Vinous (98+)

Fully saturated, impenetrable inky-ruby color. Smells very concentrated but offers pristine herbal and mineral nuances to the ripe red and black fruit aromas and flavors. Much more refined in the mouth than the powerful nose indicates, with lively acidity nicely extending flavors similar to the aromas on the long rich and very dense finish. A marvelous wine that is both rich and concentrated and yet light on its feet. Finishes with an enticing, spicy juicy note. This blend of 60% Petit Verdot and 40% Cesanese d’Affile is an absolutely superb wine; well done. I’m curious to see how this develops over the next few years and if it will one day merit a perfect score or not.

Vinous (91)

The 2018 Contrada Passochianche (PC) opens up slowly, both rich and fresh, offering notes of crushed hazelnuts, smoke, hints of custard and raw honey evolving into ripe yellow apple and sweet nuanced florals. This is silky and pliant, balanced by brisk acids and tart stone fruits, while salty minerals and hints of almond add further savory depths. Its concentration and persistence are admirable, as the Passochianche seems to slowly melt away from the palate, leaving a sense of structure along with hints of candied citrus. This is the first rendition of the PC, a single-vineyard Chardonnay that is fermented in neutral 20-hectoliter barrels and then spends six months refining on the lees.

Vinous (90)

Wet fall leaves, tobacco and crushed black cherries form a pleasantly mature bouquet as the 2015 Passorosso comes to life in the glass. Lifted and graceful in style, it presents a slightly fleeting mix of wild berries and sweet herbs. This leaves a mineral saturation and hints of blood orange, tapering off with medium length. This is a lovely evolution of Passopisciaro's entry-level Rosso.

Pride of Southern Italy, Paternoster, Don Anselmo, Aglianico del Vulture 2016 is a true masterpiece, originated from the esteemed volcanic soils of Basilicata. This hand-harvested, 100% Aglianico wine matured in new French oak barrels for 12 months, reaching a perfect synergy between the varietal and wood. This combination results in a complex aroma that brings forth dark fruits, spice, and cocoa, with a clear emphasis on cherries and plums.

Produced by the renowned Paternoster winery, known for employing century-old winemaking traditions, this full-bodied wine stands as a testament to their expertise. The Don Anselmo 2016 vintage presents an elegant tannic structure, complemented by a balanced acidity, leaving a persistent aftertaste, marking it as a wine of superb quality.

Whether you're a collector or simply a fine wine enthusiast, Paternoster, Don Anselmo, Aglianico del Vulture 2016 is a desirable addition to any cellar, promising an unmatched indulgence for the senses.

Vinous (94)

The 2017 Barbaresco Vanotu is classy and polished from start to finish. All the elements come together so effortlessly. Dark cherry preserves, mulling spices, new leather and licorice are all laced together, but what impresses most about the Vanotu is its polish. The 2017 is a terrific wine, especially within the context of the year.

Experience the charm of refined Italian viniculture with the Perano Chianti Classico 2019. This is a classically structured, meticulously handcrafted vintage wine from the hallowed vineyards of Perano, nestled in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. Made by the esteemed Frescobaldi family– a legacy spanning over 700 years and 30 generations-in their pursuit of perfection, the Perano Chianti Classico 2019 undergoes meticulous ageing in oak barrels to mature its complex, exuberant profile.

Savour the fragrant bouquet of red fruits intermingled with accents of spices and forest floor, building into a harmonious and well-balanced palate with an enduring finish. This full-bodied, elegant wine pairs ideally with hearty Italian dishes, accenting flavours with every sip. Unique soil characteristics and a favourable climate contribute to its distinctive attributes, creating a truly bespoke wine experience. Embrace the quintessence of fine Italian wine with Perano Chianti Classico 2019.

Decanter (95)

From Gaiole, with free-draining soils, the land has formed a natural amphitheatre with southwest-facing slopes at 500m. The 2016 vintage produced intensely aromatic, structured wines. After hand-harvesting, the wine was fermented in stainless steel with regular breaking of the cap, before being transferred to Slavonian oak barrels for 24 months. Aldo Fiordelli: Dense on the palate with silky ripe tannins, cherry fruit and a concentration of darker fruit, along with perfectly integrated structure. A great wine, with great potential. Andrew Jefford: Sweet and elegant aromas: fine leather, fresh red fruits, bay leaf, underbrush, a hint of fungi porcini – everything you hope for, quietly expressed. Intense and vibrant: a super wine. More dominated by its acidity than many, but that acidity is singingly bright and packed with fruit flavour. The tannins are like silk rope: smooth yet ample and gathered. Very beautiful and engaging, long, concentrated and intense. Monty Waldin: Clear, precise ripe red fruit, lovely balance and compactness to this. Drinking Window 2020 - 2028

Vinous (89)

The 2017 Bòggina A (Bògginanfora) is an exotic, beguiling wine. Blood orange, white pepper, dried flowers and chalk lend complexity to a core of bright red Sangiovese fruit. Powerful and resonant in the glass, with terrific grip, the 2017 has plenty of character.

James Suckling (98)

Lots of lemon curd and wax with mustard-flower undertones. Turns to Brazilian lime. Hints of fresh bay leaf, too. Full-bodied, tangy and beautiful. Really long and delicious. Peanuts and white sesame seeds. Superb. Unique and very Tuscan. From organically grown grapes.

James Suckling (98)

This is fresh and perfumed with notes of beeswax, spicy herbs and orange blossom. Nuts. Honey blossom. Beautiful fruit with savory undertones and wet stone minerality. Full-bodied, so persistent and complex with depth to the fruit and stunning acidity. The finish is long and linear, changing from mineral to a steely character at the very end. Beautiful as always. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (98)

This is fresh and perfumed with notes of beeswax, spicy herbs and orange blossom. Nuts. Honey blossom. Beautiful fruit with savory undertones and wet stone minerality. Full-bodied, so persistent and complex with depth to the fruit and stunning acidity. The finish is long and linear, changing from mineral to a steely character at the very end. Beautiful as always. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Vinous (96)

The 2018 Bòggina C (Bòggina Classico) is another superb wine from Petrolo. Here, Sangiovese is aged in oak, which gives the wine more mid-palate depth and broader shoulders, which, frankly, the wine seems to benefit from. Dark cherry, licorice, leather, spice and menthol build as the 2018 shows everything its got. Impressive.

James Suckling (95)

This is so perfumed and beautiful, with brightness and aromatic complexity. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and a long, persistent finish. Tangy and vivid. Orange-peel undertones. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (96)

Extremely perfumed aromas of blackcurrants and fresh lavender follow through to a full body with a very tight palate of dark fruit and finely textured yet chewy tannins. It’s rather subdued, but shows character and intensity. Give this at least four or five years to open. Try after 2025 and onwards.