Central Italy
Abruzzo GOLD Red 96 Cantina Tollo, Cagiòlo Riserva, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2017 (14.5%)
£23.95 Eurowines
Ripe black berries, cherries cassis and violet. Delicate palate of black chocolate, liquorice, coffee and vanilla. Supple with velvety tannins. Intensity, depth and refreshing finish. Great ageing potential.
95 Cascina del Colle, Negus, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2015 (15.5%)
Vivid roast plum, dark cherry, vanilla and star anise aromas. Enticing savoury component on the palate with plush and polished tannins, and juicy, vibrant acidity. Impressive concentration, poised finish. Still fresh for the vintage.
Lazio GOLD Red 96 Omina Romana, Ars Magna Merlot 2018 (14%)
Generous cherry and plum, liquorice and black pepper. Plush with glossy tannins and appealing red berry conserve, some floral hints and wellintegrated oak. Plenty of substance for further ageing.
95 Pileum, Bolla di Urbano, Cesanese del Piglio 2019 (15%)
POA $ Uva Imports
Refined aromas of medicinal herbs, dried flowers, wild red and black fruits, violets, fig leaves and hints of crushed black pepper. Fresh palate with elegant tannins, mineral and floral notes, intensity to finish.
Marche GOLD White 96 Santa Barbara, Stefano Antonucci, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2019 (13.5%)
Delicate, fresh notes of green apple, stone fruit and vanilla. Defined texture and great concentration, elegant but firm with great salinity on the finish. This has all the elements to blossom over the next three to five years.
96 Santa Barbara, Tardivo ma non Tardo, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Riserva Classico 2019 (14%)
Elegant floral, nutty, soft fruit and citrus nose. Warming concentration on the palate, impressive personality and a long aftertaste. Lovely line of acidity to balance the delicate toast and vanilla hints.
GOLD Sweet red 95 Tiberi David, Occhio di Gallo 2010 (14%)
Intriguing, with more than a nod to vin santo. Lovely burnished wood, ripe fig and caramel aromas. Unctuous palate with dried grape and generous savoury notes. Delicious and appealing, great to drink on its own or with food.
Umbria GOLD White 95 Tenuta di Salviano, Grechetto 2021 (13%)
Delicate acacia, hazelnut, almond and a touch of honey. Sunny ripeness, concentrated and bright palate with floral, fresh lemon, cedar, grapefruit and hazelnut. Impressive body and structure with a lush and prolonged finish.
GOLD Red 95 Benedetti & Grigi, Estia Riserva, Montefalco 2018 (14.5%)
POA $ Chigazola Merchant,
DB Wine Selection
Classy, with plenty spice, red fruits, balsamic, red forest berries and a touch of chocolate, coffee and liquorice. Expressive palate with ripe, plush fruits, hints of violets and a savoury finish.
‘Montepulciano, Sagrantino – known for giving wines very rich in tannin, alcohol and (sometimes excessive) power – are improving; no more sharp edges in the wines but more harmony and balance’