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Sassicaia from Magnum at Vinous Icons: Italy
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, May 2026
I have tasted Sassicaia from magnum a few times over the years. But never ten vintages at once. This vertical of tasting Tenuta San Guido’s Sassicaia held at the inaugural edition of Vinous Icons: Italy provided an incredible opportunity to do just that. The selection of vintages spanned many of the classics, with some lesser-known vintages sprinkled into the mix. And of course, in Vinous style, we finished with the 1985, the wine that put Sassicaia and Bolgheri on the map.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Credit Where Credit is Due
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, May 2026
Montepulciano is at a crossroads. The region has consistently raised the bar by improving standards, mapping its diverse terrain and distinguishing historical subzones. However, the vagaries of recent growing seasons have pushed winemakers, while a lingering identity crisis over naming conventions threatens to create uncertainties in the marketplace.
Tuscany’s Quintessential Underdogs
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Apr 2026
Step outside Tuscany’s famous DOCGs, and you’ll find that much of the region’s potential lies in its lesser-known appellations. My latest tastings revealed a quality revolution among smaller producers who are crafting wines of grace, structural depth and aging potential that rival Tuscany’s elite.
2026 Tuscany Preview
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Apr 2026
Spring is a time of renewal. Vines are awaking from their winter dormancy while new releases start appearing in the market at a rapid pace. This report looks at some of the year’s most anticipated releases, along with some newer projects, with an emphasis on the Tuscan Coast. Full coverage will follow later in the year.
Two Sides of the Same Coin: 2023 and 2024 Rosso di Montalcino
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Mar 2026
Montalcino’s 2023 and 2024 vintages are a study in extremes. Two thousand twenty-three brought severe yield reductions but wines of serious finesse. The elegant, energetic 2024s coincided with the first major expansion of Rosso di Montalcino production in decades. Together, the two vintages demonstrate that rigorous selection and progressive cellar management are the only paths to success in challenging growing seasons.
Rocca di Montegrossi: Act Two
Italy: Tuscany, featured, Verticals & Retrospectives
, Feb 2026
This recent vertical was a terrific opportunity to revisit a number of older wines, essentially picking up where my 2018 article, “Rocca di Montegrossi: Chianti Classico Vigneto San Marcellino 1995–2013,” left off. From his first vintage in 1995, Marco Ricasoli-Firidolfi has crafted powerful yet elegant wines that capture the truest essence of this very special part of Chianti Classico.
The Landmark Vintage: 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Retrospective
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Feb 2026
From one of the most heralded vintages in three decades, the 2006 Brunellos have now turned 20 years old. Do they live up to the initial lofty expectations?
Salt of the Earth: Voliero Brunello di Montalcino 2006-2021
Italy: Tuscany, featured, Verticals & Retrospectives
, Feb 2026
A true wine of place, crafted by a man who applied a lifetime of acquired knowledge to conceptualize its creation, the Voliero Brunello di Montalcino reflects the potential of Montalcino's Southern territory. This 15-vintage retrospective explores the story behind the wine and Andrea Cortoneise, who created it.
Vinous Table: La Trompette, London, UK
France: Rhône & Beaujolais, Italy: Tuscany, Vinous Table
, Jan 2026
You could define a bona fide great restaurant as one where tingles of excitement run down your spine no matter many times you enter its doors. La Trompette is essentially my second home, given the innumerable times I have visited, and I recently returned for two splendid evenings: a Soldera dinner and a Rhône dinner.
The Exquisite 2021 Brunellos
Italy: Tuscany, featured
, Nov 2025
Following the difficult 2020 vintage, readers have much to look forward to with the exceptional 2021 Brunellos. The wines are vibrantly fruit-forward, with highly expressive bouquets and crisp, crunchy textures. But the question remains: Do the 2020 Riservas stand up to the 2020 Brunellos?