It’s no small business narrowing down the top 100 Italian wines of 2015, a list distilled from tastings of close to 3,000 of the country’s vintages, from superb 2010 Brunello di Montalcinos, 2011 Barolos and Super Tuscans to sparkling wines and other whites, reds and roses. James Suckling conducted a meticulous review to identify his top 10 Italian wines of 2015.

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Fattoria Le Pupille maremma Toscana Saffredi 2012

The greatest Saffredi ever. So much structure and length. Full-bodied yet agile. Aromas and flavours of currants, mint and wet earth. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit verdot. This has a special label celebrating the 25th anniversary of the production of this wine. Needs at least five years in bottle but it’s entrancing to drink now. A must-buy for Super Tuscan lovers. 100 points

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Luce della Vite Brunello di Montalcino 2010

Powerful aromas of blackberry, fresh mushroom, iron, spice and lightly grilled meat. Full body with layers of fruit and earth character. Decadent and intense. A phenomenal wine. Incredibly layered and muscular. Better than the legendary 2006? Built for ageing. Better in 2018. 100 points

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Livio Sassetti Pertimali

Brunello di Montalcino 2010 Crazy aromas of dried lemon, sea salt, cherry and delicate rose petal. A full body and ripe fruit. It works from the inside out, showing an amazing centre palate and bright acidity and tannin structure. Goes on for minutes. Redefines Brunello. Drink now but better in five years. The greatest wine ever from here. 100 points

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Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino 2010

Complex aromas of walnut, dark fruit, stone, oyster shell, chalk and dried fruit. Shows fabulous intensity and balance, with layer upon layer of fruit and polished tannins. Builds on the palate and goes on for minutes. Better in 2019. 100 points

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Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino 2008

One of the most balanced and harmonious Monfortinos I’ve tasted. Aromas of dried rose petal and orange. Full-bodied yet compacted and tight. Tannins are perfectly managed. This is from one of the latest harvests ever—started October 29. So fabulous and perfect now but will age for decades. 99 points

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Duemani Cabernet Franc Costa della Toscana 2012

Breathtaking clarity and beauty. The aromas of peach, orange peel, blueberry and blackberry are truly amazing. Full body, phenomenal depth of fruit and silky tannins. There is polish and finesse, yet the strength is monumental. Better in 2018, but why wait? Demeter-certified as biodynamic. 99 points

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Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Asili Riserva 2011

This incredible wine reminds me of the perfect 2000 Barolo Rocche del Falletto. Flowers, spices, leather and dried mushroom, then changes to Japanese ginger and lemon peel. Decadent. Full-bodied but refined and so long. It has layers of fruit and power. Perfect balance and harmony. It will be released this year. 99 points

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Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso 2010

Aromas of lilac, dark berries and sandalwood follow through to a full body, with fine tannins and a savoury finish. Very intense and very long. Succulent. Amazing balance and depth. So beautiful now but will be much better in five to 10 years. A triumph. 98 points

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Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo 2010

Aromas of warm stone, dark fruit and walnuts. A full body, soft tannins and a savoury finish. Ripe fruit and salty undertones give it a wonderful juiciness. It’s dense and tight now but will give so much pleasure in the future. Best ever from here. Drink or hold. 97 points

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Tua Rita Toscana Redigaffi 2013

Superb wine with aromas of dark berries, tobacco, tar and black cherries. It changes all the time and is very complex, with hints of meat. Full-bodied and very well refined, showing wonderful tannin tension and polished texture. Closes with an amazing finish that lasts for minutes and turns to pure fruit. Better in 2018 but a fabulous young wine to taste now. A modern example of the legendary 1997 but more elegant. 99 points

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