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Since acquiring the property in 2009, Virginie Saverys has worked to convert all 162-plus hectares of vineyards to organic and biodynamic practices. In 2015 the Sangiovese was harvested relatively early, between 10-28 September. Hints of dried rose petals, violet, pepper and black tea add complexity to fragrant red cherry and strawberry. (MM)

The compelling Conti Costanti 2021 Brunello captivates with pronounced aromas of fragrant purple flower, eucalyptus, Mediterranean brush and perfumed berry. All about class and extreme finesse, the elegant palate delivers succulent wild raspberry, crushed Marasca cherry, spiced orange zest and star anise set against a backbone of fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity lends balance and great intensity. Year after year Andrea Costanti turns out what are among the very best wines from Montalcino, and the 2021 is no exception, it’s an absolute stunner with great aging potential. (KO)

This wine comes from one of the benchmark estates in Montepulciano, a pioneer of biodynamic farming with a reputation for producing elegant, pure, and age-worthy Sangiovese. For this bottling, we were able to secure a few barrels from the generous 2020 vintage. The nose is a stunning expression of Prugnolo Gentile: ripe red cherry, plum, and violet, with the sweet spice and vibrant energy that is a hallmark of this iconic producer. The palate is polished and seamless, with silky tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. It’s a sophisticated and deeply authentic Vino Nobile.

Alluring aromas of dark exotic spice, black-skinned berry, violet and juniper waft out of the glass on the gorgeous 2021 Fontalloro. Elegant and structured, the chiseled palate is incredibly focused, delivering ripe Morello cherry, cassis, star anise and cake spice alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it beautifully balanced and energized. While it’s tempting now, this is still in its infancy and needs time to fully develop so give it a few more years.

The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Stielle is dynamic and complex in the glass, a wine that shows everything Gaiole is capable of. Dark-toned fruit, lavender, mocha, licorice and cloves soar from the glass as the 2020 showcases its pedigree and sheer allure. Hints of floral and savory overtones blossom with aeration. What a wine! (AG)

Aromas of violets, lavender, licorice, nutmeg and potpourri. Full-bodied with layers of fine tannins that are crunchy and silky, showing freshness and bright fruit at the end. Caressing texture. An excellent example of the vintage. Needs time to come together, but is very pretty and satisfying. Try after 2028. (JS)

A well-balanced, seductive and lively red with aromas of forest berries, red currants, warm herbs and some crushed peppercorns. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy berry character with a lift of spices bringing energy and vitality on the palate and onto the tactile finish. Drink now. (KD)

The 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino pours a jeweled ruby hue and is strikingly pure and transparent from the start. The aromatics are lifted and detailed, with raspberry liqueur, crushed wildflowers, orange oil, bergamot, and a cool, stony mineral edge. Medium-bodied, it has a weightless feel yet tremendous depth, with polished, velvety tannins, mouthwatering acidity, and a long, seamless finish that carries with quiet power. It should evolve beautifully with time and offer exceptional drinking over the next two to three decades. Drink 2028-2055. (AF)

The 2021 Brunello Helicrhysum is stunning wine with energy, structure and finesse. Made with organically grown grapes, it opens with heady aromas of new leather, lavender, dark spice and dark-skinned fruit. Firmly structured and showing great intensity, the palate delivers succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and dried mint alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins. It’s still youthfully austere, with bright acidity. (KO)

I’ve long admired a particular estate in the heart of Bolgheri, known for its powerful and structured Bordeaux blends. In the hot 2022 vintage, their meticulous vineyard work resulted in fruit of incredible concentration and balance. We worked with them to create this special cuvée, which has all the hallmarks of a top-tier Bolgheri red. It’s rich with notes of blackcurrant, cassis, cedar, and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is full-bodied and intense, with powerful but polished tannins and a freshness that defies the vintage. A true taste of Bolgheri's "magic mile" at a fraction of the price.

Bid on this magnum of 2010 Antinori "Tignanello" Toscana (1.5L) (OWC - 96JS, 96VN, 95WE, 94DC, 94RP, 92WS) in original wood. Vinous: "Antinori's 2010 Tignanello is stunning, as it has been since I started tasting the component wines in 2011. Firm yet sweet, silky tannins form the backbone for this gorgeous, vivid wine. Dark red cherries, plums, cloves, mint and sage inform a Tignanello that impresses for its delineation, nuance and power. Clean, saline notes support the mineral-drenched finish. The 2010 isn't huge, but rather is a vertical wine endowed with tremendous energy and vibrancy. I can't remember a Tignanello with this much crystalline tension and pure energy. Simply put, the 2010 Tignanello is a magnificent, towering wine from Antinori. (AG)" (08/2013)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2019 San Giusto a Rentennano "Percarlo" Toscana (97VN, 96RP, 96WS). Vinous: "The 2019 Percarlo is a wine of reserve. There's terrific purity to the fruit and fine tannins for the year, but also a bit of firmness that needs time to resolve. Bright red-toned fruit, cedar, tobacco, licorice, blood orange and spice open nicely to play off those vibrant tannins. (AG)" (07/2022)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2015 Fontodi "Flaccianello della Pieve" Toscana (99VN, 98RP, 97JS, 96DC, 96WS). Vinous: "The 2015 Flaccianello della Pieve is a wine I loved on release. Today, after nearly ten years in bottle, the 2015 is still an infant. It shows all the natural concentration of the year, along with the slightly more potent, extracted style Fontodi was gradually evolving from at the time. The 2015 spent 18 months in French oak barrels and six months in cask, with some variation depending on the lots that were chosen for the final blend. As much as it pains me to say it, readers might still want to cellar this! (AG)" (07/2025)

Bid on this 2-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2015 Castello di Banfi Brunello di Montalcino (94DC, 94IWR, 94JS, 93RP, 93WS) and 1-bottle of 2016 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino (95JS, 94RP, 92WE, 92WS, 91JD). Of the 2016 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino, James Suckling writes: "Lots of plum and dark-berry character with citrus, cedar and sandalwood. Very pure sangiovese. Full-bodied with firm, racy tannins and cool, vivid fruit at the finish. Some mineral, tar and steel undertones. Needs time to open and soften." (11/2020)

Fattoria di Scannano is the Calì family’s farm at Rapolano Terme, on the eastern edge of the Crete Senesi, where Chianti drops the word Classico along with a good deal of its price. 90% Sangiovese with 10% Ciliegiolo, the old Tuscan companion grape that softens Sangiovese and adds the cherry, grown organically, fermented in steel, a few months in oak, lightly filtered, bottled fresh. In the glass, it pours a bright ruby with violet edges. The nose is open and frank: black plum, sour cherry, wild myrtle, a touch of violet and dried herb. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and juicy, with round tannins, lively acidity and a clean, savoury finish that asks for food rather than attention.

Delightful and juicy red fruit with lots of floral notes of rose petals, citrus blossoms and a touch of crunchy white peach. Medium-bodied with succulent, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Finishes with an appetizing, zesty aftertaste. Beautifully harmonious. Drinkable now, but give it another three to five years to show its best. (JS)

The 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova pours a deep red hue and opens with an exceptionally layered bouquet of suede, cigar box, tobacco, black cherries, and plum. Full-bodied, it’s packed with youthful tension at this stage, but it has a seamless, weightless feel, with polished tannins, refreshing acidity, and a flinty mineral edge that keeps the finish lifted and long. It’s a gorgeous Tenuta Nuova that has everything working in harmony and will only improve with time in bottle. Drink 2026-2050. (AF)

Crushed blackberries combine with rosemary, crushed stone and hints of olive as the 2024 Rosso di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. This is cool-toned and silky with sleek red berry fruits and crunchy mineral tones. A web of fine tannins frames a tart raspberry resonance on the long, classically dry finish. This is easily one of the most enjoyable Rossos I've tasted from Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona. (EG)

Morellino di Scansano comes from Tuscany’s coastal Maremma, where Sangiovese is traditionally known as Morellino. Fattoria Le Pupille’s 2023 Riserva belongs to a denomination requiring at least 85% Sangiovese. The Riserva designation adds a defined aging requirement: at least two years, including a minimum of one year in wood.

The 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva is classic Fèlsina to the core. A blast of dark plum, game, incense, licorice, tobacco, and scorched earth makes a strong opening statement. Bold and virile in bearing, the 2022 Riserva packs a pretty serious punch. I would give it a few years to soften, as the tannins are formidable today. This is impeccably done. There are many notable wines in this range, but for price, value, and accessibility, the Riserva is pretty hard to beat. The 2022 spent 18 months in 500-liter barrels. (AG) 92+

Light and delicate, with crunchy fruit and flint, cranberry and raspberry aromas and flavors. Light-bodied and spicy at the end. Crunchy, crisp and bright. A joy to drink everyday. Drink now. (JS)

Cerbaiona began when former Alitalia pilot Diego Molinari purchased the estate in 1977, replanting its small vineyard with cuttings from Biondi-Santi and committing to traditional Brunello methods. Early bottlings in the 1980s quickly earned cult status, driven by the site’s historic reputation, cool microclimate, and low-yield Sangiovese. A major transition came in 2015, when Molinari sold the property to a group led by Gary Rieschel and Matthew Fioretti, who immediately converted the estate to organic farming and began replanting with site-specific Sangiovese clones. From 2016 onward, Cerbaiona undertook a radical reconstruction of its winery, adding a second subterranean level supported by 1.5 km of micropiles. The new facility functions as a “wine atelier,” with cobalt-blue resin-lined vinification rooms, custom steel vats, a laboratory overlooking the cellar, and a vaulted barrel room designed for long aging. Production remains intentionally small: 10,000–15,000 bottles of Brunello and 3,000–5,000 bottles of Rosso di Montalcino per year, with occasional small Sangiovese IGT lots. Fioretti’s team has refined the cellar approach—shorter macerations and increased use of 350-liter French barriques, followed by extended rest in unlined concrete tanks—aiming for polished wines that still express Cerbaiona’s distinctive terroir.

The 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino has a beautifully inviting, multi-dimensional nose, with black raspberries, tea leaf, violets, rosemary, and subtle smoky accents that give way to brighter red cherry fruit with air. Medium to full-bodied, it comes across as one of the more approachable, immediate vintages from the estate in a relative sense, offering more early charm while still staying true to Biondi-Santi’s signature tension and freshness. It has ripe tannins, a sense of quiet structure, and a savory youthful grip on the finish that keeps it honest and age-worthy. This is a wine I would love to revisit with more bottle age. Drink 2027-2047. (AF)

Poggiarellino’s 2024 Rosso di Montalcino is a masterclass in raw site transparency. Rooted in the calcareous-clay soils of their small estate, this vintage is fiercely unmanipulated, reflecting the quiet, hands-on ethos of traditional Sangiovese production. It opens with an austere, cold-toned aromatic strike of wild Mediterranean macchia, dried pomegranate, and crushed terracotta. On the palate, the fruit profile is intensely crunchy—brimming with sour red cherry and tart wild strawberry skin, a classic old school Rosso that as a lot to offer at this price point.

Extremely perfumed, with aromas of black cherries, white roses, cedar and sandalwood that follow through to a medium body with gorgeous subtle fruit, fine tannins and a fresh and succulent finish. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but better in a couple of years. (JS)

The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia is the first vintage in which Rancia moves from Riserva to Gran Selezione. More importantly, Fèlsina appears to be back on track after two years, during which Rancia underperformed because of the inclusion of a parcel that did not work in the blend and contributed a slight vegetal character. The 2021 marries power and finesse in the way only Rancia can. Black cherry, leather, game, spice, licorice, tobacco and grilled herbs are all finely knit in a brooding yet elegant Gran Selezione that delivers the goods. Superb. (AG) 95+

Solid, showing dusty spices, dried citrus and an earthy, savory undertone. Traditional in style, with tight tannins and a nice grilled-orange character. Very well-balanced, supple and composed. (ZS)

The legendary 2019 vintage demanded a truly special Brunello for our series. I found it on the warmer, southern slopes of Montalcino, from a family estate renowned for its powerful, savory, and terroir-driven wines. This is a classic expression of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone: deep aromas of black cherry, licorice, and balsamic herbs dominate the nose. The palate is structured and full-bodied, with firm, noble tannins and a long, savory finish that speaks to its warm terroir. This is a powerful, old-school Brunello built for the cellar, from a producer who truly captures the soul of southern Montalcino.

Aromas of black cherries, potpourri and bitter roots, as well as a hint of tree bark. Medium body with chewy tannins. Subtly toasty aftertaste. A little austere. Compact and tight. Better after 2024. (JS)

A firm, chewy Brunello with cherry, walnut and black-truffle character, as well as tile undertones. It’s full-bodied with dark fruit and mahogany and cedar undertones. Tight and wooded at the moment, but should come round with bottle age. Give it time. Try after 2023.

Dark and profound wine of great precision, vibrant cassis, graphite and cedar wood, very balsamic with eucalyptus and camphor. Full-bodied with weight and substance on the mid-palate. It shows an elegant attack with velvety tannins, refreshing acidity and long graphite depth. Drink or hold. (AF)

The estate’s Riserva is only produced in years of incomparable greatness, or when there is a particularly compelling story to tell. The previous vintage, 2017, fell into the latter category, while 2019, conversely, celebrates an unequivocally superlative year. It leads with a heady mixture of clove, vanillin and coriander before distinct mineral notes take hold. The palate is still somewhat muddled after long ageing in Slavonian oak casks, though properly youthful. Taut yet concentrated with thrilling tension, it vibrates with frisky acidity. Well extracted clayey tannins demand at least a couple of years in the cellar. (MM)

The 2022 Rosso di Montalcino Ginestreto is gorgeous and classic to the house style, with a cascade of dried black cherries, rose petals, cloves and spice, all complicated by hints of flowery undergrowth. It's silken and serene with ripe wild berry fruits and juicy acidity balanced by tactile mineral tones throughout. This finishes staining, long and spicy, yet leaves the mouth watering for more as traces of licorice and clove taper off. Wow. (EG)

Perfumed with sweet berry, fresh flower and cedar aromas that follow through to a medium-bodied palate with firm and chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Very classy and structured. Extremely long. Give it time to open. Drink after 2026. (JS)

A layered and complex wine with fresh, elegant aromas of balsamic, eucalyptus, bergamot, licorice, bark and cherry pits. Elegant on the palate as well, with a medium to full body, high yet integrated acidity, fine chalky tannins and a firm, polished finish. Drink or hold. (AF)

Mint, menthol and earth notes combine with cherry and strawberry in this modern yet savory style. Oak spice picks up on the finish, leaving a vanilla detail. (BS)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2007 Lazzeretti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva - Features tertiary notes of graham cracker, dried carob powder, ripe berry fruit, black currant, cured meat, and leather, alongside a dusty, powdery quality.

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2016 Casanova di Neri "Tenuta Nuova" Brunello di Montalcino (99JS, 98IWR, 97DC, 97RP, 96JD, 96VN, 95WS). James Suckling: "Incredibly complex with black truffle, spice, flowers, currants and black cherries. Smells like a bouquet of flowers. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and incredible depth and length. Seamless and structured with great tannins for long-term aging. It goes on for minutes. Great class. This is a fabulous wine for the cellar. " (06/2022)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2012 Isole e Olena "Cepparello" Toscana (97VN, 95WE, 94JS, 93RP, 92DC). Vinous: "The 2012 Cepparello is just as compelling as it has always been. Sweet, ample and generous from the outset, the 2012 shows all of its pedigree, even at this early stage. Radiant fruit and exquisite aromatics make a strong opening statement as the wine fleshes out in the glass. Ample, creamy and super-expressive, the 2012 is shaping up to be a superb Cepparello. The only thing the 2012 needs is time. An up and down year with hot temperatures in July and early August, followed by rain in September forced DeMarchi to be especially selective and bottle only the best lots. (AG)" (10/2016)

Bid on this bottle of 2015 Le Ragnaie "Casanovina Montosoli" Brunello di Montalcino (97VN, 97WS, 95JS, 95RP, 93W&S). Vinous: "Dark and brooding today, the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Casanovina Montosoli lifts from the glass with an alluring display of mineral-infused black cherry, complemented by hints of mint leaf, then given further depths, as dark soil tones and a hint of animal musk develops in the glass. The 2015 races across the palate with velvety textures, yet it is somehow lifted, as notes of strawberry and cedar give way to savory herbs and minerals with pretty inner florals. The finish is long, revealing a web of complex tannins upon the senses, as hints of wild berry fruit lingers with just enough residual acids to keep the expression fresh. The 2015 is just a baby today. It shows so much tension and density, with layers of unseen depth that could one day result in this being one of the best wines of the vintage. (EG)" (03/2020)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2012 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino (94DC, 94RP, 93JS, 93KO, 93VN, 93W&S, 92WS). Wine Advocate: "This is the first sample tasted in this historic retrospective. The Il Poggione 2012 Brunello di Montalcino makes for a beautiful surprise and is a fitting preface to the older vintages to follow. The wine reveals nice tannic structure at the back with lots of spice and mature fruit layered over. The quality of the silky tannins stands out especially. There is dark richness and concentration with leather and tobacco. This vintage saw its challenges, mostly due to scorching summer heat and dry winds, but the wine is all pleasure at this point in its drinking evolution. In fact, this is sheer delight. (ML)" (02/2023)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2020 Antinori "Tignanello" Toscana (97JS, 96KO, 96VN, 96WE, 95RP). James Suckling: "Violets and lavender with dark fruit and hints of dark chocolate. Sophisticated nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannin structure that gives this finesse and beauty. It’s very long and goes on for minutes. Precision. 68% sangiovese with the rest in cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. " (07/2023)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2015 Antinori "Tignanello" Toscana (98JS, 98VN, 96RP, 96WS, 95KO, 94W&S). Vinous: "Antinori’s team did a fabulous job with the 2015 Solaia. Bold and supremely exotic to its core, the 2015 (magnum) possesses stunning richness from start to finish. Ripe red berry fruit, blood orange, mint and sweet spice all build as the 2015 shows off its considerable allure. The 2015 is a very young wine, but it is stunningly beautiful tonight. (AG)" (09/2020)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2014 Fontodi "Vigna del Sorbo" Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (95VN, 95WE, 94DC, 94RP, 92WS, 91JS). Vinous: "A powerful, structured wine, the 2014 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo won't be ready to drink for a number of years, much less be at its best. In recent years, the Sorbo has been much more forward, but the 2014 is decidedly austere and ungiving. Graphite, smoke, black cherry, plum and licorice notes infuse the dark, mysterious finish. (AG) 95+" (01/2018)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2014 Antinori "Tignanello" Toscana (96VN, 95KO, 94JS, 93RP, 93W&S). Vinous: "The highlight in this range, the exquisite 2014 Tignanello is all about persistence and understated class. The aromatics alone are captivating. Sculpted, finely delineated flavors add to the wine's vivid personality. Because of the challenges posed by the growing season, the blend leans more heavily toward Cabernet Sauvignon than is typically the case. Above all else, though, the 2014 is all about harmony, and there is plenty of that here. Unfortunately, production is down 30%. (AG)" (01/2018)

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2006 Lazzeretti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva - Features tertiary and ripe fruit aromas including crushed mineral, asphalt, cola, dried mint, wild berries, red cherries, and cassis, complemented by a tight, structured, and long finish.

Bid on this 3-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2010 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino (98JS, 95IWR, 95RP, 94VN, 93WS, 92WE, 91W&S), 1-bottle of 2010 Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino (96JS, 94RP, 93VN, 92WS, 91DC, 91W&S), and 1-bottle of 2010 Villa I Cipressi "Zebras" Brunello di Montalcino (98JS, 96WS, 94RP, 94WE, 93W&S, 92VN). Of the 2010 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino, James Suckling writes: "An unforgiving and powerfully structured wine with fabulous grilled meat and granite stone character with dried berry and flower petal. Full body, chewy and intense. Great structure and extremely long and intense. Sexy austerity. Gets the juices going. Best ever from here. Reminds me of the great Argianos of the 1970s but now! " (12/2014)

The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino bursts from the glass with aromas of mint-infused black cherries, sweet smoke and autumnal spices. It's silky-smooth yet lifted and spry with tart red and blue fruit notes swirling throughout. Fine-grained tannins flex upon the senses as the 2020 finishes with a crunchy minerality, admirable length and solid structure while leaving a staining of primary concentration that promises years of positive development. (EG)