Immerse yourself in the splendour of Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018 – an impeccable testament to the artistry of Italian viticulture. Emidio Pepe, a proponent of biodynamic winemaking, intuitively crafts this red wine in Abruzzo, a serenely beautiful province in central Italy. The Montepulciano grapes are cultivated organically on the hilly terrain, hand-picked and then crushed by foot to achieve a carefully considered extraction of flavour. The wine is matured in glass-lined cement vats, resulting in a pure expression of the grape and land.

Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2018 is richly complex, characterised by intense aromatics and a deeply layered palate. Juxtaposing dark fruity notes with an intriguing spice undertone, it boasts engaging depth and velvety tannins, all culminating in a lasting finish. Steeped in tradition and provenance, this wine impeccably melds nature, passion, and craft. An extraordinary opportunity to savour Italy's viticultural excellence.

Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2020, a highly sought-after selection, offers a sublime journey into the world of fine Italian wines. Expertly produced in the hilly vineyards of Abruzzo, Italy, the robust Montepulciano grapes yield an enthralling complexity of flavours. The wine's elegant ruby-red hue is sourced from biodynamically cultivated vines that prevail over the region's limestone and clay soils. The 2020 vintage showcases delightful notes of sun-ripened cherries and dark berries delicately balanced by aged oak and tannins. Emidio Pepe, a famed producer with over fifty years' experience, meticulously hand-separates each grape before a refining period within Slavonian oak barrels. Signature to the Emidio Pepe estate, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2020 is uncompromisingly corked, ensuring its premium quality and authenticity. Truly peerless in its class, Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2020 is an absolute must-own for passionate collectors and discerning connoisseurs alike.

The Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2021 is an exquisite expression of fine wine crafted by a legendary producer in Italy's Abruzzo region. Each bottle of this timeless edition captures the distinctive finesse and individuality imbued by its terroir.

Emidio Pepe's artisanal winemaking commences with hand-harvested grapes, delicately destemmed, hand-crushed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts, ensuring the preservation of the characterful native nuances. Aged substantially in botti before bottling, this bio-dynamic elixir enthralls with a harmonious blend of finesse and power.

As a masterpiece from one of Italy's celebrated wine artisans, the Emidio Pepe Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2021 showcases tantalisingly deep garnet hues, complimented by seductive aromas and intense flavours of autumnal fruits, florals, spices and an earthy complexity.

This vintage is further enhanced by its impressive cellaring potential, making it a quintessential choice for discerning enthusiasts and collectors of fine wines.

A gem of unparalleled elegance, the Garzon Balasto 2018 is a testament to Uruguay's wine mastery. Crafted at Bodega Garzon—the distinguished winery that carries the torch as Uruguay's finest—the Garzon Balasto 2018 represents the pinnacle of Latin American viticulture. Composed of 45% Tannat, 25% Cabernet Franc, 15% Marselan and 15% Petit Verdot, this superlative blend offers a mélange of red fruits, spices, and a hint of freshness gleaned from its vineyard's unique, rocky terroir. Artisan precision details each step of the vinification process, from harvesting by hand to maturing in high-quality French oak for 20 months. A confluence of subtropical and maritime climates lends a singular character to the full-bodied, richly layered Garzon Balasto 2018. This impeccable wine, superb to its last drop, is a collectable addition to any wine aficionado's cellar.

A testament to winemaking prestige, Valentini Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2019 epitomises artisanal excellence. Originating in the mountainous Abruzzo region in central Italy, this extraordinary wine is produced from vines grown on lands rich in clay and limestone that aptly nurture the indigenous Trebbiano grapes. The Valentini family’s heritage of timeless tradition is evident in the fiercely manual process utilised, from harvesting to decanting.

The wine showcases a remarkable balance of fruity notes and fresh acidity, with the 2019 vintage particularly expressing distinct nuances of citrus and almond. Intense and complex, this amber nectar resonates with a captivating mineral finish that demonstrates the impeccable quality of this hand-crafted masterpiece. Valentini Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2019 is not simply a wine, but a delectable epitome of Italy's historical vineyard legacy – a worthy addition to the collection of any discerning oenophile.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)