The Wine Independent (100)

The Ornellaia 2019 with 62% has the most Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend since the 65% used in the 2001 and 2002 vintages. It is bold and bright on the nose, full of joyful blackberry, cream, and sweet spice. It is very much like the 2016 Ornellaia in terms of finesse and harmony but bigger, bolder, more youthful, and maybe on a larger scale in terms of the brightness of aromas and flavors. On standing the nose becomes much more nuanced and fragrant with blue flowers like iris and violet. There is great concentration on the palate, but it is held together within a very elegant, tight structure. This is a powerful style of Ornellaia but with the 2019 the tannins are more refined than ever and there is a thrilling acidity enlivening the palate! According to Axel Heinz, Director of the Estate, "I think we have learned to tame the tannins.” This 2019 Ornellaia is a beautiful, luxurious, and vivacious wine.

Matthew Jukes (20+)

An long-forgotten image flashed into my mind when I first tasted this wine. It took me back to a visit, as a child, to a stately home. Goodness knows where this place was, but I remember walking down a long corridor when a huge door opened to my left. As I walked past, I caught a glimpse of the most glamorous and beautifully decorated room beyond the person holding the door ajar. The door closed, and I passed by, but this image has stuck with me ever since. This momentary glimpse of incredible splendour is echoed in this magnificent wine. It starts midnight black in the glass, then as one focuses on the surface, can one see stars? Interestingly, it finishes black, too, in the form of ultra-fine sooty tannins that caress the taste buds as the flavour senesces. Between these two moments of perfect calm, there is layer upon layer of splendour and magnificence. The keyword for this vintage is ‘proportion’, as I found out half an hour through the presentation. It is an inspired choice because every element of 2020 Ornellaia is in scintillating proportion. 2020 Ornellaia represents more than harmony or balance and more than composure and equilibrium – it is truly in perfect proportion. In fact, I have never tasted a vintage of Ornellaia like it. There is a sense of greatness here, both in the intensity of the fruit and also its freshness and lift on the nose and palate – it is astonishing. The Cabernet theme (the blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot) is dominant both in the primary fruit notes but also in the signature flavours. Merlot adds glossiness and also traction, while Cabernet Franc appears to add grace and also crispness and aromatic flourishes. Petit Verdot acts as the invisible welds that pin this magnificent structure together – a complete three-dimensional flavour with no apparent flaws whatsoever. This wine will undoubtedly drink early in its life, given the silkiness and generosity on display, but it will not genuinely get into its stride for a decade, and I feel it will take another decade for it to blossom fully. My childlike fascination with today’s glimpse into the glass will no doubt grow into a full-blown stroll around this wine with the door flung open wide in years to come. This wine will prove to those with the good fortune to own it that its best is yet to come, so be patient in spite of its early allure. Until then, I do not doubt that it is a work of perfect proportion, so I am delighted to award it my first-ever perfect score for Ornellaia.

James Suckling (99)

This is a fantastic white. The greatest Ornellaia white so far. Very complex and dense yet, at the same time, energetic and vivid. This shows so much richness and density with a pretty, phenolic texture that keeps you entranced. Full-bodied with lots of honeysuckle, green-melon and cooked-apple character. Very long and flavorful. Dynamic and great wine. Drinkable now, but better in 2021.

Vinous (94)

The 2017 Ornellaia Bianco shows a bit less nerviness than it has in the past. Then again, this is 2017. Orchard fruit, white flowers and tropical overtones add lovely shades of nuance. In 2017, the Bianco also has a bit of Viognier, which no doubt adds richness. In previous years, the Bianco has been more Bordeaux-like. The 2017 is decidedly more exotic in spirit.

Decanter (97)

Sitting just below the town of Montalcino, Padelletti's six hectares are northeast-facing on clay soil rich in sandstone and limestone. The estate offers elegant yet profound wines epitomised by the 2016 vintage. It opens gradually with scents of violet, lilac, truffle and liquorice. Midweight and fluid, with finessed but firm tannins and brisk acidity, this finishes long with savoury tea notes. A magnificent reminder that Brunello doesn’t need to be a powerhouse to be ageworthy.

Decanter (95)

From Gaiole, with free-draining soils, the land has formed a natural amphitheatre with southwest-facing slopes at 500m. The 2016 vintage produced intensely aromatic, structured wines. After hand-harvesting, the wine was fermented in stainless steel with regular breaking of the cap, before being transferred to Slavonian oak barrels for 24 months. Aldo Fiordelli: Dense on the palate with silky ripe tannins, cherry fruit and a concentration of darker fruit, along with perfectly integrated structure. A great wine, with great potential. Andrew Jefford: Sweet and elegant aromas: fine leather, fresh red fruits, bay leaf, underbrush, a hint of fungi porcini – everything you hope for, quietly expressed. Intense and vibrant: a super wine. More dominated by its acidity than many, but that acidity is singingly bright and packed with fruit flavour. The tannins are like silk rope: smooth yet ample and gathered. Very beautiful and engaging, long, concentrated and intense. Monty Waldin: Clear, precise ripe red fruit, lovely balance and compactness to this. Drinking Window 2020 - 2028

Vinous (96)

The 2018 Bòggina C (Bòggina Classico) is another superb wine from Petrolo. Here, Sangiovese is aged in oak, which gives the wine more mid-palate depth and broader shoulders, which, frankly, the wine seems to benefit from. Dark cherry, licorice, leather, spice and menthol build as the 2018 shows everything its got. Impressive.

James Suckling (99)

Terrific aromas of violets, roses and raspberries with hints of strawberries and brown sugar. Full body. Phenomenal layers of focused fruit and polished velvety tannins. This is the Galatrona that everyone has been waiting for. It's the vintage that shows depth and power yet wonderful finesse and focus. Best ever. Drink from 2023 but already electrifying.

Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is rich in aromatics of black raspberry, menthol, sage, and lavender. It is fruit forward upfront, with pure cherry fruit, balsamic, and black tea with classically structured tannins and acidity that lifts off the palate and a long finish. It was aged for 6 months in tonneaux followed by two years in large barrels. Cellar 2-4 years and enjoy 2024-2036.

Vinous (96)

A heady, flamboyant wine, the 2016 Sondraia is simply magnificent. Super-ripe red cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco, mocha and licorice are some of the many notes that just soar out of the glass. Vibrancy and opulence come together in a stylish Bolgheri red that delivers the goods big time. The oak is perhaps a bit prominent, but everything about the 2016 works beautifully. This is a fabulous showing from Poggio al Tesoro.

Falstaff (99)

Bright, flint garnet red. Seductive nose with pronounced notes of wild raspberry, some strawberry, underlaid with liquorice tones. On the palate extremely juicy and clear, many churches, in addition pomegranate and some blood orange, much tension, very long finish.

James Suckling (99)

A really exotic nose with so much dried herb character, ranging from thyme and sage to Thai basil. Then there’s more familiar and equally appealing dark blackcurrants, crushed stones and lavender. Full body with very refined tannins that both coat and caress the palate. A long, chewy finish. Drink in 2022.

James Suckling (97)

What a crazy nose of pure fruit, featuring pressed violets, lavender, dark plums, cherry compote, orange rind, lemon zest, boysenberries, vanilla, Thai basil and bay leaf. The fruit is so overt and generous, yet presented in an unimaginably sleek way, the firm tannins keeping it compact and silky throughout, while the tangy acidity cuts right through to the long, structured finish. Drink in 2023.

James Suckling (97)

What a crazy nose of pure fruit, featuring pressed violets, lavender, dark plums, cherry compote, orange rind, lemon zest, boysenberries, vanilla, Thai basil and bay leaf. The fruit is so overt and generous, yet presented in an unimaginably sleek way, the firm tannins keeping it compact and silky throughout, while the tangy acidity cuts right through to the long, structured finish. Drink in 2023.

James Suckling (100)

Earthy aromas of bark, sand, truffles, graphite, rust, terracotta and sandalwood rise up from the deep with Burgundian poise; fruitier orange zest and preserved lemons glimmer in their wake, while riper incense and tar lurk in this dense forest of aromas. Physics itself gives way as the line between reduction and oxidation is blurred. There’s such richness to the center palate, but the fruit there is vivacious and elegant, swaddled in robust but generous tannins that breach the outermost reaches of the mouth. The finish is hauntingly long, the after effects of the acidity unworldly. This is certainly in a quiet, reserved stage of evolution, and will need time to fully mature in bottle. Drink in 2025.

Decanter (94)

Since taking the reins at Riecine in 2016, winemaker Alessandro Campatelli has crafted a Riserva from the 2.6ha 50-year-old Gittori vineyard. It ferments in concrete Nomblot tanks and ages in large untoasted French oak casks from Burgundy cooper Grenier. Pretty strawberry notes provide a backdrop for cinnamon, cardamom and forest brush to shine through. The tannins are supple and powdery, while penetrating acidity rings out on the finish. Plenty of concentration for ageing.

Wine Spectator (98)

This stunning red exudes bright cherry, blackberry, plum, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, all knit together almost seamlessly, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins. Shows a combination of power and grace, with a long fruit and savory aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2047. 620 cases made, 150 cases imported.

James Suckling (99)

The opulence and decadence is really something here with dried fruit, figs, meat and black truffles on the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied, layered and creamy with intense, round tannins and a finish that lasts for minutes. Best after 2022, but already a joy to taste.

James Suckling (98)

This is rich and very linear at the same time, with cherry, tile, walnut and light chocolate aromas. Some mahogany. Very complex. Full-bodied, yet tight and reserved with a very, very long finish. Really gorgeous. Try after 2025.

Jancis Robinson (18+)

Gaiole in Chianti. 97% Sangiovese. 3% Canaiolo. Certified organic. Cask sample. Beautiful shiny ruby. A lifted cherry nose with a hint of pine and black tea leaves. Jewel-like sour-cherry fruit on the palate. Very pure and elegant, yet with lots of concentration and gorgeous tannic bite on the finish.

Vinous (96)

The 2019 La Ricolma is a dark, sumptuous wine. Black cherry, plum, licorice, cloves and incense power through. Ricolma, like the other 2019s, needs time to open, as it is quite compact and tannic at this early stage. There's good depth in the glass, if not quite the finesse of recent years. The 2019 spent 22 months in French oak, 20-25% new.

Vinous (99)

The 2016 Percarlo captures all of the beauty it has always shown in the cellar. Pliant, silky and exceptionally polished, the 2016 simply has it all. Freshly cut flowers, rose petal, mint, spice and blood orange add striking aromatic nuance to a core of brilliant Sangiovese fruit. Powerful and ample, with superb aromatic lift, the 2016 Percarlo is exceptionally beautiful and moving from the very first taste. A whole range of floral and mineral notes extend the finish effortless. The tannins need time to soften, so readers should plan on at least a few years of cellaring. In a word: compelling.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

This enticing red offers alluring aromas of fragrant purple flowers, dark-skinned berries and crushed mint. The elegantly structured palate doles out succulent blackberry, orange zest, licorice and saline notes set against taut, refined tannins. It's nicely balanced by fresh acidity. Drink 2022–2029

Decanter (95)

Guidalberto 2020 is a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, matured for 15 months in oak (20% new), including a small percentage of American oak. The aromas are a little heavier, with ripe dark fruit and a fragrant, floral note. It's a little less finely detailed aromatically than the 2021, with some smoke, spice and green herb qualities. The palate is round, medium-full bodied with juicy, bright acidity. It's a very friendly wine with very fine tannins and there's a little more grip and silty texture to the tannins.

Greg Sherwood MW (95)

There doesn’t seem to be complete agreement amongst growers as to whether 2021 in Bolgheri was an easy or difficult vintage. What certainly is in agreement is that this cooler Tuscan vintage yielded some incredibly taut, intense, vibrant wines. Aged in 85% French and 15% American oak 225 litre barrels, 40% new, for 15 months, this beautiful Guidalberto 2021 boasts fabulously piercing aromatics of violets, black cherries, blackberry compote and seductive dark plum over sweet exotic Christmas spices and stony graphite notes. The oak and vanilla wood spice is still busy integrating with the super taut, tight palate fruit intensity, perhaps at a slightly slower pace than in a riper, warmer vintage. But it’s the palate’s chiselled focus and linearity that marks this vintage as a true stand out expression amongst more recent dryer, warmer years. The texture is laser focused but also wonderfully transparent showing the true mineral terroir characteristics of Bolgheri together with a wonderfully fresh, tart, glassy acidity supported by sleek, polished marble tannins on a pithy cherry cola packed finish. A vintage to be truly celebrated but also one best to bury in the cellar for an another 8 to 10+ years.

Vinous (88)

The 2020 Le Difese is laced with crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, cinnamon and rose petal. This light to medium-bodied, fragrant Maremma red is an ideal choice for drinking over the next few years. Served at cellar temperature, it is also a fine option for the warm summer months.

James Suckling (98)

Wow. This is really complex on the nose with black cherries, mushrooms, dried flowers and cedar. Some crushed stone and dry earth or tile. This is full-bodied and very layered with wonderful depth of fruit and creamy tannins. It’s focused and serene. Better than 2015. From organically grown grapes. Try in 2024 and onwards.

James Suckling (98)

The purity and polish here shows wonderfully the moment you stick your nose in the glass, with complex aromas of plums, berries, cedar and violets. It’s full-bodied and ever so refined with elegant and intense tannins that take you deep into the wine. This is a thoughtful and finely crafted Brunello that needs time to show you its greatness. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2024.

James Suckling (97)

A rich, layered red with blackberry and chocolate, as well as cured-meat and wet-earth undertones. It’s full-bodied with depth, intensity and focus. Lovely, velvety tannins and a long, creamy-textured mouth feel. Generous finish with tension. Better than 2015. Try after 2024.