Gioiello Estate was the chosen name for this family winery, in recognition of past generations of the Schiavello family who worked at a property named Gioiello (‘jewel’ in Italian), perched above a hillside town in Calabria, Italy.

A fairly gentle, softly, softly approach has been taken here to coax the best from this single vineyard. Aromas of spices, a little dark chocolate and bright red berries emerge. An underlay or slightly earthy plummy richness adds further complexity. The tannins are firmish and supportive creating a structured style that suggests good things in the cellar. Date: Oct 2025; Price: $50.00; Drink: 2025-2035; Rating: 93 Points; Ray Jordan

The grapes for the Old House Merlot receive the same treatment as the estate version, with eighteen months maturation in French oak barriques. Fans of the grape will surely be excited with this example, already benefiting from several years in the cellar. Dark maroon in colour, the nose exhibits notes of roast meats, dried herbs, Christmas cake, undergrowth, bay leaves, black cherries and plums. There is a little more complexity here than we find in the estate Merlot, as to be expected. A seductively supple texture, there are very fine, sleek tannins and a lingering finish. For drinking over the next six to eight years, this is an impressive wine. Date: May 2025; Price: $50.00; Drink: 2025-2033; Rating: 93 Points; Ken Gargett