Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Docg 2019

Song: The Ballad of Curtis Loew by Lynyrd Skynyd. The three Ripaccioli siblings represent the third generation of Canalicchio di Sopra, continuing a long farming tradition in Montalcino that spans several generations. The winery itself, located in the Northeastern side of Brunelloland, was founded in 1962 when their grandfather, Primo Pacenti, one of the ‘founding members’ of the Brunello Consortium, acquired the estate. Francesco Ripaccioli, the latest-generation winemaker, is the guardian of a rich Sangiovese tradition, embracing an Old School philosophy of minimal intervention in the cellar to preserve the authenticity and the character of this remarkable terroir. With its bright ruby-red hue and garnet reflections, Canalicchio’s 2019 Brunello embodies the essence of Montalcino, a must-have for any serious collector seeking to grasp the sheer complexity and excellence this region has to offer. Boasting remarkable aromatic intensity, this wine is a true reflection of the outstanding 2019 vintage. It opens with vibrant notes of maraschino cherry and balsamic nuances, intertwined with delicate floral hints of orange blossom, lavender, and gorse. Layers of dark spice such as licorice, add intrigue, alongside quintessential Tuscan notes of leather and forest undergrowth. On the palate, it makes an immediate and powerful impression, showcasing remarkable depth and complexity. An energetic ‘Rock’n’Roll’ rhythm drives the tasting experience, leading to a creamy and more Blues tannic structure. The finish is long and savory, with a lingering aftertaste of wild roses, red currants, tobacco, and supple leather. Every sip of this wine is a portrait of Montalcino itself, a sensory journey through the breathtaking landscapes of this enchanting Tuscan town. Best paired with one of my favorite songs of all time, this Rock-Blues ballad by Lynyrd Skynyrd. 100% Sangiovese. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2032. Open 3h before. Price $89

Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2020 Docg

Song: Miss You by The Rolling Stones. With yet another impeccable interpretation of the vintage, Canalicchio presents a Brunello di Montalcino 2020 that shines with elegance, freshness, and vibrancy—hallmarks of this remarkable year. Its bright ruby red hue introduces a refined bouquet of fresh violets, wild roses, and maraschino, gracefully intertwined with delicate notes of black tea, eucalyptus, and earthy underbrush. On the palate, this Brunello embodies quintessential elegance and rhythmic energy, offering a mouthwatering medley of wild roses, red currants, and forest floor nuances, complemented by hints of fine mushroom. The finish is bold and lingering, with an exuberant, rock ’n’ roll tannic structure that will soften beautifully with time or pair perfectly with hearty meat dishes. A testament to the greatness of the 2020 vintage, this wine’s elegance and charm are truly second to none, best paired with some old school Rolling Stones! 100% Sangiovese. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2031. Open 3h before. Price $85

Tenuta Carretta Barolo Cannubi 2019 Docg

Song: Cinema Paradiso(Soundtrack) by Ennio Morricone. Tenuta Carretta is a historic estate in Roero, the heart of Piedmont, with documented origins dating back to 1467, when it was already renowned for its wine production. Owned by the Miroglio family, also known for their eponymous fashion brand, Tenuta Carretta has vineyards across various areas of Langhe. The estate produces top-quality wines that stand out for their finesse and authenticity, with exceptional expressions of both Barolo and Barbaresco. Cannubi, one of the most iconic winemaking hills in the world, spans just 30 acres, with Carretta proudly owning one-sixth of this revered land. This Barolo is a faithful expression of both the vineyard’s grandeur and the vintage’s excellence. In the glass, it gleams with a luminous ruby red, unveiling an intricate bouquet of wild rose, withered violets, orange blossom, ripe cherry, plum, currants and spices of pine, licorice and cocoa. Hints of jasmine tea and a signature touch of incense complete its extraordinary complexity. On the palate, it is rich, aristocratic, and symphonic. A vibrant opening of currants gives way to layers of maraschino, chocolate, and tea, culminating in a long, elegant finish. Masterfully integrated, its creamy tannins solidify this wine as a true monument to Cannubi—an epitome of Barolo’s greatness, best paired with one of the finest compositions by the Italian Maestro Ennio Morricone, the soundtrack of one of the most beautiful Italian films of all time, Cinema Paradiso. 100% Nebbiolo. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2035. Open 3h before. Price $85

Tenuta Carretta Barbaresco Cascina Bordino Riserva Docg 2019

Song: The Thrill is Gone by B.B. King. One of the flagship wines from this historic estate, this Barbaresco Riserva showcases a captivating ruby-red hue with garnet reflections, a hallmark of Nebbiolo. The bouquet is intense and layered, unfolding with notes of withered rose, prune, maraschino cherry, and black currant. A balsamic touch of pine and sage adds freshness, while cocoa and licorice bring depth, finishing with an earthy, luxurious hint of black truffle. On the palate, it is voluminous and succulent, offering a crescendo of flavors—maraschino cherry and currants, mushroom, and scorched earth—leading to a long, lingering finish. The tannins are assertive yet majestic, giving the wine an ‘Old School Blues’ structure, making it the perfect pairing with B.B. King’s music. 100% Nebbiolo. 1bt in shipment. Drink Through 2024-2032. Open 3h before. Price $60

Contucci Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva Docg 2019

Song: Kashmir by Led Zeppelin. The history of Montepulciano and Vino Nobile is deeply intertwined with the legacy of this historic family, whose presence in the town is documented as far back as the year 1008 (yes, over a thousand years ago!). Viticulturists and agriculturists since the early Middle Ages, the family owns the iconic Palazzo Contucci, located right in the main square of Montepulciano. The first brick of the palace was laid in 1517 under the guidance of Sangallo the Elder, one of the most renowned architects of the Renaissance. To this day, the cellars of the palace continue to serve as spaces for winemaking and aging, providing a unique and fascinating setting that is both anachronistic and world-famous. A wine of timeless and aristocratic charm, this Riserva embodies both the enduring legacy of the Contucci family and the refined elegance of Vino Nobile. The bouquet reveals notes of red-fleshed fruits, with cherry in spirit and ripe plum at the forefront, followed by withered roses, sage, and rich chocolate. Classic Tuscan nuances of leather, tobacco, and eucalyptus add depth and complexity. On the palate, it makes a striking impression—charismatic and full of energy. The refreshing taste of blackberry jam unfolds seamlessly, supported by perfectly integrated tannins, as if gently sculpted in marble, mirroring the grace and grandeur of Palazzo Contucci itself. Best paired with the hypnotic rhythm and epic arrangement by Led Zeppelin. 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, 10% Colorino. 1bt in Shipment . Drink through 2025-2032. Open 3h before. Price $49


Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione CeniPrimo 2021 Docg

Song: Rapsody in Blue by George Gerswhin. Founded in 1141 by the Ricasoli family, this legendary estate is the oldest in Italy and the second oldest winery in the world. A cornerstone of the Chianti Classico region, its majestic castle in Brolio stands as a testament to centuries of winemaking excellence. Ricasoli remains the guardian of an extraordinary viticultural heritage, blending tradition with innovation. Among its finest expressions, CeniPrimo is one of the estate’s four Gran Selezione wines—an aristocratic and symphonic masterpiece, representing the pinnacle of Ricasoli’s production.With a stunning ruby red hue, this wine exudes quintessential elegance, unfolding layers of wild strawberry, fresh violets, red currants, and orange blossoms. Hints of sage, black tea, and chocolate intertwine with seductive notes of candied cedar and sandalwood, delicately imparted by the oak to enhance its finesse. On the palate, it is round, voluminous, and utterly indulgent, with a velvety, gluttonous tannin that melts seamlessly into a lingering, sapid finish of red currants and sour cherry, perfectly balancing its generous alcohol. A harmonious symphony in a glass, this is one of the most sophisticated and expressive renditions of Sangiovese, best enjoyed with classical music infused with a modern twist—an experience where past and present converge in perfect harmony.100% Sangiovese. 1bt in shipment. Drink Through 2025-2030. Open 3h before. Price $72


Ricasoli Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Roncicone 2021 Docg

Song: With a Little Help from my Friends by Joe Cocker. The boldest and most Hard Rock of Ricasoli’s four Gran Selezione, Roncicone is a powerhouse expression of Sangiovese, representing the pinnacle of the estate’s production. With a vivid ruby red hue, this wine delivers an explosive intensity of aromas, revealing layers of maraschino cherry, wild strawberry, and fresh violets, all wrapped in a balsamic touch of balm and intriguing spicy nuances of black tea. A distinctive note of candied cedar, likely imparted by the oak, adds complexity and a seductive exotic twist. On the palate, Roncicone is broad, energetic, and electrifying, bursting with mouthwatering flavors of ripe cherry and black tea. The tannins are firm yet beautifully integrated, leading into a lingering, sapid finish that is a hallmark of top-tier Chianti Classico. A vibrant, powerful, and rebellious version of Sangiovese, Roncicone embodies a Hard Rock spirit: bold, untamed, and full of attitude. While time may refine its wild edges, its raw, rustic charm makes it exhilarating to drink right now. 100% Sangiovese. 1bt in shipment. Drink Through 2025-2030. Open 3h before. Price $72


Il Barlettaio Chianti Classico Riserva Docg 2020

Song: Jump by Van Halen. Francesco Bertozzi, whose family has owned the estate since the late 1800s, now runs Il Barlettaio alongside his wife Paola. This small organic estate, located in the heart of Chianti Classico in Radda, produces only around 10,000 bottles per year. As a Rock and Roll enthusiast, I consider Radda the Mecca of Sangiovese, where the wines are vibrant, full of energy, and brimming with life. Francesco and Paola intentionally wait several extra years before releasing their wines, allowing time to tame the bold character of Radda. With a bright ruby-red color, this wine opens with a luminous and vibrant bouquet of orange blossoms, maraschino cherry, candied orange peel, and ripe raspberries. Layers of cocoa, mineral notes of graphite (pencil case), and crushed stones—distinctive of certain areas of Radda—add depth, while Mediterranean hints of sage and thyme bring a touch of spice. On the palate, it delivers an electrifying energy, bursting with incredible freshness and vibrancy. Flavors of currants, raspberries, graphite, and jasmine tea unfold, leading to a grippy tannin that makes the palate hum with its Rock ’n’ Roll intensity. A true Radda thoroughbred, this Chianti Classico offers unique vibrations and synergy, capturing the essence of its remarkable terroir. 100% Sangiovese. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2031. Open 3h before. Price $42

Castello dei Rampolla Sammarco 2019 Igt

Song: Norma, Act 1: “Casta Diva” by Bellini, sung by Maria Callas. The Castle has been under the ownership of the family since 1739, but it was in 1965 that the Rampolla family transformed the estate into a modern winery. With the guidance of the legendary Italian winemaker Giacomo Tachis, Rampolla became a symbol of modernity and innovation, blending Sangiovese with international varietals. Pioneers of biodynamic farming, the estate transitioned to a more regenerative and sustainable production in 1994, demonstrating a forward-thinking mentality well ahead of its time. Sammarco is one of the most renowned and celebrated Supertuscans, the flagship of Castello dei Rampolla, embodying both the all-Tuscan character of the land and the modern vision of the winery. In the glass, it gleams with a ruby red of remarkable intensity, captivating with its complex and layered bouquet. Notes of dark cherry, blueberry, and lavender intertwine with an alluring medley of Tuscan spices—chocolate, leather, tobacco, scorched earth, sage, and mushroom—while an exotic touch of roasted pepper, courtesy of Cabernet Sauvignon, adds intrigue. On the palate, Chianti-like freshness meets French elegance, unfolding in a harmonious balance of dark cherries and black tea. The tannins are expertly sculpted, leading to a lush, lingering finish where every element is seamlessly integrated. An unforgettable symphony of aromas, this wine is like a grand lyric opera, with the terroir of Chianti Classico as its star. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2031. Open 2h before. Price $70

Castello dei Rampolla Liù Toscana Igt 2021

Song: Wicked Game by Chris Isaac. Liù is a symbol of the contemporary approach embraced by this historic estate, a Merlot with a distinctly Tuscan character. Its intense purple hue leads into a peppery personality, offering an intriguing bouquet of dark cherry, blueberry, red pepper, lavender, incense, and an exotic touch of pink pepper. On the palate, it is vibrant, playful, and refreshingly pleasant, bursting with flavors of black currants and black tea. Rhythmic, luscious and succulent, the wine finishes with a bold, indulgent tannin and a lingering finish, carrying a 'Chianti-like' energy. It’s the perfect fusion of true Tuscan character and French elegance—like a stunning Tuscan woman draped in a stylish Chanel dress. 100% Merlot. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2029. Open 2h before. Price $48

Capezzana Villa di Capezzana ‘10 anni’ Carmignano Docg 2015

Song: Live and Let Die by Wings. Produced by the Contini Bonacossi family since 1926, this wine is a symbol of Carmignano, the region located west of Florence where Cabernet Sauvignon was first planted nearly 500 years ago at the behest of Caterina de’ Medici. Over time, the ‘Uva Francesa’, ancient name of Cabernet, has become a local variety, historically blended with Sangiovese. The ‘10 Anni’ is a special late release of just 3,000 bottles by Capezzana, designed to highlight the prestige and remarkable longevity of this exceptional wine. Dressed in an intense ruby red with a delicate garnet hue, it exudes impeccable charisma, standing in a league of its own. The broad, captivating bouquet unfolds with layers of cherry under spirit, candied orange peel with a Cointreau-like personality, and aromatic herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Deep undertones of dark chocolate, cigar tobacco, balsamic notes, leather, and a final whisper of coffee add to its extraordinary complexity. On the palate, luminous, aristocratic, and utterly fulfilling, the wine dazzles with vibrant minerality and a refreshing core of blood orange and dark cherry. The velvety, lush tannins weave an unforgettable tapestry of elegance, leading to a finish that resonates like a symphonic ode to Carmignano—a journey through 300 years of glorious history in a single glass. 80% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through 2025-2027. Open 3h before. Price $59

Poderi Sanguineto I e II Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Docg 2021

Song: Mother by Pink Floyd. Dora and Patrizia are pillars of Vino Nobile, and one of my greatest joys is spending time with the two central figures of this enchanting world called Sanguineto, where time is measured by the rhythms of Mother Nature. Here, geese, chickens, cats, and dogs live in harmony, surrounded by a meticulously tended vineyard. Dora's hands bear the weight of decades of hard work, and her slender shoulders carry the legacy of generations of farmers. From them, she inherited not only sharp wit and empirical knowledge but also a deep respect for the land—principles that lie at the heart of Sanguineto. In summary, Sanguineto's wines hold a special place in my heart. Their wines are soulful, expressive, and free from any unnecessary sophistication. It is always a deeply emotional experience, for me, to savor the wines crafted by Dora and Patrizia. A powerful, inebriating Vino Nobile, with notes of black currants, black cherries, plum, potpourri, withered red roses, lavender, and subtle spices of cocoa, leather, and tobacco of the highest quality. On the palate, the generosity of the 2021 vintage shines through. This Vino Nobile is rich and succulent, yet retains the enjoyability and smoothness that define Sanguineto, finishing with a perfectly round tannin of majestic elegance and a lustful aftertaste of blueberry and jasmine tea. A wine that always leaves an indelible mark on my soul, much like one of my favorite albums by Pink Floyd, which offers a perfect pairing for the senses. 80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo & Mammolo . 1bt in Shipment. Drink Through: 2025-2029. Open 3h before. Price $40