Italy

96 Points! Readers should note that with the 1997 Brunello di Montalcino, the label has changed to emphasize the proprietor's name, Livio Sassetti, rather than the estate name, Pertimali. Always a top-notch Brunello, the 1997 is staggering in its aromatic fireworks and concentrated, long, intense flavors. Sumptuous aromas of dried Provencal herbs, roasted meats, soy, spice box, asphalt, truffles, and black fruits linger in the air. Flavors of new saddle leather are added to jammy black fruit characteristics. Opulently-textured, full-bodied, and gorgeously pure, this wine creates an olfactory overload. Its low acidity, high glycerin, and huge fruit reserves suggest drinking it now and over the next 12-18 years. Mamma mia! - Robert Parker, robertparker.com, 2002

91+ Points! The 2007 Barbaresco Asili speaks eloquently to the silkiness and elegance of this great site. Freshly cut roses and berries of all sorts make a positive first impression. The Asili shows gorgeous freshness and depth in a classic, mid-weight expression of this vineyard. There is a wonderful sense of harmony that flows through to the finish, as the fruit and tannins remain composed and nicely integrated. With time in the glass the Asili closes in on itself. I am not sure it has the warm radiance that is typical of so many wines in this vintage, but it is nevertheless a strong effort. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. - Antonio Galloni, robertparker.com

93 Points! This wine is always released much later than its peers. The Cocito 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Baluchin draws its fruit from a cool and high-altitude growing site in Neive where obtaining acidity and fruit brightness is never a problem. These conditions also suggest a longer cellar-aging window. The fact that the 2013 vintage was spared major temperature spikes during the summer months further reinforces these impressions. This Riserva presents dark cassis and plum, with some spicy elements of crushed clove, balsamic herb or rosemary essence. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

93 Points! Very specific to the variety with rosemary oil and wild sage, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Nemo is a thick and brooding wine with loads of concentration and thick extraction. This is a beautiful expression that is endowed with power and impressive length. The quality of fruit in this slightly cooler vintage is sharp, focused and penetrating. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

95 Points! The 2013 Barolo Ginestra shows grace and purity, with significant power at the back that is partially fueled by the wine's well-integrated alcohol (recorded at 15%). The wine's texture is compact, and the flavor knitting is tight and carefully detailed. These qualities bode very well for the future evolution of this vintage that will undoubtedly soften and flesh out with more time in the bottle. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com