Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Dark ruby in color. Blackberry, mint and mineral aromas follow through to a full body, with superpolished tannins and a long, long finish. This is structured and very beautiful. Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2013.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2005 Pietradonice, also from vines in Sant-Antimo, reveals an inky color along with open, warm aromatics from the toasted oak. It is silky-textured and opulent on the palate, with layers of blackberries, blueberries, cassis, spices, minerals and sweet toasted oak that flow as the wine opens in the glass. The tannins are well-integrated and the wine offers outstanding balance. In 2005 the Pietradonice is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon rather than the typical 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Sangiovese blend. The wine was aged in 300-liter barrels of which approximately half were new. Pietradonice remains one of the most promising wines of its type, especially given that the vines were only planted between 1993 and 1996. If the vines can get to the point where they express more varietal character this could very well turn out to be an exceptional wine in future vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2017.
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.