Winemaker Notes
Blend: 50% Sangiovese, 45% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A big and juicy wine, with blackberries, dark chocolate and spices. Full bodied, with soft and velvety tannins with an intense finish. Rich red.
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Wine Spectator
Aromas of black cherry, black currant and herbs carry through to the palate, along with cherry and raspberry flavors. Balanced and firm, with a touch of oak and a long finish. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2013 through 2024. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Il Blu hits the palate with a blast of dark fruit but then loses much of its intensity on the mid-palate. Dark red fruit and flowers linger on the finish. The 2008 shows good balance but is a far cry from some of the recent vintages that have been superb. This mid-weight, accessible Il Blu is best enjoyed in its youth. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018.
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.