Wine Advocate (98)

The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound.

James Suckling (97)

Extremely floral with sage and licorice to the berry and dark cherry aromas that follow through to a medium body, with fine and silky tannins that run the length of the wine. Very crunchy for Flaccianello. Vivid on the palate. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2025.

Wine Advocate (98)

The Fontodi 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve opens to a medium-dark inky appearance and solid aromas of black fruit and pressed blackberry. The Flaccianello is a touch more accessible at this early stage compared to the Vigna del Sorbo, but both wines are undoubtedly built to withstand ample cellar aging. Flaccianello is the more powerful or the two, and the Vigna del Sorbo is more delicate in comparison. These dueling character traits are especially evident in this classic 2021 vintage. This wine also boasts a more generous mouthfeel supported by softly integrated tannins.

Emanating from the botanical grandeur of Italy's northern Piedmont region, the exquisite Francesco Brigatti, Colline Novaresi, Motziflon Nebbiolo 2017 is a testament to masterful viticulture. This delicate Nebbiolo - named 'Motziflon' for its common vernacular meaning 'small fire' - is grown on hillsides blessed with pebbly alluvial soils and a temperate climate, which fosters a unique complexity and intensity in the wine. Crafted meticulously by the skilled artisan Francesco Brigatti, a practitioner revered for his dedication to sustainable production and meticulous, low-yield cultivation, this offering is an authentic embodiment of tradition and precision.

Abundant in red fruit flavours with layers of wild herbs and hints of violet in the bouquet, this medium-bodied Nebbiolo provides a lingering finish teeming with subtle spice notes and sensations of fine-grained tannins. An exemplary display of utmost craftsmanship and terroir expression, Francesco Brigatti, Colline Novaresi, Motziflon Nebbiolo 2017 is ideal for those seeking the quintessence of Italian wine culture.

The Francesco Brigatti, Ghemme, Oltre il Bosco 2016 is a remarkable superb Italian red wine, crafted with an artisanal touch in the renowned region of Piedmont. Produced by third-generation winemaker Francesco Brigatti and mature in oak barrels for 36 months, this wine is testament to his time-honoured winemaking techniques.

The Ghemme, Oltre il Bosco is a Nebbiolo-dominant blend, exhibiting refined layers of red fruit, nuanced by hints of spice and a toasted earthiness. This fine wine stands as a celebration of the terroir's granite soil, gentle undulations and temperate micro-climate. Its beautiful balance of acidity and tannins contribute to a long, pleasurable finish.

As a limited production wine, each bottle of Francesco Brigatti, Ghemme, Oltre il Bosco 2016 embodies the passion of the vintner and the spirit of the locality, making it a perfect choice for discerning collectors and connoisseurs of fine Italian wines.

Vinous (95)

The entrancing 2019 Munjebel Rosso FM (Feudo di Mezzo Sottana) blossoms in the glass, with a dusty mix of sweet minty herbs and bright cherry complemented by a hint of cinnamon sugar. Its textures are like pure silk slowly draped across the palate, creamy, smooth, yet lifted and refined, delivering ripe red and hints of blue fruit under an air of lavender and violets. A pleasant inner sweet lingers on, along with a coating of fine tannins, as residual acids and hints of sour citrus maintain a lovely balance. The word “radiant” comes to mind and stays with me throughout the entire experience. Bravo. The Munjebel FM is a 100% Nerello Mascalese produced from the lower elevations of the Feudo di Mezzo cru. This is pure class.

Behold the rich, multi-layered tapestry of flavours captured within the sumptuous Franzina Valtellina Superiore Sixtus 2018. Crafted by esteemed winemakers in the picturesque region of Valtellina, Italy, this exceptional wine boasts an expert blend of Nebbiolo grapes, locally known as Chiavennasca. The finely refined techniques of the Franzina family, passed down through generations, ensures that each harvest yields the finest quality of grapes that give this red wine its distinctive character.

Matured for 18 months in oak barrels, the Franzina Valtellina Superiore Sixtus 2018 embodies a sophisticated complexity of aromas, with beautifully balanced notes of red berries, dried flowers and earthy undertones. Its harmonic structure and long, lingering finish make it an incomparable companion to hearty dishes and sophisticated palates.

Embodying the passion and artistry of the Franzina winemaking legacy; the Valtellina Superiore Sixtus 2018 is a divine marriage of tradition and innovation. An elixir that invites you to savour the depths of its craft with each indulgent sip.

Vinous (89)

The 2019 Barbera d'Alba is a fabulous every-day wine. Floral aromatics and red berry fruit grace this airy yet flavorful Barbera from Fratelli Alessandria. The 2019 is not a powerhouse, but it is supremely delicious and very easy to like.

Vinous (91+)

Now with a few months in bottle, Alessandria's 2014 Barolo is a real powerhouse. Smoke, scorched earth, tobacco, menthol, licorice and wild cherry all convey an impression of gravitas, as this potent, muscular Barolo shows off its personality. The 2014 has quite a bit of density and richness at this level. I won't be surprised if it turns out even better than this note suggests. There is so much going on here.

Wine Enthusiast (96)

Rose, woodland berry, pine forest and culinary spice are just some of the aromas you'll find on this fragrant, fantastic red. Smooth, full-bodied and polished, the savory palate delivers ripe red cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and white pepper alongside velvety tannins. Fresh acidity keeps bright.

Wine Enthusiast (94)

Wild red berry, camphor, truffle and dark spice aromas form the inviting nose. Elegantly structured, the savory palate also has youthful tension, delivering ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and tobacco blend set against taut, fine-grained tannins. Give it a few more years to fully develop. Drink 2024–2031.

Wine Advocate (95+)

The 2015 Barolo Gramolere (with fruit from Monforte d'Alba) opens to a medium-dark ruby color. When you put the wine to your lips, you immediately feel the power, structure and inner fiber of Nebbiolo as interpreted in this two-hectare parcel with its 30-year-old vines. In fact, this wine is defined by that immediate firmness. The aromas, however, are softer and more yielding with forest fruit, wild berry, crushed slate and blue flower. I would suggest putting this wine aside for five more years at least.

Vinous (96)

The 2017 Barolo Monvigliero marries the raciness of the year with the floral lift and elegance of this great Verduno site. More than anything, the 2017 is a Barolo of pure and total sensuality. Even so, there is more than enough tannin to allow the 2017 to drink well for many years to come. It is very clearly one of the wines of the vintage. The rich, substantial finish is a thing of real beauty.

Vinous (95)

Rich, bold and effusive, the 2017 Barolo San Lorenzo di Verduno shows the darker side of Nebbiolo from Verduno, as it always does. Black cherry, gravel, licorice, game, spice and cured meats are some of the many aromas and flavors that develop in the glass. Broad and ample, with tons of punch, the 2017 San Lorenzo delivers the goods, and then some.

Vinous (91)

The 2019 Dolcetto d'Alba is a standout. Readers will find a bold, juicy red done in a style that leans towards the savory, pungent end of the spectrum. Plum, olive tapenade, game and licorice give this Dolcetto a somewhat wild personality.

Wine Advocate (90+)

I absolutely have a soft spot for the Pelaverga grape that achieves such beautiful, but unusual, characteristics when given the chance. The 2018 Verduno Pelaverga Speziale is a happy and cheerful wine destined for easy-drinking occasions like with pizza or wood-fire flatbread with spicy sausage and broccoli. Native to Verduno in Piedmont, the grape typically shows a strong layer of freshly milled white pepper. That's exactly what you get in this cool and balanced vintage. This is a lean-bodied red to drink within the next 18 months.

Wine Advocate (93)

I tasted this wine next to Frescobaldi's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from their Tenuta Perano, and the differences between that wine and this are enormous. The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino CastelGiocondo takes us to the southern side of Tuscany, and despite the fact the grape used in both wines is the same (Sangiovese), these two wine are as different as day and night. This Brunello gives you more saturated color intensity, more substantial weight and density that you feel on all the senses. Its extraction is much thicker, and the bouquet opens to aromas of plummy dark fruit, black currant, tobacco and spice. That ample width and power make this a good choice next to a grilled T-bone steak

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)

A great year for Brunello and this is like a breath of fresh air, transporting you to Tuscany. Emphasis on dried herbs, leather, campfire smoke with traces of sweet cherry, butterscotch and coffee bean. Love the soft and gentle waves of flavour that gather power through the palate; tannins are grippy and mouthwatering, and this is pretty irresistible. One of the original producers of Brunello in the 1800s, with vineyards planted between 250-400 metres above sea level, still setting the pace.

Decanter (100)

Mocha notes on the nose, coffee, cola, vanilla, cinnamon and pink flowers. Fresh with a tannic hold, ample, massy and fleshy but with such clear definition - tannins are mouthfilling but detailed and nuanced so you feel the precision going on as well as the flavours themselves. Feels extremely well worked, all in its place. I love the chewiness, the concentrated ripeness and overall 'in your face' expression because you feel the detail behind it as well as the nuance ranging from primary blueberry, cherry and blackcurrant fruit to more tertiary elements of tobacco, coffee beans, leather, sweet exotic spices and peppery tones. It's lifted and sophisticated, powerful but poised. What a wine! Amazing potential here. It gives you the chills tasting a wine like this. From vines at 450m on schist-based Galestro soils.

James Suckling (96)

Plenty of complexity to this, with cherry, plum, blackberry and hints of cedar and stone. Full-bodied with layered, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Punctuated and defined for the 2017 vintage. Drinkable now, but better after 2023.

Kerin O'Keefe (98)

Ripe berry, Mediterranean brush and spice aromas mingle with new leather on this classy, vibrant offering from historic estate Fuligni. Full-bodied and gorgeous, the savory palate features juicy Morello cherry, star anise, almond and saline mineral notes framed in taut, polished tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and energized.

James Suckling (99)

The complexity and beauty of this wine is something else on the nose, offering perfume, cedar, dried flower, black cherry, blueberry and crushed stone. Orange peel, too. Full-bodied with incredible layers of ultra-fine tannins that give this wine horizontal depth that almost seems endless. Extremely long and lightly chewy at the end. This is one for the cellar. Try after 2026.

Vinous (96)

Gaja's 2016 Barbaresco is positively stellar. A wine of poise and grace, the 2016 has so much to offer. Expressive spice and floral notes open up first, but what really stands out is the wine's nuance and delineation. There is a sense of translucency to the 2016 that is impossible to miss. Sweet red cherry, mint, cinnamon and rose petal develop in the glass, adding further shades of nuance. Quite simply, the 2016 is one of the very finest Gaja Barbarescos in recent memory. This is such a gorgeous wine. Don't miss it.

James Suckling (97)

Aromas of ripe strawberries with hazelnuts, blood oranges and some coconut. Full-bodied with very refined and polished tannins that nicely form this young red wine. Fresh and delicious aftertaste of berry, cedar, bark and dark chocolate. Ever so subtle, yet powerful and driven at the finish. Very long and intense. Very classical style to it and cooler. This is a blend of seven vineyards including the Costa Russi and Sori Tilden. Approachable now, but better after 2025 and onwards.

The Wine Independent (97)

Gaja's 2019 Barbaresco was bottled only a few days before this tasting but it already has sweet roses and red fruits on the nose with very subtle, gentle spice notes. It has a great texture and flows gracefully across the palate. It feels very harmonious with plenty of refreshing acidity and finely integrated tannins. Sublimely elegant with a fine, silt-like texture to the tannins, it is poised, beautifully understated and charming. Keep for 2 years and drink for up to 20 plus.