Wine Advocate (99)

The 2004 Passito Rosso Vino Dolce Vigna Seré (500-mililiter) is a masterpiece that is impossible to repeat. In fact, the wine has not been produced since 2004. Even if a vintage as good as this did come along, we'd need to wait another 13 years before we could enjoy this level of maturity and evolution. Formally a Recioto della Valpolicella, this sweet red wine is made with air-dried fruit as local tradition dictates. Luckily no botrytis set in that year, because that would have eroded the wine's deep and luscious color saturation. The bouquet delivers a generous flow of dark spice, bitter chocolate, espresso, raisin, plum, barbecue spice and teriyaki smoke. The concentration and layering of the wine are both rare and distinctive. The mouthfeel sees sweet flavors with a syrupy mouthfeel. The finish offers hints of caramelized brown sugar and savory hickory. The aging window is impossible to predict, but the wine is surely built to last. I can think of no other wine that comes close to matching this unique style.

Captured from the illustrious Italian region of Veneto, the Sansonina Merlot 2001 embodies the epitome of finesse and structure, characteristic to its famed lineage. Significantly influenced by the unique terroir, this vibrant ruby red Merlot boasts exquisite aromas of sweet spices, blackberries, and understated earthy nuances.

The grapes, harvested meticulously in late September, underwent a long maceration and were subsequently aged in small oak barrels. The employment of these traditional vinification methods imparts the Sansonina Merlot 2001 a velvety texture with an elegant balance of tannin and acidity.

This prestigious creation is a testament to the Sansonina estate's unfaltering commitment to excellence. Renowned for its artisanal approach, this female-led boutique winery, managed by the brilliant minds of Nadia Zenato and her mother Carla, endeavours to engrave their indelible mark on each vintage they produce. Experience sans pareil with the Sansonina Merlot 2001, a wine to treasure for the discerning connoisseur.

Immerse yourself in the elegance and complexity of the Secondo Marco Valpolicella Classico 2018. Born out of the Italian Valpolicella region north of Verona, this awe-inspiring red wine is a testament to the winemaking traditions passed down in Marco Mosconi's family for generations. The authenticity of the terroir is spectacularly evident in this bright, dry and slightly spiced wine. Cherries, red fruits and distinct spices on the nose pave the way for a soft, well-structured palate with splendid balance.

Produced from the classic blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes on hillside vineyards, Secondo Marco Valpolicella Classico 2018 undergoes traditional fermentation followed by maturation in stainless steel tanks to enhance its vivid fruit-forward character. Mosconi's commitment to honouring his grandfather's legacy is unmistakable, resulting in a wine that is both deeply personal and universally laudable. Savour the craftsmanship of this limited production gem and enjoy a true taste of Italian viticulture.

Immerse your palate in the world of luxury with the Secondo Marco Valpolicella Classico 2019, a true testament to Italian winemaking artistry. Crafted in the prestigious Valpolicella region of Veneto, Italy, this red wine boasts an exquisite blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes. Producer Marco Mosconi’s meticulous attention to detail manifests in the traditional 'pergola veronese' training of vines, limited yield per hectare and separately vinifying the grapes of each vineyard, resulting in a vibrant wine with a splendid balance of freshness and complexity.

Its elegant bouquet brims with lush dark cherries, aromatic herbs, and wild spices, an olfactory pleasure beautifully resonating its terroir. In the mouth, it reveals enticing flavours of ripe red fruits, peppery notes and a touch of minerality. The tannins are soft, lending a well-rounded finish to this splendid vintage. Capture Italian sophistication and revel in the divine character of Secondo Marco Valpolicella Classico 2019.

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.

Crafting a true masterpiece, the Venissa Bianco 2015 hails from the Venetian lagoon's storied vineyards on the island of Mazzorbo. This ethereal offering, meticulously produced by the prestigious Bisol family, elegantly embodies the unique terroir of its origins.

The Venissa Bianco 2015 captivates with its rarity and exclusivity, being crafted entirely of the ancient and near-extinct Dorona grape, with only 4000 bottles produced. Employing traditional winemaking techniques, this wine rested for two years in ancient clay amphorae and cement tanks before meeting the world.

Expressing a golden hue, this wine dazzles your senses with complex aromas of honey, nuts, and tropical fruits, balanced beautifully by a savoury minerality. The palate is rich and seductive, drawn out in a long, thought-provoking finish. An enchanting exemplification of Venissian mastery, the Venissa Bianco 2015 pairs perfectly with fine Mediterranean cuisine, while offering vibrant cellaring potential.

Unquestionably, the Venissa Bianco 2015 is a resplendent embodiment of Dorona's indomitable spirit and Bisol's heritage-driven passion.

The splendour of Venissa Rosso 2011, a notably distinguished Italian red, showcases the mastery of world-renowned producers, Bisol. An impeccable fusion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this exclusivity is a paragon of the splendid wines of Venetian Lagoon's Mazzorbo Island. Raised with meticulous care in the historical walled vineyard, this ruby-red vino unveils a robust bouquet of sun-kissed berries, harmoniously balanced by subtle notes of earthy spice.

After a loving harvest, the grapes are expertly macerated and matured in French oak barriques for over two years, underscoring the rich taste profiles. This punctuated by the fascinating touch of salinity from the unique terroir helps underscore its one-of-a-kind specificity. Opulent in taste and aroma, the incomparable Venissa Rosso 2011 merits a place in any devoted oenophile's collection. Savour its unparalleled richness and relish the intricate journey of every sip. Truly, an exceptional epicurean experience awaits.

James Suckling (99)

This is a huge and impressive wine, but somehow graceful and subtle. It packs an eclectic array of brambleberry compote, violet essence, eucalyptus, oyster shell, pure iodine, vanilla, resin, tar, cassis, plum liqueur and hot stones. You can only stand back in awe as one shade of fruit appears after the next and a barrage of tannin coats your mouth. Yet, this is gentle, agile and flowing. Nevertheless, its main attraction remains its unashamed, monumental power and muscularity. A haunting wine that sends chills down your spine. An epoch-defining wine for Veneto that harks back to the legends of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Perhaps the best Amarone ever made. Impossible to resist now, but better in 2022.

James Suckling (98)

An Amarone for the future with terrific richness and tannin power, offering dried fruit, figs, blackberries, bark, mushrooms and hints of wood. Full-bodied and very structured with a powerful finish. It needs a lot of time to come around. Try it after 2024.

Decanter (97)

This remarkable Amarone won the very highest acclaim from its original judging panel and then sailed through every subsequent judging stage, to the extent that its appearance in our Best In Show collection was never seriously in doubt. It’s already over five years old, but is still very dark in the glass -- and it’s a wine of remarkable aromatic complexity, too. Amarone-lovers will know just how many allusions these wines are capable of evoking, and it’s not hard to make out mushrooms, forest underbrush, truffle, Havana leaf and even woodland violets as well as the more usual confit cherries and plums in this wine’s aromatic profile. In the mouth, the wine is remarkably concentrated yet elegant, carrying that bundle of allusions effortlessly and seamlessly through the palate. Fine-beaded tannins lend support, and the concentration of fruit is such that any overt acidity is almost an afterthought.

James Suckling (98)

This is one of those wines where your nose is in the glass for ages, enjoying the complex array of aromas that range from raspberries to dates, perfumed bark to polished wood, pressed flowers to fresh mushrooms. Full-bodied, dense and focused with fine, well-integrated tannins, plenty of fruit flavor and an endless finish. A joy to drink even now, but this will age gracefully for many a year.

Vinous (94)

The 2003 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva della Mattonara is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Smoke, plums, tar and black cherries meld together in a layered, intense Amarone bursting at the seams with personality and nuance. The aromatics are just a bit forward, as one might expect from a warm vintage. Today, the memory of what Amarone is has begun to fade as so many wines are made with lower residual sugar, but in many ways, the 2003 is a throwback to and older-school style, with the contemporary polish that is Celestino Gaspari's signature.