Tuscany
Tuscany, a picturesque region in central Italy, is renowned for producing some of the world's finest wines. With its rolling hills, Mediterranean climate, and rich cultural heritage, Tuscany offers a perfect combination of terroir and winemaking expertise. The region is home to legendary vineyards and wineries that have become synonymous with excellence and tradition.
One of the most famous vineyards in Tuscany is Antinori, a family-owned winery with a history dating back over 600 years. Their wines, such as Tignanello and Solaia, have achieved iconic status, showcasing the region's commitment to quality and innovation. Another renowned vineyard is Castello di Volpaia, known for its exceptional Chianti Classico wines that beautifully represent the Sangiovese grape.
Tuscany is synonymous with Chianti, a red wine made primarily from Sangiovese grapes. Chianti Classico, produced in the heart of the Chianti region, is highly regarded for its balance, elegance, and age-worthiness. Vineyards like Castello di Ama, Fontodi, and Fèlsina craft outstanding Chianti Classico wines that capture the essence of Tuscan winemaking.
The region is also famous for Brunello di Montalcino, a prestigious red wine made from Sangiovese Grosso grapes. Montalcino is home to renowned wineries such as Biondi-Santi and Casanova di Neri, which produce exceptional Brunello di Montalcino wines with remarkable structure, depth, and longevity.
Tuscany's coastal region, Bolgheri, has gained international acclaim for its Super Tuscan wines. These wines often blend international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with local varieties. Notable vineyards in Bolgheri include Tenuta San Guido, known for its iconic Sassicaia, and Ornellaia, which produces the renowned Ornellaia wine.
Tuscany's diverse terroir also allows for the production of white wines, with Vernaccia di San Gimignano being the most notable. Vernaccia vineyards like Teruzzi & Puthod and Panizzi create crisp and aromatic white wines that showcase the region's versatility.
Tuscany
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Vinous (97)
The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.Inc. TAX€316.72 -
Vinous (97)
The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.Inc. TAX€634.72 -
Vinous (97)
The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.Inc. TAX€560.14 -
Vinous (100)
The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stellar wine from Fontodi. It is the richest Flaccianello ever made (in terms of dry extract), with elevated acidity that trails the 2016 by just a touch, but it does not taste like that at all. Dark cherry, violet, lavender, spice, mocha and graphite build with a bit of time in the glass. Like the Sorbo, the 2018 Flaccianello is not a wine of size, as in most previous years, but rather a wine that exudes vibrancy, energy and class from start to finish. I absolutely loved it.Inc. TAX€257.92 -
Vinous (100)
The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stellar wine from Fontodi. It is the richest Flaccianello ever made (in terms of dry extract), with elevated acidity that trails the 2016 by just a touch, but it does not taste like that at all. Dark cherry, violet, lavender, spice, mocha and graphite build with a bit of time in the glass. Like the Sorbo, the 2018 Flaccianello is not a wine of size, as in most previous years, but rather a wine that exudes vibrancy, energy and class from start to finish. I absolutely loved it.Inc. TAX€928.62 -
Vinous (100)
The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stellar wine from Fontodi. It is the richest Flaccianello ever made (in terms of dry extract), with elevated acidity that trails the 2016 by just a touch, but it does not taste like that at all. Dark cherry, violet, lavender, spice, mocha and graphite build with a bit of time in the glass. Like the Sorbo, the 2018 Flaccianello is not a wine of size, as in most previous years, but rather a wine that exudes vibrancy, energy and class from start to finish. I absolutely loved it.Inc. TAX€713.74 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound.Inc. TAX€351.19 -
(1x300cl) 2019Wine Advocate (98)
The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound.Inc. TAX€794.93 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound.Inc. TAX€172.60 -
(6x150cl) 2019Wine Advocate (98)
The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound.Inc. TAX€1,789.16 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound.Inc. TAX€671.99 -
James Suckling (97)
Extremely floral with sage and licorice to the berry and dark cherry aromas that follow through to a medium body, with fine and silky tannins that run the length of the wine. Very crunchy for Flaccianello. Vivid on the palate. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2025.Inc. TAX€227.59 -
James Suckling (97)
Extremely floral with sage and licorice to the berry and dark cherry aromas that follow through to a medium body, with fine and silky tannins that run the length of the wine. Very crunchy for Flaccianello. Vivid on the palate. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2025.Inc. TAX€670.79 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The Fontodi 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve opens to a medium-dark inky appearance and solid aromas of black fruit and pressed blackberry. The Flaccianello is a touch more accessible at this early stage compared to the Vigna del Sorbo, but both wines are undoubtedly built to withstand ample cellar aging. Flaccianello is the more powerful or the two, and the Vigna del Sorbo is more delicate in comparison. These dueling character traits are especially evident in this classic 2021 vintage. This wine also boasts a more generous mouthfeel supported by softly integrated tannins.Inc. TAX€323.92 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The Fontodi 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve opens to a medium-dark inky appearance and solid aromas of black fruit and pressed blackberry. The Flaccianello is a touch more accessible at this early stage compared to the Vigna del Sorbo, but both wines are undoubtedly built to withstand ample cellar aging. Flaccianello is the more powerful or the two, and the Vigna del Sorbo is more delicate in comparison. These dueling character traits are especially evident in this classic 2021 vintage. This wine also boasts a more generous mouthfeel supported by softly integrated tannins.Inc. TAX€682.54 -
Inc. TAX€214.07 -
Vinous (93+)
The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is delicious. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and spices jump from the glass as this bold, fruit-driven Brunello fleshes out, showing off its extroverted personality. Layers of intense fruit continue to build as the wine opens up in the glass. Ideally, readers should give the 2010 a few years in bottle for the tannins to settle down a bit. This is a fine effort from Fossacolle.Inc. TAX€386.39 -
Vinous (92)
Good full red Complex aromas of red cherry, raspberry, minerals and medicinal herbs Bright, dense and juicy, with a multilayered quality to the delicately spicy red fruit flavors Finishes long and tactile with youthfully chewy tannins and repeating hints of herbs Serious Brunello that will repay laying down.Inc. TAX€124.75 -
(6x75cl) 2013Franchetti Sancaba Pinot Nero 2013 exemplifies the pinnacle of fine Italian winemaking artistry, meticulously crafted in the renowned Yarra Valley. Sourced from select Pinot Noir vineyards, the grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure exceptional quality. Franchetti employs traditional vinification techniques, including delicate fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the wine’s elegant fruit character and subtle earthy undertones. The wine undergoes a refined aging process in French oak barrels for 12 months, imparting a harmonious blend of vanilla and spice notes without overshadowing its natural finesse. On the palate, this Pinot Nero reveals a silky texture with vibrant cherry and raspberry flavours, complemented by a nuanced mineral backbone and refined tannins. The 2013 vintage offers a beautifully balanced structure, a lingering finish, and remarkable depth, making it a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking sophistication and grace in every sip. Franchetti Sancaba Pinot Nero 2013 is a testament to the producer’s unwavering commitment to excellence and terroir expression.
Inc. TAX€439.26 -
(6x75cl) 2016Unveiling an unsurpassed complexity, the Frank & Serafico Di Macchia Vermentino Toscana 2016 is a superior offering from the prestigious Italian vineyard, Fattoria di Macchia. Produced as a meticulous blend of tradition and innovation, this Vermentino is crafted from 100% Vermentino grapes, handpicked from sun-drenched terraces of Tuscany. Generously sun-soaked, cool nights emphasize the berries' aromatic components, fostering a rich bouquet blooming with citrus and white peach scents.
Inspired by the rare Tuscan terroir, this Vermentino reveals an elegant mineral-centric backbone. Employing traditional fermenting techniques in stainless steel vats ensures the wine's crisp acidity, while enhancing its inherent complexity. Amid glowing reviews from aficionados and wine publications, this wine is celebrated for its vibrant flavour, exuding finesse from beginning to the protracted finish that teases with an echo of almond.
Through the hands of gifted winemakers Giancarlo Serafico and Paolo Bosoni, Frank & Serafico Di Macchia Vermentino Toscana 2016 truly embodies the exquisite character of Tuscany's white wines.
Inc. TAX€202.48 -
(12x75cl) 1997Vinous (91)
Opaque ruby with dark garnet hues. Intense aromas of incense, nutmeg and cinnamon lead to flavors of blackberry, chocolate, espresso and vanilla. Densely structured, with palate-coating gauzy tannins and a decidedly mineral edge to the finish. Though it lacks the excitement of the best wines of the vintage, this is a fine offering from Frescobaldi Montalcino estate.Inc. TAX€1,617.07 -
Wine Spectator (95)
A tight and chewy wine, with full body and lots of raisin and spice character. Impressive, ripe tannins. Thick and powerful; needs time in the bottle. From one of the most serious producers in Montalcino now. Best after 2007. 21,660 cases made.Inc. TAX€180.25 -
Wine Spectator (95)
A tight and chewy wine, with full body and lots of raisin and spice character. Impressive, ripe tannins. Thick and powerful; needs time in the bottle. From one of the most serious producers in Montalcino now. Best after 2007. 21,660 cases made.Inc. TAX€308.93 -
James Suckling (95)
Frescobaldi’s Brunello always delivers great quality in just about any vintage. Gorgeous nose of ripe berries and slice plums with an almost peach undertone. Full bodied, with a solid core of gorgeously clean and clear dark fruits. Dense and integrated tannins on the finish. So long and fascinating. Best after 2013.Inc. TAX€192.25 -
James Suckling (97)
Aromas of warm stones, dark fruits and walnuts follow to a full body, soft tannins and a savory finish. This shows ripe fruit and salty undertones that give it a wonderful juiciness. It's dense and tight now but will give so much pleasure in the future. Best ever from here. Drink or hold.Inc. TAX€115.15 -
Wine Enthusiast (96)
Review to be published soon.Inc. TAX€409.19 -
(6x75cl) 2014Vinous (91)
Luminous red. Fresh aromas of redcurrant, tea leaf, underbrush, minerals and blood orange. Then juicy and bright with a midweight mouthfeel and flavors similar to the aromas. Finishes vibrant and very pure. A lovely Brunello in the light style that is typical of 2014; well done. I’d drink this up sooner than later, but I love its combination of early drinking pleasure and food-flexibility; in fact, this will make an outstanding restaurant wine by the glass choice.Inc. TAX€418.79 -
Wine Advocate (93)
I tasted this wine next to Frescobaldi's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from their Tenuta Perano, and the differences between that wine and this are enormous. The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino CastelGiocondo takes us to the southern side of Tuscany, and despite the fact the grape used in both wines is the same (Sangiovese), these two wine are as different as day and night. This Brunello gives you more saturated color intensity, more substantial weight and density that you feel on all the senses. Its extraction is much thicker, and the bouquet opens to aromas of plummy dark fruit, black currant, tobacco and spice. That ample width and power make this a good choice next to a grilled T-bone steakInc. TAX€333.59 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)
A great year for Brunello and this is like a breath of fresh air, transporting you to Tuscany. Emphasis on dried herbs, leather, campfire smoke with traces of sweet cherry, butterscotch and coffee bean. Love the soft and gentle waves of flavour that gather power through the palate; tannins are grippy and mouthwatering, and this is pretty irresistible. One of the original producers of Brunello in the 1800s, with vineyards planted between 250-400 metres above sea level, still setting the pace.Inc. TAX€266.39 -
(6x75cl) 2018Vinous (91)
The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is dusty and floral on the nose, with a mix of dried black cherries, shaved cedar and wild flowers forming its inviting bouquet. This is round, almost juicy in feel, with cooling mineral tones and brisk acidity that maintains an unexpectedly energetic character, as tart wild berry fruits slowly saturate. The 2018 finishes with grippy tannins, yet also surprisingly fresh, leaving nuances of red licorice to slowly taper off. This really took me by surprise, as I’m so accustomed to Castelgiocondo being such a brooding and powerful wine in its youth, but that is the magic of the 2018 vintage.Inc. TAX€301.19
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Vinous (97)
The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.In Bond€256.00 -
Vinous (97)
The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.In Bond€514.00 -
Vinous (97)
The 2017 Flaccianello della Pieve is fabulous. Dark, sensual and enveloping, the 2017 captures the essence of the house style in its textural richness and baritone inflections. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate infuse the 2017 with tremendous richness. The 2017 spent 18 months in barrique followed by 6 months in cask, the same aging regime as the Vigna del Sorbo, but with a bit more new oak. That approach worked very well, as the Flaccianello stands out for its exceptional textural elegance and finesse. It is a positively stellar wine.In Bond€443.00 -
Vinous (100)
The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stellar wine from Fontodi. It is the richest Flaccianello ever made (in terms of dry extract), with elevated acidity that trails the 2016 by just a touch, but it does not taste like that at all. Dark cherry, violet, lavender, spice, mocha and graphite build with a bit of time in the glass. Like the Sorbo, the 2018 Flaccianello is not a wine of size, as in most previous years, but rather a wine that exudes vibrancy, energy and class from start to finish. I absolutely loved it.In Bond€207.00 -
Vinous (100)
The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stellar wine from Fontodi. It is the richest Flaccianello ever made (in terms of dry extract), with elevated acidity that trails the 2016 by just a touch, but it does not taste like that at all. Dark cherry, violet, lavender, spice, mocha and graphite build with a bit of time in the glass. Like the Sorbo, the 2018 Flaccianello is not a wine of size, as in most previous years, but rather a wine that exudes vibrancy, energy and class from start to finish. I absolutely loved it.In Bond€758.00 -
Vinous (100)
The 2018 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stellar wine from Fontodi. It is the richest Flaccianello ever made (in terms of dry extract), with elevated acidity that trails the 2016 by just a touch, but it does not taste like that at all. Dark cherry, violet, lavender, spice, mocha and graphite build with a bit of time in the glass. Like the Sorbo, the 2018 Flaccianello is not a wine of size, as in most previous years, but rather a wine that exudes vibrancy, energy and class from start to finish. I absolutely loved it.In Bond€571.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound.In Bond€285.00 -
(1x300cl) 2019Wine Advocate (98)
The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound.In Bond€650.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound.In Bond€140.00 -
(6x150cl) 2019Wine Advocate (98)
The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound.In Bond€1,445.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2019 Flaccianello della Pieve is another stunning wine that sums up the character of the vintage and reflects the sun-drenched beauty of its quintessentially Tuscan surroundings. Giovanni Manetti and his team have two new important wines in the works, but Flaccianello remains an old love and a wine that hits the highest marks for quality consistency vintage after vintage. I tasted this wine next to the 100-point 2016 vintage for friendly comparison, and perhaps the main difference is that the tannins are finer and more accessible in this bottle. It offers rich concentration and layers of dark fruit that wrap thickly over the senses. Tannin management is an active pursuit. Time in barrique has been reduced over the years in favor of a final six-month resting period in larger oak casks. In fact, the barrel room was recently enlarged to give more room to these bigger vessels. The 2019 vintage recalls the balance of 2001 with the freshness of 2013. However, 2019 is more profound.In Bond€537.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Extremely floral with sage and licorice to the berry and dark cherry aromas that follow through to a medium body, with fine and silky tannins that run the length of the wine. Very crunchy for Flaccianello. Vivid on the palate. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2025.In Bond€182.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Extremely floral with sage and licorice to the berry and dark cherry aromas that follow through to a medium body, with fine and silky tannins that run the length of the wine. Very crunchy for Flaccianello. Vivid on the palate. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2025.In Bond€536.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The Fontodi 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve opens to a medium-dark inky appearance and solid aromas of black fruit and pressed blackberry. The Flaccianello is a touch more accessible at this early stage compared to the Vigna del Sorbo, but both wines are undoubtedly built to withstand ample cellar aging. Flaccianello is the more powerful or the two, and the Vigna del Sorbo is more delicate in comparison. These dueling character traits are especially evident in this classic 2021 vintage. This wine also boasts a more generous mouthfeel supported by softly integrated tannins.In Bond€262.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The Fontodi 2021 Flaccianello della Pieve opens to a medium-dark inky appearance and solid aromas of black fruit and pressed blackberry. The Flaccianello is a touch more accessible at this early stage compared to the Vigna del Sorbo, but both wines are undoubtedly built to withstand ample cellar aging. Flaccianello is the more powerful or the two, and the Vigna del Sorbo is more delicate in comparison. These dueling character traits are especially evident in this classic 2021 vintage. This wine also boasts a more generous mouthfeel supported by softly integrated tannins.In Bond€545.00 -
In Bond€156.00 -
Vinous (93+)
The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is delicious. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and spices jump from the glass as this bold, fruit-driven Brunello fleshes out, showing off its extroverted personality. Layers of intense fruit continue to build as the wine opens up in the glass. Ideally, readers should give the 2010 a few years in bottle for the tannins to settle down a bit. This is a fine effort from Fossacolle.In Bond€299.00 -
Vinous (92)
Good full red Complex aromas of red cherry, raspberry, minerals and medicinal herbs Bright, dense and juicy, with a multilayered quality to the delicately spicy red fruit flavors Finishes long and tactile with youthfully chewy tannins and repeating hints of herbs Serious Brunello that will repay laying down.In Bond€100.00 -
(6x75cl) 2013Franchetti Sancaba Pinot Nero 2013 exemplifies the pinnacle of fine Italian winemaking artistry, meticulously crafted in the renowned Yarra Valley. Sourced from select Pinot Noir vineyards, the grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure exceptional quality. Franchetti employs traditional vinification techniques, including delicate fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the wine’s elegant fruit character and subtle earthy undertones. The wine undergoes a refined aging process in French oak barrels for 12 months, imparting a harmonious blend of vanilla and spice notes without overshadowing its natural finesse. On the palate, this Pinot Nero reveals a silky texture with vibrant cherry and raspberry flavours, complemented by a nuanced mineral backbone and refined tannins. The 2013 vintage offers a beautifully balanced structure, a lingering finish, and remarkable depth, making it a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking sophistication and grace in every sip. Franchetti Sancaba Pinot Nero 2013 is a testament to the producer’s unwavering commitment to excellence and terroir expression.
In Bond€343.00 -
(6x75cl) 2016Unveiling an unsurpassed complexity, the Frank & Serafico Di Macchia Vermentino Toscana 2016 is a superior offering from the prestigious Italian vineyard, Fattoria di Macchia. Produced as a meticulous blend of tradition and innovation, this Vermentino is crafted from 100% Vermentino grapes, handpicked from sun-drenched terraces of Tuscany. Generously sun-soaked, cool nights emphasize the berries' aromatic components, fostering a rich bouquet blooming with citrus and white peach scents.
Inspired by the rare Tuscan terroir, this Vermentino reveals an elegant mineral-centric backbone. Employing traditional fermenting techniques in stainless steel vats ensures the wine's crisp acidity, while enhancing its inherent complexity. Amid glowing reviews from aficionados and wine publications, this wine is celebrated for its vibrant flavour, exuding finesse from beginning to the protracted finish that teases with an echo of almond.
Through the hands of gifted winemakers Giancarlo Serafico and Paolo Bosoni, Frank & Serafico Di Macchia Vermentino Toscana 2016 truly embodies the exquisite character of Tuscany's white wines.
In Bond€146.00 -
(12x75cl) 1997Vinous (91)
Opaque ruby with dark garnet hues. Intense aromas of incense, nutmeg and cinnamon lead to flavors of blackberry, chocolate, espresso and vanilla. Densely structured, with palate-coating gauzy tannins and a decidedly mineral edge to the finish. Though it lacks the excitement of the best wines of the vintage, this is a fine offering from Frescobaldi Montalcino estate.In Bond€1,300.00 -
Wine Spectator (95)
A tight and chewy wine, with full body and lots of raisin and spice character. Impressive, ripe tannins. Thick and powerful; needs time in the bottle. From one of the most serious producers in Montalcino now. Best after 2007. 21,660 cases made.In Bond€144.00 -
Wine Spectator (95)
A tight and chewy wine, with full body and lots of raisin and spice character. Impressive, ripe tannins. Thick and powerful; needs time in the bottle. From one of the most serious producers in Montalcino now. Best after 2007. 21,660 cases made.In Bond€245.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Frescobaldi’s Brunello always delivers great quality in just about any vintage. Gorgeous nose of ripe berries and slice plums with an almost peach undertone. Full bodied, with a solid core of gorgeously clean and clear dark fruits. Dense and integrated tannins on the finish. So long and fascinating. Best after 2013.In Bond€154.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Aromas of warm stones, dark fruits and walnuts follow to a full body, soft tannins and a savory finish. This shows ripe fruit and salty undertones that give it a wonderful juiciness. It's dense and tight now but will give so much pleasure in the future. Best ever from here. Drink or hold.In Bond€92.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (96)
Review to be published soon.In Bond€318.00 -
(6x75cl) 2014Vinous (91)
Luminous red. Fresh aromas of redcurrant, tea leaf, underbrush, minerals and blood orange. Then juicy and bright with a midweight mouthfeel and flavors similar to the aromas. Finishes vibrant and very pure. A lovely Brunello in the light style that is typical of 2014; well done. I’d drink this up sooner than later, but I love its combination of early drinking pleasure and food-flexibility; in fact, this will make an outstanding restaurant wine by the glass choice.In Bond€326.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
I tasted this wine next to Frescobaldi's Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from their Tenuta Perano, and the differences between that wine and this are enormous. The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino CastelGiocondo takes us to the southern side of Tuscany, and despite the fact the grape used in both wines is the same (Sangiovese), these two wine are as different as day and night. This Brunello gives you more saturated color intensity, more substantial weight and density that you feel on all the senses. Its extraction is much thicker, and the bouquet opens to aromas of plummy dark fruit, black currant, tobacco and spice. That ample width and power make this a good choice next to a grilled T-bone steakIn Bond€255.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)
A great year for Brunello and this is like a breath of fresh air, transporting you to Tuscany. Emphasis on dried herbs, leather, campfire smoke with traces of sweet cherry, butterscotch and coffee bean. Love the soft and gentle waves of flavour that gather power through the palate; tannins are grippy and mouthwatering, and this is pretty irresistible. One of the original producers of Brunello in the 1800s, with vineyards planted between 250-400 metres above sea level, still setting the pace.In Bond€199.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018Vinous (91)
The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is dusty and floral on the nose, with a mix of dried black cherries, shaved cedar and wild flowers forming its inviting bouquet. This is round, almost juicy in feel, with cooling mineral tones and brisk acidity that maintains an unexpectedly energetic character, as tart wild berry fruits slowly saturate. The 2018 finishes with grippy tannins, yet also surprisingly fresh, leaving nuances of red licorice to slowly taper off. This really took me by surprise, as I’m so accustomed to Castelgiocondo being such a brooding and powerful wine in its youth, but that is the magic of the 2018 vintage.In Bond€228.00

