Vinous (94)

The 2020 Oreno is a dark, brooding beauty. Black cherry, plum, tobacco, spice, menthol, licorice and dried herbs all race across the palate. Deep, fleshy and super-expressive, the 2020 Oreno has a ton to offer. It should drink well with minimal cellaring but also has enough substance to drink well for many years to come.

James Suckling (95)

An old-vine wine that needs coaxing to come out of the glass. With a little air, it shows dried cherries, earth, orange and strawberrries Beautiful nose. Full body, with loads of fruit, silky tannins and a long and flavorful finish. So much in the glass. Subtle and deep. A wonderful and stylish new pure sangiovese from one of the leaders in Tuscany. Drink or hold.

Take pleasure in the Silvia Barbaglia Boca 2016, a stunning embodiment of classic Italian winemaking prowess exhibited by renowned vintner Silvia Barbaglia. Born of the historic vineyards of Piedmont, this captivating Nebbiolo blend delivers an unrivalled tasting experience. The wine draws its distinctive character from the Boca DOC, bestowing upon it a robust, complex profile.

Meticulously crafted, Barbaglia deftly coaxes sublime flavours from hand-harvested Vespolina and Uva Rara grapes. The grapes are then aged in large oak barrels, infusing the wine with an enticing blend of earthiness and spice. The result? A captivating, full-bodied drink with intriguing layers of black cherry and raspberry, underscored by notes of anise and clove.

An unwavering devotee of traditional techniques, Barbaglia insists on limited intervention, allowing the terroir to articulate its authentic confession. Each bottle of the Silvia Barbaglia Boca 2016 promises to be a testament to this philosophy, making it an essential addition to any discerning wine connoisseur's collection.

Envelop your palate in the embrace of the distinct Silvia Barbaglia Boca 2017. Crafted by the eminent winemaker Silvia Barbaglia, in the rustic landscapes of Piedmont, this Italian gem represents the quintessence of her earnest, organic approach. Carefully created from a blend of Nebbiolo and Vespolina grapes, these are handpicked from vines that bear witness to deep-rooted traditions on ancient volcanic soils.

Silvia Barbaglia Boca 2017 is a natural wine, aged for three years in large, old Slovenian oak barrels for subtlety, complexity, and depth. The aroma is a vivid blend of violet and rose, with undercurrents of dried herbs and tobacco. On the palate, it expresses an intense, structured taste with soft tannins and a staggering finish.

This carefully sculpted handcrafted wine paints an authentic portrait of its home region and testifies the mastery behind its creation. A must for lovers of traditional Piedmontese wines.

Experience the charismatic sophistication of Silvio Grasso Barolo 1997. This prestigious Italian vintage hails from the renowned vineyards of La Morra in the Piedmont region. The Grasso family, admired for their meticulous craft, have produced wines of impressive consistency for three generations. Silvio Grasso Barolo 1997 is a masterful blend of 100% Nebbiolo grapes, aged in large French oak barrels for 24 months, resulting in a rich, complex wine.

Spectacular in its ruby hue, this wine boasts an intoxicating bouquet of roses, spices, and ripe fruits. On the palate, Silvio Grasso Barolo 1997 reveals layers of intense dark fruits, velvety tannins and a long, seamless finish. Acclaimed by critics, this stunning wine deserves a place in any serious collection or for savouring on a special occasion. Truly a testament to the majestic prowess of Silvio Grasso's winemaking brilliance.

Wine Advocate (92)

Full of tension and energy, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a beautiful wine that does honor to the magnificent 2010 vintage. The fruit nuances are layered and plentiful with loads of cherry, cassis and blackberry to keep your interest. The tannins are smooth and ripe with sweet overtones. The wine offers good complexity and definition. Drink this Brunello after 2017.

Wine Advocate (95+)

The Tenute Silvio Nardi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino makes a big impact in the glass thanks to its dark color saturation and the pretty intensity of its aromas that range from dark fruit and plum to soft potting soil and grilled herb. You get beautiful balance here, even more so when you allow the bottle to breathe for a few hours. A twofold delivery of freshness and tannic backbone gives the wine the DNA required to hold 10 years or more. Having had the pleasure of touring the vineyards, I can firmly state that Tenute Silvio Nardi occupies one of the most distinctive areas of the Montalcino appellation, tucked into the northern side of the area, at high altitude, hidden by thick forests and cooled by an almost blueish quality of light. The soils are dark and mineral-rich with pockets of schists and shale. A unique position such as this does not guarantee consistent results every year, and I can imagine how vulnerable this area could be in the most extreme weather, especially given the later harvest. Indeed, my feeling is that vintage variation is experienced with greater intensity here. But when presented with a classic vintage such as 2016, all those elements fall magically in place to produce wines of extreme elegance and character. Tenute Silvio Nardi has three new releases from 2016: a classic Brunello and two single-vineyard expressions.

Wine Advocate (95+)

The Tenute Silvio Nardi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino makes a big impact in the glass thanks to its dark color saturation and the pretty intensity of its aromas that range from dark fruit and plum to soft potting soil and grilled herb. You get beautiful balance here, even more so when you allow the bottle to breathe for a few hours. A twofold delivery of freshness and tannic backbone gives the wine the DNA required to hold 10 years or more. Having had the pleasure of touring the vineyards, I can firmly state that Tenute Silvio Nardi occupies one of the most distinctive areas of the Montalcino appellation, tucked into the northern side of the area, at high altitude, hidden by thick forests and cooled by an almost blueish quality of light. The soils are dark and mineral-rich with pockets of schists and shale. A unique position such as this does not guarantee consistent results every year, and I can imagine how vulnerable this area could be in the most extreme weather, especially given the later harvest. Indeed, my feeling is that vintage variation is experienced with greater intensity here. But when presented with a classic vintage such as 2016, all those elements fall magically in place to produce wines of extreme elegance and character. Tenute Silvio Nardi has three new releases from 2016: a classic Brunello and two single-vineyard expressions.

Crafted with mastery, the Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 2019 is a testament to the enduring heritage of Italian winemaking. Produced in the prestigious Montalcino region, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, this wine is the epitome of exceptional taste and quality. The Silvio Nardi estate, renowned for its dedication to tradition and innovation, meticulously harvests Sangiovese grapes, letting them ripen flawlessly before transforming them into this luxurious pour.

The Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 2019 offers a sumptuous journey for the senses. Its radiant ruby hue hints at the well-structured, fluid elegance within. On the nose, it carries fragrances of ripe red fruits interspersed with delicate floral notes. On the palate, it reveals a harmonious blend of fruitiness, tannin and acidity, leading to a finish that lingers with warm hints of spice and an intriguing minerality. A bottle of the Silvio Nardi Brunello di Montalcino 2019 promises an unparalleled experience for all fine wine connoisseurs.

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.

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.

Vinous (88)

Full red-ruby. Forward, open-knit aromas of ripe red cherry, blueberry, licorice and bitter chocolate. Then dense and chewy on the palate, with very good intensity to its soft dark fruit, leather and chocolate flavors but this turns very astringent on the long finish. Finishes broad and long, with substantial dusty tannins. I'd forget about this for at least a five or six years, but this strikes me as a being too energetically extracted.

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.

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.

Wine Advocate (95+)

Made from the estate's oldest vines, the 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a bold and powerful wine that shows enormous precision and grit. On the Brunello scale, this expression from Siro Pacenti offers more dark fruit, plum, spice, tar and smoke. The wine reveals beautiful density and an important mouthfeel that hits the palate with seductive determination. This wine is holding up beautifully since I tasted it last and has even improved in terms of its complexity and overall elegance. It still has a long way to go.

James Suckling (95)

So much violet, licorice and berry character to this. Wonderful depth. Full body, dusty and chewy tannins and a persistent and intense finish. Layered mouthfeel. Drink in 2020.

James Suckling (96)

Such lovely aromas of flowers and red fruit with some cedar and spice. Hot terra cotta. Full-bodied, very round and soft textured with beautiful fruit and balance. Fresh and vivid. Such balance and beauty. Drink or hold.

Vinous (91)

Balsam herbs, macerated black cherries, mocha, pine shavings and a cooling whiff of mint make the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Pelagrilli impossible to ignore. This is soft-textured and vibrant in character, with tart wild berries and savory spices energized by zesty acids and hints of sour citrus. It leaves a concentration of violet and lavender-tinged black fruits to resonate over a coating of sweet tannins, finishing incredibly long and structured. While the 2017 may not possess the contours and concentration that I’ve come to know from Pelagrilli, I can’t help but admire it for its verve and balance.

Vinous (95)

Rich and heady in the glass, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva PS smolders up with a captivating mix of plum sauce, grilled sage, crushed rocks and a dusting of savory spice. Its velvety textures soothe the palate, nearly creamy in feel, while ushering in a wave of ripe red and black fruits complicated by saline-mineral tones that add an almost-crunchy feel toward the close. This remains structured and youthfully dry, with super-fine tannins that saturate, along with a tart wild berry concentration and subtle nuances of tangerine. Keep the 2012 buried deep for at least another few years, as this serious wine has a story that only time will tell. The PS hails from a 1.5-hectares parcel in the oldest part of the Pelagrilli vineyards in the Northeast of Montalcino.

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 (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 (95)

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne is a total pleasure to the senses. A whiff of tobacco and dried herbs complicates black cherries and hints of cedary spice. Silken in feel, it presents tart red and black fruits guided by brisk acidity, while a crisp mineral tinge adds form toward the close. It leaves a pleasantly bitter saturation of dark chocolate and a coating of fine tannins, finishing with excellent length.

Vinous (95)

The 2011 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne is deep, powerful and explosive. The gravitas of the old vines and the blend of fruit that incorporates fruit from the southern end of the zone in equal parts with the north comes through loud and clear. Macerated cherries, smoke, spices, leather, licorice and French oak flesh out in a dense, stylish Brunello that captures the essence of the Pacenti house style. Drink this creamy, voluptuous Brunello over the next decade or so.