James Suckling (94)

Very attractive floral and fresh aromas to the plums and cherries, following through to the palate. Flavorful and gorgeous, yet lively and focused. Lovely 2017. Drink now or hold.

Kerin O'Keefe (97)

Camphor, forest berry, dark spice and new leather aromas form the enticing nose. Elegantly structured and radiant, the linear, vibrant palate delivers ripe red cherry, pomegranate, ground clove and peppercorn set against a backbone of bright acidity and taut, fine-grained tannins. What a beauty.

Kerin O'Keefe (97)

Aromas of ripe dark-skinned berry, blue flower, camphor and pipe tobacco form the enticing nose on the gorgeous 2019 Brunello from Argiano. Delicious and elegantly structured, the palate also has captivating, youthful tension that lifts mature black cherry, raspberry compote, blood orange, licorice and dried herb. A backbone of firm, refined tannins provide support while bright acidity keeps it perfectly balanced.

James Suckling (97)

A reincarnation of Argiano’s IGT Suolo as a single-vineyard Brunello, without the heavy new-wood use, this is a sleek and exquisite wine. Lifted orange peel defines the nose, which also offers wild strawberries, nutmeg, lightly roasted coffee, glazed cherries and dried herbs. Finely tuned and only medium-to full-bodied on the palate, the tannins taking on a graceful, medium-chewy persona. Suave and delicate, yet long and powerful on the finish. Drink from 2024.

James Suckling (97)

Fantastic aromas of flowers such as violets and roses with dark purple fruits and hints of stones, too. Full body with ultra-fine tannins and a long and linear finish. This is a return to the great Solengos of the mid-1990s. The best since 1997. Cabernet sauvignon 50%, petit verdot 30%, merlot 15% and sangiovese 5%. Drinkable now but better in 2020.

James Suckling (94-95)

A focused and tight red with a currant, blackberry and mineral character. Medium to full body with tight and pretty tannins. Shows class in this vintage.

Vinous (96)

The 2019 Solengo seduces with its richly decadent display of vanilla and mocha-tinged dark fruits and spices, which are wonderfully lifted by minty herbal tones and white smoke. This enters the palate like weighted velvet, smooth and fleshy at first, yet lively, as mineral-tinged black currants mix with fine-grained tannins, clamping down with youthful poise. Like the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, this tapers off incredibly long and staining, with echoes of licorice beneath an air of cedar and tobacco; yet somehow, through it all, the palate is left watering for more. It will be many years before the 2019 is ready to show its best, but it will certainly be worth the wait. The Solengo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese that spends eighteen months refining in a combination of 60% new to 40% second-pass barriques.

Vinous (96)

The 2019 Solengo seduces with its richly decadent display of vanilla and mocha-tinged dark fruits and spices, which are wonderfully lifted by minty herbal tones and white smoke. This enters the palate like weighted velvet, smooth and fleshy at first, yet lively, as mineral-tinged black currants mix with fine-grained tannins, clamping down with youthful poise. Like the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, this tapers off incredibly long and staining, with echoes of licorice beneath an air of cedar and tobacco; yet somehow, through it all, the palate is left watering for more. It will be many years before the 2019 is ready to show its best, but it will certainly be worth the wait. The Solengo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese that spends eighteen months refining in a combination of 60% new to 40% second-pass barriques.

James Suckling (96)

Profound nose here with chili chocolate and sandalwood beneath the sweet blackberry background. A hint of violets, too. An opulent and densely packed palate with full body and concentrated blackberries. Very tight tannins rendered in a fine-grained and almost seamless way, with a lingering finish. Drinkable now if decanted, but better after 2025.

Wine Advocate - Robert Parker (97)

The 2000 Montefalco 25 Anni simply multiplies all the elements exponentially with room-filling aromas of sweet berry fruit and perfectly integrated oak and a mouth-coating cascade of ripe fruit, powerful, dense, and sensual tannins in a swelling flow of unrelieved pleasure. I would be very surprised if this wine did not last another two decades.

Vinous (94)

The 2004 Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni is even more remarkable. A dark, brooding beauty, this pure Sagrantino flows from the glass with awesome richness. The wine's fruit is still primary and vibrant, while the textural sensations on the palate are totally seductive. The firm Sagrantino tannins are there, but the wine has so much fruit they are barely perceptible. First made to celebrate the property's 25th anniversary, the 25 Anni is a selection of the best fruit and sees 24 months in small French oak barrels. It represents the very finest in contemporary winemaking.

Vinous (95)

The truly captivating 2016 Montefalco Sagrantino 25 Anni pulls you close to the glass with a beguiling bouquet that mixes citrus-tinged black fruits with exotic spices, hints of oregano, menthol and a dusting of cocoa. While there’s admirable weight and depth here, the textures are more like pure silk, delicately draped across the palate, yet leaving behind a saturating blend of intense dark fruits, minerals and fine-grained tannin. There’s so much depth and concentration to work through that, even as the 2016 finishes youthfully structured and dry, it continues to resonate for well over a minute with notes of currant, sage and dark chocolate. Bury this beautiful beast for at least 3–5 years in your cellar, and then enjoy it over the next decade or more. This is a fantastic rendition of Arnaldo Caprai’s 25 Anni.

Wine Advocate (94)

The 2006 Barolo Bricco Fiasco is simply magnificent. It, too, is impressively powerful, but here the layers of flavor are beautifully filled out. Exotic, ripe red fruit, smoke and menthol are but a few of the nuances that gradually emerge as this refined and impeccably elegant wine rises from the glass. The French oak is beautifully integrated, while the wine’s weight and sheer harmony leave a lasting impression. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026.

Vinous (95)

The 2004 Barolo San Rocco is in a gorgeous place right now. Expressive savory and floral notes open up in a lifted Serralunga Barolo endowed with superb underlying depth and textural richness. Ample, layered and beautifully expressive through to the finish, the 2004 is just as impressive today as it was from barrel. The 2004 spent two years in French oak barrels, 20% new.

Wine Advocate (96)

All of the elements come together beautifully in the 2007 Barolo San Rocco, a wine that captures the essence of this great vintage as seen through the lens of one of Serralunga’s top sites. A dark, sensual Barolo, the San Rocco offers up a compelling array of blueberries, blackberries, smoke, licorice, spices and menthol. The finish is round, enveloping and powerful. There is an element of mystery to the San Rocco that is particularly intriguing. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.

Vinous (96)

Dark cherry, plum, smoke, menthol, melted road tar and graphite meld together in the 2010 Barolo San Rocco. A big, explosive wine, the 2010 blossoms in the glass with layers of deep, expressive fruit. The San Rocco is usually a wine of volume and breadth, at it is again in 2010. The firm Serralunga tannins are present, but they are also beautifully balanced. I can't wait to see how the 2010 develops. Today, the San Rocco is young, young, young.

Experience the allure of Italian winemaking mastery with Azienda Agricola Bricco Ernesto Vino Rosso 2018. Created by the esteemed Bricco Ernesto vineyard, nestled in Piedmont, a region synonymous with producing high-quality, complex Italian red wines. In the hands of these expert vintners, the indigenous Nebbiolo grapes undergo meticulous vinification. Using traditional techniques, the wine is aged for an extended period in French oak barrels, blending hints of toast and vanilla into the rich, fruity profile.

The resulting wine is a symphony of flavour, offering a full-bodied palate with robust, yet smooth tannins and a long finish. Its expressive bouquet features captivating notes of red cherries, plum, leather, and a subtle whiff of white pepper. An exquisite embodiment of Italian pedigree, the Azienda Agricola Bricco Ernesto Vino Rosso 2018 is truly a statement wine for discerning collectors and gourmets alike. A fine testament to the time-honoured crafts of viticulture and oenology.

Boasting extraordinary craftsmanship, Azienda Agricola Bricco Ernesto Vino Rosso 2020 is a masterful representation of Italian winemaking tradition. Hailing from the prestigious regions of Barbera and Dolcetto, this exceptional red wine embodies a meticulous blend of elegance and character. The reputable producer, Bricco Ernesto, employs traditional methods, maintaining low yields, and manual harvests to ensure optimal fruit quality.

Using carefully selected grapes grown on steep marly-calcareous soils, the Vino Rosso 2020 breathes life into the glass, capturing the essence of its striking Piedmontese terroir. This splendid wine is aged for a year in French oak barrels to acquire its full-bodied complexity and smooth, velvety finish.

Each sip offers a harmonious motley of dark berry fruits, hints of spice, and subtle undertones of earthy chocolate, creating a prolonged aromatic persistence that invites slow savouring of the Azienda Agricola Bricco Ernesto Vino Rosso 2020. A significant contender in the world of fine wine, leaving an indelible impression on the palate.

Boasting extraordinary craftsmanship, Azienda Agricola Bricco Ernesto Vino Rosso 2020 is a masterful representation of Italian winemaking tradition. Hailing from the prestigious regions of Barbera and Dolcetto, this exceptional red wine embodies a meticulous blend of elegance and character. The reputable producer, Bricco Ernesto, employs traditional methods, maintaining low yields, and manual harvests to ensure optimal fruit quality.

Using carefully selected grapes grown on steep marly-calcareous soils, the Vino Rosso 2020 breathes life into the glass, capturing the essence of its striking Piedmontese terroir. This splendid wine is aged for a year in French oak barrels to acquire its full-bodied complexity and smooth, velvety finish.

Each sip offers a harmonious motley of dark berry fruits, hints of spice, and subtle undertones of earthy chocolate, creating a prolonged aromatic persistence that invites slow savouring of the Azienda Agricola Bricco Ernesto Vino Rosso 2020. A significant contender in the world of fine wine, leaving an indelible impression on the palate.

Showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of winemaker Luigi Scavino, the Azienda Agricola LaLu Langhe Nebbiolo 2019 is a true testament to Piedmontese viticulture. Famed for producing world-class Italian wines, Scavino meticulously crafts this Nebbiolo from vines grown on the steep hills of Langhe region. The 2019 vintage boldly radiates the vineyard's unique terroir through its ruby tint and elegant tannins.

Grapes are harvested by hand, ensuring ripe, flawless berries. Fermentation and maturation occur in stainless steel vats to preserve Nebbiolo's natural aromas and flavours. Dancing on the palate are luscious notes of red cherries, plums, and floral hints, beautifully balanced by a mineral undertone. With its moderate alcohol content, it pairs brilliantly with robust, savoury dishes.

The Azienda Agricola LaLu Langhe Nebbiolo 2019 is an embodiment of Scavino's dedication and passion, offering an unforgettably opulent drinking experience that lingers in both memory and palate.

James Suckling (95)

Lots of plum and dark-berry character with citrus, cedar and sandalwood. Very pure sangiovese. Full-bodied with firm, racy tannins and cool, vivid fruit at the finish. Some mineral, tar and steel undertones. Needs time to open and soften. Better than the 2015. Try after 2023.

James Suckling (97)

Lots of dried bark, cinnamon stick, forest floor and earth add to an impression of dried cherries and sandalwood. But there are also hints of caramelized oranges and preserved lemons. The attack on the palate takes immediate effect; the powerful tannins pucker the edges of the mouth with imposing depth, but equally fascinating detail. This is a robust, take-no-hostages style of Brunello with a modern twist of finesse and tension. Drink from 2025.

James Suckling (97)

Extremely complex aromas of cedar, mushroom and walnut highlighting the cherry and flowers. The palate is full and complete with ultra-fine and caressing tannins that are truly silky. It’s still very young, but shows beauty and seduction. Try after 2020.

Jancis Robinson (17+)

Chiavennasca and 5–6% Rossola. (The DOC regulations stipulate at least 90% Chiavennasca (Nebbiolo).) Vineyard planted in the 1930s. Concentrated mid ruby. Perfumed, deep and concentrated nose, with a hint of savoury spice. Well-stitched, more rounded and a little less edgy than the Sol, but with impressive juicy, fluid red fruit and long, finely chiselled tannins. Very long, elegant and supple. (WS)