Italy

{region}Tuscany{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{***}

The 2001 Sori San Lorenzo is the richest and deepest of these 2001s. It remains cool, inward and totally implosive. Dark fruit, leather, goudron and licorice are some of the notes that begin to emerge over time. The 2001 is dazzling, but it is also very much on the muscular side and needs time to soften. I imagine it will drink beautifully for another 20 years, and that is likely to be conservative in light of the glacial pace with which the San Lorenzo ages. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034.
Antonio Galloni - 26/04/2012

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color}Red{color}                        

   {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2001{vintage}

{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 96/100        
{ratings} 

{***}

The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is downright gorgeous. The wine is inward-looking at the very beginning, but it quickly revs up to deliver soaring intensity and profound elegance. It goes from first to sixth gear in seconds and grabs all your attention and admiration in the process. The bouquet reads like a textbook Sangiovese, with wild berry, rose hip, pressed violets, cola, balsam herb, licorice and cigar ash. The bouquet underlines the wine's enormous finesse and pedigree, but the mouthfeel is all about frankness, directness and power. This is a naked and pure Brunello that glows bright with confidence and pride.

{***}{region}Tuscany{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2013{vintage}
{ratings}         
[]The Wine Advocate:: 97/100
{ratings}         {***}

The 2016 Barolo Castiglione is a dazzling wine that will show readers just how compelling this vintage is, even among entry-level wines from top producers. Rich, ample and explosive, the 2016 possesses tremendous richness and resonance from the very first taste. Bright red cherry and red plum fruit, wild flowers, mint, blood orange and spice build as this sumptuous, dramatic Barolo shows all it's got. As always, the Castiglione is built on a core of fruit from Ravera. In 2016, the Castiglione benefits from the inclusion of several new sites, including Ginestra, Mosconi, Bricco Ravera (in Monforte), Le Coste, Costabelle, Meriame, Briccolina and Codana. All I can say is: What a wine!
Antonio Galloni, vinous.com (November 2019)

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{ratings}[] Wine Advocate:: 94+/100

[] Vinous:: 94/100

{ratings}

{***}

The 2014 Barolo Bussia Cicala comes from a 3.2-hectare parcel, and only 5,400 bottles are made despite the fact that there is the potential for higher volumes. Both the Cicala and the Romirasco sites are relatively steep and therefore enjoy longer sunlight hours each day of summer for ripe and concentrated fruit. Of these new single-vineyard releases from Poderi Aldo Conterno, Cicala is my top choice in 2014. The wine shows a pure and enduring mouthfeel with salty or saline minerality that makes it such a pleasure to drink. The wine boasts a direct and vertical delivery of aromas, with cassis and dried raspberry that burst to the top with brightness. Cicala is a more direct and focused expression next to Colonnello, which tends to be more broad and horizontal instead. - Wine Advocate

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}

{ratings}   

[] The Wine Advocate:: 94/100    

[] James Suckling:: 95/100

[] Decanter:: 93/100  

[] Jancis Robinson:: 17.5/20

{ratings}

{***}

Pale cherry-red, the nose swoons with delicate notes of camphor and fresh, wild Amarena cherry, along with a fragrant rose-water character. To taste, this glides: it’s so pretty, so effortless with gentle redcurrant fruit and tannins so finely curated that they’re invisible.

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color}Red{color}                 

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}

{ratings}[] Wine Advocate:: 94/100

{ratings}

{***}

From the Treiso township, the 2014 Barbaresco Valeirano Vürsù represents a stylistic marriage of the elegant Gallina and the more powerful Starderi crus (both in the Neive township). This is a compact and fine Nebbiolo with a mid-weight style and slightly sweet tannins. In terms of its flavor profile, the wine shows savory spice and barbecue smoke followed by blackberry and dried cherry. In a sense, this wine borrows the best attributes of the other two Barbaresco expressions also reviewed in this report. - The Wine Advocate

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                   

            {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}

{ratings}   

[] The Wine Advocate:: 94/100    

[] James Suckling:: 92/100

[] Wine Spectator:: 91/100  

{ratings}

{***}

From the minute the wine is poured, you can tell this is a powerful wine. On the nose, attractive, sweet blackcurrants emerge balancing out the smoky notes. This has a velvet-like texture, slipping down with its tannins and acidity in perfect balance. Earthy notes will evolve to complement the fruit with time. Drink 2021-2030.

{***}{region}Tuscany{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                         

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}

{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate:: 98+/100

[]James Suckling:: 98/100

{ratings}

   {***}

The 2004 Tignanello (85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc) presents a livelier shade of ruby along with fresher aromatics and flavors. Deeply expressive, it reveals black cherries, licorice, tar and sweet toasted oak on a linear, silky-textured frame of great class and elegance, showing outstanding presence on the palate and fine tannins to round out the finish. -Antonio Galloni

{***}{region}Tuscany{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                         

{maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2004{vintage}

{ratings}

[]The Wine Advocate:: 93/100

{ratings}

   {***}

This is from young vines in La Morra and Neviglie. Again, there’s the remarkable Lapsang note, but it’s subtler here. There’s maraschino cherry and firm tannin, all resolved on the finish by understated intensity. This is not a “mini-Barolo”: the wine has seen no wood at all. The freshness of the vintage and the energy of Neviglie triumph. Drink 2022-2028.

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                               

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}

{ratings} 

{ratings}

{***}

The 2012 d'Alceo is a Tuscan blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. This is a more challenging vintage. There is a heavy layer of ripe fruit with sweet strawberry and dried blackberry that is hard to dig past in order to reach more delicate and complex nuances. The 2012 summer heat and lack of rain makes for less dimension. The wine drinks nicely now, but I would suggest a near to medium-term drinking window.

{***}{region}Tuscany{region}
{color} Red{color}           {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}
{ratings}

[] Antonio Galloni:: 94/100

[] The Wine Advocate:: 91/100

{ratings} {***}

The 2016 Brunello has a deep and glowing garnet color. It is refreshing and still grapey, with intriguing notes of raspberry and strawberry. Complex and intense on the nose, it shows a well-defined hint of white pepper. The entrance is voluptuous with sweet pure fruit. The tannins are easily detectable but velvety. It is a harmonious and gentile wine, of immediate pleasantness.

Ripe notes of lightly candied red cherry and hints of blood orange gently waft from the glass. New wood and a deft touch of autumnal floor are present, all in tandem with a sweet lick of spice. The palate is so pure and balanced with slinky tannins, bright acidity, and pinpoint precision to the finish – wonderfully layered and superb length. It may not have the ‘individuality’ of the single vineyard wines, but in no way should this be overlooked! Simply delicious. Drink 2023-2035.

{***}{region}Tuscany{region}
{color} Red{color}                                                             

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}For Laying Down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
 

{ratings} {***}

{***}
{region}Tuscany{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2015{vintage}
{***}

A new vintage of Sassicaia is always a treat and is never a disappointment. Cool, yet ripe Cabernet fruit provides great promise for the wine to come. On the palate that delicious coolness is there again, but there’s no hint of the hard edge that one might expect from such a cool wine, in fact ripeness of fruit is abundant. It’s more about the restrained sophistication of the style of this wine, incredibly elegant and fine, this is very impressive. All is perfectly in balance; fruit, acidity and fine tannins, nothing dominating. This isn’t a blockbuster of a wine, but if you are looking for something elegant and restrained with real breeding, this classic Sassicaia is for you.

{***}{region}Tuscany{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}{***}

{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 92/100

[] James Suckling:: 95/100

{ratings} {***}

This is a blend of two high-altitude vineyards: Sinio provides richness and structure, while Vigna del Pozzo gives finesse and minerality. Half is aged in cement (aiding freshness, says Mario), half in old oak (for smoothness). This is elegant and expressive, perfumed and vibrant with ripe fruit and supple tannins. It’s pure Langhe joy with a sophisticated edge. Drink 2021-2030.

{***}{region} Piedmont {region}
{color} Red{color}                                                             

  {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}{***}

Marcarini has a vineyard in Neviglie (near Barbaresco), where they grow grapes for their inordinately popular Moscato d’Asti. They also grow Barbera there, which is blended with that grown on warmer sites in La Morra. The latter adds sweetness and viscosity; Neviglie adds a distinctive Lapsang tea hint. There are notes of iodine, cream and sweet cherry perfume. Drink 2021-2027.

{***}{region} Piedmont {region}
{color} Red{color}                                                             

  {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2019{vintage}{***}

Marcarini’s Brunate continues its upward trajectory. Manuel will hold the 2016 release back until January 2021, allowing the necessary maturation of this jewel in their crown. Indeed, Brunate can be considered a “Grand Cru” of La Morra. Marcarini is fortunate to own 4.5 hectares of this vineyard, although fastidious selection keeps total production low. The wine is tight at first, but displays the richness and flesh typical of La Morra. With notes of plums, wood-spice, some menthol and tobacco, this is very composed, with effortlessly fine tannins and a lift of freshness on the finish. Drink 2026-2045.

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{ratings}[] Antonio Galloni:: 92/100

[] Jancis Robinson:: 17.5/20

{ratings}

{***}

Vietti’s 2012 Barolo Riserva Villero is absolutely gorgeous. In 2012, the Villero is especially lifted and aromatic, showing a distinctly floral and red-toned expression of fruit rather than the darker, more balsamic inflections that are typical of this Castiglione Falletto cru. Light on its feet, fresh and graceful to its core, the Villero is another terrific wine from Vietti in 2012. Veins of Villero tannin and bright acids give the wine energy, vibrancy and tons of character. More than anything else, though, the 2012 Villero is a very clear continuation of a stylistic evolution that can be traced to the 2010 Barolo Ravera in which the Barolos are now made in a more traditional style than in the past, which includes malolactic fermentation in cask rather than barrique. In 2012, that approach was not in place for all the Barolos, but it is very much evident here. Drink 2022-2042. Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jun 2019)

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}

{ratings} [] Vinous:: 95+/100

[] Jancis Robinson :: 17.5/20

{ratings}

{***}

 The Fontodi 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is a standout wine of the dry vintage. This pure Sangiovese opens to a dark garnet color with more visible concentration and density compared to recent past editions. This is a beautiful wine with pliant tannins, dark fruit richness, balanced acidity and a fruit-forward 15% alcohol content. The wine is big and bold when weighed on the Flaccianello scale (and even more so when weighed on the Sangiovese scale) with dark cherry, plum, spice, violet, chalk and campfire ash. Despite that power and inner opulence, this wine adds that zesty Sangiovese character with fresh acidity and an energized approach. This Flaccianello is whole and complete with the natural firmness and structure to hold it steady during the aging process. A small part of amphorae-aged fruit is added to the blend. - Wine Advocate

{***}{region}Tuscany{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                              

 {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2011{vintage}{***}

{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 96/100

[] Vinous:: 97/100

[] Wine Spectator:: 95/100

{ratings} {***}

An expressive nose of ripe red cherries and plums, sweet spice and blood orange peel jump out of the glass. On the palate it has a rich mouthfeel with taught ripe tannins and a great backbone of acidity, that envelope a myriad of aromas that carry through from the nose. Crushed rose petals and herbal notes linger on the finish. This wine has a real freshness to it that belies the heat of the vintage. Approachable in the next couple of years but certainly one that will age beautifully too. Extremely enjoyable. Drink 2024-2040.  

{***}{region}Tuscany{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                     

                           {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}
{ratings}         
[]The Wine Advocate:: 96/100

[]James Suckling:: 94/100

[]Vinous:: 93/100

{ratings} {***}

Of Vietti's new releases, this wine is most definitely the most shut down and less expressive at this young stage. The 2012 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione will require many years of bottle aging before it comes into its own. In general, many of the Barolo protagonists are sluggish in this vintage and this is a common theme. The bouquet moves slowly to release dark fruit, dried cherry, tobacco, grilled herb and pressed blue flowers. The mouth is powerful and determined, however, with solid structure and a tight build. Put this bottle at the back of your cellar.

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2012{vintage}

{ratings} [] Wine Advocate:: 94/100

{ratings}

{***}

The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Asili marries power and sensuality the way only Nebbiolo can. Soaring aromatics, beautifully pliant red-toned fruit and tons of pure depth emerge in a stunning Barbaresco that captivates all the senses. Silky, refined and exceptionally beautiful, the 2016 is quite simply one of the most complete Asilis I have tasted from the Produttori. It is an unforgettable wine.  - Vinous

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color} Red{color}           {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] Vinous:: 97/100

{ratings} {***}

Brilliant straw-yellow color with soft green reflections. A delicate white froth evolves into a very fine and persistent perlage. Its full nose is aromatic, floral and fruity as well as intense and persistent. The taste, which is pleasantly sweet and refreshing due to the low alcohol content and correct acidity, is smooth and rich with musky sensations typical of the Moscato grape - the wine's aromatic persistence is very long and intense. This is the dessert wine par excellence and it pairs well with fresh pastries and cakes, traditional panettone, all kinds of baked desserts as well as fruit.

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color}White{color}                                                                                                {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2021{vintage}{***}

The 2007 Barolo Le Vigne presented a beguiling combination of explosive, ripe fruit and finessed silky tannins, making it a thrilling wine to taste, even at this stage in its development. Small red berries, minerals, crushed flowers, vanillin and sweet spices are woven together in a fabric of indescribable elegance. The French oak has never been better balanced, while the vibrant, crystalline finish leaves a lasting impression. The 2007 Le Vigne has all the potential to develop into a spectacular wine; it already is. This is a stunning bottle of Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. Luciano Sandrone’s wines have never been more elegant than they are today. The French oak is increasingly well balanced, and the at-times excessive heaviness of some prior vintages is long gone.

Simply put, Luciano Sandrone is at the top of his game. Never one to be satisfied, this year Sandrone showed me several experimental wines, including a barrel sample of 2009 Barolo Le Vigne vinified with 100% stems, an approach that is virtually unheard of in Piedmont. Although this wine will ultimately be blended into the Barolo Le Vigne, the all-stems Barolo was huge, explosive, and compelling. Sandrone fans have much to look forward to, as the 2008s and 2009s appear quite promising at this early stage. As for the 2007s, they are off the charts. Drink 2015 - 2027. Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate (February 2011)

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color}Red{color}                 

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2007{vintage}

{ratings}   

[] The Wine Advocate:: 96/100    

{ratings}

{***}

{***}
{region}Tuscany{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{***}

{***}
{region}Tuscany{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{ratings}Wine Advocate:: 97+/100{ratings}

{***}

A rush of intense blue and black stone fruits, tobacco, smoke, licorice, spices and new leather hits the palate in the 2010 Flaccianello. A wine of considerable immediacy and intensity, the 2010 captivates all the senses with its magnificent richness and pure texture. There is so much to like here.

Antonio Galloni, Vinous (May 2014)

{***}{region}Tuscany{region}
{color}Red{color}                             
  {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2010{vintage}{***}

{ratings}
 [] The Wine Advocate:: 96/100

[] Vinous:: 96/100

{ratings} {***}