Italy

91 Points! Taut and linear in profile, this red delivers black currant, black cherry, vanilla and peppery spices. Tightens up on the finish, where the chalky tannins linger. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese. - Wine Spectator

91 Points! Some wet herbs to the peppery berries and cherries. The juicy, medium-bodied palate is coated with fine, even tannins. Good, medium-long finish to close with a peppery edge at the end. - JamesSuckling.com

91 Points! The organic La Torre 2021 Rosso di Montalcino has a very pretty bouquet with wild cherry, raspberry and a hint of cherry cough drop. The wine offers mid-weight intensity to the palate and concludes with very fine, chalky tannins.  - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

One of the best Barbaresco deals in the store! I dare say you will not find another Nebbiolo out there with a finer, silkier set of tannins than this slinky wine. Slinky and Nebbiolo together? Well, not all the time, but in this case a resounding YES! Brimming with ripe strawberry and cherry fruit, supported by spice, roses and some mineral highlights, it’s been a loooong time since we’ve tasted a Barbaresco at this extreme quality level for so little money…and, as you know, we taste a lot of them. The insanely ripe, velvety tannins mean you can drink this one now but a decade in the cellar will be a breeze for this polished gem. In fact, it is unbelievably drinkable now, shockingly so.

Sourced from 2.2 hectares in different vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba, at altitudes of 370-400m. The oldest vines date back to 1965, while the youngest were planted in 2006.

93 Points! The 2020 Sor Ugo is packed with blackberry, cloves, leather, menthol, licorice and chocolate. Rich and resonant in the glass, with tons of energy, Sor Ugo has plenty to offer. The substantial, expansive finish is especially of note. I would prefer to drink this over the next decade or so. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

93 Points! Engaging sliced apple with acacia followed by lifted seashells and a touch of turnip. Textured and round-bodied with vivid acidity. A wine with beautiful minerality and freshness. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

95 Points! The 2019 Barolo Monfalletto (made with organic fruit selection from across the vineyards that surround the winery in La Morra) shows grit, density and rich texture. The house style prizes muscle and brawn in this vintage that lends itself handily to these qualities. Pressed cherry and blackberry cede to licorice, cured tobacco and iron ore. With 53,000 bottles released, this is the estate's most representative Barolo. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

95 Points! According to Tenuta San Guido’s director of winemaking, Carlo Paoli, the 2021 is the best Guidalberto he has ever made. The percentage of Merlot was reduced back to the typical 40% this year because the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon was so good. The 2021 Guidalberto is very deeply coloured, almost black with a narrow purple rim. It took an hour or so to really open up, but when it did, it had a wonderful range of aromas and flavours. Cassis and blueberry, blue flowers, and violet and iris notes are followed by a palate full of perfectly ripe blackberries and blueberries wrapped in gentle, cream flavours. This is a wine of velvety richness balanced by vivid acidity, with very pure, focused flavours and aromas. Delightful! - Decanter Magazine

94 Points! A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the Tenuta San Guido 2021 Guidalberto shows tart cherry fruit with darker tones of blackberry and plum. This vintage delivers especially chiseled and focused fruit characteristics that are elegantly framed by light spice, cola and earth. This vintage shows a heightened sense of intensity and territorial identity that is the hallmark of this storied estate. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

90 Points! A sleek red highlighted by blackberry, black cherry and violet flavors, with hints of iron and black olive tapenade lingering on the dusty finish. Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2028. - Wine Spectator

93 Points! This red combines cherry, plum, tar, iron, licorice and eucalyptus aromas and flavors, backed by a firm, refreshing profile. Dense and tight for now; however, the long, resonant finish and lingering fruit and white pepper accents show its potential. - Wine Spectator

92 Points! A pleasant nose of red and black cherries with notes of sweet violets and thyme. A fresh palate with firm, fine-grained tannins. Balanced, with good length and intensity. Refined. Give it another year to soften at the end. Drink after 2022. - James Suckling

93 Points! The 2019 Chianti Classico is an elegant, nuanced wine. Sweet tobacco, cherry, cinnamon and subtle earthy notes all run through the 2019. Even with its recent bottling, the 2019 is aromatically expressive, nuanced and so expressive. It's a terrific effort from Le Fonti in Panzano. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

94 Points! An outstanding Bolgheri here that delivers both freshness and some excellent depth and complexity. Plenty of dark cherries and fresh blackberries on the nose with some cocoa powder, dark olives, stones and peppercorn spices. The full-bodied palate delivers plenty of fine, dusty tannins with a juicy, broad middle and a long, focused finish. Bravo! From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

94 Points! Showing a decisive primary note with generous fruit, the Podere Sapaio 2021 Bolgheri Rosso Volpolo has dark berries and black cherry, with hints of pie crust, a strong theme of purple fruits and a sharper note that is not completely mineral but flinty. Spice appears with more time in the glass with hints of light cinnamon and nutmeg. The wine has great length with powdery tannins. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 15% Petit Verdot. You get great value, and this wine gives us great hope for the upcoming 2021 Sapaio. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

91 Points! Aromas of black cherries, orange peel and some fresh herbs. Medium body, medium round tannins, and a soft and creamy finish. Light jammy character at the end. Drink or hold. - James Suckling