Italy
With its lofty sedimentary, calcareous and volcanic soils, noble autochthonous grapes bringing individual terroir to life, a peerless gastronomic culture and a rich viticultural heritage, Italy is at long last emerging from the shadow of neighbouring France to showcase its ancient and classic fine wines. The current crop of producers are placing a greater onus on authenticity to gently exalt the quality of the fruit and terroir.
Category
Sort by
-
2001 Sorì San Lorenzo, Langhe Nebbiolo, Angelo Gaja, Piedmont
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}
{***}
-
2013 Brunello di Montalcino, Poggio di Sotto, Tuscany
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} {***}
2013 Brunello di Montalcino, Poggio di Sotto, TuscanyTuscany2013 Brunello di Montalcino, Poggio di Sotto, TuscanyBottle Price 75 cl $1,695.00 -
2016 Barolo, Castiglione, Vietti, Piedmont, Italy
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}
{***}
2016 Barolo, Castiglione, Vietti, Piedmont, ItalyPiedmont2016 Barolo, Castiglione, Vietti, Piedmont, ItalyBottle Price 150cl $1,450.00 -
2014 Barolo, Bussia Cicala, Aldo Conterno
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}
{***}
2014 Barolo, Bussia Cicala, Aldo ConternoPiedmont2014 Barolo, Bussia Cicala, Aldo ConternoBottle Price 75cl $985.00 -
2010 Barolo, Monvigliero, Fratelli Alessandria, Piedmont
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}
{***}
-
2014 Barbaresco, La Spinetta, Valeirano
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}
{***}
2014 Barbaresco, La Spinetta, ValeiranoPiedmont2014 Barbaresco, La Spinetta, ValeiranoBottle Price 75 cl $985.00 -
2004 Tignanello, Antinori, Tuscany, Italy
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}
{***}
2004 Tignanello, Antinori, Tuscany, ItalyTuscany2004 Tignanello, Antinori, Tuscany, ItalyBottle Price 300cl $6,350.00 -
2019 Langhe Nebbiolo, Lasarin, Marcarini, Piedmont
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 E 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}
{***}
2019 Langhe Nebbiolo, Lasarin, Marcarini, PiedmontPiedmont2019 Langhe Nebbiolo, Lasarin, Marcarini, PiedmontBottle Price 75cl $119.00Was $135.00 -
2012 Vigna d'Alceo, Castello dei Rampolla, IGT Toscana
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} {***}
-
2016 Brunello di Montalcino, Pieve di Santa Restituta, Gaja
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 Ewonderfully layered and superb length. It may not have the ‘individuality Eof 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} {***}
-
2015 Rosso di Montalcino, Cerbaiona, Tuscany
{***} {region}Tuscany{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2015{vintage} {***}
2015 Rosso di Montalcino, Cerbaiona, TuscanyTuscany2015 Rosso di Montalcino, Cerbaiona, TuscanyBottle Price 75 cl $475.00 -
2012 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri Sassicaia, Tuscany
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} {***}
-
2016 Barolo, Brunate, Marcarini, Piedmont
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 Eof 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}
{***}
2016 Barolo, Brunate, Marcarini, PiedmontPiedmont2016 Barolo, Brunate, Marcarini, PiedmontBottle Price 75cl $468.00 -
2012 Barolo, Villero, Riserva, Vietti, Piedmont
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}
{***}
2012 Barolo, Villero, Riserva, Vietti, PiedmontPiedmont2012 Barolo, Villero, Riserva, Vietti, PiedmontBottle Price 75cl $2,800.00 -
2017 Flaccianello della Pieve, Tenuta Fontodi, Panzano, Tuscany
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} {***}
-
2012 Barolo, Rocche di Castiglione, Vietti, Piedmont
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}
{***}
-
2016 Barbaresco, Asili, Riserva, Produttori del Barbaresco, Piedmont
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} {***}
-
2021 Moscato d'Asti, Marcarini, Piedmont
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}{***}
2021 Moscato d'Asti, Marcarini, PiedmontPiedmont2021 Moscato d'Asti, Marcarini, PiedmontBottle Price 75 cl $128.00Was $145.00 -
2007 Barolo Le Vigne, Luciano Sandrone, Piedmont
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}
{***}
2007 Barolo Le Vigne, Luciano Sandrone, PiedmontPiedmont2007 Barolo Le Vigne, Luciano Sandrone, PiedmontBottle Price 75cl $1,248.00Was $1,315.00 -
2016 Brunello di Montalcino, La Magia, Tuscany
{***} {region}Tuscany{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}drink-now{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2016{vintage} {***}
2016 Brunello di Montalcino, La Magia, TuscanyTuscany2016 Brunello di Montalcino, La Magia, TuscanyBottle Price 75 cl $612.00Was $695.00 -
2016 Brunello di Montalcino, Pianrosso, Santa Caterina d'Oro, Riserva, Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, Tusc
{***} {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}
{***}
-
2010 Flaccianello della Pieve, Tenuta Fontodi, Panzano, Tuscany
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} {***}
2010 Flaccianello della Pieve, Tenuta Fontodi, Panzano, TuscanyTuscany2010 Flaccianello della Pieve, Tenuta Fontodi, Panzano, TuscanyBottle Price 75cl $1,448.00Was $1,525.00 -
2019 Berry Bros. & Rudd Chianti Classico by Badia a Coltibuono, Tuscany, Italy
Our Chianti Classico is made by the Stucchi Prinetti family of the historic Badia a Coltibuono estate. Their wines are always elegant and traditional in style. This 2019 is rich and vibrant, showing plummy fruit, dried cranberries, bay leaf and blood orange. The palate is alive with wild strawberries and juicy black cherries, energised by sapid, mineral brightness. The firm-yet-glossy tannins make it perfect with slow-cooked ragù or wood-fired pizza.
{***}{region}Italy{region} {color} Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2019{vintage}{***}
-
2017 Brunello di Montalcino, Scopetone, Tuscany
Scarnacuoia’s old vines give this a captivating perfume, mineral detail and depth. Three years in botti and 12 months in cement allow the wine to relax and smooth out. This is vivid, open and composed; glossy cherry, peach and pomegranate fill out a firm frame. The finish is extended by dried floral spice and a minty mineral tang.
Drink 2024 - 2034
Davy Żyw, Senior Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd (Feb 2022)
{***}{region}Tuscany{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2017{vintage} {ratings} []Vinous:: 92/100
[]Decanter:: 92/100
{ratings} {***}
2017 Brunello di Montalcino, Scopetone, TuscanyTuscany2017 Brunello di Montalcino, Scopetone, TuscanyBottle Price 75 cl $361.00Was $410.00 -
2019 Barbera d'Alba, Cascina Fontana, Piedmont
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}{***}
2019 Barbera d'Alba, Cascina Fontana, PiedmontPiedmont2019 Barbera d'Alba, Cascina Fontana, PiedmontBottle Price 75cl $160.00 -
2016 Rosso di Montalcino, San Giuseppe, Stella di Campalto
The 2016 Rosso di Montalcino Grazia opens slowly. Perfumed and pretty at first, yet restrained, while gaining in depth over time, as mineral-tinged cherry, hints of incense and licorice come forward. It’s silky, nuanced and undeniably gracious in nature. Zesty acids and the slightest tug of round tannins support a pure display of ripe red berries. While lightly structured, the 2016 is still juicy and finessed, tapering off with youthful tension under an air of pretty violet florals. This vintage has the word "Grazia" (Italian for "Grace" but often used as "Thanks") elegantly embossed on the label. If intended as grace, this wine embodies the word. As for thanks, from my time with the winemaker, I'd assume it would be a thank you to nature for what the vintage provided. The Stella di Campalto Rosso di Montalcino is a barrel selection refined for 21 months in medium-sized oak followed by another 27 months in the bottle prior to release. Essentially, it’s a Brunello di Montalcino in all but name. 92pts Eric Guido, Vinous
{***}{region}Piedmont{region} {color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings} [] Vinous:: 92/100
{ratings}
{***}
2016 Rosso di Montalcino, San Giuseppe, Stella di CampaltoPiedmont2016 Rosso di Montalcino, San Giuseppe, Stella di CampaltoBottle Price 150 cl $2,788.00Was $2,935.00 -
2016 Barolo, Badarina, Riserva, Piedmont
The Bruna Grimaldi 2016 Barolo Riserva Badarina sets off according to its own careful tempo, but it opens slowly to reveal not only the beauty and intensity of this classic vintage but also the power and depth of Serralunga d'Alba, home to some of Barolo's most impactful wines. The fruit used here comes specifically from the Vigna Regnola, which the Grimaldi family always vinifies separately, especially in the best vintages. This is a finely delineated and focused expression of Nebbiolo with a firm tannic backbone that supports dark fruit flavors, crushed stone, lilac and candied orange peel. I would recommend setting this bottle aside for another 5 to 10 years, giving it time to become more supple and smooth. A precious few 733 bottles were released. - Wine Advocate
{***}{region}Piedmont{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2016{vintage}
{ratings}[] Wine Advocate:: 95/100
{ratings}
{***}
2016 Barolo, Badarina, Riserva, PiedmontPiedmont2016 Barolo, Badarina, Riserva, PiedmontBottle Price 75cl $535.00 -
2017 Barbaresco, Asili, Vecchie Viti, Roagna, Piedmont
A tightly wound yet succulent Barbaresco with aromas of graphite macerated plum and cherry giving way to rose hip mineral and more fruit flavors. Packs plenty of energy courtesy of the firm vibrant structure. Long complex finish. Bordering on racy with terrific harmony and class. Best from 2025 through 2043. 94 cases made. - Wine Spectator
{***}{region}Piedmont{region} {color} Red{color} {maturity}ready-improve{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2017{vintage} {ratings}
{ratings} {***}
2017 Barbaresco, Asili, Vecchie Viti, Roagna, PiedmontItaly2017 Barbaresco, Asili, Vecchie Viti, Roagna, PiedmontBottle Price 75 cl $2,950.00 -
2016 Brunello di Montalcino, Cerbaiona
Cerbaiona was bought in the fall of 2015 by a large group of friends led by Gary Rieschel and Matthew Fioretti. The latter was the owner of Summa Vitis, a US wine import company, which he closed in 2009 in order to fulfill his dream of being a full-time wine producer. Fioretti couldn’t have been any happier when Cerbaiona, one of Montalcino’s most admired estates, came up for sale. Reportedly, the group paid an astronomical 5.8 million euros for the property, which has made some of Montalcino’s most sought after Brunellos in the last twenty years. However, anyone visiting the estate didn’t have any trouble realizing that the failing health and increasing age of owners Diego and Nora Molinari had led to a slightly rundown feel at the winery and that work was needed in the vineyards too (the day I visited, Fioretti greeted me in work clothes as he had been busy working in the vineyards up until that moment). The estate has replanted another 1.4 hectares Sangiovese (sourced from France’s famous Guillaume nursery) to add to the three hectares it currently owns. Fioretti has also bought some new barrels, and is looking to use 10, 17 and 20 Hl oak barrels (Molinari used to use smaller 500L tonneaux).- Vinous 2017
{***}{region}Tuscany{region} {color}Red{color}
{maturity}ready-keep{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will improve{maturity-text} {vintage}2016{vintage} {ratings} []Jancis Robinson :: 17.5+/20 {ratings} {***}
2016 Brunello di Montalcino, CerbaionaTuscany2016 Brunello di Montalcino, CerbaionaBottle Price 75 cl $1,500.00 -
2017 Barbaresco Masseria, Vietti
A release of 5,193 bottles, the Vietti 2017 Barbaresco Masseria opens to a spicy bouquet with a subtle point of white pepper or dried ginger that hovers over the bouquet, albeit briefly. At its core, the wine shows bright berry notes and some plum, although the wine's concentration remains finely etched and elegantly streamlined, overall. I do find the tannins to be a little dry and dusty in this hot-vintage release.
Drink 2023 - 2038{***}{region}Piedmont{region} {color}Red{color} {maturity}laying-down{maturity} {maturity-text}Ready, but will keep{maturity-text} {vintage}2017{vintage}{***}
2017 Barbaresco Masseria, ViettiItaly2017 Barbaresco Masseria, ViettiBottle Price 75cl $540.00 -
2016 Barbera d'Alba, Francia, Giacomo Conterno, Piedmont
Conterno's 2016 Barbera d'Alba Francia is a wine of extreme finesse and nuance. It is also dark, inward and mysterious in that it is nowhere near ready to show all of its cards. In most vintages, Francia is a bit more floral and mineral, but in 2016 it is the purity of the fruit that is most striking. I imagine the typical Francia nuances will develop with a few more years in bottle.
Drink 2021-2031
Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Nov 2018) -
2012 Barolo, Le Vigne, Sibi et Paucis, Luciano Sandrone, Piedmont
The 2012 Barolo Le Vigne, here in a library release, is still a very young wine. Bright acids lift a core of red fruit in a Barolo that impresses with its vibrancy. Spice, blood orange, mint, rose petal and lavender open with a bit of time in the glass.
The 2012 showed quite a bit of potential as a young wine, now, that potential is really starting to come through. This is a terrific showing.
Drink 2025 - 2037
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com (November 2021)
-
2019 Ornellaia, Bolgheri, Tuscany
Charred caramel and liquorice aromatics, with sappy acidity accompanying generous olive tapenade, blackberry and raspberry fruits on the opening beats. Deceptively silky tannins, they are tactile and supple at first then close in through the mid palate, revealing a more serious Ornellaia with layers of graphite, savoury cassis, sage, bay leaf, underbrush and white truffle spices. A touch of sweet salted caramel returns after half an hour in the glass, this is well structured and will be giving its best after five or six years in bottle, and for several decades. A hot dry summer followed by cooler weather during harvest has given finesse and complexity, and a wine to savour. All varieties are aged separately for 12 months then blended and then put back in barrel for 6 months, followed by 12 months in bottle. 70% new oak. Director Axel Heinz, oenologist Olga Fusari. Drink 2026 to 2044.
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux (March 2022)2019 Ornellaia, Bolgheri, TuscanyTuscany2019 Ornellaia, Bolgheri, TuscanyBottle Price 75cl $1,450.00