Drink now through to 2028. No need to decant before serving.

A deep ruby hue and enticing aromas of dark berries, cedar and baking spice characterise this lively red wine which hails from the young appellation of Bolgheri in the coastal Maremma region of Tuscany. The palate offers ripe black cherry flavours, a firm structure, full body and well-rounded tannins which make this a pleasure to drink with hearty pasta dishes served with a bolognese sauce or a rich beef stew.

This easy-going red is composed of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot grapes which are sourced from the Donna Olimpia estate’s 40 hectares of vines. The property takes its name from the wife of Gherardo della Gherardesca who decided in 1898 to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary by renaming the estate after her. In recent years the winery has been re-energised by Guido Folonari who set out to raise the quality of the Donna Olimpia wines to world class standards using Bordeaux varietals.

The grapes for this wine are harvested at optimum ripeness and fermented in stainless steel tanks with an extended maceration period to extract plenty of colour, tannins and aromatic character. The wine is then aged for up to 14 months in French oak barrels followed by 6 months of maturation in the bottle.

Drink now through to 2032. Decant 1 hour before serving.

The story of Luce della Vitte began in the 1990s when Vittorio Frescobaldi met Robert Mondavi and the estate was given a fresh vision to produce sensational Tuscan wines using innovative winemaking techniques and new ideas.

Luce della Vitte’s second wine is the magnificent Lucente which offered an authentic snapshot of the unique Montalcino terroir. The wine is made from Sangiovese and Merlot grapes which combine harmoniously together as the soft, roundedness of the Merlot supports the elegance of the Sangiovese. Following fermentation and maceration on the skins in stainless steel tanks the wine is aged in oak barrels for 12 months.

The result is a charming red blend that opens with enticing dark cherry, plum and ripe cassis aromas. The first sip reveals a medium body, a silky smooth mouthfeel and a firm structure which makes this delicious red an ideal partner for red meats or hearty pasta dishes served with a rich tomato sauce. This wine will continue to develop and evolve in the cellar over the next five years or so, but it is also ready to drink now over a relaxed dinner with family or friends.

Ideally drink until 2030. Decant for 2 hours.

Deep ruby in colour, this superb blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot delivers aromas of dark, ripe fruit, blueberry and spice. The flavours include strawberry, blackcurrant, eucalyptus and hints of toasty spices. The full bodied wine has fine, well integrated tannins, balanced perfectly with the high alcohol and acidity. This wine will age very well and open up further as time goes on. The finish is long with hints of balsamic and herbs at the end.

This is a great food wine and will match perfectly with roast meats, game, venison, rich pate and strong cheese.

Fermentation in oak vats lasts for 18-20 days. Maturation in French oak barriques for 18 months followed by 15 months in bottle ensures the very best from the wine. This is the very best wine from the very best vineyard.

Podere Forte has been said to have an “obsessive attention to detail” – but they see it as respecting nature’s gifts. The organic and biodynamic processes are testament to this attention to detail, with an overriding view that the minimum intervention in the growing and fermentation processes leads to the best wines. Although there is some disagreement about biodynamic and organic statuses, the underlying care and prosperity of the vineyard and its terroir are improved immeasurably by the care with which the winery displays in its winemaking. The resulting wines show that the minimal contact and interference ensures fantastic quality wines with unique characteristics.

Drink now through to 2028. No need to decant before serving.

The Giusto di Notri opens with intoxicating aromas of blackberries, plums, and dried flowers, while the palate offers finely-grained tannins and an impressive structure which will help the wine to age well over the next decade or so. It makes an impressive partner for rich dishes like beef bourguignon or a bowl of fresh pasta served with a hearty ragu sauce.

This wine takes its name from the patron saint of Suvereto, “Giusto”, where the Tua Rita estate is located. Inspired by the great wines of Bordeaux, the Giusto di Notri is a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc which are planted on pebbly soils on the estate. Following the harvest in September the grape skins and juice are macerated for up to 30 days to add intensity to the wine. The new wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 20 months before bottling and release.

The Tua Rita estate was founded by Rita Tua and her husband who purchased the estate in 1984. In 2000 the estate shot to international acclaim when legendary wine critic Robert Parker awarded their single varietal Merlot wine, Redigaffi, a perfect 100-point score. Today Tua Rita has a reputation for producing some of southern Tuscany’s most impressive Super Tuscan wines.

Drink now through to 2028. Decant 1 hour before serving.

Known for producing world-class Super Tuscans, the Tenuta Sette Ponti estate is nestled in the heart of Chianti on forested rolling hills in eastern Tuscany. Up to 1997 the harvest from the estate was largely sold to top Tuscan producers until the luxury goods moghul Antonio Moretti decided to try establishing a winery on the property. Over the intervening years Tenuta Sette Ponti has developed a solid international reputation for innovative winemaking and wines which can stand amongst Tuscany’s finest.

The estate’s Passi di Orma is one of their newer wines which was first produced in 2015. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc is made with hand-harvested grapes which are carefully selected before undergoing fermentation and maceration on the skins for 18 days. The wine is then matured in French oak barrels for six months to add further complexity and a silky smooth texture to the finished bottle.

At first glance this wine immediately seduces the drinker with its vivacious ruby red hue and intoxicating aromas of sweet wild berries, coffee and licorice. The enchantment continues on the palate which is an explosion of ripe blackberries, jammy plums, warming baking spice and earthy undertones which linger long on the tongue. The velvety mouthfeel, firm tannins and full body make this an ideal wine to serve alongside a hearty Bolognese pasta or a simply-cooked prime steak.

Drink now through to 2029. No need to decant before serving.

The Antinori Family have been winemakers since the 13th century in winemaking and are best known for their magnificent Super Tuscan wine named Tignanello. A powerhouse name in the industry, the Antinoris today have set up wineries all over the world and are experts in picking out estates to invest in. Their Guado al Tasso property has a unique setting in Bolgheri where the plain is encircled by rolling hills forming a protected amphitheatre shape.

The terroir here is well suited to international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc which are all used in the composition of Il Bruciato. The wine opens with intense dark berry aromas and savoury, earthy hints which deepen and evolve on the palate into cassis, black cherry, and herbal notes. The terroir here favours elegance, crafting a wine with a well-defined structure yet balanced by plenty of freshness.

The refined power and rich flavour profile of this wine makes it an excellent choice for extended cellar ageing. It will continue to evolve and develop over the years if kept in cool, dark conditions. For those who prefer to drink it now, it can be enjoyed paired with charcuterie or red meat dishes.