Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Pouring a bright red hue, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva is expressive and pure, with layered notes of cherry cordial, blood orange, cranberries, and a touch of white smoke. The palate is full-bodied yet weightless, with coiled, ripe tannins, bright acidity, and mouthwatering salinity that amplifies everything without feeling heavy. It’s exceptionally young and tense today, with a long, resonant finish, and it should be a brilliant wine to cellar for decades. Drink 2027-2057.

Decanter (93)

Recent years have seen Gianni Brunelli’s fame and reputation rise. After his passing in 2008, his wife, Laura continued to manage the estate and today it is one of the most sought after producers of Brunello, whose wines are tightly allocated. To experience her meticulous, fastidious style, pick up this Rosso which is complete and harmonious, with fresh fruit, attractive notes of liquorice and tea leaf, and excellent balance. All in all, a lovely expression of Montalcino Sangiovese that has been given a year’s ageing in cask. A little less open than some, this could benefit from another year in bottle before starting to drink.

Toscana Amor Costante is a fabulous union between Sangiovese and Merlot sourced exclusively from Podernovone. Emphasising the essence of the terroir composed of galestro, crushed limestone and schist, this wine, only released in exceptional vintages, has a microscopic production of just 990 bottles. Yet to be rated by any critics, this “beautiful super Tuscan blend” was called “a real stunner for the money” by Greg Sherwood MW in the previous release.

The Gianni Gagliardo Barolo Castelletto 2018 is meticulously crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, hailing from the illustrious vineyards of Castelletto in the heart of Monforte d’Alba, Italy. This Barolo showcases the deft winemaking prowess of the Gagliardo estate, boasting four decades of piemontese winemaking tradition.

This expressive wine tantalises with a complex nose of red fruits, smoke, and forest floor whilst delivering a delightful, seamlessly balanced palate. Aged for 24 months in large oak barrels and then transferred into the bottle, it revels in its rich, tannic structure without compromising on finesse.

As an exemplary choice for confident cellaring, the Gianni Gagliardo Barolo Castelletto 2018 displays the distinctive profundity of the Nebbiolo variety, coupled with the unique terroir of Barolo. This esteemed vintage encapsulates the symbol of Italian heritage and the essence of the Gagliardo family's passion for this inspiring craft.

The Gianni Gagliardo Barolo Castelletto 2019 exemplifies the superior craft of Italian winemaking. Produced in the luscious vineyards of Barolo, home to the elite Nebbiolo grape, this Barolo is a testament to meticulous viniculture. Famed producer Gianni Gagliardo displays masterful attention to detail, subjecting the grapes to a prolonged maceration process which imparts classically full-bodied, robust character. Aged in French oak barrels, it develops a sophisticated earthy intensity, interwoven with an inviting underlay of red fruits and balsamic nuances.

The 2019 vintage receives accolades for its remarkable balance, demonstrating the Gagliardo family's commitment to the varietal's authenticity. The sophisticated palette and intoxicating aroma of the Gianni Gagliardo Barolo Castelletto 2019 reflect an unmatched winemaking heritage. Imbibe in this exquisite wine and relish the intricate dance between power and elegance, reminiscent of Barolo's verdant landscapes and Gianni Gagliardo's renowned expertise.

James Suckling (95)

A rich and velvety wine now with mushroom, ripe fruit and Christmas cake aromas and flavors. Full and opulent. Shows the richness and beauty of this delicious vintage. Perfect to drink now.

James Suckling (92)

There's definitely a dried flower and spices on the nose here, with hints of ripe fruit. Full body, with balsamic character with fine tannins and a savory finish. Turns almost meaty. Best in 2015.

Tailored to true connoisseurs, the Gigi Rosso Barolo Arione 1991 is renowned for its exceptional refinement and quality. From the esteemed vineyards of the 'Arione' area of Serralunga d'Alba, the heartland of the premium Italian Barolo wines, the Gigi Rosso winery has crafted this remarkable vintage. Harvested exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, it delivers rich and full-bodied palate complexity, paired delightfully with soft tannins and a lingering finish.

Regarded highly by its firm commitment to traditional winemaking processes, Gigi Rosso ensures that each bottle reflects the true essence of its terroir. The Barolo Arione 1991 embraces a slow and careful fermentation; ageing takes place within Slavonian oak barrels lending distinct character to the rich garnet liquid. Celebrated as an outstanding expression of the 1991 vintage, Gigi Rosso Barolo Arione 1991 is for the discerning sipper who values fine wine with history and finesse.

James Suckling (100)

This is a splendid Brunello, showing extraordinary purity of sangiovese character. Cherry and floral aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with incredibly integrated tannins that seem like they are not there. But they are and are comprehensive on the palate. Great depth and agility. Just floats on the palate. Magic carpet. Drinkable, to enjoy the magic, but needs three or four years to come around.

James Suckling (100)

This is a splendid Brunello, showing extraordinary purity of sangiovese character. Cherry and floral aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with incredibly integrated tannins that seem like they are not there. But they are and are comprehensive on the palate. Great depth and agility. Just floats on the palate. Magic carpet. Drinkable, to enjoy the magic, but needs three or four years to come around.

James Suckling (100)

Seamless is a great way to describe this red wine with intense aromas of plums, cherries, walnut and sandalwood. Some lightly toasted oak, roses and lavender as well. Really aromatic. The palate is full and extremely polished with super fine tannins that go on for minutes and spread across your palate. A great wine, following the perfect, 100-point 2015. Better to start drinking this after 2023.

James Suckling (100)

Seamless is a great way to describe this red wine with intense aromas of plums, cherries, walnut and sandalwood. Some lightly toasted oak, roses and lavender as well. Really aromatic. The palate is full and extremely polished with super fine tannins that go on for minutes and spread across your palate. A great wine, following the perfect, 100-point 2015. Better to start drinking this after 2023.

James Suckling (100)

Seamless is a great way to describe this red wine with intense aromas of plums, cherries, walnut and sandalwood. Some lightly toasted oak, roses and lavender as well. Really aromatic. The palate is full and extremely polished with super fine tannins that go on for minutes and spread across your palate. A great wine, following the perfect, 100-point 2015. Better to start drinking this after 2023.

James Suckling (96)

A full-bodied Brunello with lots of plums and cherries, as well as orange-peel character. It’s creamy and round-textured. Soft and chewy tannins. Shows the warmth and ripeness of the 2017 vintage. Drink after 2023.

Wine Advocate (97)

This wine was tasted in a preview capacity as it won't hit the market until the beginning of next year. Tasted at the Giodo winery in one of the most remote and beautiful spots in the appellation surrounded by forests and wide open panoramas, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino gives us a promising taste of what we can expect from this warm vintage. The wine delivers ripe, but delicate aromas of cassis and dark cherry with shades of lilac, violet and crushed limestone. The tannins are present and well managed. Carlo Ferrini's Brunello promises a long aging trajectory.

Wine Advocate (97)

This wine was tasted in a preview capacity as it won't hit the market until the beginning of next year. Tasted at the Giodo winery in one of the most remote and beautiful spots in the appellation surrounded by forests and wide open panoramas, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino gives us a promising taste of what we can expect from this warm vintage. The wine delivers ripe, but delicate aromas of cassis and dark cherry with shades of lilac, violet and crushed limestone. The tannins are present and well managed. Carlo Ferrini's Brunello promises a long aging trajectory.

Wine Advocate (97)

This wine was tasted in a preview capacity as it won't hit the market until the beginning of next year. Tasted at the Giodo winery in one of the most remote and beautiful spots in the appellation surrounded by forests and wide open panoramas, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino gives us a promising taste of what we can expect from this warm vintage. The wine delivers ripe, but delicate aromas of cassis and dark cherry with shades of lilac, violet and crushed limestone. The tannins are present and well managed. Carlo Ferrini's Brunello promises a long aging trajectory.

James Suckling (99)

Aromas of cedar, earth, tree bark, fruit tea, black tea and cherries. Then it turns to fresh and dried flowers. Medium to full body as it grows on the palate with superb fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It’s structured and powerful with great length. The acid, tannin balance is incredible. Very clear and transparent. What a wine. Drinkable but better in three or four years.