Winemaker Notes
Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Sangiovese
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
The Mazzei family took over the 173-acre Belguardo estate in the 1990s. This vintage (65 percent sangiovese with cabernet sauvignon and a touch of merlot) has the powerful tannin typical of the year, while the fruit retains the fresh flavors of black plums and currants. The texture is generous and supple before a blast of stony tannin takes over in the end. The overall impression is smooth and rich, with that smoke-breathing finish creating a lovely contrast. Check on this six to eight years from the vintage.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is an expressive and lively blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese that boasts dark, meaty concentration, an inky black appearance and big toasted notes of roasted nut, cedar, leather and spice. It is distinguished by polished tannins and outstanding intensity on the palate.
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Wine Spectator
Wonderful aromas of concentrated blackberry, toasted oak and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with loads of berry and cherry character. Lots of vanilla. Long. Big and juicy wine. Very close to the 2002. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese.
Legendary in Italy for its Renaissance art and striking landscape, Tuscany is also home to many of the country’s best red wines. Sangiovese reigns supreme here, as either the single varietal, or a dominant player, in almost all of Tuscany’s best.
A remarkable Chianti, named for its region of origin, will have a bright acidity, supple tannins and plenty of cherry fruit character. From the hills and valleys surrounding the medieval village of Montalcino, come the distinguished and age-worthy wines based on Brunello (Sangiovese). Earning global acclaim since the 1970s, the Tuscan Blends are composed solely of international grape varieties or a mix of international and Sangiovese. The wine called Vine Nobile di Montepulciano, composed of Prognolo Gentile (Sangiovese) and is recognized both for finesse and power.