CRITIC REVIEWS
Monica Larner
The 2016 Bolgheri Superiore Grattamacco is a subtle and elegant wine with decisive energy and forward momentum. The blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Sangiovese, and the fruit is sourced from across the best sites in the estate's various vineyard holdings. The bouquet opens to delicate berry and wild cherry and then moves over to warmer Mediterranean tones of rosemary, pressed flower and gardening soil. To the palate, the wine shows depth and medium consistency that prizes smoothness, texture and length. Elegance is the big takeaway.
JancisRobinson.com
En primeur, for September release. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Sangiovese. Fermentation in a 750-litre, conical oak vat, with ambient yeast and manual punch-downs. 18 months in 50% new, 50% second-fill Taransaud barriques. Mid-deep ruby-purple. Torrefied, chocolate oak, with dried tobacco, subtle cedar and rich, black cherry. Sweet, black-cherry palate, counterbalanced by dark chocolate and espresso oak, and underpinned by compact, ripe, very fine, firm tannins. Creamy finish. Modern Bolgheri, but done with a deft hand and aplomb. (TJ)