James Suckling (97)

A very polished red with cloves and caramel, on top of black cherries, mushrooms and forest floor. Black olives, too. It's full-bodied with polished tannins and lovely depth all the way through. Lightly chewy. Juicy black-cherries and savory black-olive character. Complex. Drink after 2025.

James Suckling (94)

Very attractive floral and fresh aromas to the plums and cherries, following through to the palate. Flavorful and gorgeous, yet lively and focused. Lovely 2017. Drink now or hold.

Kerin O'Keefe (97)

Camphor, forest berry, dark spice and new leather aromas form the enticing nose. Elegantly structured and radiant, the linear, vibrant palate delivers ripe red cherry, pomegranate, ground clove and peppercorn set against a backbone of bright acidity and taut, fine-grained tannins. What a beauty.

Kerin O'Keefe (97)

Aromas of ripe dark-skinned berry, blue flower, camphor and pipe tobacco form the enticing nose on the gorgeous 2019 Brunello from Argiano. Delicious and elegantly structured, the palate also has captivating, youthful tension that lifts mature black cherry, raspberry compote, blood orange, licorice and dried herb. A backbone of firm, refined tannins provide support while bright acidity keeps it perfectly balanced.

Vinous (89)

The 2015 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Riserva lifts up with a vibrant and spicy display, showing bright cherry and strawberry with mentholated herbal tones, crushed stone and a hint of white pepper. It takes a more savory turn on the palate, as silky textures usher in tart red and black berries, laced with salty minerals. Nervous acids add further tension, while grippy tannins slowly saturate, leading to an intensely structured finish. The 2015 Riserva will need a good amount of time to soften, and I don’t believe its fruit component will be able to keep up.

Vinous (95)

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva captivates with a rich, intoxicating bouquet that mixes deep black cherry-berry with plum sauce, balsam herbs, chalk dust and hints of camphor. It fleshes out across the palate, a staining of primary fruits and spices seeming to coat all that it touches in youthful concentration. Zesty acidity creates a refreshing balance in spite of the grippy tannins that settle in toward the close. The result is a wine of poise, structure, but also remarkable length and energy, as tart currants and salty minerals mingle – and, somehow, leave the mouth watering for more. Bravo! Argiano totally knocked it out of the park with their 2016 Riserva, which is a vineyard selection of fruit, refined for two years in 1,500-liter Garbellotto casks.

James Suckling (97)

A reincarnation of Argiano’s IGT Suolo as a single-vineyard Brunello, without the heavy new-wood use, this is a sleek and exquisite wine. Lifted orange peel defines the nose, which also offers wild strawberries, nutmeg, lightly roasted coffee, glazed cherries and dried herbs. Finely tuned and only medium-to full-bodied on the palate, the tannins taking on a graceful, medium-chewy persona. Suave and delicate, yet long and powerful on the finish. Drink from 2024.

Vinous (97)

Dusty black cherry gives way to a mix of cocoa, tobacco, candied ginger and smoke as the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Suolo blossoms in the glass. Its sheer density is something to behold, delivered in velvety waves of opulent red fruits, with hints of tangerine that motivate, setting the entire experience and keeping it fresh and deeply seductive. Fine tannins and minerals mingle through the incredibly long, dramatic finale as the mouth waters for more. Licorice, cacao, plum; it just goes on and on. The 2016 is a rock star.

Kerin O'Keefe (97)

Pressed rose, aromatic herb, wild berry and Mediterranean brush aromas take center stage on this breathtaking red. Elegantly structured, the savory palate features tart cherry, star anise and a hint of coffee bean accompanied by tightly woven fine grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it perfectly balanced.

Vinous (90)

The zesty 2019 Non Confunditur wafts up with a darkly alluring yet also wonderfully fresh bouquet, as blackberries and currants give way to rubbed sage and crushed ashen stone. This is silky-smooth and soothing, casting a polished display of black and red berries across the palate, as mineral-driven tension forms toward the close. Sweet tannins create a sensation of youthful poise, yet they don't get in the way of the primary fruits that saturate throughout the long finish. Non Confunditur is refined in second and third-pass barriques and tonneaux, and it is composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon along with 20% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese.

James Suckling (97)

Fantastic aromas of flowers such as violets and roses with dark purple fruits and hints of stones, too. Full body with ultra-fine tannins and a long and linear finish. This is a return to the great Solengos of the mid-1990s. The best since 1997. Cabernet sauvignon 50%, petit verdot 30%, merlot 15% and sangiovese 5%. Drinkable now but better in 2020.

James Suckling (94-95)

A focused and tight red with a currant, blackberry and mineral character. Medium to full body with tight and pretty tannins. Shows class in this vintage.

Vinous (96)

The 2019 Solengo seduces with its richly decadent display of vanilla and mocha-tinged dark fruits and spices, which are wonderfully lifted by minty herbal tones and white smoke. This enters the palate like weighted velvet, smooth and fleshy at first, yet lively, as mineral-tinged black currants mix with fine-grained tannins, clamping down with youthful poise. Like the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, this tapers off incredibly long and staining, with echoes of licorice beneath an air of cedar and tobacco; yet somehow, through it all, the palate is left watering for more. It will be many years before the 2019 is ready to show its best, but it will certainly be worth the wait. The Solengo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese that spends eighteen months refining in a combination of 60% new to 40% second-pass barriques.

Vinous (96)

The 2019 Solengo seduces with its richly decadent display of vanilla and mocha-tinged dark fruits and spices, which are wonderfully lifted by minty herbal tones and white smoke. This enters the palate like weighted velvet, smooth and fleshy at first, yet lively, as mineral-tinged black currants mix with fine-grained tannins, clamping down with youthful poise. Like the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, this tapers off incredibly long and staining, with echoes of licorice beneath an air of cedar and tobacco; yet somehow, through it all, the palate is left watering for more. It will be many years before the 2019 is ready to show its best, but it will certainly be worth the wait. The Solengo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese that spends eighteen months refining in a combination of 60% new to 40% second-pass barriques.

James Suckling (96)

Profound nose here with chili chocolate and sandalwood beneath the sweet blackberry background. A hint of violets, too. An opulent and densely packed palate with full body and concentrated blackberries. Very tight tannins rendered in a fine-grained and almost seamless way, with a lingering finish. Drinkable now if decanted, but better after 2025.

Hailing from Sardinia's foremost producers, the Argiolas Cannonau di Sardegna Costera 2019 eloquently encapsulates the heart of Mediterranean winemaking. With over a century of viticultural prowess, Argiolas expertly utilises indigenous Cannonau grapes to produce this sumptuous ruby-red expression. Ageing for 8-10 months in French oak barrels imparts depth and complexity, while gentle sea breezes and abundant sunshine underscore its inherent vitality.

On the nose, expect a robust bouquet of ripe, black cherries, wild berries, and subtle nuances of Mediterranean herbs. This is followed by the rich palate brimming with intense fruit flavours perfectly counterbalanced by notable tannins and harmonious acidity. The climax is an enduring, vanilla-tinged finish.

The Argiolas Cannonau di Sardegna Costera 2019 reflects an unerring commitment to quality, audaciously embodying the indomitable spirit and robust flavours of its native terroir, which makes it a sterling choice for every discerning connoisseur.

Emanating from the verdant landscapes of Sardinia, the Argiolas Isola Nuraghi Korem 2018 is a remarkable Italian red wine offering an unparalleled oenological experience. This sublime blend of Bovale, Carignano, and Cannonau grapes, meticulously crafted by the renowned Argiolas family, undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks before maturing gracefully in French oak barrels.

Boasting an engagingly deep ruby hue, Korem delivers an intense and complex palette. Scents of wild berries and sour cherries infuse the air, underlain with a rich nuance of balsamic hints and sweet spices. On the palate, it enraptures with considerable harmony and elegance, a softness that belies the firm structure and well-balanced acidity. Trailing off, the Korem leaves a persistent, spicy hint that beckons a second taste.

Savour the Argiolas Isola Nuraghi Korem 2018 at leisure, perfectly matched with flavoursome dishes, or treasured in a discerning collector's cellar.

Wine Advocate - Robert Parker (97)

The 2000 Montefalco 25 Anni simply multiplies all the elements exponentially with room-filling aromas of sweet berry fruit and perfectly integrated oak and a mouth-coating cascade of ripe fruit, powerful, dense, and sensual tannins in a swelling flow of unrelieved pleasure. I would be very surprised if this wine did not last another two decades.

Vinous (94)

The 2004 Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni is even more remarkable. A dark, brooding beauty, this pure Sagrantino flows from the glass with awesome richness. The wine's fruit is still primary and vibrant, while the textural sensations on the palate are totally seductive. The firm Sagrantino tannins are there, but the wine has so much fruit they are barely perceptible. First made to celebrate the property's 25th anniversary, the 25 Anni is a selection of the best fruit and sees 24 months in small French oak barrels. It represents the very finest in contemporary winemaking.

Vinous (95)

The truly captivating 2016 Montefalco Sagrantino 25 Anni pulls you close to the glass with a beguiling bouquet that mixes citrus-tinged black fruits with exotic spices, hints of oregano, menthol and a dusting of cocoa. While there’s admirable weight and depth here, the textures are more like pure silk, delicately draped across the palate, yet leaving behind a saturating blend of intense dark fruits, minerals and fine-grained tannin. There’s so much depth and concentration to work through that, even as the 2016 finishes youthfully structured and dry, it continues to resonate for well over a minute with notes of currant, sage and dark chocolate. Bury this beautiful beast for at least 3–5 years in your cellar, and then enjoy it over the next decade or more. This is a fantastic rendition of Arnaldo Caprai’s 25 Anni.

Vinous (94)

An exotic and smoky mix of dusty dried flowers, allspice, sage and dried black cherries emerges from the hauntingly dark 2018 Montefalco Sagrantino 25 Anni. This is densely textural and weighty in feel, yet the balance is on point, as brisk acids maintain momentum, and a saturation of ripe red and black fruits permeate the palate. Balsam, mint, tobacco, dark chocolate and licorice can all be found through the long and utterly dramatic finale, as the 25 Anni finishes structured, yet more approachable than I’ve come to expect. Arnaldo Caprai did a great job in creating a highly successful wine in 2018; however, don’t expect it to take the usual ten years (or more) that this bottling usually does to come around.

The Attems Collio Trebes Ribolla Gialla 2020 is a remarkable expression of tradition and excellence from Italy's Collio region, crafted by the esteemed Attems winery. An homage to its ancestral heritage, Ribolla Gialla is a native varietal meticulously nurtured to convey the vineyard's unique terroir. It is suitably fermented both in stainless-steel vats at controlled temperature and wooden casks to enhance complexity whilst maintaining vibrant freshness.

This select cuvée offers floral nuances of acacia, jacaranda and cherry blossom, intermingled with crisp citrus notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied, finely structured with a refreshingly persistent finish. The winemaker recommends decanting before service to reveal its multi-dimensional character.

Standing proudly on the frontier of Italian viticulture, the Attems winery embodies a profound respect for the environment. Their viticulture practices exemplify sustainability, being certified by both the VIVA programme and ‘Carbon Neutral’ initiative, thus making the Attems Collio Trebes Ribolla Gialla 2020 not just a delightful imbibing experience, but an eco-conscious choice.

Behold the Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata 2016, a stately embodiment of exquisiteness. A product of the esteemed Aurelio Settimo vineyard, nestled in La Morra, the heart of Barolo region in Piedmont, Italy, this remarkable red wine speaks to the delicate craftsmanship that defines this cherished Italian winemaking tradition. The wine stands testament to meticulous, traditional winemaking methods, bay for twenty-four long months in large Slavonian oak barrels that infuse the wine with distinctive depth and flavour.

Immerse in the captivating aromas of roses and ripe red fruits, wrapped in a hint of spicy notes. Masterfully crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, it delivers a full-bodied, harmoniously balanced sip that seduces with an elegant finish. Worthy of ageing, the Aurelio Settimo Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata 2016 can be cellared to reveal mellowed tannins, and a rich complexity of layered flavours, making this robust vino an epitome of vinicultural excellence.

Vinous (90)

Blackish ruby color. Expansive, penetrating aromas of plum, mocha, vanilla and tar. Round and elegant, but with substantial concentration and extract. Velvety and long. Shows the alcoholic warmth and very ripe fruit of the 1997 vintage. Shapely, classy wine.