Italian Wine

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

James Suckling 94 Points | Aromas of crushed stones, dark berries, and blueberries follow through to a medium to full body with creamy tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Chocolate at the end. Two or three years of bottle age will bring this around nicely. Drink after 2024.

Winemaker Description

A standard-setting Super Tuscan red blend renowned for its intense and intriguing character. Ruffino Modus opens with aromas of mature red and black cherries, plums, and small blackberries. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot — each variety contributing structure, depth, and fruit complexity in equal measure.

About Ruffino

Founded in 1877, Ruffino is one of Tuscany’s most storied wine estates. Modus — Latin for “method” or “measure” — was created to showcase the potential of blending international varieties with Sangiovese in the Toscana IGT classification, free from the constraints of traditional appellation rules. The result is a wine of remarkable consistency and age-worthiness at an accessible price point.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, and classic Tuscan dishes. Equally rewarding with 2–3 years of additional cellaring.

Ruggeri Argeo | Prosecco Treviso Brut Rosé Millesimato | 2023 | 750ml | Valdobbiadene, Italy

Rated 93 Points – Wine Enthusiast

For five generations, the name Ruggeri has been synonymous with the finest Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Founded by Eliseo Bisol and his son Luigi — among the first modern winemakers in the region — Ruggeri stands today among the top wineries of Valdobbiadene, pioneering quality and vision since the 1950s. Now part of the Rotkäppchen-Mumm Group, Ruggeri continues to be recognized worldwide for its commitment to excellence.

• Winery: Ruggeri
• Origin: Valdobbiadene, Treviso, Italy
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Style: Brut Rosé Millesimato (Vintage)
• Varietal: Glera with Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Prosecco DOC Treviso

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Soft pink hue reminiscent of peach flowers with abundant foam and lively, fine perlage
• Nose: Glera aromatics enriched with red currants, raspberries, white flowers, and a balsamic note of fresh rosemary
• Palate: Succulent cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate, and full-bodied structure from Pinot Noir
• Finish: Long, elegant, crisp, and harmonious — perfectly matching the aromas

Critical Acclaim

• 🏆 Wine Enthusiast – 93 Points: "With its soft pink hue and inviting berry-scented bouquet, this Prosecco rosé is a charmer. The palate is awash with succulent cherry, wild strawberry and a subtle hint of pomegranate. The finish is crisp and refreshing, making it an ideal aperitivo or a surprising addition to tacos or burgers."

Serving Suggestions: Ideal as an aperitivo; pairs beautifully with tacos, burgers, light appetizers, and fresh fruit desserts.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Syrah has a long history of cultivation on the island of Sicily with first records mentioning it in 1868. After decades of evolving and adapting to the region’s unique terroir, the Sallier de La Tour family became convinced of the varietal’s potential to thrive in the Monreale area where the soils are rich in potassium and the natural springs found under the vineyards allow the grapes to retain freshness.

The vineyards’ exposition and proximity to the sea allow for even and optimal ripening and the resulting wines display the fruit, balance and elegance indicative of the Syrah grape.

San Felice Chianti Classico — Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany 2022

San Felice is one of Chianti Classico’s most storied and respected estates, farming over 270 hectares in the Castelnuovo Berardenga sub-zone — the southernmost and warmest corner of the appellation, known for producing wines of particular richness, structure, and savory depth. The Chianti Classico is the estate’s benchmark expression: a blend of Sangiovese with the rare indigenous varieties Colorino and Pugnitello, vinified to capture the vibrant, earthy, food-friendly soul of traditional Chianti at an exceptional price point. The 2022 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and 90 from Vinous, and is drinking beautifully now.

The nose is defined by cool earthiness: flint, wild herbs, tart blackberries, mushroom, and balsamic. On the palate, it is vibrant and open-knit — cherries, black cherry, blackberry, crushed flowers, and orange peel are framed by dusty, chewy tannins, notable acidity, and a flinty, iron-inflected finish that anchors the wine with real Chianti character. A textbook food wine of the highest order.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — “Cool earthiness defines the nose, with aromas of flint, wild herbs and tart blackberries, and umami notes of mushroom and balsamic. Dusty, chewy tannins and notable acid emphasize that flinty earthiness.”

Vinous 90 — “Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, new leather and a kick of orange peel. Soft, open-knit. Drink it over the next few years.”

Wine Spectator 89 — “Black cherry and blackberry flavors with accents of violet, earth and iron. Firm tannins infuse the finish. Drink now through 2027.”

• Producer: San Felice, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
• Blend: Sangiovese, Colorino, Pugnitello
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Flint, wild herbs, blackberry, mushroom, balsamic, cherry, crushed flowers, orange peel, iron finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Pasta Bolognese, lasagna, wood-fired pizza, grilled lamb with rosemary, roast turkey, aged Pecorino, charcuterie

Sangiovese, Colorino, Pugnitello, and 91 points from Wine Enthusiast — San Felice Chianti Classico is the Tuscan food wine that always earns its place at the table.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The San Felice 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio (made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% complementary indigenous grapes) stands out due to its velvety richness and expressive flavor profile. The wine delivers measured intensity with bright purple and black fruits, a good sense of energy and drive, and some lingering spiciness on the close. It is rich but not heavy.

James Suckling 93 Points | This is spiced and racy with dark cherries, currants, savory herbs, walnuts and sandalwood. Medium- to full-bodied with ripe, powdery tannins, juicy acidity and a mineral backbone on the palate. Bright and fruit-forward in the finish. Drink or hold.

San Felice — Rosso Toscana IGT 2023

San Felice is one of Chianti Classico's most storied estates — a historic borgo in Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southern reaches of the zone, with vineyards that have been producing wine for centuries. The estate is also home to one of Italy's most important ampelographic collections, preserving rare and ancient Tuscan grape varieties. The Rosso Toscana is their everyday expression: a wine built for the table, not the cellar, blending Sangiovese with complementary indigenous varieties to deliver the kind of honest, food-friendly red that Tuscany does better than anywhere.

The 2023 shows a young, rich ruby in the glass. The nose is refreshing and inviting — raspberry, cherry, and lavender — with a harmonious, easy-drinking palate that is fruit-forward without being simple. This is the bottle you open on a Tuesday, pour freely, and finish without regret. Serve it slightly cool alongside pasta, light meats, fish soups, or a simple charcuterie spread.

• Producer: San Felice, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Rosso Toscana IGT
• Varietal: Sangiovese-based blend
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, cherry, lavender, fresh and harmonious
• Serve: Slightly cool, 14–16°C
• Best Paired With: Pasta, light meats, fish soups, charcuterie, pizza

Honest Tuscan red at an honest price — San Felice's Rosso is the everyday bottle that over-delivers every time.

Warehouse stored item - please allow three to five business days to fulfill.

Fragrant and bright on the nose, Ciampoleto Rosso di Montalcino delivers juicy red berries and baking spice on the palate. Supple tannins and vibrant acidity refresh and the lingering finish begs another sip.

Chianti Classico from One of Gaiole's Most Revered Organic Estates

San Giusto a Rentennano is one of Chianti Classico's most celebrated family estates, farming organically in Gaiole in Chianti and producing wines of exceptional purity and elegance. Their 2020 Chianti Classico — a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo, aged 10 months in oak barrels and barriques plus 6 months in bottle — is a benchmark expression of the appellation: energetic, fragrant, and classically structured, with the kind of pure fruit and fine tannins that make it equally compelling now or over the next 6–8 years.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: "The certified organic 2020 Chianti Classico is a clever blend of 90% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo from a unique growing site in Gaiole in Chianti. This vintage stands out thanks to its ample and generous fruit profile. Elegant and velvety texture. Hits all the right notes. Drink 2022–2030."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 92+ pts: "Ripe with aromas of black raspberry coulis, red flowers, sweet tobacco, and pine. Elegant and medium-bodied, with supple texture, fine tannins, and an even, well-balanced finish. Pure, classic, and balanced — a gulpable wine that will drink great now or over the coming 6–8 years. Drink 2024–2032."
• Jancis Robinson — 17++ pts: "Lustrous mid ruby. An elegant, fragrant raspberry nose, gorgeous supple and juicy cherry and raspberry fruit on the palate, with gripping, nutty tannins. Very long and succulent and fragrant. Drink 2022–2028."
• Vinous — 91 pts: "Super-impressive. The purity of the fruit is really quite compelling. Dark cherry, plum, cedar, incense and licorice build nicely in a mid-weight Chianti Classico that hits all the right notes. Drink 2023–2032."
• Wine Spectator — 90 pts: "Dense, with solid tannins and lively acidity supporting expressive cherry, raspberry, iron and earth flavors. Balanced and long. Drink now through 2028."

Winemaker Notes

A Chianti of traditional style — energetic and elegant, with beautiful complexity and cleanliness on the nose. Aromas of ripe red fruit and spicy notes lead to an agile, fresh, and soft palate. Aged at least 10 months in oak barrels and barriques, plus 6 months in bottle.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo
• Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG, Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
• Producer: San Giusto a Rentennano
• Vintage: 2020
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Production: 51,872 bottles
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Tuscan pairing — exceptional with bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, pasta al ragù, aged Pecorino, and grilled lamb chops.

Discover the Richness of Primitivo di Manduria

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

James Suckling - 91 Points | A spiced nose of dark berries, smoked herbs and hints of mushrooms and moist earth. Full-bodied, dense and plush, with firm tannins and rich, almost sweet berry character.

Memo Summary Notes

The San Marzano "Anniversario 62" Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019 is an iconic, opulent red from Puglia that serves as a tribute to the winery's founding year. It is widely considered a benchmark for the region, known for its massive concentration, "noble" tannins, and a luxurious, velvety texture.

Why 62? The name commemorates 1962, the year 19 vine growers came together to found Cantine San Marzano. This Riserva is only made from their oldest, lowest-yielding bush vines, which results in much higher flavor concentration than standard Primitivo.

Because of its richness and hint of sweetness, it needs bold flavors to stand up to it:

• Meats: Slow-cooked beef short ribs, venison with a berry reduction, or grilled lamb chops.

• Italian Classics: Orecchiette with a spicy sausage and broccoli rabe ragu.

• Indulgent: Dark chocolate desserts or a platter of extra-aged Pecorino and blue cheeses.

Experience the Taste of Primitivo

San Marzano Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019 showcases the exceptional quality of Primitivo grapes. This wine is full-bodied, offering rich fruit flavors, including notes of black cherry and plum. It has a smooth texture and balanced acidity, making it an ideal choice for both casual and formal occasions. People appreciate its versatility, as it pairs well with various dishes, from pasta to grilled meats.

Why Choose San Marzano Anniversario 62?

This particular vintage stands out not only for its taste but also for its meticulous production process. San Marzano winery is known for its commitment to quality, and the 2019 Riserva reflects that dedication. The grapes are carefully harvested and fermented, ensuring that the unique characteristics of the Primitivo grape shine through. Therefore, when you choose this wine, you're selecting a product with a rich heritage and a promise of exceptional quality.

An Ideal Wine for Every Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or enjoying a quiet evening at home, San Marzano Primitivo di Manduria is the perfect companion. Because of its complexity and rich flavor profile, it can elevate any dining experience. Many wine lovers recommend serving it slightly below room temperature to enhance its aromatic qualities. So, if you’re looking for a memorable wine experience, consider the San Marzano Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019.

San Marzano is one of Puglia’s most celebrated cooperative wineries, drawing from over 1,200 grower families across the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot. This Negroamaro — Puglia’s great indigenous red grape — is a textbook expression of the variety: deeply colored, richly aromatic, full-bodied, and built for the table. At $14.99, it’s one of the finest values in Italian red wine.

Expert Review
“Deep purple-red color with black-violet reflections; intense and persistent aroma, with hints of blackcurrant and wild berries, spicy, with notes of thyme. Full-bodied, velvety and harmonious wine, with a long and savory finish.” — 94 pts, Luca Maroni

Food Pairings: Grilled lamb, braised short ribs, pasta al ragù, aged pecorino, charcuterie, and hearty stews.

Varietal: Negroamaro
Producer: San Marzano
Region: Puglia (Salento), Italy
Vintage: 2023
Bottle Size: 750ml

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Nanfrè is Tenuta Sant'Antonio's young Valpolicella wine. It incorporates no dried grapes and uses no oak. The winery's recent decision to stop producing the Nanfrè as s Valpolicella Superiore allows them to maintain lower alcohol levels, more vibrant fruit and lively freshness. Nanfrè is the name of a hamlet in the commune of Illasi, the name of a vineyard and also the nickname of the previous owner of that vineyard (short for Gianfranco).

Santa Marina Pinot Grigio — Italy 2024 — 1.5L Magnum

Santa Marina Pinot Grigio is a perennial crowd-pleaser from Italy — fresh, honest, and endlessly versatile. The 2024 vintage arrives in a generous 1.5L Magnum format, making it the perfect pour for al fresco dinners, summer gatherings, and any occasion where one bottle is never quite enough. Two bottles in one, at a price that makes the decision easy.

Delicate gold with hints of straw. The nose opens with ripe pear, citrus zest, and almond blossom — clean, inviting, and classically Italian. On the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied with soft, clean fruit, bright acidity, and a crisp, dry finish that keeps you coming back for another glass. Chill well and pour freely.

Crisp, dry, and effortlessly food-friendly — Santa Marina Pinot Grigio in a generous 1.5L Magnum. Two bottles, one great price.

• Producer: Santa Marina, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Italy
• Varietal: Pinot Grigio
• Style: White Wine — Dry, Crisp, Light-Bodied
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Size: 1.5L
• Tasting Notes: Ripe pear, citrus zest, almond blossom, soft clean fruit, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled seafood, light pasta, bruschetta, fresh mozzarella, antipasto, summer picnics, aperitivo

Two bottles, one honest price — Santa Marina Pinot Grigio Magnum is the benchmark for effortless Italian white wine built for sharing.

Santa Marina Pinot Grigio — Lombardy 2024

Pinot Grigio at its most honest. Santa Marina's 2024 is a no-fuss Italian white that delivers exactly what the grape promises — fresh citrus, light stone fruit, and a clean, palate-cleansing finish that makes it one of the most food-friendly bottles at this price. Fermented to preserve freshness and aromatics, it is the kind of wine that disappears quickly at dinner and earns its place on any weeknight table. Serve well chilled and pour freely.

Bright and clean on the nose with fresh citrus and light stone fruit. On the palate, the wine is dry, crisp, and light-bodied — refreshing acidity carries the fruit through to a clean, slightly tart finish that leaves you reaching for another sip. Uncomplicated, honest, and built for the table.

Crisp, dry, and effortlessly food-friendly — Pinot Grigio from Lombardy, Italy's benchmark region for the grape.

• Producer: Santa Marina, Lombardy, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Lombardy, Italy
• Varietal: Pinot Grigio
• Style: White Wine — Dry, Crisp, Light-Bodied
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh citrus, light stone fruit, bright acidity, clean finish
• Serve: 45–50°F, well chilled
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, shrimp, calamari, clam sauce pasta, caprese salad, pizza bianca, soft cheeses

The perfect weeknight white — Santa Marina Pinot Grigio is honest Italian winemaking at a price that makes every dinner feel effortless.

Santi Santico Amarone della Valpolicella Classico — Veneto 2020

Santi is one of the Valpolicella Classico’s most historic producers, with roots stretching back to 1843 and vineyards in the heart of the original Classico zone — the hillside communes of Fumane, Marano, and Negrar where the finest Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes have been grown for centuries. Amarone is the pinnacle of the Valpolicella tradition: grapes are harvested in late September, then laid on bamboo racks in the estate’s lofts to dry for 90–120 days — a process called appassimento — concentrating sugars, flavors, and structure to extraordinary levels before fermentation. The Santico is Santi’s flagship Amarone — a wine of power, elegance, and remarkable value for the appellation. The 2020 vintage delivered exceptional ripeness and concentration in the Classico zone.

The color is a deep, concentrated dark red. The nose is fragrant and complex: cherry jam, cranberry, plum, dried fig, cocoa, and a whisper of spice — the unmistakable aromatic richness of appassimento. On the palate, it is full-bodied and round, with velvety tannins, a pleasantly tangy backbone of acidity, and a long, alluring finish of red berries and dark fruit. This is Amarone as it should be: powerful yet balanced, concentrated yet elegant, built for the table and the cellar alike.

“Dark red hue; concentrated, fragrant nose with top notes of cherry jam and cranberries, followed by hints of plum, dried fruit and cocoa. Full, round, with velvety tannins — pleasantly tangy with a long finish.” — Santi Winemaker

• Producer: Santi, Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
• Blend: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
• Method: Appassimento — grapes dried 90–120 days before fermentation
• Style: Full-bodied, velvety, concentrated Amarone Classico
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry jam, cranberry, plum, dried fig, cocoa, spice, velvety tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 10–15 years
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, osso buco, roast lamb, game, aged Parmigiano, hard cheeses

Valpolicella Classico Amarone at an honest price — Santi Santico is the benchmark for what this great appellation can deliver.

Unveiling the Santi Valpolicella Ripasso Solane 2020

Winemaker Description

Santi Valpolicella Classico Superiore is a “ripasso” method Valpolicella; meaning that following primary fermentation the wine sees a second fermentation with the addition of Amarone grapes and skins, creating a richer, more complex and more exciting final wine.

Terroir: Santi Solane is sourced from estate vineyards within the original Valpolicella appellation of Valpolicella Classico.

Vinification: When primary fermentation is complete in early winter, grapes, skins and pomace from Santi’s Amarone are added to the vats. The additional sugars from the Amarone trigger a second fermentation which adds additional layers of complexity, rich fruit and structure. The wine is blended and then aged for more 3-5 months in small oak cask followed by an additional 12 months in larger neutral casks prior to bottling. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Santi "Solane" Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2020 is widely considered a high-value "overachiever" from the Veneto region. It is produced using the traditional Ripasso method, where the wine is re-fermented on the skins (pomace) of Amarone grapes to add depth, structure, and complexity without the heavy price tag of a full Amarone.

Because of its structure and savory edge, it pairs exceptionally well with:

• Meats: Roast beef, grilled ribeye, or game meats like venison.

• Pasta: Rich dishes like pappardelle with a wild boar or mushroom ragù.

• Cheese: Aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino.

Rich Heritage of Valpolicella

The Santi Valpolicella Ripasso Solane 2020 is a splendid representation of the Valpolicella region in Italy. Wine aficionados appreciate it for its unique process where young wine is re-passed over the dried grape skins of Amarone, infusing it with remarkable depth. This method is traditional yet modern, offering a glimpse into the artistry behind Italian winemaking. You can savor its rich, complex flavors, which are a testament to its heritage and craftsmanship.

A Symphony of Flavors

When you take a sip of Santi Valpolicella Ripasso, you are introduced to a symphony of flavors. The wine presents an enticing profile of dark cherry, plum, and hints of spices. These flavors dance on your palate, while soft tannins create a smooth finish. This balance ensures that the wine is versatile, making it an excellent choice for pairing with various dishes. Whether you enjoy it alone or with a meal, it promises a delightful experience, and you will find it satisfying.

Perfect for Any Occasion

What sets the Santi Valpolicella Ripasso apart is its versatility. It’s perfect for casual dinners or formal gatherings. The medium-bodied nature of this wine complements roasted meats, rich pasta dishes, and even artisanal cheeses. Because of its complexity, it is also enjoyable on its own. This adaptability makes it a beloved choice among wine enthusiasts, ensuring that you always have the right option for any occasion or season.

Santi's Solane Valpolicella Ripasso is a rich, elegant expression of one of Veneto's most celebrated wines. Produced using the traditional ripasso method—where young Valpolicella wine is refermented on the dried grape skins from Amarone—this wine gains added depth, richness, and complexity.

The 2021 vintage opens with inviting aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, dried cranberry, sweet spice, and violet, accented by hints of cocoa, tobacco, and vanilla. The palate is silky and full-bodied, offering layers of dark berry fruit, baking spices, and subtle chocolate wrapped around refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps the wine balanced, leading to a long, smooth finish with lingering notes of spice and dried fruit.

Food Pairing

An excellent companion to grilled steaks, roasted meats, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, hearty pasta dishes, aged cheeses, and traditional Italian cuisine.

Serving Temperature

Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C). Decanting for 30–45 minutes before serving will further enhance its aromas and complexity.

About the Producer

Founded in 1843, Santi is one of the historic names of the Veneto, renowned for producing wines that faithfully express the character of Valpolicella. The Solane Ripasso showcases the winery's commitment to tradition, combining the freshness of classic Valpolicella with the richness and elegance achieved through the Ripasso method.

A beautifully balanced Ripasso that delivers the richness of Amarone-inspired winemaking with exceptional value, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Appellation: Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Vintage: 2021
Wine Type: Red Wine
Grape Varieties: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella

Scala Cirò Rosé — Calabria, Italy 2025 750ml

The Scala family has farmed the sun-scorched hills of Calabria for over 200 years — and their Cirò Rosé is one of southern Italy’s most compelling and underappreciated wines. Founded in 1949 and rebuilt with renewed ambition in 2005, the estate is today led by Luigi Scala, a traditionalist who favors quality over quantity and lets the ancient Gaglioppo grape speak for itself. His son Francesco joined in 2008, bringing modern precision to a winery rooted in centuries of Calabrian heritage. The Cirò DOC, established in 1969, is one of Italy’s oldest appellations — and Scala is among its finest interpreters.

Translucent salmon-orange in color with brilliant clarity. The nose is aromatic and inviting: spicy peach, watermelon, and blood orange mingle with distinct stony, mineral notes. On the palate, it is gorgeously rounded and silky — tangy blood orange, peach, and citrus fruits are underscored by wet slate and a saline mineral tension that is unmistakably Calabrian. The finish is long, fresh, and deeply satisfying.

• Producer: Scala, Cirò, Calabria, Italy
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Cirò DOC
• Varietal: 100% Gaglioppo
• Style: Dry Southern Italian Rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Peach, watermelon, blood orange, citrus, wet slate, saline minerality, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now
• Best Paired With: Grilled swordfish, pasta al pomodoro, burrata, antipasti, Calabrian charcuterie

Ancient grape, ancient appellation, modern precision — Scala’s Cirò Rosé is Calabria’s best-kept secret.

Expert Review -Vintage 2020

Falstaff 92 Points | Bright, radiant ruby red. Elegant nose, reminiscent of cut flowers, raspberry and some paprika powder. Delicate, youthful on the palate, with a pleasant acidity. The finish is long and mineral. Clean mouthfeel. 

Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva — Sardinia, Italy 2021

Sella & Mosca is Sardinia's most storied and important winery, founded in 1899 near Alghero in the northwest of the island. With over 500 hectares under vine, it is one of Europe's largest single-estate wineries — and its Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva is the benchmark expression of the island's most celebrated indigenous red grape. Cannonau — known on the mainland and in France as Grenache — has been grown in Sardinia for centuries and thrives in the island's sun-drenched, wind-swept terrain. The Riserva designation requires extended aging, adding structure and complexity to the grape's naturally generous fruit character.

The 2021 pours a ruby red with garnet hues, translucent and brilliant. The nose is bright and refined — fresh violet, red berries, plum, blackcurrant, sun-dried tomatoes, and oriental spices with a savory, lightly smoky character. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, solid, and well-structured, with fine tannins, fresh bursts of balsam and medicinal herbs, and a long finish that moves through toasted hints before returning to the spice route. Warm, balanced, and unmistakably Sardinian.

"Red berries, herbs, smoke and sun-dried tomatoes on the nose. Lightly peppery and spicy on the palate, medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a tasty finish." — James Suckling, 92 Points

• Producer: Sella & Mosca, Alghero, Sardinia, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva
• Varietal: Cannonau (Grenache)
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: James Suckling 92
• Tasting Notes: Red berries, violet, plum, sun-dried tomatoes, oriental spices, balsam, fine tannins
• Best Paired With: Roasted lamb, grilled meats, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino Sardo, hearty pasta dishes

A 92-point Sardinian Riserva from the island's most iconic estate — Cannonau at its most expressive, structured, and authentically Mediterranean.

Sella & Mosca | Vermentino di Sardegna DOC | La Cala | Sardinia, Italy | 2025

Sella & Mosca is one of Italy's most celebrated estate wineries, farming 650 hectares of vineyards and Mediterranean scrub on the sun-drenched plains of Alghero in northwestern Sardinia — one of the largest single wine estates in all of Europe. Founded in 1899, the estate has become synonymous with the authentic character of Sardinian wine, producing expressions that are shaped by the island's intense sun, sea breezes, and mineral-rich soils.

La Cala is Sella & Mosca's benchmark Vermentino — a wine that captures the essence of Sardinia in every glass. Vermentino is the island's most celebrated white grape, thriving in the warm, dry Mediterranean climate where the surrounding scrubland, sea air, and rocky soils impart a distinctive aromatic complexity and mineral freshness that is impossible to replicate elsewhere.

The 2025 La Cala is pale straw in the glass with a luminous green tint. The nose is fresh and inviting — citrus blossom, white peach, tropical fruit, and white flowers, accented by a mineral note and a subtle hint of Mediterranean herbs and scrub. On the palate, firm acidity with a soft, balanced texture and a lingering, saline finish. Bright, elegant, and utterly refreshing.

A versatile match for a wide array of dishes. Exceptional with shellfish, grilled seafood, sushi, light pasta, risotto, and fresh cheeses. Perfect as an aperitivo. Serve well chilled.

• Producer: Sella & Mosca
• Cuvée: La Cala
• Appellation: Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
• Region: Alghero, Sardinia, Italy
• Grape: Vermentino
• Vintage: 2025
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Prior Vintage 2024

• Wine Enthusiast — 90 pts: A benchmark Sardinian Vermentino — fresh citrus, tropical fruit, and white flowers with a mineral note and a lingering, balanced finish.

Expert Review 

The Wine Enthusiast by Kara Newman 91 Points | This Sardinian vermouth has a straw hue and bold tropical fruit aromas. The palate opens and closes with toasted coconut and vanilla sweetness, plus a pineapple hint midpalate. 

Producer Description 

Crafted on the island of Sardinia, Silvio Carta’s “Servito” Vermouth Bianco is a fragrant, Mediterranean expression of the classic aperitif. This 750ml bottling is infused with local botanicals such as myrtle, sage, and citrus peels, layered over a base of Vernaccia wine. It’s elegantly floral and herbaceous, with a subtle sweetness and vibrant, coastal freshness. Enjoy it chilled, over ice with a lemon twist, or as a base for a distinctly Sardinian spritz.

Silvio Grasso Barolo DOCG Piedmont 2022 — Half Bottle (375ml)

The Grasso family has been producing wine in Piedmont since 1927. It was Federico Grasso who began bottling the estate’s production in 1980, and under his stewardship Silvio Grasso became one of the most respected names in Barolo — praised by Robert Parker for producing “a bevy of sensational efforts over recent vintages.” Today the estate is run by Federico’s son Alessio, his wife Marilena, and their sons Paolo and Silvio, across 11 hectares of vineyards in the heart of La Morra.

Grasso’s approach is sophisticated and modern, with a particular focus on preserving the purity and elegance of Nebbiolo. To avoid excessive wood aromas, he prefers large barrels over barriques and uses less than 30% new wood even on his single-vineyard bottlings — a philosophy that results in Barolos of remarkable finesse and accessibility. Now available in a 375ml half-bottle, perfect for a solo dinner, a gift, or a first encounter with this legendary appellation.

Garnet red in the glass, with an intense and elegant nose of dried cherries, pomegranate, dried orange peel, cocoa, and dried herbs. The palate is dry, austere, and warm — savory and balanced, with chalky, angular, integrated tannins that add lift and a long, persistent finish. Harmonious and accessible. Drink now or hold.

James Suckling — 91 Points

“Subtle cherries with pomegranate and dried herbs. Medium- to full-bodied with a savory touch, complemented by chalky, angular, integrated tannins that add lift. Balanced, harmonious and accessible. Drink or hold.” (Vintage 2022). 

Food Pairings

Braised beef, osso buco, roasted lamb, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Piedmontese classics.

Varietal: Nebbiolo
Appellation: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
Vintage: 2022
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Score: 91 points James Suckling

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James Suckling 96 Points | A round and juicy red with berry, cherry, mushroom and wet-earth character on both the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with integrated tannins that are soft and luscious. Long, flavorful finish. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years.

Vinous Top 100 of 2024 — Speri’s Single-Vineyard Amarone at Its Finest

Speri is one of the Valpolicella Classico’s most respected family estates, farming the legendary Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano organically for generations. Their 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is undisputedly the symbol of the house — a superb, classic Amarone of extraordinary complexity, vigorous structure, and rare elegance. Named #79 on Vinous Media’s Top 100 of 2024, this is one of Italy’s benchmark wines.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

• James Suckling — 94 pts: “Intense, dark-fruited nose of plum skins, raisins, chocolate and wet stone character. Full and structured with a rich, succulent mid-palate and firm tannins. Structured and long, with juiciness and sappiness at the end. From organically grown grapes.”

Winemaker Notes

Speri Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano Organic 2020 750ml

Deep garnet red with an ethereal bouquet of dried fruit. Full-bodied, warm, mouth-filling and dry on the palate — a substantial wine of rare elegance built for long aging. Undisputedly symbolic of the Speri estate: great complexity, vigorous structure, and consistent top-tier elegance.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto, Italy
• Vineyard: Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano
• Producer: Speri
• Vintage: 2020
• Certified: Organic
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine for the grandest occasions — excellent with braised meats, game, richly flavored red meat dishes, and mature cheeses. Equally magnificent on its own at the end of a fine dinner.

St. Michael-Eppan Sanct Valentin Sauvignon — Südtirol Alto Adige, Italy 2024

St. Michael-Eppan is one of Alto Adige’s most celebrated cooperative wineries, uniting 320 winemaking families across 390 hectares of vineyards in Appiano — the most important wine-growing municipality on the South Tyrolean Wine Road, at the doorstep of the Dolomites. Since 1989, their Sanct Valentin Sauvignon has been the crown jewel of the estate: selected from the finest vineyards at the foot of the Mendel Massif, crafted by legendary kellermeister Hans Terzer, and recognized as one of Italy’s most consistently award-winning white wines. The 2024 earned 95 points from Decanter, 92 from James Suckling, and 91 from Wine Enthusiast — a triple-score performance that places it among the finest Sauvignon Blancs produced anywhere in the world.

The nose is explosive and captivating: sweet mango, peach, apricot, gooseberry, elderflower, ripe redcurrant, and a herby lift of mint and peppery rocket. On the palate, the wine is full and precise — crisp acidity, a smooth, elegant body, and a long, mineral-laced finish with notes of lime blossom, green apple skin, and salt crystals. It is a Sauvignon of extraordinary intensity and grace, proving that delicacy and power are not mutually exclusive. Decant briefly or serve well chilled.

Decanter 95 — "Explosive intensity: sweet mango, peach, apricot, mint and peppery rocket. Big on the palate with mouthwatering acidity and infinite length. A full-on version of the extrovert style, created by legendary kellermeister Hans Terzer." (Vintage 2024). 

James Suckling 92 — "Spiced white fruit, elegant gooseberries and sea salt. Delicious and lightly saline, with a medium body and a tactile, mealy finish." (Vintage 2024). 

Wine Enthusiast 91 (Jeff Porter) — "Floats like lime blossom on mountain breeze. Zippy precision meets stony depth while green apple skin’s fierce tartness and salt crystals create tension. Proves delicacy and intensity aren’t mutually exclusive." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: St. Michael-Eppan Winery, Appiano, Südtirol Alto Adige, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Südtirol Alto Adige DOC
• Vineyards: Selected sites at the foot of the Mendel Massif, Appiano
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Winemaker: Hans Terzer (legendary kellermeister)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Mango, peach, apricot, gooseberry, elderflower, lime blossom, mint, green apple, salt crystals, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled asparagus, seared scallops, goat cheese, herb-crusted fish, light pasta with pesto

A 95-point Alto Adige Sauvignon from one of Italy’s most celebrated white wine estates — Sanct Valentin is the benchmark for what mountain-grown, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc can deliver.

St. Michael-Eppan | Pinot Grigio | Alto Adige DOC | South Tyrol, Italy | 2025

Kellerei St. Michael-Eppan is one of Alto Adige's most celebrated cooperative wineries, farming high-altitude vineyards in the shadow of the Dolomites where cool nights and mineral-rich soils define the house style. Their Pinot Grigio has become a benchmark for the appellation — an international bestseller prized for its precision, freshness, and effortless elegance.

The 2025 opens with restrained, pure aromatics of green apple, white peach, white pepper, and crushed stone. On the palate, a tight-knit structure unfolds with subtle silkiness, super-savory depth, and medium body — finishing long and mineral-driven. This is Pinot Grigio at its most serious and most satisfying.

• Producer: Kellerei St. Michael-Eppan
• Appellation: Alto Adige DOC, South Tyrol, Italy
• Grape: Pinot Grigio
• Vintage: 2025
• Serve: 44–48°F
• Pairings: Grilled fish, seafood risotto, light pasta, soft cheeses, vegetable antipasti
• Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2024

• James Suckling — 93 pts: Restrained and tight-knit with green apple, white peach, white pepper, and minerals. Subtle silkiness, super-savory flavors, and a long finish.

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James Suckling 93 Points | Attractive notes of slice pears and peaches with hints of fresh herbs and lemon peel. Medium-bodied, tangy and zesty on the palate with vibrant acidity coming through.

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The Wine Advocate 92 Points | This is a large production of 85,000 bottles that sources its fruit from various plots planted in 2004 and 2007 at 600 meters in elevation on terraces made with volcanic rocks. The Tenuta Tascante 2022 Etna Rosso Ghiaia Nera offers focused fruit aromas of redcurrant and cranberry. The wine shows a dark ruby color and medium texture. Its informal personality would match a plate of home-cooked pasta or a wood-oven pizza.

Winemaker's Notes: Masseto 2017 manages to encapsulate all the ripeness and concentration of a particularly sunny and dry vintage. The color is almost black, the nose reveals a rich and ripe expression of concentrated black fruit, with hints of spices and liquorice. On the palate the wine manages to combine great intensity and ripeness of fruit with a remarkable sense of balance and freshness. The tannins are densely knit, the texture velvety, the finish shows lingering fruitiness and a vibrant acidity giving a final touch of freshness. Although it comes from one of the warmest vintages, 2017 can be considered a very typical Masseto in its unmistakeable combination of richness and elegance.

James Suckling - 98 Points: The clarity of the ripe blackcurrants, black cherries and flowers in the nose is entrancing. Lavender, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, silky tannins that run long and straight through the wine, providing brightness and focus. Goes on for minutes. Strength with finesse Drink after 2024, but already wonderful to taste.

Decanter Magazine - 97 Points: This is luscious, think Le Pin rather than Petrus if you are comparing to a Pomerol. The layers of spice are clear and distinct, from pepper to saffron to cloves, extremely rich but with an upward swing of acidity that keeps it gripped on to its base, and delivers the power and seduction of Masseto. An excellent vintage taking the extreme drought of the summer in its stride, proof of the exceptional location of this property. There are plenty of finely tuned tannins, but you have to wait until you are halfway through the palate before they start to build in intensity, so well brushed and supple they are at first. One to savour, for sure. 100% new oak. 24 months in barrel then another 12 months in bottle before being released from the estate.

The Wine Advocate - 97 Points: The Masseto 2017 Masseto puts on another exhilarating, knock-out performance for the third year in a row. The Masseto vineyard is a triangular-shaped plot tucked in at the back of the same property that houses the Ornellaia vineyards and winery. This special site is located at the base of the mountains that rise gently from the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the picturesque silhouette of the Castiglioncello castle at the top. The vines are planted at an altitude of 80 to 100 meters above sea level in blue clay soils that are unique to Bolgheri. That ideal position opens the vineyards to soft breezes, proximity to the sea, long daylight hours and cool diurnal shifts from the protective wall of low mountains at the back. It's a little garden of Merlot Eden. The center of the vineyard now is home to the new Masseto winery and an adjacent tasting room built into a pre-existing farmhouse. This wine was made in the old winery (the existing Ornellaia winery). Fermentation kicks off in a combination of steel and oak tanks before the wine is racked over to barrique, where it rests for two years. The wine then goes into bottle for 12 months before its release. Like most vintages of Masseto tasted this early in the game, the oak is omnipresent, and it grounds the wine in terms of texture and structure. It is powerful, but that's always the case with Masseto (this vintage records a 15.5% alcohol content). I tasted this wine next to the decidedly more playful Massetino, and the Masseto moves over the palate with substantial fruit weight and concentration gained over the course of this hot and dry growing season (which produced smaller, richer and more compact berries). Perhaps, what this vintage lacks is that profound varietal character that we saw in recent vintages like 2016 and 2015. If concerned that the hot vintage would draw out too many ripe fruit tones, the oak serves to soften some of the more volatile components of the fruit. Those distinctive notes of macchia mediterranea (wild bush) that I always associate with Masseto are less present in this vintage. You feel the oak tannins on the finish with toast and vanilla that will certainly shed as the wine ages. In fact, I went back to taste the wine 12 hours later, and they had already softened considerably. 

Jeb Dunnuck - 96 Points: The 2017 Masseto is another stunning wine from this benchmark estate, and along with Petrus, they fashion one of the greatest expressions of Merlot out there. The 2017 reveals a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a captivating bouquet of ripe black cherries, currants, dried herbs, leather, spicy oak, and tobacco, with even a touch of forest floor coming through with time in the glass. Concentrated, medium to full-bodied, and structured on the palate, it has loads of minerality, a seamless texture, ripe (yet certainly present) tannins, and a great finish. While it shows the sunny style of the vintage aromatically, it's tight and backward on the palate and in need of 4-5 years of bottle age. It's going to keep for 30-40 years.

Wine Spectator - 95 Points: There's a meaty character to this intense, polished red, adding a seriousness to the dark plum, blackberry, iron, vanilla and chocolate flavors. A beam of bright acidity keeps this focused and drives the fruit- and spice-filled finish. Merlot. Best from 2022 through 2042. 

A refined white from Puglia’s Castel del Monte DOC, this wine is a blend of Chardonnay and a touch of Fiano. Bright straw yellow in color, it shows aromas of white orchard fruits, citrus, delicate florals, and subtle hints of vanilla from oak aging. On the palate, it is fresh and balanced, with vibrant acidity, mineral tension, and a harmonious medium body. Partially aged in French oak and partially in stainless steel, it combines elegance with clarity. Pairs well with seafood, shellfish, grilled fish, risotto, white meats, and soft cheeses. Best served chilled at 10–12 °C.

One of Italy's most celebrated and collectible wines, Masseto 2020 is a monument to Merlot — a single-vineyard icon from the Bolgheri coast of Tuscany that stands alongside the greatest wines in the world. Produced by Tenuta dell'Ornellaia from the legendary Masseto vineyard on the Maremma hillside, the 2020 vintage has earned near-perfect scores across every major critic, cementing its place as one of the finest Massetos ever made.

The Masseto Estate

The Masseto vineyard sits on a unique outcrop of blue-grey Pliocene clay soils in Bolgheri, Tuscany — a terroir of extraordinary character that produces Merlot of unparalleled depth and complexity. Since its first vintage in 1986, Masseto has become one of Italy's most sought-after wines, now operating as an independent estate. The 2020 vintage marks a new chapter with winemaker Gaia Cinnirella and the introduction of a small percentage of Cabernet Franc, adding a new dimension of aromatic complexity to this iconic wine.

Critical Acclaim — 2020 Vintage

100 Points — Decanter: "Nuanced and complex, still packing a punch in terms of power, but this feels sophisticated, suave, purposeful and controlled. A truly delicious wine with so much purity and sense of place."

99 Points — Wine Enthusiast: "A hedge maze of aromas greets the nose, from blackberries and black cherries to crushed stones and crumpled petals. Tannins are tightly stitched together across the palate like a tapestry. A wine that speaks volumes without shouting."

99 Points — James Suckling: "Full-bodied with superb concentration and fine, velvety tannins that run the length of the wine. It's big but agile and gorgeous. Merlot. What a wine! Best after 2030."

99 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: "Incredibly expressive, with a sweet perfume of candied plum, boysenberry, crushed flowers, mocha, sweet earth, and fresh sage. Great finesse and polish that features opulence without having weight."

98 Points — Vinous: "Superb. Bright and vibrant, exceptionally polished and sophisticated. In 2020, Masseto is more finesse than power."

97 Points — Wine Spectator: "Complex, with a luscious texture. Offers a lively, well-integrated structure with a long aftertaste of fruit and spices. Best from 2025 through 2043."

96 Points — Wine Advocate: "A vintage of enormous richness and density. This wine is always hard to analyze in its youth. It needs many more years to soften and flesh out. Give it time."

Tasting Profile

Intense and full on the nose — ripe black fruit, crushed flowers, mocha, graphite, and soft spicing. On the palate it's rich and muscular yet tight and coiled, with velvety tannins of extraordinary finesse, vibrant acidity, and a long, sustained finish of dark fruit, leather, and mineral earth. A caged animal with its full potential yet to be unveiled.

Details

2020 | Merlot, Cabernet Franc | Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy | Toscana IGT | 750ml

Ageing

24 months in 100% new barriques, 12 months in bottle

Cellaring & Serving

Best from 2028–2043. Decant for a minimum of 2–3 hours if opening now. Serve at 61–64°F in a large Bordeaux glass. A wine built for the cellar — patience will be richly rewarded.

Producer Notes

Estate director Axel Heinz called 2020 ‘a classic Ornellaia,’ selecting ‘La Proporzione’ (proportion) as the theme to describe its character. The blend — 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot — marks a return to a more typical composition. Raised in 70% new French oak for 18 months, then 12 months in bottle prior to release. Fine-grained and beautifully textured, with finely integrated tannins supporting a concentration of black fruits lightened by red berries. Aromas of black cherry, liquorice, dark chocolate, cedar, and damp earth, with menthol and balsamic streaks imparting freshness. A stony, salty finish. Tight and moreish in its youth — best from 2026 through 2045.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

• James Suckling 98 pts | Alluring aromas of lead pencil, currants, crushed stone, and iodine. Full-bodied with tight, focused tannins. Very fresh and energetic with wonderful length and intensity. Better from 2028 onwards.
• Jeb Dunnuck 96 pts | Flush with herbs, menthol, blackberry, and cedar. Full-bodied with luxurious plum, black cherry, and toast. Supple and velvety tannins. Drink 2026–2046.
• Wine Spectator 96 pts | Inviting aromas of blackberry, black currant, anise, cedar, vanilla, and tobacco. Sleek and open on the palate, beautifully balanced. Mineral and spice on the finish with a salty, flinty element. Best from 2026 through 2045. — Bruce Sanderson
• Vinous 96 pts | Gorgeous and elegant. Seamless and wonderfully deep, with terrific freshness and cut. Super-refined from the outset. Precision and understated finesse. Drink 2027–2045. — Antonio Galloni
• Decanter 96 pts | Fine-grained and beautifully textured. Black cherry, liquorice, dark chocolate, cedar, and damp earth. Tight and moreish with ripeness, freshness, and structure. Drink 2023–2050. — James Button
• Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95 pts | Dark fruit, pencil shaving, toasted oak, Spanish cedar, campfire ash, and iron ore. Especially concentrated and oak-driven. Requires more aging. Drink 2026–2045. — Monica Larner
• Jancis Robinson 18/20 | Very sumptuous nose followed by a hedonistic palate that finishes especially fresh. Ripe but not too-ripe fruit. Savoury persistence. Drink 2024–2028.

Food Pairings

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina or prime dry-aged ribeye
• Braised short ribs or slow-roasted lamb
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano
• Truffle pasta or wild mushroom risotto

One of Italy's most iconic wines and a cornerstone of the Super Tuscan movement, Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2022 is a masterpiece of Cabernet Sauvignon-led blending from the Bolgheri coast of Tuscany. Crafted by Tenuta dell'Ornellaia under the direction of proprietor Lamberto Frescobaldi, the 2022 vintage has earned near-universal 96–97 point acclaim, celebrated for its Mediterranean elegance, concentrated fruit, and beautifully integrated structure. A wine of genuine collector status.

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

Founded in 1981 by Lodovico Antinori on the Bolgheri coast of Tuscany, Ornellaia is one of Italy's most celebrated estates — a pioneer of the Super Tuscan movement and a benchmark for Bordeaux-style blending in Italy. Drawing from multiple parcels including Bellaria, Pero, Fosso, Vigna Vecchia, and Stallina, the estate produces some 80 individual wines before final blending, ensuring extraordinary complexity and precision. The 2022 Ornellaia is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot — with Petit Verdot playing an elevated role, adding structure, length, and dark-leaning complexity to this exceptional vintage.

Critical Acclaim — 2022 Vintage

97 Points — Wine Advocate: "The 2022 vintage will be remembered for its full-bodied appeal, concentrated fruit and generous oak renderings. The wine's abundant fruit weight cedes to elegantly integrated tannins. This vintage will appeal to die-hard Ornellaia enthusiasts."

97 Points — James Suckling: "Stunning elegance on the nose, with vibrant dried eucalyptus leaves, flowers, restrained brambleberries and hints of black cherries, milk chocolate, cloves and graphite. Savory and well packed, with integrated, brilliant freshness and a ripe, fruity finish. Try from 2026."

96 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: "A fantastic nose of blackberries, polished cedar, lavender, sweet herbs, and dark cocoa. Full-bodied with a rich structure, warming concentration but a very balanced feel. The tannins are ripe and frame the underlying mineral notes very nicely."

96 Points — Vinous: "A terrific wine for the year. Dark red-toned fruit, mocha, new leather, licorice and spice all take shape in a mid-weight, pliant Ornellaia that is quite alluring. The 2022 Ornellaia is clearly among the most successful wines of the vintage."

95 Points — Decanter: "Bold, dark fruited and spicy, swirling with peppery and herbal nuances and some lovely fresh acidity which carries through to a bright finish. A more compact and dense style compared to the previous year."

Tasting Profile

Deep, bright purple-red. The nose is complex and inviting — blackberry, dark cherry, dried eucalyptus, lavender, cedar, dark cocoa, and sweet spice. On the palate it's full-bodied with rich, concentrated fruit, warming depth, and ripe tannins of exceptional quality. Savory minerality and brilliant freshness carry through to a long, elegant finish with notes of blond tobacco and graphite. Mediterranean in spirit, Bordeaux in structure.

Details

2022 | 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot | Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy | DOC Bolgheri Superiore | 750ml | 18 months in oak (up to 70% new)

Cellaring & Serving

Best from 2026 through 2040+. Decant 1–2 hours. Serve at 61–64°F with Florentine steak, lamb, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, or truffle-based dishes. A wine that rewards patience and rewards the table equally.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2013

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The 2013 Valadorna (mostly Merlot with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot) is yet another home run in this blockbuster collection of new releases from Tenuta di Arceno in the southern part of Chianti Classico (Castelnuovo Berardegna). This is a firm and tightly knit expression that is packed tight with black fruit, tobacco, tar and dark chocolate. The wine shows enormous aromatic intensity, but then it slims down just a touch in the mouth to offer an elegantly tapered finish.

Decanter 94 Points | Compared to the older and warmer 2011, which is a bit rustic and jammy, this 2013 is a fairly classic vintage for Merlot. It was harvested in September, marking a return to the usual picking dates. The percentage of the Merlot here reaches 74% of the blend, in order to maximise its fleshy character in a relatively cool year. The nose is evolved yet with an amazing complexity of tobacco, earthy tones, clean leather and balsamic depth. On the palate cassis fruit melds with leather and spices, supported by polymerised tannins and natural refreshing acidity. - Decanter Magazine, February 2021

James Suckling 94 Points | Very intense nose of blackberries, dark chocolate, sandalwood, vanilla, treacle and tar. Full-bodied with plenty of dark fruit, but lots of black-olive undertones and bright acidity keep this fresh, while firm tannins carve out an elegant, polished shape. Drink in 2021.

Memo Summary Notes

The Tenuta di Arceno "Valadorna" 2013 is a powerhouse Super Tuscan that represents the "Right Bank" Bordeaux style of the estate. While the flagship Arcanum focuses on Cabernet Franc, Valadorna is a Merlot-led blend sourced from the coolest, sandiest blocks of the estate in the southern Chianti Classico zone (Castelnuovo Berardegna).

As of late 2025, the 2013 vintage is considered a "Classic" and "Elegantly Tapered" expression, currently at its absolute peak drinking window.

• Food: This is a "Meat Wine." It pairs perfectly with Bistecca alla Fiorentina, herb-crusted roast beef, or wild boar ragù.

• Cheese: Aged Pecorino Toscano or a sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Robert Parker 93 Points | The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva shows velvety richness and good textural support. This comes thanks to the warmer microclimate and thicker soils, sometimes with a lot of clay, that distinguish the Castelnuovo Berardenga region of Chianti Classico. The finish is dry and long, but there is plenty of sweet earth, dark fruit, plum and balanced cherry in the mix.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva (90% Sangiovese and the rest Merlot) takes on more spiced layers of smoke, cedar, menthol, and blackberry. It is full-bodied, with snappy acidity and fine tannins, and is noted with redcurrant, orange zest, tea leaf, and clove. Hold another year or two and drink 2025-2035.

Expert Reviews - VIntage 2022 

A deep ruby/magenta color, the 2022 Il Pino Di Biserno starts to show more mineral-inflected notes of graphite, preserved strawberries, blackberries, cocoa, and sweet herbs. Full-bodied, the palate expands with ripe tannins, even acidity, and darker mineral undercurrents, as well as a hint of gamey richness and notes of tea leaf through the mid-palate and rather long finish. Hold this one another couple of years and drink 2027-2040.: Audrey Frick - Jeb Dunnuck - 94 Points

A cedary twist to the typical notes of black olives, tobacco, paprika and black fruit. Medium- to full-bodied with prominent, fine-grained tannins and fruit. Long, demure and tight. Needs at least one more year to soften and open up. Drink from 2026."  Zekun Shuai - James-Suckling - 94 Points

The Tenuta di Biserno 2022 Il Pino di Biserno delivers a ripe fruit profile with blackberry confit and sweet cherry pie. Those warm vintage tones are followed by an ample use of oak that adds baking spice and toasted nutmeg. There is a hint of campfire ash or something blackened or toasted at the core of this full-bodied Tuscan blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot. I pick up a note of dryness on the otherwise velvety tannins. Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate - 92 Points