Intense aromas of black cherries, lavender and spice, such as nutmeg. Some sandalwood and bark, too. Full-bodied with a solid core of fruit and tannins for the vintage. Rather chewy, suggesting that additional bottle age...

The 2018 Tenuta Degli Dei is dense, juicy and wonderfully inviting. Silky tannins wrap around a core of inky dark fruit, chocolate, spice, lavender and new leather. In the glass, the 2018 is intensely aromatic and...

Camphor, forest floor, wild berry and dark spice aromas lead the way. Full-bodied and supremely elegant, the delicious palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco framed in tightly woven...

This is the most high-toned of Gaja’s three 2018 Brunellos, a portion of the fruit coming from the Torrenieri vineyard in Montalcino’s cooler northeastern corner. Hints of oregano and citrus peel accent the tangy red...

The 2018 Barolo Gramolere is the most linear and intensely aromatic of the three 2018 Barolos in the range. It offers up an exciting mix of bright red fruit intermingled with scents of leather, iron, dried herbs and white...

The 2018 Sammarco is brilliant. Bright and explosive, with tons of linear drive, the 2018 is exceptionally polished. Cabernet Sauvignon is up to 80% of the blend, and that very much comes through in a wine endowed with...

A modern slanting wine, the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino is lush with wooded spices, smoky cigar box, preserved cherry, sweet tobacco, and dried roses. It is full-bodied on the palate but has a compact structure, with ripe...

The 2018 I Sodi di San Niccolò is the most elegant Sodi I have ever tasted, and I have tasted them all. Sodi can be quite the bruiser in its youth, as the tannins are often imposing, but the 2018 is impressive because...

Floral aromas of rose and iris mingle with red berry and tilled earth on this perfumed red. Elegantly structured, the vibrant palate offers juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry and star anise before a savory, almost salty...

Balsamic aromas of camphor mingle with earthy whiffs of forest floor, new leather, cedar and wild berries on this elegant, full-bodied red. The tight, linear palate is delicious and loaded with personality, delivering...

The 2018 D'Alceo is a wild, exotic wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot come together in a wine that is sumptuous, layered and exceptionally beautiful. Inky blue/purplish fruit, sage, mint, lavender and chocolate are...

Lots of blue and sweet berry fruit with heady rose and floral notes on the nose, alongside hot chocolate, sandalwood, toffee and nutmeg. It’s full-bodied with ripe, muscular tannins that are superbly integrated. Powerful...

A blend of mostly Sangiovese with Cabernet Franc and Merlot in supporting roles, the Castello di Ama 2018 Haiku is a very interesting and somewhat unexpected expression that delivers big richness and lovely concentration...

The 2018 Barolo Castelletto is another compelling wine in this range from Manzone. It exudes vertical intensity, not to mention tons of character, right out of the gate. Sweet red/purplish fruit, rose petal, dried herbs...

To my palate, the 2018 vintage sometimes feels a little too ripe or baked. I was reminded of those characteristics when tasting the Fèlsina 2018 Fontalloro. There is plenty of dark fruit at its core, but this wine also...

Sweet berries and cherries with some vanilla and cedar character. Medium body and creamy, juicy tannins. Tangy acidity. Plum, citrus and vanilla undertones. Drink or hold.

This Amarone showcases the wine style's depth and finesse. Aromas of dark plums and blackberries are knit together with fresh and dried floral notes. The palate is well structured. A solid core of dark fruit is balanced...

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino offers a full and generous personality with layers of dark fruit, cola, rosemary and balsam herb. This is a medium to full-bodied Sangiovese with lots of ripe fruit, soft tannins and rich...

Forest berry, spice, hay and menthol aromas mingle with whiffs of new leather on this stunning, fragrant Brunello. A top-scorer vintage after vintage, the 2018 combines elegance and a full body, delivering dried cherry...

A perfumed nose of redcurrants, sour cherries, bay leaves and spices. Medium-bodied with chewy tannins. Dusty texture in the mouth with structure and a bright core of red fruit. Flavorful, ample and tannic finish with...

The 2018 Barolo Bricco Boschis pours a deep ruby and has spiced and enveloping aromatics of cigar box, leather, pure red cherry, and turned earth. This medium-bodied red is approachable and graceful, with moderate tannins...

Bright and lifted aromas of cranberries, raspberries, lemon peel, cherry blossom and fresh nutmeg. Sliced chilis, too. Unfolds into delicious red and crunchy fruit on the palate, with a full body and bright acidity...

Dense nose with licorice-tinged, crushed raspberries and blackberries. Full-bodied and full-fruited palate, then there’s a steady, velvety-tannin build through the long finish. Really well structured and polished. Showing...

The 2018 Barbaresco Pajore is quite closed. It shows all the translucent elegance of all the wines in the range. Spice, mineral, melted road tar, rose petal, leather and lavender bring out the darker, more balsamic...

The 2018 Lessona is a wild, distinctive wine that captures all the exotic beauty of Nebbiolo in this appellation. Sweet dark cherry, orange peel, cinnamon, blood orange, sage and rose petal build effortlessly as this...

Aromas of minerals, crushed stones and cherries. Pine needles, too. Floral. Full-to medium-bodied with a tight, linear palate and super fine tannins. Extremely deep. Fresh. Light saltiness. Give this three or four years...

The nose seems like a dreamy island getaway, with passion fruit for breakfast, prickly pear cocktails by the pool, violets on the dinner table, and rosewater candy waiting on the nightstand. The palate brings candied...

Matured for 24 months in 2,500L Slavonian oak, with a small portion in barrique, this wine from the Rio Sordo MGA has a dark berry aroma lifted with hints of dried fruits, lavender and herbs. In the mouth it has a floral...

Lots of flowers, blueberries and orange peel. The palate is really long and extended, with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Medium to full body. Wonderful finish. Needs five to six years to open, but...