“An unusually ripe, flashy wine from this estate, the flagship 2009 I Sodi di San Niccolo graces the palate with exquisite textural finesse and pure energy. In 2009, Sodi is soft, seamless and very pretty, but the trademark acidity and structure are there too. I imagine the 2009 will drink better young than the vast majority of recent releases, and that is a very good thing for those who can't wait.”

“This is loaded with ripe fruit and new wood. A little too much. But it’s rich and round with loads of vanilla, chocolate and dried fruits. Should come better together with bottle age. One of the biggest Sodi di S. Niccolò is years. Sangiovese and Malvasia. Try in 2015.”

“Castellare presents this blend of Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera as their top wine, treating it to long aging in barriques (two-thirds new). It’s an intriguing black wine with dark, floral fruit that’s supercharged by the oak, rounded, gracious and mellifluous in its texture. Inky as a young wine, this should build in complexity as it ages.”

“A blend of Sangiovese and Malvasia, this wine conveys aromas of espresso, roasted coffee bean, black fruit and mint. The palate offers oak, vanilla, toast, coffee, black cherry, black pepper and grilled balsamic herbs. It’s soft and already accessible.”

“A blend of Sangiovese and Malvasia, this wine conveys aromas of espresso, roasted coffee bean, black fruit and mint. The palate offers oak, vanilla, toast, coffee, black cherry, black pepper and grilled balsamic herbs. It’s soft and already accessible.”

Top 100 Red Wines of 2014: #37 on the List