Italy

91 Points! A fresh and floral nose with notes of cherries and cooked strawberries with orange peel and spices. Medium-bodied, juicy and crunchy with dusty tannins and vibrant fruit. Flavorful finish. Drink now. - JamesSuckling.com

99 Points! The 2020 L'Apparita will soon take its place among the great Apparitas. Unctuous and layered in the glass, the 2020 possesses exceptional balance and tons of character right out of the gate. Exotic scents of blackberry jam, chocolate, new leather, licorice and smoke are so alluring. Imposing tannins need time to soften, but once that happens readers will be treated to a spectacular Apparita that captures all the best the vintage had to offer. Marco Pallanti waited until mid-September (late for the year) to bring in this fruit. That decision paid off handsomely. - Antono Galloni, Vinous Media

91+ Points! The medium ruby 2021 Barbaresco Cavanna is giving, with pretty floral notes of fresh roses, wild strawberries, and fresh tarragon. Medium-bodied, it’s lean on the palate but has bright acidity and good structure, with notes of orange pith through the finish. This is another winner with a lot of immediate appeal. - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com

91 Points! Notes of fresh raspberries and cranberries with orange peel and spices. Juicy and savory with a medium body and dusty texture. Spiced and racy finish. Drink now. - JamesSuckling.com

92 Points! A bright ruby color, the 2021 Barbaresco is fresh and floral on the nose, with notes of fresh roses, raspberries, sweet herbs, and fresh peach. Medium-bodied and bright on the palate, with tangy citrus taking the lead, it offers finely coiled tannins, zesty acidity, and a chalky texture, then turns to more tangy cranberry-noted fruit, with a good bit of grip on the sides of the palate. This is a refreshing and energetic Barbaresco to drink over the next 10-12 years. - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com

91 Points! Sour-cherry, currant, orange-zest and red-tea aromas. It’s medium-bodied with sleek tannins. Fresh and juicy with a spiced finish. Drink now. - JamesSuckling.com

91 Points! An Italian classic and a terrific value, the Ferrari NV Trento Brut is all Chardonnay that opens to crystalline luminosity and brilliance. The bouquet is straightforward and confident, delivering a clear and precise message of good cheer and easy-drinking appeal. There are notes of citrus, white peach, breakfast pastry and drying notes of crushed mineral. This is the quintessential Italian aperitivo wine. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

91+ Points! The 2007 Barbaresco Asili speaks eloquently to the silkiness and elegance of this great site. Freshly cut roses and berries of all sorts make a positive first impression. The Asili shows gorgeous freshness and depth in a classic, mid-weight expression of this vineyard. There is a wonderful sense of harmony that flows through to the finish, as the fruit and tannins remain composed and nicely integrated. With time in the glass the Asili closes in on itself. I am not sure it has the warm radiance that is typical of so many wines in this vintage, but it is nevertheless a strong effort. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. - Antonio Galloni, robertparker.com

99 Points! 2018 saw the introduction of ceramic vessels in the winery, along with the addition of another large cask. The 16 micro-vinifications this year took place completely in stainless steel using wild yeasts, then matured for 22 months in tonneaux (80% new) and 15hl barrels. It then spent eight months in ceramic (rather than the cement used in previous vintages) before bottling. This 2018 brilliantly combines the darker fruit of 2016 with the mega-freshness of 2015, finishing it off with super-fine tannins. Creamy, earthy and chocolatey notes are lifted by a balsamic waft, overlaid with ripe, sapid red and black cherries, a touch of black tea and a long, sweet, pure cherry and wild strawberry finish. Superb. - Decanter Magazine

Tasted (consumed) recently, absolutely gorgeous! 2010 was a watershed vintage for Nebbiolo in Piedmont and this wine is a prime example hitting its peak drinking window, fresh, vibrant packed with cherries, tar licorice, spice. A joy...and a heckuva deal....

91 Points! Slightly advanced color of brick red. The nose shows dried cherries, spices and strawberries with some soya. Medium body, creamy tannins and a juicy finish. Drink now. - JamesSuckling.com

Direct from the source! Mondoca is one of the finest sub-crus within the famous Bussia Vineyard in Barolo's Monforte d'Alba zone. Germano's is an outstanding example from a shining vintage, a warm year that produced lush, powerful wines with loads of fruit capable of extended aging. While starting to 'show' this wine has many years ahead of it...!