Vinous (94)

The 2018 Carema is a very pretty, ethereal wine. Sweet dried cherry, mint, tobacco, cedar, dried flowers, mint and rosewater all grace this beautifully lifted, understated Carema. Spice and earthy notes develop in the glass, adding layers of nuance. The 2018 is a jewel of a wine. This understated silky Carema is all class.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

Red berry, violet, forest floor, vanilla and balsamic aromas of menthol and camphor slowly appear on this stunning, radiant red along with whiffs of charcuterie. The vibrant, focused palate is young and taut but already impeccably balanced, evoking juicy red cherry, pomegranate, star anise and cool mint framed in firm acidity and tightly knit but fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. It's already fantastic but will hold for even more complexity. Best 2026–2036.

Vinous (97+)

The 2020 Barbaresco Fausoni takes all the elegance of the 2019 and turns up the dial one more notch. Deep and explosive, the 2020 captures all the best this vintage had to offer. A rush of dark red fruit, blood orange, spice, menthol, salt, lavender and rose petal builds as the 2020 saturates every corner of the palate. Here, too, the balance of fruit, acid and tannin is simply masterful.

Vinous (97+)

The 2020 Barbaresco Pajorè is a textbook wine from this site. A wine of depth and stature, the Pajorè is so impressive, even just bottled. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol race across the palate as the 2020 shows off its obvious pedigree. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of spice, balsamic-infused nuances that build into the palate-staining finish. The 2020 is shaping up to be truly magnificent.

Vinous (95)

The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Sant'Urbano takes some time to blossom in the glass, as mineral-tinged blackberry evolves into a display of currants and cherries complemented by hints of sweet mint, lavender and violets. It’s velvety in texture and savory to the core, coasting dark red and black fruits across a medium-bodied frame, contrasted by vibrant acids, as grippy tannins form up toward the close. This finishes youthfully structured yet amazingly long, with echoes of licorice and purple inner florals. The 2016 is geared for the cellar, and in need of some time to soften, but my expectations are very high.

Vinous (93)

The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Sant'Urbano is dusty and darkly alluring, as dried flowers and incense gives way to nuances of cocoa and, with time in the glass, a vivid note of black cherry. This is texturally deep and savory in style, coming across as almost salty in character, with an intense and saturating core of raspberry and cherry. Exotic spices, dark, dark chocolate and clove develop toward the close. This tapers off long and staining, lightly structured, needing only a short stay in the cellar to come together. Speri did a remarkable job of maintaining balance in such a warm and difficult vintage.

Vinous (93)

The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Sant'Urbano is dusty and darkly alluring, as dried flowers and incense gives way to nuances of cocoa and, with time in the glass, a vivid note of black cherry. This is texturally deep and savory in style, coming across as almost salty in character, with an intense and saturating core of raspberry and cherry. Exotic spices, dark, dark chocolate and clove develop toward the close. This tapers off long and staining, lightly structured, needing only a short stay in the cellar to come together. Speri did a remarkable job of maintaining balance in such a warm and difficult vintage.

Vinous (93)

The 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Sant'Urbano is dusty and darkly alluring, as dried flowers and incense gives way to nuances of cocoa and, with time in the glass, a vivid note of black cherry. This is texturally deep and savory in style, coming across as almost salty in character, with an intense and saturating core of raspberry and cherry. Exotic spices, dark, dark chocolate and clove develop toward the close. This tapers off long and staining, lightly structured, needing only a short stay in the cellar to come together. Speri did a remarkable job of maintaining balance in such a warm and difficult vintage.

Savour the indulgent taste of Speri Recioto della Valpolicella La Roggia 2018, a prestigious vintage from the steep Valpolicella hills of northern Italy. This finely-crafted delight is the product of Speri, a renowned family winery with over seven generations of wine-making mastery. Speri is highly esteemed in Italy and globally for preserving traditional viticulture whilst focusing on quality over quantity.

The Speri Recioto della Valpolicella La Roggia 2018 imparts an enchanting full-bodied sweetness, underpinned by lush notes of marasca cherry and blackberry preserves. The artisan flavours are courtesy of the noble Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara berries, carefully sun-dried on bamboo racks for four months. This meticulous process intensifies the sugars and aromatic properties. Subsequently, the grapes undergo a painstakingly slow fermentation to maintain the rich fruity flavour. The wine, aged in Slovenian oak barrels for two years, bestows a remarkable elegance and velvety finish.

Indulge in the elegance of Speri Recioto della Valpolicella La Roggia 2018, an extraordinary incarnation of Italy's rich viticultural heritage.

Crafted in the verdant vineyards of Veneto, Italy, the Speri Valipolicella Classico 2021 is a unique blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes. Speri, a historic Italian winemaking family since 1865, consider their winemaking an art form, employing traditional, organic viticulture and letting nature dictate the rhythm of production. This 2021 vintage embodies their underlying ethos of respect towards nature and tradition, with grapes handpicked from the oldest vineyards. The result is a refined wine that veers away from the standard Valpolicella form.

The Speri Valpolicella Classico 2021 is a true expression of its terroir, offering a rich, full-bodied palette with bright cherry notes meeting a charming, earthy finish. Its harmonious, fresh acidity and finely structured tannins make it elegantly balanced. Commanding and vibrant, this wine reflects the distinctive Speri heritage. The Speri Valpolicella Classico 2021 is an extraordinary wine that complements any discerning wine collection.

St Michael Eppan Sanct Valentin Pinot Grigio 2018 is a sterling example of finesse and elegance in winemaking. Created in the renowned vineyards of Alto Adige, Northern Italy by St. Michael-Eppan, a winery notable for its profound commitment to quality and innovation. Produced from hand-harvested grapes, this bottle captures the distinctive mineral-rich soil and unique microclimate of Italy's highest altitude wine region.

Exquisite refinement on the nose reveals layers of pear, ripe apple, and floral notes, whilst the palate boasts a refined balance between acidity and juicy fullness. Extended lees ageing lends complexity, epitomised by hints of almond and spices. A shining example of Pinot Grigio, the 2018 Sanct Valentin cultivates its character in French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks for six months, offering a wine that is harmonious, textured and enduring in its finish. The St Michael Eppan Sanct Valentin Pinot Grigio 2018 is an enological gem in any wine enthusiast's collection.

Characterised by finesse and complexity, the St. Michael Eppan Fallwind Sauvignon 2021 showcases the time-honoured craftsmanship of Northern Italian vintners. This wine has been nurtured in verdant vineyards in the foothills of the Alps, by the pioneer winery, St. Michael Eppan. Famed for producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc, the winery has drawn character from the unique microclimate and ancient terroir.

St. Michael Eppan Fallwind Sauvignon 2021 boasts an exquisite bouquet of green pepper, elderberry, and tropical fruits alongside a touch of fresh grass. On the palate, it reveals a harmonious balance of acidity and elegant minerality with refined structure. Aged exclusively in stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant flavours, this wine embodies an authentic expression of its origins.

A distinguished example of varietal precision and individuality, St. Michael Eppan Fallwind Sauvignon 2021 truly offers a delightful experience for discerning wine palates.

St. Michael Eppan Sanct Valentin Pinot Noir Riserva Alto Adige 2018 is the epitome of Italian winemaking finesse, boasting a depth and complexity that place it in a class of its own. Originating from the idyllic sanctuary of Italy's Alto Adige region, this profound wine reflects a stunning terroir, with grapes ripened under the watchful eye of the sun-drenched Dolomites.

The historical cantina, St. Michael Eppan, meticulously crafts this refined Pinot Noir, using sustainable practices to ensure the essence of the land is reverberated in each sip. Select bunches are hand-harvested and undergo fermentation in oak barrels, imparting an opulent structure and character.

On the palate, this Riserva is intensely aromatic, with notes of cherry, raspberry and spice accented by a delicate oak undertone. Offering harmonious tannins and a voluptuous finish, St. Michael Eppan Sanct Valentin Pinot Noir Riserva Alto Adige 2018 truly encapsulates the artistry of fine wine.

Vinous (97)

The truly seductive 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Piccoli Contenitori is sweetly herbal, with earth tones, black cherries and crushed stone complemented by rosy florals. Swirling unlocks an intense wave of raspberry, cedar shavings and spice. It’s silky and pliant, but with a tannic structure that comes on fast, but doesn’t get in the way of its pure wild berry fruits, as zesty acidity keeps the energy high throughout. This is vivid to the last, as saturating minerality adds a savory flair, and lavender-tinged red berries echo on and on through the classically structured and youthfully chewy finale. Just wow.

Vinous (97)

The truly seductive 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Piccoli Contenitori is sweetly herbal, with earth tones, black cherries and crushed stone complemented by rosy florals. Swirling unlocks an intense wave of raspberry, cedar shavings and spice. It’s silky and pliant, but with a tannic structure that comes on fast, but doesn’t get in the way of its pure wild berry fruits, as zesty acidity keeps the energy high throughout. This is vivid to the last, as saturating minerality adds a savory flair, and lavender-tinged red berries echo on and on through the classically structured and youthfully chewy finale. Just wow.

The prodigy of Gianfranco Soldera, there was no single greater mentor from which the young Stella di Campalto could learn the mysteries of Montalcino than the legendary winemaker, whose eponymous estate represents the apotheosis of modern Brunello for many lovers of the region. 

 

At the very forefront of the new wave in Brunello di Montalcino, Stella di Campalto is a young, ambitious winemaker dedicating herself to her craft to further the quality and renown of Brunello di Montalcino.

 

Austere and often more rustic than many would perhaps prefer, there is more polish and subtle generosity to this Tuscan giant, Stella di Campalto is Brunello’s “one of the most promising young growers” (VN) in the eyes of Antonio Galloni of Vinous.

Wine Advocate (95)

Talenti's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino sees fruit sourced from the Sant'Angelo in Colle subzone of the appellation. This is a very satisfactory expression with pretty mineral tones of ash and crushed stone that form sharp contours against ripe fruit, prune and blackberry. The wine is linear and extremely well defined. The high quality of fruit happily comes through with confidence and intensity. Talenti offers the best of both worlds: This is a wine that can age or you can opt to drink it sooner with red meat or game dishes. I love the energy and acidity on the finish.