James Suckling has released its list of the Top World Wines for 2024 and Vintegrity is thrilled to see three bottles from its Missouri and Kansas portfolios featured!
James Suckling is one of the world’s foremost wine critics. From his headquarters in Hong Kong, he and his 25 on-staff experts taste and review wines from the world’s top winegrowing regions – 41,000 in 2023, alone! – looking to showcase exceptional character, balance, and drink ability. Italian wines dominate the list this year, underscoring the appeal of classics from venerable winemaking regions.
#47 – Isole e Olena Toscana Cepparello 2021 (99 Points)
From James Suckling:
“In this vintage, Cepparello shows very restrained notes of red cherries, dried violets, and a lot of stony minerality. There is a meaty and savory character in depth. Overall, very precise and integrated. Velvety tannins dominate the palate, showing a chalky texture, even dusty, with a full body, amazing concentration and very refreshing acidity. The finish is brightly focused on cherry pits. A good wine for the long haul. Possibly one of the best Cepparello ever. Best after 2031.”
The Isole e Olena Toscana Cepparello is energetic and lively with bright aromas of blackberry, violet, oak, and balsamic. It is a pure Sangiovese wine with flavors of ripe fruit, plum, cherry, minerals, and oak followed by a slight hint of spice. This winery is located in the heart of Chianti Classico region and is operated by Paolo De Marchi, fourth-generation winemaker.
#48 – Bibi Graetz Toscana Colore 2021 (100 Points)
From James Suckling:
“Perfection in Sangiovese, with cherry blossoms, chalk, seashells, fine sand, and violets on the nose and palate. Medium- to full-bodied with focused and poised tannins that are wonderfully integrated and rather endless. Crunchy and chewy at the end. Such presence. You want to spend time with this wine. A top selection from two vineyards Olmo and one in the village of Chianti Classico in Lamole, 60 and 88 years old, respectively. This is a wine that gives great pleasure now, but will be even better in two or three years.”
Tension meets precision with this wine. It is defined by a cutting acidity, approachable tannins, and a complex symphony of notes – red fruit, sour cherry, plum, red currant, orange rind, oyster shell, lavender, rosemary, and violet with a hint of nutmeg. This complexity is thanks to the vineyard’s well-established vines and an extended maturation period.
#77 – Bruno Giacosa Falletto Barbaresco Rabaja 201 (99 Points)
From James Suckling:
“This opens beautifully on the nose, with strawberries, cherries, and some flint, terra cotta, peaches, and orange peel. Medium- to full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that are ready. The consistency and length are so beautiful. You can drink this now, but it will age for decades and always satisfy. Available in January 2025. Try on release, but it’s going to be much better in three or four years.”
This Nebbiolo wine comes from one of the world’s highest-acclaimed Barbaresco producers. Bruno Giacosa first began his wine business in 1960 and purchased his prized vineyards in the 1990s. Today, his legend is carried on by daughter, Bruna Giacosa.
