Wine Spectator

Barbaresco Bricco di Treiso presents itself with more power and depth than the normal Barbaresco. Dark red stone fruit, menthol, spices, leather and some cedar wood on the nose. Powerful on the palate, even at a young age, with plenty of muscle power which, together with the harmoniously balanced tannin and acidity structure, suggests a great, long life with a promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a sparkling centre and delicately brightening rim. Great, appealing and open nose, of fresh cinnamon powder, ripe raspberries, plus some sealing wax and white pepper, savoury and inviting. Very elegant and polished on the palate, with tightly woven tannins, beautiful salinity and a very long finish." Falstaff

"The Barbaresco Il Bricco 2019 is a very beautiful, beguiling wine. Sweet red cherry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, mint and spices give the 2019 an impressive dimension and complexity. This deceptively medium-bodied Barbaresco shows great depth and power." Vinous

"Packed with cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavours, this red is restrained but harmonious and structured, with notes of iron, tobacco and undergrowth adding complexity in the long, dense aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Subtle, pure and pretty, this wine carries an intentional character. It offers dark cherry notes, both fresh and warmed, enhanced by sweet spice. Earthy and leathery undertones accompany fine but present tannins finishing with lifted acidity, built to last." Wine Enthusiast

"The fruit for this wine comes from the Bricco di Treiso MGA and immediately shows more softness and textural definition. The Barbaresco Il Bricco 2019 is multi-layered and rich with black fruits, spices, tar and a sweet hint of cinnamon. Il Bricco offers more overall power and structure for longer ageing in the cellar." Wine Advocate

"A solid and powerful Barbaresco with fantastic depth of fruit and multi-layered tannins. Full and so deep and concentrated, with great length and structure. Bark, berries, minerals and deep terroir and gravitas. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

A few years ago, Pio Boffa, who has unfortunately passed away in the meantime, bought himself a "small" present for his 60th birthday. Not a new set of golf clubs, a picture hanging in the hall, a holiday for him and the family. No. Just a vineyard called Mosconi in Monforte d'Alba, a region of Piedmont where four generations of the Pio Cesare dynasty never gained a foothold. Originally, the grapes from the 10-hectare vineyard were to enhance the quality of his classic Barolo, but after the first barrel samples, it was unmistakably clear to Pio Boffa that this would be at least an equal - if stylistically different - counterpart to the hitherto undisputed flagship Ornato.

Mosconi is more light-footed than Ornato, with red rather than black fruits dominating the nose, along with irresistible liquorice and a juiciness that will immediately earn it a top place in the entire appellation. On the palate, it has a precision that is unparalleled, less punchy than Ornato, but more elegant and subtle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Another transparent ruby red with garnet reflections. Exciting bouquet with distinct notes of blood oranges and candied orange peel, plus finest Dominican tobacco and leather, dazzling and individual. Elegant palate with fresh, cherry-influenced fruit, grippy, punchy, finely chiselled style with silky firm tannin, plus salty mineral nuances in the long finish." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby garnet with brightening rim. Very inviting and clear nose of sweet wild raspberries, cherry and rose petals, some cardamom in the background. Gripping, gripping tannin, shows discreet earthy notes, after truffle and tobacco, very grippy on the final, salty, needs a few more years." Falstaff

"Medium ruby red with orange reflections. Almost explosive minerality on the nose with a hint of sour cherry and a hint of spicy oak. Complex but still restrained on the nose. Wonderfully supple fruit with polished, finely honed but firm tannins almost a little reminiscent of Serralunga. Plenty of stuff to chew on and spectacular, layered flavours on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Rich, with plum and cherry aromas, this Barolo also shows a spicy side of eucalyptus, liquorice and clove. Shows viscosity in texture as well as excellent balance. It finishes with dense, refined tannins and lingering notes of macerated fruit and savory." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Barolo Mosconi is magnificent. It offers a complex blend of rose petals, dried herbs, iron, graphite, smoke, incense, scorched earth and blood orange, capturing all the complexity that makes the best Barolos from this site so compelling. Powerful and profound, but also very elegant, the 2018 is another fine Barolo from a winery that has made a pretty significant stylistic shift in recent years." Vinous

"Very compact on the nose and palate, with notes of dried red berries, truffle, sous-bois and dried flowers. Full-bodied with a fine tannin structure and a very long finish. Compact and solid. This wine still needs a lot of time to open up, but already shows real class. Try it from 2025." James Suckling

"Compared to the Ornato, the 2018 Barolo Mosconi (with fruit from Monforte d'Alba) shows a tighter and more compact quality with a direct, linear and powerful approach. The bouquet builds vertical intensity, starting with tart fruit aromas and culminating in tar, rusty nails and camphor ash. This aromatic ascent is swift and the wine finishes with a very broad, all-encompassing performance." Wine Advocate

"From soils with a combination of silt, clay and, to a small extent, sandstone, a perfect photo of the terroir of Monforte. Cornel on the nose, with notes of pink grapefruit and clove, mouth with iodine-spicy tannins, crispness and tension, nice persistence." Luca Gardini

One of the top wines of the region, which has been undisputed for decades. With its French elegance and international flair, it convincingly represents above all its Chianti terroir. Concentrated colour, wide, complex scent that changes from sweet berry aromas to delicate spicy clove and cinnamon nuances and finally to very fresh menthol accents. Almost creamy in its soft nature, the full-bodied, excessive taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2012 d'Alceo is sweet, round and enveloping. Silky tannins give the 2012 much of its shape, while adding to the wine's appeal. Plum, black cherry, menthol, licorice and sweet spices wrap around the fleshy, succulent finish. Like the Sammarco, d'Alceo is a bit restrained in this vintage." Antonio Galloni

"Fragrant and enticing with flower petal, dried black tea and berry aromas. Full to medium body, chewy tannins and a fruity finish. Needs to come together still." James Suckling

"A focused, balanced style, evoking pure cherry, raspberry, mineral and floral aromas and flavors, this is elegant and fluid yet dense and well structured, ending with lively acidity and dusty tannins. The finish goes on and on." Wine Spectator

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

"Bright, shiny ruby-garnet colour. Nose of toast, mint, then fine raspberries and rosehips, fine earthy tones, cardamom. Great entry on the palate, deep and multi-layered, savoury, comes in several waves, lingers remarkably long and juicy." Falstaff

"An inviting red that offers ripe plums, cherries, earth, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco flavours. It becomes denser and slightly viscous on the finish, with earthy and herbal elements echoing. All components are present, so be patient." Wine Spectator

"The Barolo Ornato 2019 is a big, tightly wound Serralunga Barolo that needs time to unfold. Iron, white pepper, mint, dried herbs and orange peel open up, but with great restraint. Today, the Ornato is impenetrable. We'll see what happens over time." Vinous

"The Pio Cesare 2019 Barolo Ornato comes from one of the most famous MGA vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba. The character of this wine is always characterised by structure and power, and these qualities are particularly evident in a vintage like 2019, which offers more concentrated fruit at the start. The Ornato is imbued with dark berry flavours that contrast with spicy tones, tar and smoke. It finishes with finely structured tannins." Wine Advocate

"The Ornato 2019 emphasises the special nature of this vineyard with its grace and structure, which combine to create pure class. Dark cherry flavours are nestled among wild herbs, flowers and savoury spices that grab and draw your attention with every sip. This robust and well-structured wine is built for the future, when all the parts relax into each other and show just how great this wine is." Wine Enthusiast

"This wine is beautiful with ultra-fine tannins, cherries, berries and flowers. Medium to full body. Wonderful length. Very classic in structure. Straightforward and racy. Taut on the finish. Give it four to six years in the bottle." James Suckling

"From Cascina Ornato, the first cru in the history of the estate, a sculptural Barolo with power and structure. Blackcurrant on the nose, notes of liquorice and peony. Salty on the palate, with liquorice notes on the finish." Luca Gardini

Top Riserva from a great vintage. Dark ruby, sweet fruity plum aroma on the nose, followed by vanilla, fig and chocolate, the taste very dense, concentrated and fruity. A wine of good structure and beautiful balance with a remarkable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid ruby with narrow bricky rim. Savoury nose with hints of raw meat and cherry. Minerally, salty notes. Lush, layered cherry fruit with polished tannins and lots of juicy acidity on the finish mingling with the concentrated fruit. Youthful but can be approached now." Jancis Robinson

"There’s a real purity of sangiovese fruit here with cherries, orange peel and sandalwood. It’s full-bodied yet so tight and refined as well as structured. Fine tannins lead you down deep into the palate which opens up at the end. Fascinating. Drink in 2024 and onwards." James Suckling

"The Poggio Antico 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva absolutely delivers the goods, especially if you are in the market for a rich and robust expression of Sangiovese with dark fruit, cherry, leather, spice and tar. The finish is smooth and velvety, and although you recognize the structure of the wine, you by no means feel the tannins in any obvious way." Wine Advocate

"This stunning red leads off with a beam of cherry, kirsch and violet flavors, while mineral, tobacco and ash lend accents. Fresh and juicy, with fine harmony and an exceptional aftertaste that echoes the fruit and mineral elements. Its solid structure gives this fine aging potential." Wine Spectator

The approx. 1.6 hectare single vineyard Loreto is situated on a slope directly next to the winery and has an ideal south-east exposure. Vigna Loreto is vinified only in the best vintages and is an even more intense interpretation of the Sangiovese grape. It has a texture that is both creamy and robust, with a depth and richness that make it very rich and exceptional. With further aeration, beautiful notes of black fruits, tobacco and spices. Aristocratic, powerful and very long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Quite deep, somewhat tarry aroma of ripe black and red berries with a hint of mushrooms, iron, tobacco, pepper and a little dried herbs. Ripe, firm, rather dark fruit, coffee-spicy wood aromas, some dark chocolate and smoke, present, ripe tannin still drying a bit, clearly salt in the background, a touch of dried herbs and tobacco, a hint of bread crust, deep and quite concentrated, still gaining expression and at the same time harmony with air, long, firm, tart finish with noble juice and cigar box. Gains strength over days and should definitely still mature." Wein-Plus

"Bright garnet red with a light rim. Opens on the nose with notes of pickled cherries and plums, behind that some spicy juniper berries and cigar box. Blooms great on the palate, lots of sweet melting, fine-meshed tannin embedded in it, ripe fruit, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Spicy and fragrant notes of sour cherries, currants, bay leaves, charred bark, tobacco, rosemary stems and toasted wood. It is full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. Deep and sensual dark fruits and toasted aromas. Taste it in 2024." James Suckling

"Pebble and tufa soils for this successful Brunello reading. Raspberry jam on the nose, with notes of marjoram and lemon thyme, then nuances of iris. Iodine tannins on the palate, again with floral notes." Luca Gardini

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto rises from the glass with a beguiling blend of crushed ash stones merging into dried cherries and cloves. The palate is seductively soft and supple, with polished red fruits and a pleasing inner sweetness accompanied by an evolving minerality and a hint of acidic citrus. The finish is of excellent length, balancing fine tannins with a saturation of tart wild berries that lingers. This is one of the finest interpretations of Vigna Loreto I have ever tasted. Masterfully done." Vinous

"An elegant red with an attractive blend of cherry, raspberry, red floral, mineral and rosemary aromas. Juicy and lively, with refined, resonant tannins supporting the long finish. Very balanced and expressive." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto has an understated, dry and elegant personality with a long, silky texture that gently caresses the palate. The essence of Sangiovese with its wild side, dried raspberries, blue flowers and crushed stones, comes through with precise precision. This wine is a bull's eye in a vintage that has not always been easy to handle." Wine Advocate

"This wine is relatively dark, though translucent now, and the scents are sweet, warm, open and inviting, built around a core of ripe plum. The palate is deep and secondary, meaning the plum is beginning to morph into the softer but less precise fruits of ripeness; there are also prominent but well-rounded tannins, while the acidity is livelier and more vital than one might expect from the flavours. An excellent Brunello for mid-range ripeness." Decanter

"Sette is a single-varietal Merlot from 7 different individual vineyards, which is where the name Sette comes from. It is aged for 18 months in small wooden barrels. The aroma is very spicy, intense and chocolaty, with lots of wood and medium depth. Dense, sweet and wood-accentuated, it confirms the first impression in the mouth, with a racy and powerful structure. A full-bodied Merlot with enormous power." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red colour. Intense nose with an impressive aroma of wild berries, mint, milk chocolate and precious wood. Firm, beautiful structure on the palate, with finesse and elegant, grippy tannins, appears light-footed despite 15 per cent by volume and drinks finely, sweet melting in the final." Falstaff

"While Tenuta Sette Ponti takes its name from the seven bridges over the Arno, Sette is named after the seven different vineyards that provide the fruit for this 100% Merlot wine: in 2020, these are the Cypress, Salvareccio I, Salvareccio II, Poggio Sinistro, Sorbaccio, Nocetta I and Nocetta II vineyards. Aromatic and earthy, fragrant notes of cherry and cool blue fruit introduce a ripe and fresh palate that is light on its feet, vertical and balanced. The mid-palate has a stony element, while the red and blue fruits are supported by a network of tannins and good acidity." Decanter

"An unctuous, umami mix of hot tar, balsamic vinegar and wild herbs on the nose, with a hint of black pepper before blackberries flood the palate. More pepper and crushed stones on the palate insist on the savoury and austere elements at the moment, but the fruit promises to mature with time and offer a truly luxurious experience." Wine Enthusiast

"A supple, well-defined red that exudes vibrant flavours of cherry, raspberry, plum, iron, chocolate and vanilla. Beautifully balanced, with the youthful tannins now lending assertiveness on the savoury finish." Wine Spectator

"Pronounced flavours of walnuts and hazelnuts with plums and berries. Also some flowers. Full-bodied, but fresh and with powerful tannins that give the wine vibrancy and compactness. The tannins are integrated and very long." James Suckling

Ceretto's single-vineyard Barbaresco Bernadot plays up its elegance and graceful personality. From the fruit of a 4.8-hectare, organically and biodynamically farmed site in Treiso, planted at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level, this pretty Barbaresco unfolds very specific aromas of wild berries, spices, liquorice and iron rust. These aromas are also essential components of its classic Nebbiolo game on the palate, as is its light and silky texture. Barbaresco Bernadot is very straightforward, finely spiced and with a supple personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium dense ruby garnet. Clearly marked nose with notes of sour cherry, some thyme and coriander seeds. Very precise in attack and course, opens with fine-meshed tannin, builds well, pithy and firm on the final, sweet melting on the final." Falstaff

"Youthful-looking mid ruby. Rather closed on the nose and pure and concentrated fruit on the palate that is still a little embryonic and with firm but truly ripe, complex tannins. The finish is breathtaking, with perfect balance. Simply gorgeous." Jancis Robinson

"Dried herbs, sour cherries, peaches and fresh mushrooms on the nose. Some cedar, too. Succulent and medium-bodied with fine, sleek tannins. Bright and well balanced." James Suckling

"Ceretto planted vines in Bernadot (400 metres above sea level) in 1997 and 1998. The nose shines for its elegant notes of earthy strawberry, fresh violet and a restrained bloody character. The attack is savoury with pomegranate fruit to the fore. It's full and ripe in terms of tannic structure, despite the extraction, with crisp acidity and a dusty finish. A wine full of delicacy but not without structure for the long haul. One to follow." Decanter

"A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Barbaresco Bernardot is dark, fleshy and wonderfully nuanced. Soft contours and silky tannins give the 2019 its racy, super-inviting personality. The Bernardot is usually a potent Barbaresco, but in 2019 it is all finesse, all the way. Rose petal, mint, dried cherry and cinnamon linger in this super-expressive Barbaresco from the Ceretto family." Vinous

"The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine." Wine Advocate

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

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

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

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

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

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

If there is one thing that Giacomo Neri has mastered 100%, it is harvesting at the optimum ripening time. He knows his estate and his vines better than most and it shows. The fruit for Tenuta Nuova is harvested from a south and south-east facing slope at 250 to 300 metres above sea level. The soils are loose and mixed with gravel, which allows access to air and moisture.

The flavours of Tenuta Nuova 2019 flow with seamless transitions, and this fluid and ever-changing nature of the bouquet helps to develop intensity and persistence. In the beautifully drawn bouquet, blackberry, plum and summer cherry merge into lingering flavours of spice, leather and herbs. These are always an unmistakable feature of this winery's Brunello and develop steadily with further aeration. The palate reveals a great structure with mineral accents, a fine orange peel flavour, present fruit and numerous spicy components. This wine is a bit like an iron fist in a velvet glove - but with much more velvet glove than iron fist. The finish is long and, as so often with Neri, invigoratingly salty with an undertone of oyster shells. Great potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, deeply layered bouquet, wide-ranging with dark red flavours, wow, it's captivating. The palate is also complex and multi-layered with earthy, truffled nuances, very territorial, firm structure, penetrating acidity, firm tannic grip, a wine for the ages. The single vineyard Tenuta Nuova is once again one of the best in the tasting. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Dark ruby red with light violet reflections. Complex on the nose, iron, dark cherry fruit, rich plum, some lovage. On the palate with lots of salt and juice, complex, comes in many layers, with tightly woven tannins, powerful and with full splendour, keeps coming back, big." Falstaff

"Black cherries with violets and other flowers on the nose. Full-bodied with powerful tannins and a juicy finish. Needs time to mellow." James Suckling

"The fruit profile of this red wine is ripe, with flavours of boysenberries, cherries and raspberries, with nuances of earth, iron and tobacco. More linear than square, with a steely line of acidity and tannins in support. Although balanced, it is compact for the moment and has a nice length." Wine Spectator

"In my opinion, this is the wine that best represents the Casanova di Neri style. With 30 months of ageing, it shows enormous richness and texture, and the outstanding fruit quality appears with more primary elegance compared to the more expensive Cerretalto. This dynamic is particularly pronounced in the comparison between the 2019 and 2018 vintages. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova has a dark vein of roasted spices, black fruits, ink, blackberry compote, liquorice and star anise. Dark as night, it is exceptionally well-crafted with a robust delivery of concentrated fruit and solid tannin structure. It has excellent cellaring potential." Wine Advocate

"Notes of cherries and pepper leaves, with a hint of iodine. Opens juicy and taut on the palate, then expands in breadth and depth. Salty, juicy tannins and an officinal trace mark the finish is deep, big drink and long persistence." Luca Gardini

Sparkling ruby red colour. Complex and enveloping bouquet of rich cherry, black forest berries, violets, tobacco, tar, liquorice, incense and smoke in the background. The single-vineyard Chianti Classico San Marcellino has an excellent structure, interwoven with lively, elegant tannins, exemplary harmony and a savoury, slightly salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable dark ruby. I can see the vintage with the oak having a bigger impact on the elegant fruit than is normally the case. That is not to say there isn’t plenty of concentrated black fruit contoured by savoury oak and a touch of undergrowth with just a hint of tar. Long, tangy and generous, with fine, sandpapery tannins. Elegant yet with plenty of stuffing, and ready now." Jancis Robinson

"The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino 2018 is outstanding. Silky and medium-bodied, the 2018 is a wine with more finesse than power. Dark fruit, coffee, lavender, liquorice, dried herbs and a hint of new oak adorn this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Gran Selezione. The San Marcellino 2018 is a wine of restraint and understatement." Vinous

"Packed with red berry fruit, sweet spices and mint. Quite full and powerful on the palate and richer than most other 2018s we've tasted." Decanter

"A rich, juicy red wine with aromas and flavours of cherry, raspberry, rose, graphite and earth. Pure, with lively acidity and refined tannins to support it. Balanced and long, with a mineral note on the finish. Sangiovese and Pugnitello." Wine Spectator

This debut vintage from Vietti was refined for two years in large wooden barrels, then in steel tanks and then for several years in the bottle. A classic bouquet of wild berries, cherries and rose petals. Rusty minerals are accompanied by violets and candied orange peel. Juicy on the palate and extremely fresh and agile for its age, with wonderful balance and equilibrium. An inspiring wine that still has many good years ahead of it, but is already completely convincing today. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barolo Riserva 2015 is a new wine from Vietti, conceived as an annually changing assemblage, a sort of Riserva of Castiglione, a Barolo made from the many lots available to Vietti. Exotic red fruits, blood orange, spices, leather and cedar wood are some of the aromas and flavours that emerge from the glass. The 2015 shows the aromatic complexity of a wine that has been in bottle for several years, of course it does not offer the uniqueness of the designated vineyards. I wouldn't be surprised if this bottling gets even better in future vintages when the direction is even more clearly defined." Vinous

"Aromas of aniseed, white truffle, raspberries and fresh plums. Full-bodied but restrained and nicely framed with fine tannins. Beginning to show some aged, developed flavours. This is the first vintage. It comes from the Scarrone and Fiasco vineyards. Try it after 2026, but it will drink beautifully with a few hours of decanting." James Suckling

"Here is an exciting new submission from Vietti that takes us to a whole other level (and evolutionary timeframe). The 2015 Barolo Riserva is a very late release, held back at the winery, with fruit sourced exclusively from Castiglione Falletto. In fact, it represents a special part of the best vineyards used for Barolo Castiglione. Some of these grapes were so impressive that it was decided to age them longer (up to 30 months in large oak barrels) and give them the Riserva designation. The grapes come mainly from Scarrone and Bric del Fiasc. The production is 5,000 bottles. The wine shows a wonderful elegance, with developed fruit flavours and melting tannins. The nice thing is that you can drink this wine the same day you buy it." Wine Advocate

"A rich, round profile carries ripe aromas and flavours of cherry, plum, rose and sweet spice, with grace notes of wild herbs and autumn wood. This wine is perfectly balanced, with fine, resonant tannins and a lingering aftertaste that reflects ripe fruit and vanilla and adds a mineral element. Complex and approachable now with decanting." Wine Spectator

"This vintage is the first time Vietti has made a “best of the best” Riserva only making 5,000 bottles. The wine opens with aromas of dried cherries being reconstituted with sweet spice as hints of truffle, dried violets and bay leaf swirl around. Dynamic and energized on the palate, the wine lifts off with higher-toned red fruits, savory herbs and spices that all genuflect the mineral and earth-driven finish where fine tannins shape this wine for the future." Wine Enthusiast

Crognolo is a wonderfully balanced wine that offers the tangy freshness and acidity of Sangiovese, which is balanced and softened by the small proportion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine smells of cherry, blackberry and plum. Its primary intensity is bright and cheerful. The finish shows a nice density, extraction and well-integrated tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Crognolo 2021 is a great entry-level wine from Sette Ponti. An explosion of red/purple fruits, blood orange, spices and rose petals race across the palate, lifted by bright acids that add energy. All elements are very well balanced. This is a very inviting wine." Vinous

"Dusty, perfumed aromas of spiced plums with sour cherries and dried cherries are followed in the mouth by a vertical palate full of fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity and juicy fruit. It feels balanced and upright, ready to spring into action as soon as the cork is pulled. Vibrant red and black fruits intermingle, punctuated by a certain saltiness and supported by those tannins. The finish is long, juicy and flavoursome and leaves you wanting another sip." Decanter

"This young red wine shows all its components in the right place, but needs time to integrate. It offers flavours of cherry, violet, earth, iron and mint, which fade into powerful tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright ruby violet colour. Expressive flavours of blackberries and rich cherries, with fine spicy components in the background. Compact, concentrated on the palate, with grippy tannins that also become juicy, salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The wine shows dark concentration, certainly more than you'd expect from Sangiovese, with lots of cherry, spice and blue flower that ties directly into the Merlot. It offers a medium to full-bodied texture with fine, chalky tannins." Wine Advocate

"Ultra-fresh, juicy cherries with more delicate aromas of violets and rose petals on the nose roll onto a palate rich with more cherries and berries balanced by earthy, tart notes of earth, branches and roots and a finish of bitter cocoa and aniseed." Wine Enthusiast

"The purity of the fruit in this wine is impressive, with redcurrants, orange peel, peaches and lemon on the nose and palate. Full-bodied yet compressed and agile. Tasty finish. Restrained now, but given a year or two it will come into its own." James Suckling

Lisini's vineyards are located between Sant'Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell'Abate on the inner edge of the Sesta area and are cleansed by the constant breeze from the Tuscan coast. The stony soils with a significant proportion of limestone and the altitude of over 300 metres help to maintain the freshness of the wines.

Carlo Lisini Baldi's Brunello di Montalcino 2019 opens with dark concentration and extraction. The initial nose reveals floral aromas of pressed roses and violets, then after a few minutes in the glass the wine offers a complex potpourri of dark cherries, dried blackberries, Indian spices, teriyaki sauce, crushed rocks and a subtle note of liquorice. It clearly draws its personality from equal parts elegance and power. Extremely soft and supple on the palate, it delivers beautiful end notes of dusty minerals and some clay alongside its plump fruit. This delicious wine can't help but move forward. SUPERIORE.DE

"After a little aeration, a pleasant, multi-faceted nose of raspberries and flowers, also balsamic nuances; juicy on the palate, the ripe acidity and fine-meshed tannins balanced, fresh and fruity and yet extremely elegant on the finish." Vinum

"Very classic Sangiovese nose, sour cherry (Marasca), dark cherry, very classic style on the palate too, incredibly juicy with fine spice and salty hints, compact and structurally strong, but by no means rustic, rather balanced, with grippy juiciness. Wonderful presence, noble elegance, fantastically integrated acidity and tannins. Beautiful piquancy. Stony and firm style. A long-lasting classic!" Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with cherry-red reflections. Complex on the nose, cherry, redcurrant, then marjoram and liquorice, with a subtle cocoa butter and mint aftertaste and a renewed emphasis on fruit. Energetic on the palate, good tension and precise progression, polished tannins wrapped in a rich fruit melt, currently still somewhat drying on the finish." Falstaff

"Deep ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Very deep and still slumbering, with mineral and exotic, dark spicy notes. Increasingly complex with aeration. Smooth, soft cherry fruit, densely packed with fine, chewy tannins. Very long and concentrated and with great potential." Jancis Robinson

"The Lisini 2019 Brunello di Montalcino has a dark and spicy bouquet with plums, cardamom, asphalt and wet stone. The wine is quite developed and for this reason I would not recommend a very long drinking time. Cola and dried rosemary twigs can be recognised in the background. This is a dark Brunello with concentrated fruit to drink in the medium term." Wine Advocate

"A smooth and structured red wine with aromas and flavours of black cherry, cedar and spice. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a chewy finish. Integrated and supple. Drink it after 2027." James Suckling

"Medicinal blackberries, sweet sage, stone dust and candied orange define the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino, which is juicy and vibrant with purple and lavender-coloured wild berries and chalky mineral tones that build to a saturation of minerality towards the finish. A web of fine-grained tannins lingers as the 2019 finishes long and spotty, but only lightly structured. Hints of salted liquorice linger. This is a stylish Brunello from the southern Montalcino region of Lisini." Vinous

"The 2019 epitomises this warm, lush, exotically fragrant southern part of Montalcino. Ripe strawberries and red roses blend beautifully with chestnuts, iron and sun-kissed earth. The wine has a lush texture, generous body and flavour that exudes fleshy persimmon and ripe strawberries. The palate is dripping with lush acidity, and a mineral drive lifts the core. The sandy tannins are relatively supple without losing their commanding grip, and the wine finishes with crushed allspice." Decanter

"Leafy undergrowth, earth and dusty mineral notes frame the core of cherry and raspberry flavours in this juicy red wine, which is supple and has a layer of chalky tannins on the finish. Overall balanced, with a long, cherry aftertaste." Wine Spectator

Dark ruby purple in colour, with a blackcurrant aroma and an outstanding length, firm tannins, fine extract sweetness and a pronounced spicy note on the final. We are excited to see what elegant heights this great Tuscan Merlot will reach in the coming years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Cont'Ugo 2021 is packed with dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, liquorice and cloves. This luscious Merlot will drink well right from the start. It is the archetype of a Maremma red wine." Vinous

"Fresh and varietally expressive, this red bursts with cherry, black currant, olive, tobacco and sweet spice flavors. Balanced and open, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit and spices." Wine Spectator

"Ripe plums and blackberries with sweet spices, violets and chocolate on the nose. Full and structured with fine tannins. Compact and broad-shouldered, ripe, but with tension and energy. Impressive depth and concentration. Long." James Suckling

"Brilliant, medium ruby red colour. Intense nose of ripe cherries and juniper, with a fine woody spice and dark chocolate aftertaste. Balanced on the palate, with a concentrated fruit centre, fine-grained tannins and plenty of pressure right into the long finish." Falstaff

Just like the paintings of winemaker and contemporary painter Sandro Chia, his single-vineyard Brunello is full of colours, textures and broad brushstrokes. At first glance, not everything fits together, but then you magically become aware of the symmetry between the elevated fruit flavours and the grounded spice and oak. The different elements of the wine come together harmoniously. Thanks to its gently integrated tannins, it also shows great versatility in terms of its drinking window. Filo di Seta matures for 30 months in oak and represents an ideal link between the top 2019 vintage and its terroir. Great Brunello cinema! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, spicy, elegant bouquet with dark cherry and floral-spicy notes, tobacco, cedar. Juicy, compact palate, very classic flavour that needs to mature." Weinwisser

"Complex nose of ripe stone fruit and flowers, spice and black pepper; balanced texture, mature acidity, compact final with flavour, juice and length. Convinces with its characterful, elegant style." Vinum

"Rich, bright ruby red colour. Initially somewhat restrained on the nose, then fine plum and lots of blackberry, some molasses and tar. Great fullness on the palate, lots of rich, dark fruit, fills the mouth plumply, paired with present tannin in many layers, lingers for a long time." Falstaff

"A precise style, exhibiting cherry, blackberry, violet, wild herb and stony mineral flavors. Underlined with a firm, harmonious structure that gives excellent overall balance. This is long, with a strong echo of fruit on the aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Black cherries, plums and floral notes with a subtle, underlying citrus character. Full-bodied and structured. Powerful yet fine-grained tannins. Healthy and lively. Persistent length and depth. Give it more time to mellow." James Suckling

"Historic vineyards in the north-west quadrant of Montalcino, red cherry on the nose, a hint of peony, then grapefruit. Mouthfeel with brackish, juicy tannins. Closes with a return of red cherry and citrus fruit, very persistent." Luca Gardini

"Delicate aromas of eucalyptus, tobacco, melted dark chocolate and blackberries provide a seductive overture. The palate follows with beautiful fruit clarity, bringing pressed flowers and a mineral, energetic sensation of crystallised rock. The wine is full-bodied and graceful, with polished tannins and a generous concentration that will allow it to age for a long time." Decanter

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta seduces the imagination with a burst of mentholated herbs that give way to sweet violet flowers, crushed blackberries and mint. This wine has a deep, almost creamy texture with a core of vibrant acidity that floods the palate with a wave of ripe red and blue fruits. Minerality emerges on the finish, mingling with edgy tannins, tart cranberries and oranges, leaving the mouth wanting more. This truly seductive version of Filo di Seta is sure to win many hearts. Even if it is more accessible at first, the balance of this wine guarantees a long and beautiful evolution over time." Vinous

"The Castello Romitorio 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta reaches a whole other level of intensity and brilliance with dark fruits, blackberries, an etched minerality, petrichor and wet slate giving this wine an incredibly etched and vibrant presentation. The tannins are velvety and perfectly match the generous texture of this beautiful Sangiovese. Only later do you notice the delicate tones of violet flowers and iris roots that give this wine such an elegant finish. This wine needs to stay in the cellar." Wine Advocate

Ceretto's entry-level Barbaresco comes from different sites, mostly younger vines from Asili (35%) and the lower part of Bernadot (65%). Bright, elegant ruby red. It has full energy and vivacity and offers excellent persistence and remarkable balance. On the nose, sweet red cherry, mint, pine, liquorice and candied orange peel. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish. After good aeration already impressively accessible when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. In the nose noble, perceptible use of wood, discreet spice, red fruit core, blood orange, light leather. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish." Falstaff

"Pure flavors of cherry, strawberry and rose highlight this elegant red, accented by cut hay, white pepper and tobacco. It's solid and long, with a chalky feel on the finish. Best from 2023." Wine Spectator

"Ceretto's classic 2017 Barbaresco opens quickly and nicely in the glass. That playful accessibility is a trait that I found in many of the Barbarescos from this vintage. Compared to the two vineyard-specific expressions (Asili from Barbaresco and Bernadot from Treiso), this wine offers broad brush strokes of wild berry, spice, licorice and iron ore. That's exactly the mission of this wine: It provides an authentic portrait of a grape. Fruit represents a blend from various sites, including young vines from Asili and the lower parts of Bernadot. This wine is poised for near and medium-term drinking." Wine Advocate

"Really open, rich and complex on the nose, showing dried roses, strawberries and cherries. Full-bodied, layered, rich and flavorful with dried-strawberry, white-truffle and mushroom undertones. Juicy and fruity at the end. A little more opulence than normal." James Suckling

Marco Ricasoli Firidolfi's latest and strictly limited creation (only 1,659 magnum bottles were filled) was named after Ridolfo, an ancestor of the family. The deliberate composition of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Pugnitello symbolises the combination of tradition and modernity and at the same time impressively represents the terroir of the Chianti hills.

Dark ruby red, refined bouquet of blackberry, dried plum and eucalyptus. On the palate then with a firm, taut core, layers of sour cherry, spicy notes such as pepper and liquorice, powerful as it progresses and slightly balsamic at the same time. The well-proportioned acidity and the characteristic tannins lead this fleshy, muscular red into a furious, long-lasting final. A wine full of character and very independent! SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark, almost impenetrable ruby. Initially shy on the nose of graphite, delicate noble wood, a hint of bitter chocolate, light pepper spice, ripe cherries, blackberries and a pinch of leather in the finish. Opens up on the palate dense and full of tension, with present spice in the core, rich fruit, noble use of wood supports the ensemble, finishes very long with tightly woven tannin and currently minimal drying, still young, will age excellently." Falstaff

"This red is a beautiful expression of varietal character, with pure cherry and strawberry fruit. Firmly structured, with accents of menthol, earth, iron and tobacco, ending in a long aftertaste emphasizing the fruit." Wine Spectator

"The 2015 Ridolfo is a new Cabernet Sauvignon/Pugnitello blend from Marco Ricasoli bottled only in magnum. Vibrant and finely sculpted, the 2015 impresses right out of the gate. A whole range of savory aromatics, lavender, spice, licorice and mocha open with time in the glass. Sweet rose petal and cinnamon appear later, adding brightness and lift. Cabernet Sauvignon and Pugnitello are not obvious varieties to blend, as they are, on paper, more similar than complementary. Even so, the combination works so well. I can't wait to see how this ages. The 2015 is a total knock-out!" Vinous

As a result of extensive soil research, Francesco Ricasoli was able to identify three microlocations, which will be vinified separately from the 2015 vintage onwards. The range of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione now includes, in addition to the famous Castello di Brolio, three cru sites (Colledilà, Roncicone and Ceniprimo), all of which are 100% planted with Sangiovese. They differ in structure and taste in close correspondence with their terroir and impressively demonstrate the complexity of the Chanti Classico region.

The grapes of Colledilà come from the soils of Monte Morello. The 7.6 hectare single-vineyard plot was planted in 2002 on very rocky soils rich in calcium, clay and organic matter. These characteristics give this wine its sharpness and concentration, promising long ageing in the cellar.

Ripe, dark cherry fruit and blackberry aromas, followed by tar, liquorice and potting soil. On the palate, a fine earthiness, cherry and plum, plus finely knit and slightly sweet tannins. The dense fruit and pleasant acid wire the Sangiovese provide the necessary freshness. Masterfully composed! SUPERIORE.DE

"Finely chiselled site wine from the extensive vineyards around Castello di Brolio, with a lot of polish and yet also underpinning: convincing the balanced nose with fine fruit and floral notes, discreet mineral nuances; on the palate supple and yet with great future, the tannins finely spun and of great length. Convinces with its elegance and storability." Vinum

"Sparkling ruby with a slight garnet shimmer. Shows fine ripened fruit on the nose, of plum, blackberry and dark cherry, slightly earthy notes in the background, of black truffle. Firm pressure on the palate, unfolds with dense tannin, smooth at the core, after wild raspberries, good tension." Falstaff

"Focused cherry, plum, menthol and spice flavors permeate this dense red, which is vibrant and firmly structured, with the menthol and spice notes echoing on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"This is sensational, with ultra fine tannins that melt into the wine. Such intense and beautiful fruit with cherries, peaches and lightly candied cherries. Some citrus, too. Very soft and creamy with wonderful polish. Beautiful center palate and a lovely finish. A song in the bottle. A little tight now. Hard to wait, but give it two or three years to open." James Suckling

"The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà is the most complex of the single-vineyard Gran Seleziones, as it often is. A wine of notable aromatic breadth and dimension, the Colledilà is wonderfully nuanced from start to finish. Crushed rocks, sage, blood orange and smoke infuse the 2018 with notable character. Once again, the Colledilà is quite distinctive." Vinous

A study commissioned by Francesco Ricasoli has shown that there are 19 different types of soil on Brolio. This made it possible to precisely define the sites that are particularly good for Merlot, from which wines with a unique structure and unmistakable flavour emerge. With the 2018 vintage, Francesco Ricasoli is now presenting the "new" Casalferro, whose grapes come from the three different vineyards Vigna Casalferro, Vigna Pecchierino and Vigna Sodacci. The production volume has been drastically reduced, but the result is impressive!

A Tuscan Merlot as it is written in the book. On the nose, complex aromas of dark red fruit, delicate cedar wood, leather, very spicy. Initially taut and dense on the palate, it opens up as it progresses and expands with impressive elegance. The interplay between bouquet and complexity on the palate is perfectly balanced and its impressive size is already unmistakable. This Merlot will have a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red with a garnet-red rim. Fresh sour cherries and plums on the nose, with violets and a touch of coriander in the background. Fruity and juicy on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"A rich, dark expression of Merlot, this red walks the fine line between austerity and generosity, with the latter gaining prominence over the course of the fine finish. Dense, with the tight texture working in tandem with black cherry, blackberry, iron and spice flavours." Wine Spectator

"The Barone Ricasoli 2019 Casalferro showcases its potential in a classic vintage. The DNA of the wine, which is made exclusively from Merlot, is characterised by the grape variety, but the terroir also plays a major role in this presentation. You know you're drinking a wine from Tuscany thanks to a delicate bundle of flavours that includes wild cherry, violet fruit, violets and spices. This wine gives an Italian personality to a French grape variety." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Casalferro is magnificent. Ripe dark cherry and plum fruit, liquorice, spice, new leather, menthol and mocha are combined in a generous, lush Merlot that offers much of the vibrancy of a Chianti Classico." Vinous

"Blueberry, plum and red and black berry scents mingle with wildflowers, spices and a hint of roasted coffee beans. Stony and sapid in the mouth, it's all about elegance with beautiful cool blue fruits accompanied by a touch of creaminess on the mid-palate, then a long, super-fresh and poised finish." Decanter

"Super flavours of fresh violets, black olives, crushed raspberries and blackberries. Also a hint of dried flowers. Full-bodied but compact and polished, with superbly crafted tannins that compress the palate and give it a velvety texture. Taut and concentrated. The most precise and refined Casalferro ever. It needs at least three or four years to show what it's made of, but it has great potential. Best from 2026 onwards." James Suckling

"Produced for the first time not only with the best grapes from the vineyard of the same name, but also with contributions from the Pecchierino and Sodacci vineyards, this is a pure Merlot of stature with intense aromas of blueberries, currants and balsamic herbs on the nose. The flavour is elegant and spectacularly clean. Salty and spicy tannins, excellent drinkability." Luca Gardini