Tuscany Wine

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 92 Points:  Walnuts, chocolate, black cherries and tobacco on the nose of this firm and sturdy red. It’s full-bodied, focused and savory, with a solid tannin frame.

Winemaker Description

Villa Antinori 2022 is ruby red in color. The nose is intense and intriguing offering notes of red fruit, especially cherries and currants, together with hints of spices, vanilla and hazelnuts. The palate is mouth filling, pleasantly sapid with lively freshness and is defined by supple tannins. The wine closes with a persistent finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | On the nose, savory top soil, espresso and black pepper balance blackberries and black cherries. The cohesive palate is simultaneously spicy and dense with ripe but still tart and snappy fruit, and has a finish of spicy pepper, earth and a bit of bitter citrus pith.

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | There’s depth and breadth to this solidly built red, along with black cherry, blackberry, earth and iron flavors. Juicy and well-structured, with a fresh feel on the lingering finish. Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah.

Winemaker Description 

This is vibrant and well-structured red, showcasing the essence of Sangiovese from Tuscany. Bursting with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and violets, it’s complemented by hints of spice, oak, and earthy undertones. The palate is fresh and balanced, with bright acidity, smooth tannins, and a lingering, elegant finish. A classic expression of Chianti Classico, perfect for pairing with pasta, grilled meats, and aged cheeses. 🍷✨

More Information

The Antinori family has been committed to the art of winemaking for over six centuries since 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member, of the “Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri”, the Florentine Winemakers’ Guild. The Pèppoli estate is located 5 kilometers north east of the Tenuta Tignanello estate with a total area of 100 hectares (247 acres) and is home to Peppoli Chianti Classico DOCG.

The Pèppoli vineyards produce a Chianti Classico that is a blend made from Sangiovese grapes and complementary varieties; Peppoli is recognized and appreciated for the full expression of its fruit.  Pèppoli is a wine to be enjoyed and appreciated as a perfect expression of the Chianti Classico territory, its history and its traditional grape varieties through its characteristic floral and fruity aromas.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer, writes: A juicy, joyous organic blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that’s bright, perky, full of life and begging for food. Aromas of spiced cherries on the nose with a medium body and an earthy note that adds complexity. A touch of earth and spice adds complexity, with balanced acidity and softly tamed tannins that leads to a cheerful, food friendly finish. This is a perfect pizza, pasta, weekday red that satisfies without breaking the bank!

Expert Review - Vintage 2020 

James Suckling writes 93 Points:   A tight, focused red with currant and cherry character and hints of chocolate and sandalwood. Medium to full body, creamy and refined tannins that are long and flavorful. Very well done. From organic grapes. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description

A versatile, young red wine with a ruby red color and a bouquet characterized by inviting aromas of ripe cherries, blueberries and sweet spices. The taste is medium-bodied, fruity and smooth with a long lingering, dry finish, reminiscent of undergrowth, with an underlying hint of menthol. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.

Winemaker Description 

The 2024 Il Bruciato shows an intense ruby red color. The nose presents the notes of red and black berry fruit which are characteristic of this vintage and capable of giving the wine an excellent concentration. Sweet spices and a hint of liquorice complete the bouquet. The palate is well structured, persistent, and highly pleasurable in its fruity finish and aftertaste.

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 beautiuflly done, especially for the year. Drinking 2024 - 2037.  - Vinous 91

James Suckling writes:  A well-balanced, seductive and lively red with aromas of forest berries, red currants, warm herbs and some crushed peppercorns. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy berry character with a lift of spices bringing energy and vitality on the palate and onto the tactile finish. Drink now.  - James Suckling 92

Bruce Sanderson writes:  Walking the line between cherry and berry flavors and earth and iron notes, this red is bright and juicy midpalate, firming up on the long finish. Balanced overall, needing a year to knit together. Best from 2026 through 2033.  - Wine Spectator 90

Michaela Morris writes:  At the southeastern end of Chianti Classico, the Fèlsina property spills into the Chianti Colli Senesi zone where, on a clear day you can see all the way to Siena, just 15km away. Harnessing its sunbathed setting, the 2022 is immediate and effusive in its charms. It evokes Maritime pine, scrubby Mediterranean brush and wild yellow broom, building in concentration as it glides fluently across the palate, where rocky minerals meet ripe strawberry. Vibrant, if a bit brisk to finish.  Drinking 2024 to 2029.  - Decanter 91

Winemaker Notes

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 95 Points | A youthful wine full of fruit, showing intense fresh roses, black cherries and plums. The generous nose is supported by a lush, supple palate with medium body. Velvety tannins with a chalkier finish and refreshing length. 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Full of savory, umami flavors, this red evokes earth, leather, sweet spice, cherry, plum and Szechuan peppercorn notes. Firm and dry, with broad tannins and a lingering kernel of cherry. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2027 through 2040. 

Winemaker Description - Vintage 2022 

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2022 is intensely ruby red in color. Impressive on the nose with intense notes of black cherries, delicate floral hints of violets and rose petals that lead over to notes of vanilla and cocoa powder. Entry on the palate is mouth filling and lively then unfolds with great balance revealing supple vibrant tannins that accompany and sustain a long, sapid and persistent finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 91 Points | Notes of spiced cherries, spices, and dried citrus peel, with fine tannins and a fine finish.

Winemaker Description

Dark ruby in color, its bouquet of leather, earth, herbs, black cherries, licorice and plums is confirmed on the medium to full-bodied palate - round, spicy, elegant, attractively fruity and extremely versatile.

Memo Summary Notes

That is a well-known and consistently excellent value Tuscan red! The Monte Antico Rosso Toscana IGT 2020 is an approachable blend that captures the spirit of the region.

This is a versatile red wine designed for the table. It pairs beautifully with classic Tuscan fare:

• Pasta: Hearty sauces like Ragù (meat sauce) or mushroom pasta.

• Pizza: Especially those with meat or robust toppings.

• Meats: Grilled sausages, pork chops, or simple steaks.

Winemaker Notes 

"Bright ruby in color. The bouquet on the nose is intense, with rich cherry and red berry aromas and leafy undertones. On the palate it is silky, balanced, with medium body, refined tanning and a long flavorful finish of blackberry and chocolate. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot."

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous Media 92 Points | The 2022 Chianti Classico is fruity, supple and very easy to drink. Succulent dark red fruit, plum, leather, spice and a kick of blood
orange are front and center. Medium in body and forward, with fine balance, the 2022 is full of charm. The warm vintage yielded an especially succulent Chianti Classico that is quite appealing. Antonio Galloni

Wine Spectator 90 Points | This is rich and exudes cherry and raspberry fruit. Iron, leafy underbrush and spice accents add detail as this winds down alongside a light dusting of tannins. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through
2035. 3,000 cases made, 525 cases imported. -Bruce Sanderson

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 95 Points | A wine of austere elegance on the nose due to a tight mix of red cherries and sweet violets soaked in orange zest. The juicy palate is medium- to full-bodied with ripe and velvety tannins and lifted, precise acidity. The savory and mostly floral aftertaste is full of tension. Great sample. Drink or hold.

Vinous Media 92+ Points | The 2021 Nobile opens with a minty freshness, with a bouquet of sweet herbs and stone dust giving way to a bright cherry note and autumnal spice nuances. This is sleek and youthfully slender yet packed with tart wild berry fruit tones and a spike of citrus that ride a silken textural wave. Hints of sweet lavender amass toward the close. The 2021 tapers off with potent length and structure, leaving the palate with a pleasantly bitter sensation that calls the taster back to the glass. Give the 2021 a few years to mellow out—it will be worth the wait.
Rating: 92+

Winemaker Description 

This wine is made with Sangiovese grapes highlighting the balanced and harmonious traits of its habitat. The wine shows a sleek medium body, seamless tannins and a distinctive tasting profile. Great to drink now,  but with an impressive ageing potential.

In the glass, the 2021 Vino Nobile displays a vibrant color with purplish-red highlights. On the nose, aromas of small red berries, pomegranate, and the unmistakable scent of violet typical of fine Sangiovese. In the background, a hint of vanilla and tomato leaf. On the palate, it is well balanced, with a vein of acidity that lends length and liveliness. Flavorful and crisp, with sweet notes of ripe cherry and plum jam. The dynamic body is supported by precise, elegant tannins. The enjoyable drinkability is accompanied by a long, lingering finish.

Winemaker Description 

Grifi is born from two late-ripening grape varieties, one Italian, the other French. An incredible blend where the freshness of Sangiovese blends perfectly with the backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sangiovese is sourced from our vineyards in Montepulciano, which produce a spicy, elegant wine, and the Cabernet Sauvignon comes from our plots in Cortona and Montepulciano, lending tannins and structure to the wine. To facilitate the encounter of these two varieties, the grapes are harvested and fermented together.

The blending of two such different personalities as Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon come together to give this wine its unique character. Dark ruby red in color with purple hues. The nose opens with hints of blueberries, blackberries and incense, moving on to graphite and vanilla nuances. In the mouth it is dense, broad and complex with hints of plum and blueberry. It then evolves into a balsamic and spicy explosion supported by good acidity. The lively tannin on the whole palate accompanies the savory and persistent finish.

Certified organic and Biodynamic.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

James Suckling 94 Points | A linear and tight red with very fine, firm and polished tannins. They nicely frame the wine and give a savory and almost salty undertone. Currants and cherries with some orange peel notes. Just a hint of tomato leaves. Medium chewy. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% sangiovese. From biodynamically grown grapes.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2021 Grifi is understated and coy, slowly evolving with rose petal, dusty dried strawberry and sweet smoke aromas. This is silken in feel with a peppery tinge and polished red berry fruit notes that swirl beneath an air of violet inner florals. A liquid botanical concentration lingers as the 2021 finishes with crunchy tannins and staining of primary concentration. It tapers off with incredible length yet is also balanced. Lose this youthful beauty in the cellar.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast by Danielle Callegari writes 91 Points | Cool earthiness defines the nose, with aromas of flint, wild herbs and tart blackberries, and then umami notes of mushroom and balsamic. The palate brings cherries and more berries, but dusty, chewy tannins and notable acid emphasize that flinty earthiness, which continues to anchor the wine. 

Vinous 90 Points | The 2022 Chianti Classico is a fine entry-level offering from San Felice. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, new leather and a kick of orange peel all grace this soft, open-knit red. Drink it over the next few years.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2022 San Felice Chianti Classico is a standout value-driven red from the Castelnuovo Berardenga sub-region of Tuscany. Known for its "Borgo" label, this vintage is celebrated for being vibrant and approachable while maintaining the savory, earthy soul of traditional Chianti.

This wine’s high acidity and moderate tannins make it a perfect "food wine":
    •    Classic Italian: Pasta with Bolognese, lasagna, or wood-fired pizza with savory toppings.
    •    Meats: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, roast turkey, or a selection of aged pecorino and charcuterie.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 94 Points | This is round and creamy, offering ripe blackberries, blueberries and hints of chocolate and cedar. Medium- to full-bodied with succulent fruit and fine tannins. Compact and focused, with good length and balance overall. 

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | This is a mid-tier blend of Merlot and Sangiovese. The Tenuta Luce 2022 Lucente opens to an inky black appearance. The wine shows oak-driven aromas of cedar and pinewood. But the effect is quite soft and hydrated. You get barbecued flavors and a hint of hickory meat. All the elements are there to underline an international-minded red blend.

Winemaker Description 

Lucente is the result of a careful selection of the estate’s vineyards that are particularly suited for the production of a fruity and very pleasant wine. Like Luce, it is made from Sangiovese and Merlot, which prevails in the blend.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Winemaker Description 

In 1927, the inaugural Riserva Ducale vintage was crafted as a homage to the wine-loving Duke of Aosta. Two decades later, in 1947, Ruffino commemorated the exceptional vintage by introducing the inaugural Riserva Ducale Oro, heralding the concept of Gran Selezione ahead of its time. Its potential for decades of aging is matched only by its historical significance. 

One out of every three bottles of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione opened in the world is Riserva Ducale Oro.

Tasting Notes: Ruby red with garnet hues. The wine expresses a distinctive Tuscan bouquet of violet, cherry, and plum, with aromas of chocolate and spice. Intense aromas of violet, blackberry, cherry, and ripe plum with intriguing notes of cinnamon and clove. Classic elegance and structure in which the fruit, tannins, and spices form a tightly woven balance, with a lingering finish of chocolate and coffee.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling writes:  Lovely crushed berry and cherry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with bright acidity and a crunchy and delicious finish. A blend of mostly merlot and cabernet sauvignon with some syrah and cabernet franc. Drink now.  - James Suckling 93

James Button writes:  Rosso dei Notri is Tua Rita's biggest production, at about 150,000 bottles a year. This is the first vintage using concrete alongside the usual stainless steel vats, which in theory should give a bit more softness of texture and fruit expression. Creamy red and black berry aromas carry through to the mouth, where they are joined by overtones of liquorice and violet. Fresh and spicy, this is a fairly straightforward, easy-drinking red which shows lovely purity of fruit. 80% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and Cabernet Franc.  Drinking 2024 to 2028.  - Decanter 90

Audrey Frick writes:  Pouring a medium red color, the 2023 Rosso Dei Notri is a blend coming from all the cru vineyards and is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and the rest Syrah and Cabernet Franc. It’s the entry-level wine but always comes from the cru vineyards and is raised in concrete for six months. The nose of the 2023 is inviting, fresh, and fruity, with notes of mixed berries, apricots, candied flowers, and sweet herbs. It moves seamlessly to the palate and is medium to full-bodied, with a silky texture and a clean, fruity feel throughout. It’s a joyful wine to drink over the next several years.  Drinking 2025 to 2028.  - Jeb Dunnuck 91

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2023 Rosso di Notri, the estate’s entry-level red, is a fine choice for drinking over the next few years. Succulent red cherry, tobacco, spice and leather are nicely pushed forward in this refreshing, juicy red blend of 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 20% Cabernet Franc.  Drinking 2024 to 2027.  - Vinous 

Winemaker Description

This youthful offering from Tua Rita is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Franc, harvested in September from vineyards in the foothills of Suvereto, a small hilltop village in Tuscany. After a gentle pressing, the wine is aged for three months in French oak barriques and stainless steel tanks.

Deep ruby red in color, with aromas of black fruits, namely blackberries, plums and ripe black cherries over more subtle notes of cocoa, licorice and sweet spice. On the palate, the wine is smooth, with silky tannins and bracing acidity, showing structural balance long into the finish.

Pair this wine with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, spice rubbed chicken, or lasagna Bolognese with béchamel sauce.

Our Professional Review 

Debra 67Wine.com | Montenidoli is a mountain above the appellation of San Gimignano.  A noble and elegant expression of Vernaccia San Gimignano from this historic estate. This wine is certified organic, aged in stainless steel and macerates on the skins for about 7 days. It has nice complexity, light-medium bodied, energetic, vibrant with a nice texture.  Fresh, pure, with flavors of stone fruits ,  orange zest and blanched almonds and a nice lingering finish.  Pair with seafood, pasta and vegetables or  simply with cheeses. Debra, Italy white wine Buyer

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description 

85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo Nero, 3% Malvasia, 2% Trebbiano.

This Chianti is sourced from select vineyard sites in the heart of Chianti along the south-facing slopes of the Elsa River. The vineyards line the river on well-exposed hillsides that reach elevations of over 1,200 feet. The 2024 Borghi D’Elsa has intense, fragrant and elegant aromas of blackberries and raspberries, with violet and Florentine iris notes. On the palate, the taste is dry, full, harmonious and slightly tannic, with an elegant aftertaste of toasted almond and fruits of the forest. Perfect with grilled meats, poultry dishes, lamb, and goat meat, as well as with sheep’s milk cheese.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | There's intensity to this red, which showcases cherry, boysenberry and blood orange flavors. Iron, underbrush and tobacco notes peek through as this builds to the lingering aftertaste. Verges on racy courtesy of the bracing acidity. Excellent length. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

James Suckling 92 Points | An attractive and layered nose of walnuts, ground spices, grilled thyme, red cherries and red plums with a touch of meatiness. The medium-bodied palate is sleek and polished, with juicy acidity and a fine texture. Balanced, with good tension and length.

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.

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.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Kerin Okeefe 95 Points | Elegantly structured and loaded with finesse, the 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva from Antinori pushes all the right buttons, starting with its enticing aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, violet, exotic dark spice and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub. On the delicious palate, notes of licorice vanilla and crushed mint accent a ripe black cherry core while velvety tannins provide seamless support and plenty of finesse. It’s well balanced, with fresh acidity. Drink through 2030..." 05/25 

Winemaker Description 

Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2022 is ruby red in color. The nose opens with fresh notes of pomegranates, cherries and orange peels accompanied by light spicy hints of ginger. Floral undertones complete the bouquet with accents of lavender, rose petals and delicate balsamic notes of white musk. A vertical entry on the palate leads to a savory and flavorful structure while supple tannins accompany an intense and expansive finish with warm notes of cocoa.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Vinous 93 Points | Darkly alluring, the 2020 Nobile di Montepulciano lifts from the glass with rosemary and sage, complicating dried black cherries and hints of dark chocolate. This is pure elegance, soft and enveloping, flaunting its ripe vintage fruit with a core of zesty acidity that maintains fantastic balance. A coating of fine tannins tugs at the palate with youthful poise, and a tart cranberry concentration fades. This tremendous effort from the warm vintage should not be missed. That said, the production of Cantina Dei's Nobile was down by 50% due to the conditions of the year.

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | Supple and fluid, this red exudes cherry, loam, iron and eucalyptus flavors. Dusty tannins creep in as this evolves to the finish, where there's a lingering salty taste. Prugnolo Gentile and Canaiolo. Drink now through 2036. 10,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.

Winemaker Description

The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has a brilliant ruby red color, with garnet tinges as it ages. It has an intense bouquet with aromas of ripe cherries, plums and violets. It represents the perfect combination of structure and elegance: its full body and velvety tannins are balanced by its fine acidity. The wine is decidedly persistent and harmonious.

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 2023

Decanter Michaela Morris, 91 Points | Produced since 1979, Castellare’s annata sees its usual dollop of Canaiolo Nero as well as a brief passage in small French oak barrels. It is slightly confected to begin, then comes into focus with pure, fresh dark raspberry. Intense floral nuances of violet and rose join in, carrying over on the palate. It is concentrated in flavour with a light dusting of chalky tannins, while intrinsic juiciness keeps it agile. Admirable depth and length for the category. -Michaela Morris,

Winemaker Description

An authentic expression of Chianti Classico. Only native grapes, to maintain the most typical formula of the most famous of Italian wines, respecting tradition and the territory, enhancing the beautiful ruby red of Sangioveto. A wine which with its typical characteristics strives to achieve maximum elegance.

Bright ruby red, the color of Sangiovese.  The nose is fragrant and fresh with pleasant hints of red fruit, licorice, black currant and a hint of vanilla. Expresses a pleasant sweetness on the palate, it is round, soft and fruity. Acidity and persistence characterize a very elegant aftertaste.

Winemaker Description 

Montesecondo represents the purest expression of the Sangiovese grape that this earth produces. The aging process occurs in cement tanks, allowing the grapes tannin to soften, leaving space for the fruit to express itself and giving light to the wine. The grapes, 100% Sangiovese, come from our younger vines with a planting density of 6250 plants per hectare.

Winemaker Description

Ruby-red with a garnet rim, this wine's bouquet displays ample aromas of violet, wild berries, tobacco, chocolate, and vanilla. On the palate, Altesino Brunello is rich, full-bodied, and velvety.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 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). 

Monica Larner 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).

Winemaker Description 

Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia 2022 displays signature elegance and freshness, despite the vintage’s solar character. A deep red-purple hue and ripe black fruit, spices and lightly toasted wood aromas shine through in the wine. A generous and juicy prologue is ensued by rich, firm tannins, while the finish is aromatic, plush and persistent. The wine already offers a delightful drinking experience and will reach perfect maturity within ten years. 

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2022  

James Suckling 95 Points | The brightness and purity of fruit is so beautiful here, showing flowers and currants. Very aromatic. Lots of finesse and focus on the medium-bodied palate with super-fine tannins and a lovely finish. 

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | The Ornellaia 2022 Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia is a blend of 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc that saw 15 months in barrique with one-third new oak. Following in the general Ornellaia philosophy, the team has been leaning off long maceration times for more delicate extraction. Blending for this wine usually occurs 12 months after fermentation. This vintage is structured and rich with sweet tannins and a supple texture. This hot vintage brings more fruit weight for sure, but the wine remains fresh and well balanced overall.

Decanter Magazine 93 Points | Merlot-dominant Serre Nuove is deeper, earthier and spicier in aroma compared to Le Volte. It has cool, balsamic herb edges with a concentration of chocolatey dark berries at the core; a finessed style that impresses. The tannins are fine and slightly grainy and grippy, and the acidity rings out. A wine of sapidity and freshness, this is a delightful option for drinking in the near- to mid-term,

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | A smooth red, this evokes cedar, plum, black currant, blackberry, vanilla and resin aromas and flavors. Broad and dense, with accents of leather, earth and tobacco on the long finish.

Vinous Media 93 Points | The 2022 Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia is everything a second wine should be. Open-knit and racy, the 2022 caresses the palate with succulent red fruit. Floral and spice notes with a kick of blood orange open the wine nicely on the mid-palate and into the finish. Soft, silky tannins wrap it all together. This stylish red from Ornellaia is ready to go.

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.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

James Suckling 93 Points: A fragrant red with a timid nose of blue fruit, dried herbs and some crushed stones and raspberries. Tightly wound and medium- to full-bodied with tender red fruit. Very compact, with an elegant rigidity that is very appealing. Pure Sangiovese from a single vineyard in Radda in Chianti, which is one of the highest villages in Chianti Classico. This is already drinkable, but I would love to revisit it in a couple of years.

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Balsamic aromas and flavors of tomato leaf and eucalyptus frame the cherry and berry fruit in this dense, solidly built red. Though perhaps just closed now, overall this falls a little short on the earthy finish. Best from 2026 through 2038. 7,500 cases made, 325 cases imported. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 94 Points |  Fresh strawberries and cherries with some orange peel and flowers. Cedar, black olive and violet undertones. Medium-bodied with firm and racy tannins that give energy and focus. Tangy and fresh with slightly bitter citrus on the palate at the end. 90% sangiovese and 10% merlot. Drink or hold.

Monica Larner of The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The organic Tenuta Sette Ponti 2022 Crognolo is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. The wine has a core of blackened fruit with plum and cooked blackberry, but it also shows varietal hints of Sangiovese, with pressed rose and sweet potting soil. It finishes with medium texture, some fruity freshness and more black fruit flavors. This wine (with 150,000 bottles made) represents a selection of fruit from a historic clone of Sangiovese found here. 

Antonio Galloni of Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Crognolo is a fine entry-level offering from Sette Ponti. Dark, vibrant and persistent, the 2022 races across the palate with dark-fleshed fruit, chocolate, licorice, cloves, menthol and licorice. I especially admire its energy. Grippy tannins support the finish nicely. 

The Wine Spectator 91 Points |  Black cherry, blackberry, lavender and spice aromas and flavors signal this dense red, which is tight and compact, yet has plenty of fruit and a well-integrated structure. Fine length. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2038.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer, 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!

Expert Rating - Vintage 2023

Decanter 94 Points | With fine-weave tannins, full of energy. Riecine is renowned for the cult of perfectionism which has been handed down through a succession of owners. The trait comes to the fore in challenging vintages such as 2023, when continual rain through May and June caused widespread disease, and the month of August saw days of baking heat. Riecine responded with a wine of elegance. Impeccable. 

James Suckling 94 Points | A smoky wine with aromas of licorice, dried flowers, violets, oranges and cherry pits. Savory and layered. It shows a full body, ripe velvety tannins and refreshing acidity. Chocolaty finish. Drink or hold. 

Vinous by Antonio Galloni writes 91 Points | The 2023 Chianti Classico is terrific. Aromatic, light on its feet and super-expressive, the 2023 is a total delight. Sweet floral and spice notes meld into a core of vibrant red Sangiovese fruit in this midweight, gracious offering.   

The Wine Advocate by Monica Larner writes 90 Points | Made with 100% Sangiovese, the Riecine 2023 Chianti Classico shows ripe cherry and a hint of strawberry that is in line with a challenging vintage that saw heat and lots of rain (with yields dropped by as much as 40% at this estate). There is some richness with added concentration in terms of mouthfeel. The 2023 is plumper overall and best enjoyed in the near term. 

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

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Wallter Speller writes:  Lustrous mid ruby. An elegant, fragrant raspberry nose, gorgeous supple and juicy cherry and raspberry fruit on the palate, and with gripping, nutty tannins. Very long and succulent and fragrant.  Drinking 2022 to 2028.  - Jancis Robinson 17++

Audrey Frick writes:  The dark ruby 2020 Chianti Classico is ripe with aromas of black raspberry coulis, red flowers, sweet tobacco, and pine. Elegant and medium-bodied, it fills the palate with supple texture, fine tannins, and an even, well-balanced finish. This is a highly approachable wine that I would be fighting to pour by the glass if I were still running a wine program. Pure, classic, and balanced, it’s a gulpable wine will drink great now or over the coming 6-8 years.  Drinking 2024 to 2032.  - Jeb Dunnuck 92+

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2020 Chianti Classico is super-impressive. It's the sort of wine that needs time to come together, though, so readers should be in no rush. The purity of the fruit is really quite compelling. Dark cherry, plum, cedar, incense and licorice build nicely in a mid-weight Chianti Classico that hits all the right notes.  Drinking 2023 to 2032.  - Vinous 91

Monica Larner writes:  The certified organic San Giusto a Rentennano 2020 Chianti Classico is a clever blend of 90% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo from a unique growing site in Gaiole in Chianti. This vintage absolutely stands out thanks to its ample and generous fruit profile, driven by a warm and sunny vintage. This sees steel, cement and oak. The wine travels over the palate with an elegant and velvety texture. This is an entry-level production of 51,872 bottles (and some magnums), and it hits all the right notes.  Drinking 2022 to 2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 93

Bruce Sanderson writes:  A dense red, with solid tannins and lively acidity supporting expressive cherry, raspberry, iron and earth flavors. Balanced, long and will benefit from food or another year or two of bottle age. Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Drink now through 2028.  - Wine Spectator 90

Winemaker Description

It is a Chianti with a traditional style, energetic and elegant, expressing beautiful complexity and cleanliness in the nose. It is aged for at least 10 months in oak barrels and barriques plus 6 months in the bottle and expresses aromas of ripe red fruit and spicy notes, for an agile, fresh and soft sip.  

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Offers cherry and plum fruit framed by earth, mineral and wild herb flavors. Poised between elegance and power, this red is beautifully balanced. Dusty tannins support the fruit on the long finish. Best from 2026 through 2042. 26,000 cases made, 4,000 cases imported.

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 93 Points | The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva II Grigio da San Felice is a dark, dense, rather somber wine. Black cherry, leather, tobacco, incense and dried herbs reinforce that initial impression. A Riserva of substance and power, the 2021 has a ton to offer. It's an especially fine edition of II Grigio.

Tamlyn Currin writes:  This is utterly scrumptious. It's an arpeggio of sweet, audaciously ripe, red-berried, violet-flushed fruit that soars through the glass. Untrammelled freshness. The fruit is the flautist of the vineyard. Dauntlessly about the fruit but at the same time it's not speciously 'fruity'. It's complex. The tannins are silky but have fine-powdered chalky grip. There is spice, a little liquorice bark and a whisper of leafiness – that sort of green-purple petalled velvetiness of woodland violets. And the purity of fruit fills every molecule of the long finish. Bravo!  Drinking 2024 to 2031.  - Jancis Robinson 17

Winemaker Description 

Deep ruby red. Rich, long-lingering aromas are redolent of violets and wild red berry fruit. Il Grigio is a full-bodied wine, lean and firm, with succulent tannins and a tangy acidity. Ideal when accompanying meat-sauced first courses, roast pigeon, grilled steak.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins 67Wine.com | A rich, savory Brunello di Montalcino that is already drinking perfectly. Powerful yet elegant with maraschino cherry and ripe black fruit flavors accented with roasted herbs, wild rose petals, leather sandalwood and earthy spice. The tannins are ripe and supple , with good depth of flavor and a robust finish.
Bart Hopkins.

Expert Review

94 Points Wine Enthusiast | The nose is primarily savory, with aromas of coffee, herbs and soil, but also has the fresh gleam of wild cherries. On the palate, an emergent orange-peel element bolsters the cherry note, at least until a bitter finish of dark chocolate and espresso. Spice blazes behind dense, grippy tannins. (2018).

Winemaker Description

Coming from a classic, Bolgheri vintage, Promis shows a bright, ruby-red color. The nose has hints of spice such as cinnamon and star anise along with pronounced red fruits like strawberry and black cherry. 

The tannins are juicy and persistent all culminating in a salinity that is a classic hallmark of good vintages in Bolgheri. 

Coming from a classic, Bolgheri vintage, Promis shows a bright, ruby-red color. The nose has hints of spice such as cinnamon and star anise along with pronounced red fruits like strawberry and black cherry. The tannins are juicy and persistent all culminating in a salinity that is a classic hallmark of good vintages in Bolgheri. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | The Castello Banfi 2020 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a velvety character that includes the softness and generosity of a warm and dry vintage. The bouquet is redolent of cherry, blackcurrant, grilled herb and sweet rose. This Brunello is open-knit and accessible. It has sweet tannins on the close.

James Suckling 93 Points | Youthful profile here with almost vinous character. Abundant violets and roses on the nose, together with cherries and pomegranates. Fruity again on the medium- to full-bodied palate with firm, velvety tannins, a lot of freshness and good length. Plenty of substance and alcohol. It will need time to integrate. Best after 2026.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino is a bright red/ruby color and is pretty on the nose with aromas of baked strawberries, sweet spices, dusty earth, and hints of lavender. Medium-bodied and weightless on the palate, with fine, dusty tannins, an elegantly fruity feel, it's a charming, approachable Brunello that retains good freshness and finesse.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Aromas and flavors of graphite, cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and wet earth highlight this energetic, powerful red. Vibrant and focused, with a long aftertaste embedded in its muscular tannins. Best from 2029 through 2045.

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.

Winemaker Desrcription

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 - Vintage 2019

Audrey Frick of JebDunnuck.com writes 95 Points | A deep ruby/red hue, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino displays a brooding and serious profile initially, with aromas of dried cherries, cigar box, smoky incense, mint, and wild herbs. It comes to life with a refined and elegant feel on the palate, offering fine tannins, fresh, even acidity, and a lovely mineral-tinged backbone with wonderful freshness and purity. This is a gorgeous entry to the Brunello offerings of Val di Suga in this stellar vintage. Drink 2024-2040.

Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate writes 93 Points | Immediate and accessible in personality, the Val di Suga 2019 Brunello di Montalcino (with 90,000 bottles released) is very clean and polished in presentation and especially from a tactile point of view. Neat fruit aromas of dark cherry, mulberry and cassis fold into spice and earthiness. The wine's bright freshness also stands out and adds intensity and vibrancy to this mid-weight Brunello.

Michaela Morris of Decanter writes 92 Points |  A compilation of three distinctly diverse terroirs within Montalcino, Val di Suga’s estate Brunello is made up of equal shares from Vigna del Lago in the northeast, Poggio al Granchio in the southeast and Vigna Spuntali in the southwest. The bright ruby colour and youthful freshness are well preserved. Focused aromas of red cherry with flecks of pepper give way to deeper violet and sweet earth. Appealing and pure, the mid-weight palate offers a layer of luscious red berries and plump persimmon underscored by juicy acidity. Sandy textured tannins are supple and yielding. Hard to resist now.

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Vinous 90 Points |  This is juicy in style and remarkably pure, with a subtle tinge of minerality and vividly ripe cherry-berry fruit notes that flow across a stream of fresh acidity. It tapers off crisp and only gently tannic yet poised with medium length. This is fantastic for the difficult 2023 vintage and not your typical Poliziano Rosso, with just 50% of production and 100% Sangiovese.