Vinous (93)

Sweet, open aromatics lead to hints of dark blueberries, blackberries, spices and minerals as the 2004 Valpolicella Superiore gradually opens in the glass. Today the wine comes across as shut down, but the imposing tannins are also rather fine, suggesting that with time the wine's inner sweetness will gradually emerge. Readers who want to try their luck with this wine earlier should open the bottle a good eight hours or so prior to drinking it.

Wine Advocate (98)

The Castello Romitorio 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Filo di Seta reaches a whole other level of intensity and brilliance with dark fruit, blackberry, an etched mineral quality, petrichor and wet slate that gives this wine an incredibly etched and lively presentation. The tannins are velvety and perfectly match the generous texture of this beautiful Sangiovese. Only later, you start to notice the delicate tones of purple flower and iris root that give this wine such an elegant finish. This is a cellar keeper. There are 9,000 bottles of this wine.

Vinous (95)

The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is a total charmer, understated at first, but worthy of patience, as swirling unlocks depths of cinnamon and clove-tinged cherries, nuances of sweet mint, pine shavings and white smoke. It envelopes the palate with ripe textural fruits, soothing and round, while saline-minerals and fine tannins mingle throughout, adding a balanced tension. Nothing is out of place here, as the 2012 finishes lightly structured, remarkably fresh and perfumed with red inner florals and savory spice. This is a beautiful and graceful interpretation of the vintage that still has many years of positive evolution for collectors to look forward to. Salvioni only made Brunello (no Rosso) in 2012, and production was down at 12,000, usually around 1,8000 to 19000 bottles total, between Rosso and Brunello. This was due to the heat of the vintage and smaller berries.

Vinous (92)

The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucere emerges from the estate's oldest vines. Here the balance of fruit and tannin is much more successful. Sensual and layered in the glass, the Lucere offers good up-front richness to match its creamy, inviting personality. Generous black cherry, plum, smoke, spice and menthol flesh out on a resonant finish laced with attractive aromatic overtones. In this vintage, the oak and tannins are very nicely balanced, something that hasn't always been the case here. At times, the ripeness of the vintage is a bit dominant, but this is a gorgeous wine from San Filippo.

James Suckling (100)

Decadent aromas of ripe fruit, such as plums and peaches with black truffles and porcini mushrooms. Full body, with layers of ripe fruit and round and chewy tannins. Lots of chocolate and fresh mushroom at the finish. A thoroughly terroir-driven red. Try after 2022.

Vinous (100)

The 2015 La Ricolma confirms its place as one of the greatest wines ever made at San Giusto. Powerful and ripe, with tons of backing structure, the 2015 will thrill readers lucky enough to own it for many years to come. A rush of super-ripe dark red fruit, blood orange, mint, chalk, truffle and dried flowers builds into the huge, resonant finish. Next to the 2016, the 2015 has firmer tannins that are going to require time in bottle to soften.

James Suckling (99)

Blueberries and black olives with so many flowers, such as violets and honeysuckle. Licorice, too. This is full and very tight with lots of back-end tannins that build through the finish. A tight, muscular and curated young wine that lasts for minutes. Best after 2028.

Vinous (97)

The 2017 Percarlo is an exotic beauty. Rich and sumptuous in the glass, with tremendous fruit density, the 2017 packs a serious punch. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, menthol and earthy notes emerge over time, but the tannins remain imposing. Like the Baròncole, the Percarlo needs cellaring to be at its best. The 2017 was much more forthcoming from barrel. It will reveal all of that sumptuousness once again, but not soon.

Vinous (97)

The 2018 Percarlo is another fabulous wine in this range from San Giusto. Ample and creamy, the 2018 dazzles with its total sense of finesse. In 2018, Percarlo is silky, gracious and super-refined. Time in the glass brings out attractive floral and spice overtones that lend brightness. It shows remarkably well for a wine that was bottled only recently. The 2018 was aged in a combination of 30HL casks and 500-liter tonneaux.

Vinous (97)

The 2019 Percarlo is a wine of reserve. There's terrific purity to the fruit and fine tannins for the year, but also a bit of firmness that needs time to resolve. Bright red-toned fruit, cedar, tobacco, licorice, blood orange and spice open nicely to play off those vibrant tannins. I imagine the 2019 will need a number of years to be at its best. The 2019 spent 22 months in a combination of 30HL casks and 500L in tonneau. Production is down about 25%.

Vinous (100)

The 2020 Percarlo is a wine of nearly indescribable finesse and nuance. All the elements are so well balanced. In 2020, Percarlo is wonderfully understated, with mind-blowing balance and barely no perception of tannin. I don’t remember ever tasting a Percarlo with this much linear energy, tension and focus. The clean, mineral-drenched finish is unforgettable. The 2020 is, quite simply, spectacular.

Greg Sherwood MW (95)

There doesn’t seem to be complete agreement amongst growers as to whether 2021 in Bolgheri was an easy or difficult vintage. What certainly is in agreement is that this cooler Tuscan vintage yielded some incredibly taut, intense, vibrant wines. Aged in 85% French and 15% American oak 225 litre barrels, 40% new, for 15 months, this beautiful Guidalberto 2021 boasts fabulously piercing aromatics of violets, black cherries, blackberry compote and seductive dark plum over sweet exotic Christmas spices and stony graphite notes. The oak and vanilla wood spice is still busy integrating with the super taut, tight palate fruit intensity, perhaps at a slightly slower pace than in a riper, warmer vintage. But it’s the palate’s chiselled focus and linearity that marks this vintage as a true stand out expression amongst more recent dryer, warmer years. The texture is laser focused but also wonderfully transparent showing the true mineral terroir characteristics of Bolgheri together with a wonderfully fresh, tart, glassy acidity supported by sleek, polished marble tannins on a pithy cherry cola packed finish. A vintage to be truly celebrated but also one best to bury in the cellar for an another 8 to 10+ years.

Deep from the heart of Italy's renowned wine region, we present the exquisite Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2011, a testament to the producer's commitment to artisanal winemaking. This enticing Tuscan delight was cultivated on the sun-kissed slopes of Tuscany and meticulously nurtured by the renowned Santo Stefano vineyard. A product of exceptional viticulture, the Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2011 offers an alluring bouquet of ripe blackberries and cherries, whilst vivacious hints of spice provide a complex, layered finish.

Adhering to strict organic practices, no herbicides, pesticides or synthetic fertilizers touch the roots of the vines. Aged for 24 months in oak, this fine wine's creation was closely supervised by a team of highly talented winemakers. Offering a full-bodied palate with robust tannins, the Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2011 pairs beautifully with robust flavours and hearty meals. A must for every connoisseur's collection, the Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2011 delivers a genuine expression of Italy's renowned viticultural heritage.

Discover the exquisite Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2012, a remarkable showcase of Tuscan wine-making expertise. This coveted wine hails from the renowned Santo Stefano winery, celebrated for its exquisite production techniques and adherence to the traditions of the region.

Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, the Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2012 astounds with its robust yet elegant profile. An exceptional blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, the complex layers of red and dark berry flavours intertwine effortlessly with notes of vanilla and leather, offering a long, rich finish.

Produced in the heart of Tuscany, amidst the rolling hills of the Chianti region, every bottle encapsulates the unblemished beauty of the landscape. Perfectly matching grilled meats and matured cheeses, the Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2012 is indicative of the magnificent oeuvre for which the Santo Stefano winery is widely esteemed.

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled allure of Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2013. This fine Tuscan red wine hails from Santo Stefano, the renowned Italian producer that masters the art of traditional winemaking in the heart of Italy’s prestigious wine region. Crafted from a judicious blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, the Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2013 offers a robust palate featuring an exquisite confluence of ripe black fruits, earthy undertones, and a hint of spice, shrouded in finely integrated tannins.

Aged in French oak barrels for no less than 18 months, this wine embodies the mature sophistication cherished by oenophiles worldwide. The Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2013's exceptional vintage resonates with the superior quality that underpins Santo Stefano’s acclaimed reputation. From refreshing acidity to a lasting finish, each sip encapsulates the exquisite complexity of this gem. Explore the depth and intensity of Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2013, a true embodiment of Tuscan winemaking heritage.

The Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2014 presents an amalgamation of sublime elegance and exemplary viticulture. Produced in the prestigious vineyards of Tuscany, Santo Stefano has nurtured this standout vintage to perfection. The Loto 2014, a distinctive blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, has matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, infusing the wine with a nuanced complexity.

Renowned for its robust structure and deep, opulent crimson hue, the Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2014 enchants the palate with luscious dark berry flavours, earthy undertones, and a hint of polished tannin. Lingering on the finish are tantalising traces of rich tobacco, licorice, and dried Mediterranean herbs.+

This vintage is the embodiment of Santo Stefano's dedication to harnessing the traditional Tuscan terroir, grounded in responsible and organic vinification practices. The Santo Stefano Tuscany Loto 2014 is an undeniable testament to the art of fine wine production.

The Wine Independent (97)

For Tenuta San Guido, "2008 was a beautiful year. Hot but not dry and not too hot," comments Carlo Paoli, general manager and head of winemaking. This 2008 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is still tight and youthful, and it is just starting to develop a garnet rim. The aromas were slow to reveal themselves but after 30 minutes, some notes of juniper, "macchia mediterranea", mint, and sweet tobacco appear. The texture is sublimely soft, round, and velvety - not heavy, but melting - with lots of juicy, vibrant acidity. With this vintage, the tannins continue in their refinement.

James Suckling (98)

An extremely rich and ripe wine with currant, cherry and balsamic aromas. Hints of leather. Follows through on the finish. Full body, round and velvety tannins that are reserved and beautiful. Sweet and sour. Savory, too. Drink or hold. This has a long life ahead of it.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

This supremely elegant and age-worthy Sassicaia opens with an intense bouquet of black cherry, Mediterranean herbs, blue flower, cedar and leather aromas. Powerful but graceful, the palate delivers a vibrant core of black cherry accented with white pepper, mineral and balsamic notes alongside youthful but polished tannins and vibrant acidity. It's not as exuberant as some of its counterparts, but it may outlive all the other Bolgheri 2010s. Drink 2018–2040.

The Wine Independent (100)

This 2019 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is really very special. A subtle change has occurred and the typically aristocratic and elegant finesse of Sassicaia now has a little more joie de vivre. It is intense and deeply concentrated without being heavy and with very fine, beautifully integrated tannins that harmonize with the body of the wine. Carlo Paoli, MD and head of winemaking, views 2019 as “one of the great vintages of the last decades. Although it was not generous in quantity (about 15% less than in 2016), for the quality of the grapes… it is to be considered exceptional.” The winemaking team are at their peak in terms of understanding and managing the vineyards and the more extreme vintage variations they face due to climate change. There were 280,000 bottles made this year but in response to climate change, Paoli plans to reduce the quantity. The 2019 reminds me a lot of the sublime 2016 but somehow it is bolder with even more energy, vivacity, and exuberance. Drink from 2024-2050.

James Suckling (97)

A very perfumed Sassicaia on the nose with forest floor, citrus and deep dark fruits. Blackcurrants. Cedar and black tea. Some balsamic. Pine needles. Full and very succulent. Really long, structured and complete. Tangy and energetic with a linear line of fresh tannins and acidity. Very Sassicaia throughout. 85% cabernet sauvignon and the rest is cabernet franc. Very attractive now in a youthful and vibrant way, but this will be better in three to four years. Try after 2027.

James Suckling (98)

Plenty of blackcurrant, blackberry and dark chocolate character with oyster shell and walnut undertones. Full body, extremely tight and structured with blueberry and light vanilla and coffee highlights. A gorgeous Oreno. Give this wine two or three years to come together.

Vinous (93)

The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Manachiara is dark, bold and powerful. Sweet red cherry, plum, hard candy, flowers and mint rush forward as this succulent, open-knit Riserva shows off its personality. The Manachiara is quite forward and fruit-driven, yet it is also very nicely balanced throughout. This is a terrific showing from Nardi.

James Suckling (97)

This is really beautiful with black cherries, porcini mushrooms, black walnuts and dried flowers on the nose. It’s full-bodied, yet very toned and tight with class and precision. Wonderful length and focus. Goes on for minutes. What a wine from here. Best ever? Try after 2025.

Vinous (94)

Dark cherries, cloves and dusty rose lift up from the aromatically stunning 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva PS. This gains in depth and richness with time in the glass, as hints of plum sauce and sage evolve. You can feel the sheer weight of the old vines here, soaking the palate with velvety depths of spicy red and black fruits, but with a cooling wave of minty herbs. Soft, sweet tannins gain a salty and very mineral twang under an air of savory herbs and tobacco, showing incredibly long and structured yet massively dark, like a black hole of concentration. Frankly, I underestimated this wine the last time I tasted it, and I am happy to upgrade my score.

Vinous (93)

Dark red cherries, plums, cloves, mint and licorice wrap around the palate in Socrè's 2010 Barbaresco Roncaglie. Fleshy, seductive and totally delicious, the 2010 is wonderfully expressive, even today. Intensely perfumed notes add lift and freshness, but it is the wine's depth and mid-palate pliancy that impress above all else.

James Suckling (96)

Wonderful pure Cabernet character, with currants, spices, flowers and violets. Velvety and fresh. Long and intense. Less austere than the 2007 with very sweet and ripe tannins. Such beauty. This is really powerful. Give it three to four years before trying a bottle.

The Wine Independent (98)

The 2017 Marchesi Antinori Solaia has an inky black core with a young-looking, vivid purple rim. Wow! The nose is bright, pure, exuberant, and joyful with precise blackberry and blackcurrant aromas. This is such an appealing wine, focused on ripe expressive fruit, unhampered by too much oak. I adore its open, cheerful, accessible style. There is of course lots of cream, vanilla, and sweet spice notes but they are integrated beautifully into the rest of the wine. The palate is a little more firm and less covered by lush concentration but stylistically it feels closer to a sophisticated but lighter version of the 2015. The oak does not dominate; instead, it allows the fruit to find its full expression. There is a delightful, tangy, savory element on the finish. This 2017 Solaia is not overpowering but instead focused, pure and vibrant.