There 70 products in this category
80
455
26
Antinori
The Pian delle Vigne estate, represents Marchesi Antinori’s deeply personal interpretation of a prestigious and traditional wine such as Brunello di Montalcino. The Antinori family acquired the estate in 1995, the same year the first Brunello Pian delle Vigne was harvested. 65 hectares are planted with vineyards that grow at an altitude of approximately 130 meters above sea level and enjoy a southwestern exposure. Pian delle Vigne has adopted the philosophy of aging in large casks that preserve the exceptional integrity of the Sangiovese berry and impart the characteristic vibrant elegance of Brunello to the wine. Winter and spring 2018 saw slightly lower than average temperatures and repeated rain showers. These climatic conditions provided excellent groundwater reserves in the vineyards ensuring normal bud break and optimal fruit set. Selective leaf removal in the month of June and cluster thinning between the end of July and the beginning of August guaranteed excellent vine balance and an optimal ripening phase. The grape harvest took place slightly later than average beginning on September 21st and was completed the first week of October with berries that were in perfect health and aromatic.
80
455
26
Ornellaia
The desire to nurture the Estate’s exceptional qualities has shaped Ornellaia’s philosophy since the beginning. Ornellaia is a cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot and the faithful expression of unique terroir developed in harmony with nature. ““With its usual deep ruby red colour, Ornellaia 2020 stands out on the nose with ripe red fruits and delicate vanilla and gentle tobacco notes. Upon tasting, the wine reveals itself to be rounded and velvety, making an enjoyable and engaging first impression that entices for a second sip. The tannins are dense yet elegant and the finish proves to be savoury and enduring.” Olga Fusari – Winemaker Press “This is a beauty, so generous and opulent with fully seamless transitions. The wine’s traditional blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with tiny percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, although this warm vintage makes due with a pinch less of the Cabernet Sauvignon. […] This broad and generous expression has a beautiful quality of fruit and oak that speaks to the very best of Italian winemaking.” 95-97 Points – Wine Advocate, Monica Larner
80
455
28
San Leonardo
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Carmenère, 10% Merlot. This wine is likely to have the broadest drinking window of any modern San Leonardo. Despite the deep purple colour, it is already open and generous on the nose, with vivid ripe morello cherry fruit. The gentle extraction has imbued the wine with a cashmere texture even at this young stage, while the palate is lifted by the leafy, currant-bud notes that are San Leonardo’s signature, reflecting as they do the influence of cool air flowing down from the Dolomites. Balance, charm, and great ageing potential, this San Leonardo has it all. Ideal weather conditions and a strict selection from older vines have yielded a classic San Leonardo of sublime balance. After the numerous challenges affecting the vineyards in 2017, the San Leonardo team hoped for an easier ride the following year. Their prayers were answered at every stage of the growing season, starting with a prolonged cold winter that killed off bugs which would otherwise attack leaves, flowers and grapes later in the year. There was also copious snow, turning to rain throughout spring, which replenished missing ground water. Flowering was perfect, and summer passed with much more sunlight than 2017, but without any extremes of temperature. Then September saw very large thermal differences between day and night – “the secret to incredible perfume” according to owner Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga. The grapes were harvested in the cold of October, further enhancing the aromatic freshness as well as helping fix a beautiful colour. Balance-wise, the result harks back to pre-climate change vintages, with all the flavour benefits of a lengthy growing season but still just 13% alcohol. Despite the propitious weather, the quantity made remains below average, due to recent replantings being excluded from the blend. Harvest began on October 1st and finished on October 18th with the last of the pergola-trained Carmenère.
80
455
28
Allegrini
The controlled drying (appassimento) of the harvested grapes, which lasts for a about one hundred days, brings with it the great aromatic intensity of dark fruit and undergrowth, together with spicy and tobacco notes. The impact on the palate is powerful and vigorous, with the wine gradually tapering on the acidic and savoury momentum, extending gently with a clean, dry finish.
80
455
24
Sibliana
This is lovely, gluggable Nero d'Avola from a sustainable winery in Sicily that is making excellent value certified organic wines for everyday drinking. We'll drink to that!
80
455
26
Antinori
Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is produced exclusively from the finest Sangiovese grapes harvested from its namesake vineyard located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. The region has been respected and appreciated for its outstanding wine production since the year 1000. The vineyards grow at an altitude of approximately 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level on soils rich in limestone with a fair amount of clay. The wine is aged in the historic cellars under the Badia (abbey) of Passignano that dates as far back as the 10th century.
80
455
28
Tommasi
One of the top handful of Amarone. Dry, drinkable style, all spice and leather, very impressive
80
455
26
Barone Ricasoli
One of the most reliable estate-grown Chianti Classicos around. The wine shows crunchy tannins and youthful fruit nuances with bright cherry and blackberry. The mouthfeel is generous and fresh.
80
455
28
Biscardo
Corvinone, Corvina, and cab sauv blend from the Veneto region. Nose of rose petal, black fruit, bit jammy with some pepper there. Palate is full bodied, full tannin, medium acid with a grippy Velcro style tannin. Lots of black fruit namely blackberry and berry compote, leather, subtle cocoa, red apple skin giving acidity and structure and a nice minerality strewn throughout. Dry with a medium+ finish. Great value for a baby Amarone.
80
455
26
Coste del Vivo
Aromatic notes of cherry, herbs and dark hedgerow fruits with touches of spice and toasted oak. Medium bodied with fine, elegant tannins and persistent mouth watering fruit. Combines well with a wide range of dishes from proschiutto to pizza and more.
80
455
24
Masseria Surani
A deep ruby red in colour, it offers fascinating complexity on the nose: from floral scents of violets to rich fruity ones of black and sour cherries and strawberries, along with underlying balsamic notes, licorice and aromatic herbs. On the palate it is broad, full-bodied and fruity, and wins you over with its polished tannins and vibrant finish, sustained by an attractive fresh vein of acidity. Ideal with grilled meats, roast lamb, mature cheeses and tasty soups containing pulses and spices.
80
455
24
Masseria Setteporte
95% Nerello Mascalese from a vineyard located on the south-western slope of the Etna volcano, in the town of Biancavilla, within the Etna D.O.C. in Sicily. Rustic, mineral, even herbal , but with a smooth and generous fruity core.
80
455
24
Sibliana
This is lovely, gluggable Nero d'Avola from a sustainable winery in Sicily that is making excellent value certified organic wines for everyday drinking. We'll drink to that!
80
455
26
Il Palazzone
A great vintage here in 2016. The wine is really hitting its stride in what shall be our final shipment (Autumn 2023). In March 2021 Michaela Morris wrote in Decanter Magazine: "With a strong commitment to the environment, the estate’s practises extend beyond the vineyard to include rainwater recovery, lighter-weight glass bottles, recycled packaging, and complete avoidance of single-use plastic. Intense spiced cherry aromas are lifted by aromatic herbs like sage, tarragon and fennel. There's a polished sheen to this, with the palate offering lovely purity, sneaky depth and fine tannins. It finishes with tart, tangy red berries. Very light on its feet and will be approachable soon". 92/100 Drinking Window: 2022 - 2032 In Vinous Media, Nov 2020, the wine was awarded 93/100 "A dusting of exotic spice, incense, sage, dried roses, black cherries and currants can all be found in the bouquet of the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino. It’s silky in feel with a density of primary fruit mixed with stimulating acids and minerality that the young 2016s are becoming known for. Cooling herbal tones and hints of licorice add further depths, as a coating of fine tannin slowly settles in. This is classically structured and full of potential for the cellar, tapering off to purple-tinged inner florals over a hint of sour citrus and savory spice. Very nice. Drinking window 2024 - 2036". Monica Larner in The Wine Advocate Nov 2020, 92/100 "Il Palazzone's 2016 Brunello di Montalcino unfolds to light and crisp fruit with lots of wild cherry, rose and blue flower. This is a silky and medium-bodied red with lots of lifted energy and zest. This is a very lively wine. That lighter approach gives this wine a more immediate and accessible approach, and it would pair well with pork or lamb chops. It represents a blend of fruit from three vineyard sites. Production is exactly 12,692 bottles. Drinking window 2023 - 2038".
80
455
24
Barone Montalto
Partial raisining of the fruit begins on the vine and is completed in special fruit drying cellars, where accurately regulated ventilation levels ensure that grapes achieve the perfect level of dehydration before pressing. Red wine, dark and intense. An opulent nose of candied figs and ripe fruit, full bodied, balanced both in roundness and persistence, deliciously smooth.
80
455
26
Il Palazzone
Generally regarded by all at CWM as one of the very best wines that we import. Truly wonderful old school, fine, vibrant and utterly extraordinary Brunello di Montalcino from a wonderful single site. "Balsamic, subtly perfumed nose with a hint of eucalyptus. Vibrant, crushed red-fruit palate that is super-elegant. Long, grainy tannins. Vibrant and with lots of filigree acidity". 17.5/20 Walter Speller on jancisrobinson.com "The bouquet on the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Le Due Porte is simply stunning....a cru bottling from Il Palazzone’s highest-elevation vineyard, shows tremendous potential". Drink 2024-2032. 94+/100 points Vinous Media, Dec 2021 From Il Palazzone - Le Due Porte is 540 metres above sea level. Budbreak is later here, often avoiding issues with late frosts and snow. Ripening is slow and constant. The soil profile preserves humidity; important when making a wine such as Brunello that does not contemplate irrigation. Alberese has high levels of calcium carbonate which favors acidity, aided and abetted by the slower ripening and later harvest due to the exposition and altitude. We generally pick Le Due Porte as much as two weeks after our vineyards in Castelnuovo dell’Abate and are often amongst the last in Montalcino to harvest. The grapes develop organoleptic complexity from that extra hang-time and from the pronounced difference between day and night temperatures. In fact the altitude guarantees extreme thermal excursion even in hotter years which is wonderful for aromatic development. Over the last two decades we have seen, year after year, a pronounced character emerge in the fruit from this vineyard, a wine that maintains the typical structure of a Brunello vecchio stampo and epitomises finesse and elegance.
80
455
22
Ricossa
Asti is the next place along from Alba. This cheeky red is all Barbera should be: vital, cherry-red, bright, lifted, cool and crunchy. Shouts Piedmont loud and clear. Lovely chilled, with salads, with tomato sauces, and tomatoes, herbs, pepper steak. Truly epic value from this super grower.
80
455
24
Fantini
The idea of this ??wine came out during a curious meeting between “wine experts”: Valentino Sciotti, today CEO of the “Farnese Group”, Filippo Baccalaro, chief winemaker of the same group and third generation of Piedmontese winemakers, Hugh Johnson, the most famous wine journalist in the world, and Jean Marc Sauboua of the third generation of Bordeaux winemakers. During that particular meeting, 18 years ago, Hugh Johnson launched a challenge to the two young winemakers: that of creating a “great wine” with the character of “Southern Italy”, forged with the best varietals of that territory; a wine with the modest name of “table wine”, but with the soul of “a great wine”, that stands out for its ability to be unique and extraordinarily superior to what the market offers. Montepulciano, Primitivo, Negroamaro, Sangiovese & Malvasia Nera. Astonishing 3-time winner of 99/100 Luca Maroni "Best Italian Red 2018". Previous IWC Abruzzo Trophy. Grower voted best in Italy 3 times. Massive, Epic wine. 100% new oak (60% American 40% French)
80
455
24
Biscardo
Poised and perfectly balanced, this intense purple- black wine has a harmonious bouquet of red and black berries, with soft and sweet tannins on the finish.
80
455
24
Farnese
A cherry-packed joy. Lovely to let the sun shine on Sangiovese of Chianti fame, bringing plump ripe fruit with the classic bite. Multi-award winning grower. Great fun for the price Previous International Wine Challenge Abbruzzo Trophy and Gold Medal winner "Vibrant red fruit, crushed morello cherries with herbal undertones; raspberry vanilla oak with spice, lively acidity and firm tannins. Lovely drink"
80
455
28
Allegrini
This wine is ruby red in colour, with youthful highlights. On the nose, fragrant fruit with prominent notes of dark cherries and fresher hints of pepper and aromatic herbs, typical of Corvina and Corvinone, the historic varieties of this appellation. This Valpolicella is impressively lively and playful on the palate, whilst exhibiting delicacy and finesse at the same time.
80
455
28
La Giuva
The young, dynamic duo of Giulia and Valentina Malesani (hence the name `Giuva`) are situated north of Verona in the Val Squaranto. Planted at about 300m, the vines surprisingly face north and west, giving the wines incredible freshness and crunchy red fruits. This has flamboyant jammy notes on the nose, then great structure on the palate with expressive, juicy berries and ripe cherries. It`s meaty and earthy, with spicy and jammy undertones. 95 points
80
455
26
Mazzei
The new vintage of Poggio Badiola has arrived! Its brand new label is inspired by the ancient Romanic abbey, La Badiola, which was built in 998 B.C. and overlooks the vineyards of one of the most picturesque hills of Chianti Classico. The addition of Petit Verdot to the blend (65% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot ) adds an appetising spiciness and enhances its longevity. The wine spent 10 months in Tonneaux barrels (500 L) allowing the production of a fresher, more modernstyle while the introduction of the natural cork enables further ageing and elevates its quality level. Elegant, fresh red berry flavours, velvety, aromatic and supple.
80
455
24
Vigneti del Salento
Huge-Seller, old vines, so natural, purple and juicy. Matthew Jukes of a previous vintage: "mind-blowing, fine-value red... might be one of the finest-value red wines of the year... You must taste this wine..." Most of the grapes come from ancient low-yielding bush vines (not trained on wires) grown around Maduria - the zone 'inside the heel' of Italy, recognised as the best for Primitivo. Wine-making in this region is also ancient: long-predating the Roman era. As we know, Primitivo is Zinfandel of Californian fame. Except that you'd never find a Zinfandel this delicious at the price! This might be one of the finest-value red wines of the year
80
455
22
Ricossa
Piedmont's 'other' Nebbiolo. Silkier than Barolo and easier to approach when young, Barbaresco delivers a Pinot-like svelte charm, less tarry and tannin than Barolo "like being kicked in the face by a ballerina." Also much less expensive - quite the hidden gem as this is a tiny DOCG, the smallest of the Alba cluster. Our charming Ricossa Barberesco is all wild strawberry and resolved tannin, a joy with rare meat.
80
455
22
Ricossa
A junior version of Barolo and Barbaresco: priced accordingly, and a much better bet than lower-end versions of those greats. Langhe Nebbiolo occupies an interesting legal status in that it is the only appellation available for top Barolo and Barbaresco to downgrade or declassify their wines, therefore offcuts and lesser batches end up in their Langhe wine at a cheaper price. This example is classic: pale, leathery, dried fruits and flowers, a pinot-like delicacy and savoury layering. Charming dinner wine, let it breathe for an hour or so before drinking.
80
455
24
Miopasso
Made from the native Sicilian grape Nero d'Avola around 30% of which are 'Passito' (ie dried virtually to raisins before pressing) this is lush, juicy and very moreish with a hint of bitter chocolate and sweet black cherry character.
80
455
24
Miopasso
Miopasso Primitivo is the perfect combination of local tradition and modern wine-making, being robust at the same time as smooth and silky. Rich in fruit, with a certain “savoury” feel, Miopasso Primitivo has an abundance of ripe, dark berry flavours and is the perfect accompaniment to rich, meaty pasta dishes.
80
455
26
Ornellaia
Le Volte dell’Ornellaia combines a Mediterranean expression of generosity with structure and complexity, reflecting the philosophy of Ornellaia. Le Volte dell’Ornellaia is a fine wine for spontaneous wine lovers and needs no ceremony. “Ruby red with purple reflections, Le Volte dell’ Ornellaia 2020 has a vinous bouquet, releasing a complexity of aromas ranging from ripe red fruits, to Mediterranean scrub, up to delicate notes of tobacco and spices. The mouthfeel is soft and silky, but at the same time supported by a lively acidity that gives us a crisp, persistent finish.” Olga Fusari – Winemaker “Grabs you from the first moment your nose hovers over the glass. Smudged charcoal runs into raspberry, underbrush and mandarin orange peel that speaks of Tuscan sun. Excellent quality, good persistency in the glass as it stretches out through the palate. Everything feels in balance, and this provides another indicator that 2020 is a great vintage in this corner of Italy – Le Volte is (almost) 100% Merlot but has freshness and nuance.” 93 points – Jane Anson
80
455
26
E Jamu
100% Sangiovese grown in E Jamu's finest vineyards in Valdarno Di Sopra DOC. In this debut vintage there are just over 1,000 bottles produced from organic (and certified) farming. After manually picking the top selection of grapes they are destemmed and softly crushed. The fermentation begins (and ends) with only natural yeasts helped along by a gentle daily pump over. After fermentation the juice is in contact with the skins for 15 days in cement vats before being run off to fine, older tonneau to rest for 18 months. The colour is a gorgeous, bright ruby. The nose shows ripe red fruits, black cherries, fine and elegant floral character with gentle notes of black pepper, chocolate and vanilla. Fine and elegant again on the palate - beautiful soft red fruits with gorgeously judged tannins. An elegant expression of Sangiovese with real finesse. The legendary and completely wonderful Giampaolo Chiettini helps the young (very young!) Rocco (23!) and his sister Meca (24!) on their beautiful estate in DOC Valdarno di Sopra. A very exciting young estate to watch.
80
455
28
Cantina di Negrar
The Ripasso method beefs up the sometimes weedy Valpolicella by the addtion of Amarone lees which starts a second fermentation and adds body. With complex red fruit aromas, this well balanced full-bodied wine is velvety smooth with harmonious tannins
80
455
26
Il Palazzone
We've shipped this wonderful 'Baby Brunello' from Il Palazzone for over a dozen years now. 100% Sangiovese from a blend of different vintages (the blend always includes some of the estates own Brunello barrels), primarily 2021. Bottled on September 6th 2022. We have shipped the wine with an extra year in bottle as we feel these bottlings hugely benefit from some time to come together and show at their best. This long time favourite offers true character and unbelievable value its price. The wine is 100% Sangiovese Grosso, known in Montalcino as Brunello - all from the estates own Brunello di Montalcino vineyards.
80
455
28
Allegrini
Long-standing single-vineyard classic from the outstanding Allegrini family. I've always loved this wine. Somewhat like a 'deployable' version of Amarone, but so much more interesting than most Ripasso. Plays a sexy line between juicy silky, lush and chewy tannin and oak. Intriguing notes of blossom and ripe citrus fruits.
80
455
26
La Deliziosa
Good value medium bodied red from Italy's Adriatic coastal region of Abbruzzo. Raspberry and plums to the fore. Not complex but very drinkable and great value at its price.
80
455
24
Mandrarossa
This wine is intense ruby red in colour with purple hues. On the nose, it has aromas of morello and marasca cherries, notes of small red berries and sweet spices. The palate is mineral and balanced with a long finish. Sustainable, Vegan, Vegetarian
80
455
22
Ricossa
Smells like LUXURY! Super-low yield Barbera from the best sunny spots, some serious winemaking and a lick of posh new oak. What a beauty. What a bargain. Dark, silky, last time I had a Barbera this rich and lush was in California, and it cost 3 tines as much! Nizza is a new top-end DOCG created to separate the best plots of Barbera - great success.
80
455
28
Sopra Sasso
Classic Valpol Ripasso - think dark chocolate laced with cherry brandy! Deft, silky, not over-extracted. Lovely Corvina edge of petals and almond. Earthy leathery notes, somewhat like Otago Pinot in flavour
80
455
26
Gran Sasso
Long-term independent merchant classic. Big, hearty southern beast - you can taste the sun in this!
80
455
26
Ricasoli
Bright cherry fruit, very drinkable and almost too smooth to be Chianti. Just very drinkable good affordable Tuscan red from a master winemaker.
80
455
22
Tenimenti Ca' Bianca
Red and black fruits, intense and ethereal bouquet of vanilla, full, firm but velvety flavours with a fine lingering aftertaste of liquorice and ripe red fruits.