of exotic spices, cinnamon and caraway. The acidity is lively and the wine finishes on a dry note with a slight effervescence. This is certainly a delicious sparkling food wine." Wine Advocate

The name says it all: Marne means marl soil, on which the vines for this marvellous Amarone grow. They are over 20 years old and lie in an ideal 180° direction, from south-west to south-east. Rich, shiny ruby red colour, compact bouquet with intense aromas of plum, black cherry, green tea and tobacco, with a fine chocolate note in the background. The body, coated in fine berry fruit, develops a dynamic flavour experience on the palate with a sweet fruit melt, firm tannins and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red in colour. Notes of ripe red fruit, cherries, redcurrants, blueberries with a slight hint of mint. Structured on the palate with warm and enveloping notes, present, well-integrated tannins. Long and juicy finish." Falstaff

"The Amarone della Valpolicella Marne 180 from the 2019 vintage is savoury and quite mineral and opens with various wild berries, herbal notes and brown spice. A juicy blend of ripe red and black fruits unfolds on the palate. Salty minerals slowly saturate and give the wine more traction towards the end. The 2019 finishes with a burst of inner sweetness contrasted by chewy concentration and framing tannins, leaving behind tart cherry and sage nuances." Vinous

"Almost coffee-coloured, dried red berries on the nose, developing into a full, silky palate with fine tannins that are well integrated into the wine, carrying the intense berry and dark cherry fruit into a long finish." James Suckling

"This lush yet well-balanced Amarone opens with aromas of black currant, wild blackberry dusted with wild herbs, sweet spices and pepper. Crushed black cherries, espresso and violet notes hold court on the structured palate, which is backed by a minerality and finishes with ripe tannins." Decanter

"Balsamic nose full of complex aromas of ripe dark plums, sultanas, black cherries, chocolate and spicy notes of meat juice. The palate is warm, broad and intense, supported by a lively acidity." Decanter

The name Tresette is derived from the fact that only 2,800 bottles of this single-varietal Merlot are produced each year and it is aged in three Liters French oak barrels. The grapes come from old vines on a plot 480 metres above sea level, and it is only vinified in the best years. Tresette is a cool, archetypal Merlot that is very elegant and unique in Tuscany and is entirely in keeping with the house style. Juicy blackberry flavours, clove, herbs and spices on the nose. Enveloped by supple tannins, this fresh red leads into a delicious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense ruby red colour. Notes of cherry, raspberry and sour cherry, with a hint of herbs and Mediterranean scrub. Deep and soft on the palate, with excellently integrated tannins and a spicy, fresh finish." Falstaff

"Violets, raspberries and passion fruit on the nose of this Tuscan Merlot join with savory notes of graphite, wet stone near a running stream, and black olives. Juicy fruit bursts through on the palate, offering cherry, strawberry and raspberry. Firm if forgiving tannins strike a tension between powerful and graceful." Wine Enthusiast

"The Riecine 2018 Merlot TreSette comes from a site with schistose galestro clay soils. This wine is dark and velvety in texture with dark fruit, spice and savory tones of dark cherry and plum. What stands out most in this Tuscan Merlot is the robust nature of the mouthfeel. This creative wine is made with early-ripening fruit from one of the wildest corners of the region." Wine Advocate

"Attractive red with plum, herb and orange-peel character. Medium body, refined tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. Really delicious now." James Suckling