Italy

Wow. What purity and focus, and also such silky tannins. This is a brilliant red. Notes of pomegranate and rose petal, and lots of blood orange add to the core of red fruit. The tannins are talc-like, and there’s such focus on the palate. This is outstanding.

Sourced from across the Barbaresco region, from trusted suppliers, this is a wonderfully fragrant example of the region's everyday grape variety.

Yet another wine that shows just how good the 2014 vintage is. Soaring aromatics, incredible finesse, and remarkable length. A complete wine.

This comes from a single site in the Roero region, giving bright fruit and silky tannins. Giacosa's mastery of Nebbiolo is well known, and this shows their whole talent.

Wonderfully fresh and vibrant, particularly for a 2017, this has notes of cinnamon and freshly cut flowers swirling from the glass. A finessed and classy Barbaresco, that's surprisingly ready to go.

Yet another wine that shows just how good the 2014 vintage is. Soaring aromatics, incredible finesse, and remarkable length. A complete wine.

Juicy and fine boned, with notes of orange and a hint of ripe beef tomato, the 2018 Barbera is a lovely wine. It's drinking well out the gate, but will age nicely, too.

A lovely wine from the vineyard surrounding the estate, this is some of the best value that you'll find in Piedmont. Delicate but not overly, the finish here is stunning, with so much energy and poise. Delicious, and approachable younger than some.

The Nervo comes from Serravalian soils, and shows the high-toned fruit, citrus lift, and minerality that you'd expect from such origins. In 2018 it's a real stunner: not to be missed.

From Tortonian soils, as found in Barolo and La Morra, this is for those who like a slightly silkier, richer style of Nebbiolo. Notes of tar and tobacco on the finish, and there's exotic spice, too. Beautifully complex, and very long.

Crunchy fruit, with notes of sour cherry and pretty floral, with lovely energy and such a sense of vibrancy on the palate. Just such a joyful wine.

The 2015 Riserva from Rabaja has plenty of breadth and volume as you'd expect, with notes of black pepper and sage, and a core of ripe fruit. This is a charming Barbaresco right now. Lovely.

Massara is Verduno's forgotten vineyard, and this has wonderful wild strawberry perfume and nervy acidity. Lovely energy here, and a long and fragrant finish.

Monvigliero is undoubtedly a Grand Cru of Piedmont: this shows why, in the classically styled 2013 vintage. Notes of wild strawberries and hint of pomegranate and blood orange. The palate is so silky and sensous, and the sapid finish lasts for minutes. Brilliant

One of the finest vineyards in Barbaresco, from a spectacular vintage. This is perfumed, intense, and fine-boned, with amazing precision on the finish. Outstanding.

The 2017 Coltassala, the single vineyard wine from Volpaia, is brooding, intense, and very powerful. With time it's sure to be an impressive wine: at this price, a no brainer.

On the nose notes of pomegranate, fresh morello cherries, and a hint of grapefruit pith. The palate is intense and tightly wound: this will need some time to come out of its shell. Yet you feel the rippling energy here, the purity of fruit, and the underlying complexity: this is an astonishingly good Nebbiolo from one of the region’s masters. Not to be missed.

The 2013 Bricco Boschis was an impressive wine, and this Riserva performs as you'd hope. Notes of blood orange and pomegranate support the core of fruit, and the tannins are incredibly well integrated. Brilliant

A touch more 'rustic' in the loosest possible sense than the San Giuseppe, the Vignolo shows notes of tobacco and dried leaves, alongside a dark cherry core, and a cool and mineral finish. The tannins are considerable, but soften with time in the glass, while the finish lasts an age. Another winning 2013 from Cavallotto.

Just 5,000 bottles produced from this one hectare vineyard, in the direction of Montalcino. Here, there’s volcanic sand coming from Monte Amiata. 2016 is a brilliant vintage, and this shows notes of ripe cherry, iron oxide, and plenty of floral lift. A bargain.

Juicy and fresh, this blend of Barbera and Nebbiolo is a charming, delicious wine from Clerico. There’s the intensity and juicy character you’d expect from 2017, but still with plenty of acidity. Bravo.

The Pajana comes from the Ginestra cru in Monforte d'Alba, and is undoubtedly a Grand Cru of Barolo, particularly in 2016. Intense on the nose, with notes of tar and rose petal, the palate is structured and intense. This is a viscerally thrilling wine: one with astonishing poise and balance. So long, and so impressive.

The fruit on this Barolo, a selection of the most open barrels, that then goes into large casks, is breathtaking. There’s intensity and purity, with also plenty of fine tannins and loads of energy. This is brilliantly balanced, and so long. Wonderful.

A fresh, open, charming expression of Nebbiolo in 2018. Silky tannins, lively acidity, and notes of rose petal and pomegranate, and plenty of grapefruit pith, too. This is very well put together: a wine you want to drink and drink.

A little more closed today, there’s delicate strawberry fruit on the nose, as well as a pomegranate nose. On the palate there’s a richness, but perfectly balanced by grippy Serralunga tannins and loads of energy. So, so well balanced, but in need of a bit of time.

Always a sensuous wine, the 2016 Cannubi takes it to a whole new level. Silky acidity and floral notes combine with a power and intensity that’s rarely seen. A real tour de force.

Soaring aromatics of wild roses, tar, and mulberries swirl from the glass on this intense, powerful Mosconi. The palate is grippy and powerful, but there’s an elegance and vibrancy here that’s so hard to coax from Monforte. This is an astonishing bottle of wine: a masterpiece in the making. Will be breathtaking in 5-10 years time.

The 2016 Via Nuova shows impeccable balance of fruit and savoury notes. There’s wonderful fragrance, and a real orange blossom character. This blend of a number of vineyards is astonishingly good in 2016.

Deep in colour, the nose on the 2018 Titolo is perfumed and fragrant, with notes of wild herbs, tapenade, but also strawberries and fresh cherries. The tannins are supple but present, and there’s a smoky, almost volcanic character to the palate. This is a brilliant red, that punches well above its price point.

The 2013 Runcot is a remarkable wine. From the vineyard in front of the Cantina, depicted on the label, this is spectacularly pure and energetic, with notes of mulberry and fresh cherries, with spice and a savoury tang on the finish. Remarkably long, complex, and profound, this is a new level from Grasso.

Thie 2016 Vigna Chiniera is more closed at this stage than the Casa Mate, curiously (it's often the inverse). This is powerful and structured, with tons of intense fruit and a beautiful vibrant acidity. There's so much latent energy here, with power too. This is such a brilliant wine: but will need time to come around.

The Casa Maté is surprisingly open and floral today, with beautiful notes of dark cherry, lavender, and notes of baked earth, too. This is very intense and structured, but the tannins are perfectly refined and there's a mouthwatering, saline finish. Outstanding.

The 2018 Pinot Noir from Elio and Nicolas Ottin is another step forward for this charming estate. It’s a beautiful wine, with wild flowers on the nose, and such energy and silky tannins. The finish is bright and pure, and there’s a real clarity here. One of our favourite wines, in 2018 it’s not to be missed.

Juicy, zesty, fine-boned, and moreish: this is a brilliant food wine. What more could you want from Barbera? This comes from a plot in the Ravera vineyard.

A small single plot, entirely made from the Lampia clone of nebbiolo, Valter has managed the heat of 2015 beautifully: this is still a cool, savoury, impeccably balanced Barolo. Notes of wild strawberry and rose, and silky acidity. Bravo.

Cogno was the first estate to label a wine 'Ravera', and this shows why their examples are so highly regarded. It's perfumed and elegant, yet with astonishing intensity and concentration. The finish is saline and fine, and lasts an age. Complimenti!

A delicious Barolo, that punches above its price point, the Cascina Nuova in 2016 balances pure red fruit, a floral character, hints of spearmint and very fine tannins. It's a top choice in 2016.

The 2017 Morellino di Scansano Riserva from Fattoria Le Pupille offers outstanding value for money. Notes of fresh morello cherry and cinnamon swirl from the glass. The palate is incredibly fresh - particularly for a 2017 - but with excellent richness to the fruit. Very long, intense, and delicious: put this with food and you'll be away.

The 2018 Saffredi is another impressive wine from Elisabetta Gepetti. Bold and intense, there’s a real graphite element - this feels like ripe Bordeaux, with lovely energy. Really very well put together, and so long, with spice and baked earth unfurling on the finish.

Now made in the Val d'Arno di Sopra appellation, instead of an IGT Toscana, the 2018 Galatrona is one of the finest vintages ever produced at this stunning estate. It’s silky and enveloping, with purity of fruit and stunningly defined floral notes. This is a benchmark Tuscan Merlot, that’s not far off the quality of Masseto. At this price, in this vintage, it’s a must-buy.

This is the pinnacle of Mannetti’s productions, and yet again it shows it’s pedigree and breeding in 2017. Crushed herbs and wild berries, with refined tannins and loads of power. A tour de force.

In 2016 the Bricco delle Viole has an added layer of intensity and purity, with incredible fruit definition, silky tannins, and a long, mineral, structured finish. This is one for the long haul: a truly great wine.

The 2016 Albe is a beautiful wine from the Vajra family, that shows just how talented they are, and what a great vintage this is. Notes of pomegranate and blood orange swirl from the glass, with ripe cherries and thyme on the palate. The finish is stunningly long, with a hint of iodine bringing lift and freshness. Stunning.

One of the best Freisas out there, this is deep, brooding and complex, with notes of tobacco and forest floor alongside exotic spices, and a core of dark fruit. A wine to match the Nebbiolos of the region.

"Sorì San Lorenzo adds lots of dark mineral definition to cassis, wild cherry, rose and Provence herbs. Like the other wines, it needs extra cellar aging time.” 95+ points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

"This very young Sorì Tildìn takes time to open, and it remains on the nervous side even after it has been given ample time in the glass. The best course of action is to wait until the 10-year mark before opening this bottle. It needs that extra time to soften and flesh out.” 95 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

Gianfranco's young vine cuvée, this has notes of ripe plums, prunes, and lots of store cupboard spice. The tannins need time to soften, but put this with food and you'll be richly rewarded.

The Es Riserva is surely the greatest expression of Primitivo that you'll find. Astonishing depth, complexity, length, and poise. Were this from a more celebrated region, it would be double the price.

From red soils by the sea, and 40 year old vines, this is delicate in colour but immediately striking with its perfume. There's so much going on here. Red fruit, baked earth, spice, and Mediterrannean herbs. So complex, and wonderfully balanced.

This wine is a lesson in the elegance yet depth that Brunello can attain in a great vintage. Notes of crushed blackberries and wild strawberries swirl from the glass, with orange peel and a hint of fresh tea. There’s a spearmint note here, too, giving lift and energy. This is long, focussed, complex and delicious. Does Brunello get any better?

From a single vineyard, this puts many a Babaresco to shame. So elegantly styled, with crunchy berry fruit and hints of rose petal and lavender, there's a long and silky finish here. Brilliantly balanced and very long indeed.

A juicy and finessed wine from Giovanni Almondo, that's the perfect way to discover their wines, and the Arneis grape. Crunchy pears and apples, and a citrus edge to this brilliantly drinkable white, from one of Piedmont's best producers.

Best known for their whites, the reds from Almondo should not be overlooked. This is floral and delicate, with silky tannins, and a mouthwatering finish. A wine you just want to drink.

The 2019 Bricco delle Ciliegie from Giovanni Almondo is an astonishingly good expression of the Arneis grape. Incredibly complex, notes of orange blossom, rosemary, and pine needles swirl from the glass. The palate is textured and savoury, with a core of fresh conference pears, and a thread of acidity that makes this so thirst-quenching.

The 2019 Bricco delle Ciliegie from Giovanni Almondo is an astonishingly good expression of the Arneis grape. Incredibly complex, notes of orange blossom, rosemary, and pine needles swirl from the glass. The palate is textured and savoury, with a core of fresh conference pears, and a thread of acidity that makes this so thirst-quenching.

Castelletto is one of the most highly regarded vineyards in Monforte d’Alba, that also surrounds the family’s winery. The Manzones’ single hectare of vines are at the top of the steep hill, and the wine combines Monforte’s typical powerful structure with a delicate purity that’s compelling. This has notes of mulberry and loads of rose petal, and so much salinity on the finish. A wonderful Barolo, with such a bright future.

This demonstrates why Monprivato is one of the world’s greatest vineyards, balancing both sides of the Barolo zone as only top Castiglione wines can. Silky tannins and ripe cherries point at the tortonian soils of the west: vibrant acidity and profound minerality at the serravalian soils of the east. Profound.

One of the original Super-Tuscans, the de Marchi family’s Cepparello is one of Italy’s greatest wines, and in 2017 it performs wonderfully yet again. A warm vintage, this maintains stunning freshness and poise. What a brilliant wine from this wonderful estate.

A classically styled vintage, the 2018 Chardonnay from Isole e Olena is a beautiful wine. Notes of peaches and candied lime on the nose, with buttery almonds and plenty of grip on the palate. The finish is long and focussed, and there’s stunning purity. Surely Italy’s best Chardonnay?

Lovely delicacy on the nose. Feel a touch of oak, but it’s nicely spiced and plenty of juicy cherry fruit. There’s plenty of focus and a lovely density to the fruit. Lots of potential and density. Lovely drive here, and very saline on the finish. There’s a beautifully clean finish here, such a drinkable wine.

More power, spice and balsamic, impressive length, power of tannins and excellent mineral length. Like the density here - silky and mouthfilling, without being overblown.

This smells beautiful and has blood orange notes with plenty of focus and a lovely energy. Mouthwatering freshness, and there’s a real focus on the nose. Plenty of density here, with notes of baked earth, and lovely tannins on the finish. This is so juicy and fine, and with another year in bottle, this will open up even more, with so much texture and finesse. A brilliant Brunello.

50% Refosco, 50% Schioppettino, this is a lively, silky red, with loads of whole berry, crunchy fruit, and a finish that lasts an age. Such a joy to behold, and a wine that will age brilliantly.

One of our favourite whites, this is a wine that really shows off its origins. Smoky and savoury, with a taut, linear palate, and so much saline energy. This is such a joyful wine: not to be missed.

Smells beautiful. Very delicate on the nose, beautiful drive and a very silky nose. Some dark berry fruit, plenty of floral character, and just a hint of herbal lift. Very saline on the palate, very finely judged tannins – talcum powder– this was just bottled but already showing plenty of potential.

From two plots in the appellation, the 2015 Brunello from Le Potazzine is surely the best wine they’ve produced here. We’ve tasted it throughout its development, and it’s blossomed into a sublime wine. Bright cherry fruit with a zesty blood orange note keeps this focussed and pure, and the finish is remarkably long. This is a lesson in elegance and purity from one of the best producers in Italy. Not to be missed.

From the vineyard behind the house, the 2016 Barbaresco from Manuel Marinacci is a joy. Vibrant yet concentrated, with notes of spearmint, straweberry, and a hint of quinine, it's a long, pretty, delicious nebbiolo.

Broader than the Ribolla Gialla, this washes over the palate with notes of lemon pith and orange blossom. The finish is ever so slightly waxy, but the wine is not lacking freshness. Delicious.

In 2015 they only managed 5 tons/ha: they’d hope for a maximum of 8 tons/ha. Lots of glossy fruit, here. This is very silky and nice grip on the palate, too. Quite a plush style, notes of cinnamon and also a floral element. Nicely balance, while freshness balances that fruit.

From a hot site running along a ridge, it's the balance here that's most remarkable. Notes of wild herbs and some blackcurrent dominate, but there's also a fine core of citrus fruit that keeps this lifted, alongside chalky tannins, and real salinity. This will need some time, but will be very very impressive.

Montevetrano is a blend of Aglianico, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It's an intense, powerful wine, but what marks it out is the freshness and textured layers here. A brilliant southern Italian red.

A blend of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara, this is only pressed off the skins in January, following a period of drying. Intensity and power, with grippy tannins, notes of wild strawberry, and plenty of herbal character. It wears its alcohol beautifully, and the finish is stunningly long, with jus ta lick of oak spice. Very good indeed.