Wine

Just 2,100 bottles of this 1.5 ha single vineyard Cabernet Franc "Campo di Magnacosta" (a former riverbed with mainly clay, gravel and crushed stone soil) reach the specialised trade and the menus of the best restaurants worldwide. The vines were planted in the mid-1990s and come from Pomerol. In terms of aromatic intensity, Magnacosta is probably the most sensually elegant representative of the house's three great site cabernets. It has great straightness, but somewhat less power and intensity. It subtly combines black fruit aromas with spicy notes, tar and antique leather. It is already silky and elegant and will certainly gain in finesse over the years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Restrained but soon very elegant attack with aromas of dark berries and herbs; linear on the palate with fine-grained tannin and perfectly integrated acidity, powerful yet elegant finish." Vinum

"Bay leaf, tomato leaf and thyme aromas add a savory element to the black currant and black cherry fruit, with lively acidity and compact tannins providing support as this winds down on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Campo di Magnacosta comes as very tightly wound. Bright red/purplish toned fruit, chalk, mint and white pepper lend notable and salivating energy to this decidedly focused Franc. It's amazing to see just how expressive these wines are with regards to site and vintage. Let's see if this fleshes out a bit more with time." Vinous

"If you love Cabernet Franc, please direct your attention here. The Tenuta di Trinoro 2019 Campo di Magnacosta is a study in the intensity, power and depth of this grape. Campo di Magnacosta was the first of several single-vineyard parcels planted to this variety. The first bottling from this 1.5-hectare site was made in 2011, and this year a mere 2,122 bottles were released. The wine is profound and pure with luscious dark fruit, sharp minerality, spice and etched contours. You get that distinctive hint of slate or pencil shaving that is especially characteristic of this Cabernet Franc. Its full-bodied texture wraps smoothly over the palate, and the tannins have been expertly integrated." Wine Advocate

First bottled in 1967, the Masseria comes from a vineyard in Bricco di Neive and is essentially vinified and aged like a Barolo. Since the 2018 vintage, it now comes from a small parcel that used to belong to the Barbaresco winery Socré, and it is now deliberately released a year later to provide more harmony and balance.

Floral and spicy notes meld with a core of rich, generous fruit in a generous Barbaresco based on pure resonance. Masseria is vinified and aged like Vietti's single-vineyard Barolos. This means long fermentation, six months in French oak and more than two years in barrique. This, together with the top vintage of 2019 and the broad shoulders of Neive, results in a Barbaresco with clear Barolo hints. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Vietti 2019 Barbaresco Roncaglie Masseria helps to fill out this wide portfolio of wines representing the best of Piedmont. This winery was able to recently acquire new land in this cru site, now totaling two hectares of vines, thus giving considerably more fruit to this program. This Barbaresco is released one year after its peers to show additional depth and fullness, especially in this naturally concentrated vintage. Dark fruit and cherry cedes to pretty spice and tar." Wine Advocate

"Complex aromas of blackberries and black truffle with some lavender. Full-bodied with velvety tannins that spread across the palate. Rich and deep on the finish, with fantastic length and gravitas." James Suckling

"The 2019 Barbaresco Masseria Roncaglie is the best Barbaresco I have ever tasted from Vietti. Bright, translucent and full of energy, the 2019 is stunning from the first sip, and it was poured after all the Barolos in the range. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, cinnamon, mint and orange peel all grace this exquisite, stunning Barbaresco. The 2019 is pure and full of finesse. For many years, Barbaresco was the hidden gem in this range. I'm not sure how long that will last. The 2019 is outrageously beautiful. Don't miss it!" Vinous

Black cherry red with a violet rim. On the nose, notes of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, dried coriander and vanilla bean, rounded off with fruit aromas of pomegranate, cherry and floral nuances such as geranium, lavender and rose. Fresh rose sugar and graphite on the palate; plus raspberry, cherry, fresh plum and cranberries. Long in the finish with a fine cassis note. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, sparkling ruby violet. Opens with cool spicy notes, some geranium leaf, plus fresh plums. On the palate clear and present fruit, grippy tannin coated by beautiful melting, in the finish full of blackberry and spicy undergrowth." Falstaff

"This wine is, frankly, delicious. The fruit has a brilliant, violet-scented, dark ripeness, but it is infused with a ruby glow. Blueberries and raspberries. Lavender and pepper. The tannins are so fine it feels like they were applied with a sable hair brush, yet they are not delicate - they engrave the fruit with purpose and precision. Delicious freshness in the mouth. Incredibly fragrant on the finish. This wine really floats." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas of cherries and flowers with some orange peel. Also graphite, slate and white pepper. Medium bodied with firm and silky tannins laced with bright acidity. Bright and lively." James Suckling

"The 2018 Tinata is super-expressive right out of the gate. Soaring aromatics meld into a core of dark red/blue fruit, with hints of tobacco, dried herbs, licorice and spice that develop later. A wine of understated depth, the Tinata is impressive in this tasting." Vinous

Il Marroneto 2019 Brunello di Montalcino already shows an exciting purity and intensity of red fruit in the glass. The character is fresh, lively, youthful and vibrant. The bouquet is characterised by black cherry, Mediterranean maquis, peppercorns, dried cranberries and rosemary. The base of the wine is light, almost weightless, but its structure and firmness finally catch up with it in the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brightening ruby red colour. Charming and inviting nose with notes of sour cherry, pomegranate, some saffron, blood orange and fresh plums. Shows a lot of juicy, present fruit at the beginning, then opens up with fine-meshed tannins, embedded in sweet enamel, glides along elegantly." Falstaff

"Brilliant medium ruby red colour. Stunning nose full of minerals with raspberries and a hint of eucalyptus. Elegant and juicy with pure raspberry and superfine but firm tannins accompanying the fruit. Great precision. Transparent." Jancis Robinson

"A cascade of bright cherries, rosebuds, lavender and cedar spice waft up from the moodily perfumed 2019 Brunello di Montalcino. It is surprisingly juicy yet quite complex, with hints of zesty orange and vibrant acidity giving it tremendous energy, while crisp red fruits with clove flavours drench the senses. On the finish, the tannins are sweet and round, but not too hard. The 2019 finishes spicy and fresh, leaving notes of mint, violet and sweet herbal tea. Don't be fooled by its energy and accessibility; the 2019 holds a tremendous amount of power in reserve. This is an enchanting Brunello from Il Marroneto." Vinous

Iacopo Mori described the 2019 vintage during his visit to Decanter in December 2023 as "perfect, no diseases... lots of fantastic grapes". Indeed, 2019 looks excellent across the board. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino from Il Marroneto has an incredible aroma: a seductive hint of aromatic cherry and fragrant violets. In the mouth, it is extremely precise, with a silky texture and sweet red fruits. It is intense, edgy and flavoursome, with a beguiling purity and finesse. Delicious." Decanter

"Alessandro Mori's wines are easy to recognise in a blind tasting as they have a high intensity and lively Sangiovese aromas. They are truly unique. The Brunello di Montalcino Il Marroneto 2019 is a wine with a relatively short and hot fermentation that respects the local winemaking tradition and stays true to the spirit. The steep verticality of the bouquet evokes almost carbonic or lifted flavours of bright cherries, strawberry pie, lilac and grapes. You get straight to the heart of the Sangiovese. The tannins are extremely fine and powdery, and the freshness of the fruit is wonderfully intact. This wine is a real cracker in 2019." Wine Advocate

"The impeccable quality of the raw material from Il Marroneto in another exceptional reading of Brunello. On the nose, Marasca cherry in jam, then notes of gardenia, clementine peel and juniper. Spicy tannins on the palate, again with notes of cherry and citrus fruits." Luca Gardini

From some of the oldest Sangiovese vineyards comes Colore every year, the maximum expression of Bibi Graetz' dream. The barren, sandy soils at high altitudes create the perfect terroir for a wine that can tell the true story of Tuscany and its inhabitants. The grapes for Colore were selected from vineyards in Lamole, Vincigliata and Siena. Each vineyard was harvested up to eight times in order to achieve the optimum ripening time for as many grapes as possible. Each parcel is matured separately in barriques for almost two years before the final blend is decided. Only the best Sangiovese barriques from each vintage become Colore. SUPERIORE.DE

The Colore 2021 is an irresistibly delicate Sangiovese with a distinctly high-altitude character. Darker and denser in colour than usual. It smells rich, dense, sweet and intense from the glass, much more aromatic than in previous years. Deep, spicy and very youthful with a slightly reductive note, the Colore 2021 has plenty of juice and fullness on the nose. Rich, velvety and fleshy on the tongue, it is very profound, mature and full-bodied. A great, delicate and finesse-rich Sangiovese with penetrating power and delicate acidity. Delicate, elegant and extremely persistent, it leaves a much fuller and fuller body than usual. An inspiring colore with a long finish." Weinwisser

"Brilliant medium to deep ruby red colour. Brooding and with aeration, showing a cloud of fragrant but spicy raspberry and cherry fruit and then pet shop! Just a hint of cigar box. Plenty of powdery tannins that support the fruit rather than dominate the finish. Long, tannic and supple at the same time. It will age gracefully." Jancis Robinson

"The nose asserts aromas of dark fruit and berries, with rubbery, slightly smoky notes drifting around the edges. A juicier, denser berry streak defines the satiny palate, while bitter undertones of orange and chocolate provide structure. Firm, taut tannins emerge on a warm finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The Bibi Graetz 2021 Colore is a Sangiovese from old vines, but otherwise the vinification and oak ageing is identical to the other top red wine Testamatta. In this case, the fruit comes from the Lamole area with vineyards at 600 metres above sea level. Some of them face south, but are located high up on the mountain. As Bibi explains: "The Colore provides vigour and freshness, while the Testamatta offers transparency and freshness." The Colore shows the pure energy and vibrancy of Sangiovese with violets, wild cherry and orange zest. The wine shows an elegant, earthy side with a very fine mouthfeel supported by very fine, gentle tannins. This is a beautiful wine with a delicately sweet cherry finish. Bibi has changed this wine very little over the years (apart from giving it a new home at the estate in Fiesole) to create an ideal or benchmark for Sangiovese. His 2021 is his best wine yet." Wine Advocate

"Another excellent wine from Bibi Graetz made from selected old Sangiovese vines. Herbaceous and spicy on the nose, fragrant but with savoury aspects rather than overtly floral or fruity. Intense and direct, it hits you straight away with energy and forward drive. So supple and well defined, soft yet lively and energetic with tannins that are so beautifully executed. Almost plush and chewy, adding weight and texture to the palate, while overall quite light and airy. Complex and invigorating, fresh and wild at the same time - I love the character, it's pure but with a sense of authenticity that summarises the terroir and winemaking philosophy so beautifully. The finish is extremely flavoursome with mint, liquorice, spiced blackcurrants and cool cherries!" Decanter

"Intense aromas of violet fruits such as raspberries, spices, pencil and granite. Also fragrant flowers. Full-bodied, dense with balanced tannins that show transparency and focus. Crisp and very long. Better after 2028, when it opens up and integrates beautifully." James Suckling

Costabate is a matter of the heart for Andrea Cortonesi and is only released in the best years and then in just 500 magnum bottles in selected specialist shops and the top gastronomy. This exceptional wine is vinified in barrique barrels from over 300-year-old oak trees.

This wine is made from a selection of the best Sangiovese grapes from the Uccelliera vineyards. These are located at three different altitudes and thus different microclimates. It is an expression of the unique terroir around Castelnuovo dell'Abate and, strictly speaking, corresponds to a Brunello declassified as IGT. Bright ruby, then black fruits, some tar, teryaki notes and exotic spices. Fine-grained tannin and an almost inexhaustible complexity lead the wine connoisseur into new realms of experience. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe, expressive and harmonious, this majestic red has blackberry, black currant, eucalyptus, menthol, wild rosemary and mineral flavors framed by vanilla and toasty oak. Gains support from firm tannins, yet the lasting impression is sweet fruit, so be patient." 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. Let's 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

Here comes the consistent answer to the high-quality French rosé vintage champagnes, which, as Robert Parker commented on the debut vintage 2006, signifies nothing less than the turning point of the Italian Metodo Classico. Dark pink with raspberry reflections and a delicate copper hue. Beguilingly supple fruit, fine mineral notes, some rock and granite, as is typical for the Dolomite region. Glides silkily over the palate, the aromas of freshly baked baguette and brioche linger endlessly. Exciting and unique! SUPERIORE.DE

"This exquisite, structured sparkler opens with enticing scents of rose petal, citrus, baking spice and red berry. The gorgeous, radiant palate boasts vibrancy and depth, featuring juicy red cherry and pomegranate overlaying rhubarb and mineral notes that recall graphite and saline. A silky, persistent perlage provides loads of finesse while bright acidity lends intensity and precision. Extraordinary." Wine Enthusiast

Black cherry red with a violet rim. On the nose, notes of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, dried coriander and vanilla bean, rounded off with fruit aromas of pomegranate, cherry and floral nuances such as geranium, lavender and rose. Fresh rose sugar and graphite on the palate; plus raspberry, cherry, fresh plum and cranberries. Long in the finish with a fine cassis note. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense ruby violet. Opens with fine spicy notes, of ivy and sandalwood, crisp sour cherry, some white pepper. On the palate polished and round, shows very well placed tannin, many layers, entwined with fine melting, fun!" Falstaff

"A blend of Syrah and Grenache, the Monteverro 2019 Tinata shows wonderful richness and concentration with a full range of spicy and opulent dark fruit aromas. This is a terrific organic wine that can be appreciated most of all thanks to its expertly applied Italian face to these high-performing Rhône varieties. There is a lot of promise in these grapes, especially along this sun-drenched stretch of coastal Tuscany. Tinata is creamy rich and opulent with sweet dark fruit, spice and baking chocolate." Wine Advocate

"Lots of dried-meat, pink-peppercorn, ink and smoky character. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, layered tannins that are intense. Lead-pencil and crushed-stone undertones. Give this three or four years to soften." James Suckling

Luce is the wine icon of the eponymous estate and symbol of the harmonious balance between the elegant structure of Sangiovese and the fullness of Merlot. The wine marries the tradition and terroir of the Montalcino region and the personal interpretation of this extraordinary land.

Almost impenetrable ruby red. The bouquet is initially still reductive and relatively austere, which opens up softly and warmly with seductive scents of ripe berries, tobacco and leather with increasing aeration. The taste is concentrated, distinctive and tannic, yet silky and promising on the palate. The finish is long and deep with hints of coffee and vanilla. A great blend of Merlot and Sangiovese with high potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Engaging dark berry nose, tinged with graphite, vanilla and chocolate notes, subtle spice; opulent, with a velvety tannic acid vein on the palate, comes across as polished yet with structure. Can and should age." Vinum

"The 2019 Luce has a dark, super-viscous colour. With a fleshy cherry fruit, dense, rich concentration and lots of wood, it impresses with intense, ethereal nuances at medium depth. It starts out polished and full in the mouth, showing a deep, racy acidity and remarkably spicy tannins. It plays with a lot of meat and woody sweetness, which merge with balsamic notes. Deep, long and seductive, youthfully fresh and with good length." Weinwisser

"Dark ruby red. Very expressive nose of cassis, ground blueberries, noble use of wood, a hint of sealing wax, fine malty notes in the finish. On the palate with a lot of juice and pithy tannin, spreads over the tongue, with beautiful spicy notes, full-bodied, in the finish, however, a bit harsh and still very young." Falstaff

"This Italian wine is an icon in its own right and proves to be exceptionally versatile and likeable year after year. The bouquet is characterised by dark fruits, cooked cherry and lots of spicy oak and tobacco from barrique ageing." Wine Advocate

"Rich and deep colour evoking aromas of black cherries, blackberries, plums, tar, wild herbs and spices. Dense, yet fresh, with fine tannins on the finish. Well integrated and long." Wine Spectator

"The first Sangiovese-based 'blend' in Montalcino, capable of maintaining, over the years, the enchanted balance between Sangiovese and Merlot. North-west quadrant of the 'hill' that returns in the olfaction, opened by notes of black raspberry, then marjoram, rhubarb and liquorice, with savoury-salty, juicy and crisp drink, fruity return and liquorice sensations." Luca Gardini

"Sophisticated aromas of pencil, graphite and blackcurrant. Also hints of black olives and herbs. Full-bodied, yet dense and deep, with super precision and intensity of tannins. Incredible balance of structure and finesse in this wine. Give it time in the cellar. Better after 2027." James Suckling

Bibi Graetz: "Monumental, there is no better word to characterise this vintage of roundness in every single aspect of the wine. Colore has elegance, freshness and an incredible acidity that is surprisingly noticeable on the nose and at the first sip."

From some of the oldest Sangiovese vineyards comes Colore every year, the maximum expression of Bibi Graetz' dream. The barren, sandy soils at high altitudes create the perfect terroir for a wine that can tell the true story of Tuscany and its inhabitants. The grapes for Colore were selected from vineyards in Lamole, Vincigliata and Siena. Each vineyard was harvested up to eight times in order to achieve the optimum ripening time for as many grapes as possible. Each parcel is matured separately in barriques for almost two years before the final blend is decided. Only the best Sangiovese barriques from each vintage become Colore. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, sparkling ruby colour. Intense nose with notes of raspberry, rhubarb, beetroot, plum and cherry jam. Firm tannins in the attack and on the palate, fine raspberry and cherry fruit, good tension, some cinnamon on the final, well-made, juicy." Falstaff

"Lustrous, healthy mid ruby. This clearly has eclipsed the variety and expresses origin. Chalky, minerally hints under ripe, concentrated raspberry with hints of garden herbs. Great focus and balance of fresh, ripe, supple raspberry, with firm, powdery tannins that are gripping the finish, for now." Jancis Robinson

"The 2020 Colore is a pleasant surprise and an absolute feminine beauty. When I expect power, it delivers grace with a stunning bouquet of freshly cut roses, blood orange, wild strawberries and sweet smoke. It's very structured but not heavy, instead feeling like crushed velvet that lays gently across the palate, leaving mineral blackberries and redcurrants in its wake. The finish is elegant with fine-grained tannins, without slowing down the momentum, while the spicy notes slowly fade away. The Colore is made exclusively from old (70 years or older) Sangiovese vines from the Lamole, Vincigliata, Olmo and Siena vineyards." Vinous

"The Bibi Graetz 2020 Colore is a pure expression of Sangiovese that comes from old vines carefully selected in different parts of Tuscany. The majority of the fruit comes from an elevated and cool site in Lamole or from 70-year-old vines in Bagno a Ripoli or Vincigliata near Fiesole. A small percentage of the old vines in Olmo is also used. Bibi has a preference for old vines, and you can taste the beautiful depth and complexity expressed in the Colore. Compared to his other wine, Testamatta, this wine has undergone fewer stylistic changes over the years and the aim has always been elegance and finesse. The Colore has a beautiful luminosity with flavours of dark fruit and wild berries. There is also a hint of liquorice and mint. Mineral flavours and bright acidity characterise the Colore." Wine Advocate

"The subtlety and fragrance of this wine are enchanting, offering flowers, orange peel and cherries. Also wonderful ripe strawberries. Full-bodied but not over the top, with polished tannins that run the length of the wine. It's dense, but shows all the signs of a great wine. You want to drink it now, and you probably should, because it's so seductive. But it will also age beautifully." James Suckling

Only 1,650 bottles of this 1.5 ha Cabernet Franc single vineyard "Campo di Camagi" (mainly quartz and limestone) reach the specialised trade and the menus of the best restaurants worldwide. Campo di Camagi is a very precise and focused wine. The high quality of the Cabernet Franc grape is noticeable here with every sip. Black fruits and spices are in elegant unity here and the full, racy body of this exceptional wine will only fully reveal itself in many years. Please be sure to put this bottle far away! SUPERIORE.DE

"At first smells closed, then all the more seductive of dark forest fruits and undergrowth, also spicy notes; concentrated in the mouth, powerful tannin, lots of juice and character. Should still mature." Vinum

"Rich, sparkling ruby-violet. Smells of ripe blackberries and dark currants, followed by red beet and tobacco, some pepper. On the palate gripping, dense tannin, lots of spicy components, lively and hearty, dark chocolate in the finish, still needs long maturity." Falstaff

"Fresh and focused, this red features a line of pure cherry flavors, along with black currant, tobacco, iron and olive notes, all supported by a deft use of oak, firm yet pliable tannins and a long, detailed finish. Shows fine overall harmony and potential." Wine Spectator

"This vineyard site sits at 550 meters in altitude, with clay soils spread over 1.5 hectares. The Tenuta di Trinoro 2019 Campo di Camagi is another site-specific expression of Cabernet Franc from a vintner who has produced some of the greatest expressions of this Bordelais grape made in Italy. What distinguishes this bottle next to, say, the Campo di Magnacosta (with looser alluvial limestone and sandstone soils) is the wine's overall sense of concentration and fruit weight. It is full and generous, leaving a big impact on all the senses. This wine packs a powerful punch with black fruit, spice, tobacco and scorched earth." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Campo di Camagi is another highlight in this range from Trinoro. Bright and effusive in its aromatics, the 2019 is all class. Sweet red cherry fruit, cedar, tobacco, anise, blood orange and cinnamon lend brightness. I especially admire the delineation here." Vinous

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

"The 2014 is a unique interpretation of Dal Forno's Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta. It is a remarkably beautiful wine, showing crushed ripe strawberries and plums with cinnamon, cloves, vanilla pods and a cooling hint of mint. The textures are velvety and coat everything they touch with the concentration of glycerine fruit, yet come across as tangy and vibrant, contrasting with rich notes of tart blackberry and savoury spice. At times the Monte Lodoletta is almost savoury, especially in its long, delicious finish, which lingers with notes of cherry stones and herbs. This atypical but really pleasant expression is the result of the extremely difficult 2014 vintage, when hail damaged and reduced the harvest in the lower-lying vineyards, followed by rain from August to September. As a result, Dal Forno decided not to produce its Amarone and instead to focus entirely on Valpolicella. The result is a wine that no Dal Forno fan should miss out on." Vinous

"A beautiful, sophisticated red wine with flavours of dried berries, plums, flowers and cedar wood. Full body and a flavourful finish. Extremely refined and polished, more so than many previous vintages. Already beautiful, but it needs another year or two to develop." James Suckling

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

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

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

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

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

"Dark ruby red with a slightly lightening rim. In the nose tones of ripe Amarena cherry, wild berries and plums, in the aftertaste mint and elegant toasty aromas from the wood ageing. Juicy and mouth-filling on the palate, with fine tannin and a long finish." Falstaff

"It smells of violets and black and blue berries. In the mouth it is intense, concentrated and dense, with good acidity, fine tannins and lively, tangy dark fruits. Needs more time before it opens up." Decanter

"A medium-bodied, balanced red wine with notes of cherry, spiced plum, dried herbs and liquorice. Spicy. Slightly chewy tannins. Fresh and delicious finish. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The second wine from Monteverro. Already very tasty." James Suckling

"Fruity bouquet of stone fruit and herbs; excellently structured with fine mineral components, the finish is balanced and fruity." Vinum

"The 2019 Monteverro Terra di Monteverro is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot from organic farming and is the little brother of the winery's Monteverro (from the same grapes). This concentrated vintage shows lots of concentrated fruit, blackberry and black cherry. The wine also has a creamy side that adds to the sense of opulence and density." Wine Advocate

Medium ruby red. Opulent bouquet of small red berries, especially redcurrant, somewhat herbal. Then full and harmonious on the palate, with pleasant fresh brightenings and a nice texture of cherries, forest floor and herbs. A stable framework of acidity and tannin leads into a persistent and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Dark ruby red with a brick-red-orange tapered rim. The nose of the 2003 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is powerful and concentrated with notes of Grand Marnier, plum jam, stewed fruit and a little port at the start. The maturity of the vintage condenses in the concentrated fruit in joyful interplay with the tart aroma of ripe tannins. With increasing aeration, the ripe notes integrate into the overall appearance and are complemented by mild spices such as cloves, allspice, black pepper and green cardamom as well as the distinctive umami impression of beef jerky. Open-hearted on the palate and, despite the expansive ripe fruit, stringent and taut on the palate. Tobacco and leather aromas join the extract-sweet fruit of Amarena cherries and fully ripe plums. In addition, there is the impression of dark chocolate, whose bitterness tips over into a slightly astringent sweetness. Extremely drinkable, it shines on the palate with silky, glistening tannins and an expansive hedonistic nature. Further proof that 2003 gains in greatness with increasing maturity. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the philosophy of our company, the ageing of the wines has always played a decisive role. This is the reason why we are proud today to be able to offer many of the oldest vintages directly from our cellar. We differentiate as follows: In each year we make two bottlings. Younger vintages that we put on the Italian market come from younger vineyards and the wines from the old vines we let mature in our cellar for at least 5 years and then only gradually put them on the global market. For better differentiation, the latter wines bear the seal 'Selezione Vecchie Vigne'. Another important aspect is that all bottles that are more than 10 years old are decanted and individually checked before they start their journey to our customers, re-corked." Emidio pepe

"Ripe and aromatic, with an undercurrent of cured olive, grilled rosemary, sanguine and dark roasted espresso running through the concentrated black cherry fruit. Well-defined, as juicy acidity keeps the long finish moving." Wine Spectator

pep’s 2003 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a bomb. Tar, leather, scorched earth and black fruit emerge from this dark, imposing Montepulciano. The wine comes together beautifully in the glass, as the aromas and flavors gain breadth and dimension. Despite the rich style, there is nothing excessive or over-ripe here, just exceptional balance of ripe fruit as captured by a traditional approach to vinification. A final blast of tar informs the long finish." Wine Advocate

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

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

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

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

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

Satta's almost black-violet Syrah with an extraordinary bouquet of blueberry and blackberry liqueur, tar and graphite shines with richness and intensity. Not a flatterer, but not an edgy representative either - a sensational wine for today and the years to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, brightening ruby red colour. Fragrant, appealing and clear nose of fresh cherries, ripe raspberries, some wild strawberries, rose hips and blood oranges, very fragrant, with elegant floral notes. On the palate with a savoury melt and great freshness, very lively and with a great nerve, accessible, best enjoyed a few degrees cooler, very elegant." Falstaff

"Showing some of the tin can, or almost rusty qualities that the grape can produce, the Michele Satta 2021 Syrah also has a hint of cracked peppercorn and spice. It is lean for a Syrah from Tuscany, and this is a welcome characteristic. It offers delicate aromas with dusty rose, spice and powdery tannins. This expression is elegant and restrained. Only 3,300 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

Bright golden yellow colour and a creamy bouquet of exotic fruits, banana and almond. The fruit finely balanced with the barrique tones. Soft, warm and dense on the palate, of wonderful freshness, structure and suppleness. Good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Essenze Barolo Riserva is vinified only in the best vintages. It is a blend of the best grapes from the vineyards of the Comune del Barolo. Ethereal scent, some forest earth, tar, tobacco and spices. A wonderfully balanced Barolo with a fine acid and tannin structure and a beautiful fruit component - completely in the style of the house and made for a long life! SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromatic notes of dried herbs and cherries with a smooth, rounded palate, strong tannins and a long, tarry finish." Decanter

"Bright ruby garnet. Smells of rosewood, wild raspberries and pickled nuts on the nose. Gripping tannin that spreads out well, shows good tension, lots of raspberry fruit, juicy, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Deep red and darker berries on the nose, along with floral and leathery notes. Full-bodied with grainy tannins infused with spice and fruit. It is approachable now but should age for a long time. Best from 2023." James Suckling

This wine from the single vineyard of the same name is probably the most opulent of the house's selection line. On the nose, an almost brushstroke-wide presence of ripe fruit, spices and hints of crushed rock. On the palate, impressive suppleness, complexity and richness, plus a whole bouquet of dark fruit flavours flanked by firm, structured tannin. The Merlot content gives it additional depth and power. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine is dark and concentrated in this vintage with beautiful tones of ripe blackberry, baked plum, sweet earth and black rose. It has all the classic flavours of the varietal, except in this case they are delivered with more power and vigour thanks to the warm and sunny growing season. This vintage remains a little more approachable overall." Wine Advocate

"Dark, noble ruby red with a discreetly lightening rim. In the nose black bread crust, butter biscuits, delicate vanilla note, then rich dark berry fruit, noble wood. On the palate punchy, very juicy, seems cool fruity, with tight tannin, deep, long, in the final again juicy and fresh." Falstaff

"Aromas of plums, blackberries and earth show hints of caramel in this soft, muscular red wine framed by toasted oak. It feels fluid and open until the dense, powerful tannins make their presence felt on the finish. Persistent and fresh, with a long aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"It is beautiful and decadent with notes of ripe red and dark berries with sweet spices, bark and hints of dried leaves. Full-bodied and dense with finely polished and compact tannins that extend throughout the length of the wine. Long and firm with a granite-like presence on the finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is normally a sensual wine, but it is a powerhouse. That's probably a good thing for its long-term ageing prospects, but harvestwill have to be patient. Intense spicy and mineral notes give the 2020 an enormous complexity. Even in this warm year, the 2020 is not opulent, but it is packed with tremendous intensity and pure power. The reddish fruit of the Sangiovese will emerge with time, but the 2020 will require a certain amount of patience." Vinous

Giulia Negri would certainly not have the nickname "Barolo Girl" if this wine did not exist. The grapes for this archetype of a modern-traditional (sic!) Barolo come from the top vineyards of Brunate and Serradenari, the latter of which lies at an altitude of up to 520 metres and the soils are clayey-sandy. The grapes are fermented spontaneously and then matured in large oak barrels. Barriques? Not a chance.

Deep, light ruby red colour. Rose petals, nutty notes and small red berries on the nose. The fine fragrance continues on the palate: even though it does not deny its origin or the grape variety, it has an almost unique elegance and freshness that makes it recognisable as a lively and complete top wine even at a young age. Further years of ageing are certainly not a mistake, as you can impressively feel how the increasing complexity with age joins the finesse and elegance that is already unmistakable today. A bottle for now and the rest not too far away in the cellar! SUPERIORE.DE

"Beautiful, fine tannins, velvety and polished, with a medium to full body. Juicy and full of flavour. A hint of orange peel. Seamless. Deep mouthfeel. Loamy soils." James Suckling

"Savory aromas swiftly emerge, accompanied by wild mixed berries and herbs. The palate delights with sour plum, Bing cherry, mint, warmed spices, tar and dark earthy nuances. An exceptional expression of Negri's winemaking prowess." Wine Enthusiast