Jancis Robinson (17++)

Dark, spicy fruit on the nose. Still a little monolithic and embryonic with splendid juicy acidity and coating tannins that melt into the juicy fruit on the finish. (WS)

Vinous (96)

The Produttori's 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is all power, tension and nerve. Even so, the 2013 is remarkably civilized and much less austere than young Ovello Barbarescos usually are. Scents of cranberry, white pepper and mint give the wine its signature high-toned aromatics. The Ovello has a Volnay-like purity to its fruit, with Nebbiolo tannins and structure, of course. If that sounds appealing, well, it is. Vivid, sculpted and impossibly beautiful, the Ovello is simply magnificent.

Wine Spectator (95)

A rich, cherry- and floral-scented red, effusive in aroma, with the core of cherry prevailing on the palate. Though fleshy, this gives way to firm tannins that line the lingering aftertaste. Inviting and full of energy, so decant now or wait.

Vinous (94)

It’s rare that you take in the aromas of an Amarone and the first thing that comes to mind is how wonderfully fresh and perfumed it is, but that’s exactly what you’ll experience from the 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico from Quintarelli. Sour cherries are complicated by notes of rose, sweet spice and hints of cedar and mint. It’s deeply textural yet precise, with a polished and pure display of purple-tinged red fruit contrasted by zesty acids and a slight herbal twang. Remarkably feminine and undeniably elegant, with a slow-mounting structure that sneaks up on you through the finale. This gentle giant tapers off long and floral, only hinting at the depths that further cellaring will bring.

Vinous (94)

Smoky basalt notes and suggestions of quarry dust accompany site-typical evocations of sage and mint on an intensely pungent, penetrating nose. Generous, bright juiciness of lemon and lime, along with sheer extract sweetness, keep this almost painfully concentrated, grippingly stony expression of Pechstein from turning austere or overly severe. And extract also seems to be the source of textural richness beneath what initially seems a very firm feel. Mouthwatering salinity adds to the appeal of a finish vibrantly interactive in its expression of citrus, herb and mineral matter.

Experience the epitome of Spanish viniculture with the Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Gran Reserva 2012. Hailing from Alava in the celebrated Rioja Alavesa wine region, this renowned vintage boasts an extensive ageing - spending 27 months in French oak barrels and further maturing in the bottle. The exceptional craftsmanship of master vintner, Fernando Remirez de Ganuza, is palpable in each sip. Praised for his innovative winemaking methods, he meticulously selects only the finest Tempranillo and Graciano grapes for this prestigious blend.

The Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Gran Reserva 2012 captivates with its intense ruby hue, beguiling aroma of ripe fruits and spices and velvety, full-bodied palate. Acclaimed by critics, this well-structured wine demonstrates extraordinary finesse and complexity, its ripe tannins and integrated oak nuances produce a long and elegant finish. Immerse yourself in a unique taste sensation that embodies the sublime sophistication of Spanish winemaking.

Wine Advocate (94)

The Pajè vineyard is among the most calcareous in terms of soil composition within the entire Barbaresco appellation. The vines are 50 years old, and those six years of barrel and bottle aging are absolutely necessary. This plot is a little under two hectares in size, and this site has been in family hands since 1953. In fact, Roagna is releasing all its expressions from 2013 at the same time. Thanks in part to the relative youth of the vines (young I suppose only by Roagna standards), the 2013 Barbaresco Pajè's aromas are large in scale and generally more fleshed out. The tannins are also a bit more dry or astringent. The wine shows deep contrasts between the sweet nature of the bouquet and the very sharp nature of the mouthfeel.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)

A dark, imposing wine, the 2012 Roc des Cambes is distinctly dark and brooding. Black cherries, smoke, licorice, tar and dark spices fleshed [?]. Vertical in style and quite structured, the 2012 could use another few years in bottle to fully come together, which will also help the chewy tannins to integrate a bit more fully. Roc des Cambes is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec that spend 18 months in 100% new French oak.

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.

Wine Advocate (93)

Another wine that doesn’t lack for structure, the 2013 Gigondas Le Claux (99% Grenache and 1% Syrah) offers lots of camphor, graphite, ground pepper and limestone-like minerality to go with a medium to full-bodied, very fresh, focused and elegant style on the palate. As with the Hominis Fides, it shows more tannic grip with time in the glass, and will benefit from short term cellaring.

The Wine Cellar Insider (92-94)

Fleshy, soft and round, there is a good sweetness to the fruit with depth of flavors in the plush finish. 92-94 Pts

Introducing the distinguished Salicutti Brunello di Montalcino Piaggione Riserva 2013, a profound embodiment of Italian winemaking. Produced in the globally renowned Montalcino region, this exceptional wine hails from Salicutti, a prestigious estate committed to biodynamic practices and dedicated to preserving the purity of Sangiovese. The Salicutti Brunello di Montalcino Piaggione Riserva 2013 is birthed from grapes harvested from the Piaggione vineyard, known for its uniquely diverse microclimate and rich soil composition.

Aged for over 36 months in Slavonian oak barrels, this rich, ruby-red coloured Brunello offers a complex bouquet of ripe cherries, blackberries, and tobacco, all underpinned by a solid structure and velvety tannins. The lengthy ageing process enhances the wine’s depth and ensures its long-term potential, allowing connoisseurs to appreciate its evolving character. Offering an unparalleled taste experience, it is a testimony to Salicutti's commitment to creating an excellent and environmentally conscious winemaking.

Wine Enthusiast (99)

As always, this exceptional Champagne, only released in top vintages, shows its rare qualities. Its poise between texture, acidity, intense aging ability and minerality are so right. It is ready to drink, but that would be a shame, because this wine will age so well. Drink from 2025.

Wine Enthusiast (99)

As always, this exceptional Champagne, only released in top vintages, shows its rare qualities. Its poise between texture, acidity, intense aging ability and minerality are so right. It is ready to drink, but that would be a shame, because this wine will age so well. Drink from 2025.

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.

James Suckling (98)

Wow. This is really fantastic with outstanding depth of fruit and ripe and silky tannins. So much blueberry and cedar character with hints of flowers. Full body, fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Lovely balance to this wine. Better after 2022 but already exciting to taste.

James Suckling (98)

This is an incredible 2012 with fantastic depth, richness, focus and tension. Full body, polished velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Goes on for minutes. Better in 2020 but a joy to taste now. One of the wines of the vintage.

James Suckling (97-98)

This is an impressive wine with blackberry, currant and spice. Full body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. A rich and structured young Brunello. Try in 2021.

The Wine Independent (99)

The 2013 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia was one of the stars of this vertical for me and a big surprise. It is just so graceful and harmonious. The aromas and flavors are brighter and in sharper focus and the tannins are even more seamless than before. Carlo Paoli told me that he also loves this vintage - the weather conditions were so good, with no excess of heat or rain. As he says, "Everything was slow, calm and beautiful." The 2013 Sassicaia reflects this ease. The palate has a lovely combination of a velvety texture, with just the right weight, and thrilling acidity. The fine tannins almost disappear on the finish.

Bob Campbell MW (97)

Seresin’s flagship pinot noir deserves its exalted status. It offers a seductive sweet and silken first impression revealing a structure of ripe, sappy tannins on its lingering finish. Layers of ripe fruit interspersed with subtle floral and herb characters demonstrate real complexity. Approachable now, this wine deserves at least another 4-5 years careful cellaring to reveal its true colours. 2/3/2017 Drink 2017 to 2024

James Suckling (95)

Aromas of ripe fruit such as sweet strawberries and hints of orange peel and chocolate. Medium to full body, soft and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Riper style. Drink or hold.

Vinous (92)

Socré's 2013 Barbaresco is a terrific example of the vintage at its best. The aromatics alone are enticing. Sweet dark cherry, plum, sage, lavender, rose petal mint and licorice give the 2013 a dark, mysterious quality that is hard to fully describe. Deep and yet also weightless as only Nebbiolo can be, the 2013 hits all the right notes. This is a vivid and impeccable Barbaresco from Socré.

Vinous (93)

The 2013 Barbaresco Roncaglie is a potent wine. Rich and broad on the palate, with considerable breadth, the Roncaglie is all about power. Black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, smoke add to an impression of weight and gravitas. I am not sure the Roncaglie is a meaningfully better wine than the straight Barbaresco. The style is very close to being forced, in my view.

Vinous (93)

The 2013 Barbaresco Roncaglie is a potent wine. Rich and broad on the palate, with considerable breadth, the Roncaglie is all about power. Black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, smoke add to an impression of weight and gravitas. I am not sure the Roncaglie is a meaningfully better wine than the straight Barbaresco. The style is very close to being forced, in my view.

Wine Advocate (97+)

The best vintages of Solaia are 1990, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 and now 2013. Marchesi Antinori's 2013 Solaia is a profound and meaningful wine that is based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc in supporting roles. It sports a dark and thick texture with plump fruit and spice, grilled herb and black pepper. The bouquet is intense and layered with the kind of complexity that is best admired as the wine shifts and evolves in the glass. The textual impact is also impressive—you feel the inherent power and the structure, but these elements are never overdone. The best is yet to come; this Solaia is built for long cellar aging.

Wine Advocate (100)

My favorite in the blind-tasted lineup extending from 2010 through 2020 was the opulent yet concentrated and impeccably structured 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. It boasts classic scents of cherries and cassis on the nose, with touches of vanilla and wood spice adding nuance on the medium to full-bodied palate. Imbued with tremendous intensity, the supple tannins and ripe acids necessary for aging and a long, complex finish, this wine truly has it all.