Sassicaia
Italy's first Super Tuscan and still its greatest. Inspired by Bordeaux but rooted in Tuscan soil — iron, herbs, and cassis wrapped in fine-grained tannins. The 1985 scored 100 points from Parker.
Barolo Monfortino Riserva
The king of Barolo. Made only in exceptional vintages after at least 7 years ageing. Tar, roses, dried cherry, and iron — a wine that demands patience but rewards it like no other.
Ornellaia
Bolgheri's most opulent Super Tuscan. Rich and structured with blackcurrant, cedar, and herbs. A collaboration with artist Lukas Cranach the Younger produced the label.
Masseto
Italy's answer to Pétrus. From a single vineyard of heavy clay, Masseto produces a powerful, plush Merlot with dark fruit, mocha, and extraordinary concentration. Now commands Pomerol-like prices.
Barbaresco Sorì San Lorenzo
Angelo Gaja's flagship single-vineyard bottling, responsible for putting Barbaresco on the world stage. Floral, silky Nebbiolo of extraordinary elegance. Highly sought at auction.
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
The founding estate of Brunello di Montalcino — Ferruccio Biondi-Santi created the style in 1888. The Riserva, made only in exceptional years, is a monument of Italian winemaking needing decades to open.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The greatest Amarone ever made. Dried grapes fermented over years, then aged for decades in large Slavonian oak. Released 8–10 years after harvest, it still needs another decade to show its full grandeur.
Barolo Cascina Francia
The "village" bottling from Conterno's prized monopole vineyard — the same parcel that produces Monfortino in great years. Austere, mineral Barolo of tremendous elegance and age-worthiness.
Barolo Cannubi Boschis
From the storied Cannubi hill, Sandrone's modern approach yields a velvety, perfumed Barolo without sacrificing complexity. Beautiful balance of rose petal, cherry, tobacco, and fine tannins.
Amarone della Valpolicella
The modern face of Amarone — small barrique-aged, ultra-concentrated, and staggering in power. Released at 5–6 years but needing 20 more. Perhaps the most intense red wine on earth.
Vigna del Sorbo Gran Selezione
The flagship of Panzano's most celebrated estate. Organic farming and meticulous selection yield a Sangiovese of cherry, iron, and herbs with a backbone that demands a decade of cellaring.
Taurasi Radici Riserva
The "Barolo of the South" from Campania's volcanic soils. Aglianico delivers dark fruit, tar, and leather with volcanic mineral snap. Requires 15–20 years to fully integrate its formidable tannins.