CASTELLARE DI CASTELLINA I Sodi di San Niccolo Colli della Toscana Centrale, Toscana

Podere La Brancaia is one of Tuscanys leading wine estates, each year winning national and international awards. The winery is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone at Poppi, in Radda in Chianti, and draws on its own fruit from Poppi and La Brancaia in Castellina. A selection of their best Sangiovese, with 20% Merlot, matured in barriques (half new) for 16 months, followed by 6 months in the bottle. Loaded with ripe fruits of dark cherry and plum, the Merlot gives the wine mid-palate depth and richness to make this a great wine for drinking now or cellaring over the short term.

This Riserva is a true work of beauty. It is released one year later than usual. The wine reflects the natural heft and power of the 2012 vintage, and it also shows that distinctive open-knit and accessible personality that characterizes this warm and sunny growing season. Il Dottore's magic touch is revealed in the level of fine detail and precision that transcends vintage, grape and territory. This Brunello pours from the bottle with a magnificent garnet color, and it evolves in the glass with dark fruit, candied orange peel, spice, licorice, anise seed, cola and balsam herb. The aromas are magical and ethereal, albeit slightly ripe and soft as expected of this vintage. 97 points: Wine advocate.

The wine is ruby red in colour. It displays notes of warm cherries and forest fruitsThe palate is rich, textural and integrated with notes of blackberry fruit. The addition of 10% Cabernet gives structure and richness. Enjoy now or cellar for up to 10 years.Fruit is entirely grown and hand-picked on the family estate vineyard in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. The wine has been aged in new larger oak format to give subtle structure to the wine.50 dozen Bottled August 2018

Brunello Ugolforte was named after a local revolutionary that lead the forces against Siena in the 12th century. From the oldest vineyards, the wine is aged in barriques (30% new) for twelve months and then in larger Slavonian casks for three years. A rich full-bodied Brunello with dark berry fruit and spice.