2013 Valadorna by Tenuta di Arceno Super Tuscan Tuscany

2013 Valadorna by Tenuta di Arceno Super Tuscan Tuscany

with No Comment $50-$60ChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Valadorna

by Tenuta di Arceno
Super Tuscan
Tuscany 20132013 Valadorna by Tenuta di Arceno Super Tuscan Tuscany

Some wines age gracefully, and others seem to defy time altogether. The 2013 Valadorna belongs firmly to the latter. It’s a luminous example of how meticulous craftsmanship and patient cellaring can sculpt a wine into a timeless masterpiece. More than a decade after harvest, it remains astonishingly vibrant, capturing the essence of Tuscany with grace, poise, and authenticity.

Behind this remarkable longevity stands Pierre Seillan, the Bordeaux-born master whose touch defines some of the world’s most revered wines. His deep understanding of micro-crus, perfected at Vérité, finds a new voice here in Tuscany. In Valadorna, Seillan channels Merlot’s supple depth and marries it to the verve of Cabernet Franc, the backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon, and the finesse of Petit Verdot.

Drawn from the estate’s cooler Valadorna and Capraia parcels, where sandy-clay soils meet morning mists, the 2013 unfolds with haunting precision. Firm yet silken, expansive yet composed, it culminates in a finish that lingers like memory itself. The 2013 Valadorna is a rare alignment of time, terroir, and talent: a wine not merely crafted, but composed, into something enduringly profound.

Valadorna
by Tenuta di Arceno
Super Tuscan
Tuscany 2013
Retails at: $75

Your Price: $58

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“The 2013 Valadorna (mostly Merlot with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot) is yet another home run in this blockbuster collection of new releases from Tenuta di Arceno in the southern part of Chianti Classico (Castelnuovo Berardegna). This is a firm and tightly knit expression that is packed tight with black fruit, tobacco, tar and dark chocolate. The wine shows enormous aromatic intensity, but then it slims down just a touch in the mouth to offer an elegantly tapered finish.”

95 Points

2020 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

2020 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

with No Comment $40-$50ChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Bibbiano

Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
Vigna del Capannino
Tuscany, Italy 2020

2020 Bibbiano Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

From a mere seven hectares of the storied 19th-century estate of Bibbiano rises the 2020 Vigna del Capannino: an extraordinary expression of Tuscany’s soul. Perched atop a compact, clay-rich plateau, this vineyard captures the drama of one of Italy’s most revered terroirs. The naturally dense soils lend the wine profound structure and a chiseled mineral backbone, while the west-facing exposure coaxes the depth and intensity that define this vintage.

The power of Vigna del Capannino begins with its singular focus: 100% Sangiovese Grosso. This clone, selected and refined over decades, produces fruit that embodies both the energy of the vintage and the elegance of its lineage. In 2020, the grapes achieved perfect balance, allowing the wine to capture a full spectrum of flavor.

After harvest, the wine underwent a patient élevage of 24 months, divided between neutral cement and fine French and Slavonian oak, followed by a half-year of bottle rest. This unhurried maturation refined the wine’s natural intensity into harmony. The result is a Chianti Classico of rare depth, with tannins that are taut yet silken, framing a finish that lingers with quiet authority.

Bibbiano
Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
Vigna del Capannino
Tuscany, Italy 2020

Your Price: $42

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“Ripe strawberries, raspberries, red licorice, moist bark and wet stones on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, tense and juicy with crunchy tannins and chalky texture. Vivid acidity keeps the wine nervy. Racy finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

94 Points

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

with No Comment $60-$70ChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Castello di Ama

Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

2020 Castello di Ama Gran Selezione Chianti Classico

Castello di Ama stands as a pillar of excellence in Chianti Classico, redefining the boundaries of this celebrated region. Renowned for crafting Sangiovese-dominant blends that consistently earn high-90s scores, the estate’s legacy reflects the visionary spirit of its founders.

In 1976, four Roman families recognized the untapped potential of a magnificent 55-hectare estate in Tuscany. Marco Pallanti, who joined in 1982 as Viticulturist and Winemaker, became a cornerstone of its success. His innovative approach propelled Castello di Ama to global acclaim. Notably, during his presidency of the Chianti Classico Consortium (2006-2012), he spearheaded the creation of the “Gran Selezione” category, setting a new benchmark for quality within the appellation.

The 2020 San Lorenzo Gran Selezione embodies the brilliance of its terroir. Crafted primarily from Sangiovese, with subtle accents of Malvasia Nera and Merlot, this wine achieves a sublime balance of vibrancy, elegance, and structure. Blessed by a near-perfect growing season, the 2020 vintage yielded fruit of exceptional character. The result is a wine of profound depth and poise, where juicy acidity and a seamless texture converge with a powerful yet graceful expression of Tuscany’s finest vineyards.

Castello di Ama
Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico
San Lorenzo 2020

Your Price: $69.99

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“The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is fabulous. It offers up a compelling mix of blackberry, graphite, crushed rocks, spice, lavender and black pepper, showing striking inner sweetness, gorgeous mid-palate pliancy and mid-blowing balance, all in a medium-bodied style that will be approachable with minimal cellaring. San Lorenzo remains an archetype for contemporary Chianti Classico. Production is down about 30% in 2020 because of stringent selection.”

95 Points

2021 Antinori Tignanello Tuscany Italy

2021 Antinori Tignanello Tuscany Italy

with No Comment $100 and overChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

Antinori 

Tignanello 2021
Tuscany, Italy

2021 Antinori Tignanello Tuscany Italy

Tenuta Tignanello, a pioneer of the Super Tuscan movement, has redefined Italian winemaking with its bold innovations. The estate’s pioneering spirit, evident in its early adoption of barrique aging for Sangiovese and its masterful blending of Bordeaux varieties, has shaped the future of Italian viticulture.

Tignanello and Solaia, the estate’s iconic wines, stand as benchmarks of Italian excellence. The 2021 Tignanello, recently ranked #3 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list, beautifully reflects this legacy.

The 2021 vintage is a masterpiece of balance and complexity, born from an extended growing season that allowed the grapes to reach optimal ripeness. This wine offers a harmonious blend of power and finesse, with deep, layered flavors and a polished structure. Aged for 16 months in a combination of French and Hungarian oak, the wine showcases the estate’s signature Sangiovese-dominant blend, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

With exceptional critical acclaim and immense aging potential, the 2021 Tignanello is a must-have for collectors and showcases Tenuta Tignanello’s enduring vision.

Antinori 
Tignanello 2021
Tuscany, Italy

Your Price: $169.99

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“Laced with pure cherry, strawberry, graphite and tobacco aromas and flavors, this red is beautifully supported by a backbone of vibrant acidity and taut, refined tannins. Everything is framed by vanilla and toasty oak in the best sense, revealing harmony, with a long, orange-tinged finish and, yes, even drinkability at this stage. Best to give this a few more years in the bottle. Best from 2027 through 2045.”

97 Points, #3 Top 100 Wines of 2024

2019 Dievole Petrignano Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

2019 Dievole Petrignano Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

with No Comment $30 and underChiantiChiantiKevin VogtTuscanyUSA

DIEVOLE PETRIGNANO

CHIANTI CLASSICO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2019

2019 Dievole Petrignano Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

Dievole is a renowned winery in the heart of Tuscany in the Chianti Classico region near Castelnuovo Berardenga. Celebrated for exceptional wines and a commitment to sustainable winemaking practices, the estate has a rich history dating back to the 11th century.

The winery’s flagship wine, Dievole Chianti Classico DOCG, is outstanding and hails from the 2019 vintage, a year the Wine Spectator describes as producing “fresh, balanced reds with finesse and the structure to age.” 

Dievole’s Chianti Classico wines effortlessly showcase the region’s quintessential characteristics; combined with an outstanding growing season and the DOCG’s aging regulations, this wine is already shining brightly.

DIEVOLE PETRIGNANO
CHIANTI CLASSICO
TUSCANY, ITALY 2019

Your Price: $28

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“Petrignano is a new wine for Dievole, the result of the estate’s collaboration with Chilean soil specialist, Pedro Parra. It comes from a recently planted 15ha site between 300 and 330 metres above sea level, distinguished by an abundance of limestone near the surface. The nose is flinty and iron-speckled, giving way to sun-soaked wild berries. It balances the generous warmth of the south with freshness and long, chalky tannins, sneaking some vibrant acidity in there too.”

91 Points

2019 Castello Romitorio Colli Sensi Chianti Tuscany

2019 Castello Romitorio Colli Sensi Chianti Tuscany

with No Comment $30 and underChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

CASTELLO ROMITORIO

COLLI SENESI CHIANTI
TUSCANY 2019

2019 Castello Romitorio Colli Sensi Chianti Tuscany
Italian artist Sandro Chia believes the best expressions of art and wine thrive with a minimalistic approach. This philosophy is a guiding principle for his wines, and his estate is becoming known for producing wines of superb quality, character, and value. Sandro purchased Castello Romitorio in 1984 and initiated a complete restoration of the historic property that previously served as a Roman temple, fortress, monastery, castle, and manor house.
 
Colli Senesi is the Southernmost subregion of Chianti DOCG with warmer conditions and slightly more stringent production rules requiring a minimum of 75% Sangiovese in the blend resulting in more substantial, fuller-bodied wines. The 2019 Chianti Colli Senesi is 100% Sangiovese and encompasses the winery’s vision of artistic exploration and commitment to excellence and sustainability. 
 
CASTELLO ROMITORIO
COLLI SENESI CHIANTI
TUSCANY 2019
 
Your Price: $24
 
“Castello Romitorio 2019 Chianti Colli Senesi opens with delicate notes of rose petals, violets, ripe red cherry, ground nutmeg, dried sage, and black tea leaves. The wine has flavors of cranberry, red plum, wild strawberry, and white pepper with vibrant acidity and silky tannins. This beautifully balanced, classic wine is easy-drinking and effortlessly over-delivers for the price.”
94 Points
2020 Castello Romitorio Super Tuscan

2020 Castello Romitorio Super Tuscan

with No Comment $30 and underChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

CASTELLO ROMITORIO

ROMITORO SUPER TUSCAN
TUSCANY 2020

2020 Castello Romitorio Super Tuscan
Castello Romitorio was purchased by Italian artist Sandro Chia in 1984, who initiated a complete restoration of the historic property that has served as a Roman temple, fortress, monastery, castle, and manor house. Sandro believes the best expressions of art and wine thrive with a minimalistic approach and that natural progression should never be altered but rather enhanced.
 
Toscana IGT allows for international varieties, most commonly French, proving Tuscany has incredible potential for world-class wines outside their indigenous varieties. The 2020 ‘Romitòro’ is a blend of Petit Verdot and Syrah that encompasses the winery’s vision of artistic exploration and dedication to excellence.
 
CASTELLO ROMITORIO
ROMITORO SUPER TUSCAN
TUSCANY 2020
Retails at: $35
 
Your Price: $27
 
 
“The 2020 RomiTòro is a blend of Petit Verdot and Syrah, and it does a terrific job of capturing the exuberance and jovial qualities of sunny Tuscany. The wine shows layers of candied cherries, crème de cassis, sweet almond paste and even a touch of crushed mineral or aspirin. This 70,000-bottle release is creamy and rich in texture, with lots of plump primary flavors and absolutely no rough edges.”
93 Points
 
“The 2020 Romitoro is packed full of balanced pleasure. It’s dark yet also rich and spicy, with blue-toned florals giving way to currants, worn leather and smoke. This is elegant and plush on the palate, with masses of tart wildberries energized by zesty acidity while giving way to inner rose perfumes.  The 2020 finishes with amazing length and potency, as it leaves a staining of liquid lavender and sweet violets. The Romitoro, a blend of Petit Verdot and Syrah, is showing beautifully today.” 
92 Points
2018 Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva

220520 2018 Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva

with No Comment $30-$40ChiantiChiantiKevin VogtTuscanyUSA

BIBBIANO

CHIANTI CLASSICO
RISERVA 2018

2018 Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva
Tenuta di Bibbiano lies in the historic center of the Chianti Classico DOCG, where wine has been a part of the culture for thousands of years. Two brothers, Tommaso and Federico Marrocchesi Marzi, own the winery, and their family has lived on the property for over 150 years in harmony with nature by incorporating organic farming methods.
 
The University of Florence helped identify several different soil types and aspects used to select the proper indigenous clone for each site, with Sangiovese Grosso reigning supreme. The Chianti Classico Riserva is 100% Sangiovese Grosso aged 18 months, half in concrete and half in French oak, creating a balanced integration of complex flavors and offering remarkable quality at this price level.
 
BIBBIANO
CHIANTI CLASSICO
RISERVA 2018
 
Your Price: $34
 
 
“Iron and sanguine elements complement cherry and plum flavors in this old-school red. Loam, tobacco and leafy underbrush elements mingle with dense, dusty tannins as this unwinds through the finish. Best from 2023 through 2032. 420 cases imported”
92 Points
2018 Frescobaldi Castello Di Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva

2018 Frescobaldi Castello Di Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva

with No Comment $30 and underChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

FRESCOBALDI

CASTELLO DI NIPOZZANO
CHIANTI RUFINA RISERVA 2018

2018 Frescobaldi Castello Di Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva
Castello di Nipozzano is an ancient stronghold of Florence over 1000 years old and the most prized of the Frescobaldi family’s land holdings. Historical documents about the fine wines of Nipozzano date back to the Renaissance period, when famous artists such as Donatello were among the regular clientele.
 
Frescobaldi wines represent the heritage of the Tuscan landscape, and their Sangiovese-dominate 2018 Chianti Rufina Riserva has an authentic, rustic Italian charm. Fermented in stainless steel before maturing for a minimum of two years barriques, this remarkable 96 Point Chianti Riserva enchants with penetrating fruit, classic spice, vast complexity, and structure that’s easy to enjoy for less than $30.
 
FRESCOBALDI
CASTELLO DI NIPOZZANO
CHIANTI RUFINA RISERVA 2018
 
Your Price: $26.99
 
 
“A crunchy Rùfina mainly from 1970s Sangiovese vines with dashes of both local heritage and international varieties, too. Fermentation in stainless steel precedes 24 months in concrete and large, second-fill oak vats. Its bright scarlet hues mirror equally bright and deliciously savoury fruit. The compact palate provides coherent interplay between fruit and tannin with no sense of overripeness or oaky angularity. It’s mouthwatering now, but resist so its texture evens out fully. Drinking Window 2022 – 2040.”
96 Points
2013 Villa Trasqua Nerento Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

2013 Villa Trasqua Nerento Chianti Classico Gran Selezione

with No Comment $30-$40ChiantiChiantiItalyKevin VogtTuscany

VILLA TRASQUA

NERENTO CHIANTI CLASSICO
2013 GRAN SELEZIONE 

2013 Villa Trasqua Nerento Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Trasqua is a historic estate mentioned in land registers and inheritances with intrinsic links to viticulture since 1000 AD. Their winemaking revolves around time and patience, guided by the rhythm of nature, sustainable vision, and trust in their land. Nerento is the oldest vineyard on the Estate, planted with 100% Sangiovese and known for its essence of terroir and celebrated Alberese (limestone) and Galestro (marl) soils.
 
Fermentation takes place in 5000-liter wooden barrels, followed by aging for 30 months in 500-liter French tonneaux, allowing the tannins to soften and become well-integrated without the oak masking the purity of the fruit. Their flagship Gran Selezione Chianti embodies the Estate’s 1000+ year history, patience, and time-honored tradition, offering a remarkable balance of power and finesse, exceeding all expectations at this value price. 
 
VILLA TRASQUA
NERENTO CHIANTI CLASSICO
2013 GRAN SELEZIONE 
 
Your Price: $36
 
 
“This shows a lovely balance between fresh orange peel and citrus and riper notes of treacle tart, tar, red licorice, tobacco and spices. Full body, a plush and velvety ball of tannins and a driven line of acidity, which carries this suave Chianti Classico through to a long, delightful finish. Drink in 2021.”
95 Points