Tuscany

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

97 Points! A restrained and fresh wine with a sleek nose of red cherries, red currants, licorice and dried violets. Plenty of elegance on the palate, with a tight-knit structure, velvety tannins and a super-fresh and precise finish of graphite and minerals. Almost drinkable now, but best from 2027. - JamesSuckling.com

96 Points! This red is juicy and full of ripe, luscious cherry, raspberry and floral flavors. Wild herb and mineral accents add detail, while its harmony and freshness deliver added appeal as this winds down gracefully on the complex aftertaste. Excellent length. - Wine Spectator

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

95 Points! Black cherry and blackberry fruit occupy center stage in this dense, muscular red. Beefy tannins provide support, while vibrant acidity keeps this lively and long on the finish, where iron, tomato leaf and Tuscan scrub add detail. All of the components are there; this just needs time. - Wine Spectator

94 Points! Herbal, showing red berries, lavender and stony austerity. Crunchy, linear and medium-bodied, with focused tannins. Wonderful precision and tension throughout. - JamesSuckling.com

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

97 Points! This is so complex, with lifting citrus and herb undertones to the blue and red berry fruit. Thyme, sage and lavender, with mocha and clove, too. Full-bodied, full of depth and intensity, with firm yet seamless tannins. Evolves to espresso. Balanced, powerful and very long. - JamesSuckling.com

96 Points! A special single-vineyard wine with origins in one of the more remote, wild and beautiful corners of Montalcino, this is one of the true treats of the appellation. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso opens to a medium-rich appearance and vibrant color saturation. Sangiovese can lose its color quickly, but it remains beautifully intact here. Sweet cherry, redcurrant, spice, blue flower, balsam herb and orange peel are neatly woven together to create this balanced wine. Fruit is sourced from across a 11.7-hectare vineyard with schistous galestro soils. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

95 Points! Packed with cherry and raspberry fruit, this red also exhibits rose, mineral and Mediterranean scrub aromas and flavors. Coiled tightly, picking up eucalyptus and gripping tannins on the finish. - Wine Spectator

94 Points! Aromas of dark berries, light caramel, coffee, balsamic, smoke and dried strawberries follow through to a medium body with firm, chewy tannins and lots of new oak. Yet, it turns crisp and lively at the finish. Needs three or four years to open. - JamesSuckling.com

97+ Points! Bright red. Intense, sultry aromas and flavours of red roses, violets, nail varnish, pomegranate reduction and red cherry syrup, plus sexy vanillin oak. Layered and nicely mouthcoating, with a string underlying spine that neatly supports the ripe red fruit and sexy spice flavours. Finishes long with hints of blood orange and candied violet. More than other more forward-drinking 2020 Brunellos, this needs to spend time in a good cellar, for it is bound to improve considerably. - Ian D'Agata Wine Review: 

97+ Points! Brunello of identity, the result of a protocol aimed at enhancing the elegance of Sangiovese di Montalcino. Imposing aroma, which attacks on notes of pomegranate, with touches of juniper and wild mint and hints of licorice root. Savory palate, recall notes of red fruit and balsamic notes. - Luca Gardini

97 Points! The 2020 Brunello from Fuligni is fragrant, smooth and delicious. It opens with enticing aromas of wild berry, violet, crushed mint and pine forest. Full-bodied and loaded with flavor and finesse, it delivers mature Marasca cherry, raspberry, star anise and cake spice set against fine-grained tannins. Boasting a weightless finesse, it’s well balanced, with fresh acidity. - Kerin O'Keefe

97 Points! A bright red color with orange highlights, the 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino is very pretty, with a delicate rustic hint that I find quite attractive. It reveals attractive red fruit on the nose, with notes of cranberries, wild herbs, and just a subtle hint of saddle leather and blood orange. Mid-weight, it's light on its feet while delivering wonderful energy and freshness, with snappy ripe red fruit, a refreshing, angular feel, and mouthwatering saline and acidity. This is certainly one of the highlights of the 2020 vintage.  - Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com

95 Points! Very attractive aromas of red cherries, mushrooms and flowers follow through to a medium body with firm and integrated tannins and a vivid, subtle, fruity finish. A lovely young Brunello that you can enjoy now or age for many years to come. - JamesSuckling.com

94 Points! Black cherry and black currant flavors are the main themes in this intense red, with iron and wild herbs adding complexity. Balanced and vibrant, with resonant tannins guarding the long aftertaste. This feels more modern in style, with an emphasis on bright fruit. - Wine Spectator

94 Points! The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo bursts from the glass with a vivid blend of crushed raspberries and cherries, a whiff of allspice and candied rose. It is elegant in feel, silken and smooth with tantalizing acidity and a dominating core of ripe red fruits that adds impact. The finish is grippy and long, potent with fine-grained tannins and a slight citrus tinge that pinches at the cheeks. This classy Brunello is built for the cellar. - Eric Guido, Vinous 

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

97 Points! The expressive flavors of ripe cherry, raspberry, pomegranate and rose are offset by thick, dusty tannins and accents of wild herbs and menthol. This red stays vibrant throughout, with a long aftertaste of red fruit and savory notes. Delivers layers, freshness and the potential for aging. - Wine Spectator

96 Points! The expressive 2021 Brunello di Montalcino opens with an array of crushed violet and lavender tones before giving way to citrus-laced blackberries and cherries. Cool-toned and wickedly fresh, it possesses a solid core of mineral-infused wild berry fruits and blue and purple inner florals that arch throughout. Sweet tannins frame the finish beautifully as hints of balsamic spice and pomegranate linger incredibly long. The 2021 is a radiant beast in need of taming. It's hard to put this glass down. - Eric Guido, Vinous

98 Points! Enticing aromas of red cherries, dried strawberries and hints of plums, cedar, sandalwood and balsamic. Medium-bodied with a tight and rich center palate and a chewy and powerful finish. This needs time to come together and soften slightly. - JamesSuckling.com

97 Points! Aromas of new leather, spiced black plum, violet and camphor unfold on the bold and beautiful 2021 Brunello Pianrosso. Combining power and restraint, the full-bodied palate delivers layers of ripe Morello cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and fine tobacco blend before a spiced orange zest close. Velvety, enveloping tannins provide seamless support. - Kerin O'Keefe

100 Points! The drop-dead gorgeous Gianni Brunelli stopped me in my tracks with its stunning fragrance of freshly picked violet, iris, forest berry, leather and eucalyptus. All about extreme elegance, the palate is equally captivating, delivering layers of succulent Morello cherry, wild raspberry, blood orange, dark spice and crushed mint. Taut, ultra-refined tannins provide seamless support while fresh acidity keeps it vibrant and impeccably balanced. While it’s already incredibly tempting, it also promises years of graceful aging. Hats off to Laura Brunelli and her team. - Kerin O'Keefe

97 Points! Pouring a bright red hue, the 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino is persistent and fantastic, with youthful tension and expressive aromatics of Bing cherries, orange zest, and iron-tinged earth. The palate is medium-bodied and focused, with refined tannins, refreshing acidity, and savory length framed by salty earth and bright fruit through the finish. It’s a complete, elegant Brunello that should continue to improve with time in bottle. - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com

96 Points! The 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino Montosoli pours a deeper ruby hue and opens with compact aromatics of black raspberries, tea leaf, cocoa, rosemary, and crushed stone. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm core of tannins and a refreshing spine of acidity that keeps everything lifted and precise. It’s still tightly wound and will benefit from another couple of years in bottle, then drink beautifully for 15 years or more. - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com

95 Points! A lively Brunello with aromas of plums, ripe cherries, cedar and teak that follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Crunchy and linear. Lovely energy at the end. - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points! The 2023 Chianti Classico is fabulous. Rich and layered in the glass, the 2023 impresses with its purity and exceptional balance. Strong spice, leather and tobaco notes run through a core of red Sangiovese fruit. All the elements are so well balanced. Dollops of Canaiolo and Colorino are so well put together. This is a sublime wine. Truly exceptional. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

93 Points! This powerful red is dense yet fleshy, evoking cherry, tobacco, iron, earth and wild herb notes. Balanced and fresh, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, savory Mediterranean herbs and mineral notes. - Wine Spectator

93 Points! Notes of raspberries and cherries with red licorice, dried orange peel and spices. Medium- to full-bodied with meaty structure. Tannins are wide and velvety with a juicy, red-fruited mid-palate. Fresh and crunchy at the end. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points! Floral and slightly spicy, with a fresh fruit profile, this has red currants, pomegranate and deep graphite. Medium-bodied, it shines with concentration, weight and elegant tannins. The supersavory finish is sustained by crisp acidity. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com