Italy
Italy
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Tuscany | 6 | 94 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€647.58 |
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Wine Advocate (94)The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is delicate and fine with aromas of wild cherry, licorice, grilled herb and pressed violet. It brings on more power to the palate with medium-rich concentration, pretty freshness and silky tannins. The fine tannic management stands out here, as does its contained alcohol. In a vintage that sees very high alcohol levels across the board, Le Ragnaie should be congratulated on maintaining a more moderate 13.5% alcohol content. Winemaking sees cement and large oak casks. Some 29,000 bottles were made. |
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Tuscany | 4 | 97 (KO) |
Inc. TAX
€1,372.21 |
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Kerin O'Keefe (97)This gorgeous wine starts out with enticing aromas of ripe berry, forest floor, rose hip and wild herb alongside a balsamic note recalling new leather. Racy linear and savory, the extremely elegant, focused palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, crushed raspberry baking spice and licorice. Taut, refined tannins and bright acidity keep it balanced and youthfully tense. Beautiful wine. It closes on an almond note. Drink 2026–2038. 13.5% abv. |
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Tuscany | 4 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€1,002.78 |
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Vinous (95)The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Fornace is laced remarkably pretty display of zesty bright cherry, offset by savory herbs and spice, as dusty minerals and dried florals add further depths. On the palate, silky textures give way to ripe cherry and spice, as saline-minerals and juicy acids add tension, while a hint of fine tannins slowly saturate, yet the 2015 never loses its vibrant persona. The finish is long, resonating with n dried cherry and cranberry over a coating of mineral-laced tannins. This is such a precise Brunello. I’m a huge fan. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 98 (JD) |
Inc. TAX
€795.18 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (98)Fornace is located in Castelnuovo dell'Abate in the southeast at lower elevations than the rest of the single vineyards of the Le Ragnaie estate. The 2016 Fornace Brunello is perfumed with perfectly ripe cherry, dried roses, sweet herbs, and licorice. The aromatics move seamlessly to the palate and unfold with kirsch, blood orange, and stony earth. Upfront, there is juicy ripe cherry fruit, blood orange, and salty earth. Ordinarily I would gravitate toward the more tension-driven wines, but this was what I felt to be the most pleasurable and joyful wine on this tasting, so much so that I would keep going back to wanting more. There is a seamless integration through the whole experience, and I do feel there will be longevity despite its immediate gratification. Enjoy over the next 15-20 years. 2021-2041. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 96+ (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€689.27 |
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Wine Advocate (96+)The Le Ragnaie 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Passo del Lume Spento (with 3,020 bottles made) sees its fruit sourced from one of the highest places in the appellation, or the "pass of the extinguished lantern," as the wine's name translates into English. It is part of a broader trend that Montalcino vintners seem to be looking for cooler, high-altitude growing sites for Sangiovese. This wine demonstrates without a doubt that elevation is key in obtaining elegance in the warm years. This Brunello is particularly bright, punchy and energetic. It is one of the stars of this report. |
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Tuscany | 3 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,079.27 |
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Wine Advocate (95)Wild cherries, dried blueberries and dark currants open the bouquet of Le Ragnaie's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Ragnaie V. V. The cherry signature is forefront, and it emerges with medicinal and balsamic notes towed in close. Fruit comes from the estate's oldest vines (aged 50 years old) planted in the highest part of the appellation (at 600 meters above sea level). The bouquet is seamless, putting forth a chain of similar fruit and spice-related aromas that fall neatly in line. This effect is further reinforced as the wine evolves steadily in the glass. Of the various Brunello Selezioni presented by Le Ragnaie, this wine is the most classic in approach with a slightly more closed and austere personality that will serve it well as it continues its bottle evolution. The wine was bottled in April 2019 and will hit the market in February 2020. Only 3,500 bottles were made. |
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Tuscany | 2 | 98 (KO) |
Inc. TAX
€1,234.21 |
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Kerin O'Keefe (98)Made from old vines planted at some of the highest altitudes in the denomination, this stunner opens with forest floor, new leather and camphor aromas that mix with dog rose, ripe berry and pipe tobacco. Boasting a seamless combination of elegance and concentration from the old vines, the delicious palate doles out succulent black cherry, licorice, peppercorn and dried herb framed in velvety tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and youthfully tense. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 95 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€331.98 |
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James Suckling (95)Currants, sweet tobacco, walnut husk and flowers on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied, it grows on the palate, with firm yet polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Very solid and well-crafted second wine from Ornellaia. Drink after 2023. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€685.98 |
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James Suckling (99)Sophisticated aromas of lead pencil, graphite and blackcurrant. Hints of black olives and herbs, too. Full-bodied, yet tight and deep, with super precision and intensity to the tannins. Incredible balance of structure and finesse to this. Give it time in the cellar. Better after 2027. |
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Tuscany | 11 | 94 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€605.58 |
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James Suckling (94)Lots of blue fruit, graphite and stone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with tight and linear tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. Punchy, yet fine, suggesting two to four years of bottle will soften the wine. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 100 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€751.45 |
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Wine Advocate (100)I absolutely adore this wine on every emotional and intellectual level. I can still taste it today, weeks after my first sampling. The Luciano Sandrone 2016 Barolo Le Vigne is a stirring and profound expression that pulls on your heartstrings. I found it to be unforgettable, quite literally, inspiring one of those celebrated "wow" moments that we wine lovers so desperately seek in bottle after bottle. Le Vigne is a clever blend of fruit from Baudana in Serralunga d'Alba (offering the power), Villero in Castiglione Falletto (shaping the precision), Vignane in Barolo (adding to the purity of the aromas) and Merli in Novello (that helps to flesh out the fruit). This intersection of various vineyards spanning the appellation creates a pyramid of perfection and beauty. The wine shows large construction, but that fruit weight is balanced against the vivid cherry, spice, aniseed and campfire ash that gently lift from the bouquet. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 100 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€1,484.93 |
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Wine Advocate (100)I absolutely adore this wine on every emotional and intellectual level. I can still taste it today, weeks after my first sampling. The Luciano Sandrone 2016 Barolo Le Vigne is a stirring and profound expression that pulls on your heartstrings. I found it to be unforgettable, quite literally, inspiring one of those celebrated "wow" moments that we wine lovers so desperately seek in bottle after bottle. Le Vigne is a clever blend of fruit from Baudana in Serralunga d'Alba (offering the power), Villero in Castiglione Falletto (shaping the precision), Vignane in Barolo (adding to the purity of the aromas) and Merli in Novello (that helps to flesh out the fruit). This intersection of various vineyards spanning the appellation creates a pyramid of perfection and beauty. The wine shows large construction, but that fruit weight is balanced against the vivid cherry, spice, aniseed and campfire ash that gently lift from the bouquet. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€3,067.88 |
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James Suckling (99)Opulent and complex, with dark fruits such as plums and blackberries. Milk chocolate. Dried herbs too. Black olives. Stunning nose. Full bodied, with firm and chewy tannins, but a very creamy texture, and lots of milk chocolate, berry and mineral character. It goes on for minutes. Clear and powerful. Savory and salty. One of the best Massetos ever. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 99 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€2,647.43 |
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James Suckling (99)Fantastic aromas of lavender, rosemary, violets and currants. Full body, a wonderful concentration of fruit yet tense and taunt energy. The new wood is exposed now but will become integrated and polished. Give it three or four years together. The pure merlot magic is there. The 2011 was a perfect wine, and this is very close indeed. Drink in 2019. |
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Tuscany | 2 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€2,647.88 |
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James Suckling (98)The clarity of the ripe blackcurrants, black cherries and flowers in the nose is entrancing. Lavender, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, silky tannins that run long and straight through the wine, providing brightness and focus. Goes on for minutes. Strength with finesse Drink after 2024, but already wonderful to taste. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 17 (JR) |
Inc. TAX
€432.78 |
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Jancis Robinson (17)Serralunga d'Alba. Youthful mid ruby. Beguiling nose of concentrated cherry, dark spice and minerally, stony notes. Shows real generosity on the nose. Palate equally generous, with concentrated, juicy sour-cherry fruit lined with long, powdery tannins. Hedonistic, for sure, and so confident! Ready now but will improve. Simply delicious and definitely one of the vintage's best buys. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€576.61 |
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Vinous (95)The 2017 Barolo Margheria is a compelling, multi-faceted Barolo loaded with personality. Sage, mint, lavender, spice, iron and red/purplish berry fruit grace this firm, classically built Barolo. This translucent, taut Barolo has so much to offer, but it also needs time to soften. Readers will find a terrific example of Margheria. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 17+ (JR) |
Inc. TAX
€586.21 |
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Jancis Robinson (17+)Serralunga d'Alba. Youthful mid ruby. Savoury and minerally cherry fruit on the nose. Compact, sour-cherry palate that is elegant and lively, but still embryonic and with a rich layer of finely woven tannins. Cranberry and sour cherry of great length on the finish. The palate really lulls you into thinking you could approach it now. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€659.41 |
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Vinous (95)The 2017 Barolo Parussi is a classic Castiglione Falletto Barolo. Sweet floral notes and bright, red berry fruit open first as the 2017 shows off its considerable charms. Medium in body and silky (for the year), with exceptional balance, the 2017 Parussi is stellar. This is an unbelievably classy Barolo. |
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Tuscany | 4 | 97 (JA) |
Inc. TAX
€274.38 |
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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)This is savoury, dry in the best possible way, with a ton of red fruits, dried roses and herbs, and waves of fragrance. It’s a successful blend where the Sangiovese is dominant, conferring the wine with its warm personality but the Cabernet Sauvignon adds a touch of austerity to the tannins and a sense of quiet confidence. Turmeric and olive tapenade as it opens, alongside raspberry, red cherry and smoky oak, the whole thing both extremely delicate and intensely fragrant. Can drink now with a short carafe - there are tannins here but they are well defined and finely layered - but it will also age. Small amounts of the 2018 were released last winter, but this September sees the first proper release through the Place de Bordeaux. Ageing 18 months in small French oak barrels, 70% new, plus four months in concrete tanks afterwards. One to look out for - great stuff from the Mazzei family, that has been making wine in Tuscany since the 15th century. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 99 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€490.38 |
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Vinous (99)The 2019 Siepi continues a trend towards greater finesse and nuance in this wine. Crème de cassis, lavender, spice, licorice and plum meld together effortlessly in the glass. Dense and layered, with striking detail, the 2019 is so impressive. The flavors are bright, bold and punchy. An exceptionally beautiful and riveting wine, the 2019 is rich and concentrated, but not at all heavy. What a total knock-out. |
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Campania | 1 | 97 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€403.98 |
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James Suckling (97)A red with plum and cherry character with hints of bark, mushroom and clove. It’s full-bodied with layers of fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Needs time to soften, but structured and beautiful. Such finesse with strength. Really impressive. Try after 2022. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 93 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€227.62 |
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Vinous (93)The 2019 Bramaterra Salero presents an intensely floral, almost exotic side of Bramaterra. Sage, mint, lavender, rose petal, sweet dark cherry, licorice and spice are all beautifully lifted throughout. Light on its feet, but with plenty of punch, the 2019 hits all the right notes. The 2019 Solero is another gorgeous and super-expressive wine from Noah. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 95 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€310.50 |
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Vinous (95)The 2018 Lessona is a wild, distinctive wine that captures all the exotic beauty of Nebbiolo in this appellation. Sweet dark cherry, orange peel, cinnamon, blood orange, sage and rose petal build effortlessly as this deep, layered Lessona shows off its quality and pedigree. The purity of the flavors is just remarkable. Readers lucky enough to find the 2018 will enjoy several decades of exceptional drinking. Superb. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 93 (JA) |
Inc. TAX
€240.78 |
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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (93)Grabs you from the first moment your nose hovers over the glass. Smudged charcoal runs into raspberry, underbrush and mandarin orange peel that speaks of Tuscan sun. Excellent quality, good persistency in the glass as it stretches out through the palate. Everything feels in balance, and this provides another indicator that 2020 is a great vintage in this corner of Italy - Le Volte is (almost) 100% Merlot but has freshness and nuance. Director Axel Heinz, oenologist Olga Fusari. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 97 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€950.02 |
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Vinous (97)Luminous deep red. Aromas of herbs (thyme, rosemary, bay leaf), sweet spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) and ripe red cherry. Very saline, juicy acidity lifts and extends the blue and red berry flavors on the long delicately herbal and spicy finish. Very ready to drink, but will age well. This will go on sale at the end of this year. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 98 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€925.98 |
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Vinous (98)Crushed stone, wild herbs and tart black cherries lift up from the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante, but that’s only the beginning. With time, this blossoms further, gaining a sweeter fruit profile and autumnal spices with hints of shaved cedar. Its textures are remarkably refined and silky in feel, with an intense concentration of tart red fruits, yet energy is maintained through brilliant acidity, as grippy tannins build steadily toward the close. The Vigneti del Versante tapers off with amazing length, youthful poise and a balanced structure, promising many, many years of positive evolution. This is really something to behold. I tasted the 2016 from a freshly opened bottle and from one that had been opened for two days prior that showed no signs of decline; in fact, it blossomed further. Simply stunning. |
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Veneto | 2 | 94 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€338.10 |
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Wine Advocate (94)Celebrating its 50th anniversary (1971-2021), the organic Pieropan 2021 Soave Classico Calvarino has a soft and richly textured side that is contrasted against the bright citrusy and mineral flavors that the Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave grapes are known for. This blend sees 70% of the first grape and 30% of the second, and the wine is aged in cement for up to 15 months. That's the special quality offered by Calvarino, a wine that is modern yet also rooted in local tradition. You get a lot of food-pairing potential out of this bottle, whether it be sushi or roasted chicken. Production is 70,000 bottles. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 98 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€953.58 |
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James Suckling (98)Extremely perfumed with dark berries, cherries, strawberries and crushed stones. Full-bodied with chewy, polished tannins that are muscular. Fantastic structure to this young Barolo, as well as great length. It grows on the palate with ease. Truly impressive. Incredible. Try after 2025. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 95+ (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€339.18 |
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Wine Advocate (95+)The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino offers a pure and classic expression of the vintage with bright fruit tones, wild cherry, toasted nut, blue flower and forest floor. Whereas the other wines in the Poggio Antico portfolio undergo aging in smaller tonneaux, this wine is aged in large Slavonian casks instead. You taste the lift and brightness of the fruit, and it's all quite lovely. Grapes are sourced across a 13-hectare site at a very high 500 meters in elevation. The name of this area is I Poggi, and the soils here are a bit lighter and rockier with both schistous galestro and limestone alberese. I love the delicate approach here, the intensity of those floral aromas, and the silky nature of the mouthfeel. Some 34,000 bottles will be released in January 2021. This classic Brunello really stands out. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Tuscany | 6 | 94 (WA) |
In Bond
€521.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94)The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is delicate and fine with aromas of wild cherry, licorice, grilled herb and pressed violet. It brings on more power to the palate with medium-rich concentration, pretty freshness and silky tannins. The fine tannic management stands out here, as does its contained alcohol. In a vintage that sees very high alcohol levels across the board, Le Ragnaie should be congratulated on maintaining a more moderate 13.5% alcohol content. Winemaking sees cement and large oak casks. Some 29,000 bottles were made. |
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Tuscany | 4 | 97 (KO) |
In Bond
€1,125.00 |
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Kerin O'Keefe (97)This gorgeous wine starts out with enticing aromas of ripe berry, forest floor, rose hip and wild herb alongside a balsamic note recalling new leather. Racy linear and savory, the extremely elegant, focused palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, crushed raspberry baking spice and licorice. Taut, refined tannins and bright acidity keep it balanced and youthfully tense. Beautiful wine. It closes on an almond note. Drink 2026–2038. 13.5% abv. |
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Tuscany | 4 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
€817.00 |
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Vinous (95)The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Fornace is laced remarkably pretty display of zesty bright cherry, offset by savory herbs and spice, as dusty minerals and dried florals add further depths. On the palate, silky textures give way to ripe cherry and spice, as saline-minerals and juicy acids add tension, while a hint of fine tannins slowly saturate, yet the 2015 never loses its vibrant persona. The finish is long, resonating with n dried cherry and cranberry over a coating of mineral-laced tannins. This is such a precise Brunello. I’m a huge fan. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 98 (JD) |
In Bond
€644.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (98)Fornace is located in Castelnuovo dell'Abate in the southeast at lower elevations than the rest of the single vineyards of the Le Ragnaie estate. The 2016 Fornace Brunello is perfumed with perfectly ripe cherry, dried roses, sweet herbs, and licorice. The aromatics move seamlessly to the palate and unfold with kirsch, blood orange, and stony earth. Upfront, there is juicy ripe cherry fruit, blood orange, and salty earth. Ordinarily I would gravitate toward the more tension-driven wines, but this was what I felt to be the most pleasurable and joyful wine on this tasting, so much so that I would keep going back to wanting more. There is a seamless integration through the whole experience, and I do feel there will be longevity despite its immediate gratification. Enjoy over the next 15-20 years. 2021-2041. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 96+ (WA) |
In Bond
€552.00 |
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Wine Advocate (96+)The Le Ragnaie 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Passo del Lume Spento (with 3,020 bottles made) sees its fruit sourced from one of the highest places in the appellation, or the "pass of the extinguished lantern," as the wine's name translates into English. It is part of a broader trend that Montalcino vintners seem to be looking for cooler, high-altitude growing sites for Sangiovese. This wine demonstrates without a doubt that elevation is key in obtaining elegance in the warm years. This Brunello is particularly bright, punchy and energetic. It is one of the stars of this report. |
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Tuscany | 3 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
€877.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)Wild cherries, dried blueberries and dark currants open the bouquet of Le Ragnaie's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Ragnaie V. V. The cherry signature is forefront, and it emerges with medicinal and balsamic notes towed in close. Fruit comes from the estate's oldest vines (aged 50 years old) planted in the highest part of the appellation (at 600 meters above sea level). The bouquet is seamless, putting forth a chain of similar fruit and spice-related aromas that fall neatly in line. This effect is further reinforced as the wine evolves steadily in the glass. Of the various Brunello Selezioni presented by Le Ragnaie, this wine is the most classic in approach with a slightly more closed and austere personality that will serve it well as it continues its bottle evolution. The wine was bottled in April 2019 and will hit the market in February 2020. Only 3,500 bottles were made. |
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Tuscany | 2 | 98 (KO) |
In Bond
€1,010.00 |
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Kerin O'Keefe (98)Made from old vines planted at some of the highest altitudes in the denomination, this stunner opens with forest floor, new leather and camphor aromas that mix with dog rose, ripe berry and pipe tobacco. Boasting a seamless combination of elegance and concentration from the old vines, the delicious palate doles out succulent black cherry, licorice, peppercorn and dried herb framed in velvety tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and youthfully tense. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 95 (JS) |
In Bond
€258.00 |
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James Suckling (95)Currants, sweet tobacco, walnut husk and flowers on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied, it grows on the palate, with firm yet polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Very solid and well-crafted second wine from Ornellaia. Drink after 2023. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
€553.00 |
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James Suckling (99)Sophisticated aromas of lead pencil, graphite and blackcurrant. Hints of black olives and herbs, too. Full-bodied, yet tight and deep, with super precision and intensity to the tannins. Incredible balance of structure and finesse to this. Give it time in the cellar. Better after 2027. |
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Tuscany | 11 | 94 (JS) |
In Bond
€486.00 |
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James Suckling (94)Lots of blue fruit, graphite and stone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with tight and linear tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. Punchy, yet fine, suggesting two to four years of bottle will soften the wine. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 100 (WA) |
In Bond
€620.00 |
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Wine Advocate (100)I absolutely adore this wine on every emotional and intellectual level. I can still taste it today, weeks after my first sampling. The Luciano Sandrone 2016 Barolo Le Vigne is a stirring and profound expression that pulls on your heartstrings. I found it to be unforgettable, quite literally, inspiring one of those celebrated "wow" moments that we wine lovers so desperately seek in bottle after bottle. Le Vigne is a clever blend of fruit from Baudana in Serralunga d'Alba (offering the power), Villero in Castiglione Falletto (shaping the precision), Vignane in Barolo (adding to the purity of the aromas) and Merli in Novello (that helps to flesh out the fruit). This intersection of various vineyards spanning the appellation creates a pyramid of perfection and beauty. The wine shows large construction, but that fruit weight is balanced against the vivid cherry, spice, aniseed and campfire ash that gently lift from the bouquet. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 100 (WA) |
In Bond
€1,225.00 |
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Wine Advocate (100)I absolutely adore this wine on every emotional and intellectual level. I can still taste it today, weeks after my first sampling. The Luciano Sandrone 2016 Barolo Le Vigne is a stirring and profound expression that pulls on your heartstrings. I found it to be unforgettable, quite literally, inspiring one of those celebrated "wow" moments that we wine lovers so desperately seek in bottle after bottle. Le Vigne is a clever blend of fruit from Baudana in Serralunga d'Alba (offering the power), Villero in Castiglione Falletto (shaping the precision), Vignane in Barolo (adding to the purity of the aromas) and Merli in Novello (that helps to flesh out the fruit). This intersection of various vineyards spanning the appellation creates a pyramid of perfection and beauty. The wine shows large construction, but that fruit weight is balanced against the vivid cherry, spice, aniseed and campfire ash that gently lift from the bouquet. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
€2,545.00 |
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James Suckling (99)Opulent and complex, with dark fruits such as plums and blackberries. Milk chocolate. Dried herbs too. Black olives. Stunning nose. Full bodied, with firm and chewy tannins, but a very creamy texture, and lots of milk chocolate, berry and mineral character. It goes on for minutes. Clear and powerful. Savory and salty. One of the best Massetos ever. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 99 (JS) |
In Bond
€2,195.00 |
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James Suckling (99)Fantastic aromas of lavender, rosemary, violets and currants. Full body, a wonderful concentration of fruit yet tense and taunt energy. The new wood is exposed now but will become integrated and polished. Give it three or four years together. The pure merlot magic is there. The 2011 was a perfect wine, and this is very close indeed. Drink in 2019. |
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Tuscany | 2 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
€2,195.00 |
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James Suckling (98)The clarity of the ripe blackcurrants, black cherries and flowers in the nose is entrancing. Lavender, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, silky tannins that run long and straight through the wine, providing brightness and focus. Goes on for minutes. Strength with finesse Drink after 2024, but already wonderful to taste. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 17 (JR) |
In Bond
€342.00 |
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Jancis Robinson (17)Serralunga d'Alba. Youthful mid ruby. Beguiling nose of concentrated cherry, dark spice and minerally, stony notes. Shows real generosity on the nose. Palate equally generous, with concentrated, juicy sour-cherry fruit lined with long, powdery tannins. Hedonistic, for sure, and so confident! Ready now but will improve. Simply delicious and definitely one of the vintage's best buys. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
€462.00 |
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Vinous (95)The 2017 Barolo Margheria is a compelling, multi-faceted Barolo loaded with personality. Sage, mint, lavender, spice, iron and red/purplish berry fruit grace this firm, classically built Barolo. This translucent, taut Barolo has so much to offer, but it also needs time to soften. Readers will find a terrific example of Margheria. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 17+ (JR) |
In Bond
€470.00 |
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Jancis Robinson (17+)Serralunga d'Alba. Youthful mid ruby. Savoury and minerally cherry fruit on the nose. Compact, sour-cherry palate that is elegant and lively, but still embryonic and with a rich layer of finely woven tannins. Cranberry and sour cherry of great length on the finish. The palate really lulls you into thinking you could approach it now. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
€531.00 |
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Vinous (95)The 2017 Barolo Parussi is a classic Castiglione Falletto Barolo. Sweet floral notes and bright, red berry fruit open first as the 2017 shows off its considerable charms. Medium in body and silky (for the year), with exceptional balance, the 2017 Parussi is stellar. This is an unbelievably classy Barolo. |
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Tuscany | 4 | 97 (JA) |
In Bond
€210.00 |
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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)This is savoury, dry in the best possible way, with a ton of red fruits, dried roses and herbs, and waves of fragrance. It’s a successful blend where the Sangiovese is dominant, conferring the wine with its warm personality but the Cabernet Sauvignon adds a touch of austerity to the tannins and a sense of quiet confidence. Turmeric and olive tapenade as it opens, alongside raspberry, red cherry and smoky oak, the whole thing both extremely delicate and intensely fragrant. Can drink now with a short carafe - there are tannins here but they are well defined and finely layered - but it will also age. Small amounts of the 2018 were released last winter, but this September sees the first proper release through the Place de Bordeaux. Ageing 18 months in small French oak barrels, 70% new, plus four months in concrete tanks afterwards. One to look out for - great stuff from the Mazzei family, that has been making wine in Tuscany since the 15th century. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 99 (VN) |
In Bond
€390.00 |
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Vinous (99)The 2019 Siepi continues a trend towards greater finesse and nuance in this wine. Crème de cassis, lavender, spice, licorice and plum meld together effortlessly in the glass. Dense and layered, with striking detail, the 2019 is so impressive. The flavors are bright, bold and punchy. An exceptionally beautiful and riveting wine, the 2019 is rich and concentrated, but not at all heavy. What a total knock-out. |
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Campania | 1 | 97 (JS) |
In Bond
€318.00 |
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James Suckling (97)A red with plum and cherry character with hints of bark, mushroom and clove. It’s full-bodied with layers of fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Needs time to soften, but structured and beautiful. Such finesse with strength. Really impressive. Try after 2022. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 93 (VN) |
In Bond
€171.00 |
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Vinous (93)The 2019 Bramaterra Salero presents an intensely floral, almost exotic side of Bramaterra. Sage, mint, lavender, rose petal, sweet dark cherry, licorice and spice are all beautifully lifted throughout. Light on its feet, but with plenty of punch, the 2019 hits all the right notes. The 2019 Solero is another gorgeous and super-expressive wine from Noah. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 95 (VN) |
In Bond
€240.00 |
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Vinous (95)The 2018 Lessona is a wild, distinctive wine that captures all the exotic beauty of Nebbiolo in this appellation. Sweet dark cherry, orange peel, cinnamon, blood orange, sage and rose petal build effortlessly as this deep, layered Lessona shows off its quality and pedigree. The purity of the flavors is just remarkable. Readers lucky enough to find the 2018 will enjoy several decades of exceptional drinking. Superb. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 93 (JA) |
In Bond
€182.00 |
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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (93)Grabs you from the first moment your nose hovers over the glass. Smudged charcoal runs into raspberry, underbrush and mandarin orange peel that speaks of Tuscan sun. Excellent quality, good persistency in the glass as it stretches out through the palate. Everything feels in balance, and this provides another indicator that 2020 is a great vintage in this corner of Italy - Le Volte is (almost) 100% Merlot but has freshness and nuance. Director Axel Heinz, oenologist Olga Fusari. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 97 (VN) |
In Bond
€773.00 |
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Vinous (97)Luminous deep red. Aromas of herbs (thyme, rosemary, bay leaf), sweet spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) and ripe red cherry. Very saline, juicy acidity lifts and extends the blue and red berry flavors on the long delicately herbal and spicy finish. Very ready to drink, but will age well. This will go on sale at the end of this year. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 98 (VN) |
In Bond
€753.00 |
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Vinous (98)Crushed stone, wild herbs and tart black cherries lift up from the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante, but that’s only the beginning. With time, this blossoms further, gaining a sweeter fruit profile and autumnal spices with hints of shaved cedar. Its textures are remarkably refined and silky in feel, with an intense concentration of tart red fruits, yet energy is maintained through brilliant acidity, as grippy tannins build steadily toward the close. The Vigneti del Versante tapers off with amazing length, youthful poise and a balanced structure, promising many, many years of positive evolution. This is really something to behold. I tasted the 2016 from a freshly opened bottle and from one that had been opened for two days prior that showed no signs of decline; in fact, it blossomed further. Simply stunning. |
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Veneto | 2 | 94 (WA) |
In Bond
€263.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94)Celebrating its 50th anniversary (1971-2021), the organic Pieropan 2021 Soave Classico Calvarino has a soft and richly textured side that is contrasted against the bright citrusy and mineral flavors that the Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave grapes are known for. This blend sees 70% of the first grape and 30% of the second, and the wine is aged in cement for up to 15 months. That's the special quality offered by Calvarino, a wine that is modern yet also rooted in local tradition. You get a lot of food-pairing potential out of this bottle, whether it be sushi or roasted chicken. Production is 70,000 bottles. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 98 (JS) |
In Bond
€776.00 |
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James Suckling (98)Extremely perfumed with dark berries, cherries, strawberries and crushed stones. Full-bodied with chewy, polished tannins that are muscular. Fantastic structure to this young Barolo, as well as great length. It grows on the palate with ease. Truly impressive. Incredible. Try after 2025. |
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Tuscany | 1 | 95+ (WA) |
In Bond
€264.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95+)The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino offers a pure and classic expression of the vintage with bright fruit tones, wild cherry, toasted nut, blue flower and forest floor. Whereas the other wines in the Poggio Antico portfolio undergo aging in smaller tonneaux, this wine is aged in large Slavonian casks instead. You taste the lift and brightness of the fruit, and it's all quite lovely. Grapes are sourced across a 13-hectare site at a very high 500 meters in elevation. The name of this area is I Poggi, and the soils here are a bit lighter and rockier with both schistous galestro and limestone alberese. I love the delicate approach here, the intensity of those floral aromas, and the silky nature of the mouthfeel. Some 34,000 bottles will be released in January 2021. This classic Brunello really stands out. |