2014 Italy

Roero Arneis “Entriard”, or “late-release” in local Piedmont dialect, spends an extended time on its fine lees, and further time in tank before bottling, gaining creamy richness and complexity. The palate is a complex smorgasbord of mint, saffron spice, ginger, salt and candied fruit; the palate rich, full, incredibly textured and complex. Fresh waves of breaking mineral energy, savoury depth and saline refreshment weave into pools of golden, liquid joy. Drink now to 2030.
Davy yw, Wine Buyer

Mount Etna is the perfect example of how nature can truly affect a wine and render it breath-taking. Alberto Graci has created his Etna Rosso using traditional methods that ensure high quality, but enviable yields. The indigenous varieties sing through, with Nerello Mascalese offering bright, vivacious red fruits, with an almost endless depth, tempered by a measure of Nerello Cappuccio that offers roundness, and a slight, endearing candied note, finishing with a creamy kiss of oak. This is a must for Burgundy lovers looking for something fun and vibrant, or, indeed, Italian wine lovers looking for the perfect wine to serve alongside a good roast or barbecue.
Tariq Khan - Wine Advisor

Grown at 600 metres above sea-level on rocky lava soils, there is a delicacy to the form of this wine that belies its concentration. Perfumed cherry fruit and citrus peel layer with coal and refreshing acidity. It’s very persistent. Drink 2018-2021.

The higher evolution of the La Serra vineyard always produces feminine and Burgundian styles of Barolo. Fermented in stainless steel and concrete tanks with long maceration on the skins for up to four weeks, the wine is then aged for two years in Slavonian oak followed by one year in bottle. The results from the La Serra Cru are exceptional – high-toned, intense and ethereal. With floral notes, dried leaves, violets and orange skin, the palate is firm yet velvety, with great balance and intensity. Drink now to 2040.
Davy Zyw, Wine Buyer

This is one of the iconic Crus of the Langhe, and Marcarini’s flagship wine. Only half the average production was made from the Brunate vineyard in 2014 due to extreme weather, which led to severe selection in the vines. The results, though, are exceptional. The Brunate style showcases incredible depth and complexity with spice, a menthol character and an intense yet sweet tannic profile. Although more broad-shouldered than La Serra, the 2014 vintage has more finesse than other vintages, with mountain herbs, bright cherry, tobacco and hints of sweet wood. The palate is filled by an amazing purity of fruit with crunchy, mouth-watering energy. Drink now to 2040.
Davy Zyw, Wine Buyer

Aromas of kirsch and rose petal on the nose lead to a generous palate with lots of juicy red berry fruit. There is plenty of refreshing acidity and elegant tannins, with subtle notes of sweet spice and nutmeg. It is long, concentrated and delicious.

This single-vineyard wine, from a site just below Graci's cantina, sees Nerello Mascalese blended with a small proportion of the darker, more brooding, Nerello Cappuccio. Structurally, this wine is bolder than their entry-level Rosso or intensely decadent Barbabecchi, but it seduces with ripe, smoky berry fruit and complex finish. Drink now to 2020.

A blend of four expressions and altitudes of Barolo, including Serralunga, Castiglione Falletto and Novello; Le Vigne offers an earlier-drinking style from the Sandrone cellars. Cool fruit – cherries and wild strawberries – is supported by graphite and tobacco, mingled with wild herbs, mint and firm minerality. The freshness here is supported by the modernity of sweet oak from 18 months in French tonneau. This is charming and serious, with gleaming fruit and perfumed top-notes. Drink 2020-2040.
Davy yw, Wine Buyer

The recently renamed Aleste (previously Cannubi Boschis) is more than just a benchmark Barolo, but one of the crown jewels of Piedmont. Black cherry, raspberry and blueberry are supported by notes of fennel, truffle, wood smoke, orange peel and fine oak spice. The gleaming fruit and sensual depth of this wine are mind and mood altering; firm tannins are as fine as porcelain. Refreshing and cleansing. Drink 2020-2045.
Davy yw, Wine Buyer

Pure notes of red and black fruit on the nose, reminiscent of cherries, raspberries and damsons, with hints of medicinal herbs in the background. Lovely depth on the palate, with juicy red and black fruit flowing in waves and filling the mouth, tempered by bright acidity and microscopically fine tannins. The finish is very long, velvety and elegant. A fabulous wine with amazing concentration, energy and balance. Quite forward for Vigna Rionda, this will give very pleasurable drinking while we wait for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 vintages to come round. 
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager

Vigna Rionda is sited on a slope at elevations ranging from 820 to 1180 feet above sea level; the beneficial siting of this hill insures a great deal of sun throughout the day. The soils are a combination of marl, calcaire and a touch of sand; the vineyard is sheltered from excessive winds by the nearby Castelleto hill.

These vintages have been offered to our customers to allow them to take part in the regeneration of this outstanding vineyard and the latest 2014 offering proves once again that this perfectly situated and incredibly special vineyard will always capture the very best of vintage conditions.

The Sangiovese dominates on the nose with notes of grilled meats and Morello cherries. These are echoed on the palate, reminiscent of great Chianti Classico, before the blackcurrant comes in towards to the finish to remind you that the Cabernets are there. Great acidity and full, but soft tannins indicate that this will drink relatively early, but has at least a decade of life ahead of it. Another delicious Tig’ from the team at Antinori.
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager

By “Old Vine”, we’re talking 75-year-old, free-standing vines – knotted, gnarled and twisted together. Thanks to the biodynamic approach in the vineyard, this richly flavoured wine has freshness and precision. The nose is beautifully concentrated with notes of cherry and cinnamon, leading on to a full-bodied, rich, powerful and unctuous palate with bramble fruit, tobacco and chocolate notes. Drink now to 2025.
Davy Zyw, Wine Buyer

There is an elegance to this Primitivo, which is made from fruit grown on gnarled 70-year-old vines. Stunning kirsch fruit, plummy and generous, layers with floral notes reminiscent of purple iris, while the tannins are supple and round. This wine is richly textured but the overall feeling is one of refinement. Drink now to 2022.
Davy Zyw, Wine Buyer