Italy

Located in Prosecco’s Conegliano region of the Veneto lie the 60 hectares of Masottina’s vineyards. Owned by the Dal Bianco family since 1946, they switched from being a négociant to vineyard owner in the 1960s. They produce a classic expression of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco. With fine, persistent bubbles, this is pale straw yellow with greenish highlights. The nose is intense, fruity with the rich scent of apple, lemon and grapefruit. It has a pronounced aroma of wisteria in bloom and acacia flowers. The palate has a pleasant acidity and fresh flavour. Full-bodied, and lingering, a soft finish rounds off this crowd-pleasing Prosecco.

A deliciously dry style. Masottina Prosecco Brut was judged No.1 Sparkling Wine from over 600 entries from 20 countries at the 16th annual Effervescents Du Monde 2018 held in Dijon, France. This comes on top of a 96 point Gold Medal score at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2017 so we're obviously well and truly into the seriously good territory here.

{***}{region}Veneto{region}
{color}White{color}                                                               {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Drink now{maturity-text}
{vintage}NV{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} 

{***}

Compared to the expression from the Cerretta vineyard, the 2017 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Francia is even darker in color with more austerity and muscle power at the back. The alcohol reading of the two wines is the same (15.5%), but this expression offers less obvious fruit and more dark mineral instead. The soils in the Francia vineyard see a mix of limestone sand and clay, and this is true of where both the Barbera and the Nebbiolo vines are located. You sense an increased mineral presence in the Francia with iron, salt and scorched earth. This full-throttle Barbera is penetrating and deep. This is a fine expression of the grape, offering exacting detail and precision. 2020-2038. - Wine Advocate

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

{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2017{vintage}

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

[] Vinous:: 92-95/100

{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}

{***}

This is a darkly saturated and rich expression of Nebbiolo with bright aromas of dark cherry, dried blackberry, spice, leather and toasted hazelnut. The wine stands out for the singular elegance it possesses, especially in terms of mouthfeel. - Robert Parker

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2013{vintage}

{ratings}   

[] The Wine Advocate:: 95/100    

[] Wine Spectator :: 95/100  

[] James Suckling:: 95/100   

 {ratings}

{***}

The 2012 Barolo Lazzarito impresses for its precision and class, two qualities that aren’t easy to find in wines from this Serralunga site. Iron, smoke and white pepper lift from the glass in a vertical, structured Barolo endowed with real pedigree. A rush of pomegranate, red cherry jam, wild flowers and blood orange meld into the huge, bright finish. In 2012, the Lazzarito reconciles power and finesse like few vintages in the past. For the last few years, the Lazzarito has been knocking on the door of the big boys in this lineup, the Rocche and Ravera. Today, the Lazzarito makes a strong statement that it has arrived. (Vinous – Antonio Galloni – March 2016)

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

The 2012 Barolo Francia is wonderfully expressive today. Much more open than the Barolo Cerretta tasted alongside it, the Francia bristles with energy. Floral and mineral overtones add to an impression of brightness, yet there is plenty of underlying tannin and overall structure. In 2012, Roberto Conterno did not bottle his flagship Barolo Monfortino. Instead, the cask that would have been destined for Monfortino was blended into the Francia. Historically, that decision has often resulted in a 'super Francia.' It will be interesting to see if the 2012 gains volume and depth in aging. I have to say, the wine is surprisingly accessible in the early going, although it has just been bottled and is likely to close down at some point. All the promise the 2012 showed in cask comes through loud and clear. - 97pts Antonio Galloni, Vinous

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

[] Vinous:: 97/10

[] The Wine Advocate:: 95/100{ratings} {***}

The 2011 Barolo Lazzarito is a landmark wine and one of the best expressions made region-wide in this challenging vintage. The bouquet is gorgeous thanks to the never-ending aromas of dark fruit, licorice and balsam herb that peel off the top. The Lazzarito vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba is characterized by thick soils and deep shifts between daytime and nighttime temperatures. These are important factors that lead to quality fruit despite the summer heat.  - 96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2006{vintage}

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

[] Vinous:: 95/100

[] James Suckling:: 92/100

[] Wine Spectator:: 92/100

{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}

{***}

2006 vintage produced Nebbiolo wines of great breed, intensity and longevity. None more so than the mighty 'Ca d'Morissio', whose forthright, uncompromising character and brilliance mirrors that of Mauro Mascarello, owner and winemaker at this top flight wine cantina. The fruit is sourced from the last plot of smaller bunched Michet clone Nebbiolo along the Monprivato 'bench', that's been macerated and aged for longer to give achingly intense, compact, red berry, seared meat and licorice, with stupendo sapid focus, whose energy is tightly coiled, the palate profoundly tannic and intricately woven as to be impenetrable. Whereas the rest of the Mascarello stable swoon with charm, this wine, their flagship, is defiant and in a league of its own. 

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

{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2006{vintage}

{ratings}
{ratings} 

{***}

 The 2005 Barolo Cannubi S. Lorenzo-Ravera is one of the most searingly tannic, austere wines of the vintage. Bright, incisive and tightly wound, the 2005 is going to need another decade or so to soften, even then I am not sure it will be an especially pleasurable wine, as the spiking acidity and intense tannins both are overpowering. Readers who want to understand what old-school Barolo is all about should check out the 2005, a wine that serves as a poignant reminder as to how much things have changed over the last decade. Revisited after twelve hours, the 2005 has become civilized, as the fruit fills out the frame to balance the tannins. Readers should plan on cellaring the 2005 or on opening it far in advance. - Vinous

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}

{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} 

{maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}

{ratings}[] Wine Enthusiast:: 93/100

[] Vinous:: 92/100

{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}

{***}

The 2013 Barbaresco Starderi Vürsù is an elegant and polished wine with a deep sense of persistence and length. The wine delivers a tight embroidery of aromas that span from dark fruit to spice, to ethereal notes of balsam herb and cola. It runs the full spectrum. That feeling of wholeness and balance is also evident in the mouth. This Barbaresco reaches impeccable balance between its solid fruit flavors, its acidity and the determined firmness of its structure. - The Wine Advocate

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

            {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2013{vintage}

{ratings}   

[] The Wine Advocate:: 94/100    

[] James Suckling:: 94/100

[] Wine Spectator:: 94/100  

{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 Sangiovese dominates on the nose with notes of grilled meats and Morello cherries. These are echoed on the palate, reminiscent of great Chianti Classico, before the blackcurrant comes in towards to the finish to remind you that the Cabernets are there. Great acidity and full, but soft tannins indicate that this will drink relatively early, but has at least a decade of life ahead of it. Another delicious Tig’ from the team at Antinori.

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

{maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Laying down{maturity-text}
{vintage}2014{vintage}

{ratings}

[]The Wine Advocate:: 93/100

[]James Suckling:: 94/100

{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}

   {***}

Christmas calls for pushing the boat out – and what better a way than with a magnum of a seminal Italian wine. Sassicaia was the first of the Super Tuscans and remains very much on top today. The 2006 vintage was slightly warmer than average, and wonderful for Cabernet Sauvignon. This exotic wine is drinking exceptionally now.

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

 {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2006{vintage}{***}

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

[] Wine Spectator:: 94/100

{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 2019 Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco is a fabulous introduction to the vintage. Rich, sumptuous and layered, with terrific depth. There's real texture and depth here. Crushed raspberry, mint and blood orange. Over the last few years vineyard sources have been upgraded, and it shows, big time. Most of this fruit is from Barolo-designated vineyards.

Drink 2022 -2029

Antonio Galloni, vinous.com (Jan 2022)

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

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

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

{ratings}

{***}

I am immediately smitten by the Biondi-Santi 2016 Rosso di Montalcino thanks to the purity of the aromas on display. The bouquet literally submerges the senses in Sangiovese, with those delicate aromas of wild rose, violets, wet earth and brambly forest berry. Background notes of licorice, camphor ash and balsam herb come into steady focus. I am delighted by the intensity and the immense focus of this wine. This Rosso di Montalcino stands with the best of Brunello and gives us good reason to have very high expectations for the 2016 vintage of Brunello di Montalcino that will be released appellation-wide at the beginning of next year. This is a solid mid-weight Rosso with good structure and fine points of fresh acidity that move the wine with determination and grace smoothly over the palate. - Wine Advocate, June 2020

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

{maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
   [] The Wine Advocate:: 95/100

[] Vinous:: 93/100

{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}
{***}

The medium-bodied 2005 Ornellaia shows plenty of delineation in its dark cherries, blueberries, spices, minerals and crushed rocks. The 2005 doesn’t have the detail of the 2004 or the richness of the 2006, but it does offer notable finesse and clarity in an understated style for this wine. My impression is that this will be a relatively early-maturing vintage of Ornellaia, which is not a bad thing, considering the age-worthiness of the two vintages which surround it. In 2005 Ornellaia is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. It is a big success in this vintage.
Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate - June 08

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

 {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text}
{vintage}2005{vintage}{***}

{ratings}

{ratings} {***}

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}{***}

From Scopetone’s original vineyards, this is a sleeping beauty. It’s matured in large oak casks for three years, followed by 12 months in cement, allowing the tannins to smooth out. The results are astonishing: the wine is composed and feels glossy, but has a lightness of touch. It combines the very best of Sangiovese: power, purity and perfume. Drink 2026-2038.

{***}{region}Tuscany{region}
{color}Red{color}                                                                                                {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}         
[]Vinous:: 93/100

[]James Suckling:: 92/100

{ratings} {***}

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}

{***}

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color} Red{color}           {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}
 [] Vinous:: 95/100

 [] Wine Enthusiast:: 94/100

{ratings} {***}

As with the Rosso, Stella’s Brunello is 100% Sangiovese Grosso and there is no mistaking its pedigree. Gentle and hallucinating, this is accompanied by an extra gear of darker, forest floor fruit and dried bracken that accompanies the extra layers of flesh and profundity.
David Berry Green, August 2011

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

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

{ratings}

{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 2016 Cepparello is dense, dark and also very closed in on itself. Those qualities bode well for the future, but readers will have to be patient, as the 2016 is going to need at least a few years to come into its own. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice and new leather gradually open up in the glass, but the 2016 is not ready to show all of its cards. This fruit was brought in during the second week of October, which is pretty much optimal at Isole e Olena. The 2016 spent 20 months in French oak, with a bit less than 30% new oak, and a few months in cask prior to bottling. An explosion of floral and spice notes punctuates the super-refined finish. The 2016 is shaping up to be epic. Don't miss it!

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

[]Decanter:: 98/100

{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} {***}

The 2016 Barolo Arione is a sort of synthesis between the Cerretta and Francia. It has the red fruit profile and floral overtones of the former with a feeling of structure that recalls the later. Arione Barolos always have a distinctly wild, feral quality strong on iron and mineral notes, which is very much the case here. Logically, the 2016 needs a bit of time to soften, but it is super-impressive. It is perhaps a bit less polished than the Francia, but it also has a phenomenally long, classically austere finish. It’s the sort of wine I would like to spend a few hours with. In 2016, there is no Monfortino, so all of the Arione wine is in this bottling, unlike 2015, when a portion was blended into Monfortino. (AG, Vinous)

{***}{region}Piedmont{region}
{color}Red{color}                 {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text}
{vintage}2016{vintage}

{ratings}

[] Vinous:: 96/100

{ratings}

{***}