Highly Recommended

(continued) 90–94pts

Al-Cantara, Lu Veru Piaciri 2014 91 AB 90 MG 94 EOH 90 N/A UK www.al-cantara.it

Heaps of cranberries and spices mixed with dried cherry, tarragon and butterscotch. It is approachable already but is quite broadshouldered and chunky so could easily be kept for a few years. Drink 2017-2022 Alc 13.5%

Cantine Russo, Rampante 2010 91 AB 93 MG 90 EOH 89 £18.72 Colombier

This starts well with intense violets, damsons and bergamot backed up by chocolate and cherry. However it ends up quite lean and green with perhaps a little oxidation.

Drink 2016-2017 Alc 13.5%

Pietro Caciorgna, Guardoilvento 2014 91 AB 89 MG 91 92 EOH 92

£21 Corks of Cotham, Stannary St Wine Co, Vin Cognito

Exotic fruit cocktail nose with raspberry and passion fruit notes and a touch of cedar. Crunchy wild redcurrants and a creamy blueberry muffin texture giving a lush mouthfeel. Tannins are high and serious here.

Drink 2017-2022 Alc 13.5%

Terre dell’Etna 2013 91 AB 93 MG 89 EOH 90 N/A UK www.terredelletna.net

There is a distinct nutmeg and honey character to the nose here, with dried plums, berries and forest fruits on the palate. There is a waxiness to the mouthfeel, plus captivating Armagnac notes. Drink 2018-2022 Alc 13.5%

Az Agricola Ciauria 2014 91 AB 90 MG 92 EOH 92 £15.80 Corks of Cotham, Stannary St Wine Co, Vin Cognito

The nose is driven by sweet wild fruit plus blueberries and morello cherries with a tropical mango edge. This finishes on tobacco and herbs, rustic tannins and a lightly bitter note. Drink 2020-2025 Alc 13.5%

Feudo Cavaliere, Millemetri, 2009 91 AB 89 MG 93 EOH 91 N/A UK

www.feudocavaliere.it

This wine is quite restrained and tight on the nose and palate, but it is impressive how slowly it is ageing. There is good freshness of cranberry and cherry fruit, and high acidity.

Drink 2017-2022 Alc 13%

Planeta 2014 91 AB 92 MG 93 EOH 88 £21 Enotria & Co

Commercial style but enticing with herbaltoned strawberry and red cherry aromas. Very soft on the mid-palate with some jamminess and plenty of sweet stewed fruits. Delicious example of early-drinking style, if a bit short.

Drink 2016-2020 Alc 14%

Ampelon Calderara, Passo alle Sciare 2013 90 AB 86 MG 95 EOH 89 N/A UK

www.viniampelon.it

Highly aromatic nose of red and black fruits and notes of seasoned oak and tobacco. A touch of CO in the glass, but this doesn’t detract 2 from the bonfire night finish of orange, clove and woodsmoke. Drink 2020-2025 Alc 14%

Cantine Patria 2013 91 AB 89 MG 93 EOH 92 N/A UK +39 0942 986072

Spicy! Beautiful turmeric notes with vegetal, minty undertones. The strawberry fruit is there underneath vanilla oak, violets and aniseed giving great complexity on top of very fine tannins. Drink 2017-2022 Alc 14%

Nicosia, Classic 2013 91 AB 92 MG 91 EOH 90 N/A UK www.nicosiawines.com

Sweet, ripe and intense notes of wild morello cherries and blueberries. A little spiky and charred, but there are generous spice notes, exotic fruit and an earthy finish, recalling a Syrah in style. Drink 2018-2022 Alc 13%

Tenuta delle Terre Nere 2014 91 AB 91 MG 89 EOH 92 £15 Justerini & Brooks

This is certainly a mature example: kirsch and redcurrant jelly notes are morphed into dark spices, charred peppers, sweet meats and Chinese five spice. Drink 2017-2019 Alc 14%

Antichi Vinai 1877, Petralava 2012 90 AB 89 MG 90 EOH 90 £18.46

Mondial Wine

Fresh, cherry and aniseed aromas leading onto stewed red fruit with rich cherry and cranberry notes. It is well polished but there are some riveting rustic edges and a cigar box finish. Drink 2018-2025 Alc 13.5% ➢