Italy

91 Points! The oldest producer in Emilia, Cleto Chiarli is better known for producing high-quality Lambrusco Secco, but this Grasparossa Amabile is just as captivating. Round and creamy but not cloying, touches of pepper and cinnamon complicate cherry jam flavours. Excellent acidity keeps the residual sugar in balance, underpinning a savoury and slightly grippy finish. - Decanter Magazine

99 Points! One of the palest and most perfumed Barolos from Vietti with a transparent, ruby-orange hue. This is a super nuanced, elegant, expressive and ethereal Monvigliero that grows on me, with enchanting notes of grilled grapefruit, thyme, frozen raspberries and mineral. A subtle splash of white pepper and mezcal-like smokiness. Really refined and transparent, with some citrus and mineral tensions that are closely knit with the fine, crumbled tannins. So much finesse and detail here, and its complexity will continue to unwind. Really composed, soulful and mind-blowing! A big wow that deserves attention. Vegan. Best with a Burgundy glass. Can drink now or from 2027. - JamesSuckling.com

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

100 Points! The Le Chiuse 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Diecianni is a beauty, holding together with impeccable balance and a silky, persistent finish. The tannins remain firm yet refined, with menthol-like notes that add lift and vibrancy, recalling a timeless winemaking style. On a second tasting, the wine shows additional definition and clear signs of bottle age, with polymerized textures and a touch of sweetness that adds weight and slightly softens the overall profile. Drawn from one of the last truly classical vintages before climate change reshaped the region’s style, this Riserva is a timeless and memorable expression released in just 2,600 bottles. The 2016 takes Le Chiuse's celebrated late-release program to the next level. Congratulations. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

100 Points! A preview of a wine that will not be released until 2026, the 2016 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva is a jeweled ruby color and is very expressive on the nose at this stage, with lovely clarity and concentration in its notes of wet stones, framboise, rose petal, and pure orange. It feels trapped in time, with bright, refined tannins and mouthwatering freshness without ever feeling out of it. Reminding me of the moment when an orchestra is tuning and becomes perfectly in tune, so the whole room resonates, though it's not about being louder, this wine ignites all the senses. It’s a truly superb and singular wine from Le Chiuse. Bravo. Now to wait another two years for its release. - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com

97 Points! The Domenico Clerico 2021 Barolo Ginestra Pajana is polished and beautifully defined with red fruit, crushed stone and blue flower. All of these wines from 2021 offer extraordinary depth and perfumed complexity. However, the tannic fabric of this wine is firmer and denser. You'll want to give this bottle more time to let those tannins resolve. They are beautifully chalky as it stands now but will grow silkier as they integrate. This is an important, proud Barolo from an epic vintage. The vineyards date back to 1971, with a second planting in 1991. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

96 Points! A complex and vibrant wine with an enticing nose of Parma violets, dried cherries, strawberries, licorice and a hint of cinnamon. Full-bodied, it shows extracted and velvety tannins despite its youth, with fruit concentration, chewy acidity and an energetic, bracing finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. - JamesSuckling.com

97+ Points! Between the Pajana and the Ciabot Mentin, I have a preference for the latter. The Domenico Clerico 2021 Barolo Ginestra Ciabot Mentin comes from the higher part of the slope (with vines planted in 1978) and offers an extremely precise and finely stitched bouquet that incorporates elements of cassis, wild berry, herb, blue flower and crushed stone. The mineral signature is a little more pronounced in this wine, and it leans into iron ore and rusty nail. Like the Pajana, the tannins are quite firm, and the wine will need more time in bottle to integrate. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

96 Points! Aromas of sweet violets, potpourri, dried cherries, pomegranates and hints of chocolate, licorice and blood oranges. Full-bodied on the palate, it shows delicate, ripe and velvety tannins that are tightly knit with acidity, pushing the finish in a sophisticated way. - JamesSuckling.com

95+ Points! A reflective, saturated ruby red color, the 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Pora opens with ripe aromas of raspberry, black cherry cordial, toasted cedar, and forest earth. Medium-bodied, it saturates the palate with plush fruit and an approachable texture while maintaining good length. It feels like one of the more immediate wines of the range in this noble vintage, although the oak will need time to fully integrate on the nose. - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com

95 Points! Offering a mix of cherry, raspberry, strawberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors, this red starts out round and open before dense, chalky tannins emerge. This almost feels approachable now yet should develop well over time. The lasting impression is of ripe fruit. - Wine Spectator

95 Points! Classic and intense yet fresh, showing sweet-violet and cherry-pit aromas, this is slightly mineral and savory with graceful balsamic depth. Medium-bodied and approachable with velvety tannins wrapped in dried flowers, tight yet interwoven in the very long finish. - JamesSuckling.com

95 Points! The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is a fabulous introduction to the singlevineyard wines in this range. Pliant and resonant in the glass, the 2021 impresses with its solid core of fruit and exceptional balance. A wine of depth and structure, the Pora is compelling. Wild cherry fruit, spice, new leather and blood orange fill out the layers. This is an especially fine Pora. There is so much to look forward to. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

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

98 Points! Displaying a saturated medium red hue, the 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello offers notes of dusty cedar, red cherries, raspberries, and crushed stones, although the wood tones will need time to fully integrate. Medium-bodied, the palate has beautiful brightness, with hints of apricot and stone fruit along with a more linear, elegant structure. For me, this wine holds a very special place in the range and quietly stopped me in my tracks during the tasting. - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com

96 Points! Bright and expressive, this red offers black cherry, blackberry and violet flavors, plus a flash of licorice. Mineral and tobacco elements chime in as this builds through the midpalate to the long, energetic finish. Complex and balanced, but give this a few years. - Wine Spectator

96 Points! This historic cooperative puts out an exceptional set of cellarworthy Riserva in 2021. If there isn’t space for all nine, it’s simply a matter of selecting according to personal taste. Robust in fruit and powerfully structured, Ovello is equally brooding in personality. Hints of liquorice, heady dark rose and camphor slowly take shape. Layered, concentrated and fleshy, it floods the palate with a bold stride. Dense tannins keep pace, hemming it in effortlessly, and blood orange and tart redcurrants lend lip-smacking dimension. - Decanter Magazine

96 Points! The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello sizzles with tension right out of the gate. Orange peel, mint, chalk, white pepper and crushed rocks are all finely sketched. Bright and sinewy to the core, the 2021 captures the purest essence of Ovello. It's another stellar wine in this range. The Ovello will appeal most to readers who like tense wines. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

96 Points! Balsamic style jumps out of the glass, with herb, eucalyptus and potpourri aromas alongside watermelon and mint-filled chocolate. The graceful attack shows ripe, elegant tannins, larger-grained in the end, with long, refreshing acidity and a savory finish. - JamesSuckling.com

96 Points! The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota pours a bright red color and offers stunning aromatic complexity in its notes of redcurrants, incense, suede, and potpourri. Medium-bodied, it has refined tannins and a haunting, almost weightless feel that lingers through the finish. It balances power with a cooling citrus lift and beautiful elegance. - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com

95 Points! Supple in texture and beautifully balanced, this red almost seems to defy gravity with its airy feel and bright flavors of strawberry, cherry, rose hip and mineral. Tightens up on the finish, where the red fruit notes mingle with chalky tannins. - Wine Spectator

97+ Points! The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano pours a medium red color and remains somewhat shy at this early stage with notes of black raspberries and dusty earth. Medium-bodied, it has more structure to the tannins and a coiled feel, with refreshing notes of orange citrus and mandarin that suit its firmer frame. Historically, this site was sometimes described as the “Barolo of Barbaresco” for its structure. - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com

97 Points! The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is a dense, hulking wine. Powerful and dense to the core, the Montestefano is a big, broad-shouldered wine that is going to need a few years to be at its most expressive. Dark-toned fruit, new leather, spice, menthol are all amplified in this potent Barbaresco. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

96 Points! Black currant, blackberry, violet, tobacco and sweet spices highlight this suave, fruity red. Opulent for the vintage and solidly built, with a long, resonant finish that echoes the fruit and adds iron and mineral notes. Excellent length. - Wine Spectator

97 Points! A rich version, offering flavors of black cherry, blackberry, violet, iron and spices, with a line of dense tannins underneath. The fruit builds, yet overall this is reserved and less expressive than its peers despite a deep core of fruit. Shows balance and fine length, but give this time. - Wine Spectator

97 Points! The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico pours a slightly deeper red color than the Ovello and opens with inviting aromas of sweet cedar, cherry liqueur, toasted spice, and polished leather. Medium-bodied, it delivers vibrant acidity, velvety tannins, and a bit more depth and structure on the palate. The finish is long and persistent. - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com

97 Points! The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is a tense, vibrant wine. Whereas in most vintages the Montefico can be a touch austere, the 2021 has plenty of energy, but also the textural depth to pull it all together. In that sense, the Montefico is a terrific example of the vintage here. Its concentration and persistence are the stuff dreams are made of. Hints of sage, graphite, chalk and mint explode on the back end. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

94 Points! A precisely crafted, elegant white, beautifully balanced, showcasing ripe stone fruit, quince, wildflowers and a hint of beeswax. Medium-bodied and textured, with an elegant line of acidity and a savory, lingering finish. Firm and vertical. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

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

94 Points! So pure and clean, with notes of sliced green apple, lime peel and white flowers enhanced by a saline edge. Medium-bodied, crisp and mouthwatering, it displays remarkable stony tension that carries into a very long, savory finish where the incredible minerality shines through. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

96 Points! A benchmark pinot grigio with striking purity and poise, offering notes of peach stone, raw almonds and citrus blossom, alongside a flinty character and a hint of lime pith, all supported by superb freshness and minerality. The elegant, medium- to full-bodied palate is both silky and weightless, yet displays remarkable length and laser-like focus. Among the finest of its kind, if not the best. - 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