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Chianti Classico: The Magnificent 2021s
featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Jul 2024
Two thousand twenty-one is the single greatest young vintage I have ever tasted in Chianti Classico. Period. Full stop. The 2021s are majestic wines endowed with striking aromatics, layered fruit and all the energy that is such a signature of the appellation. Quality is consistently high across the region, while many wines hit breathtaking peaks of excellence. Last year, I wrote, “The 2021s, in particular, are some of the most exciting young wines I have tasted in more than 25 years of visiting the region.” The top bottlings, those being released this year, more than confirm that initial impression. This is a historic vintage Vinous readers will want to pay close attention to.
Once Upon a Time – Soldera Retrospective: 1977-2017
Verticals & Retrospectives, featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Jun 2024
It remains one of the greatest tastings I have ever been a part of, either as an attendee or a host. Forty-six wines, all of them in superb shape. Even wines from smaller or less well-known vintages were sublime. Not a single bottle was corked or oxidized. The memories from this retrospective of Gianfranco Soldera’s wines will last forever.
Cellar Favorite: Castello di Ama - Looking Back at the 2006s
cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, Italy: Tuscany
, May 2024
I vividly remember the first time I truly fell in love with Castello di Ama wines. It was 2009. After we had gone through the releases, Lorenza Sebasti and Marco Pallanti opened a few older wines. It was at that moment that I started to understand how well these wines can age. In the years that followed, I had the good fortune to report on several verticals.
Carmignano, Montecucco and Tuscany’s Unrivaled Diversity
featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Mar 2024
It pays to explore beyond Chianti Classico, Montalcino and Montepulciano when looking for a diverse range of high-quality Sangioveses and blends across Tuscany. The wines of Carmignano and Montecucco are some of the region's best, often at prices that won’t break the bank.
2024 Tuscany Preview
featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Feb 2024
Readers will want to pay special attention to new releases from Tuscany’s 2021 vintage. Favorable growing conditions throughout the year and the gentler winemaking that is increasingly the norm yielded wines that impress with stunning beauty, finesse and exceptional balance. I started tasting the 2021s from barrel in the summer of 2022. Even then, the potential of the vintage was evident. The bottled wines confirm my early impressions. Many estates produced some of their best wines ever. Our Tuscany Preview report covers a handful of new releases ahead of my larger articles coming later in 2024. Watch this space for more.
2013 Brunello di Montalcino: The Throwback Vintage
Verticals & Retrospectives, featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Feb 2024
The 2013 Brunellos were often misunderstood on release. The cool, extended growing season yielded aromatic, high-toned wines sparked with elevated acidity, making them immediately appealing. Could they possibly be classic? Now, ten years later, the proof is in the bottle, and 2013 has shown itself to be worthy of attention.
Buckle Your Seatbelts: 2019 Brunello and 2021 Rosso di Montalcino
featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Dec 2023
We’ve been waiting two years for the next big vintage from Montalcino. I’m happy to say that 2019 delivers the goods. Moreover, the 2021 Rossos show that producers continue to hone their skills in warm and dry years.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Making Wine in The New Normal
featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Oct 2023
Being a producer in Montepulciano is never dull. The last four vintages have ranged from classic to sun-drenched to waterlogged. However, the region continues to take each hurdle in stride and turn out wines that impress today but will also pay dividends in the cellar.
Chianti Classico: The Brilliant 2021s & Variable 2020s
featured, Italy: Tuscany
, Aug 2023
It’s a fabulous time for readers who love Chianti Classico. The wines have never been better, as evidenced by both the growing number of estates making gorgeous Chianti Classicos and the stylistic breadth those wines encompass. The 2021s in particular are some of the most exciting young wines I have tasted in more than 25 years of visiting the region.
Cellar Favorite: San Giusto a Rentennano Chianti Classico: 2001-1990
Verticals & Retrospectives, cellar favorite, Cellar Favorites, Italy: Tuscany
, Aug 2023
When was the last time a grower presented a vertical of their entry-level wine where the youngest vintage was more than twenty years old? Never, in my experience. That’s exactly what Luca Martini di Cigala did during my most recent visit to San Giusto a Rentennano. It was a remarkable tasting and a fitting continuation of themes I explored last year in my report on vintages 2002 through 2010.