Italy has perennially been the source of a good share of the world’s greatest wine values. With the spectacular back-to-back 2015 and 2016 vintages currently on the shelf, many of Italian producers have produced some of their greatest wines ever with profound quality at unheard of prices. Here are my picks for the best of the best right now, all ready for delivery or shipping directly to your door. - Geoff Pattison, Wally’s Italy Buyer
2015 Viticcio Chianti Classico Riserva
Wally's Price: $29
Intense aromas of black currant, blackberry, flint, iron, tar and black pepper mark this powerful red, which is vibrant and solidly tannic, yet all the components are in the right place. There's terrific energy on the lingering aftertaste of dark fruit and mineral. Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah. Best from 2022 through 2043.
– 95 points Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator
2016 La Ca’ Nova Barbaresco
Wally's Price: $35
Aromas of game, new leather, humid forest floor and ripe berry mingle with whiffs suggesting cake spice and violet. The juicy, earthy palate is savory and loaded with personality, doling out fleshy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and a salty mineral note. Tightly woven but polished tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework, while a licorice note lingers on the close. Drink 2024–2036.
95 points - Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast
2015 San Giusto a Rentenanno Chianti Classico
Wally's Price: $37
This red offers a pure core of black currant, blackberry and violet flavors shaded by earth and mint notes. The tannins are uplifting and refined. This has terrific energy and balance, with a long, expansive aftertaste of fruit, earth and mineral. Should have a long life ahead.
95 points. - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator
2016 La Ca’ Nova Barbaresco Montefico Vigna Bric Mentina
Wally's Price: $39
The 2016 Barbaresco Montefico Vigna Bric Mentina is dark, dense, powerful and super expressive. Black cherry, mocha, leather, licorice and menthol are some of the many notes that take shape in a Barbaresco that is bursting with energy. Chalk, orange peel, dried flowers and mint add layers of nuance as the wine opens up in the glass. This brooding, potent Barbaresco needs time to be at its best, but it is clearly a great wine in the making.
95+ points. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
2016 Produttori del Barbaresco DOCG
Wally's Price: $47
The 2016 Barbaresco is a tight and beautiful wine that will require more time to unwind and soften. This beautifully balanced vintage is characterized by a tight inner core of fruit that underlines the graceful aging capacity of these wines. The 2016 is shaping up to be one destined for long cellar aging. Now in its youth, the wine offers wild berry, rose and licorice aromas.
95 points. - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
2016 Montepeloso Eneo
Wally's Price: $49
The 2016 Eneo is a dark, sumptuous beauty. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice infuse the 2016 with striking depth as well as tons of textural resonance. Rich and expansive on the palate, the 2016 builds effortlessly through to its layered, super-expressive finish. This is such a gorgeous, alluring wine, especially for the money.
96 points. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
