Wines from Tuscany | Montalcino

Luce is the iconic wine of the estate of the same name and symbolises the harmonious balance between the elegant structure of Sangiovese and the richness of Merlot. The wine marries the tradition and terroir of the Montalcino region with a personal interpretation of this extraordinary land.

Almost impenetrable ruby red colour. The bouquet is initially reductive and relatively austere, opening up soft and warm with increasing aeration and a seductive aroma of ripe berries, tobacco and leather. The flavour 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 great potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Fine fragrance on the nose, subtle, some lavender, mint, then cassis and ripe raspberry, cold smoke on the finish." Falstaff

"The wine is characterised by the vanilla of new oak and has aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, flowers and iron. Racy, with lively acidity and dusty tannins that linger on the finish. It needs air, so give it a few years to absorb the oak." Wine Spectator

"The nose is dense and powerful, with lush black fruits and chocolate, and it becomes even more perfumed with aeration. The attack is tangy and powerful, savoury and assertive, but without excessive extraction, and the tannins are polished. Despite a hint of tar and liquorice, the black fruits dominate. It is well balanced, grippy and structured, with a very long finish and will age well." Decanter

"Delicious perfume of dark forest fruits and plums, also tobacco and undergrowth; well-built with precise tannins, a subtle minerality can also be felt, the final a potpourri of fruity and balsamic notes, overall extremely polished and elegant." Vinum

"Very nice orange peel with redcurrants and blue berries. Also flowers. Medium to full body with firm and velvety tannins that are polished and impressive. Fresh fruit on the finish. Serious structure and brightness. Better after 2026." James Suckling

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1998 comes from a vintage that initially attracted little attention but is now in full bloom and is an outstanding example of the ageing ability of Biondi Santi's wines.

Dark garnet red with brown rim. In the full bouquet a potpourri of dried red berries, spices, damp forest floor, rose petals and violets. Behind these feminine aromas are power and determination, and at the same time they provide an extremely harmonious overall impression on the palate with the still very compact fruit, the lively acidity and its present but very polished tannins. The incipient maturity is very much to its advantage, providing a soft and warm texture that cushions it wonderfully and makes it a special experience. Hardly any Italian red wine will continue to give as much pleasure in many years as this 1998 Riserva! SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby with narrow orange rim. Amazing focus and lift on the nose. Sour cherry with hints of iron and liquorice. Still so youthful and concentrated and at the same time so elegant. Succulent and long and with a layer of polished tannins carrying the fruit. Cool, sleek and long, this is a monument of elegance and style." Jancis Robinson

"Features beautiful perfume, evoking rose, cherry, licorice and tobacco. Elegant, delicate even, with fine harmony and refinement. Cherry and raspberry flavors are persistent. Lacks the power of a 2001 or 1997, but shows finesse and filigree." Wine Spectator

"The 1998 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva comes from an under-the-radar vintage that has blossomed today. The aging potential of these Riservas from Il Greppo must be tasted to be believed. Driven by fresh acidity that remains firm and taut, this wine reveals a dark garnet color and mid-weight concentration. The bouquet presents a careful succession of dried berry, forest floor and spice aromas that builds in intensity as the wine warms in the glass. The wine hits the palate with immediate brilliance and sparkle. This bottle is at its drinking prime right now. It's a true beauty." Wine Advocate

"Boasting alluring scents of new leather, truffle, camphor, pipe tobacco and just a whiff of tar, this just re-released Riserva from the estate's cellar is absolutely gorgeous. Loaded with finesse, the polished, vibrant palate delivers dried cherry, orange zest, cinnamon and nutmeg alongside silky, smooth tannins before finishing on a note of black tea. Still amazingly fresh and going strong." Wine Enthusiast

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1998 comes from a vintage that initially attracted little attention but is now in full bloom and is an outstanding example of the ageing ability of Biondi Santi's wines.

Dark garnet red with brown rim. In the full bouquet a potpourri of dried red berries, spices, damp forest floor, rose petals and violets. Behind these feminine aromas are power and determination, and at the same time they provide an extremely harmonious overall impression on the palate with the still very compact fruit, the lively acidity and its present but very polished tannins. The incipient maturity is very much to its advantage, providing a soft and warm texture that cushions it wonderfully and makes it a special experience. Hardly any Italian red wine will continue to give as much pleasure in many years as this 1998 Riserva! SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby with narrow orange rim. Amazing focus and lift on the nose. Sour cherry with hints of iron and liquorice. Still so youthful and concentrated and at the same time so elegant. Succulent and long and with a layer of polished tannins carrying the fruit. Cool, sleek and long, this is a monument of elegance and style." Jancis Robinson

"Features beautiful perfume, evoking rose, cherry, licorice and tobacco. Elegant, delicate even, with fine harmony and refinement. Cherry and raspberry flavors are persistent. Lacks the power of a 2001 or 1997, but shows finesse and filigree." Wine Spectator

"The 1998 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva comes from an under-the-radar vintage that has blossomed today. The aging potential of these Riservas from Il Greppo must be tasted to be believed. Driven by fresh acidity that remains firm and taut, this wine reveals a dark garnet color and mid-weight concentration. The bouquet presents a careful succession of dried berry, forest floor and spice aromas that builds in intensity as the wine warms in the glass. The wine hits the palate with immediate brilliance and sparkle. This bottle is at its drinking prime right now. It's a true beauty." Wine Advocate

"Boasting alluring scents of new leather, truffle, camphor, pipe tobacco and just a whiff of tar, this just re-released Riserva from the estate's cellar is absolutely gorgeous. Loaded with finesse, the polished, vibrant palate delivers dried cherry, orange zest, cinnamon and nutmeg alongside silky, smooth tannins before finishing on a note of black tea. Still amazingly fresh and going strong." Wine Enthusiast

Greppo Riserva from the absolute top year 1997 - newly corked, as Biondi Santi does every 20 years also on behalf of customers - smells of flowers, licorice, red berries and spices. Elegance and perfection at the palate, long, supple, juicy up to the endless final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Optimal vintage, rain in spring, June and July dry and warm, refreshing downpours again and again in August; harvestin early September. Rich, sparkling ruby garnet. Shows nice ripe cherry fruit on the nose, some plum, plus blackberry, the warmth of the vintage is also evident in the riper flavors. Firm and sturdy on the palate, gripping, dense tannin, lots of ripe fruit, surprisingly broad for Biondi Santi." Falstaff

"The celebrated 1997 vintage was, generally speaking, overestimated in Tuscany and most of the wines are today more evolved than expected. It was considered one of the best vintages of the 20th century for two key reasons: it was the warmest harvest of the cool 1990s, and there were some excellent wines from the coolest spots for Sangiovese. Biondi Santi's steep hill of Il Greppo and its BBS11 clone loves warm vintages and certainly they have pushed the reputation of the year. The quality of this Riserva is immediately clear: the outstanding freshness of the attack is still there, and the palate shines for the savoury red berries melded with hints of wild fowl, liquorice stick and Earl grey, increasing its citrus elegance. It displays the perfect balance of structural elements, still tense with velvety tannins. The sweet cherry kernel flavours sit on a broader than usual palate, with not quite firm acidity." Decanter

"A ripe expression, showing broad shoulders, this is still monolithic and dense at 15 years. Cherry, plum and stony aromas and flavors are supported by fresh acidity and dusty tannins. The tight finish contains a mineral element. Opens up with time in the glass, but could use another 5 to 10 years of aging." Wine Spectator

"The Biondi-Santi 1997 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva was never previously reviewed; therefore, I am very excited to add an official record of this stunning wine to our database. This vintage delivers structure and age-worthy intensity that should carry it forward successfully for more years ahead. However, if you decide to pop the cork now, rest assured that this excellent Brunello has now entered its prime drinking window. The bouquet is polished and fine, with wild fruit aromas that segue to balsam herb and licorice. The finish is long and extremely polished. This is a real beauty." Wine Advocate

Superb - the Cerretalto 2012, a plant from a historical top location in the west of Montalcino. In the bouquet, spicy accents and aromas of soft sour cherries and blackberries give the scent. The impeccable taste impresses with its dynamic and weighty character, the dense tannin with good supporting effect, the respectable acidity and a first class finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich, deep ruby with a garnet shimmer. Intense and complex nose, with dark cherries, violets, fresh, juicy plums, olive paste and dried tomatoes, very inviting. Rich, firm base on the palate, lots of warmth, dark, ripe fruit, dense tannin interwoven with sweet enamel, salty and long, for lying clean!" Falstaff

"The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto offers a prolonged, flowing and carefully massaged drinking experience that drapes over the senses with some studied intensity and lots of intriguing complexity. This wine nails that perfect balance between power and elegance (that elusive exchange that so many winemakers hope to achieve) with effortless precision. Bold cherry fruit and spice are tightly woven together. In the mouth, the wine shows texture, depth and succulence. Generally speaking, this is not my favorite vintage in Montalcino, but this wine suddenly made me forget that thought." Wine Advocate

"Flavors of medicinal herbs, juniper, macerated cherry, plum, tobacco and spice are the hallmarks of this intense red. Ripe and concentrated, yet sleek and focused, with spice notes chiming in on the long, minerally and firmly tannic finish." Wine Spectator

"The density is so impressive in this great single-vineyard wine of Casanova. It's full yet agile at the same time. Shows such integrated tannins and fresh acidity at the finish. Energized and focused. Tangy and citrusy. Mineral undertone. One of the great Brunellos of 2012." James Suckling

Campo del Drago is a single vineyard of just 1.5 ha and is situated on a high plateau in the Montalcino appellation with a view of the Thyrrenian Sea. The grapes from here are only vinified separately in the best years to produce the Brunello of the same name, and the result is then eagerly awaited about 5 years later.

Campo del Drago 2018 is very closely linked to its terroir. Dark, concentrated colour with beautiful saturation and density. The bouquet reveals a unique minerality and complexity. The palate is intense, complex and deep. The tannins are present but remain very elegant thanks to the acidity. The finish with the sour almond note typical of Sangiovese is great proof of how characteristic the vintage was for this grape variety. Can still mature, but is already irresistible today. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red. The nose really has the 'wow factor'. Still a little dense and closed, but with real purity of fruit on the nose and a hint of iodine. Pure fruit with lots of fresh acidity and rich, long, fine-grained tannins. Real elegance coupled with concentration. Not yet ripe." Jancis Robinson

"Although rich and focused on a core of bright cherry fruit, this vibrant red also evokes iron, wild herbs and Mediterranean scrub. It has visible but well-integrated tannins that remain juicy and carry through the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Castiglion del Bosco 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago was born in one of the most beautiful panoramic vineyards in Tuscany. This wine is a tribute to this magical place. It offers a special intensity and power that you can perceive with all your senses. It has more fruit weight, more black and purple berries and more soft concentration that makes for a long finish. The tannins are still tight, so give the wine a few more years to integrate." Wine Advocate

"Dark fruits dominate the nose, but savory undertones of tar, soil and graphite emerge over time. On the palate, dried cherries and cranberries continue, before a balanced finish of dark chocolate and candied orange peel. Tannins keep things clean, while acidity contrasts the plush fruit." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago smells of an irresistible blend of gravel, spicy herbs, wild strawberries and rose tones. It is elegant yet refined, with silky texture and pure, ripe red and blue fruits that take on a crisp feel towards the finish, while inner violet and lavender tones arch across the palate. Long and savoury, the 2018 finishes with light tannins, packed with salty minerals and floral scents that refuse to end. The 2018 Campo del Drago is often dark and brooding to the extreme and impressed me greatly. It has a beautiful balance but also an admirable depth for this vintage. Well done." Vinous

"Fascinating nose with notes of spicy mushrooms, almost like truffles, along with ripe red berries and a hint of exotic dates. Full-bodied, with an excellent balance of ripe fruit, velvety but not chewy tannins and a long, tasty finish. This wine should be drunk now but will improve with age. Best from 2024." James Suckling

"Once again, Vigneto Capanna and slatey soils give power to this label of beautiful intensity. Blackcurrant on the nose, notes of liquorice and rhubarb, then citrus thyme. The mouthfeel is crisp and juicy, with a return of fruit and liquorice." Luca Gardini

"Powerful black cherry, red berry and earthy floral notes with a juicy underbelly of plum sauce and cola spice. Incredibly youthful and fervent with fine-grained tannins and a saline finish." Decanter

Campo del Drago is a single vineyard of just 1.5 hectares and is located on a high plateau in the Montalcino appellation with a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The grapes from here are only vinified separately in the best years for the Brunello of the same name and the result is then eagerly awaited around 5 years later. Dark, concentrated colour with beautiful saturation and density. The bouquet reveals a unique minerality and complexity. The palate is intense, complex and deep. The tannins are present, but remain very elegant thanks to the Sangiovese acidity. Can still mature, but is already irresistible today. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very similar to the Annata, with a touch more reduction and more polished tannins. Dense, fruity bouquet, ripe, rich cherry fruit, sweet tobacco, touch of green olives, pomegranate juice. Meltingly dense palate again with lots of pomegranate, redcurrant, somewhat more gracious in the slightly astringent tannin, the beautiful fruit has a contrasting effect. Needs to mature." Weinwisser

"Bright, shiny ruby red colour. Fragrant and inviting nose, trimmed with flowers and citrus, violets, orange, tangerine, fragrant peach, cherry, light spice in the background. Polished on the palate with plenty of juiciness and beautiful savoury play, clear fruit, great texture, grippy tannins on the finish, will age well and for a long time." Falstaff

"In the glass, the wine evokes the forest after a drenching when the sun starts to dry out the vegetation. Warm cedar, porcini and licorice root aromas are heady. Dense and concentrated, the palate is weighty in red summer berries, yet the structure is tight. Chewy tannins provide an essential girdle. Oak-derived vanilla notes pervade, though hints of leather and gamey meat portent what is to come as this evolves." Decanter

"Complex and rich, sumptuous even, boasting flavors of cherry, plum, leather, mineral, dusky spices and tobacco, underscored by a stream of dense, dusty tannins. This coasts to a finish that is tactile, echoing ripe fruit and mineral accents." Wine Spectator

"Dark and savory in the glass, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago lifts up with a bouquet of grilled herbs, exotic spices, ashen stones and dried wild berries. It’s soft and enveloping, yet there's an energy within. Zesty acidity motivates its tart red fruits, all underscored by a salty core of minerality. This finishes long and staining with a coating of grippy tannins, yet is still remarkably fresh. Rosy inner florals linger. The textures here are stunning, as is the 2019's spry personality." Vinous

"Berry aromas with fresh herbs, such as lemon grass and basil, from the mostly whole-berry fermentation. Lots of fresh flowers, too. Medium body with a solid core of fruit and very fine tannins that are polished and beautifully curated. Lovely presence and harmony." James Suckling

Podernovi is San Polo's great single-vineyard Brunello. Ruby red colour with light garnet reflections. On the nose, floral aromas of violets, cyclamen and jasmine, notes of fresh fruit and spicy notes. In the mouth, round, full of harmony and with a good structure and acidity, as well as very soft tannins that show excellent persistence overall. A wine of almost endless length, depth and with a distinct character that lingers in the memory. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex bouquet of cherries, leather and dried flowers; harmonious texture, acidity and tannins in balance, long polished final. To wild boar with polenta." Vinum

"Powerful ruby with a fine garnet rim. Opens with notes of mint and ginger, juicy cherry, a little resinous in the background. Dense and compact on the palate, shows lots of fresh, red berry fruit, gripping tannin." Falstaff

"Aromas of forest floor, grilled herb, camphor and pipe tobacco mingle on the nose of this full-bodied red. The firm, elegantly structured palate offers juicy Marasca cherry, red currant, licorice and coffee bean. Tightly wound, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity grip the close and lend an ageworthy structure." Wine Enthusiast

"A tight, chewy red with plums and berries, together with orange-peel and dried-flower undertones. It's full with fine tannins and a long, floral finish. Very reserved now." James Suckling

"A mix of wild herb, Tuscan scrub, rose, cherry and earth flavors mark this sleek red, which tiptoes between elegance and power, with a layer of chalky tannins underlying it all. With air, the ripe cherry and plum fruit comes forward." Wine Spectator

"Delicately perfumed and finessed, the San Polo 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Podernovi is very floral and lifted in personality. This vintage is very different than the inaugural 2015 vintage. I remember the previous release for its darker and blacker quality of fruit. This cooler vintage is more lithe and lighthearted, with building aromatic intensity that unfolds with caution and care. Once you've had the wine in your glass, it reveals a succession of sour cherry, wild rose and fresh lavender bud. There are light mineral dustings as well, and the wine is ultimately quite solid and structured. This bodes well for its aging evolution. Fruit comes from a two-hectare parcel in a cool and high position some 450 meters above sea level. The soils are clayey with schistous Galestro." Wine Advocate

Uccellieras Riserva 2015 is a dark, thoughtful and powerful wine. It only gradually reveals its richness and complexity of spices, tobacco, cured meat and dried blackberries and plums. This wine monument is only at the beginning of a long maturation development and yet already convinces us on all levels. It offers breathtaking intensity, power, integrity and at the same time excellent balance. Its aromatic momentum continues to grow and becomes more extensive and complete the more air the wine takes in the glass. Only the too impatient will not give it more years in the cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense aromas of ripe berries, dried cherries, spicy bark and hints of orange rind follow through to a medium to full body with fine, firm tannins that are coated with fresh, spicy and citrusy notes that linger long. Well balanced acidity provides even greater length." James Suckling

"The Uccelliera 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a great achievement and is among my top favorite wines from Andrea Cortonesi tasted in the 20 or so years I have followed this estate. There is a lot of power here, thanks to that golden Castelnuovo dell'Abate sunshine, so I cannot liken this wine to some of the more ethereal and delicate expressions that I also love. Instead, this Riserva delivers brawn, dark fruit and muscle, but it does so with sincerity and honesty. You can't help but appreciate the complexity on offer. The wine offers plenty of dark fruit, but you also get licorice, balsam herb and crushed limestone. There is a lot of beauty to admire." Wine Advocate

"An enticing version, whose vibrant character sets the pace for fresh black cherry, blackberry, iron and tobacco, with a frame of oak spice. Round and solidly built, this persists with lingering accents of fruit, mineral and spice." Wine Spectator

A Riserva is produced in the winery only in the best years, and the result is just over 3,000 bottles of the finest Sangiovese, which presents itself in the 2015 edition undisputedly in the first league of Montalcino. Medium light red, wonderfully balanced aromas and an almost seamless transition from nose to palate. Notes of wild berries, spices and forest floor come together like a team to create a rich, deep and highly balanced growth, which is already on the podium after the first sip. Texture, structure and tannins are not to be surpassed in harmony and leave an impression in the long reverberation, dan one does not forget again. 2015 was a very harmonious and rich year, this Brunello captures the character of the vintage impressively precisely. Chapeau! SUPERIORE.DE

"A full-bodied, structured red with smoke, tar and grilled mushrooms on the nose. Some bitter berries to go with the earthy mushrooms. Chewy tannins and a long, savory finish. Lots of citrus." James Suckling

"The Gianni Brunelli Le Chiuse di Sotto 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is another beauty from this bijoux estate. This wine offers texture and depth, but it does not have the same level of luminosity or brightness that we got in the 2016 Brunello. It shows some charred aromas with spice and ripe fruit, with wide and large ambition. I got a touch of Graham cracker and brown sugar, followed by spice and ripe fruit. This is a long and generous wine, with soft fruit and texture on the long finish." Wine Advocate

"The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino from Gianni Brunelli didn’t leave much room for improvement; yet somehow the Riserva manages to take things to a whole new level. The bouquet alone is absolutely stunning, as you could sit with this glass for an hour and never grow tired of taking in its mix of sweet wild herbs, dusty florals and bright cherry fruit. Sage, lavender, spiced orange and flowery undergrowth complete this already-dazzling expression. It’s deep and silky, verging on fleshy but not quite, as a tactile mix of acids, minerals and fine tannin settle in. That said, while the 2015 Riserva is classically structured and dry, it prioritizes purity of fruit above all else, seeming to hover upon the senses and never grow tiring. Fans of Gianni Brunelli will be very happy to have a few of these resting in the cellar. The Riserva is typically made from a higher percentage of fruit from the Olmo vineyard at Podernovone in the south balanced out by a parcel from Le Chiuse in the north, which adds freshness." Vinous

One of the best vintages of the last twenty years and San Polo's first single vineyard Brunello. Ruby red colour, not too deep, with light garnet reflections. In the nose floral aromas of violet, cyclamen and jasmine, notes of fresh fruit and spice. In the mouth it is round, full of harmony, with good structure and acidity and very soft tannins, which show an excellent persistence overall. A wine of almost endless length, depth and with a distinct character that will be remembered. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, sparkling ruby with garnet edge. Very dense and inviting nose, notes of ripe plums, liquorice and dried porcini mushrooms. Fills out the palate, but shows not only fullness, but also a lot of juice and elegance, a very polished, elegant Brunello, long finish." Falstaff

"Firmly structured, this opens with aromas of underbrush, exotic spice and whiffs of eucalyptus oil. The firm palate evokes black-cherry extract, orange zest, licorice and tobacco set against assertive, close-grained tannins that leave a rather austere, drying finish. Give it time to fully unwind." Wine Enthusiast

"San Polo's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Podernovi is dark and earthy, with notes of moist soil, savory herbs, and minerals that wafting up from the glass. Mineral-encased ripe red fruits, propelled by vibrant acids with sweet spices and a hint of youthful tannin develop with air. The finish is long and buzzing with zesty acids and spice, along with a coating of fine tannin that tugs at the cheek. There’s a great blending of earth and fruit that makes the Podernovi quite attractive, yet a few years in the cellar should yield an even more balanced wine." Vinous

"The Poggio San Polo 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Podernovi offers great density and textural richness. I would say that this wine is most characterized by the quality of the mouthfeel that wraps smoothly and thickly over the palate. Dark cherry, tobacco, earth, plum and dark fruit add intensity and flavorful substance. The wine's full-bodied approach would match grilled meats or roasts." Wine Advocate

"Lush and fruity, featuring plum, cherry, strawberry and iron aromas and flavors. Bright acidity and dense tannins form the structure as this plays out on the long finish. The excellent youthful balance shows promise for the future." Wine Spectator

"A dense and layered red with plum, cherry and chocolate character. Full body. Dense and ripe tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Shows layers of fruit and rich tannins. New and exciting wine from here. Try after 2022." James Suckling

Vinified only in the best vintages and in small batches, Brunello di Montalcino PS Riserva comes from vines planted in the 1970s in Pelagrilli, one of the districts on the north side of Montalcino. The 2016 is deep yet translucent and offers wonderful intensity. The bouquet is fluid and graceful with a very precise and concentrated presentation. Dark cherry, plum, rose petal, spice, liquorice and new French oak are just some of the characteristics that excite us. The finish is silky and very long. Attractive tones of spicy smoked meat appear at the very end. A full and very focused Sangiovese from the top year 2016. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby garnet. Very clear and precise nose, shows beautiful matured fruit notes, plays between nuances of raspberry, cherry and strawberry, underpinned by spicy components. Shows compact and polished on the palate, lots of fine-meshed tannin in many layers, fine fruit, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red. Deep, sweet cherry aroma with more than a hint of cardamom. Lots of maraschino cherry on the palate with supple acidity building to a very long, aromatic final with a perfect dose of chewy tannins. A baroque, dramatic wine." Jancis Robinson

"Broad, stimulating flavours of blackcurrants and blackberries, with elements of iron, tobacco and toasted spices. Accents of wild herbs add detail, while dense tannins flex their muscles on the long finish. Lively and concentrated, with energy and potential." Wine Spectator

"It's hard to tear yourself away from the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva PS, as a stunning blend of cool mint and menthol gives way to cloves, cedar chips, dried cherries and underbrush. This dark beauty impresses with a texture like crushed velvet, weighty and fleshy yet refined. Sour berries combine with hints of blood orange and inner herbal notes to create an interplay of salty and sweet tension. It's not the concentration or heady aromas or flavours that impress here, but the wonderful balance they all create. The 2016 Riserva PS finishes incredibly long, unexpectedly fresh, with fine-grained tannins and notes of liquorice and blackcurrant." Vinous

"From a small, precious cru of 1.5 ha in the Pellagrilli area, aged for 24 months in barrique, then in bottle, a wine of lush concentration. Red currant jam, with notes of lemon thyme and even sweet spices like cinnamon. The mouthfeel is dense and crisp, with saline tannins and a fruity, balsamic return on the finish." Luca Gardini

"This is a wine of impressive size and depth. The Siro Pacenti 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva PS is modern, bold, powerful and built like a brick wall. It offers plenty of concentration and richness of texture, but it also boasts a fairly dark ruby colour that is beautiful in the glass. It is a healthy, vibrant wine with plenty of aromatic character. The tannins are fruity and oaky (both of which ensure that the wine can age for a long time in the cellar), and it sits firmly on the palate, giving it creaminess and structure. Give it plenty of time to develop. With time (I tasted the bottle again 24 and 48 hours after opening), it reveals delicate nuances of mountain herbs, mint and violets. There are only 650 bottles of this vintage and some larger formats." Wine Advocate

"Enchanting nuances of blue fruits, raspberries and black cherries with flowers such as rosemary flowers and violets. Full-bodied with a dense and intense palate of ripe tannins that are fine and polished. So persistent and beautiful with focus and brightness. Lasts for minutes after. Try it after 2024." James Suckling

Deep, rich ruby red colour. Intoxicating nose with clearly perceptible herbal spice, wonderfully layered with hints of mint and young leather. Lively, vibrant dark red cherry flavours paired with fine, original grape sweetness on the palate, always with a precision and structure that is rarely found in a glass. Its purity, vibrancy and deeply impressive personality are revealed with every sip. Rarely has a Sangiovese made us so devout. It has everything that makes a perfect wine! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Sangiovese dazzles the senses with an exotic bouquet that keeps the glass in constant motion as sandalwood and crushed stones complicate rhubarb and violet floral aromas, all engulfing a core of brilliant strawberry fruit. This is a racy and sleek effort, with silky yet lifted textures and vibrant acidity that embellishes its ripe wild berry fruits. The 2018 finishes with dramatic length and is full of energy. An orange tinge offsets edgy tannins, and purple inner florals slowly fade over a lingering note of hard red candies. I have never experienced such a racy rendition of Soldera, yet this remains loaded with character and expertly balanced. Don’t miss it." Vinous

"Soldera fans will be very pleased with this latest release, which, despite the uneven growing season (with a wet and cool spring and a hot summer), shows tremendous Sangiovese character and lustre. The legendary Gianfranco Soldera died of a heart attack on the morning of 16 February 2019 while driving along the bucolic, vineyard-lined road near his winery. This means that this is the last vintage to be managed directly by Soldera, a man who was very active in the vineyards and winery until the very end. As a farewell gift, he presents us with a finely nuanced wine with flavours of cassis, wild berries, rosemary, pencil shavings and blood orange. This is a beautiful wine that pays tribute not only to Gianfranco Soldera, but also to his non-interventionist vision of Italian wine that has influenced so many younger winemakers." Wine Advocate

Here, excellence of man and nature come together with perfect precision and harmony. Powerful cherry and blackberry notes are followed by crushed minerals, liquorice, smoke and lightly scented cedar. Spreads evenly across the palate and its flavour intensity, power and volume last for minutes. The exquisite 2015 Cerretalto is concentrated and rich, but never too heavy or dense. It is a highly compelling Italian icon with the truly exciting world of perceived unlimited possibilities still ahead of it. We can be more than excited ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, rich ruby garnet. Opens with light spicy notes, some cardamom seeds, then lots of crisp, dark cherry, mulberry, light truffle note in the background. Fans out broadly on the palate, lots of ripe, juicy fruit, opens up on the back end with tight, precise tannin, exceedingly long, savoury and gripping, a definite long runner!" Vinous

"The 2015 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is remarkably fresh and balanced despite its large-scale persona. Minty herbs give way to raspberry and cherry with exotic spices and a hint of pine resin. It boasts depths of silky textures; yet it remains juicy and full of energy, displaying ripe red and black fruits, laced with salty minerals, as hints of cinnamon and baker's chocolate form toward the close. Fine tannins come forward on the finish, tugging at the cheeks, yet all under an air of sweet spice and violet florals. As young as this is today, it's hard to put the glass down, and I can only imagine the depths that will be revealed with five or more years of cellaring." Vinous

"Wild rosemary, thyme and juniper aromas and flavors frame the core of black cherry in this supple red. Firmly built, shows refined tannins embraced by the bright fruit. Very expressive and approachable now, yet should continue to improve." Wine Spectator

"Of these new releases from this benchmark estate, the Casanova di Neri 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is my favorite wine. This Riserva is larger than life with ripe fruit, raspberry, cherry, spice, cola, root beer, mesquite and cedar. The wine offers a flashy and generous quality of fruit that unfolds over time with a multifaceted and multi-layered presentation. One thing that stands out here is the acidity that is bracing and tart at first but then succumbs to an important supporting role, rendering lasting freshness and persistence to the finish. With time, you get a flash of cherry and crème de cassis that seals the deal." Wine Advocate

"This is a momentous wine with incredible power and structure that has so much minerality and crushed-stone character to the black cherries and blueberries. Full-bodied and tannic, yet the tannins are layered and polished with a glorious, creamy and juicy texture that coats your mouth. It goes on for minutes. Incredible wine." James Suckling

Marco Bacci's Brunello Riserva from the dream vintage 2016 presents itself full and generous on the nose. Cascades of violet and black fruits wash over the senses with black cherry, blackberry jam and smoked tobacco. The opulent overall impression is completed with a hint of bitter almond and suptile notes of smoke and nuts. These give the wine a deep and dark character. Very well structured on the palate and built for a long life with its well-formed acidity-tannin framework. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of camphor, new leather, blue flowers and dark spices come to the fore. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the savoury palate offers ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, liquorice and tobacco, framed by tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. The fresh acidity provides balance. It's still youthfully tart and needs a few more years to unwind." Wine Enthusiast

"The Renieri 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is balanced and bright, but it also shows the unmistakable power and strength of this classic vintage. Cassis and cherry are framed by fragrant balsamic aromas with tarry smoke, cola and liquorice. There's a bright note here too, reminiscent of natural rubber, followed by lovely mineral tones that add elegance." Wine Advocate

"An intense red wine that offers a wealth of concentrated aromas of black cherries, blackcurrants, violets, chocolate and earth. It firms up at the end, with the dense tannins leaving a compact impression for now. Spicy elements shimmer through on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Southern part of the appellation, from a farm with great history, a refined Brunello, nose of redcurrants, with hints of Mediterranean scrub and balsamic, of eucalyptus. The mouthfeel is dense with salty tannins and a return to fruity notes." Luca Gardini

"Enticing aromas of black truffle with cherry and strawberry. The palate is full and dense with polished tannins that are layered and refined. Great length. Goes on and on. Not to be tasted until after 2025, but already captivating." James Suckling

When the world-famous Oenologist Carlo Ferrini makes his own wine, you can't help but be excited. Here, he has succeeded in creating an interpretation of Sangiovese that brings all his experience from decades of working with this grape variety to the fore as if through a burning glass. The moderate use of wood through ageing in 700-litre tonneaux expresses the clarity and personality of the grape and the unique terroir (there are just 1.5 hectares of the best Brunello sites) in an archetypal way. A great harmony of dark cherries, black fruits, spices, leather and tobacco, ideally integrated tannins and great persistence will quickly make the few thousand bottles a sought-after collector's item. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, medium-dense ruby-garnet colour. Opens with notes of blood orange, fresh plum, black cherry, some rose petal in the background. Juicy and compact on the attack and on the palate, shows plenty of dense tannins, builds up in layers, dark cherry fruit, savoury pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Medium to deep ruby red colour. Closed nose with a hint of Moroccan leather. Rich, tangy cherry with a hint of oak and polished but firm tannins. Very seductive and with the typical signature of Ferrini - the eternal suave. Long, but not quite open yet, and the tannins still need to dissolve a little into the fruit. Shows real potential and promise and is not uninteresting." Jancis Robinson

"For Carlo Ferrini, who normally advises numerous wineries in Tuscany and beyond, 2018 was a classic year. His Brunello is one of the shooting stars. The wine opens elegantly and full of finesse with red and dark blue fruit as well as a wonderful black cherry flavour and floral nuances. Wonderfully juicy on the palate with a fresh fruit presence. Subtly interwoven with delicate hints and the noble cedar notes of the wooden barrel ageing. Very precise yet intense with good concentration for the vintage and extremely silky, grippy tannins." Weinwisser

"Notes of farmyard, caramel, wood, cedar and toast on the nose. Vibrant sweet strawberry and red berry fruit on the palate, a hint of spiciness, bitterness and a creamy feel from the tannins. I like the gentle saltiness - wet stone and salt gracing the palate, and the sweetness with acidity that keeps everything so buoyant and cheerful. An extremely elegant expression, smooth, balanced and complete." Decanter

"Flavours of black cherries, violets, lavender and orange peel follow through to a medium to full body with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. So focussed and radiant. Agile and weightless on the finish. Not the greatest Giodo, but beautiful and precise." James Suckling

"Tasted at the Giodo estate in one of the most remote and beautiful areas of the appellation, surrounded by forests and sweeping panoramas, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino gives us a promising taste of what we can expect from this warm vintage. The wine offers ripe but delicate flavours of cassis and dark cherries with nuances of lilac, violets and crushed limestone. The tannins are present and well integrated. Carlo Ferrini's Brunello promises a long ageing period." Wine Advocate

"The nose brings an umami sanguinity, with notes of tar, petrol and soil, but undertones of black cherries and blackberries make those aromas invigorating rather than harsh. The fruit ripens on the palate, but a slow-developing, spiced earthiness works with deliberate tannins and latent acid to maintain propriety." Wine Enthusiast

"The great project of the Ferrini family from Sant'Angelo in Colle, a Brunello characterised by constant excellence. Intense on the nose, with aromas of cranberry, fresh pepper leaf and blood orange peel, with earthy notes. Spicy sip, fruity and citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

This coveted Riserva is only vinified in top vintages and comes from the highest vineyards of the winery. On the nose, the essence of dark cherries, blackberries, flowers, violets, liquorice and spices, which are then carried away on the palate by firm, structured tannins. The Brunello Riserva 2016 impresses with its remarkable fruit and a big, explosive finish. It presents itself fresh and surprisingly lively, yet very focused and balanced. A great wine that is already a real joy to drink. SUPERIORE.DE

"Andrea Cortonesi crafts distinctly umami Brunello from various parcels at diverse altitudes and exposures in the warm reaches of Castelnuovo dell’Abate. After trying the sensuous 2015 Riserva at the estate in September 2021, I was excited to taste the 2016 release. It too is voluptuously shaped yet shored up by sturdy, muscular tannins. Pronounced clove and nutmeg meet prune, dried raspberry and tar. And there is a saline beef broth undertow. While it offers plenty to unpack over the years, I actually prefer to drink Uccelliera’s wines when they are still full of vim and vigour." Decanter

"This is really polished and refined, yet remains polished and beautiful, with cherries and berries, as well as light hazelnut and walnut undertones. Compact and silky. Drink after 2024, but already so attractive." James Suckling

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a terrific wine: bold, well-defined, powerful and balanced. There are many good things to relate, but the high alcohol content (measured at 15.5%) is the only distraction. This is a trend in the Riserva category in the 2016 vintage. The bouquet shows black cherry, cassis, earth, leather and dried roses. The palate offers soft fruit flavors supported by firm oak tannins." Wine Advocate

"Rich and deeply alluring, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva wafts up to display crushed ashen stone mixed with hints of ginger, dusty florals and black cherry preserves. This is velvety-smooth and pliant in feel, lifted by cooling herbal and mineral tones, as an opulent wave of ripe red and black fruits washes across the palate, leaving a staining of minerals and spice in its wake. It’s long and structured, in need of further time to come fully into focus, yet somehow the 2016 Riserva remains completely fresh, tapering off to inner earth tones and hints of blueberry. Time will reveal further depths. This is an utterly classic Uccelliera Brunello in the making." Vinous

"Offers forthcoming aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, licorice, tobacco and vanilla backed by vivid acidity and dusty tannins, with a long, saline finish. Showing enough fruit and structure to absorb the oakiness over time, this is balanced overall and poised for a promising future." Wine Spectator

When the world-famous Oenologist Carlo Ferrini makes his own wine, you can't help but be excited. Here, he has succeeded in creating an interpretation of Sangiovese that brings all his experience from decades of working with this grape variety to the fore as if through a burning glass. The moderate use of wood through ageing in 700-litre tonneaux expresses the clarity and personality of the grape and the unique terroir (there are just 1.5 hectares of the best Brunello sites) in an archetypal way.

Expressive and full of character, the 2019 vintage shows concentration and structure with notes of red plums, wild strawberries, cedar wood pieces, mandarin juice, lemon peel, chopped ginger and celery. Wild thyme and marjoram form the background, but it is the character of fresh cherries, rose petals and grapefruit that gives the range grace and authenticity. Medium-bodied, perfectly ripe tannins of commendable beauty and an honest, subtle, enveloping finish. Exciting in the sip, you want to drink it, drink it and drink it again. Elegance and perfection - a divine wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Carlo Ferrini's Brunello has long been one of the top wines of the appellation. Carlo Ferrini, who normally advises numerous wineries in Tuscany and beyond, has created his own masterpiece here. Complex bouquet, elegant, full of finesse with a subtle souplesse. A marvellous liaison of floral notes and rather red berry fruits is revealed: red plum, red currant and pomegranate, a touch of orange. You can already sense the freshness and that it was harvested à point. Everything is very complex and interwoven with fine Sangiovese fruit. Very precise and yet intense, with a creamy, melting body and silky tannins, it continues on the palate, very distinguished and noble." Weinwisser

"Bright, elegant ruby violet colour. The nose is expressive, inviting, with rich fruit, deep cherry, blood orange, a hint of ripe raspberry, rosehip, very complex and inviting, high elegance, Burgundian. Juicy on the palate, polished, with clear fruit, harmonious, comes in many layers, enormous elegance and finesse, juicy and with excellent drinking flow." Falstaff

"An effusive red, with vivid cherry and raspberry fruit that's pure and tangy, courtesy of the vibrant acidity, while mineral and herb accents add depth as this builds on the finish. This is structured too, with well-integrated tannins that sneak up on the firm, long-lasting aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 vintage, which was harvested in mid-September, is Giodo's 11th release - and the best yet. It seduces with breathtaking aromas of gardenia, pimento flowers and strawberries, accompanied by fennel and subtle wood smoke. This immediate appeal is enhanced on the palate, where the flavours linger in the mouth - it's like biting into the freshest persimmon. Crisp yet lush with deep substance, the finely powdered, gracefully assertive tannins give the wine shape, while blood orange permeates the long finish." Decanter

"This wine comes from a three-hectare plot with 19-year-old vines that are obsessively tended and cared for. This amphitheatre-shaped parcel called La Poderina is located deep in the forest on a steep slope with a view of Monte Amiata in the distance. The soils are white in colour and contain a lot of rock. This wine is of great depth and dimension, with vibrant energy, elegant balsamic notes and sweet ripe fruit. The medium-bodied fruit is well balanced with the wine's acidity and fine tannins. It finishes with floral notes of violets and iris." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of cedar wood, earth, tree bark, fruit tea, black tea and cherries. Then fresh and dried flowers come in. Medium to full body that grows on the palate, with excellent fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It is structured and powerful with great length. The balance between acidity and tannin is incredible. Very clear and transparent. What a wine. Drinkable, but better in three or four years." James Suckling

"Taut and clean on the nose, with fine aromas of red plum, a hint of peony, salty nuances and a hint of black olive, with balsamic and medicinal herbs on the finish. The flavour is rich and elegant, with tannins that blend well with the fresh, spicy component. The finish is slightly citrusy, a great personality." Luca Gardini

This dazzling wine is something for Sangiovese purists and lovers of extreme finesse. It literally vibrates with electric energy and charm. Opening with enticing aromas of roses, violets, berries, ploughed earth and new leather, it is youthfully intense but already a classic at this stage. With its velvety texture, it envelops everything it touches with masses of dark red fruit, liquid violet blossom, notes of lavender and sage, plus a subtle savoury note. Taut, refined tannins and bright acidity ensure a perfect balance and a promising, long ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby garnet colour. Appealing, compact nose of dark cherry and plum, then some tobacco and cigar box, with a background of molasses and balsamic flavours. Spreads out richly on the palate, hearty, pithy tannin that is very well integrated into the overall context, builds steadily towards the final, juicy and with firm pressure." Falstaff

"Deep, youthful ruby red colour. Compared to the estate wine from Il Marroneto from 2019, it is one step higher. Minerals infused with rich raspberry with hints of fresh garden herbs and mace. Wonderfully juicy fruit with enormous focus and amazing, fine, long, deep tannins." Jancis Robinson

"This is a racy wine with deep layers, infinite complexity and a wild, almost mischievous personality. I've noticed other Brunellos imitating this style, but none come close to this one and only. Il Marroneto 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie immediately exudes aromas that are lively, elegant and full of energy. This wine is light and powerful, especially when you consider that it has a unique vigour. Sweet cranberries, coriander seeds, cola, liquorice and white pepper stand out clearly. There is a hint of sweetness that feels like summer is singing from the glass. The mouthfeel is very lively, with great freshness and fine, dusty tannins that coat the whole mouth." Wine Advocate

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie seduces the imagination with a dark veil of exotic flowers and spices that slowly lifts to reveal dried blackberries and cherries enlivened by a hint of mint and a touch of clove. The silky texture and ripe red berry fruit soothe as a mix of savoury minerals and fine tannins slowly build towards the finish. Structured yet incredibly long and deep, it tapers like a black hole, inward facing and youthfully tense, mingling sweet tannins with soaked plums and balsamic herbs. The 2019 is one of the most energetic yet complex offerings from Madonna delle Grazie I've tasted. I could lose myself in this wine for days." Vinous

"The winery is located on the northern flank of Montalcino on a Jurassic soil, one of the oldest in Italy. An old "botte grande" gurgles, murmurs and bubbles slowly in the cellar. Fermentation here takes place naturally, including malolactic fermentation, exclusively in oak. This 2019 is supple and fresh on the nose, with redcurrants and dark cherries and a graceful depth of incense and smoky woods, sweet violet, cinnamon and orange peel. Vibrancy dominates the palate, with long, powerful acidity and dense, velvety tannins leading to a sweet, lingering aftertaste." Decanter

"Alessandro Mori's Brunello, which in the best sense resembles only himself. Notes of cranberry jam on the nose, with a hint of marjoram and star anise. The flavour is dense and salty, with a hint of freshness and balsamic vinegar. Very long-lasting, spicy finish." Luca Gardini

Cerretalto wins in the exceptional 2016 vintage with beautiful, natural complexity and fine oak tones surrounded by cinnamon, clove, chocolate and exotic spices. On the palate, a dark, dense, ripe fruit and firm tannins. Incredibly long and deep with amazingly fresh acidity and fine salinity. For us, the perfect Riserva of this great vintage and made for decades! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling ruby with a fine garnet rim. Multi-layered nose with notes of dark cherries, blackberries, rosewood, slightly earthy tones behind, clear and memorable. Has lots of plump fruit on the attack, juicy dark cherry, plum, then opens up with fine-meshed tannin in many layers, very good tension and length, elegant and finely defined, long finish." Falstaff

"There’s something intriguing, alluringly dark, earthy – animal, even – yet floral and packed full of rich black fruits and exotic spices that defines the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto. This impresses with its cool-toned dark berries and minerals, complemented by bright acidity and sweet inner herbal tones. It’s not yet ready to reveal all of its charms, though it drops subtle hints each step of the way. A bitter twang keeps the expression lively and fresh, while grippy tannins saturate deeply and leave the palate aching with youthful tension, as notes of licorice, clove and a hint of ginger linger. What a wine!" Vinous

"A dense, racy and expressive red, offering black cherry, black currant, violet, iron and a hint of rosemary aromas and flavors. This is driven by vivid acidity and refined tannins, which lend both finesse and length. Features great harmony and elegance." Wine Spectator

"Cerretalto is bottled separately in selected vintages only. It is given an additional year of ageing and is typically still patently austere when released. While the 2015 was almost uncharacteristically fleshy, 2016 is a return to Cerretalto’s sinewy personality. It opens gradually with distinct flint, creosote and smoke-infused wild black currants and thyme. The palate is powerful without being weighty, with chiselled tannins that are rigid but not hard-edged. A concentrated core of black salted liquorice, black raspberry and iron is pierced by tangy acidity. Ultimately an elegant wine, this will need time to express all its nuance." Decanter

"Here's an important keepsake from a classic vintage. The Casanova di Neri 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto needs time to open, especially if you plan to drink the wine earlier than is recommended. This powerful wine is packed tight with black fruit, plum and summer ripe cherry. Those dark fruit tones segue to spice, baked clay, balsam herb and gardening soil. The oak is always more apparent in the Cerretalto (which is released one year later, as if it were a Riserva) compared to the Tenuta Nuova. The vineyard used makes a big difference, giving this wine more textural weight and thicker fiber. It's all a question of taste, but if you want power, richness, sensuality and voluptuousness in your Brunello, Cerretalto is the bottle at the end of the rainbow." Wine Advocate

"Wow. Incredible purity and transparency with cherries, bark, mushroom, flower and slate/stone on the nose. Full-bodied yet agile and fresh with a fine tannin structure that runs the length of the wine and goes on forever. The polish, elegance and grace is breathtaking. Power with agility. A revelation for the 2016 vintage in Brunello. Drink in 2024 and onwards but wonderful to taste now." James Suckling

"One of the highlights in the expression of the Riserva, in a vintage blessed, a cru definitively in the history of the denomination. Spontaneous fermentation, about a month of maceration on the skins, raspberry jam to the nose, with touches of nutmeg and laurel. The mouthfeel has sapid and velvety tannins and the finish is fruity-officinal." Luca Gardini

Cerretalto 2018 is an expressive, exuberant and impressive wine that opens with a dark ruby red colour and a rich texture. The bouquet is endlessly intense, closely followed by finely tuned aromas of black cherries, spices, grilled herbs, cloves, tobacco, damp earth and white truffle. Over time, elegant mineral tones unfold, and later these flavours transition into cola, liquorice and tar. The mouthfeel is silky and supple, and there is enough power to move the wine seamlessly across the palate. Cerretalto continues to develop endlessly over 24 hours in the glass. Clear case: this is a bottle for the back of your cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

"With dried blackberries, balsamic herbs and a hint of charred chilli spice, this wine offers an aromatic profile that is very well suited to a vintage that experienced cool spring temperatures and a hot summer. The Casanova di Neri 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is a wine with depth, dusty tannins and a slightly developed fruit character. I tasted this 2018 Cerretalto alongside the winery's new releases from 2019, and the latter vintage certainly offers more clarity and bite overall. The Neri family does a great job of handling the tannins, and although there is some chalkiness here, the structure of the wine is skilfully embedded in the fruit concentration." Wine Advocate

Lucère Riserva 2018 pours out of the bottle with a deep, dark intensity. In the glass, it shows a dense extraction and deep concentration of dark fruits, cherry jam and blackberry jam. Black plum and dried fig also play a leading role, with a strong presence of exotic spices and savoury tobacco, with a dense and rich texture. Full body, fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. A fantastic Riserva with a wonderful balance and remarkable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The San Filippo 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva le Lucére opens with extra dark concentration and offers a multi-faceted bouquet that starts with a creamy note of Nutella or children's chocolate, but then quickly turns to iris root, clean earth, pencil shavings, liquorice root, dried cranberries and trail mix. The oak influences are strong, showing a hint of toasted coconut at one point, and the wine finishes with chalky tannins. It's very complex, and this is the best edition of this Riserva I've tasted so far." Wine Advocate

When the world-famous Oenologist Carlo Ferrini makes his own wine, you can't help but be excited. Here, he has succeeded in creating an interpretation of Sangiovese that brings all his experience from decades of working with this grape variety to the fore as if through a burning glass. The moderate use of wood through ageing in 700-litre tonneaux expresses the clarity and personality of the grape and the unique terroir (there are just 1.5 hectares of the best Brunello sites) in an archetypal way.

Expressive and full of character, the 2019 vintage shows concentration and structure with notes of red plums, wild strawberries, cedar wood pieces, mandarin juice, lemon peel, chopped ginger and celery. Wild thyme and marjoram form the background, but it is the character of fresh cherries, rose petals and grapefruit that gives the range grace and authenticity. Medium-bodied, perfectly ripe tannins of commendable beauty and an honest, subtle, enveloping finish. Exciting in the sip, you want to drink it, drink it and drink it again. Elegance and perfection - a divine wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Carlo Ferrini's Brunello has long been one of the top wines of the appellation. Carlo Ferrini, who normally advises numerous wineries in Tuscany and beyond, has created his own masterpiece here. Complex bouquet, elegant, full of finesse with a subtle souplesse. A marvellous liaison of floral notes and rather red berry fruits is revealed: red plum, red currant and pomegranate, a touch of orange. You can already sense the freshness and that it was harvested à point. Everything is very complex and interwoven with fine Sangiovese fruit. Very precise and yet intense, with a creamy, melting body and silky tannins, it continues on the palate, very distinguished and noble." Weinwisser

"Bright, elegant ruby violet colour. The nose is expressive, inviting, with rich fruit, deep cherry, blood orange, a hint of ripe raspberry, rosehip, very complex and inviting, high elegance, Burgundian. Juicy on the palate, polished, with clear fruit, harmonious, comes in many layers, enormous elegance and finesse, juicy and with excellent drinking flow." Falstaff

"An effusive red, with vivid cherry and raspberry fruit that's pure and tangy, courtesy of the vibrant acidity, while mineral and herb accents add depth as this builds on the finish. This is structured too, with well-integrated tannins that sneak up on the firm, long-lasting aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 vintage, which was harvested in mid-September, is Giodo's 11th release - and the best yet. It seduces with breathtaking aromas of gardenia, pimento flowers and strawberries, accompanied by fennel and subtle wood smoke. This immediate appeal is enhanced on the palate, where the flavours linger in the mouth - it's like biting into the freshest persimmon. Crisp yet lush with deep substance, the finely powdered, gracefully assertive tannins give the wine shape, while blood orange permeates the long finish." Decanter

"This wine comes from a three-hectare plot with 19-year-old vines that are obsessively tended and cared for. This amphitheatre-shaped parcel called La Poderina is located deep in the forest on a steep slope with a view of Monte Amiata in the distance. The soils are white in colour and contain a lot of rock. This wine is of great depth and dimension, with vibrant energy, elegant balsamic notes and sweet ripe fruit. The medium-bodied fruit is well balanced with the wine's acidity and fine tannins. It finishes with floral notes of violets and iris." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of cedar wood, earth, tree bark, fruit tea, black tea and cherries. Then fresh and dried flowers come in. Medium to full body that grows on the palate, with excellent fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It is structured and powerful with great length. The balance between acidity and tannin is incredible. Very clear and transparent. What a wine. Drinkable, but better in three or four years." James Suckling

"Taut and clean on the nose, with fine aromas of red plum, a hint of peony, salty nuances and a hint of black olive, with balsamic and medicinal herbs on the finish. The flavour is rich and elegant, with tannins that blend well with the fresh, spicy component. The finish is slightly citrusy, a great personality." Luca Gardini

Warm, very seductive aromas of black cherries, flowers, tobacco, minerals and undergrowth emerge from the bright ruby red. The interplay between the rich fruit and the classic structure is ingenious. The taste captivates with its intensity, luxurious and mysterious. SUPERIORE.DE

"Autumnal spices, sweet herbs and white smoke give way to ripe cherries and hints of licorice as the deeply seductive 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Bassolino di Sopra unfolds in the glass. This envelops the palate in opulent textural fruits (red and hints of blue), with balsam herbs and nuances of candied citrus lifted by bright acidity. Sweet tannins frame the expression nicely through the slightly candied finish; yet make no mistake, while the Bassolino di Sopra may show the sunny nature of the 2015 vintage, it does so in a wonderfully harmonious way. This single-vineyard Brunello is simply a pleasure to taste and will continue to wow readers over the next 15–20 years." Vinous