Italy

94 Points! A red that is extremely polished and refined with blackberry and cherry character. Hints of cedar and dried flowers. Medium body. Juicy fruit. - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points! The 2013 Mix 36 is a clever mono-varietal expression of Sangiovese made from 36 distinct biotypes of the grape, 18 of which are exclusive to the Fonterutoli estate. The vines are 11 years old and harvest started on October 10th this vintage. The fruit is balanced and linear with red cherry, spice, dried blueberry and tobacco. It shows medium density and impressive persistence. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

98 Points! The stunning Le Chiuse 2021 Brunello shows great intensity and structure as well as the elegant restraint the estate is known for. It opens with aromas of ripe plum, wild berry, forest floor, dark spice and blue flower as well as a camphor note. Vibrant, full-bodied and delicious, the palate delivers ripe Marasca cherry, crushed black raspberry, licorice and fine tobacco blend lifted by fresh acidity. Taut, well-integrated tannins provide polished support. - Kerin O'Keefe

97+ Points! The Le Chiuse 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is a lovely wine and one of my favorites from a vintage that is not always easy to read. It delivers its message clearly with dark fruit, blue flower, grilled herb and sweet cedar, showing a sense of fullness and aromatic completeness that is not always present in this year. Soft and silky on the palate, the wine offers gentle, powdery tannins supported by good underlying structure, achieving balance without force. Sourced as a special selection from eight hectares of organically farmed vineyards with cool exposures, this bottling demonstrates how site and restraint can successfully interpret variety and vintage. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

98 Points! Stunning depth on the nose of this complex red, showing dried violets and roses, intoxicating balsamic, strawberries, cherries and a distinctive leafy lightness with a whiff of mint. Elegant on the attack, with ripe, velvety and tightly knit tannins. Extracted and savory with refreshing acidity, showing stony minerality and licorice in the very persistent, multilayered finish. - JamesSuckling.com

96 Points! Mint and menthol aromas mark this opulent red, whose black cherry and blackberry fruit permeates the fleshy texture. Augmented by tar, iron and wild thyme flavors, all backed by a line of dense tannins on the finish. Balanced yet will need time to integrate. - Wine Spectator

96 Points! The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Pajé pours a jeweled red color and remains somewhat reserved at this early stage. Aromas of orange peel, powdery floral perfume, ripe pomegranate, and baked earth emerge gradually from the glass. Medium-bodied, it has focused acidity and a more linear feel, with fine-grained tannins and a balanced, floating finish that carries a noble elegance. - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com

96 Points! The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is deep, dense wine. Strong spice and balsamic notes wrap around a core of dark-toned fruit. A brooding, packed powerhouse, the Pajè needs a number of years to be at its most expressive. This is classic Pajè all way, dialed up to eleven. Time in the glass brings out the wine's complex, dynamic personality and overall breadth. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

98 Points! The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is an alluring beauty that melds together the signatures of this site with the structure of the year at this address. Floral, bright and bursting with energy, the Asili is a star. Blood orange, kirsch, red-toned fruit, cedar, mint and spice rush from the glass. Here, too, readers will have to be patient. This is pure and total sensuality. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

97 Points! Bursting with raspberry, black cherry, violet and mineral aromas and flavors, this red is supple and juicy. Its refined tannins are offset by youthful flesh and provide plenty of support for future development. Balanced, with a long finish that picks up notes of wild herbs. - Wine Spectator

97 Points! The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Asili pours a bright red color and offers appealing aromas of incense, preserved cranberries, wildflowers, and orange zest. Medium-bodied, it offers mouthwatering salinity, refreshing acidity, and fine tannins that carry through a long finish. I love where this wine is already, capturing terrific energy and balance. - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com

97 Points! This outstanding cooperative takes an all-or-nothing approach to Riserva, making nine MGA bottlings only in vintages when separating them out doesn’t diminish the quality of its main Barbaresco. From an excellent lineup in 2021, Asili distinguishes itself for its intrinsic finesse and stately, effortless power. It allies cherry blossoms with warm summer berries, freshly turned soil and pine needles. But truly, its expression is still ruminating, simmering and waiting to explode. The tannins are commanding without being aggressive. Very crisp and precise. - Decanter Magazine

98 Points! There’s a core of cherry, raspberry, rose, earth and eucalyptus in this powerful yet reserved Barbaresco. Flashes of orange peel and amaro emerge as the vivid acidity kicks in. The tannins are accordingly dense, and this shuts down on the finish today. Nevertheless, there’s a majesty to this red and the sense of a thoroughbred waiting to emerge. - Wine Spectator

98 Points! The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà pours a jeweled red color and reveals layered aromatics of licorice candies, fresh cherry, redcurrant, violet, and crystalline mineral tones. Medium-bodied, it has excellent balance, with savory tobacco accents, refined red fruit, and beautifully shaped tannins. I love the structure here as well as the overall harmony of the wine. - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com

97+ Points! The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is dark, powerful and explosive. That's the good news. Readers will have to be patient with this brooding, sepia-toned Barbaresco. Dark fruit, graphite, new leather, licorice, scorched earth and gravel add to an impression of muscular gravitas. The 2021 needs a bit of time in the glass to start opening, but when it does, it's magnificent. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

97 Points ! Youthful and pure, a bit austere at the moment, showing earthy minerality, dark chocolate, restrained black cherries and red currants with Earl Grey tea aromas. Full-bodied and vibrant, this has elegant, velvety tannins, refreshing acidity and stunning savoriness with almost meaty depth. The multilayered, juicy finish is full of fruit, flowers and licorice. Not easy, yet outstanding. - JamesSuckling.com

97 Points! From the warm, southwest-exposed vineyards along one of Barbaresco’s most revered ridges, the 2021 echoes the complexity of soil and nuances of terrain with the resolute backbone this site is notorious for. With coaxing, it becomes rather evocatively scented. Sweet herbs and juniper emerge, followed by orange and baking spice, yet the austere palate still needs to catch up. All is simmering at the intense red berry core, while well-toned, muscular tannins provide plenty to chew on. These are stony and finessed but will require time. Mouthwatering and long on the finish. - Decanter Magazine

93 Points! Attractive aromas of waxy lemons, sliced apples and savory herbs lead to a medium- to full-bodied palate that is layered and textured, showcasing a sleek, lightly oily mouthfeel and vibrant acidity. Flavorful and persistent, it balances richness with elegance. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

92 Points! The Fattoria le Pupille 2024 Morellino di Scansano is led by Sangiovese with small percentages of Alicante and Ciliegiolo that bring extra brightness and energy. In Maremma, complex soils of volcanic deposits layered with ancient marine sediments define the character of the region, and for this wine, the Sangiovese is planted on sandstone soils that enhance elegance and aromatic lift, while other parcels feature pietra serena, red clays and limestone matched carefully to the appropriate variety. The bouquet offers redcurrant, myrtle and fragrant herbal notes of fresh rosemary and thyme, evoking the herb garden that lines the walkway to the estate’s newly inaugurated tasting room and visitor center. This wine offers phenomenal value. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

93 Points! Light and delicate, with crunchy fruit and flint, cranberry and raspberry aromas and flavors. Light-bodied and spicy at the end. Crunchy, crisp and bright. A joy to drink everyday. Drink now. - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points! Supple and harmonious, this red delivers cherry, raspberry, rose and mineral flavors on an elegant frame. Balanced and fresh, with a lingering aftertaste echoing the fruit and mineral elements. - Wine Spectator

93 Points! Minerally and detailed, with wet stones, graphite, dark cherries, blackcurrants, licorice, cocoa and black olives on the nose. Compact and seamless on the palate, with firm tannins and a dusty texture that leaves a chalky, minerally impression. Focused and balanced. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points! Coffee, dried flowers, prunes and dried cranberries on the nose of this ripe red. It’s rich, spicy and dense, with a full body and chewy tannins. Big and concentrated wine. - JamesSuckling.com

98 Points! Plenty of red currant, cedar, iron and terra cotta aromas follow through to a medium to full body with graphite, sandalwood, red currants and fresh Mediterranean herbs such as thyme and rosemary. The tannins are chewy but polished in texture. This is a Sassicaia that needs three or four years of bottle age to come together and soften. A structured wine for the cellar. - JamesSuckling.com

97 Points! The wine is tightly coiled and concentrated. It feels almost cinched at the waist, with a fascinating tension between the weight of raspberry, blackberry and strawberry coulis fruit and the wine's verticality, as if it's trying to burst out. Lovely mid-palate sapidity is allied to fresh acidity and fine but dense tannins, making for a dark horse of a Sassicaia that isn't giving much away today but will greatly reward those who can cellar it for 12 years and more. ‘What is sure is that 2022 will need a lot of time, but will also have a long life,’ said Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta. A hot vintage, 2022 caused the team to work in the newly completed refrigerated warehouses in San Guido, even moving the sorting table inside. Shorter macerations and 23 rather than the more typical 24 or 25 months of ageing in wood helped to maximise the freshness. - Decanter Magazine

93 Points! Aromas of sour cherries, dried wild strawberries, rosemary and orange peel with subtle iron notes. Medium-bodied, showing finely etched tannins and lively acidity. Bright and crunchy, with fleshy fruit and a savory, mineral finish. - JamesSuckling.com

98 Points! Coming from a steep, south-facing single vineyard, the 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino Piaggione benefits from air and opens with wild raspberries, blackberries, flowers, orange peel, and sweet herbs. The palate is medium to full-bodied, linear, and tension-packed, with bright acidity, well-defined tannins, and a focused, driving finish that keeps building. It’s a more energetic, structured expression compared to the Sorgente and should age beautifully over the coming two decades. - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com

97 Points! This bursts with cherry, raspberry, pomegranate and rose flavors, offset by earth, iron and underbrush notes, all backed by dense, dusty tannins. Hangs together nicely, with freshness and a lasting impression of ripe fruit. - Wine Spectator

97 Points! A super-complex and spicy wine with aromas of licorice, smoky wood, dried roses and wild strawberries. Fruit sweetness on the palate, with a full body, crisp freshness, velvety tannins and a sleek, graceful and powerful finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2027. - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points! There’s considerable flesh, along with developing flavors of cherry, raspberry, pomegranate and wild herbs. Mineral and tobacco elements add detail. This is just hitting its stride, with an impression of dusty tannins and oak spice notes on the lingering aftertaste. - Wine Spectator

93 Points! Aromas of vivid raspberries with a floral undertone and an austere hint of slate. The palate is composed and balanced, combining generous red fruit with vibrant acidity. Well crafted and precise. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points! The 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva Cortevecchia enjoys a strong connection to the historic roots of the estate winery located in the underground ramparts of a Tuscan Renaissance castle. The wine is aged in large oak casks that are almost 30 years old, as they were installed in 1994. Duccio Corsini tells me that 2018 was a "complicated vintage" with almost tropical-like rains in June and July. The team worked hard to maintain cover crops of chamomile, clover and legumes to optimize organic farming. This wine is Sangiovese with a touch of Colorino. The wine is succulent and fine with bright fruit flavors and cherry over an elegant mid-weight texture. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

93 Points! This is layered and very fine-tannined with blackberry and dark-cherry character. Hints of chocolate and hazelnut, too. Medium-to full-bodied with a tight, fresh finish. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

Yes, this wine is actually Conterno's more 'upscale' Barolo Ginestra bottled as the more 'entry-level' Riva del Bric! Lot # L25 8198

93 Points! The Paolo Conterno 2020 Barolo Ginestra opens to a smooth personality with dark fruit, blackcurrant and grilled herb. Despite that soft entry, the wine's power should not be underestimated. You feel it in the strong tannic texture and in the high 15.5% alcohol content. In fact, this wine has quite a mouthfeel. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

93 Points! Expressive and exuding cherry, incense, spice and wild herb flavors, this red is juicy and instantly gratifying. Its line of dense tannins is uplifting, while the finish persists with fruity, savory and spicy elements. Best from 2028 through 2043. - Wine Spectator

95 Points! A graceful, intense and classic Brunello with aromas of smoky wood, raspberries, red cherries and balsamic vibrancy. Medium-bodied, very fragrant and juicy, with crunchy tannins, crisp acidity and a vivid, youthful, chalky finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2027. - JamesSuckling.com

99 Points! This is a young wine with terrific depth and layers of fruit. It’s full-bodied with notes of eucalyptus, lavender and sage and hints of matchsticks and oranges. It’s linear and tight at the end, with an energetic finish. Very Saffredi in nature. Better than the 2021. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 10% petit verdot. - JamesSuckling.com

98 Points! This is one of only a handful of wines made on the Tuscan Coast that has managed to interpret the vintage in such an excellent manner. The Fattoria le Pupille 2022 Saffredi (a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot) deftly plays upon the elegance and fruity brightness of the growing season, while also harnessing its freshness and its slightly more streamlined appeal. The wine is nuanced and layered with fine details that recall wild berry, spice, blue flower and blood orange. To my mind, the 2022 stands apart from almost every other past vintage of Saffredi. This is a new direction for the wine that we can all happily embrace. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

98 Points! Menthol-infused dark berry aromas open the door to an intense and juicy mouthful of precisely wrought red and black berries and cherries. Wonderful lip-smacking sapidity and finely integrated tannins complete the package. The 2022 Saffredi is the result of the estate's hard work and it has paid dividends. Elisabetta Geppetti's son, Ettore – in just his third vintage overseeing the winemaking without the experienced hand of ex-consultant Luca d'Attoma – has beautifully interpreted the vintage. He tells me that, unusually, it took the team three harvests at different times to obtain the freshness evident in the wine. It's a stunner. Wow! - Deacnter Magazine

93 Points! The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is dark and brooding, with nuances of crushed black cherry, savory herbs and ashen stone wafting up from the glass. It displays silky textures and notable weight, with mineral-inflected red berry fruits that slowly saturate the senses. Fine-grained tannins add an aching tension through the finish as the 2021 leaves a penetrating tart berry concentration that adds chewy depth. - Eric Guido, Vinous