2018 Chianti Classico Rocca di Montegrossi
The 2018 Chianti Classico Montegrossi shows the appellation’s sunlit energy with precision and freshness. The nose opens with bright sour cherry, wild raspberry, and red plum, woven with dried herbs and a hint of cedar. There’s an engaging aromatic clarity — nothing forced, just pure fruit drawn with fine detail.
On the palate, the wine is lively and articulate: energetic acidity frames juicy red fruit, while gentle spice and minerality add subtle depth. Tannins are finely grained, carrying the flavours forward with ease rather than weight. The finish is clean and refreshing, marked by cherry skin, earth, and a faint whisper of dried herb. A Chianti Classico with defined lines and joyful transparency.
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆ (8/9)
London Supplier: Lea & Sandeman / Berry Bros & Rudd
Approx. Price: £40–£60
2016 Barolo Bussia Poderi Einaudi
The 2016 Barolo Bussia from Einaudi reveals the cru’s abundant substance tempered by poise and clarity. The nose grows gradually in the glass, offering sour cherry, pomegranate, and redcurrant, framed by dried rose, tobacco leaf, and crushed stone. A subtle balsamic lift ties the elements together with classical grace.
On the palate, the wine feels broad-shouldered yet shaped by fine structure. Tannins are firm and textured without harshness, while bright acidity gives motion to an array of fruit and spice flavours. Notes of orange peel, wild herbs, and iron mineral emerge as the wine unfolds. The finish is long, layered, and persistent, carrying a savoury dusting of earth and spice. A powerful yet elegant Barolo.
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9/9)
London Supplier: Hedonism Wines / Fine Wine Direct
Approx. Price: £95–£140
2016 Barolo Castiglione Vietti
Vietti’s 2016 Castiglione is a model of Nebbiolo clarity — expressive without excess, structured without austerity. The aromatics are lifted and defined: sour cherry, rose petal, and blood orange framed by chalky mineral and subtle spice. There’s an immediacy to the bouquet that feels both fresh and anchored in place.
On the palate, the wine is linear and tightly wound, its bright acidity signaling youthful verve. Tannins are chalky and refined, guiding flavours of red fruit, citrus peel, earth, and a gentle undercurrent of herb. The finish is long, precise, and minerally resonant, leaving a sense of tension that speaks to the wine’s ageing trajectory. A Barolo of fine balance and enduring focus.
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9/9)
London Supplier: Corney & Barrow / Berry Bros & Rudd
Approx. Price: £110–£160
