Red

97 points Wine Advocate
From a beautiful site that must be seen to be believed, the Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli is redolent with dark fruit, blackcurrant and crushed slate. The mineral element of Montosoli and its schistic galestro-rich soils comes through beautifully in this vintage to add a linear sense of immediacy and verticality to the bouquet. The mouthfeel is especially elegant, and the wine's acidity is delivered expertly to showcase freshness but more importantly to highlight the quality of the fruit. The effect is very tonic and bright, and you get hints of baked brioche or oven-baked Italian focaccia bread, thanks to careful aging in Slavonian oak.

97 points Vinous
An enticing blend of steeped plums, blood orange, sage and sweet smoke makes the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli a total pleasure on the nose. Elegant and soothing, it flows across the palate with a silken wave of ripe red fruits and spices as saline minerals slowly saturate under an air of violet inner florals. The 2019 is seamless and harmonious, leaving a coating of edgy tannins to contend with a bump of refreshing acidity as suggestions of tart cranberry and a bitter tinge of clove slowly taper off. This is Montosoli terroir at its very best, and even at this early stage, it's impossible to resist pouring another glass.

"Pèppoli 2020 is ruby red in color. On the nose, Pèppoli delivers intense notes of red fruit, especially cherries, currants and strawberries accompanied by floral undertones of violets and lavender with light, spicy hints of licorice. Its palate is defined by a soft entry, accompanied by lively sensations, and sustained by ripe tannins that lead to a fresh, savory finish." —winemakery with a tasty vein of acidity together with silky and polished tannins. "

96 points Vinous
The 2020 Tignanello is so primary, so intensely fruit-driven, that it almost tastes like a barrel sample. A burst of red Sangiovese fruit opens first, followed by hints of blood orange, cinnamon, spice, dried flowers and mocha develop later. Time in the glass brings out striking dimensions. In 2020, Tignanello is wonderfully sleek and racy, with fine tannins that lie below a core of bright, sculpted fruit. The balance here is just sublime. I can't wait to revisit the 2020 with age. (AG) (2/2023)

95 points Wine Advocate
Newly on the market now, the 2020 Tignanello shows a gorgeous bouquet with an upfront and accessible personality. Right off the bat, you get dark cherry, dried raspberry, spice, toasted almond and citrusy blood orange. The blend is normally 75% to 80% Sangiovese with 7% Cabernet Franc. The grape in between, making up 13% to 18%, is Cabernet Sauvignon. This vintage is very pretty and won?€?t require a long wait. The tannins are sweet and silky. 'Tignanello proves itself as a great vineyard site in both the challenging and the classic years,' says Managing Director Renzo Cotarella. Annual production falls between 300,000-350,000 bottles. Drink: 2025-2045.ML

98 points Wine Advocate
First made in 1971, this legendary Italian wine now celebrates its 50th birthday. Happy Birthday, Tignanello! The Marchesi Antinori 2021 Tignanello (made with 79% Sangiovese, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc) pulls on all the heartstrings. To be released in May, the wine shows a quintessentially pretty taste profile with tart fruit flavors, redcurrant, tea leaf, heritage rose, crushed white pepper, licorice, nutmeg, clove and chopped mint. It opens slowly to reveal more richness and exuberance with time, becoming downright voluptuous and heady a short while later. The through line, however, remains the bright freshness and minerality of Sangiovese. Compared to the 2018 vintage (which I also loved), this vintage has more overall fruit weight and volume. (ML) 

98 points Vinous
The 2021 Tignanello is every bit as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel and then just after bottling. Silky and polished, with exceptional finesse, the 2021 has all the pedigree to become a modern benchmark for Tignanello and Italian wine more broadly. Bright dark red fruit, blood orange, spice, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco all soar out of the glass, framed by a discreet touch of French oak that adds raciness. In some vintages, the elements are discernible. In 2021, it is the total harmony of the wine that makes the strongest and deepest impression. The 2021 spent 17 months in wood, three months in neutral oak during the malolactic fermentation and then 14 months (50% new) for the rest of its aging. Superb.

This is a chance to get a sense of what older, classic Tuscan wine tastes like without dipping into price prohibitive vintages from years gone by. This is the real, Old World, deal. Wild herbs, tea, and rustic accents mark this as a wine you must try to get a sense of what people were enjoying before fruit forwardness became dogma. Would be heaven with a big chunk of Pecorino Romano procured from Author Avenue in the Bronx by way of Tuscany, of course. - PJ

Organic / Biodynamic

A versatile, young red wine with a ruby red color and a bouquet characterized by inviting aromas of black cherry pie, black berries, thyme, red pepper grains and exotic spices. The taste is medium-bodied, fruity and smooth with a long lingering, dry finish, reminiscent of undergrowth, with an underlying hint of menthol. Blend: 60% Sangiovese, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot.

The renown Vino Nobile di Montepulciano producer Avignonesi doesn’t just make red wines for fancy dinners and cellaring - they make a delicious table red as well! An everyday wine to go with your pasta bolognese or slice of pizza. It’s called Cantaloro and is a blend of 60% Sangiovese, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot.

Cantaloro is soft on the palate, has gentle tannins, and drinks well above this silly low pricepoint. If there ever was a time to stock up with a case, this is it! Afterall, who do you want making your "house" red? A corporation who places a whimsical cartoon label on their wine or one of the most respected wineries of Italy? I know which I’m choosing.

Organic / Biodynamic

95 points Vinous
The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is remarkably pretty, wafting up with a blend of violets and lavender before giving way to steeped plum lifted by mint. This is racy and sleek, with cooling acidity and mineral tones that excite the palate. Juicy acidity enlivens tart wild berry fruits. The 2019 finds its center through the finish, as fine tannins emerge and a crunchy sensation lingers. Licorice and bitter blackberry notes taper off slowly. In a word, fantastic. The balance of complexity, structure and energy places the 2019 very high in my book

Organic

93 points Vinous
The 2020 Chianti Classico is a dark, voluptuous red. Black cherry, plum, licorice and spice are all amplified in this potent, racy wine. Readers will find a super-classic Panzano Chianti Classico built on texture and volume. Expressive floral and spice notes resonate on the rich, potent finish. A dollop of 10% Merlot works well in exalting richness. This is beautifully done.

97 points Wine Advocate
In my mind, this is the wine that best represents the Casanova di Neri house style. With 30 months of aging in tonneaux, it shows enormous richness and texture, and the stellar fruit quality appears with more primary elegance compared to the more expensive Cerretalto that is released with an extra year of aging. That dynamic is especially pronounced in a comparison of the 2019 and 2018 vintages. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova has a dark vein of toasted spice, black fruit, ink, blackberry compote, licorice and star anise. Dark as night, it is exceptionally well crafted with a robust delivery of concentrated fruit and solid tannic structure. You can count on excellent cellar potential, or at a minimum, serve it with a classic steak.

Organic

94 points Vinous
The 2019 Chianti Classico has changed dramatically since I last tasted it, either because of more time in bottle, or because this is a later bottling. In any event, the 2019 is dense, ample and resonant in feel. Readers will find a serious, texturally intense Chianti Classico that delivers the goods, big time.

Iconic Montalcino producer Castello Banfi leases 42 acres in the Chianti Classico commune of Castellina in Chianti for its Fonte alla Selva label. The estate also has long-term contracts to purchase wines from three to four producers for this Chianti Classico. A selection is made between the lots for the Chianti Classico and the riserva before blending, aging and bottling in Banfi’s cellars in Montalcino. The wine is aged for a total of 12 months, seven to eight in stainless-steel tanks before racking into 6,000- to 9,000-liter oak casks. Banfi has permission to age and bottle its Chianti Classico outside the zone because former winemaker Ezio Rivella grew grapes in Chianti Classico beginning in the early 1980s

Organic

92 points Wine Spectator
Rich yet succulent and open-knit, this red delivers strawberry, cherry, earth, tobacco and licorice flavors allied to a fine structure. Shows excellent balance and length. Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2028.

91 points James Suckling
This has aromas of cherries, blackberries, mushrooms, cloves, tar and tobacco. It’s medium-bodied with firm tannins. Savory and spicy with a flavorful finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Organic

92 points Vinous Media
The 2021 Chianti Classico is a potent, deep, structured wine that hits so many right notes. Readers will find a structured, expansive wine loaded with personality. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and licorice are all amplified in this super-classic Greve Chianti Classico. This is a standout.

91 points Wine Advocate
Made with certified organic fruit, the Castello di Verrazzano 2021 Chianti Classico is faithful to Sangiovese with a mix of cherry aromas, earth and iris root. The wine reveals a mid-weight texture that definitely falls on the more delicate and elegant side of the spectrum. With an ample 150,000 bottles released, the wine shows medium-rich concentration and a fresh acidic signature. Nice job.

#59 on The Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2023!

91 points Wine Spectator
Laced with black cherry, black currant and violet aromas and flavors, this red is immediately appealing for its lush fruit. Balanced, fresh and long, with iron, wild herb and tobacco details. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2028

93 points James Suckling
A bright and fresh red with orange-peel and blackberry character. Medium-to full-bodied, driven and fruity. Tangy.

Organic

This is our best selling Chianti every year for a reason, it's delicious!

Organic

Chianti Castiglioni features a beautiful ruby-red color with elegant purple hues. Delightful fruity notes immediately emerge on the nose: cherry, blackcurrant and raspberry. Floral and fragrant notes such as violet make an appearance later on. On the palate, Chianti Castiglioni is lively, soft and enveloping. The finish is long and persistent, with the after-taste confirming the fruity aromas previously detected on the nose. Pairs well with full-flavored dishes such as pappardelle pasta in a meat sauce, as well as roast chicken, sauteed beef with vegetables, and medium-aged cheeses.

Remole Rosso boasts a bright and intense violet-red colour. Fruity aromas, such as blackcurrant, raspberry and black cherry slowly give way to extremely delicate spicy notes. On the palate, the warm note is balanced out wonderfully by a fresh vivacity. It is a pleasant wine that marries elegance and balance with great softness. - Winery Notes

Organic

93 points Wine Advocate
The La Gerla 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is silky and polished, offering a nice perspective on a vintage that was not always easy to navigate. This wine manages smooth integration with none of the rougher spots that can sometimes occur in hot and dry growing seasons. The bouquet shows nuanced detail with wild berry, forest floor, grilled herb and wild rose. The wine is firm on the palate with tight stemmy tannins.

Organic

La Gerla rents and fully farms this vineyard in Castelnuovo dell'Abate in the southern part of the appellation. The vines are 15 years old, so they prefer to make a younger, fresher wine from it. Fermented in stainless steel, aged in used Slavonian oak botti for 4 months.

On the palate, silky textures give way to an intense mix of dark red berry fruits, both savory and sweet spices and wild herbal tones. The finish is long, as saturating spice coats the senses, offset by juicy acids, with hints of cedar and red wild berries lingering on.

Sangiovese Grosso (the famed Brunello clone) is the focus here and all of the farming is organic. The estate was once owned by Biondi Santi.

94 points Wine Advocate
The 2012 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is very similar to the 2011 Ornellaia that precedes it. These were both hot vintages, but 2012 saw the heat towards the end of the growing season. In fact the harvest in 2012 came two weeks earlier than average. This seamless blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%), Merlot (27%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (7%) shows some of the roundness and softness of that summer heat. The wine's density and extraction are spot-on and the bouquet is beautifully shaped by dark cherry nuances with spice, leather and tobacco at the back. There is a gorgeous sense of richness and plushness here. Some 160,000 bottles were produced. This edition of Ornellaia is more immediate in character and less suited to the decades-long aging that cooler vintages can affront so successfully.

94+ points Vinous
The 2012 Ornellaia has put on quite a bit of weight since I first tasted it from bottle a few months ago. Rich, powerful and concentrated, the 2012 offers plenty of depth and intensity, with expressive fruit and striking mid-palate intensity. Dark red cherry jam, wild flowers, licorice, smoke, tobacco and mint blossom in the glass. There is a very slight element of dryness in the tannin that is the signature of a year in which ripening took place in fits and starts. It will be interesting to see if that note softens over time.

Aged for 18 months in barrique (70% new and 30% once-used). After bottling, the wine aged a further 12 months prior to release.

95-97 points Wine Advocate
Tasted from barrel, the 2020 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia will be presented in the fall but won?????t hit the market until spring of the following year. This is a beauty, so generous and opulent with fully seamless transitions. The wine?????s traditional blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with tiny percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, although this warm vintage makes due with a pinch less of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit is selected across 107 hectares of Ornellaia vines, although the estate recently purchased an additional eight hectares next to Guado al Tasso in Castagneto Carducci, with terraces and vines aged between 15 and 28 years old. This broad and generous expression has a beautiful quality of fruit and oak that speaks to the very best of Italian winemaking. Drink: 2026-2050.

93 points James Suckling
Ripe and very fresh at the same time. I like the grilled thyme, garrigue, stones and graphite characters laid upon the berries and cherries on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate with nice tension in the middle, connecting the fresh entry to a mineral, medium-long finish. Delicious now, but will drink well in the next five to six years.

Maceration on the skins for 18 days; alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperature in stainless steel basins; malolactic fermentation in barriques; ageing in 225 litre barriques for 10 months, in cement vats for 6 months and 12 months in bottle.

#72 on The Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2023!

90 points Wine Spectator
This lithe, elegant red is signaled by a burst of raspberry aromas and flavors. Shows iron and earth details as this firms up, before stretching out on the lingering finish. Drink now through 2027.

Poggio San Polo is situated on the southeast side of the hill of Montalcino, at 450 meters (1476 ft) above sea level. The estate’s 22 hectares (54 acres), 16 (40) of which are dedicated to vines, are characterized by a breezy and dry microclimate with strong seasonal and day-night temperature variations. The cellar, a fine example of ecologically sustainable architecture, was designed to minimize energy consumption and environmental impact. Here, the grapes are processed with craftsman-like care to enhance the finesse of the aromas of Sangiovese. The essence of San Polo is to trace the wines back to the vineyard where the grapes grew to express the concept of terroir fully. Human intervention aims to bring wine closer to nature, adopting a viticulture that respects the soil, the microclimate, and the biodiversity of the area, so that the biological cycle of the vineyard, the soil, and the climate are in perfect harmony.

Organic

96 points Vinous
The 2018 Geremia is stellar. A wine of energy and delineation, Geremia is all about persistence more than volume in 2018. Blueberry, blackberry, lavender licorice and scorched earth abound. In 2018, Geremia is a wine of tension and reserve. It's best days are far off in the future. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon.(6/22)

82% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon from Monti, Gaiole in Chianti ? Aged exclusively in medium toast barriques from Allier for about 24 months ? Bottled without filtration and bottle aged for another 18 months ? Available only on top vintages ? Average production is about 850

Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi turned out another spectacular set of wines. His 2020 Chianti Classico shows how promising the vintage is, while the 2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto San Marcellino and 2018 Geremia are terrific editions of both wines. As always, the house style deftly marries Gaiole fruit intensity with structure. The wines are so appealing on release (partly because the top selections see a few years in bottle first), but they really blossom with cellaring.

Winery Notes:
Ruby red with garnet hues. An intense impact with powerful notes of cherry, plum and violet opens a bouquet that then fades into neat aromas of tobacco, chocolate, cinnamon and spicy hints of black pepper. Great complexity in the overall bouquet, neat expressions of the authentic Sangiovese and Chianti Classico aromas. Full-bodied, very powerful in its fruity notes, with elegant tannins perfectly supported by a good acidity. The finish is characterized by pleasant sensations of sweet tobacco. The aftertaste is particularly long and shows powerful notes of plums and lighter aromas of clove.

The Riserva Ducale is an intense ruby red color. This complex wine is characterized by sweet cherry and red berry fruit notes with delicately spiced hints of tobacco, leather, cedar, white pepper and a touch of flint. Tasting profile: Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva is well balanced on the palate, with velvety tannins, firm acidity, and a lingering finish of rosemary and figs.

93 points James Suckling
Sour cherries with orange peel and hints of vanilla bean. Some bark, too. Medium body, with very fine tannins and a fresh and bright finish. Lean and agile. Drink after 2026

Organic

93 points Vinous
Masses of crushed cherries and cloves give way to nuances of spiced citrus peels and cedar as the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino comes to life in the glass. This is round and pliant on the palate, with a balanced inner sweetness contrasting its mineral-tinged acids and tart wild berry fruits. Grippy tannins mount toward the close, yet fail to slow the 2018’s momentum, as notes of salted licorice are left to resonate under an air of dried roses. This is a deep and characterful rendition of Col d'Orcia’s Brunello, but patience will be required to unlock all of its charms.

Organic

94 points Wine Advocate
The certified organic Col d'Orcia 2019 Brunello di Montalcino shows ripe fruit, blackberry, earthy notes, licorice and, generally speaking, a much bigger and riper fruit profile compared to its peers. It offers full-bodied Brunello opulence to enjoy over the near or medium term, and the wine delivers dried fruit flavors of prune and fig to close. The tannins are velvety and add to the richness of the rather upfront and immediate mouthfeel.

93 points Vinous
Depths of dried black cherry come together with cedar shavings and worn leather as the darkly alluring 2019 Brunello di Montalcino slowly evolves in the glass. This is surprisingly juicy and energetic, with a pure blend of red fruits and inner florals coasting along a fresh acidity stream. Fine tannins settle in through the finish as the 2019 takes on a youthful tension, puckering the cheeks as tart cranberry notes fade through the youthfully chewy finale. (Drink between 2025-2033)

91 points Wine Advocate
The Ornellaia 2021 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia offers bright and youthful fruit with dark cherry, cassis, spice and red rose. This wine is composed of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. You feel the acidity of the Italian grape and the rich fruit from the two French varietals. The wine is tonic and tight with mid-weight intensity. This is the entry-level red from one of Italy's most iconic estates

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia combines the Mediterranean expression of opulence and generosity with structure and complexity. The approachable style of Le Volte dell’Ornellaia, a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, reflects the philosophy and savoir-faire of Ornellaia.

Organic

94 points Wine Spectator
A succulent version, this red reveals cherry, strawberry, plum, floral, eucalyptus and tobacco aromas and flavors. Harmonious and enjoyable now, but there are still tannins to shed. Complex and long. Best from 2024 through 2040. 2,000 cases made, 800 cases imported. Bruce Sanderson

93 points Vinous
The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva needs a few years to be at its best, but it has plenty to offer. In 2018 the Riserva is on the lighter side, but that's not a bad thing at all. Crushed leaves, tobacco, incense, mint, licorice and coffee add complexity to a core of dark Sangiovese fruit. Wild and exotic, the Riserva is certainly compelling.

94 points Wine Advocate
A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the Tenuta San Guido 2021 Guidalberto shows tart cherry fruit with darker tones of blackberry and plum. This vintage delivers especially chiseled and focused fruit characteristics that are elegantly framed by light spice, cola and earth. This vintage shows a heightened sense of intensity and territorial identity that is the hallmark of this storied estate.

94 points Wine Advocate
Made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Tenuta San Guido 2022 Guidalberto gives you a good taste of the same DNA that brings us one of Italy's greatest wines, Sassicaia, but it's offered in a more immediate style here (thanks to the addition of the Merlot). This warm vintage opens to medium-dark concentration and very plump aromas that take you immediately to blackberry and blackcurrant sitting out in the sun at your local farmers market. The wine shows a soft and gentle side with a pretty level of elegance transmitted through the fruit freshness and the light oak spice that is discernible here but delivered with grace???????? Monica Larner,

??

100 points Wine Advocate
Here it is: A quintessential Sassicaia that represents the excellence of the vintage and also respects the unique taste profile of this distinguished Tuscan blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc. The Tenuta San Guido 2021 Bolgheri Sassicaia offers impeccable balance, excellent freshness and absolutely no signs of over-ripeness. The fruit balance is ideal with a hint of crunch and lasting tension from pulp and skins. The tannins are deftly managed with firm grip and enough velvetiness to add volume and length. There is no greenness on the bouquet that instead offers mulled herbs and spice, with cinnamon and clove, layered delicately between mostly red and some purple berry fruits. Redcurrant, blueberry, sweet pomegranate and Rainier cherry run strong in this vintage. A fragrant hint of heritage rose emerges with time. The oak tones are geared toward gingerbread, hazelnut, cigar, sandalwood and something like a grilled sweet red pepper. To the palate, it offers nice weight with no heavy glycerin, and a rinse of acidity that adds to the wine¡¯s natural energy, brightness and viscosity. That marked freshness opens the wine up to long aging potential, but you still need to give it more time in bottle. (Monica Larner)

95 points Vinous
Brooding yet intense, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino bursts from the glass with a wave of autumnal spices, crushed cherries, cedar shavings and steeped plums lifted by pine hints. This is deeply textural, elegant and refined, with a dense wave of ripe wild berry fruits, all guided by vibrant acidity, offset by oranges and balsam herbs. It finishes grippy and extended with a black hole of tension and a sweet and sour sensation that lingers on and on as crunchy tannins resonate throughout. The 2019 is youthfully backward today, yet there's a balance that can't be denied, especially as I watched it open up over twenty-four hours. This is a total pleasure to taste. Bury the 2019 deep in the cellar. - Eric Guido

95 points Wine Advocate
The Uccelliera 2019 Brunello di Montalcino offers ripe fruit, a note of cooked blackberry and pomegranate juice. Along with oak spice and dried bay leaf, there is a spot of creaminess on the mid-palate that recalls cheese rind or aged chèvre with a crust of black pepper and thyme. That note blows off, however, and the wine returns to dried cherry with a medicinal or herbal twist. There's a lot going on. The wine needs more time in bottle to address the fine, chalky tannins. It is elegant now but poised to improve.

96 points Vinous
A mentholated freshness introduces the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino, as a vibrant wave of crushed cherries, mint leaf, clove and dusty roses make up its absolutely gorgeous bouquet. This is silky and enveloping yet lifted and full of energy, with crunchy red berry fruits that leave a crackle of primary concentration toward the close. It finishes pretty saline and spicy in character, leaving edgy tannins to mingle with a residual bump of acidity that maintains a wonderfully fresh sensation as tart cranberry notes fade. This is one of the most exciting young renditions of Voliero I have ever tasted. It captivates with its precision and spry personality while holding depths of complexity in reserve. Wow.