2012 | JS 95 A hail-affected year but still produced a structured, elegant wine with notes of dark berries, chocolate, and spice. 2019 | JS 97 20th Anniversary bottling. Praised for refinement, plush tannins, and long aging potential. 2020 | Decanter 97 Bright, floral, and ethereal style with wild strawberry and rose notes. Considered one of the most elegant Testamattas.   About Winery From a medieval castle, Castello di Vincigliata, acquired by his parents over 60 years ago, winemaker Bibi Graetz crafts his wines on a hillside overlooking the great city of Florence. Beginning initially with only a small, 5-acre vineyard on this hillside in Fiesole, in little under two decades, Bibi has become one of Italy's most ingenious winemakers adding "cult winemaker" in addition to "talented abstract artist" to his dossier. Since the release of his first wines in 2000 and without any formal training, Bibi Graetz has managed to stir-up the Tuscan wine scene, and with the creation of Testamatta and Colore, has made his name eponymous with great Tuscan wines. Regularly scoring in the high 90’s with wine publications like Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, and James Suckling, coupled with his unique and artisanal winemaking approach, Bibi Graetz’s wines have garnered a loyal following among wine collectors and wine trade. Sourcing grapes from parcels of old vines around Tuscany give the Bibi reds great depth and soul; while grapes from vines on the Isola del Giglio have provided proof that Tuscany can be known for beautiful white wines as well. This affinity for old vines allows for the concentrated yet elegant wines of Bibi Graetz making this portfolio a collectible from Tuscan producers. His passion for producing his flagship wines exclusively from traditional varieties of Sangiovese, Colorino, and Canaiolo for the reds and the indigenous varieties of Ansonica and Vermentino for his whites have resulted in very distinctive wines that consistently set his wines apart from those from the rest of Tuscany, and Italy.

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2021 | JS 94 An intriguing nose with smoky volcanic ash, and hints of Mediterranean scrub, followed by myrtle, blackberry, mulberry, and wild juniper notes. In the mouth, the wine shows a nice freshness and minerality with wild fruit and slightly vegetal notes. The tannins evolve and become more elegant, especially when the wine has time to breathe.   About Winery In 2015, Angelo Gaja and Alberto Graci met for the first time. As the Gaja’s got to better know Alberto and his family over time, Angelo’s deep curiosity for their culture and land kept growing, and the desire of working together came naturally. Toward the end of 2016, based on the mutual respect and love of the artisanal approach in winemaking, Gaja and Graci decided to form a joint venture, a first for both of their families. “Idda” (ee-duh) means “she” in the Sicilian dialect, which is a term of endearment and expression of awe with which Sicilians refer to Mt. Etna. For the people of Sicily, Etna is more than a mountain; it is a breathing being with her own identity and personality, a quick-tempered, capricious, yet maternal and protective mother on whom they depend on each day. In honor of Etna, IDDA is the name of our new adventure. A joint venture involving two families: Gaja and Graci (Gra-chi), that began in 2016, founded to explore the southern slope of Etna. Together searching for vineyards that express elegance and complexity driven by the specific site, soil & sunlight- that is unique to this land. IDDA is pure energy    

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2022 | V 93 The nose shows notes of sugared almond, lemon peel, marzipan, salted butter, jasmine, and mustard flowers, with hints of mint, spice, and flint. There is a distinct marine minerality on the palate; it possesses balanced acidity with a slightly honeyed note on the smooth yet voluptuous finish.   About Winery In 2015, Angelo Gaja and Alberto Graci met for the first time. As the Gaja’s got to better know Alberto and his family over time, Angelo’s deep curiosity for their culture and land kept growing, and the desire of working together came naturally. Toward the end of 2016, based on the mutual respect and love of the artisanal approach in winemaking, Gaja and Graci decided to form a joint venture, a first for both of their families. “Idda” (ee-duh) means “she” in the Sicilian dialect, which is a term of endearment and expression of awe with which Sicilians refer to Mt. Etna. For the people of Sicily, Etna is more than a mountain; it is a breathing being with her own identity and personality, a quick-tempered, capricious, yet maternal and protective mother on whom they depend on each day. In honor of Etna, IDDA is the name of our new adventure. A joint venture involving two families: Gaja and Graci (Gra-chi), that began in 2016, founded to explore the southern slope of Etna. Together searching for vineyards that express elegance and complexity driven by the specific site, soil & sunlight- that is unique to this land. IDDA is pure energy    

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2021 | JS 96 A classic example of Chardonnay from Langhe. The nose shows bright notes of citrus, lemon zest, verbena, and lemongrass that evolve into more complex hints of graphite, white pepper, and marjoram, all with underlying tones of delicate white flowers. In the mouth, the citrus-like acidity and soft, enveloping, barely perceptible wood come together to create a fresh entry on the palate. The lingering acidity and hints of honey make for a long, elegant finish. Marked aromatic persistence and after taste of anise and almond.   About Winery Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production  

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2021 | WA 94 Sliced pears and limes with some pear blossom aromas. Hints of fennel. Medium body. Pretty phenolics. Spicy and tangy finish. Some lemon zest. 60% in stainless with the rest in barrels. Uses some fruit from Alto Langa. Drink or hold. 2022 | V 93 Alteni 2022 is an intense and well-balanced wine with a wide range of aromas. It has citrus, botanical, and mineral notes, along with complex scents of resin, juniper, cucumber, fig leaves, sap, and a hint of gunpowder. As the wine breathes, you'll detect geranium, grapefruit, ripe pear, sage, and mint notes. The taste is well-balanced, with a salty savoriness that complements the acidity. There's a slight toastiness mixed with a sweet, fresh sensation. The wine has a fine mouthfeel, marked by tension and minerality.     About Winery Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production  

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2021 | JD 97 The nose is dominated by fruit, but also citrus and floral hints emerge. On the palate it’s juicy and the floral notes persist alongside scents of licorice. Subtle hints of cherry and strawberry create a harmonious blend of floral elegance and vibrant fruit flavors.   About Winery Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production  

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2019 | JD 97 The nose exhibits complex floral and flowery notes, leaning towards sweet, ripe fruit such as Morello cherry and plum, adorned with chocolate nuances and sandalwood. Charming, soft tannins create a long and pleasant mouthfeel. The structure is full, with well-balanced acidity and tannins, culminating in a finish highlighted by savory, salty licorice.   About Winery Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production  

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2021 | JD 98 On the nose, it reveals a captivating and layered profile, with spicy notes evoking a mix of black pepper and cloves, enriched by fresh hints of red cherry and crunchy rhubarb. The presence of roasted coffee adds a deep and enveloping dimension. On the palate, the wine presents itself as austere, with a less concentrated tannic structure that makes it accessible and enjoyable. The fruity freshness blends with the spices detected on the nose, creating an interesting balance. The aftertaste reveals a slight smoky note, adding complexity and a persistent finish.   About Winery Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production  

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2023 | VIVINO 4.1 PTS On the nose, it reveals a captivating and layered profile, with spicy notes evoking a mix of black pepper and cloves, enriched by fresh hints of red cherry and crunchy rhubarb. The presence of roasted coffee adds a deep and enveloping dimension. On the palate, the wine presents itself as austere, with a less concentrated tannic structure that makes it accessible and enjoyable. The fruity freshness blends with the spices detected on the nose, creating an interesting balance. The aftertaste reveals a slight smoky note, adding complexity and a persistent finish.   About Winery Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production  

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2023 | JD 93-96 PTS Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2023 Vistamare is lifted and packed with aromas of citrus zest along with a floral bouquet of concentrated key lime, starfruit, sea spray, and loads of floral citrus blossom. Medium to full-bodied, with a bit of white pepper spice, it has a fresher, more linear drive at this stage that should round and flesh out over time. (AF)   About Winery Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production  

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2020 | VIVINO 4.3 PTS On the nose, floral notes are dominant, the wine is ethereal and restrained, promising a subtle yet intriguing bouquet. On the palate Dagromis shows medium structure and sweet tannins with good freshness and a long and salty finish.   About Winery Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production  

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2022 | VIVINO 4.3 PTS The nose is dominated by fruit, but also citrus and floral hints emerge. On the palate it’s juicy and the floral notes persist alongside scents of licorice. Subtle hints of cherry and strawberry create a harmonious blend of floral elegance and vibrant fruit flavors.   About Winery Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production  

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2023 | VIVINO 4.3 PTS The 2023 Rossj-bass presents a powerful burst of tropical fruit and citrus flavors. The concentrated flavors reveal layers of mango, mandarin, cedar, and a slight hint of spice, floral notes, anise, and vanilla. The structure is solid, delivering elegance through its woven acidity. The finish is well-balanced, leaving a lasting impression of sweet citrus.   About Winery Perched atop a steep hill in the Langhe sits the small village of Barbaresco, home of the GAJA winery. The story of the GAJA Winery can be traced to a singular, founding purpose: to produce original wines with a sense of place which reflect the tradition and culture of those who made it. This philosophy has inspired five generations of impeccable winemaking. It started over 150 years ago when Giovanni Gaja opened a small restaurant in Barbaresco, making wine to complement the food he served. In 1859, he founded the Gaja Winery, producing some of the first wine from Piedmont to be bottled and sold outside the region. Since that time, the winery has been shaped by each generation’s hand, notably that of Clotilde Rey, Angelo Gaja’s grandmother. Her passion for uncompromising quality influenced and informed Angelo Gaja. Through Angelo, these values have become the cornerstone of the GAJA philosophy and are engrained in every aspect of wine production  

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2023 | D 96 The 2023 Guidalberto showcases a deep purple-red hue with an intricate aroma of lavender, blackcurrant, thyme, and citrus hints. Its fresh palate balances acidity and salinity, with well-integrated tannins leading to a clean, refined finish. While enjoyable now, its density and subtle sweetness ensure excellent ageing potential.   About Winery Guidalberto was created by Tenuta San Guido in Bolgheri, Tuscany, as a tribute to Guidalberto della Gherardesca, an ancestor known for his agricultural vision. Launched in 2000, it was conceived to broaden the estate’s range beyond Sassicaia, offering a wine that could be enjoyed earlier while still expressing the gravelly soils and coastal breezes of Bolgheri. Crafted mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Guidalberto quickly gained recognition as a refined yet approachable “Super Tuscan,” embodying the estate’s philosophy of innovation rooted in tradition.

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2017 | WA 96 The 2017 Brunello is a wine of light and energy. On the nose crispy notes of sour cherries, blood oranges and small red berry fruits are accompanied by scents of Mediterranean balsamic herbs and a touch of flint. On the palate energy, sweet fruit and silky tannins form a caressing sensation of elegance and equilibrium, leading us towards a long-lingering finish with a distinct savory touch, fresh and clean.   About Winery Biondi-Santi’s history is the story of Brunello itself: founded in 1865 at Tenuta Greppo in Montalcino, the family perfected a special clone of Sangiovese Grosso and in 1888 released the very first Brunello di Montalcino, establishing a new benchmark for Italian wine. Across generations, they remained faithful to traditional methods—long fermentations, aging in large Slavonian oak casks, and a minimalist approach that lets terroir speak—producing wines of remarkable elegance and longevity. Today, Biondi-Santi continues to honor its heritage while embracing sustainable viticulture, preserving the legacy of a house that gave birth to one of Italy’s most iconic wines.  

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Winemaker Notes The Antinori Tignanello is an intense ruby red wine with exceptional aromatic complexity. It opens with vibrant notes of ripe red fruits—especially cherries, strawberries, and blackberries—accompanied by delicate floral hints of violets, mallow blossoms, and roses. The bouquet is further enriched by subtle layers of roasted coffee, cocoa powder, and spices like pepper, licorice, and herbs. On the palate, it is vibrant and layered, with a silky tannin structure and a fresh, lengthy finish, showcasing both finesse and power About Winery Antinori Tignanello is a groundbreaking Italian wine first produced in 1971 by the historic Antinori family, whose winemaking roots date back to 1385. Tignanello marked a major shift in Tuscan winemaking—it was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques (small oak barrels), the first red wine in Tuscany to be blended with non-traditional varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and among the first from the Chianti Classico region to be made without white grapes. Originally labeled as a Chianti Classico Riserva, it became a Tuscan red table wine in 1971 and helped define the Super Tuscan category. Tignanello is produced exclusively from the Tignanello vineyard, located in the Tenuta Tignanello estate in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, with limestone-rich soils and a southwest exposure.  

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Winemaker Notes Bottega Gold is a Prosecco DOC, obtained by the vinification of Glera grapes.  The elegance, freshness and liveliness of its bubbles stem from the beauty and tradition of its territory, where unmistakable panoramas are shaped by vineyards. The cultivation area of Glera grapes is located in the hilly area of the province of Treviso up to the slopes of Valdobbiadene, which is close to the Venetian Prealps. This area is characterised by long but not excessively cold winters and by hot but not sultry summers. The vines in this region grow on different types of land, each characterised by a variety of soils, exposures and slopes that make this Prosecco a wine with many nuances. The hilly terrain is subject to high temperature ranges between day and night. This variation in temperature enables the development of finer, more elegant and at the same time more intense aromas.   About Winery Bottega has a history of four centuries in the world of wine and grappa. Since the 17th century, when our ancestors cultivated the vine as tenant farmers, up to now, with Bottega wines, grappa and liquors being appreciated all over the world. TodayBottega wines and liqueurs have won more than 450 awards and accolades, and can be found in more than 160 countries around the world, in major duty free shops and airlines. As of 2022, Bottega Gold is the top-selling sparkling wine in travel retail according to IWSR rankings.  

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Winemaker Notes The 2021 Antinori Tignanello is an intense ruby red wine with exceptional aromatic complexity. It opens with vibrant notes of ripe red fruits—especially cherries, strawberries, and blackberries—accompanied by delicate floral hints of violets, mallow blossoms, and roses. The bouquet is further enriched by subtle layers of roasted coffee, cocoa powder, and spices like pepper, licorice, and herbs. On the palate, it is vibrant and layered, with a silky tannin structure and a fresh, lengthy finish, showcasing both finesse and power About Winery Antinori Tignanello is a groundbreaking Italian wine first produced in 1971 by the historic Antinori family, whose winemaking roots date back to 1385. Tignanello marked a major shift in Tuscan winemaking—it was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques (small oak barrels), the first red wine in Tuscany to be blended with non-traditional varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and among the first from the Chianti Classico region to be made without white grapes. Originally labeled as a Chianti Classico Riserva, it became a Tuscan red table wine in 1971 and helped define the Super Tuscan category. Tignanello is produced exclusively from the Tignanello vineyard, located in the Tenuta Tignanello estate in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, with limestone-rich soils and a southwest exposure.  

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2012 | Vivino 4.5 An intensely complex profile displaying layers of dark cherry, ripe plum, dried rose, sweet tobacco, and earthy or iron-rich nuances.   About Winery Valdicava is one of the most prestigious and highly acclaimed estates in Montalcino, Tuscany. Founded in 1953, the family-run winery is celebrated for producing powerful, deeply structured, and expressive Brunello di Montalcino from the highly coveted Montosoli subzone.  

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2016 | WA 98 The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is a wine of extreme complexity and precision. It offers monumental depth with profound layers of black fruit, coffee, licorice and baking chocolate. I tasted this 2016 vintage beside the less-impactful 2015 vintage (which was reviewed last year). These two editions are very different when compared side to side, and this 2016 release is clearly superior in terms of the quality, clarity and intensity of its offerings. This Ornellaia delivers glossy shine and a polished texture that segues to important richness, concentration and textural fiber. It wraps thickly over the palate, imparting waves of sweet dark fruit and dark spice that linger for many long minutes.  2019 | JS 97 The aromas of blackcurrants, fresh basil and thyme, as well as cedar and sandalwood are so attractive. It’s full-bodied and very linear with tight tannins that draw you down the length of this young wine. Wet-earth and cool-stone undertones. It’s solid and so structured. A classic Ornellaia for the cellar.   About Winery In 1981, Marchese Lodovico Antinori breathed new life into Tenuta dell' Ornellaia, an estate whose potential had been ignored for decades. With the help of Andre Tchelistcheff, the famous agronomist, Antinori planted the first French vines in Bolgheri, which lies in the heart of Tuscany's coastal region, Maremma. The estate yields some of the finest Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc in Tuscany. In 2002, Marchesi de' Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi became owners of Tenuta dell'Ornellaia, which is now owned exclusively by Marchesi de' Frescobaldi. Ornellaia has established itself among the iconic wine estates in Italy (and beyond). The estate is dedicated to producing charming and opulent wines, full of Mediterranean character and finesse, reflecting the estate’s unique terroir in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast. The combination of Bolgheri’s unique soils and growing conditions, and what can only be characterized as a total obsession with excellence, result in the world-class wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc that so many wine lovers across the world have come to cherish. Ornellaia employs a full time team of 80 people whose passion and motivation make Ornellaia what it is today. No shortcuts in the part of the production are allowed and the details literally come down to a grape by grape basis. Wines are intently crafted to capture the character of each vintage, in all its complexity and facets. In fact, the character and intricacies of each individual vintage are so important to the estate that since vintage 2006, Winemaker and Estate Director Axel Heinz has identified a single word that captures the character of each vintage, and that word is interpreted by a contemporary artist who produces special labels and a site-specific work of art that remains part of the estate’s permanent collection. In addition to its place among Italy’s iconic wines, Ornellaia is also an ambassador for the Bolgheri region, leading it to be recognized as one of Italy’s greatest winegrowing regions. It is their belief, and it is hard to argue, that Bogheri’s mild maritime climate and diversity of soils create wines as distinct, complex and pleasurable as any in the world.  

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2021 | WS 95 This ripe style is fresh and harmonious, delivering plum, cherry and boysenberry fruit, with accents of earth, iron and eucalyptus. Supple in texture, with a beautifully integrated structure and long, complex aftertaste. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.    About Winery Antinori Tignanello is a groundbreaking Italian wine first produced in 1971 by the historic Antinori family, whose winemaking roots date back to 1385. Tignanello marked a major shift in Tuscan winemaking—it was the first Sangiovese to be aged in barriques (small oak barrels), the first red wine in Tuscany to be blended with non-traditional varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, and among the first from the Chianti Classico region to be made without white grapes. Originally labeled as a Chianti Classico Riserva, it became a Tuscan red table wine in 1971 and helped define the Super Tuscan category. Tignanello is produced exclusively from the Tignanello vineyard, located in the Tenuta Tignanello estate in San Casciano in Val di Pesa, with limestone-rich soils and a southwest exposure.  

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2019 | WA 97 The 2019 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso is made with 25% Cabernet Franc, with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. That this heat-resistant grape now makes up a quarter of the blend speaks to how vintners are gearing up to counter climate change. These are intelligent choices, and you can count on this wine to maintain that level of extreme elegance and intensity that it is known for (even when Merlot was a bigger part of the blend). Indeed, this is a new and improved Guado al Tasso with focused aromas of pencil shaving, white pepper and crushed stone that frame a rich core of black fruit.  2020 | WA 96 The wine shows nice richness and intensity. The Cabernet Franc definitely comes through and adds the characteristic vertical lift and linearity that the grape is known for. You get black fruit, spice, white pepper and no signs of bitter stems or bramble. Sweet, almost milky tannins are interlocked with fresh acidity to give this wine good cellaring potential. The new oak was dialed back a bit in this vintage. Winery History While the Antinori family’s winemaking legacy spans 26 generations and over 600 years, the Tenuta Guado al Tasso estate entered their portfolio in 1932 as part of the dowry of Carlotta della Gherardesca upon her marriage to Niccolò Antinori. This noble property in Bolgheri, which had been in the della Gherardesca family since the 17th century, sits within a natural "amphitheater" between the hills and the sea, creating a unique microclimate that the family spent decades researching. It wasn't until 1990 that the flagship Guado al Tasso Bolgheri Superiore was first produced, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the "Super Tuscan" movement by blending traditional Bordeaux varieties with a distinct coastal Mediterranean identity.

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2015 | JS 98 Elegant, structured, with cassis, cedar, and bay leaf notes. 2019 | D 100 Praised for purity, balance, and resemblance to legendary vintages of the 1980s.   About Winery The Tenuta San Guido is a 7,500-acre estate located in the province of Livorno on the western coastal outskirts of Tuscany near the village of Bolgheri. Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta acquired it through his marriage to Clarice della Gherardesca in 1940. The legacy of Sassicaia began in 1944, when Mario Incisa acquired a number of Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc vine cuttings and planted them on a sloping hillside of the San Guido estate, called Castiglioncello after the 11th-century castle at the vineyard's upper edge. This tiny, 3.75-acre vineyard stood alone until 1965, when a second Cabernet vineyard was planted with cuttings from the Castiglioncello parcel; the gravelly, 30-acre plot would give the wine its name: Sassicaia, "the place of many stones". With the radical changes in the D.O.C. system of regulations as of the 1994 vintage, Sassicaia's extraordinary reputation was acknowledged through the Italian government's granting the wine its own appellation. Sassicaia is today considered to be the new plus ultra of Italy's great red wines for its consistent excellence and its intuitive spirit. Acclaimed by the wine world's most respected voices, Sassicaia remains the legacy of its creator, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, and his son, Marchese Nicolò Incisa della Rocchetta.  

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2015 | RP 97 Considered a structured, long-lived wine with firm tannins and elegance. 2018 | JS 99 Known for intensity, floral notes, and balance 2019 | Vinous 96 From very old, high-altitude vineyards; praised for depth and purity.   About Winery From a medieval castle, Castello di Vincigliata, acquired by his parents over 60 years ago, winemaker Bibi Graetz crafts his wines on a hillside overlooking the great city of Florence. Beginning initially with only a small, 5-acre vineyard on this hillside in Fiesole, in little under two decades, Bibi has become one of Italy's most ingenious winemakers adding "cult winemaker" in addition to "talented abstract artist" to his dossier. Since the release of his first wines in 2000 and without any formal training, Bibi Graetz has managed to stir-up the Tuscan wine scene, and with the creation of Testamatta and Colore, has made his name eponymous with great Tuscan wines. Regularly scoring in the high 90’s with wine publications like Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, and James Suckling, coupled with his unique and artisanal winemaking approach, Bibi Graetz’s wines have garnered a loyal following among wine collectors and wine trade. Sourcing grapes from parcels of old vines around Tuscany give the Bibi reds great depth and soul; while grapes from vines on the Isola del Giglio have provided proof that Tuscany can be known for beautiful white wines as well. This affinity for old vines allows for the concentrated yet elegant wines of Bibi Graetz making this portfolio a collectible from Tuscan producers. His passion for producing his flagship wines exclusively from traditional varieties of Sangiovese, Colorino, and Canaiolo for the reds and the indigenous varieties of Ansonica and Vermentino for his whites have resulted in very distinctive wines that consistently set his wines apart from those from the rest of Tuscany, and Italy.

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