Vinous (95+)

The 2015 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a dark and exotic expression of Sangiovese. It pulls you closer to the glass with an alluring display, showing medicinal cherry, plum, a sweet dusting of cinnamon, clove and finally crushed violets. The textures are like pure silk being slowly draped across your palate, offset by tart red and black fruits, as a complex web of acids, minerals and tannins saturate, clamping down toward the close. Structured and tart, as it should be at this youthful phase, the 2015 is still just an infant, with the potential for over a decade’s worth of positive evolution. This year’s Riserva hails from fruit exclusively from the Vigna Vecchia Mercatale vineyard within the Canalicchio cru, and it spends only two extra months in 2,500-liter Slavonian oak casks prior to bottling. Tasted over the course of two days it got better each time I revisited it.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

The 2016 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva is layered and complete, with a seamless personality that feels both serious and polished. The nose offers aromas of suede, baked cherries, fresh herbs, and mossy earth, with a deeper savory tone underneath. Medium to full-bodied, it has plush tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long finish that is both structured and graceful. Drink 2026-2050.

Vinous (93)

Vibrant red. Flinty red berries, violet and spices dominate the knockout nose. Then very pure, boasting a steely core of red fruit and floral flavors that linger impressively on the refined finish. One of the best Rossos of the vintage.

Cultivating a legacy of the Piedmont territory, the Canonica Giovanni estate introduces the Cartizze Langhe Nebbiolo 2020, an elegant embodiment of authenticity and terroir. This magnificent Nebbiolo varietal intertwines complexity and subtlety through meticulous traditional winemaking. Characterised by a ruby hue, it bears vibrant cherry notes juxtaposed by earthy undertones, seasoned by the vineyard's unique clay-limestone soil.

This wine hails from the Langhe region in Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for exceptional viticulture since Etruscan times. Canonica Giovanni champions a meticulous approach with sustainable methods, hand-harvesting their Nebbiolo in October for optimal ripeness.

Hand-crafted in oak casks, Canonica Giovanni Langhe Nebbiolo 2020 bears testament to Giovanni Canonica's commitment to preserving regional winemaking traditions. Here, old-world charm is captured in its finest expression, making each sip a glimpse into the vineyard's rich heritage.

The Canonica Giovanni Langhe Nebbiolo 2020 is, indeed, a harmonious symphony of an understated power and finesse, bringing forth an exhilarating wine experience like no other.

Vinous (90+)

The 2018 Barbaresco Albesani is shut down for a south-facing site that tends to give richer wines. I very much admire the energy, but I am not sure the fruit will ever fully emerge. Crushed rocks, white pepper, mint and chiseled Nebbiolo fruit are nicely delineated. The tannins remain searing in their intensity, though. The Cantina del Pino Barbarescos have a track record of opening beautifully with a few years in bottle. Let's hope that will be the case here. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon.

Vinous (93)

As always, the 2011 Barbaresco Ovello is the most linear of the estate's Barbarescos. Then again, that is the key signature of this cool site in Barbaresco. Precise and finely cut, the 2011 offers an intriguing combination of classic Ovello energy allied with the softer, gentler contours of the warm vintage. Still, this is the most reticent of the 2011 Cantina del Pino Barbarescos, and the wine that will need the most time to show the full breadth of its personality.

Vinous (93+)

Not surprisingly, the 2013 Barbaresco Ovello is the most reticent of the four Barbarescos in this tasting. Linear and a bit nervous - as wines from this site often are - the 2013 is a bundle of energy. Even so, there is more than enough depth in the fruit to balance out the wine's structural elements. All the 2013 needs is more time in bottle. Readers will have to be patient. Even so, the 2013 is likely to always remain an especially dark, somber Ovello.

Vinous (93)

The 2014 Barbaresco Ovello is going to need at least a few years in bottle to open up. That won't come as any surprise to Piedmont lovers who are familiar with the natural youthful austerity that is a signature of wines from this site. Sage, crushed rock, mint, licorice and wild flowers develop as the wine sits in the glass. Translucent and energetic, with precision to burn, the 2014 has a lot to offer once it comes together fully. When it does, readers should expect a mid-weight, classically proportioned Barbaresco that is more about persistence than volume or overt depth.

Vinous (95)

Deceptive in its light-bodied color, the 2015 Barbaresco Ovello packs a serious punch. Dried flowers, mint, pine, herbs, crushed berries and chalk add striking top notes. I very much like the wine's sense of energy. In other words, this is classic Ovello Barbaresco built on laser-like focus and real nobility. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy structured wines that develop gradually with many years in bottle.

The Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Ca d’ Mate 2018 is a luxurious embodiment of the small-scale winemaking heritage of Piedmont, Italy. This fine red wine, handcrafted by the Garrone family who has mastered the art of winemaking since 1947, embodies the spirit of local traditions and time-honoured expertise. Sun-ripened grapes from the reputable Ossolane Valley imbue this vintage with a robust, nuanced body making it a must-have for grape enthusiasts.

Every bottle of Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Ca d’ Mate 2018 encapsulates the Essences of Nebbiolo, Croatina, and Vespolina, aged subtly in stainless steel vats to preserve their authenticity, resulting in an explosion of bold, red-fruited pleasures. The artisanal approach, practised by generations, ensures every sip is a testament to the vibrant Italian terroir. This wine perfectly marries complexity and harmony, offering an exceptional finish that lingers, making it a wonderful addition to any discerning collector's cellar.

Relish in the divine experience of the Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Ca d’ Mate 2019, a wine of outstanding quality and deep-rooted history. This exquisite artisanal wine hails from Northern Italy's Piedmont region, crafted by the time-honoured Cantine Garrone Winery, renowned for their dedication to organic and biodynamic winemaking. An entrancing blend of Nebbiolo, Croatina and Vespolina grapes, nurtured amidst mountainous terrains, the wine flawlessly captures the rich and distinctive terroir of its birthplace.

Upon uncorking the Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Ca d’ Mate 2019, immediately discern waves of aromatic complexity, encompassing ripe cherries, wild berries, and subtle hints of spices. It graces the palate with striking depth, plum-red hues, and velvety tannins, bound together in an elegant, medium-bodied structure. The wine concludes with an impressively persistent finish, making it a harmonious pairing for hearty Italian dishes. An expertly-crafted testament to the manufacturer's passion, this bottle promises a sophisticated and memorable tasting experience.

Experience unrivalled vitality and elegance with Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Prudent Diecibrente 2017. As one of Italy's spectacular Piemonte region's hidden gems, this refined wine exhibits remarkable complexity and subtlety. The family-owned Cantine Garrone meticulously crafts this exquisite creation in the picturesque Ossola Valley, rooted in organic viticulture and adherence to the region's unique varietal heritage. Prudent Diecibrente 2017 is a reflection of the hard work and dedication the Garrone family has invested in their vineyards since 1946.

It's a distinct fragrance narrative, grounded in the character of hand-picked Nebbiolo grapes, immersed in local nuances. Embracing traditional winemaking processes, this red's vibrant berry profile is balanced by soft tannins and a lively finish that lingers on the palate. The Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Prudent Diecibrente 2017 is indeed a harmonious fusion of tradition and terroir, intended for the discerning drinker's table.

The Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Prudent Diecibrente 2019 is a captivating blend of Nebbiolo and Vespolina grapes. This aromatic red wine is meticulously crafted in the breathtaking region of Piedmont, Italy. Set on the ethereal bank of the Toce River, the Cantine Garrone winery upholds generations-old tradition of premium winemaking, under the current custodianship of the Brusa family. The vineyard’s unique mountainous terroir bestows upon the Prudent Diecibrente 2019 a rich intensity and a deep ruby hue.

Expertly hand-harvested and vinified in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, this wine offers an intriguing aromatic complexity of red fruits, spices, and a hint of vanilla. Ably structured with tannic extracts, it concludes on a long, satisfying note of ripe fruit. Recommended with hearty dishes, the Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Prudent Diecibrente 2019 is a testimony to exquisite Italian wine artistry – an unforgettable journey of sensory indulgence.

Renowned for their exceptional winemaking, Cantine Garrone brings forth another masterpiece - the Tarlap, Valli Ossolane 2020. Made in their prestigious vineyards, laid amidst the ethereal landscapes of the Italian Piemonte region, this top-quality wine is the embodiment of the Garrone family's dedication to pristine viticulture and restrained winemaking. The wine, made in limited quantities, showcases the unique terroir, embracing native grape varieties along with sustainable and organic farming practices.

The captivating Tarlap, Valli Ossolane 2020, encapsulates the charm of the mountainous Ossola valleys, reflected in its full-bodied palate, well-rounded tannins, and balanced acidity. The winemakers have scrupulously hand-harvested the grapes at optimal maturity, using spontaneous fermentation to preserve the archetypal characteristics. Cantine Garrone's expression of this wine is indeed a tribute to their adherence to tradition, intertwined with modern innovation. Experience the quintessential Italian excellence with Cantine Garrone, Tarlap, Valli Ossolane 2020.

Vinous (84)

Darker in color, with more evidence of ruby than the regular Brunello bottling, but still only moderately saturated. Shows some sweetness from the oak on the nose but also a pronounced cassis note that is distinctly not varietal. Round and reasonably soft in the mouth, with moderate concentration. This offers a more harmonious acidity than the above, as well as a degree of elegance, but not the weight or force of a Brunello from a superior vineyard. In a vintage like 1995, I expected more from a house that has been making very good wine in Montalcino since the 1970s.

Vinous (90)

Deep, saturated garnet. Imposing aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg and spicy cedar yield to flavors of dark chocolate, roasted coffee and vanilla. Concentrated, polished and lush, but could benefit from a bit more focus. Finishes with fairly firm but somewhat drying tannins.

Wine Advocate (93)

Caparzo is one of two properties in Montalcino owned by the beautiful and charming Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini. The other property is Altesino. This wine, the Caparzo 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is a very classic interpretation that delivers the goods without any distracting bells or whistles. The wine opens to red and purple fruit aromas with background tones of dried herb, potting soil, cedar wood and light spice. Fruit comes from a site with heavier clay soils, and you get hints of that extra density and richness here. This vintage offers all you need in a model Brunello from a very beautiful and generous vintage. I always admire the wines of Caparzo for their accessible and immediate drinking style. Some 160,000 bottles were corked in August 2019, and the wine hit the market in January 2020.

Vinous (94)

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino La Casa takes a little time to collect itself in the glass, pulling you closer as white smoke gives way to crushed stone, then peppery florals, wild strawberry and cedar. The textures are like pure silk, with an elegant display of savory black cherry and spice complicated by salty minerals. This shows amazing density while never feeling heavy, nearly masking its fine-grained tannins until the very end, where hints of orange citrus and dried berries linger. The 2016 La Casa is a beauty with plenty of upside potential.

Vinous (94)

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino La Casa takes a little time to collect itself in the glass, pulling you closer as white smoke gives way to crushed stone, then peppery florals, wild strawberry and cedar. The textures are like pure silk, with an elegant display of savory black cherry and spice complicated by salty minerals. This shows amazing density while never feeling heavy, nearly masking its fine-grained tannins until the very end, where hints of orange citrus and dried berries linger. The 2016 La Casa is a beauty with plenty of upside potential.

Wine Spectator (94)

A big, modern Brunello, with berry, cherry and vanilla character. Full-bodied, with round and polished tannins and a long, raisin and dried cherry aftertaste. A departure from the finesse of La Casa. Still needs time to come together. Best after 2003. 1,900 cases made.

Vinous (94.5)

Good full ruby. Brooding aromas of cassis, menthol, chocolate and minerals. Dense and juicy but slightly hard at present, with a floral nuance and nicely integrated acidity lending precision to the red fruit and violet flavors. The slightly tough tannins and the dumbed down fruit leave an impression of medicinal austerity on the long mouthcoating finish. Needs time.