All Red Wines
Welcome to our collection of exquisite red wines from around the world. Indulge in a sensory journey that takes you through the diverse terroirs and distinctive flavors crafted by renowned winemakers. From bold and robust to elegant and refined, our selection offers a delightful array of red wines to satisfy every palate.
Each bottle we offer is a testament to the artistry and passion of winemaking. Our team of experts has meticulously curated this collection to bring you the finest red wines from renowned vineyards across the globe. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or an enthusiastic beginner, we have something to captivate your taste buds and elevate your wine experience.
Explore the deep, velvety reds from the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux, where centuries of winemaking tradition have shaped some of the most sought-after blends in the world. Indulge in the rich, full-bodied flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, crafted with meticulous care and precision.
Venture to the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany, where the Sangiovese grape thrives, giving birth to the enchanting Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino wines. Savor the harmonious balance of fruit and earth, a true reflection of Italy's winemaking heritage.
Cross the ocean to the New World, where the vineyards of California, Australia, and South America produce bold and fruit-forward red wines that have garnered international acclaim. Discover the opulence of Napa Valley's Cabernet Sauvignon, the elegance of Australia's Shiraz, or the intensity of Argentina's Malbec.
Uncover the hidden gems of lesser-known wine regions, where passionate winemakers are creating remarkable red wines that surprise and delight. From the hills of Lebanon to the valleys of South Africa, each bottle tells a unique story and offers a taste of the terroir from which it originates.
At Cru, we believe that wine is an invitation to explore the world and its diverse flavors. Our collection of red wines represents a global celebration of craftsmanship, tradition, and the unending pursuit of excellence. Indulge in the remarkable tapestry of flavors, aromas, and textures that red wines offer, and let us guide you on a remarkable journey through the world of wine.
All Red Wines
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Inc. VAT£211.06 -
Vinous (88)
Full ruby-red. Roasted red berries and roast coffee on the liqueur-like nose. Concentrated, dense and chewy, with port-like ripeness and elevated alcohol. Classic grenache flavors of red berry liqueur and chocolate. Finishes with big, chewy tannins.Inc. VAT£416.81 -
(12x75cl) 2007Vinous - Josh Raynolds (92-95)
Ruby-red. Intensely floral scents of raspberry, lavender, magnolia and garrigue Palate-coating red berry flavors are firmed by juicy acidity and complicated by smoky herbs and a sweet floral pastille quality. Finishes broad and precise, with supple tannins and considerable depth. This is one for the cellar.Inc. VAT£897.67 -
(12x75cl) 2010Vinous (92)
Dark purple. Expressive aromas of dark fruits, spicecake, garrigue and licorice. Ripe and harmonious, with a smoky quality and a medicinal touch to its plum and bitter cherry flavors. On the wild side but shows very good sweetness. Finishes with building tannins and firm grip, leaving a spicy note behind.Inc. VAT£571.61 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve is knockout stuff. Full-bodied, textured and yet still elegant and finesse-oriented, it gives up tons of ground pepper, spice, new leather and black cherry nuances. Made from 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvedre, it has excellent concentration, mouth-filling levels of fruit and a big finish. Drink this beauty over the coming decade.Inc. VAT£508.18 -
(6x75cl) 2020Inc. VAT£256.96 -
The Roinos Aglianico del Vulture 2006, meticulously crafted by the revered Roinos family, is a captivating embodiment of fine Italian viniculture. Hailing from the sun-drenched slopes of Mount Vulture in Basilicata, the Aglianico grape variety flourishes in its volcano-rich homeland, yielding a wine of profound character and excellence.
The 2006 vintage of Roinos Aglianico del Vulture exhibits a complex bouquet, brimming with dark cherry, savoury spice and smoky undertones. Aged for two years in French oak barrels, it delivers an opulent palate with decadent ripe fruit flavours and velvet tannins. Long celebrated for its remarkable ageing potential, this full-bodied red stands as a testament to the magnificent terroir of Del Vulture.
Guided by centuries-old winemaking traditions and an unwavering commitment to quality, the Roinos estate continues to produce remarkable wines, with the Aglianico del Vulture 2006 as one of their proudest achievements.
Inc. VAT£243.20 -
(3x150cl) 2005Wine Spectator (95-100)
Currant and blackberry aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely fruit and class in this. Always impressive in serious vintages. Sweet and seductive. Best ever. Score range: 95-100Inc. VAT£419.15 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2005 Shiraz “Heysen” is a blend of three vineyards. It was aged in 40% new French oak, 20% new American oak, and the balance neutral French. The nose reveals wood smoke, toast, game, bacon, blueberry, and blackberry. This leads to an opulent, complex, and intensely flavored wine which merits 6-8 years in the cellar. This lengthy wine will drink well through 2025.Inc. VAT£570.07 -
James Suckling (95)
This has very attractive, ripe-blackberry and dark-plum aromas with blueberry and earthy, spicy notes, too. There’s composure and concentration on the palate, showing very even-paced tannin and fruit. Full-bodied, yet balanced. Long, blackberry and blueberry flavors. The tannins hold long and smooth. Drink or hold. Screw cap.Inc. VAT£237.95 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88)
The 2015 Rolland de By has come together nicely since I tasted it from barrel. There is plenty of both depth and definition to the dark cherry, tobacco and grilled herb flavors. Pliant, supple and inviting, the 2015 will drink nicely for at least the next handful of years.Inc. VAT£311.04 -
(1x500cl) 2016Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2016 Rollan de By has a tightly wound bouquet with layers of blackberry, bilberry, cedar and light crushed stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, finely proportioned with a crisp bead of acidity. This is a slightly more classically styled Rollan de By with a lovely pencil shaving tinged finish that keeps you coming back for more. Excellent.Inc. VAT£233.96 -
(6x150cl) 2016Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2016 Rollan de By has a tightly wound bouquet with layers of blackberry, bilberry, cedar and light crushed stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, finely proportioned with a crisp bead of acidity. This is a slightly more classically styled Rollan de By with a lovely pencil shaving tinged finish that keeps you coming back for more. Excellent.Inc. VAT£265.61 -
(6x150cl) 2018The Rollan de By 2018, embodies the quintessential elegance of Médoc wines. This exquisite vintage, hailing from the vineyards nestled along the Left Bank of the Bordeaux region in France, is produced by Jean Guyon, an acclaimed name in French winemaking. The Rollan de By 2018, predominantly Merlot, graced with a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, undergoes traditional vinification in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats, followed by extended maturation in French oak barrels to enhance its richness and complexity.
This fine wine is notable for its inviting ruby red hue, potent blackcurrant, cherry and vanilla aromas and full-bodied palate bursting with layered tannins, ensuring a long, velvety finish. Renowned wine critics have lavished praise on its balanced structure and depth. On the whole, the virtues manifested in the Rollan de By 2018 prove it a supreme testament of Médoc's terroir and passionately meticulous craftsmanship.
Inc. VAT£253.61 -
(12x75cl) 2020Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-90)
The 2020 Rollan de By is redolent of inky dark blue fruit, lavender, spice, licorice, lavender, dried herbs and menthol. There is good depth and resonance, even if the tannins are a bit burly.Inc. VAT£231.84 -
Decanter (99)
The blend for this wine, whose fruit is dried for three months, is 55 per cent Corvina, 15 per cent Rondinella, 20 per cent Croatina and 10 per cent Oseleta; all the vines are at least 10 years old. A black wine, and a velvet nosebox: pressed black fruits, seeping with fruit essences; smoke and cinders; herbal complexities; teasing floral notes, too, to lighten the tone a little. The alcohol level on the label might lead you to expect a gobstopper – so you’ll be taken aback by the fine-milled elegance of this wine, by its disposition and organization, by its fleet-footed elegance and freshness, even though its concentration, power and textural presence make it a wine of absolute authority. There isn’t a trace of superfluous fat in the mid-palate – though it’s tongue-coating, head-turning, inspiring: a gathering of sumptuous fruited energies. “It’s very difficult to for my father to feel happy about any of his wines; he’s very critical,” said Michele. “But with this vintage, he didn’t have anything to say.”Inc. VAT£556.57 -
James Suckling (100)
This is black as pitch in the glass and, yes, there’s a light, tarry edge to the super-concentrated prune, date and currant fruit. But even more interesting are the complex notes of bitter-orange liqueur, aged balsamic, fresh roasting herbs, cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, black tea and licorice. The more you decant in advance, the more nuances will emerge. It’s full-boded with huge concentration and lots of chewy tannin that is managing to hold the fruit back for now. This needs plenty of time to develop in the bottle. Just superb. One of the greatest Dal Forno’s ever.Inc. VAT£395.44 -
James Suckling (100)
This is black as pitch in the glass and, yes, there’s a light, tarry edge to the super-concentrated prune, date and currant fruit. But even more interesting are the complex notes of bitter-orange liqueur, aged balsamic, fresh roasting herbs, cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, black tea and licorice. The more you decant in advance, the more nuances will emerge. It’s full-boded with huge concentration and lots of chewy tannin that is managing to hold the fruit back for now. This needs plenty of time to develop in the bottle. Just superb. One of the greatest Dal Forno’s ever.Inc. VAT£2,318.09 -
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.Inc. VAT£707.87 -
Vinous (94)
A dark, super-ripe wine, the 2008 Valpolicella Superiore is fabulous in this vintage. Smoke, tar, incense, licorice and blackberry jam hit the palate in a massive, intense Valpolicella loaded with class and personality. Even with all of the concentration, the 2008 is quite a bit less tannic than some recent vintages have been, which makes it accessible even today, especially if given a little air. There is a lot to admire in this drop-dead gorgeous Valpolicella from Romano Dal Forno.Inc. VAT£647.15 -
James Suckling (94)
A powerful and dense red with so much concentration of fruit and chocolate undertones. Hints of toasted oak. Full body and a velvety texture. Fantastic and dense red as usual. Drink now.Inc. VAT£191.33 -
James Suckling (94)
A powerful and dense red with so much concentration of fruit and chocolate undertones. Hints of toasted oak. Full body and a velvety texture. Fantastic and dense red as usual. Drink now.Inc. VAT£516.80 -
Decanter (97)
From one of the most iconic wineries in the Orientale, this is aged for two years in oak and a further three in bottle. A proper meditation wine, great with game, strong cheeses or a cigar. It has a huge nose of stewed red fruits, ethereal bramble forest fruits and blackberry jam. Generous, with spicy, bitter cherry-stone freshness. Full-bodied with a rich, intense, spicy undertone.Inc. VAT£523.18 -
Vinous (94)
The 2014 is a unique rendition of Dal Forno’s Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta. It's a remarkably pretty wine, displaying crushed ripe strawberries and plums with cinnamon, clove, vanilla bean and a cooling hint of mint. The textures are velvety, coating all that they touch in glycerol fruit concentration, yet somehow coming across as zesty and spry, contrasting weight with saturating notes of tart blackberry and savory spice. There’s a bit of a lull in the midpalate, yet it hardly takes away from the experience. At times, the Monte Lodoletta can seem almost salty, especially through its long, mouthwatering finish, where hints of cherry pits and herbs linger. This atypical yet truly enjoyable expression is the result of the extremely difficult 2014 vintage, when hail damaged and reduced the crop in the lower-elevation vineyards, followed by rain from August through September. As a result, Dal Forno decided not to produce their Amarone, and to instead focus all of their attention on the Valpolicella. The result is a wine that no Dal Forno fan should miss, but be aware that production was down 30% from an average year.Inc. VAT£549.58 -
James Suckling (96)
Such a profound nose of fresh and dried fruit with blackcurrants, dates and prunes, together with lighter notes of mild spice and pomegranate seeds. The fresher elements provide the drive on the full palate and, together with very fine, bright, fine-grained tannins, give a long, chewy yet fresh and pruney finish. Hugely concentrated, but the balance and poise is impeccable. There’s no denying the classic quality of this. Delicious to taste now, but this needs a few years to integrate. Try from 2025.Inc. VAT£572.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Pungent nose of violets, amarena cherries, dried figs and lightly charred oak. Some toffee notes emerge with air, together with more pressed flowers. Not so much full-bodied as full-flavored, with silky, fine and polished tannins. Very young and driven at the moment. Lacks the depth and complexity of more fortunate vintages, but still shows exceptional quality. Try from 2024.Inc. VAT£469.78 -
Decanter (94)
The wet 2018 vintage has conferred this Valpolicella Superiore – a blend of 60% Corvina, 15% Croatina, 10% Corvinone, 10% Oseleta and 5% Rondinella – with an accessible and fragrant character compared to its more typical firmly shut down youth. Intense scents of potpourri, iris, crushed violet, fresh blueberries, herbs and a hint of black tea lead to a cocoa-dusted palate of succulent and ferrous red fruits, balanced by good acidity and with that beautiful fragrance wafting through. While still ageworthy, you could enjoy this sooner than other recent vintages, such as the magnificent 2016 tasted alongside it.Inc. VAT£470.38 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2004 Passito Rosso Vino Dolce Vigna Seré (500-mililiter) is a masterpiece that is impossible to repeat. In fact, the wine has not been produced since 2004. Even if a vintage as good as this did come along, we'd need to wait another 13 years before we could enjoy this level of maturity and evolution. Formally a Recioto della Valpolicella, this sweet red wine is made with air-dried fruit as local tradition dictates. Luckily no botrytis set in that year, because that would have eroded the wine's deep and luscious color saturation. The bouquet delivers a generous flow of dark spice, bitter chocolate, espresso, raisin, plum, barbecue spice and teriyaki smoke. The concentration and layering of the wine are both rare and distinctive. The mouthfeel sees sweet flavors with a syrupy mouthfeel. The finish offers hints of caramelized brown sugar and savory hickory. The aging window is impossible to predict, but the wine is surely built to last. I can think of no other wine that comes close to matching this unique style.Inc. VAT£693.18 -
Vinous (92)
A powerful, authoritative wine, the 2011 Brunello di Montalcino packs a serious punch. A host of savory, feral notes hit the palate first, followed by an array of dried cherry, dried flowers, tobacco, smoke, leather and cedar. This is one of the rare 2011s with tannins that need time to soften, as well as the density to develop nicely with further time in bottle.Inc. VAT£377.60 -
Vinous (92)
The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino takes its time opening in the glass, gaining in volume and depth with each passing minute. It lifts up with citrus-tinged strawberries, rosemary, blood orange and hints of animal musk. This envelopes the palate with silken textures offset by zesty acidity and tart wild berry fruits, coming across as far more vibrant than expected. It lingers with a tart concentration and lightly grippy tannins while leaving a sour twang that I find very attractive. The 2012 is still maturing in bottle, yet quite close to peak; and if I had to hold anything against it, the finish is a bit shorter than anticipated. That said, it’s a zesty beauty. Only 24,000 bottles were made in 2012 versus the usual 50,000 through a combination of low yields and strict selection.Inc. VAT£94.13
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In Bond£156.00 -
Vinous (88)
Full ruby-red. Roasted red berries and roast coffee on the liqueur-like nose. Concentrated, dense and chewy, with port-like ripeness and elevated alcohol. Classic grenache flavors of red berry liqueur and chocolate. Finishes with big, chewy tannins.In Bond£306.00 -
(12x75cl) 2007Vinous - Josh Raynolds (92-95)
Ruby-red. Intensely floral scents of raspberry, lavender, magnolia and garrigue Palate-coating red berry flavors are firmed by juicy acidity and complicated by smoky herbs and a sweet floral pastille quality. Finishes broad and precise, with supple tannins and considerable depth. This is one for the cellar.In Bond£716.00 -
(12x75cl) 2010Vinous (92)
Dark purple. Expressive aromas of dark fruits, spicecake, garrigue and licorice. Ripe and harmonious, with a smoky quality and a medicinal touch to its plum and bitter cherry flavors. On the wild side but shows very good sweetness. Finishes with building tannins and firm grip, leaving a spicy note behind.In Bond£435.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve is knockout stuff. Full-bodied, textured and yet still elegant and finesse-oriented, it gives up tons of ground pepper, spice, new leather and black cherry nuances. Made from 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvedre, it has excellent concentration, mouth-filling levels of fruit and a big finish. Drink this beauty over the coming decade.In Bond£385.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020In Bond£196.91 -
The Roinos Aglianico del Vulture 2006, meticulously crafted by the revered Roinos family, is a captivating embodiment of fine Italian viniculture. Hailing from the sun-drenched slopes of Mount Vulture in Basilicata, the Aglianico grape variety flourishes in its volcano-rich homeland, yielding a wine of profound character and excellence.
The 2006 vintage of Roinos Aglianico del Vulture exhibits a complex bouquet, brimming with dark cherry, savoury spice and smoky undertones. Aged for two years in French oak barrels, it delivers an opulent palate with decadent ripe fruit flavours and velvet tannins. Long celebrated for its remarkable ageing potential, this full-bodied red stands as a testament to the magnificent terroir of Del Vulture.
Guided by centuries-old winemaking traditions and an unwavering commitment to quality, the Roinos estate continues to produce remarkable wines, with the Aglianico del Vulture 2006 as one of their proudest achievements.
In Bond£182.00 -
(3x150cl) 2005Wine Spectator (95-100)
Currant and blackberry aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Lovely fruit and class in this. Always impressive in serious vintages. Sweet and seductive. Best ever. Score range: 95-100In Bond£330.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
The 2005 Shiraz “Heysen” is a blend of three vineyards. It was aged in 40% new French oak, 20% new American oak, and the balance neutral French. The nose reveals wood smoke, toast, game, bacon, blueberry, and blackberry. This leads to an opulent, complex, and intensely flavored wine which merits 6-8 years in the cellar. This lengthy wine will drink well through 2025.Inc. VAT£531.60 -
James Suckling (95)
This has very attractive, ripe-blackberry and dark-plum aromas with blueberry and earthy, spicy notes, too. There’s composure and concentration on the palate, showing very even-paced tannin and fruit. Full-bodied, yet balanced. Long, blackberry and blueberry flavors. The tannins hold long and smooth. Drink or hold. Screw cap.In Bond£179.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88)
The 2015 Rolland de By has come together nicely since I tasted it from barrel. There is plenty of both depth and definition to the dark cherry, tobacco and grilled herb flavors. Pliant, supple and inviting, the 2015 will drink nicely for at least the next handful of years.In Bond£222.00 -
(1x500cl) 2016Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2016 Rollan de By has a tightly wound bouquet with layers of blackberry, bilberry, cedar and light crushed stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, finely proportioned with a crisp bead of acidity. This is a slightly more classically styled Rollan de By with a lovely pencil shaving tinged finish that keeps you coming back for more. Excellent.In Bond£172.00 -
(6x150cl) 2016Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2016 Rollan de By has a tightly wound bouquet with layers of blackberry, bilberry, cedar and light crushed stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, finely proportioned with a crisp bead of acidity. This is a slightly more classically styled Rollan de By with a lovely pencil shaving tinged finish that keeps you coming back for more. Excellent.In Bond£180.00 -
(6x150cl) 2018The Rollan de By 2018, embodies the quintessential elegance of Médoc wines. This exquisite vintage, hailing from the vineyards nestled along the Left Bank of the Bordeaux region in France, is produced by Jean Guyon, an acclaimed name in French winemaking. The Rollan de By 2018, predominantly Merlot, graced with a harmonious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, undergoes traditional vinification in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats, followed by extended maturation in French oak barrels to enhance its richness and complexity.
This fine wine is notable for its inviting ruby red hue, potent blackcurrant, cherry and vanilla aromas and full-bodied palate bursting with layered tannins, ensuring a long, velvety finish. Renowned wine critics have lavished praise on its balanced structure and depth. On the whole, the virtues manifested in the Rollan de By 2018 prove it a supreme testament of Médoc's terroir and passionately meticulous craftsmanship.
In Bond£170.00 -
(12x75cl) 2020Vinous - Antonio Galloni (88-90)
The 2020 Rollan de By is redolent of inky dark blue fruit, lavender, spice, licorice, lavender, dried herbs and menthol. There is good depth and resonance, even if the tannins are a bit burly.In Bond£156.00 -
Decanter (99)
The blend for this wine, whose fruit is dried for three months, is 55 per cent Corvina, 15 per cent Rondinella, 20 per cent Croatina and 10 per cent Oseleta; all the vines are at least 10 years old. A black wine, and a velvet nosebox: pressed black fruits, seeping with fruit essences; smoke and cinders; herbal complexities; teasing floral notes, too, to lighten the tone a little. The alcohol level on the label might lead you to expect a gobstopper – so you’ll be taken aback by the fine-milled elegance of this wine, by its disposition and organization, by its fleet-footed elegance and freshness, even though its concentration, power and textural presence make it a wine of absolute authority. There isn’t a trace of superfluous fat in the mid-palate – though it’s tongue-coating, head-turning, inspiring: a gathering of sumptuous fruited energies. “It’s very difficult to for my father to feel happy about any of his wines; he’s very critical,” said Michele. “But with this vintage, he didn’t have anything to say.”In Bond£456.00 -
James Suckling (100)
This is black as pitch in the glass and, yes, there’s a light, tarry edge to the super-concentrated prune, date and currant fruit. But even more interesting are the complex notes of bitter-orange liqueur, aged balsamic, fresh roasting herbs, cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, black tea and licorice. The more you decant in advance, the more nuances will emerge. It’s full-boded with huge concentration and lots of chewy tannin that is managing to hold the fruit back for now. This needs plenty of time to develop in the bottle. Just superb. One of the greatest Dal Forno’s ever.In Bond£326.00 -
James Suckling (100)
This is black as pitch in the glass and, yes, there’s a light, tarry edge to the super-concentrated prune, date and currant fruit. But even more interesting are the complex notes of bitter-orange liqueur, aged balsamic, fresh roasting herbs, cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, black tea and licorice. The more you decant in advance, the more nuances will emerge. It’s full-boded with huge concentration and lots of chewy tannin that is managing to hold the fruit back for now. This needs plenty of time to develop in the bottle. Just superb. One of the greatest Dal Forno’s ever.In Bond£1,909.00 -
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.In Bond£583.00 -
Vinous (94)
A dark, super-ripe wine, the 2008 Valpolicella Superiore is fabulous in this vintage. Smoke, tar, incense, licorice and blackberry jam hit the palate in a massive, intense Valpolicella loaded with class and personality. Even with all of the concentration, the 2008 is quite a bit less tannic than some recent vintages have been, which makes it accessible even today, especially if given a little air. There is a lot to admire in this drop-dead gorgeous Valpolicella from Romano Dal Forno.In Bond£520.00 -
James Suckling (94)
A powerful and dense red with so much concentration of fruit and chocolate undertones. Hints of toasted oak. Full body and a velvety texture. Fantastic and dense red as usual. Drink now.In Bond£156.00 -
James Suckling (94)
A powerful and dense red with so much concentration of fruit and chocolate undertones. Hints of toasted oak. Full body and a velvety texture. Fantastic and dense red as usual. Drink now.In Bond£410.00 -
Decanter (97)
From one of the most iconic wineries in the Orientale, this is aged for two years in oak and a further three in bottle. A proper meditation wine, great with game, strong cheeses or a cigar. It has a huge nose of stewed red fruits, ethereal bramble forest fruits and blackberry jam. Generous, with spicy, bitter cherry-stone freshness. Full-bodied with a rich, intense, spicy undertone.In Bond£416.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2014 is a unique rendition of Dal Forno’s Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta. It's a remarkably pretty wine, displaying crushed ripe strawberries and plums with cinnamon, clove, vanilla bean and a cooling hint of mint. The textures are velvety, coating all that they touch in glycerol fruit concentration, yet somehow coming across as zesty and spry, contrasting weight with saturating notes of tart blackberry and savory spice. There’s a bit of a lull in the midpalate, yet it hardly takes away from the experience. At times, the Monte Lodoletta can seem almost salty, especially through its long, mouthwatering finish, where hints of cherry pits and herbs linger. This atypical yet truly enjoyable expression is the result of the extremely difficult 2014 vintage, when hail damaged and reduced the crop in the lower-elevation vineyards, followed by rain from August through September. As a result, Dal Forno decided not to produce their Amarone, and to instead focus all of their attention on the Valpolicella. The result is a wine that no Dal Forno fan should miss, but be aware that production was down 30% from an average year.In Bond£438.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Such a profound nose of fresh and dried fruit with blackcurrants, dates and prunes, together with lighter notes of mild spice and pomegranate seeds. The fresher elements provide the drive on the full palate and, together with very fine, bright, fine-grained tannins, give a long, chewy yet fresh and pruney finish. Hugely concentrated, but the balance and poise is impeccable. There’s no denying the classic quality of this. Delicious to taste now, but this needs a few years to integrate. Try from 2025.In Bond£456.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Pungent nose of violets, amarena cherries, dried figs and lightly charred oak. Some toffee notes emerge with air, together with more pressed flowers. Not so much full-bodied as full-flavored, with silky, fine and polished tannins. Very young and driven at the moment. Lacks the depth and complexity of more fortunate vintages, but still shows exceptional quality. Try from 2024.In Bond£371.50 -
Decanter (94)
The wet 2018 vintage has conferred this Valpolicella Superiore – a blend of 60% Corvina, 15% Croatina, 10% Corvinone, 10% Oseleta and 5% Rondinella – with an accessible and fragrant character compared to its more typical firmly shut down youth. Intense scents of potpourri, iris, crushed violet, fresh blueberries, herbs and a hint of black tea lead to a cocoa-dusted palate of succulent and ferrous red fruits, balanced by good acidity and with that beautiful fragrance wafting through. While still ageworthy, you could enjoy this sooner than other recent vintages, such as the magnificent 2016 tasted alongside it.In Bond£372.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The 2004 Passito Rosso Vino Dolce Vigna Seré (500-mililiter) is a masterpiece that is impossible to repeat. In fact, the wine has not been produced since 2004. Even if a vintage as good as this did come along, we'd need to wait another 13 years before we could enjoy this level of maturity and evolution. Formally a Recioto della Valpolicella, this sweet red wine is made with air-dried fruit as local tradition dictates. Luckily no botrytis set in that year, because that would have eroded the wine's deep and luscious color saturation. The bouquet delivers a generous flow of dark spice, bitter chocolate, espresso, raisin, plum, barbecue spice and teriyaki smoke. The concentration and layering of the wine are both rare and distinctive. The mouthfeel sees sweet flavors with a syrupy mouthfeel. The finish offers hints of caramelized brown sugar and savory hickory. The aging window is impossible to predict, but the wine is surely built to last. I can think of no other wine that comes close to matching this unique style.In Bond£568.00 -
Vinous (92)
A powerful, authoritative wine, the 2011 Brunello di Montalcino packs a serious punch. A host of savory, feral notes hit the palate first, followed by an array of dried cherry, dried flowers, tobacco, smoke, leather and cedar. This is one of the rare 2011s with tannins that need time to soften, as well as the density to develop nicely with further time in bottle.In Bond£294.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino takes its time opening in the glass, gaining in volume and depth with each passing minute. It lifts up with citrus-tinged strawberries, rosemary, blood orange and hints of animal musk. This envelopes the palate with silken textures offset by zesty acidity and tart wild berry fruits, coming across as far more vibrant than expected. It lingers with a tart concentration and lightly grippy tannins while leaving a sour twang that I find very attractive. The 2012 is still maturing in bottle, yet quite close to peak; and if I had to hold anything against it, the finish is a bit shorter than anticipated. That said, it’s a zesty beauty. Only 24,000 bottles were made in 2012 versus the usual 50,000 through a combination of low yields and strict selection.In Bond£75.00
