Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2022
Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva is a wine linked to the tradition of the territory and this Riserva version, produced by the Antinori family, is the maximum expression of classicism. Ruby red in color with light garnet reflections, it has excellent notes of berries, which bind well to those spiced cinnamon and toasted coffee, with slight hints of tobacco. On the palate it is harmonious, enveloping, with silky tannins; long and persistent in the aftertaste, where the fruity and woody notes perceived by the nose return.
Querciabella Chianti Classico 2022
Querciabella Chianti Classico 2020
93/100 James Suckling
Bright ruby-red core with a slight purple hue. Aromas of rose, violet, redcurrant cherries and juniper berries with a hint of liquorice.
Juicy on the palate, confirming the red berry fruits on the nose. Fine tannins that integrate perfectly with nice acidity. Persistent finish with a pleasant, savoury note.
Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Il Bruciato 2023
Deep ruby-purple. Generous nose of blackberry, dark plum, sweet spice and Mediterranean herbs over a savoury graphite-and-tobacco backbone. Full-bodied with polished tannins, a juicy dark-fruit core and a long, structured finish lifted by Bolgheri's coastal freshness. A Cabernet-led Bolgheri Rosso designed for early drinking but with good cellaring potential — excellent with grilled red meats, wild boar ragù or aged Pecorino.
Giacomo Fenocchio Barolo Cannubi 2021
Giacomo Fenocchio Barolo Cannubi 2021
The wine is described as elegant rather than overtly muscular — refinement and finesse are emphasized (rather than sheer power).
Aromatic complexity is strong: violets, red cherries, strawberry/raspberry, herbs and forest floor/earth.
Texture is composed of ripe yet structured tannins, good acidity and a “chiseled” build that signals long-term potential.
Several critics highlight a “nervous energy” or tension in the finish — a sign of ageworthy Nebbiolo from a top Crus like Cannubi.
The finish is firm: with grip, defined tannins, mineral/earthy undertones, citrus/blood-orange lift.
James Suckling: 95 pts — “A restrained Barolo with red currants, red cherries, bright violets and a balsamic touch on the nose. More elegant than powerful… medium- to full-bodied with thick yet ripe tannins, crisp acidity and cherry stones in the finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2027.”
Jeb Dunnuck: 95 pts — “Lovely floral and fruity perfume with raspberry liqueur, wild strawberries, fresh violets, candied licorice… moves to a juicy, somewhat approachable feel then a more compact structure and energy through the mid-palate and finish. Refreshing acidity, well-defined ripe tannins, and a nice element of nervous energy … aging ability unmistakable.”
Kerin O’Keefe: 95 pts — “Rose, camphor, forest floor and spice aromas shape the fragrant nose… full-bodied, ripe Morello cherry, strawberry compote, blood orange and star anise… taut, close-grained tannins give the finish grip. Give this time to fully unwind. Drink 2031-?.”
Vinous (Antonio Galloni): 95 pts — “Aromatic and lifted, 2021 is classic Cannubi. Bright acids cut through a core of sweet red-toned fruit, mint, orange peel, cinnamon and new leather. This chiseled, nuanced Barolo is a winner.”
Decanter: 94 pts — “Based in Monforte d’Alba but bottled from the family’s 0.5ha slice in Cannubi Boschis… Striking scents of rhubarb compote, cherry bark, toasted hazelnut and warm, dusty earth. Full, dense and even a bit chewy… tannins build with dry, sandy texture, crisp citrus-acid finish. Certainly requires cellaring.”
Petrolo Galatrona 2022
Petrolo Galatrona 2022 is a 100% Merlot from Tuscany, Italy, noted for its attractive and approachable style. It is a medium- to full-bodied wine with tasting notes of dark berries, plum, lavender, spice, and hints of orange peel. The vintage is praised for its freshness, with fine tannins and a long finish, although some critics note it may lack the depth of top vintages.
Varietal: 100% Merlot
James Suckling, 100 points
“The floral aromas are spellbinding, with violets, lilacs, orange peel, raspberries, rose petals, and some oranges. It’s medium- to full-bodied with crunchy and open-grain tannins that are creamy and caressing. It’s endless in the finish. Crunchy and energetic. A wine that is thoughtful and gives you such great pleasure. Such purity. It’s like eating perfectly ripened grape must. Pure Merlot. Drinkable in many ways, but will come together beautifully. A new reference point for Merlot in Italy. Drink after 2028.”
Antinori Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2019
Tasting Notes
Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino is ruby red in color. The nose presents a complex bouquet of cherries, black cherries and blood oranges that follows over to notes of violets, vanilla, and light balsamic aromas. The palate is fresh, savory with silky, elegant tannins. The long, persistent finish is defined by notes of citrus fruit, delicate spicy aromas and hints of vanilla.
🍒 Natalie MacLean – 96 Points
She calls it “complex and vibrant,” crafted from sustainably grown Sangiovese:
Aromas: Bright cherry, rose petal, wild herbs, bramble leaf, and mint
Palate: Rich, meaty texture with a long, satisfying finish
Pairings: Tagliata steak, wild boar ragù, roast lamb, hard cheeses
She notes it’s enjoyable now but will evolve beautifully through 2034.
Pio Cesare – Barbera d’Alba Doc “Fides” Vigna Mosconi 2019
Morellino di Scansano Riserva 2021
Morellino di Scansano Riserva 2021
Deep and bright ruby. Olfactory impact of blackberry and blueberry jam, blackcurrant and mint; it opens on scents of Mediterranean scrub, blood orange, tobacco and black pepper. The entry into the mouth is fresh and tasty; it shows a dynamic structure, imbued with a beautiful freshness in which the fine tannic texture constitutes an excellent base for evolving for a long time in the bottle. Very persistent on citrus notes.
Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore 2019
Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore 2019
A heady perfume of meaty red fruit and spice rises from the glass on the bouquet. Rich and mouth-filling on the palate, a real vino di piacere with ripe red and black, spicy fruit vying for attention, brought together by rapier-like acidity and meltingly fine tannins. This delicious Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese blend from Bolgheri is not trying to be Sassicaia nor Ornellaia; it’s very much its own wine, more akin to Tignanello, but different again from the wine from Chianti Classico. It’s a delightful wine—delicious now but capable of up to a decade’s cellaring.
Drink now to 2030
Antinori Cont’Ugo Bolgheri 2022
The Antinori Tenuta Guado al Tasso Cont’Ugo 2022 is a 100% Merlot from Bolgheri, Tuscany, characterized by an intense ruby red color, vibrant red fruit aromas (cherry, raspberry), and notes of Mediterranean herbs. It offers a structured yet elegant,, and creamy palate with fine tannins and a long,, persistent finish.
Key Tasting Notes & Characteristics:
Appearance: Deep, intense ruby red, often with a violet center.
Nose: Intense, ripe red fruit, notably cherries, raspberries, and blackcurrant, complemented by
Mediterranean scrub, undergrowth, and subtle tobacco or chocolate hints.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with a velvety texture. It combines polished fruitiness (black cherry, plum) with firm, "grippy" tannins resulting from the challenging 2022 growing season.
Finish: Long and persistent with a mix of fresh fruit and, in some notes,, toasty oak.