Sangiovese Wine

Winemaker Description 

With the desire to bring the best quality the Tuscan territory has to offer to wine lovers all over the world, Ruffino has contributed significantly to the creation of the fine image which Italian winemaking holds on the international wine scene today.

The 2022 Riserva Ducale is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the blend. Ruby red in color with garnet hues.

Intense powerful aromas of cherry, plum and violet opens the bouquet and fades gracefully into enticing aromas of tobacco, chocolate, cinnamon and spicy hints of black pepper. Great complexity that expresses authentic Sangiovese and Chianti Classico aromas. Full-bodied, very powerful in the mouth with elegant tannins perfectly supported with 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.

Winemaker Description 

Bright red in color, aromas of violets and red berries complement undertones of leather and anise. On the palate, this wine is dry and mellow with smooth tannins that make for a crowdpleasing, easy-to-drink red wine.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2022

Antonio Galloni writes:  "Superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Black cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, menthol and dried herbs inform this potent, super-classic Chianti Classico. This is beautifully done, especially for the year."  - Vinous 91

Wine Enthusiast writes:  "Aromas of black cherry, pomegranate, fresh figs and top soil create a nose that's tangy, but with depth. Blackberries headline the palate, while undertones of dark chocolate and more earth provide balance. Tannins are firm yet flexible, and acid is vibrant."  - Wine Enthusiast 91

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Notes 

"Maraschino cherry, pomegranate, smoked meat, earth and rosemary flavors highlight this sleek red, which is defined by vivid acidity and solid tannins, with a dry, sinewy finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2037. 3,000 cases made, 1,250 cases imported."

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 92 Points | A dense, velvety and delicious Chianti Classico showing aromas of Morello cherries, wild berries and dried flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Plenty of texture, with a core of berries funneling through. Flavorful finish. Drink or hold.

Bruce Sanderson writes:  Maraschino cherry, pomegranate, smoked meat, earth and rosemary flavors highlight this sleek red, which is defined by vivid acidity and solid tannins, with a dry, sinewy finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2037.  - Wine Spectator 91

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 91 Points | The 2021 Chianti Classico is an elegant, gracious wine. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, tobacco, cinnamon and dried flowers all take shape in a decidedly delicate, understated wine from Rampolla. A model of elegance and finesse, the 2021 is showing beautifully today. There is perhaps just a touch of VA in the bouquet, but it is not especially evident. The blend is 80% Sangiovese, 16% Merlot and a dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sangiovese was aged in cask, while the French varieties were raised in smaller French barrels.

Winemaker Description 

Deep, ruby-red in color, this Chianti Classico offers aromas of ripe cherries and red plums, with subtle notes of toasted vanilla beans and purple flowers. On the palate, the wine displays a superbly structured character with bright acidity and a pleasantly savory finish.

Pair this wine with grilled steak tips and ratatouille. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Walter Speller writes: Lustrous, concentrated ruby with the beginning of orange tinges. Deep nose of cherry and raspberry fruit and stony notes. Gorgeous, lush, tangy sour-cherry fruit with tannic bite on the finish. Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Jancis Robinson 17+

Bruce Sanderson writes: This bright red is saturated with cherry, raspberry, graphite and tobacco flavors, lifted by dense, well-mannered tannins that leave an impact on the finish. Fresh and focused. Best from 2027 through 2042. - Wine Spectator 93

James Suckling writes:  Aromas of red plums, dried lavender and new leather followed by forest floor, dried orange peel, and a hint of terra-cotta. Medium-bodied, firm yet fine-grained tannins with crisp acidity. Subtle mineral finish. Nice depth with layers. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2025.  - James Suckling 92

Monica Larner writes:  The organic Castello di Bossi 2021 Chianti Classico reveals tart cherry aromas with sweet earth and hints of pressed rose over a mid-weight mouthfeel. Although the finish is not especially long, this easy-drinking wine makes good on a promise to showcase freshness and bright primary intensity. There's not much more to ask from an entry-level red such as this. Drinking 2024 to 2026.- Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Winemaker Description 

Fresh and aromatic with aromas and flavors of ripe red cherry, plum, and spice. The palate is medium-bodied with round tannins and a long finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Rosso di Montepulciano is rosy and floral with a licorice tinge that complements its crushed raspberry fruits. Round and balanced with a pleasant inner sweetness and crisp red berry fruits, this washes easily across the palate, leaving a gentle tug of fine tannin in its wake. Hard candy and sweet sage notes stick around as the 2022 tapers off with fantastic length and youthful poise. Nicely done. Caterina Dei explained that Cantine Dei can’t produce enough of their Rosso to meet demand, and it’s easy to see why.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling: 91 Points | Lots of sour red cherries, raspberries, and fennel with camphor and a touch of dried meats. Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and fine tannins. Juicy and balanced. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

Intense ruby red color but with excellent transparency. The nose reveals a classic bouquet of cherries and prunes that open to more sophisticated notes of slate. Complex on the palate, a touch of tartness is accompanied by balanced tannins. Vibrant, succulent body. Exciting finish with a richness of flavor and returning hints of ripe fruit.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com writes | Avignonesi is a certified organic estate in southern Tuscany that also farms Biodynamically. Their wines show beautiful purity, depth of flavor and true expressions of their Tuscan heritage. 

The 2022 Rosso di Montalcino is sturdy, robust Sangiovese with a terrific aroma of blackberries and strawberries that mingle with savory spices and earthy botanicals. In the mouth the tannins provide good grip and structure with juicy intensity and a generous finish. A hearty, satisfying red that easily complements pizza, pasta, meat and sturdy vegetable dishes such as eggplant parmigiana or beans and greens.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 92 Points | A beautiful Rosso di Montepulciano with fresh cherry, orange-peel and floral character. It’s medium-bodied with fine, delicate tannins and a citrusy undertone at the finish. 100% sangiovese. From organically grown grapes.

Winemaker Description

The Rosso di Montepulciano has a ruby red color highlighted by purple streaks. The bouquet presents caresses of violet, raspberry and black currant, integrated with aromas of sweet spices, cinnamon and vanilla. On the palate it is pleasant and fresh, supported by a good acidity. It is accompanied by an enveloping tannic structure and notes of ripe red and black fruit.

Winemaker Description

Opaque with a red berry rim. Aromas of cherry, dark fruits, and vanilla. Silky tannins frame flavors of dried strawberries, plums, violet, and red cherries. Robust and balanced. Delicious with Pasta dishes and grilled red meats. 

Expert Ratings  - Vintage 2020

94 Points James Suckling | Subtle aromas of sliced strawberries and cherries with some orange peel follow through to a medium body with succulent tannins and a bright and tangy finish. Lovely energy in this one. So good now. From organically grown grapes.

93 Points Wine Spectator | Rich and velvety, laced with black cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral flavors. This is driven by vibrant acidity and backed by well-mannered tannins. Shows excellent balance and length.

92 Points Decanter | This flagship Chianti Classico from the renowned Fontodi estate has grown over the years to its current annual production of 170,000 bottles, however it has not lost its identity, deeply rooted in a sun-drenched stretch of Panzano’s Conca d’Oro. The 2020 version has all the ripe dark fruit and assertive tannins that come so neatly into balance. Grilled meat, baked earth and thyme flirt with black plum. The youthful juiciness has the energy to carry this over the next eight or so years. It finishes with its signature bitter liquorice twist.

91 Points Robert Parker | A certified organic wine, the Fontodi 2020 Chianti Classico shows dark fruit and blackberry with earthy sensations of crushed stone that reflect the schistous soils found in this area of the appellation. Unlike the Filetta di Lamole (with fruit from Lamole) that is very floral in personality, this expression from Panzano has more structure, girth and general fruit weight

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 94 Points | A bright and vivid Vino Nobile with cherry, violet and hibiscus aromas and hints of peach and lemon that follow through to a medium body. There are fine and integrated tannins and a vivid finish with lots of energy. From biodynamically grown grapes. Vegan. Needs a year or two to show its true excellence, but already a beautiful and linear wine.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | This expressive red features a beam of cherry fruit, with accents of earth, leather and almond. Round and balanced, with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity. 

Winemaker Description 

In the glass the Nobile 2020 shows garnet red reflections. On the nose, it offers aromas of small red fruits, pomegranate and the unmistakable violet scent of good Sangiovese. In the background a touch of vanilla and tomato leaf.

The palate is well balanced, with sweet notes of ripe cherries and plum jam, supported by precise and elegant tannins. The body is dynamic and compelling and the pleasant drinkability is accompanied by good persistence.

Winemaker Description

The Chianti Classico Riserva has a ruby red hue with a trace of garnet. The nose is elegant, displaying hints of spice and fruit. This is a well-structured wine with smooth tannins and a long finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

James Suckling 94 Points | Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.(2020). 

Robert Parker 93 Points | In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum. (2020).

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | A rich ruby color, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is a selection from the best vineyards, aged for two years. The nose opens to ripe and polished aromas of toasted cedar, cherry lozenge, menthol, and spiced orange peel. Medium-bodied, it offers ripe tannins that fold into a more mineral texture, with mouthwatering stony earth and a rather long, clean finish.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | A juicy yet firmly structured red highlighted by bright cherry and blackberry fruit. Reveals dense tannins that inform the finish, where accents of earth and mineral linger. Balanced in a youthful, exuberant way. Best from 2025 through 2039.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 93 Points | This has a toasty character with hints of cardamom, cloves and crushed walnuts with ripe red fruit, plum skins and red flowers in the background. It’s full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins and steady acidity to give it freshness. A little bit of toasted oak at the end. Lengthy and spiced with a crunchy finish. Better after 2025.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points |  The medium red 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale is inviting with aromas of poppy red cherry, dusty earth, roses, and orange peel. Medium-bodied and juicy all the way through, this is an easygoing quaffer with a kiss of sweet tannins that are fine-grained all the way through the finish. It keeps good freshness for this hot vintage and has some warmth on the finish. It’s a versatile wine for pizza night or drinking on its own over the next few years. 

Winemaker Description 

Intense ruby red. Aroma: This complex wine is characterized by cherry and violet notes with delicate hints of tobacco, 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. Its structure will allow it to age for two to five years, if not longer.

Expert Rating - Vintage 2022

Winemaker Description

The certified organic vineyards cover 20 hectares in Gaiole in Chianti at different altitudes, exposures and soil types. All wines are artisanally crafted from hand-sorted grapes that are crushed by foot and fermented with native yeasts in small, concrete fermentors. 

The Riecine Chianti Classico is made from 100% Sangiovese from different vineyard sites throughout Gaiole in Chianti. Mid ruby in the glass with aromas of cranberry and sour cherry interspersed with a strong mineral note.

The palate is vibrant with fine, persistent tannins and energetic acidity. Lots of tension in this mineral and sour-fruited wine. Enjoy with pasta or artisanal pizza. Winemaker Description

Winemaker Description

Its bouquet is intense, pure, pleasant and refined, reminiscent of sweet violet, tobacco, chocolate and pleasant hints of wild berries and vanilla. Its flavor fully confirms the above in a well-balanced, full-bodied wine with good tannins and a solid structure. 

Expert Reviews-Vintage 2019

Decanter 95 Points | Altesino counts approximately 50 hectares throughout Montalcino’s northern and southern stretches. A compilation of diverse sites, the estate Brunello is among the denomination’s best values. If the Montosoli bottling is more solemn in tone, this 2019 is joyful and bright. Heady red currant and cherry mingle with plum and anise. The sumptuously fruited, plush palate is mouth filling yet agile. Sandy textured tannins envelop and caress while citrusy acidity lifts the whole. Already accessible, it has sufficient depth, concentration and backbone for a solid decade of enjoyment. (2019). 

Robert Parker 95 Points | The Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino boasts a rich and savory side that this wine wears very well. There is a beautiful level of dark fruit that folds into the wine's velvety texture. Blackberry and plum envelop the palate, adding elegant full-bodied volume and fine tannins along the way. The wine is aged in traditional Slavonian casks, and production reaches 110,000 bottles annually (which is very ambitious considering this level of quality). (2019). 

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | Pouring a rich ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino offers an attractive nose of cherry candies, sweet herbs, polished leather, and orange oils. It moves seamlessly to the palate with equally harmonious structure and a great, long finish. Medium to full-bodied, it lasts for ages. This is one of those wines that’s going to have a very wide drinking window and is exceptional already. Drink 2026-2046. (2019). 

Wine Spectator 95 Points | This is packed with ripe cherry, plum and raspberry fruit, with floral, mineral, juniper and wild herb accents adding depth and complexity. There's plenty of energy and structure as well, providing excellent balance, with a long aftertaste. (2019).

James Suckling 94 Points | A dark ruby color in the glass, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a beguiling blend of dusty earth, crushed rocks, savory herbs and dried roses. This is racy and sleek, with vividly ripe wild berry fruits elevated by orange and sage, all guided by vibrant acidity. Grippy tannins take control through the finish, yet the mouth is left watering for more as a bitter licorice tinge and dark chocolate adds a crunchy sensation. (2019). 

Winemaker Description

The name Monte Bernardi appears in records dating back to the eleventh century. The Monte Bernardi estate now extends to over 70 hectares of land including 22 hectares of organically farmed vineyards. Monte Bernardi has the highest percentage of old vines of any commercially producing estate in Chianti Classico, including six hectares over 55 years old, and one extraordinary hectare planted in 1933, all thriving under the care of the vineyard team.

Retromarcia means “to back up” or “to reverse,” and this wine is Monte Bernardi’s traditionally made beacon of Sangiovese’s natural elegance and expressiveness. It’s a medium-bodied wine that blends fruit freshness with bright acidity and structure. Fresh and fruity, medium bodied, well balanced, with a nice structure, juicy acidity and a long finish.

Monte Bernardi Retromarcia Chianti Classico is a deep, ruby red with hints of purple. Intense notes of mountain herbs, aromas of cranberry, wild cherry and red plums, anise, spice, and orange peel. Fresh and fruity, medium-bodied, well balanced, with a nice structure, juicy acidity and a long finish.

Winemaker Description

The Chianti Classico Riserva La Selvanella has a clear, dark, ruby color and full, complex bouquet with strong notes of red fruits, irises, and hints of vanilla. The flavor is full, generous, warm and savory with an elegant aftertaste of woodland undergrowth and toasted almonds.

Winemaker Description

Borgo Reale Chianti Riserva is made from a selection of the finest grapes, receiving additional aging following fermentation. Enjoy with all types of pasta, hor d'oeuvres, and red or white meats.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019 

James Suckling 91 Points | Perfumed nose of cedar, spearmint, morello cherry, vanilla and lemon verbena. Medium-bodied with polished tannins. Spicy character with ambitious new wood. Mocha at the end.

Producer Description 

Neil and Maria Empson have always had a passion for the Chianti region in Tuscany. In 1988, they decided to act on that passion and founded their own winery, Toscolo, to make Chianti. Even the winery’s name is a homage to Tuscany; Toscolo is an old Italian Renaissance word for “Tuscan Boy.” The Empsons chose their friend and top enologist Franco Bernabei to style the wines with Neil himself, and they worked tirelessly to make sure that Toscolo truly represented the region they loved so much. 

The finest vineyards were chosen from the region’s major Chianti terroirs and the Empson’s made sure o find and use only state-of-the-art facilities and a great team. Neil and Franco chose to craft the wines using traditional vinification with a well-balanced use of wood. 

The entire Chianti range was aimed at combining fruit and finesse with that essential “bite” that makes these wines particularly food-friendly and versatile. Maria also played a major role in Toscolo’s creation. An artist who went on to the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence, Maria personally designed Toscolo’s ultra-classic packaging.

The 2022 Toscolo Chianti is 100% Sangiovese. Brilliant ruby in color, this forward styled Sangiovese is supple, fruity and flavorful on the palate, with appealing balance.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Wine Spectator 92 Points | A racy version, this boasts black cherry, blueberry, violet and iron flavors. A firm line of tannins works in concert with the acidity, while flashes of Mediterranean scrub peek through. Mouthwatering finish. Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2032.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | A bright ruby color, the 2021 Chianti Classico is expressive on opening with aromas of grenadine, candied red flowers, orange peel, and wet stones. Medium-bodied, it’s linear and graceful, with fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a clean finish. A very charming wine, it’s prime for drinking over the next few years.

Winemaker Description 

The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with hints of cherry. This is a well-structured wine with a fruity finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

James Suckling 95 Points | A beautiful red with cedar, mushroom and cherry character, as well as hints of sandalwood. It’s medium-bodied and very polished with loveliness and finesse that comes through clearly. A wine to drink young, but will age very nicely.

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A refined and generous Brunello, exhibiting plum, cherry, strawberry and even floral flavors. This strives for elegance, achieving it with harmony and a line of fine-grained tannins on the lingering finish. There's ample fruit midpalate that resonates on the mineral finish.

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A refined and generous Brunello, exhibiting plum, cherry, strawberry and even floral flavors. This strives for elegance, achieving it with harmony and a line of fine-grained tannins on the lingering finish. There's ample fruit midpalate that resonates on the mineral finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | A rich red hue, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is a touch shy on opening before revealing aromas of cherry pie, a hint of blue fruit coming through with violets, and anise. Medium to full-bodied, it has a pop of angular texture, chalky tannins, and a clean, lovely, tapered finish. This exceptional wine from Banfi offers a lot of purity and finesse.

Winemaker Description 

A rich and elegant Brunello, both in structure and in olfactory expression. Brilliant ruby red with garnet-colored reflections, on the nose the aroma is sweet and fruity, the hints of fresh red fruit stand out, which combine perfectly with the more complex notes of licorice and pipe tobacco. The structure is powerful, and the palate is pleasantly enveloped by a consistent tannic texture, well balanced by a pleasant acidity. Extremely persistent with excellent aging potential.

It pairs particularly well with rich and tasty dishes. Perfect as a meditation wine.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Danielle Callegari of the Wine Enthusiast writes 91 Points | The nose starts with a balance between mixed berries and an herbaceous earthiness, then a hint of chocolate emerges. The palate is laden with cherries and blackberries, but also has a more metallic earthiness that's highlighted by dusty, chalky tannins and buoyant acid. 

Winemaker Description 

Maggiolo Chianti Classico is a taste of the joyful sunshine of our land. The name of this soft and tasty wine comes from the image of the iris, a typical flower of the Lamole area that dots the fields in the month of May at the height of its splendor. We can feel it in the enveloping sensations and in the sweet and caressing sounds that it can give us with every sip.

Our Professional Review

Bart of 67Wine.com writes | Wines made from the Sangiovese grape are well adapted to good basic food pairings and serve a very useful purpose at the dinner table, especially one that is as well made as Ventolaio’s 2021 Sentiero del Fante. Dark, savory fruit greets the nose with welcome fanfare and aromatic depth. Rich yet energetic in the mouth, with dark cherry fruit and Tuscan spice is at the center of attention with that certain balance and expressive complexity that tastefully engages what’s on the table with delicious agility. It’s a natural with pizza and pasta, but don’t be afraid to get creative; this is a wine that will enhance a spectrum of flavors and textures. This is what Sangiovese does at its best!
Bart Hopkins

Winemaker Description 

A balanced bouquet of wild red berries and floral violet notes. This Chianti has a mélange of dryness and great freshness, with soft tannins and a medium body. The lingering finish of berries on the palate is pleasant and smooth.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 90 Points | This red shows some depth to the black cherry, black currant, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. There is a hint of tar, and the firm structure is well-integrated. Drink now through 2032.  — Bruce Sanderson

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This blend opens with ripe aromas that recall blueberry and strawberry jam, followed by notes of spice, chocolate and moist tobacco. The finish is soft and velvety, and it comes with a touch of plush richness. This is complex and balanced.

Decanter 91 Points | Sweet wood nuances lead with cinnamon, clove and a touch of vanilla eventually ceding to wild cherry and wet soil. On the palate, forest berries are laced with chocolate. The fruit is concentrated and plush with ripe, powdery tannins giving effortless support. This is its usual sophisticated and polished self, with lots of juiciness. Yields are a low 30 hL/ha and ageing is in a combination of French oak tonneaux and barriques, 10% new. Give this another year for the wood to integrate.  Drinking 2022 -2027 — Michaela Morris

Jancis Robinson 17.5 Points | Greve in Chianti. 100% Sangiovese.  The grapes were destemmed but not crushed and fermented in stainless steel as well as oak casks where it also went through MLF. Aged in barriques and tonneaux for up to 14 months. Certified vegan and organic.

Walter Speller | Medium to deep crimson. Gorgeous nose of cherry and with the scent of cigar box. Luscious juicy fruit on the palate and silky tannins that make their mark. Beautiful balance and elegant and concentrated at the same time. Amazing length and focus. Drinking 2021 -2028.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2018 Chianti Classico is classy, polished and exceptionally beautiful. Like so many wines in 2018, the Chianti Classico is aromatic and gracious in feel, more finesse than power. Silky tannins wrap around a core of bright Sangiovese fruit. From start to finish, the 2018 is all class.  Drinking 2020 -2033.

Winemaker Description

Deep and ruby red color. Intense and fruity notes of ripe red fruits and sweet spices. Strong personality, harmonious structure and well-complexed tannins, with a long finish.

This wine pairs well with red meats, seasoned pecorino cheese and steak. 

Winemaker Description

Deep ruby red color. The bouquet is rich and complex with aromas of violets, red berries, such as raspberry and red currant, and a fresh hint of red orange. On the palate it is dry, fresh, full- bodied with smooth tannins. Very long and tasty finish, with a pleasant minerality and flavors of violets and berries.

Winemaker Description

This is a very concentrated Brunello that combines intense notes of blood orange with a hint of chinotto mixed with complex Mediterranean spices (Helichrysum Thyme and Broom Flowers). It is a wine with a strong nerve, a vibrant acid structure that sustains a concentrated mouthfeel, rich in silky tannins. The finish is extremely long and soft. 

Expert Reviews

94 Points James Suckling | Dusty notes with crushed gravel and dried tea leaves are a prelude to aromas of fresh button mushrooms and hints of fennel. Savory mushrooms and olives, followed by firm, fine-grained tannins. Structured and full-bodied.

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino has aromatics of menthol and medicinal herbs, brushed leather, and black cherry. The palate is dark fruited without weight, marked with dried blackberry, black tea, dried herbs, and classically balanced structure. It is sourced from three different vineyard sites of various exposition on the hill of Montalcino. This will be ready to drink a touch earlier and be great to check in on over the next 15 years. Drink 2022-2036.

93 Points Wine Spectator | Aromas of iron, blood and cherry lead off in this smooth and vibrant red, with a well of dark fruit—black cherry and blackberry—settling in on the palate. Offers a dusting of dark chocolaty tannins on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2043. 1,500 cases imported.

91 Points Decanter | Bringing together grapes from diverse vineyards throughout Montalcino, this midweight, almost-approachable Brunello is focused and vibrant. It takes a bit of coaxing on the nose then divulges sage, orange rind and fennel. Brisk acidity and chalky tannins meet crisp red currant and cranberry, cleansing the palate nicely. A delightful jumping off point to Val di Suga’s single-vineyard offerings, which COO and winemaker Andrea Lonardi has been refining since 2012.